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Gwendolyn stops her playing of the violin as the harpy begins to flee her companions. As the creature removes herself, and moves farther away from the halfling, Gwen lowers the bow and instrument with an exasperated sigh. The song would not serve to help her friends now, that the harpy was outside the range of the melody. Through the earplugs the muffled shouts of her friends call after the queen, and Gwendolyn stands motionless, watching but feeling helpless to aid any further.
Still crouching next to the massive, towering form of Benaiah, the halfing does not even raise an eye to the disturbing harpie's calls, cries, and screeches that rain down from above. Scrunching her face up in confusion, she unwittingly reacts to a sound that in and of itself should not be confusing, but in the moment it seems odd that she should hear the sound of Arimar engaging in melee with the vile creatures. With feverish and focused intensity, Gwendolyn continues to launch her racing song skyward, pausing only long enough to reach out and bestow upon the heretic a spell of healing.
The halfling stands cowering behind the enormous, bulky frame of her companion. Crouching low, she tries her best to remain out of sight of the hovering threats, using her child's sized frame to create the smallest profile possible. As her hands race wildly, one pressing upon the strings while the other moves in repeated arcs, dragging the bow, her mind begins to plan and prepare for a brief lull in the melody. A few notes hang in the air, for a moment not followed by a fresh refrain, and Gwendolyn reaches a hand out quickly, while muttering powerful, arcane words under her breath. She then places a hand gently upon Benaiah's dangling arm. As the the words pass her lips, so too does a powerful magical zeal pass to the man. Immediately she is once again playing upon the instrument as if there had never been a pause, the notes now rising in defiance of the creatures' song. As the new notes echo into the distance, the halfling sidesteps to further conceal herself from sight.
As the arrows rain down from on high, the looming figures hanging in the sky, rising and falling with each repeated flap of their wings, the halfling cowers away unintentionally. It takes a moment for Gwendolyn to realize that though her mind had been paralyzed by the fear of the falling missles, and for the health and safety of her friends, somehow the ingrained muscle memory of her hands had taken hold and allowed the melody to persist on. The loudly ringing music was rising up in defiance against the screeching and caws of the harpies, though her own mind had nearly been paralyzed by the fear. Turning now, at last roused into action, she hears the call to retreat from Arimar and watches as the other companions begin moving away from the hovering threats. They were at a disadvantage here, and the terrain and open skies favored their enemies too much. Moving back with the others, Gwendolyn continues to release a shrill song of her own from the violin, her hands racing in a whirring flurry of chaotic movement. Her job was to keep playing, the others would bring death and ruin upon their enemies. Her friends were the architects and executors of this fight, she was its conductor.
Ahead Gwendolyn can see the queen take to the skies, rising above the ruined temple having just cast a spell. Following closely at the heels of Arimar, her feet carry her over the rough terrain. As she steps closer to looming form of Benaiah stationed ahead, the halfling presses the violin to her chest and immediately clamps down upon the instrument with her chin. The last few steps deliver Gwendolyn to Benaiah's side as bow drags quickly across the violin strings, manifesting in a veritable eruption of shrill notes that rings clearly in the crisp air, and leaving echoes to roll and fade in slow gradations into the distance. It is an unnatural screech that the halfling projects from the instrument, having given up on the hope of remaining hidden, as the piercing call announces their presence.
Countersong:
The halfling crouches low and follows on the heels of the trudging paladin. With the first few steps Gwendolyn pulls free two waxy-earplugs and stuff them gracelessly into each ear. As she paces, creeping near to Arimar, she does her best to keep the towering man interposed between herself and the temple, almost as if to remain out of sight even if the paladin were seen. Unslinging the violin from her back her fingers clench tightly around neck of the instrument while her opposite hand clasps the bow. "I can start playing whenever we need," she whispers, activating the spell to communicate with the others. "Or can start playing before they even see us, so we're protected at all moments from their song... though it would certainly draw a lot of attention..." Stealth rolls:
...Gwen, might be a good idea to have a countersong ready if you have on that works on harpies. Good idea, I'll have Gwen get her violin at the ready so she can countersong immediately when needed. Or hopefully, start a countersong in a sunrise round so the harpies never get a change to hit us with their song.
