Does anyone else bear the tragic burden of unfocused anger? I mean no harm to any here.
Gathien notes Ingle's glance in his direction and laughs saying, "I don't believe so... My own rage is rather focussed, and not at anyone here."
The threat of dwarf-on-orc violence having passed, at least for the moment, Gathien relaxes and extends his small hand to the half-orc. "I am Gathien Toran. Well met and welcome."
With things apparently calm, Rorgrym sits back down.
Looks over at Ingle with another sherry. "Stars above, how much of that swill can he drink? Still, he did say he was an Alchemist...he's probably used to drinking all sorts of strange concoctions."
"You know, I was thinking that..." Rorgrym stops with a frown and glances around. "Is it just me or do the servants seems unusually tense all of a sudden?"
Nikor takes the hand of Kragarth saying "I don't know how father arranged this or even if he did. I saw the man father told me to and he gave me a paper and sent me here; I suspect the Swordlords want to look me over as much as I am here to see what their purposes are. but I assure you my intentions are honorable."
Nikor looks toward Kragarth as though he sees a light through a dark path. "If you have any knowledge of the customs or desires of the powers of this land, I would be grateful for any guidance."
Nikor takes Gathien's hand. "I am Nikor Igorov. Thank you for your welcome and may the spirits bless you and yours."
Nikor looks around at Rorgrym's words to see what is happening.
"Is it just me or do the servants seems unusually tense all of a sudden?"
Ingle looks about at Rorgrym's observation. His first thought is that perhaps they've run out of brandy. Or possibly someone has finally mentioned that the wine is absolutely abominable.
"How unusual. Not what one would expect at a party at all. I take back any kind thoughts I may have had toward the serving staff."
Kragath looks around the room, while not necessarily noting anything odd about the servants actions, does take stock of the amount of time that has passed since his arrival.
"Perhaps they are aware of something we are not. It may be that the Swordlords are about to enlighten us as to why we were summoned."
Gathien looks around curiously, trying to determine what Rorgrym is talking about... He offers, "Perhaps it was the risk of violence earlier that set them on edge?"
"Also a likely reason.". At this Kragath glances back towards Mundin briefly.
Gathien says soberly, [b]"To be honest, Ser Lightbringer, I would far prefer it be your reason than mine."[b]
Ingle nods at the halflings words. "Ah, we find ourselves in agreement at last." Ingle takes a gulp of his drink as he continues to peer about the room.
"perhaps they were eager to see me and greenskin go a few rounds."
Scratching his beard, Mundin looks about the room.
"If I were them, I'd fancy a look at our talents, other than yapping and drinking, which we all seem rather good at. When the Clan Chiefs gather for War Council, special missions are not uncommon. Clans send a handful of their finnest to win honor for themselves and their clan. Kegs were tapped, ballads sung, and the hopefuls often sparred and put their skills on display for the council."
"Perhaps I'm mistaken. It just seems like they're paying us less attention than before but their pace seems more frantic, not less. Maybe I'm just imagining it; I'm not used to being in houses as large as this."
"perhaps they were eager to see me and greenskin go a few rounds."
"Yes, well, weren't we all," said Ingle to no one in particular. Deciding that if anything of import was taking place he would be duly alerted, the half-elf settled back into his chair.
Glancing over at the dwarf Rorgrym, he added, "Perhaps your god was giving you a sign. They do love making their patrons uneasy."
Kragath watches as two servants from the back emerge and proceed in an orderly fashion to the front doors of the manor.
"It would seem that our question has been answered." Kragath nods in the direction of the servants and their actions.
The servants then close the main doors of the mansion, and then stand to either side of them quietly, trying to look formal but looking more nervous in doing so.
Mundin Mutters under his breath "should have done that before greenskin arrived"
That rare spark of interest ignited in Peregrine and his eyes shone with intensity as he observed the change in tenor that had settled on the room as events began to slowly grind into motion. For the first time that evening he raised his wine to his lips and allowed himself to drink.
"I hope they choose wisely, many fates converge in this room tonight, people will live and die by what happens here."
I did, and am likely to use it if selected.
Gathien nods, "Apparently the servants are more aware of our hosts intentions that we are. I do hope that this imbalance doesn't continue for much longer."
He then raises his glass, but when the steward approaches with wine, he asks politely for water instead. I should like to keep my wits about me while I learn of these others, especially if my life may soon depend upon them...
"I hope they choose wisely, many fates converge in this room tonight, people will live and die by what happens here."
"Indeed. I would also hope that, whomever should be chosen, is given more information than a pat on the back and a "Go hither!". My, admittedly limited, experience with people in power is that they often hoard information as much as gold and jewels. I can understand why that might be necessary at times but, as you said, lives are at stake here."
"Indeed. I would also hope that, whomever should be chosen, is given more information than a pat on the back and a "Go hither!". My, admittedly limited, experience with people in power is that they often hoard information as much as gold and jewels. I can understand why that might be necessary at times but, as you said, lives are at stake here."
Gathien shudders a bit at that, takes a sip of water, then says, "How much information they are willing to give us in order to prepare may also give us an indication just how expendible we are in their eyes, as well."
