Vishoon ponders
Pardon me for my ignorance lady Areanna, but I am from a rural area in Issia, and news does not always reach my village. So I only know of your singing talents, which I did enjoy, what other things should I know?
He looks at her quizzically, hoping he doesn't come off sounding like a idiot. He leans back in his chair awaiting a response, and taking another sip of his wine.
Holbrecht, watching the halfling carefully lest he become the victim of some senseless prank again, is a little surprised when the human addresses him. "Oh, hello, I appreciate your using the dwarven tongue. It shows a capacity for knowledge and understanding of others... I guess they are not all whiners... unless he's just doing it to show-off... then again he seems sincere..." Seeing that the halfling found a seat, Holbrecht's eyebrows slowly widen in mirth, as a wild idea can be seen behind his eyes. "Pardon me for just a bit, I do not mean to run off due to your arrival.... I'll be right back, that is,... well after I'm done... just need to do this one thing... before I mess it up." He makes his way through the crowd, with a light-hearted look of joy on his face.
Holbrecht nears the halfling's chair, weighing each of its components in his mind, finding the one true weak spot. Approaching, he gently touches the true point with the immeasurable insight of Brigh.
With his handiwork in place he addresses the jokester in a voice all nearby can hear. "You know, funny man, comedy is much like a magnificent tower. It must be built up from a solid base, to please all in its presence. If you chip at one stone too much, though," he lightly kicks the weak spot he tweaked, sending the chair and its contents toppling backwards He finishes loud enough to be heard over the din.
Afterwards, he offers his hand to Zadarra, to help him up. "There now good sir, we are even. No hard feelings? Now I have a most likely pleasant conversation to have with that young man over there, despite all this ruckus.... never cast a spell on a dwarf he doesn't want cast on him." He helps dust off the halfling, then dusts his hands before, picking up the chair. He holds the two pieces together and they reconnect with the same touch he used to weaken it. He promptly heads back over to his conversation with Bregan and Volioker.
Bregan watches as the dwarf excuses himself, not quite sure what will happen next. As Holbrecht sabotages the halfling's chair, Bregan chuckles and quickly hides his sense of humor behind one of his mailed hands.
It's funny. Most folks don't think dwarves have a sense of humor, but I remember the ones at the quarry were always joking around while they drank.
Seeing Holbrecht return, Bregan finds it in himself to part with his own personal coin for the first time in.... weeks? months? -- a very long time.
"Well done, your revenge was swift and precise. Allow me to reward you with a drink of your choosing for giving me my first laugh in quite some time."
I wouldn't mind having a dwarf along in The Greenbelt. Hardy and worthy folk, they are.
Areanna looks at Cushion with shock. "You have really not heard? I am one of the best archers in the land. I can shoot an apple from a hundred feet away. I have won four local archery tournaments. Not to mentioned that those skills are all self taught as well. My parents scoff at my desire to be so versatile. They would rather I spend my life prancing around the country singing in every event possible. Ha! I chose to make my own life. I do whatever I please and sing wherever, and for whomever I choose. My parents say my voice is only fit for the courts. I believe my talents are for all to see and hear. Not merely the pivilaged elite. I have sung my heart out for the masses and those whose suffer under the political strife of the land. I only hope that my songs of encouragement can offer them peace in these troubled times."
Areanna looks as the dwarf plays a prank on the halfling. "Hey I was hoping to here a story from that boy."Areanna sat back in her chair and looked back at the half-orc. "Maybe you have a neat tale to tell. Let's hear it."
Zadarra had just finished sipping his drink and the approach of the dwarf in the pink shirt had caused him to forget to set the mug down. In fact he was so caught up in the dwarfs metaphor that when the chair gave out and he hit the ground, the mug decended a moment later. Shaking off the cobwebs and wipinghis face he accepts Holbreecht's aid in standing. "Hard feelings? of course not! That was wonderful trick! Perhaps I shall see you again, at the wedding maybe? Please, don't let me keep you."
As the dwarf heads back to his companion, Zadarra uses a simple spell to clean himself back up.
Hmm.. we are even, which means I need to coem up with somethign quick to get back ahead, maybe at the wedding tomorrow!
"Oooo is greenone gonna tell a story? I bet it's scary and full of danger, and green women"
I am a bounty-hunter from Issia.