"But--" she says while gasping. "it's so-- difficult-- to breathe--" Leaning forward now she places both hands on her knees, bending at the waist and taking deep, struggling gasps. "How-- are you not-- exhausted?" she pants while asking her question, though does not look up to Arimar. "I-- might just-- vom--" After a few minutes spent heeding the advice of the paladin the halfling gains enough composure to react to the situation at hand. "I'm in favor of an invisible approach," Gwendolyn says at last no longer struggling to speak. "That means I would wait here, right? While Kaddren floats up and checks it out..." "I'm in favor of whatever option lets me catch my breath..."
Peaking out from behind the armored form of Arimar, the halfling watches as the paladin checks the creatures which had been enemies mere moments before to see if they needed healing. She looks quizzically at the towering, muscular man, taking in the depth of his transformation from self-serving to selfless, which had happened in such a short span, and truly appreciative of his continued protection. "Thank you," she adds to Arimar. "For helping keep me safe and looking out in the fight..." Thank you for everything-- she thinks the last but does not voice the thought. Looking around the ruins, she turns and scans. "It doesn't appear there is much here. I had hoped we would find more-- more of something usefull-- but I guess that's not our choice nor in our control." "I guess we should continue on elsewhere with our searching..."
The halfling stumbles back from the small, humanoid creature and rubs her eyes wildly with both hands. It only takes a moment for her to realize that she can do naught to improve her sight within the next few seconds, but also that it should not alter her ability to release a rousing song from the violin. Gwendolyn could play in the pitch dark on a rocking boat in the middle of a swelling sea without missing a beat, and so, here and now, a little uncomfortableness in her eyes would not prove much of a hindrance. Pulling the delicate violin free, the bow is instantly in hand while a screeching song is resounding loudly off the walls of the cavern. For the first instant she plays a shrill note to drown out the disgusting, slathering noises coming from their assailants then quickly changes the tempo and pitch to more pleasantly guide her friends with steady beat and rousing arpeggio.
: Inspire Courage (Su): A 1st-level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard's performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. At 5th level, and every six bard levels thereafter, this bonus increases by +1, to a maximum of +4 at 17th level. Inspire courage is a mind-affecting ability. Inspire courage can use audible or visual components. The bard must choose which component to use when starting his performance.
The halfling looks up to her towering companion and cannot supress a beaming smile. As much as she didn't want to be completely dependent upon her friends, she knew in this place it could not be helped. "Thank you," she says, beginning to make sure the odd pieces of gear hanging off her are secure before moving to clammer onto the man's back. "And yes," she continues once she is sure the last, but most important piece of equipment is tightly strapped to herself, wanting to make sure the violin will not fall from her body even if she should topple. "If we can stay close enough together, I know I can find a melody which will fight off the call of those harpies. I won't be able to inspire you at the same time, but at least those harpies won't leave you dumbfounded." : Countersong (Su): At 1st level, a bard learns to counter magic effects that depend on sound (but not spells that have verbal components). Each round of the countersong he makes a Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) skill check. Any creature within 30 feet of the bard (including the bard himself) that is affected by a sonic or language-dependent magical attack may use the bard's Perform check result in place of its saving throw if, after the saving throw is rolled, the Perform check result proves to be higher. If a creature within range of the countersong is already under the effect of a noninstantaneous sonic or language-dependent magical attack, it gains another saving throw against the effect each round it hears the countersong, but it must use the bard's Perform skill check result for the save. Countersong does not work on effects that don't allow saves. Countersong relies on audible components.
