Addressing Anen, "I must compliment you on your singing. Your performances rival that of our hostess, when we get to hear her at least." He lowers his voice a tad. "If you can tell our intriguing gnome is winning, you understand the game better than I. Perhaps I could trouble you for some help?"
Karoka's leaving because of melancholy so common among us. Sorry to see him go.
"Hail and farewell Karoka! Hopefully without the hail! May your choosen path be full of wonder and joy!
"Ah Jasper, kinder words than he speaks to me",Iozif says darkly then laughs, "-When bargaining for my wages!" Iozif grins.
"Anen no song from you could ever be a lie, only the truths that should be."
"Hey Haldaval there I think you do have a counter,you could win or double your losses with the card to your left. Remember what I said about my skill or were you here then?"Iozif kibitzs again.
Ah, and so she did. My bad.
"The problem with playing Ceru is I never know the rules in the first place. Of course the problem with playing me is I offer koans instead of coins."
Jander smiles at Ceru and nods at Haldaval and Iozif.
"Goodbye Karoka, Another night indeed." Jaska nods at the half orc
"Indeed Anen, You're sunshine enough for this old inn." Jaska says while flashing a handsome smile.
" And hey it's not always a choice, but the road is more than just a Job. Better or worse it's a way of life. But I don't really have to tell you that." He says affirmatively to Iozef, but never loses the charm in his basso tone perhaps left over from his remark to Anen.
"Ceru, I certainly hope your not hustling these two inexperienced players." He winks, obviously jesting, but taking endless joy from watching the nearly 7 foot tall elf and this stoic militia man in Jasper racking their brains to keep up with this plum haired princess at her own game.
Shulao's question and answer session, brought to you by Pathfinder in association with Magical Insights broadcasting.
1. Which NPC does your character know? What is your character's attachment to said character? Sandru, Shulao has had a crush on him since they were children.
2. What motivation would your character have to join the caravan? Explore the untamed wilderness and see his ancestral homeland...and also to impress Sandru.
3. What will your character contribute to the group? Depends on which character concept, both will be ranged damage dealers, one with a bow, the other with magic.
4. What are your plans for your character mechanically? Archer Fighter with potentially some ranger thrown in, Straight Sorcerer or summoner for the other.
5. What are your plans for your character from a story-perspective? Attempt to woo Sandru, even though Shulao thinks its a hopeless cause. Protect him and his interests. Learn more about the magic flowing through him.
6. What do you think of the Caravan mechanic presented in the Jade Regent Player's Guide? Does it seem unnecessary, or do you think it will add to the campaign? I like it, seems to add a fun mechanic to the game.
7. What is your opinion on the concept of romances in a roleplaying game? Would you pursue one, or prefer that they remain an untouched subject? I would definitely pursue one and don't think they need to remain untouched. Romance is a big part of life and as such should be represented within roleplaying.
Addressing Anen, "I must compliment you on your singing. Your performances rival that of our hostess, when we get to hear her at least." He lowers his voice a tad. "If you can tell our intriguing gnome is winning, you understand the game better than I. Perhaps I could trouble you for some help?"
Anen chortles loudly, even snorting once, before composing herself.
I knew she was winning only because she is playing - the two are one and same with Ceru, I've not beaten her yet. She's as lucky as the day is long - or as you are long, for that matter. But, thank you for your kind words. I am always pleased to entertain Ameiko's friends.
Thank you all, for your kindness. And Jaska, for the accompaniment. I have not yet had the patience to master an instrument other than my voice. I appreciate the skill that it takes.
"Well, if there can be no victory I will take the advice given to me," he shudders internally, hoping no one notices... To think I'm listening to one with such blood... "And I will play this card that will either win or double my losses." He gives Iozif a nod but cannot muster a smile.
Iozif looks at Jasper with mock horror on his face. "Sandru will leave me on the road to Belken now. He needs to remove the corrupting influence I've had." Shaking head ruefully. "That is the best or worst pun I've heard in a year."
"Yes indeed Jaska and mostly better."
"Anen, someday you'll need to tell me how to master my voice, it seems to run off everytime I open my mouth. And when I stick my foot in it to hold it back, things just get worse". Iozif points to his mouth and make running gestures with his fingers to accompany has prattle.