Patting the coins in his pouch
I got these catching a thief in New Stetvan, he stole some jewelry from my employer. I tracked him to a cave a few miles north of town. Tho why hide in a cave, when you have that kind of money is beyond me. I waited outside the cave till night and took him after a brief fight. I think that's his blood still on my falchion Looks at his weapon
To Zeldarra Sorry, not very scary and no green women...heh
I am in town to hopefully get my next job. I am meeting a man named Tevok Berksley at the wedding for hopefully my next Job
Perception :
Tonight is a night for cheer and merriment, between yours and Zeldarra's songs the night has been very pleasant.
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As Ravens, the Birdmaster
Overhearing that Bregan needs a laugh (and to hopefully lighten his own dark thoughts), Ravens approaches and tries to cheer him up.
Besides, might be a free drink in it.
"You think being a birdmaster is easy? Do you think being the stablemaster is easy? It's not, I tells ya!" Ravens takes a drink as he addresses Sir Bregan Stone.
"Let me explain to you the depths of the problems that I must deal with." Ravens takes another drink.
"A bird comes to me from a certain goblin who lives not far from the Aldori estate. In his first missive, he writes,"
"Dear Ravens, I have two horses, but I can't tell them apart. What do I do? Your friend, Snarltooth."
"I write back,"
"Dear Snarltooth, cut the tail off one of the horses then you should be able to tell them apart. Best regards, Ravens."
"He writes back a week later,"
"Dear Ravens, I did that but the other was attacked by a harpy and lost her tail. Now what? I can't tell them apart. Best wishes, Snarltooth"
"I write back,"
"Dear Snarltooth, cut off an ear from one of them. Then you should be able to tell them apart. Your friend, Ravens"
"He writes back a week later,"
"Dear Ravens, a wyvern attacked and tore off the ear of the other horse. I can't tell them apart. Now what? Sincerely, Snarltooth"
"I write back,"
"Dear Snarltooth, have you tried to measure them? Which one is taller? Regards, Ravens"
"He writes back a week later,"
"Dear Ravens, Problem solved!! The white one is 6 inches taller than the brown one! All good now. Sincerely, Snarltooth"
"Gwaha ha ha!" Ravens laughs heartily at his jest.
Areanna listened to the story and then sang a tune from it.
”A man hunter from Issia whose name is Vishoon
Hunted a man whom he must catch real soon
From the employer the jewelry he stole
And now the bandit must pay Vishoon’s toll
Into a cave and we all wonder why
For it seems this thieve was none to sly.
Our hunter waited till Night
And then they had a brief fight
The battle he had won
The job was done
And now our dear hunter
Looks for his next number
The ever so mighty Vishoon.”
Areanna pondered for a minute. ”Hmm I’m sure I can do better. I best write this down lest I forget. A Brave Bounty Hunter from Issia. It could become a classic someday, I just need to work on the lyrics a bit.” Areanna pulled out a pen, ink vial, and parchment and began to write down the lyrics. She looks back at Vishoon. ”A wonderful story! Your life is indeed truly exciting! I cannot wait til I Areanna Dalante have such tales worthy of a song!” She continues to write and muddle over the words.
Ser Bregan raised an eyebrow at Ravens' claim to be able to lighten his mood and eke a chuckle from him.
This should be good, this one was toasting love lost earlier in his quest for his mug's bottom - I'm sure he has no sense of humor...
Bregan stares at Ravens for a moment, a look so stern it's unclear whether or not he simply didn't enjoy the story, or he means to stab the birdmaster through the heart.
Then...
Bregan lets out a mighty chortle, almost spilling his drink.
"Well done. Very well done, Ravens. Am I really about to buy two drinks tonight?"
Have I suddenly become a lord rewarding his serfs when they do something amusing? I'd rather run myself through...
The knight awkwardly digs around for his coins, unused to paying for the drinks of others.
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As Ravens, the Birdmaster
"Gwafa ha ha ha. 6 inches taller! Gwafa ha ha!"
Free drink! From a fancy knight man, too!
"Thank you good Ser. I am glad that brought another smile to your face. None of us should be sad or in pain, eh?"
Ravens think for a moment as if realizing something.
"How did you know my name?"
Ravens' mind races as he tries to remember if he met the man earlier or introduced himself.
Hearing Vishoon speak Jasper heads over there.
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear. Did you say you were a bounty hunter? Are you from this area? I have heard there is a small group of my people, Varisians, that live around here, and I would enjoy spending time with them. Have you seen such a group in your travels?"
Best see how good this man is.
Looking around the bar
Come to think of it, there seem to be more than a few capable sorts here today. If they're all going to be at the wedding perhaps I'd best delay my plan a few days. The honeymoon will be safer.