Each steps is a struggle. The halfling looks to the others, watching as each hauls gear, equipment, laden with armor and weapons, even strapped with supplies. From across the rocky landscape the biting winds cut into her, sapping her strength and sending Gwendolyn nearly toppling back down the hillside and erasing any progress she had made. Her feet beyond heavy, feeling as if weighed by having stones. Nearly all her life had been spent in warmer climates, and the low temperatures tingling and stinging her exposed skin was now almost unbearable. She had never felt at such a deficit to her companions as now, simply struggling to hoist herself up the incline, slowly step by step, when the others were already doing so much more than her. She carried almost no gear of her own, save the heavy winter coat strapped tightly to her body, a pair of clattering snowshoes hoisted over her shoulder, some snow goggles, and, of course, her precious violin. Even so, she could not keep up with the others, struggling with each step to maintain pace. The earplugs, which she kept securely pressed into her ears, caused the thundering beat of her pounding heart to sound loudly in her head. But most of all, she could not make eye contact with her companions, not while she was struggling to even haul herself, when they were contributing over and above their own needs. She hated to be a burden, but knew that was her lot in this place. The only resolve being to be as little of a burden as possible. When at last she was on the verge of giving up, not wanting to admit to her friends how much she was indeed struggling, she felt the calming touch of Arimar on the top of her head. Within in moments she was breathing easier, and looking up to the paladin with a watery, tear-filled eye. "Thank you," she says with a labored breath, but steadying herself as the seconds pass. "I was having a hard go of it there, but was afraid to bring it up..." "Thank you for noticing," she finishes, patting the paladin gently on the arm before pulling the fabric of the heavy winter coat close about her body.
Looking across the 300 foot expanse, then up the shear cliff face to the skeleton of the ruined temple. "I'll cross with the louder members of our party," the halfling adds, looking on in wonder at the daunting terrain still to cross. "I will help and support however I can, but I don't think I'll be much help at scouting..." "I'd be afraid of causing even more trouble for the group than I already have..."
After two days spent waiting, the halfling becomes convinced Elyas will not seek she and her companions out. The goat was odd to say the least, clearly having something to do with the isolated woodsman, whether it be himself in disguise or simply a sentry, but even at their recognizing the beast it was not enough to draw the recluse out from hiding. He clearly did not want to be disturbed in the slightest, and for the first time Gwendolyn hope began to dwindle, realizing that there might not be a way to draw Elyas to their cause. Maybe they would have to proceed without him. "If harpies are known to wear baubles and trinkets stolen from their victims...," the halfling begins, adding to Arimar's discussion with the doctor. "If we had access to a few harpy cadavers... and we could decorate them with something giant's are known to wear... then, we could leave the harpies in a giant controlled area of the mountain..." the halfing trails off her theorizing, realizing how farfetched the idea seemed. A plan such as this left so much to chance, perhaps too much, relying on the giants themselves to put the pieces of the puzzle together and then to act of their own accord. Biting her fingernail, Gwendolyn continues to think about the possibility of pitting the two factions against one another.
Still waking after the mountain goat, the halfling follows cautiously. Her hands remain outstretched to each side, with palms up in a gesture of supplication. "Mr. Goat," she calls warmly, though her voice cannot hide a latent twing of unease. "I hope you are not leading me into Elyas' territory... I cannot endure such pains as my friends, if Elyas chooses to shoot me..." "Please, if you're going to lead me astray at least do on the safer side of the mountain..." The halfling continues to approach the goat, even as it withdraws, chatting at it more to calm her own nerves and distract herself from the danger at hand than expecting the beast to react to her calls.
TheBobJones_GM:
"It's alright, Benaiah," the halfling says to her companion, clapping the towering man warmly on the back. "We'll make sure your valiant pincushioning efforts are not in vain... " Before she can laugh at her comment, now feeling the immediate danger has passed, the halfling tilts her head oddly to one side while looking at a distant mountain goat. Taking a few cautious steps toward the beast, Gwendolyn moves slowly forward and slings the delicate violin over one shoulder. "Excuse me for one moment, my friends..." she says, continuing to step away. A little further from the others, she now holds both arms outstretched to each side, palms facing the inquisitive goat, her own face showing a quizzical expression of wonder. Not wanting to risk approaching too closely and spooking the animal, the halfling stops some forty feet away and casts a warm smile on the beast. "Hello there..." she speaks in the direction of the goat, now feeling self-conscious and fearing she may end up looking a fool. "Can I come closer, Mr. Curious Goat?"
Along their way and approaching the warning signs, marking the edge of Elyas' relatively unknown territory, Gwendolyn's eyes search for any sign of the invisible threshold and clues of the mysterious man's presence in this area. At hearing Arimar's suggestion, she nods with a pleasant smile and slowly unslings the violin case from her back. "Of course," she agrees. "If nothing else, hopefully it will help pass the time for you all..." Taking a further moment, she stretches and flexes her fingers, before dragging the bow across the strings to release a few tentative notes. "Let's see if Elyas' is a fan of music," she says, taking a deep breath then commencing her song. Gwendolyn chooses an ethereal sounding melody, with long rolling notes and gentle transitions, at times even stretching the subdued tones until they seem to blend with the very murmur of the passing wind only to gradually rise a short time later, punctuating the stillness and majesty of the surrounding mountains.
