"Well I hope you all get your fill! Laugh! Laugh now, but when you need all this stuff", he begins to wave his arms all around, "I will laugh at you! And then I'll hand you what you need, but still! I will have laughed last!
Besides, this is a serious undertaking! I'm trying to be serious! All of you take it so lightly, but this may mean the difference between LIFE and DEATH!"
Greylan looks about at the assembled group, still chuckling to themselves. For all his hand waving, he manages to collide most of the things hanging off himself together, creating a crude, noisy accompaniment to his frantic speech.
"Where's Jeny? Is she still sleeping in the bar?"
"Alright, alright; bring the ladder." Mikel says in all seriousness. "But you're carrying it."
he manages to collide most of the things hanging off himself together, creating a crude, noisy accompaniment
Jeny wakes to a sound similar to that of a one man band... she stands and walks outside, wondering what the fuss is all about...
"Are you lot ready yet? I think I got so bored I actually fell asleep"
Greylan thinks to himself: "I don't know if I could ever be more ready than I am right now."
"Well if that's everyone, let's get going!" declares Mikel, before turning on his heel and making in the direction of the Whispering Cairn.
True turns to Greylan as they prepare to leave.
"I do not have the issue of carrying the longbow and the half ladder. Would you like me to carry one for you? I will take care of it."
Following behind Jeny, Tirra exits the tavern and a smile forms on her lips at seeing Greylan and his collected 'adventuring equipment'. "Well, it looks like someone has been waiting for this day" She remarks easily "Good luck on your first adventure" She extends to the entire group with a small playful wink.
Following behind Jeny, Tirra exits the tavern and a smile forms on her lips at seeing Greylan and his collected 'adventuring equipment'. "Well, it looks like someone has been waiting for this day" She remarks easily "Good luck on your first adventure" She extends to the entire group with a small playful wink.
Hetta's eyes widen. "Wait -- you're not coming with us?"
True turns to Greylan as they prepare to leave.
"I do not have the issue of carrying the longbow and the half ladder. Would you like me to carry one for you? I will take care of it."
Greylan does his best to shoulder the weight on his own. "True, I think I should be able to manage for a bit longer. If I get really desperate, I can hand you the ladder, or, we could carry it together. This longbow however...well, I'm fine with it. I've carried it countless times before. I kinda feel at home with it on my back, no matter where I am. Does that make any kind of sense? Do you have something like that?"
Kallista falls in beside Hetta.
"How long have you and Hugh been together?" she asks.
"I'm sorry if that's the wrong way to put it, but he seems more like a companion and friend than a pet. And you don't really "own" him either do you?" She pauses for a second and then goes on,
"I do envy you that companionship. It must mean a lot to you."
Jeny looks around briefly to see who may be watching them Spot (1d20 6=14)(and to see if perhaps the half orc is about)
"Well if that's everyone, let's get going!" declares Mikel, before turning on his heel and making in the direction of the Whispering Cairn.
Then follows after Mikel
"Fine, Greylan, my offer stands. As for your longbow, let's see. I was born onto a chainmail bed in a Temple, raised with the shield and morning star and have borne the armour since the age of ten."
"Yes, I think I know what you mean. My Temple leaves little to chance. Much like you."
True bears the symbols proudly as she marches out.
"Chainmail bed, eh? Sounds er... different, I never knew Torm's temples were so broadminded. Bit Loviataran, if you ask me." Mikel says with no apparent intent of knowledge of any potential offense.
"Only in your mind" answers True archly.
She turns back to Greylan, "have you always been a wizard here?"
"Well, yes, who else's mind would it be?" asks the swashbuckler in a puzzled manner. "Let's keep focussed, I don't want any of you lot tripping over your own boots when we get in there. We'll need subtlety and care."
And Mikel strides ahead, whistling jauntily.
"You will never understand and achieve the kind of focus that matters, Mikel. But I expect you to keep talking and talking and..."
True walks off.
"Sorry, what was that? I missed what you said just then - too busy whistling. And where are you going? The Whispering Cairn is this way!" he says before striding off again.
Kallista watches Mikel ramble away. "Is he always like this do you think?" she asks the world in general.
True moves over to the warrior woman, Kallista.
"What is this Whispering Cairn? and what's is all this about adventure - you people make it sound like living in Daggerford is dull. I heard on the road that the place can get very lively, in fact dangerous. Is that not so?"
"We must seem foolish to you my Lady. You've been dedicated to one great cause for most of your life."
Kallista pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts and work out exactly what to say. She remains greatly in awe of this austere and dedicated woman.
"I can only speak for myself," she continues. "I never knew my parents and I'm a charity child, so I always knew whatever good fortune I found I would have to find myself. Tempus called me and showed me my skill at arms and I have longed ever since to prove myself. I can't do that in Daggerford. I have to find a place where I can be accepted as Kallista the Warrior, not Kallista the dancer, Kallista the folksinger, Kallista the lippy barmaid ..." she stops again, quelling the note of bitterness that crept unexpectedly into her voice.