"A curious observation. One would hope, should they truly desire a successful outcome, that these sword-lords would be forthcoming with any pertinent information. I suppose this question will be answered soon enough as well. I do wish they would get on with it, though. That or serve the food. I, for one, am simply famished!"
The dwarf's words made Peregrine think of his uncle. He wondered, not for the first time, just how much he had really been told about all of this. Now matter how much Igorius revealed to someone, he always knew more than he said. A lesson he had seemed to delight in grinding into Peregrine.
Peregrine set down the glass of wine as though the taste had suddenly gone to dust. The black leather of his gloves creaked slightly as he flexed his hand, betraying the tension in his body.
"Knowledge is power and information is worth every bit as much as gold and jewels. Some people learn that and they hoard it away, but there is a second part to that lesson that's often overlooked. Like gold and jewels, information is useless if you do not use it."
Gathien nods gravely at Peregrine's comments, and gets a pensive look on his face, until he chuckles and smiles, "Perhaps, then, the question is whether or not they will think we are a good investment?"
He then looks across the table and teases,"With all the power of the divine and the arcane, can your bottles not sate your hunger, good Alchemist?", tipping his glass at the half-elf.
The doors close, the entry of the lords should be soon, why do I feel like I have been taken by a trapper?
Nikor looks wary as the doors close then his gaze sweeps the others that remain. He says
"So a dozen to choose from but how many do they wish? Four humans, same of the smaller folk, two stone men, an elf, and myself unless i have overlooked someone. I do not know what to make of this."
He settles down into a chair uncomfortably as though he has never been in one before.
I should make friends here but how? We are so different.
He smiles shyly causing a servitor to flinch and scurry off.
Ingle casts Gathien a smirk. "You know, I believe I have a roasting pan at home that is just about your size."
Addressing Nikor, he points out, "Only half elven, my unnerving friend. On my mother's side, you understand."
Kragath, for the first time, shows a bit of anxiety over the situation.
I had hoped my father would have at least greeted me in some fashion prior to the Swordlords meeting with us. The fact that he hasn't can only mean that whatever is going on is of the utmost importance to the people of Restov.
"Your words are right on the mark yet again, Diviner. In fact, it makes me somewhat uncomfortable that more information has not been given to us in regards to what we might be asked to undertake.
As the conversation continues to unfold, Kragath responds to Nikor's comment. "The fact that the Swordlords have sought assistance from such a wide variety of the races of the world can only mean that this mission is of the utmost importance." Kragath pauses a moment, and then adds, "Although, we would have 6 good men here, if we were to have the Half-folk stand atop each others shoulders. I think Gathien would serve as a good foundation." Kragath gets a sly grin on his face and turns to the Halfling contingent at the table.
Gathien starts to bristle at the comment... Oh, here it is, that underestimation of the small folk... Before he can offer a retort, however, he sees Kragath's grin. The paladin has been fair so far, I believe he thinks it all in good fun... best play along...
He laughs, "No doubt, Ser Lightbringer. Point of fact, I could probably support the other three. Still, I think I'd be a terribly willful mount, as I've never been broken or saddle trained..."
Gathien looks around the table after making his joke, and then blushes when his gaze falls upon Ridley... Wait, did I just suggest--? Gods!
He quickly takes a deep drink of water, coughs slightly, and then tries to change the subject, adding,"..and besides, I think your count may be off if you seek to limit yourself to good men."
Kragath laughs heartily at Gathien's brief embarassment, as well as his retort. "Touché, Gathien. Touché."
The banter back and forth elicits loud laughter form the dwarf. Slapping Gathien on the back, enough to jostle the halfling "I knew I liked ye style lad. If i get chosen for this here mission, I hope it's you guarding my back."
"Knowledge is power and information is worth every bit as much as gold and jewels. Some people learn that and they hoard it away, but there is a second part to that lesson that's often overlooked. Like gold and jewels, information is useless if you do not use it."
"While I would certainly agree with that, my own observation is that those who have any type of power, knowledge or otherwise, are often loathe to give it away or share it; even when it would be wise to do so."
"In truth though, i have no specific reason to believe that is the case here. I was merely giving voice to a concern."
Observes the banter going on. "Hmpfh. You have two dwarves here; we could carry the lot of you...if we were so inclined that is."
"Of that, Rorgrym," Kragath says while chuckling, "I have no doubt."
Kragath rises to his feet, wine glass in hand. "A toast, my friends. In thanks for the safety of the roads behind us, for our hosts and the company we share this eve, and for protection on the mission at hand!" Kragath finishes what remains of his glass and retakes his seat.
As a servant comes around to refill his glass, Kragath places his hand over it, and asks simply for water instead.
Nikor looks at Ingle saying "Ah, well... I have seen only a few of your mother's kin, all slender for their height. And if you are to go into the wilds believe when I say I'll be the least unnerving sight you will behold." Nikor grins again glad of a friendly talk. Hearing Kargrath hopeful words, Nikor says " May that be true Mister Lightbringer but father also said Brevoy is a land with too many shadows in the day, it may be they wish goals accomplished without blame falling on them." Nikor's shoulders slump. "Oh never mind I am just bothered by these closed in walls, how do people breathe here?" Brightening he says "All people have their strengths,all here are good at something useful, I've seen the small folk lift weight equal to five or more of them. No we must see in action how we bear our burdens and one's of force will be but the easiest to bear."