"Hopefully we will be seeing you again shortly, Doctor Aparna. Perhaps a few days from now..." the halfling waves goodbye to the odd companion, but still not having developed a particularly close bond with the samsaran, refrains from embracing him. "That is, assuming we can find a way befriend this Elyas without too much incident. You remain here, and we'll be sure to tell you all that happened upon our return." Turning to her companions, "I'm in agreement that it's best to start by making contact with Elyas," she begins. "But based on what we've heard, I still don't know how we will actually go about befriending him." "For lack of a better plan, not knowing anything we can use to ingratiate ourselves..." she says with a sigh. "We may simply have to travel to his side of the mountain and then see what he has in store for us, and how he reacts to our presence." "Play it by ear, as it were."
Thank god there is no proof of me singing, I am utterly terrible. Especially at that karaoke joint in Seoul, butchering Take on Me.
None of that happens. I'm not sure what Steve is talking about.
At the top of the cliff the halfling stands feeling a brisk wind rolling across the hills and tingling her skin where it is found exposed. She shivers for a moment, then pulls the heavy coat tightly about herself, feeling the supple fur inlays pressing pleasantly against her neck. Taking a few seconds she leans forward and looks over the edge, scanning the drop and the treacherous descent sprawling out beneath her feet. As Benaiah describes waiting for Gwen to begin her climb, a weakening sensation causes her knees to sway at the thought of venturing down such a path. On the verge of asking if the brutish Benaiah would be willing to carry her, or at the very least, tie a rope around her waist to lower her down, when Kaddren speaks up. Relief washes over her as the newcomer proposes a means of descending that she can actually support. She didn't realize how unsure of Kaddren she was before voicing, "Yes, please!" Her voice rings out and accepts his offer, "I would love access to your feather fall spell. Tell me what to do so as to not hurt myself... I'm all ears." After finishing speaking, she cannot help but question if, as a group, they have begun to trust Kaddren. But in thinking about it more, Gwendolyn can only imagine there is less risk in trusting Kaddren than relying on her own skills to climb down. In this case, relying on herself could only lead to disaster. When the time is right, and following a string of confusing directions from Kaddren, the halfling closes her eyes, hesitates, then leaps from the cliff.
Breathing heavily the bard cannot seem to catch her breath and continually turns to look up the incline in amazement and fear at what they had just managed. It was true she did want to leave the Magnimar, when they were safely within its walls, but even her first taste of the wild was unsettling, first giants and now an almost unsurpassable obstacle. "It would be great..." Gwendolyn manages to says though her breath is still ragged and her knees shaking slightly beneath her. "If you could introduce us to the Burgomaster. As my friends have said, I think there is definitely a mutually beneficial arrangement that could be made between us all." She sighs heavily, looking up the incline once more.
The weakest of us, the halfling thinks to herself as confusion sets in at hearing Arimar's words. In the midst of battling for their lives and Benaiah on the verge of collapse, the usually socially adept bard cannot grasp the paladin's joke and raises the violin once more to her chin to continue its racing song. "But Benaiah isn't we--" her words trail off before she can complete her thought, fully focusing her attention on the rhythmic push and pull of the bow across the strings. As the melody races faster and faster, Gwendolyn steps closer to the wounded form of her friend. Ahead she can see him falter, then fall. She almost stops playing as panick takes hold. "Benaiah!" she calls, fear firmly gripping her heart. "Hold on, just a moment longer. I'm coming!" Readied Action: If the giant is no longer within range to hit Benaiah...:
Again muttering powerful, magical words under her breath and almost inaudible when set against the rising notes of her violin's song, she again pauses just briefly enough to reach out and place a hand against her friend.