Iozif is still moving stuff around the inn to make it neater.
Is Hadaval still nervious around humans or is it just the game?
Haldaval, is this past year the only time you have left Kyonin or do you have tales of travels?
"Iozif, you wound me. Do not fear, Sandru would never leave you behind just for teach me bad puns, besides that's only my second of the night at your expense."
Takeda considers the others words carefully in regards to the attack a few years back by the goblins. "Yes that was a hard time. I only wish I had been present, then maybe Ameiko would still have her family. Alas it is one of my great regrets that I had not left my family sooner."
He then turns to see what else is going on.
When Anen stands up to sing, Takeda applauds. "Very well done, I do so enjoy the musical spirits of this culture. Though very different from my own it has finally begun to grow on me."
Takeda then notices Ceru's game. Walking over he asks her. "Excuse me young lady, what game is that?"
Haldaval, is this past year the only time you have left Kyonin or do you have tales of travels?
A bit surprised at the question, Haldaval thinks a moment before deciding he has nothing to hide, "Uh.. I haven't actually spent much time in Kyonin, although I can't say much for travels either. I have spent most of my life in Crying Leaf. It is just recently I have decided to see more of the world."
"Crying leaf, Crying leaf --Oh meeer awwn nee" Iozif drawls the name of the forest out as though very unfamiliar. forest where the Death eerk ...unmm very unfriendly elves live?"
Iozif has a kid's hand caught in a cookie jar look. He seems to look around for a timely rescue.
Seeing Iozef struggling, Thaddeus tries to help. "Surely you jest, Iozef, an exaggeration perhaps, as I know you do not mean ill? It is not that the elves are unfriendly, merely that you ran afoul of a bad lot. Every society has those that have fallen from the God's graces. Be they man, elf, or dwarf. Not that I'm excluding any other races, just not trying to rattle every one off that has grown rotten seeds in bad soil." He preaches, confident that he helped
With praise, he addresses Anen, "Milady, your songs are not lies as much as prayers that lift our spirits skyward, to soar above the dismal weather in the presence of the beauty that is the heavens." he adds, "Even if the words themselves do not chase away the clouds, the message lets us feel them lifted off our own hearts."
Iozif shoots Thaddeus Pruitt a grateful glance until
... ran afoul of a bad lot...
when he rolls his eyes and deflates completely as Thaddeus rambles on.
Oh spirits and gods no no it's not about me it's the rep that the bad lot elves hangout AT Mierani Forest. All of that forest. How do I fix this?
Dejectedly Iozif says, I apologize Sir Hadaval as too often my foot is in my mouth. Please ignore my foolish statements.
Iozif sits down head in hands.
Haldaval seems a bit astonished. Well, that was an unexpected response. Do they really fear us that much? Well, if it keeps them away, perhaps it is for the best.
"It is true the forest holds terrible things, it is good to avoid it if you can."
"Come now friends, this night is far too ugly outside to make it so in here. Let us have another round of drinks tea for me please and relax."
Ceru grins. "Of course--well, we take turns to cut the deck, yes, all around and fair's fair. I'll never cheat a body except one that's a cheater, as you'll remember from that one time with Seamus Blaggand." She chuckles at her memory of the event and tosses a card into the center of the table. "Match!" she declares, and sees if anyone has a counter play.
Parsifal groans and folds his hand. "Apparently I was paying too much attention to the stew and stories and not enough to the game..."
Parsifal then accepts the bowl of stew he had ordered earlier, and says with a smile, "I must say that the contrast between the storm outside and the warmth in here is rather dramatic." ...and no matter how long I've been here, so different than what I expected, based on mother's stories...
Emilah smiles as she concentrates on the game, passing casual comments off while Anen sings through two songs back to back. Her foot taps on the floor in time with the beat as she steadily loses a few coins at a time to Ceru. When Ceru calls Match as she lays down a card on the table, Emilah bites the inside of her cheek then flips out a card of her own equal to Ceru's and winks playfully.
"The men may enjoy losing money hand over fist but I prefer eating the next day."
Waiting for Ceru to make her next play she turns to Anen, "That last song was one I had not heard before, where do you come by these songs? They seem to appear out of thin air."
Iozif raises his head.
"Sir Haldaval thank you for your kindness."