Nikor follows the toast clusily as if never having done that before.
Hahahaha, right you are brother Rorgrym, we'd carry the lot of em and still do all the work when it needs doing."
raising his glance, unmindful that its lain empty for awhile, he proceeds to drink nought but air.
"ZExcellent toast Lightbringer, but one problem, some serving lass forgot to fill me glass! If I didn't know better i'd say it was intentional"
Nikor looks at Ingle saying "Ah, well... I have seen only a few of your mother's kin, all slender for their height."
"Spare it not another thought," Ingle replies, offering the half-orc a weak smile.
About to take another sip of his brandy, the half-elf pauses for Kragath's toast. "Here here," he says somewhat dispassionately, raising his glass only briefly before taking another taste.
The fanfare of a trumpet breaks the loud chatter of the dining hall. As the crowd starts regaining their composure, you spot that the servants have all lined up against the walls, arms behind their backs. In the back of the room, the great doors where the Swordlords have been situated is now open. A man, dressed in cloth-of-gold and crimson from top to toe, with a remarkable blade strung by his hip, glances across the crowd. "I, Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius, speak with the voice of the council of Swordlords. We have come to a decision. When your name is called, I ask that you step into the room behind me."
He cough softly and glances across the crowd. "Kragath Lightbringer. Ingle Farwen. Evan Freehame. Peregrine Fetch. Jonas Medvyed. Gathien Toran. You have been chosen for this perilous task."
"The rest of you, enjoy the feast."
Kragath Lightbringer;
Ingle Farwen;
Evan Freehame;
Peregrine Fetch;
Jonas Medvyed;
Gathien Toran;
Please report in the OOC and Discussion thread.
Nikor leaves quietly.
I'm sorry to all of those who didnt make it. Sorry I won't be able to play with you.
What was it that I did wrong? I'd like to know so I don't make the same mistake in the future.
Glad to see my 2 buddies gathien and kragath make it. Give em help for me lads
Would have been excited to be in a group w/ any of ya'll. Good luck finding another for those who didn't make it in this one.
I thought all the characters were quite strong and, in my personal opinion, I wouldn't take not being selected as having done something wrong. I quite imagine Patcher had some tough decisions to make.
Also I think there is another Kingmaker game recruiting right now, unless I'm horribly mistaken, so there may yet be opportunity for your characters to descend upon the Greenbelt and give it what for. :)
I thought all the characters were quite strong and, in my personal opinion, I wouldn't take not being selected as having done something wrong.
I have to disagree; I think it's quite clear I did something wrong. No knock on Evan who's character, who seems solid, but when the slot for a divine type goes to a druid who posted four times, and only once for player interaction, that seems to go counter to the entire point of why we did 5 days of roleplaying. The only logical explanation is that I did something wrong; I must have. But I don't understand it, I certainly don't want to make the same mistake again and so I need to know what it was that I did wrong. If I don't know then I can't improve myself.
The choice ended up due to preference in roleplaying style. Both in the LoF game and here you have a very minimalistic way of describing your actions, and ultimately that also puts me slightly off. There was nothing wrong with your character's dialogue, or the way you presented him through in-character banter - but I would have liked more describing elements when it didn't boil down to dialogue.
This is all personal preference. If anybody had done a great job roleplaying, but done so in 1st-person, he or she would not have been selected on account of what I prefer. If somebody constantly fails to differentiate between your and you're, or their, there and they're, it decreases their chances of being picked. You did neither of these - but my choice ended up based on personal preference.
I admit I dislike giving this kind of feedback. We all play differently, and we all have preferences, and I don't feel I have the right to say "play differently and you'll be picked." This is why I don't point it out in the middle of the roleplay either - because it may give the wrong impression, or cause stress, or tension.
Having said that, you asked and I have explained - and this is the only reason I mention this, otherwise it would never have been said. I apologise, but I have to be honest with myself as well.
Gathien nods to Mundin, "I'll make them regret the day they were born."
Glad to see my 2 buddies gathien and kragath make it. Give em help for me lads
Will do!
The pale form of Carnivyx watched silently from her carriage as the larger part of the group of adventurers departed from the manor of the Swordlords, heading in different directions and looking all manners of irritated, resigned and hopeful.
"Hmmm..." she mused quietly to herself as she stroked the cool, lumpy hide of her companion, "It looks like the mercenary, the gangly-looking boy and the well-mannered cutie are going to get their chance after all."
She gave one last look at the grand manor and the people of Brevoy before drawing the curtains of her rented coach closed and rapping sharply on the dark wooden siding opposite the driver, indicating she was ready to ride on.
"My time will come soon enough." She whispered to no one in particular.
Smiling softly as she rubbed her index finger over the spot on her hand where Jonas had kissed her.
Just curious Carni, what made you think I was mercenary.