The halfling looks up to see the towering forms of the brutish creatures approaching and even taking swings at her companions before there was any sign of hostility. Her eyes widen in fear as she mutters, "Hill people..." For a moment she remains too stunned by such a rapid turn of events, but eventually regains her wits enough to recognize the vile, aggressive creatures for what the are. "I mean, hill giants..." Quickly pulling the violin from her back, the halfling draws the bow across the strings in an arcing, exaggerated motion. Launching from the instrument the air is filled with a shrieking, high-pitched whine that is flung directly at the approaching giants. As racing bow changes its speed and angle of draw, Gwendolyn turns the instrument to face her companions just as the melody is replaced with notes brimming of latent courage and hope.
Inspire Coursge +2:
Inspire Courage (Su): A 1st-level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard's performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. At 5th level, and every six bard levels thereafter, this bonus increases by +1, to a maximum of +4 at 17th level.
Beneath the rising melody she mutters powerful and eldritch words, calling a spell into existence from the depth of her being. When she reaches the paladin, she pauses her playing, though the song still hangs in the air and even seems as though it somehow continues on without her through some trick of reverberation and echo, and Gwendolyn stretches out one hand to touch Arimar on the back.
Her eyes narrow at Benaiah, clearly showing her displeasure at the uncertainty if his comment was meant in jest or sincerity. She opens her mouth to speak but pauses, then only audibly sighs at her friend.
Turning from Benaiah to Kaddren, the halfling's singsong voice calls out warmly. "Don't worry, new friend..." she says, now turning her gaze back to the towering form of Benaiah. "He's only joking..." As her eyes look closely upon the scarred and muscularly built man, her mind begins to question. At least, I hope he's joking... her mind ponders, realizing how little of time she has actually spent with the men that had almost become Iike family to her, though there was still so much to learn about them and their pasts.
The halfling continues to look the young man over while her companions bend his ear. For the first few moments of the conversation, Gwendolyn watches only, observating how the youth's body and posture changes with each word. As she watches, the halfling finds herself empathizing Kaddren, and even thinking back to her time in the shackles when she had a love of her own. And like this newcomer, it was love that guided many of her actions. This was something about Kaddren she could relate to and see herself in almost immediately. "If you are truly joining with us out of love for another," she begins softly. "Then you are most welcome." She looks him up and down once more, before continuing, "It is noble... apparently... this thing you are doing. I too know the drive that acting for another can bestow upon one's self." "It will be an honor to try and help you keep a loved one safe," stepping forward, the halfling holds out her hand and shakes Kaddren's. "My name is Gwendolyn. I'm not the strongest nor most powerful of our number, but at the very least, my music will help us pass the time." At that, the bard tips slightly and motions to the exquisite violin case slung across her back. "Now, let's go and try to prepare for any number of situations we'll never see coming..." she adds, laughing as her voice trails off.
The halfling steps forward, following Arimar's lead and addressing Luma. At first she had been stunned at the presence of the anthropomorphic cat, and even stumbled back in awe as it took the form of the half-elf, only to realize it made perfect sense that it was indeed Luma. "Do you need something specific with Malgrim?" she questions, finally gaining her composure after the surprise of seeing Luma again. "As Arimar mentioned, he is not with us currently." "You don't have to say why you need Malgrim, just please convince us that he is not in any further danger in regards to whatever you need him for." Continuing on, Gwendolyn tries to dig a little deeper into who these people are requesting their help. "Who is your friend, that studies... or studied... at Proffesor Reivax's School For Gifted Arcanists? And just as important, who is his love and what is her ailment?" "Arimar has the right of it," she continues on, speaking frankly and with a stern twinge to her words. "Your friend and his love would be better off going to the church now, and requesting help. The fountain, which is not even a tangible thing yet, is far more of a long shot than simply requesting healing from the church." "No one should start confining on the Fountain to fix them... who knows if it will ever work... and even if it did, there is no guarantee any one person will be able to benefit from it." "I don't mean to be too stern or dismissive, but it is concerning that people are lining up to use a fountain that is-- one, supposed to be a secret-- and two, doesn't truly even exist yet."