"Why you mentioned it earlier, and your story as well."
Bregan almost didn't realize it was in the story he told until he was given a few moments to consider where he heard it from.
"You have the look of a man who prefers spirits over ale," he comments, studying Ravens as if to understand him better.
Vishoon ponders
I look forward to hearing the final version, I'm sure you will have some grand adventures of your own to tell tales about
Turning to Jasper Sorry I am not from here, I am from Issia. Come Sit and tell me about these people you want found, there is a few days before the wedding....I may be able to help. This is Zadarra Pointing to the Zadarra and Areana pointing to Areana.
He scans the room for the barmaid, sees here and waves here over. When she gets there Drinks for us all please.
Areanna looks to Vishoon. "Introduce me properly." Areanna turns to Jasper and sits upright in a proud posture. "I am the great, beautiful, dignified, and arrogant singer and charmer known across the land as Areanna Dalante. I am sure you've heard of me. You seem a particularly curious sort. I bet you have many great stories to tell. I am a soon to be adventurer and I just love hearing the tales of others. So what mysterious past do you have good sir?"
I forgot to mention I do not have a problem with you closing early. In or out, I will respect whatever decision you make and will thank you all the same for considering me. Sincerely though I hope I make it, got any last minute recommendations or concerns?
Properly? And hears Areanna introduce herself. And shakes his head and has more wine
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"You have the look of a man who prefers spirits over ale," he comments, studying Ravens as if to understand him better.
As Ravens, the Birdmaster
"Spirits? Like ghosts and angels? I care little for the gods...nothing against them, nor for them. Nah, give me stout ale. Actually, give me the open land and a herd of horses. Or a grassy hill and a full roost. Then I'd be happy. Birds, horses, beasts of burden, and the open grasslands to raise them. Give me that. And the ale."
Ravens misunderstood, but tried to make sense of the question.
Seeing the two men laughing, Holbrecht tries to figure out what about it is so funny. "If one was white and the other brown, and the white one was clearly six inches taller.... where was the confusion.... why did the goblin need a rave... unless, because it's a goblin... with a diminished capacity for thought... he couldn't tell a white and a brown horse.." realization strikes, as he pieces together the subtlety of the humor "Ahhh, the goblin was dumb, therefore he was unable to use the colors to tell them apart. Given that he did not present their hue in the previous letters, the difficulty persisted." He lets out a chuckle, "That is funny, goblins ARE stupid, and your joke displayed how."
@Vishoon "It's not so much that I need them found as I was wondering if they had been found. Sadly sir I think a taste of home is not something you can pay someone else to find."
@Areanna A bit taken aback at this introduction Jasper smiles at Areanna "If I told you my mysterious pas then it wouldn't be mysterious would it? I'd lose all interest to you, like a fall leaf fallen to the ground and trampled under the hooves of a horse with one ear and no tail."
Jasper drinks his ale with a hint of sadness in his eyes.
That should convince them I am what I appear to be.
@Jasper Having just arrived, I would need a bit more information on this group of Varisians...many have come for this wedding. You cant throw a copper with out hitting one.
So many you can't throw a copper? Perfect.
"My good man, I think you have answered my question. Have another drink on...oh, I see we still have the round you bought. Well the next one is on me. Tell me of this Issia."
Areanna looked quite disappointed at Jasper's response. "Humph! Your no fun. I'll go find someone else who has a great story." Areanna stands up and then turns ti Vishoon and Zadarra and bows politely. "Well met the both of you. I hope you enjoy the wedding tomorrow. I be performing in it of course." Areanna turns and looks around the room.
She looks in the direction of Valeska and makes her way over to her. "Excuse me. Greetings my partial kinsman. I am the beautiful, dignified, and arrogant Areanna Dalante. Renown singer and charmer. Loved by all. I am currently on the look out for inspiring tales and I was wondering if you had one to tell?" Areanna smiles broadly at anyone else who is in the vicinity of Valeska. "It needn't be a personal one, just something you've been through that you don't mind sharing. I'm sure others here are curious to hear of any adventures you my have had."
As Vishoon and Jasper discuse Varisians, Zadarra finds himself scannign the room. As he gets up he's about to make his way over the the dwarf, still interested if he can elarn to make chairs legs crumble, when he catches sight of Rufus. It's really a wonder he hadn't before, but the sight of a lovely wench often causes one to mist the most obvious things, and a big gold and red wolf-like crature with plumes is defiently obvious in any crowd.