"But you didn't ask about that my Lady and I had no business to so burden you." She shakes her head, a little embarassed to have revealed so much.
"The Cairn we're going to has a bad reputation. All children are warned to stay away. There were disappearances, odd rumours and everything was hushed up. It gave me nightmares as a child. And to be honest, it still does sometimes."
"Tum-te-tum-te-tummmm! All the nice girls love a sailor!" Mikel sings in a verging on offkey way, "Hmm... I wonder, do they? How does one qualify to be a 'sailor' in that example? What are the criteria? Naval rank, or just anyone in a boat?"
Thinking for a time, in addition to cautiously observing the developing dialogue between the two warriors, Greylan begins:
"No, I have not always been here, but I have always been a wizard. All elves have an aptitude for magic, sure, but only a few show the great promise necessary to wield that magic, beyond basic cantrips and household spells of utilitarian purpose. From a child, I showed a unique grasp of the complexities of magic, so I started my studies young. I am currently finishing the requirements necessary for me to graduate as a full fledged wizard.
Growing up in the temple of Torm, I am sure you have been taught some of the secrets of magic yourself. I think you and I are companions in some capacity there, companions in a mode beyond what the others here could understand. You possess a stalwart focus that is vital to your life as a champion of Torm. Some say I lack this focus (or a focus of any kind), but they are sorely mistaken. Sure, I have inborn talent, but that only brings me so far; I possess a dedication to my craft that allows me to wield and indeed master its secrets!"
"When I was a little boy, a little, tiny, boy!!!! With heigh ho the wind and the rain, with heigh ho the wind and the rain, a foolish thing was but a toy..."
Mikel's voice fades as he marches ahead of the group, not noticing the indepth talks occuring behind him.
Kallista falls in beside Hetta.
"How long have you and Hugh been together?" she asks.
"I'm sorry if that's the wrong way to put it, but he seems more like a companion and friend than a pet. And you don't really "own" him either do you?" She pauses for a second and then goes on,
"I do envy you that companionship. It must mean a lot to you."
"Oh, I think he owns me," Hetta laughs. "Yes, he's been my best friend since he was born -- he's only about three years old. I was just, I don't know, I knew he understood me, even when nobody else did." She trails off, coloring slightly.
"But I've trained him myself, and I know I don't have to be afraid of anything when he's around."
"Ohhh.... if you're coming to Cormyr, then c'mere and come in 'ere! Oy!" comes a by-now-familiar voice from up ahead, singing a particularly pun and innuendo laden drinking song.
"How much did Mikel have to drink!?" asks Greylan, mostly to himself. "Is it really the time for sea chanty's? If this is his excited song, what will he sing when we leave this cairn, triumphant adventurers?"
Kallista catches the Greylan's eye. "Maybe we should try and catch up with him?" she suggests. "Before he starts singing Haul on the Bowline."
Hetta climbs into the saddle, and directs Hugh to keep up with Kallista.
Greylan does his best to keep up with Mikel, bounding and swinging the ladder to and fro.
He begins: "Ohhhhhhhhhhh It's a long long way to Myth Drannor..." but is cut short by the glaring eyes of present company.
When the party have calmed down again and are nearer the destination...
"Which formation will we adopt for entering the tomb? Is it best for Greylan to lead tapping ahead with his halfladder or is someone else better suited to this role?" True asks seriously.
"I have never done this before but it would seem folly for myself to stay at the very back when I cannot move in armour quickly to reach anyone that may be grievously injured. Perhaps I could be placed nearer the front? That then leads to the question of whom shall guard our rear? A position of importance I would say."
"The first manual of Torm's illustrious warpriest Waindon Heronmere talks of watching for attacks from above and behind when underground or in deep woods. Mayhaps one or two of you have perused this tome?"
"Yes True, that tome does ring a bell. I was never one for the religio-poetics of the text, especially his treatment of the Subject, but the tactics contained within are sound.
That being said, Hugh seems alert enough. Maybe Hetta and Hugh can guard the back for us? On his back, she should be as mobile as necessary.
As for the front, my elven eyes would certainly be a boon in the dimness of a cave, however Mikel has far more experience in these kinds of things. Not to mention what appears to be limitless energy and vigor!"
Greylan shifts the weight of the ladder.
"I can see no fault in what you say regarding the disposition of our force. That then leaves Jeny and Kallista. Perhaps Jeny can act as the front of the bulk of us, ready to aid Mikel if such is needed and Kallista could be more at the centre with ourselves, prepared to react to aggression from the front or rear, or sides for that matter."
True looks around at the various forces.
"I would prefer to know what everyone else thinks. Some may prefer to stand elsewhere and we have no leader."
"Excellent tactical suggestions, that girl!" says Mikel approvingly, without listening to the end of her advice, "As leader of this expedition, I approve this plan, and move that we put it into action forthwith."
Kallista shrugs. "I'm happy to oblige." She flexes her muscles and stretches, easing her sword arm carefully and mouthing an invocation to Tempus.
That being said, Hugh seems alert enough. Maybe Hetta and Hugh can guard the back for us? On his back, she should be as mobile as necessary.