Watching the interaction of Arimar and Malgrim, the halfling waits patiently for the hobgoblin's answer regarding his decision to stay behind on this next leg of their journey. With luminous, pleading eyes, Gwendolyn looks onward but does not say a word to beg the hobgoblin to continue on as her companion. It was true, she very much wished him to stay on, but it was his decision alone and she feared speaking up out of the concern it might bias his choice or cause his resolve to falter. So she continued looking on in silence, hoping she did not come across cold and uncaring when inside she felt as though her heart could break if her friend, with whom she had been through so much, vanished from her life. "I have no doubt you're knowledge would be useful to us while venturing to Hollow Mountain," the halfling continues on later. "I would be fine with you joining as our companion along this journey. Though it's my friend's that would most likely be the ones, rather than me, who help keep you safe." "I know a few magics, and can heal you some if needed, but I'm guessing your knowledge of the arcane probably surpasses my own. So, I'm personally fine with you joining, but then again, I'm counting on the others to take care of me too..."
"Take your time arranging transport for us and gathering your laborers," she adds. "There is plenty for us to do in the interim and to prepare for the journey ourselves. And thanks for the advice, we'll start at the Museum." "Malgrim, lead the way..."
"We only know a little bit so far..." The halfing then proceeds to describe the details conveyed to them by Filuvia, such as the enormous carving of a woman's face looking toward the south, the countless corridors and rooms honeycombing the mountain, and the expeditions that have not returned. "We would appreciate any information you could offer on the subject..."
If the posting rate continues as such, we might just have to pull the plug on this game. As much fun as I have and as much work as I have put into the game (and you all too), captaining a slowly sinking ship is not high on my list of to dos. No worries, I love you all. :) Sorry, dude. I know a big part of the posting issues are on me. I've really struggle to keep up for the last few months. Please don't take my lack of posting rate as having anything to do with how much I enjoy the game, though. Whims is a awesome, and I love it, I'm just in a funk with anything related to gaming recently. Anyway, I hope we can save the game. Also, we love you too :)
Man... if you keep on taking it so damn well, it won't be as fun... actually, when I say "will it ever get old", it's usually because it's getting old. We all have different home lives. ;-) Haha, sorry dude! If it helps, I'll do my best to take it worse in the future and throw a moody if it's mentioned again, so it will be more fun for everyone :P
That's fair, I deserved that one. Plus with my posting rate, I'm pretty sure that joke won't ever get old :D
It is a surprise even to her that the thought of a sea voyage from Magnimar would sound so appealing to the halfling. Her own particular skill set was attuned more toward delicate conversation and convincing others to both listen and follow her instructions, but the idea of leaving the city for the dangerous wilds was surprisingly appealing. Even knowing she was not skilled at such challenges, Gwendolyn knew beyond any doubt that her companions were more than capable of handling any threats which may arise in their path. So long as she could find a way to be useful and help them, such a trip could prove less dangerous than remaining within the city with dangers lurking in every unseen alleyway and powerful organizations aligning against them. Such a trip would probably be far less complicated than the political machinations building tumultuously within Magnimar. "I think some time outside of the city might actually do us some good," she beings, looking from their host to her companions. "Though I wonder how you three would like sailing there..." She knows the thought of ship travel didn't bother her so much, but she feared the others might disdain the thought. "I am up for the trip, though," she finishes. "If you three can stomach it." "Ma'am... Miss Fluvia... I think we can certainly can come to a deal. You seem more than reasonable. We allow access to the stone, and you then charge us for it."
Sorry for the delay everyone. Work hours have been crazy this week, crashing on multiple projects that are due tomorrow. I'll try to get a post up today to catch up!
While the others begin to introduce themselves to Filuvia, the halfling discreetly waves over one of the servants and asks for cup of the Tian green. Turning back to the others, Gwendolyn waits for her turn, even pausing for an uncomfortably long stretch after Malgrim has finished speaking. "My name is Gwendolyn, ma'am," the bard at last pipes up, looking across the table to their host. "I only recently joined up with my friends here, but we've already become fast friends. And would do anything to protect one another." "A long time ago... in what seems like another life... I was a slave in Cheliax. Fate saw to deliver me from the life of a slip. More recently, I came here from the shackles, looking to start my life over. Maybe even make up for things I've done in my past." Taking a moment, the halfling composes herself, rallying her composer before speaking further on a topic bound to lead down a spiral of self pity and despair. "As my friend, Malgrim, has mentioned," she continues on. "There was a misunderstanding at our last meeting with Balastar... but to this we hold no grudge and simply wish to move past such unpleasantries and renew our budding business relationship."