Yes terrible things ... like you. Well so go the stories anyway. Iozif thinks but does not say.
"Thanks Jasper no ugliness intended just my native stupidity. A bitter cider for me to wake the brain."
"As Anen said it wouldn't matter,Parsifal, Ceru usually wins anyway."
"Of course Iozif, I'm sure as a guard you've earned your paranoia. Having this many people crowded around must have you as on edge as I am. As the ancient wisdom says, 'Keep your friends close, but not this close'."
Or was that 'and your enemies closer'? I will have to meditate an extra hour tonight for my lapse.
And Jaska, for the accompaniment. I have not yet had the patience to master an instrument other than my voice. I appreciate the skill that it takes.
"I appreciate you noticing doll." He says shamelessly. " But it's a Blessing of the Starsoul. You'd be a quick study I'm sure, and I've been told I'm a proficient instructor." His smile widens and he bows his head slightly.
Having finished his wine, Thaddeus decides to stick around and keep an eye on the place. A lot of good people, and the unintended slights seem to be flowing more freely with the drinks, I would hate to see people act rashly. He tells himself, convinced that it is the reason he stays, and not that he is still hoping to catch a glimpse of Shalelu, if she happened to come in this evening.
With praise, he addresses Anen, "Milady, your songs are not lies as much as prayers that lift our spirits skyward, to soar above the dismal weather in the presence of the beauty that is the heavens." he adds, "Even if the words themselves do not chase away the clouds, the message lets us feel them lifted off our own hearts."
I hadn't thought of it that way before, good sir, but thank you for saying so. In fact, I still may not, since it is plainly raining outside and I can see little of your heart save for what you tell me. If you say it is so, though, I will trust that it is and be gladdened. One ought not to take lightly the word of one of the Inheritor's men.
"That last song was one I had not heard before, where do you come by these songs? They seem to appear out of thin air."
Some I have heard, and some I invent. I have not the mesmerizing qualities of the more famous minstrels, but a girl learns to spin a tune...Sadly, I've not seen much of the world, and I sense that there is so much that I could be writing of, if only I could see it, like Ameiko has. Where is that woman, anyway? Anen looks toward the door, as if expecting it to open and produce her friend, but no such thing occurs. She pouts demurely and gestures to Beth for a glass of wine, curtsying briefly toward Jaska for his offer.
Mayhap one day I will take you up on that offer, sirrah. Until then, I must stick to my first love - dancing. Singing is a wonderful distraction, but it remains a distraction in truth. Mother calls life "The Dance", and I have not seen enough of it to disagree with her - far fewer years than she.
His smile starts in his eyes now and his face seems brighter" My mother said the same thing about life, being a dancer herself." His eyes relaxed and traced Anen's frame. Indeed, how had he not noticed her dancer's frame before? Clearing his throat and tearing his eyes away from the half elf's curves he returns his gaze to her eyes." I can play a faster accompaniment, should you feel inclined to dance.
"Well, since my stories of not traveling proved exciting, who has traveled far from Sandpoint enough to have stories?"
"As Anen said it wouldn't matter,Parsifal, Ceru usually wins anyway."
Parsifal smiles, "Aye, I'm beginning to see that now.". With a twinkle in his amber eyes, he says, "I wish I had been a better judge of character before agreeing to sit here amogst the sharks. It seems I am just far too trusting." He scans the room while finishing his stew, waiting for the next hand to be dealt, so I can lose again...Mother was right, I was, indeed, born under a bad sign...
Hearing the bard's responses to the cleric, Parsifal turns toward them, and says genuinely, "If you dance half as well as you sing, Lady Anen, then truly that would be a sight to behold."
Yes indeed Jasper when the caravans get this full of passengers I'm out scouting. Your brother wants to keep the profits up after all.
Iozif looks around seems to be counting. Overfull house but no one new in a while, guess the storm has driven everyone into here or home. Iozif voice still rumbles like the thunder but now is much subdued.
Now if I can avoid offending anyone else.
Jasper, has your illustrious brother said what he is waiting for? Usually by now he has announced this year itinerary and started preparations or does he have something special in mind? I sure he's not retiring yet, still has that look of wanderlust.
Iozif's ears perk up at the thought of moving on.