Changing course quickly, Zadarra makes his way towards rufus. Seeing the eidolon display his fur, Zadarra is left speachless, at least for the time it takes him to hop up onto a chair at their nearby. "My what an exquisite coat he has, I've never seen such a creature before, where did he come from! But i've forgotten my manners, Zadarra the Amazing, at your service." he extends his hand to Timor
"Spirits? Like ghosts and angels ... birds, horses, beasts of burden...
Bregan let the bird-man talk.
No sense in correcting him about spirits, his tongue seems loose enough with the ale.
The knight nods as Ravens finishes.
"Tell me Ravens, do you know how to select a good horse?"
The knight was curious how much this one knew about animals, or whether he simply a lordling's pawn that attached crumpled notes of ill intent to the leg of a jackdaw.
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As Ravens, the Birdmaster
Ravens stares at the man quizzically...
What an odd question.
"Why? If you're looking for companionship, there are some ladies in town that'll take yer coin."
Ravens waits for him to answer before realizing that Ser Bregan just might be asking about horses.
"Of course! I have been training under the Aldori stable master for years...I'm an apprentice, but I could see myself with my own stable." Ravens sips his ale.
"Now what kind of horse did you want? Let me give you the options in case you wanted to go into specifics."
Horses in the subspecies caballus are domesticated, although some domesticated populations live in the wild as feral horses. There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior.
Horses' anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight instinct. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.
Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy work; and "warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific riding purposes, particularly in Europe. There are over 300 breeds of horses in the world today, developed for many different uses.
Horses and humans interact in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, as well as in working activities such as inquisitions, agriculture, jousting, and therapy. Horses were historically used in warfare, from which a wide variety of riding and driving techniques developed, using many different styles of equipment and methods of control. Many products are derived from horses, including meat, milk, hide, hair, bone, and spell components extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. Humans provide domesticated horses with food, water and shelter, as well as attention from specialists such as veterinarians and farriers.
Horses are rumored to be related to the pegasi, hippogriffin, griffin, centaur, among others. The best way to mount a horse is after buying it dinner...
"I can also tend to birds & livestock. I've always had a way with animals...them and me can talk. No, not like the raven over there, but we can talk in the language of nature. I've been learning all about nature for years."
Ravens drinks again.
"I can read and write...and not just any writing. Magical writing. I know that too." Ravens seems proud of that.
The halfling polishing a glass behind the counter is quite startled by your volume and the glass flies out of his hands as he turns to see the tall slender man. He dextrously snatches it before it hits the ground with his foot. While balancing the wine glass on top of one foot, he responds, "Oh! uhh hello! That is an unusual request. We have uhh..an assortment of fruity drinks as well as some green herbal tea! uhh.." The halfling, while still managing to balance on one foot with the glass standing tall on the other reaches down to pick it up. Success! "The tea is Ameiko's own family recipie. Quite good." He smiles at you politely and says softly "Great...now I gotta polish this thing again. I swear this glass is unlucky..."
"Za...darra the Amazing, you said?"
Tiomir is slightly confused by the brash entry the halfling displays, and for a couple of moments words fail him. "Uh...oh, Rufus, you mean, where is he from?"
"The deepest pits of the Seven Hells," Rufus grunts solemnly, glancing away. Tiomir looks around, wondering what's going on, and Rufus lets out a soft bark of a laugh.
"You must be in for the wedding! hehe We have the best food in town, sir! You'll see! Ameiko'll win tomorrows competition." the halfling exclaims while examining the glass he recently caught. "Let me get you a men...OH!" The halfling looked away for a moment as he bent down to grab a menu for this newcomer and this damnable glass slipped out of his hands again! This time it was caught by a new face.
A beautiful halfing barmaid caught it right at the midpoint between the barkeep's hand and floor. She says to the man, "Whew! I have to apologize for Henry. It is his first day! I'll take care of ya, darling." She smiles at the man. "Our cooks make the best spicy beef skewers.. but if ye want somethin' a little more traditional our rabbit stew cannot be beat! So whadya say?"
The halfling looks at you with a puzzled face. In an almost too serious tone, she looks at you and says "Sir, I'm sorry but our policy is that you must eat at the bar. Once again, I apologize." She shrugs and offers you a slight consolation prize in the form of another "I'm sorry!" smile. "Besides.. that table is reserved."
Looking around you see others eating and carousing all around the tavern.
"Good... once again.. I..." Her serious demeanor is like a dam breaking at his point. "I'm sorry darling! I can't..hahaha... I can't do it any more!" She is laughing hysterically and kind of loudly. "Go ahead! Help yourself over there to that table! I was only messing with you! ohohoho" She is still chuckling. "Sometimes I can't help myself with you serious types! I'm sorry!"