With a warm smile, the halfling detaches a pristine shortbow from its clasp on her bag then proceeds to rummage through the container's tightly packed contents in search of her knife. When at last she has found the exceedingly small and almost child-sized blade, Gwendolyn holds both seemingly unused weapons aloft for the guards to procure. Once the knife and bow are secure guard's possession, Gwen next delicately holds up her one truly prized possession, the rich brown and intricately engraved baroque violin, this time however her smile changes to that of mischief. "Not all weapons have points..." she adds with a knowing yet mirthful laugh.
The halfling looks on intently, watching with interest to see if Mistress Lanvi will indeed reveal her true name to the group. It was so odd to her, they had been through so much with Lanvi, and risked their very lives to save her, but still knew precious little about the woman. Waiting, Gwendolyn looks innocently from Arimar to Lanvi as she waits, and hopes, for an honest answer.
Gwendolyn stands motionless for a few seconds as her companions enlighten the guards at the gate, revealing the import facts regarding their invitation. "Good, sirs," she begins, her voice bubbly and sweet. "We can wait here with you, it is no trouble. Perhaps you would like to look over the invitation we received, or confirm our attendance with someone inside the estate?" "Simply tell us what you would like us to do, while we sort this out," the halfling laughs disarmingly, leaning toward both guards and attempting to put them at ease. "We are yours to direct... for the next few minutes, at least."
Real quick, should we give the handmaiden's ring of protection +1 to one of our front liners? I'm sure one of you can use it, I just wondered who was actually taking it. If we already decided this and I missed it, my bad!
The halfling walks the few paces and grabs pitcher, taking a moment to pour herself a small taste of the cool, fruity beverage. Before she takes a sip for herself, Gwendolyn first offers to pour a portion for each of her companions, asking with her gaze and raising the pitcher in each of their directions, but saying nothing to the men. Then, after she has distributed for those that also would like a taste, the halfling tries the mixture for herself. Her eyes widen as the smooth flavor passes her lips, a delicious fruity mixture combined with the brilliant chill of cool, crisp ice. "I cannot say how glad I am to see you up and awake, Mistress Lanvi," Gwendolyn begins, smiling upon the woman propped up in bed. "The last time we saw you, your condition seemed much worse. I hope you are feeling better..." "As for your estate," the halfling continues on. "We have retaken what is rightfully yours. Your d-- your ahh... your handmaiden is apprehended. She wishes to be released to flee these lands, but we could allow such an action without at least consulting you. She is detained and will remain so, until we can figure out what best to do with her." "We are also doing our best to begin getting your businesses about town back up and running, in the wake of all that has happened. But it is not easy... not by any stretch."
On to some quick game talk, Gwen would definitely take the handmaiden's ring of protection +1, but I only if all of our other 3 front liners already have one. I haven't made any gear purchases for Gwen in a while either, so I'd definitely like to do that at this point. Not sure yet exactly what she'll pick up yet/what would be most useful, maybe I'll upgrade her armor. I'll look through the options over the next day or two, and pick something out.
I'll be posting more often than Gwen in any case. Sick burn, dude. True and fair, but it still hurts :D
"There you have it, Miss," the halfling adds, following her companion's stern coaching. "We shall know if you are attempting to lie to us, and there are far worse consequences for attempting such folly." "Please remember," Gwendolyn adds, still holding the violin and playing a soft, nearly inaudible dirge. "You have no power in this moment. Your fate is entirely at our mercy." "I would lean toward not even discussing the possibility of your release, no matter what the blood money you promise to pay, until Mistress Lanvi has weighed in... but if my companions hear your tale, believe your reasons mount to some semblance of justification, and are willing to discuss your release... then I will follow their lead." "But even so, the likelihood of you convincing them to follow such an action is very, very remote. After all, you and your friends within House Versade continue to underestimate us, and so the likelihood of you coming out on top of this negotiation is almost unthinkable." With a lingering smile the halfling strikes noticeably piercing note with the violin. "But please, for your own wellbeing, try your best to win us over..."