As for the front, my elven eyes would certainly be a boon in the dimness of a cave, however Mikel has far more experience in these kinds of things. Not to mention what appears to be limitless energy and vigor!"
Hetta smiles at the compliment to Hugh. "Yes, we'd be glad to bring up the rear. I'm not much use in a fight, and my short legs don't get me anywhere quickly, but sometimes I've been able to heal injuries. And Hugh can get me where I need to go."
"That all sounds fine to me... but remember I can move almost twice as fast as you lot, I may be best last in line with the ability to catch up very easly"
The leaving of Faerun's newest band of adventurers goes largely without note. Tirra bids her farewells to the group, apologising for not being abke to do much more to help them but she has her own job to do. Even Auric gives the departing group a small wave as they pass him as he saddles up an impressive horse. A couple of children follow you all as far as the town gates, utterly enthralled with the interesting collection of people.
Your journey to The Whispering Cairn, whilst scenic is dull, a dusty road and a mixture of farmland and a few outlying mines. There are no travellers heading in the other direction, no ambushes, not even a small-time bandit or similar. So far your experience of adventuring isn't so exciting, you just hope the cairn holds something worthwhile.
You walk all day and the sun is starting to sink, turning the sky a deep pink. Whilst you're fairly sure you're close to the cairn, you're not entirely certain where it is in amongst the hills, the bumpy landscape covered in hedges and thick undergrowth.
Knowledge: Local - DC: 15;
"So! Here we are!" says Mikel throwing his arms open wide, and grinning.
...
...
"Now... where is it?" he mutters to himself before saying aloud, "Let's have a bit more of a plan before we go in, and you can all tell me your preferred strategy; so I can decide how to best utilise everyone's talents."
[13,1]=(14) (know local) hah.
"Smile first, if that fails, hit them." says Kallista. "Works for me."
"Intriguing! Its usefulness against slime, jellies, undead, creatures from beyond, and constructs may be somewhat limited, however."
"I've never met any of those. Do you think a stern look would work better?" asks Kallista seriously.
"In my opinion that would be more efficacious."
"So! Here we are!" says Mikel throwing his arms open wide, and grinning.
Hetta looks about, dubiously. "We are?"
"Let's have a bit more of a plan before we go in, and you can all tell me your preferred strategy; so I can decide how to best utilise everyone's talents."
"I'm not quite sure what you mean. Hugh usually does the protecting for me. Though I once caught a fox with the plants on the ground."
"My stare is pretty fierce. You learn that dancing in a bar."
Mikel turns to Hetta, "You caught the fox stealing the plants? Or you caught a fox by using plants? I think it fairly certain that vegetation will not be much in evidence in a burial mound's interior, I'm afraid."
His attention shifts to Kallista, "Dancing in a bar, you say? That must be interesting..."
His attention shifts to Kallista, "Dancing in a bar, you say? That must be interesting..."
"Only for the audience." she says crisply.
Mikel turns to Hetta, "You caught the fox stealing the plants? Or you caught a fox by using plants? I think it fairly certain that vegetation will not be much in evidence in a burial mound's interior, I'm afraid."
"Oh, I have another trick or two." Hetta smiles.
"Doubtless."
He surveys the scene.
"Ahhh, the open countryside. nothing like it. A test for you Greylan; if you were an ancient cairn-builder, where would you build a cairn? I'm interested to know if you agree with my findings."
Greylan perks up at the mention of dancing: "Dearest Kallista, know that I am fully entranced by the idea of your dance, your grace: sharp, focused, powerful. I imagine the movements of your body are not so dissimilar from when you wield a blade. Indeed, I'm sure you dance with your blade as skillfully as you dance with your hips."
Turning now to answer Mikel's question: "If I were the grand architect, I would probably build into the hill. The structure would provide innate support for any entrance, as well as enough mass to carve through and down to house any number of dead things. Maybe we should look for something like that? Of course, we have no idea of the origin of these cairns...the species, culture, politics, religion of the entombed all weigh heavily on any predictions we would make....hmmm....let me think more on a suitable location..."
Know. Local 19 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1530261/)
Know. Geog. 10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1530263/)
Know. Dungeon 25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1530264/)
Know. Local 15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1530265/) (oops, i forgot to change the note text here when i went 'back'. it should not say dungeon, but that was my last roll. this is for the knowledge of the mine office)
If we are going to search for the entrance now, greylan will give a search (5 - http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1530281/).
Greylan shares what knowledge he has with the rest of the group.
Turning now to answer Mikel's question: "If I were the grand architect, I would probably build into the hill. The structure would provide innate support for any entrance, as well as enough mass to carve through and down to house any number of dead things. Maybe we should look for something like that? Of course, we have no idea of the origin of these cairns...the species, culture, politics, religion of the entombed all weigh heavily on any predictions we would make....hmmm....let me think more on a suitable location..."
Hetta brightens. "Oh, now I see what you're getting at. Yes, that makes sense. Shouldn't we look on the other side of that ridge, there?"