I have been training under the Aldori stable master...
Bregan nods along with Ravens as he describes how to select a proper horse, occasionally commenting or asking a more detailed question to fully explore the extent of the man's knowledge.
The knight had been working with horses for almost a decade, and found it unusual to find one so able and ready to provide details.
He knows his way about a horse. Count me impressed. Although, he seems a bit "pent up" and prone to discussing the fairer sex - he could use a night with a good woman.
"Magical writing, eh? Studying to be a wizard in your free time?"
Bregan hoped the man wasn't a druid. The last druid he had known would strip naked and dance around a fire chanting for hours every time there was a full moon.
Watch, he's a druid.
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"A wizard? What with my nose in a book and pretending I don't poop like any other man?! HA!"
Ravens laughs at Ser Bregan's jest.
This one be right daft.
"Nah, like I already told you, I studied under the Aldori Stable Master. We deal in animals, horses, birds, the natural world. That's all."
Ravens finishes his drink.
Staring into the cup, then at Ser Bregan, Ravens says, "Watch me use my 'magic' to get a new drink. Ha ha!"
Ravens wiggles his fingers with this right hand at the mug in his left hand and says "Abra Ca-Pocus!" and promptly turns to the barkeep for a refill, tossing a coin on the bar.
"See, magic?! I turned that coin into ale." Ravens takes a long drink of his new ale.
The simple ones laugh at the dumb jokes.
Returning his attention to Bregan, "But yeah, I can write magic...simple nature magic undo parchment. No problem." Ravens seems quite proud of that fact.
"Ah, by your definition of magic, I may be the greatest wizard in Brevoy. I've turned coins held by others into drinks over a hundred times."
Bregan chuckles at his own joke, imagining himself in a pointed hat and a robe of stars waving around a wand.
Would this bird-master be useful about The Greenbelt? Or has he growth too accustomed to the luxuries that his lord provides him?
"Did your parents name you Ravens, sealing your destiny as a bird-keeper, or is that a name you adopted for yourself upon taking your profession?"
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Ravens looks at the man, his good cheer turning a bit more serious.
"Never new my parents...they left me to the orphanage. Good riddance to them, though, I've made a name for myself without them...it's Ravens now, after my calling. However, there are a few other orphans about this area who used to know me as Garrik Snow."
Ravens looks down at his muscled and lean body, a body built by the efforts of his work.
"I doubt they'd recognize me now. I'm all growed up."
Look ma, look pa, wherever you are. I don't need you no more. Never have. Never will.
Hearing the name of his previous companion, Jasper speaks up.
"My people have a legend about ravens. They say they are black because they brought fire to man. That once ravens were snow white and beautiful. You have chosen a noble name for yourself."
Long ago, near the beginning of the world, Gray Eagle was the guardian of the Sun, Moon and Stars, of fresh water, and of fire. Gray Eagle hated people so much that he kept these things hidden. People lived in darkness, without fire and without fresh water.
Gray Eagle had a beautiful daughter, and Raven fell in love with her. In the beginning, Raven was a snow-white bird, and as a such, he pleased Gray Eagle's daughter. She invited him to her father's longhouse.
When Raven saw the Sun, Moon and stars, and fresh water hanging on the sides of Eagle's lodge, he knew what he should do. He watched for his chance to seize them when no one was looking. He stole all of them, and a brand of fire also, and flew out of the longhouse through the smoke hole. As soon as Raven got outside he hung the Sun up in the sky. It made so much light that he was able to fly far out to an island in the middle of the ocean. When the Sun set, he fastened the Moon up in the sky and hung the stars around in different places. By this new light he kept on flying, carrying with him the fresh water and the brand of fire he had stolen.
He flew back over the land. When he had reached the right place, he dropped all the water he had stolen. It fell to the ground and there became the source of all the fresh-water streams and lakes in the world. Then Raven flew on, holding the brand of fire in his bill. The smoke from the fire blew back over his white feathers and made them black. When his bill began to burn, he had to drop the firebrand. It struck rocks and hid itself within them. That is why, if you strike two stones together, sparks of fire will drop out.
Raven's feathers never became white again after they were blackened by the smoke from the firebrand. That is why Raven is now a black bird.
"So tell me horse master, what is your name?"
Is he going to punch me with that thing? Does he expect me to land on it? I hope this isn't some strange bird mating ritual.
"Well met indeed!"