"Handmaiden," Gwendolyn's voice speaks calmly to the frenzied and pinned woman. "As my companions have stated, you are wise to yield. Things would go much rougher for you, if you had not. But trust me, they can get worse still if you do not stop this ranting and struggling." "You will be tied up, and most likely gagged. You will not released from my companion's grasp until you are of zero threat to us." The words which now pass her lips are brimming with anger and wrath, "Now be quiet and stop struggling, or we will be forced to treat you as you actually deserve..." The halfling lowering the violin as she approaches the pinned form of Mistress Lanvi's daughter, but the melody of her song still hangs in the air for a few fleeting moments, reverberating off the walls.
At once the halfling abandons her plan to heal Malgrim, and turns quickly, following the paladin into the room. From the commotion inside, Gwendolyn has only a vague idea where their hidden foe lies in wait and scans the seemingly unoccupied corner in vain. While her eyes search for sight of her target without result, her fingers continue to gracefully pull and press the bow wildly against the singing strings. The anxious and slightly off putting melody continues to rise and fill the room, mirroring her inner concerns that an unseen threat still lurks about. Using the guidance of Benaiah, the halfling thrusts one hand forward and releases a spell into the corner she hopes conceals their last remaining foe.
Glitterdust: DC 17
Gwendolyn hears the words of Arimar flood into her ears, as if he were poised beside her. As the paladin rushes into the room to aid Benaiah, the bard replies quickly in a hushed whisper, activating the spell. "I'm running out of my ability to cast that spell..." she calls in reply. "But I've got one left in me..." "I just don't know where to throw the spell... we need to pinpoint the prick!"
Gwendolyn reaches her position at the opening of the hallway, and can see her companions fighting with the one foe still standing. Without stopping her motion, her feet begin to carry her closer to Arimar and Malgrim, especially after seeing the injuries inflicted by the graceful opponents. As she steps closer the melody cast by her violin begins to morph without her even realizing it, altering from a rising temptest of inspiring notes to a somber, forlorn dirge. The panicked and wrenching song now rising above the din of the battle is the outward manifestation of her own inner fear for the safety of her friends. Crossing behind the opening of the room left by the once invisible form of Benaiah, she can only hope that moving to aid Malgrim first will not in turn sacrifice her lone friend's safety as he squares off against their true foe.
From her hidden vantage, tucked away around the corner, the halfling watches as her allies force the door open and begin to engage the enemies looming nearby. She watches with a growing sense of panic as Malgrim and Arimar fight the dexterous and quick moving foes. She takes a deep breath, suppressing her fear and forcing the anxiety to become resolve in order to help her friends. The halfling steps forward, moving from behind the corner and approaching a few paces down the hall. As her feet carry her, Gwendolyn raises up her violin and begins to play, launching an inspiring melody into the air, the rising song begins to grow with each passing moment in tempo and volume.
Inspire Courage: Inspire Courage (Su): A 1st-level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard's performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. At 5th level, and every six bard levels thereafter, this bonus increases by +1, to a maximum of +4 at 17th level. Inspire courage is a mind-affecting ability. Inspire courage can use audible or visual components. The bard must choose which component to use when starting his performance.
Thanks, Damien. Gwen's position on the map looks good to me, I'll still be able to inspire courage from that location, peeking around the corner.
Turning on her heels, the halfling spins and looks about their guarded position, only to realize that Arimar is not beside her. Looking back across the courtyard she peers through the darkness, and confident of no looming threats slips in through the open door behind the paladin. "Benaiah, come to me for a moment," she whispers activating the message spell. As she speaks, she also pulls free her violin from its hidden perch amidst the folds of her oversized outfit. "You too, Arimar." "This will only take a second..." Gwendolyn scrunches up her face, just inside the threshold and places a hand upon Arimar. Muttering a few words of arcane power, her spell takes form and falls upon the paladin. Next the halfling again recites the same words, then holds a hand out awkwardly into the open space before her. She is searching for the invisible form of Benaiah, but is mostly relying on the enormous man to help by taking her hand in his. Once her invisible companion has taken hold of her outstretched hand, she casts her second spell.
heroism (for reference only):
The target gains a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. Then the halfing takes her position behind Arimar with her violin at the ready to release an inspiring melody into the air should the need arise.
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