Jasper shakes his head
"You know my brother Iozif, always playing things close to the vest. It would not surprise me to find he has something grand planned though."
I've no head for my brother's business, but keeping things from his rivals while planning the big score is just like Sandru.
Takeda then notices Ceru's game. Walking over he asks her. "Excuse me young lady, what game is that?"
Ceru grins. "This, good sir, is Dragon Match, a very good game to learn cards and card strategy. Do sit and join in, I am Ceru Cloakchaser and these are all my good friends," she says quite genuinely, even though some of the players she had only just met. "I had said this round would involve no wagering, but some seem to be putting coin in regardless."
Parsifal groans and folds his hand. "Apparently I was paying too much attention to the stew and stories and not enough to the game..."
"No worries, my lad, we are all just learning--and learning to get to know one another, I hope. I always like to see the Dragon full of friends. Don't worry about the wagers, it'll all come out in the wash. In fact, I found 5 silver coins in my socks when I was washing them the other day, I'm not sure where they came from."
Emilah smiles as she concentrates on the game, passing casual comments off while Anen sings through two songs back to back. Her foot taps on the floor in time with the beat as she steadily loses a few coins at a time to Ceru. When Ceru calls Match as she lays down a card on the table, Emilah bites the inside of her cheek then flips out a card of her own equal to Ceru's and winks playfully.
"The men may enjoy losing money hand over fist but I prefer eating the next day."
Ceru claps with delight, glad at both a friend doing well and at being challenged sportingly. "Well played, well played, I must concede this round." There is an emphasis on the "this," however.
Having finished his wine, Thaddeus decides to stick around and keep an eye on the place. A lot of good people, and the unintended slights seem to be flowing more freely with the drinks, I would hate to see people act rashly. He tells himself, convinced that it is the reason he stays, and not that he is still hoping to catch a glimpse of Shalelu, if she happened to come in this evening.
Ceru notes the serious looking fellow in the corner, and (gently) grabs Bethana by the sleeve as she bustles past, "That fellow looks like he could use some cheer, there should still be some of the bread pudding left, yes? Send him a good bowlful, with extra lemon sauce."
Takeda then notices Ceru's game. Walking over he asks her. "Excuse me young lady, what game is that?"Ceru grins. "This, good sir, is Dragon Match, a very good game to learn cards and card strategy. Do sit and join in, I am Ceru Cloakchaser and these are all my good friends," she says quite genuinely, even though some of the players she had only just met. "I had said this round would involve no wagering, but some seem to be putting coin in regardless."
Takeda takes a seat. "Dragon Match huh? Interesting. Such unique games you have in these lands." Takeda looks at the others standing about. "Indeed some decent people live here for sure." He looks back at Ceru. "Sure I will give it a try, how do you play?"
"No worries, my lad, we are all just learning--and learning to get to know one another, I hope. I always like to see the Dragon full of friends. Don't worry about the wagers, it'll all come out in the wash. In fact, I found 5 silver coins in my socks when I was washing them the other day, I'm not sure where they came from."
Parsifal groans and folds his hand. "Apparently I was paying too much attention to the stew and stories and not enough to the game..."
Parsifal smiles at Ceru and says, "Oh, quite. The fun is in the game and the company and not the winning..." He pauses to laugh at himself, saying, "a good thing for me, to be true. The good company takes any sting out of losing." ..as does the fact we're playing for fun and not coin.
Parsifal then winks and adds, "However, if you're so lucky that even your socks produce coins -- it is small wonder that you win." He then salutes Ceru with his tankard, and makes room for the newcomer.
"I believe the next hand will start in a few moments...", he trails off, searching his memory before smiling and saying, "..terribly sorry, I seem to have missed your name. I am Parsifal, incidentally.... and as to how I play, based on tonight, the answer is 'badly'."
"Deal me in Ceru, I must aid the Servant of Trade and boost his morale by showing how years of playing badly have polished my skill ... at playing badly." Iozif throws off his despare with force of will.
"So Ceru found any new magic trinkets to interest you and that leave your nose on ... even if that was an illusion? "
Iozif brings a small stool and kneels on it, squeezing in on the table. He fits in a surprisingly small space with the experiance of many years.
"Deal me in Ceru, I must aid the Servant of Trade and boost his morale by showing how years of playing badly have polished my skill ... at playing badly." Iozif throws off his despare with force of will.
Parsifal smiles at Iozif as he takes a seat, "Please, do join us... though it is not my morale, but rather my luck, which seems to be flagging."
"Well, I'm still not sure of how the game works, but I don't seem to be losing as much as I would expect, so perhaps it is not as hard as it looks."
I will have to with draw, Good luck to all of you, there is some real good roleplaying in here.
Realizing that they are not playing for money, Thaddeus decides that it wouldn't too bad if he just watched to try and learn a new game. Typically, the only games he was interested in involved knights, swordfights, jousts, and other games of noble influence. From what he had seen so far of these card games, they kept changing the game, yet many of the aspects remained similiar. They tended to revolve around groups of the same numbers, numbers in a row, or matching colors. Even wierder were the cards bearing nobility, yet cards have often been to entertain the common folk, and rare in the higher courts.
I never closed applications so you still have the chance to apply and join the roleplay.
Having said that, I will likely close it soon.
"Well, I'm still not sure of how the game works, but I don't seem to be losing as much as I would expect, so perhaps it is not as hard as it looks."
Parsifal chuckles at Haldaval, "Considering the cards I'm being given, my knowledge of the game is offering me little advantage." He looks at his companions questioningly, "Shall I get us a round?"
Iozif grins and says, "Of course good Parsifal, the masters of the caravans couldn't take on anyone who could turn down free drinks." Thunder crashes. "Hmmm ... however it pains me to say so, it would be best to have the drinks watered down, given this long evening, otherwise our heads will pound louder than this storm!"
Iozif looks at his cards his ears flaring in his 'tell', showing a quality hand.
Jasper looks on as the storm winds down and the night follows suit, the musicians and card players forming islands of calm in the bar.
We are approaching a point of tranquility. This bar, the calm in the middle of the storm, a perfect moment. Such balance is rare, but to find it outside my cell, while sitting in a bar without mediation? Perhaps this is the first step.
"Deal me back in Ceru, if lessons are being taught I will learn."
"Excellent, excellent, more players!" Ceru beams with delight as Thaddeus, Iozif, and Jasper join in. She goes over the basics of the game again, and explains the meaning and value of the cards.
And to answer your earlier question, Iozif, I have NOT found as something as interesting as that Facial Prestidigitator, no, although perhaps those socks were magic, come to think of it. Someone was selling little tokens which when activated clean the surface you lay it upon, but while practical, it doesn't have much SPARK, you know?" She shuffles the deck once more and begins dealing everyone a hand. "Now, I was doing some courier work for Old Sam two days ago, and I'm certain whatever I was carrying was of some kind of magical value, but I said I wouldn't look. Well, I might have looked, but I didn't try to activate it, and it took a fair amount of willpower if I may say so. You shouldn't put such things in baskets and send them across town if you don't want anything done with them."
Hearing the bard's responses to the cleric, Parsifal turns toward them, and says genuinely, "If you dance half as well as you sing, Lady Anen, then truly that would be a sight to behold."
Thank you, Parsifal. If I were to dance here in the Dragon, though, Beth and Ameiko would likely box my ears. Dance, to me, requires bared steel. Singing is a joy, dancing is survival.
As Anen says this, her gaze hardens. Momentarily, she appears to be older than her years...until she smiles, and the look passes.
I think a round would excellent. I've never been one to decline drink. A grin spreads across the young woman's face.
Haldaval eyes Anen with a little more respect. "Well spoken, friend. Such dance is far too often necessary. I would say I prefer your singing as well."
Emilah smiles as another player joins the table. Looking over the hand given her, which is much less promising than the previous one, she resigns herself to be out of this match and looks out towards the rest of the common room. Surprised to see it so full, Emilah bluffs her way through the opening hand just to see how the rest of the table feels about their hands.
"I'd love another ale... and if it weren't for the steel part I think I'd almost pay to watch Beth box your ears Anen."
Grinning towards Anen as she makes small talk to pass the moments before people decide what to do with their hand, Emilah continues talking..
[b]"It's been very quiet in the forests around Sandpoint recently. Hardly any goblins to be found, and the animals seem more spooked than usual. I was lucky to catch a group of rabbits in a net today, the whole thing seems very strange."
Thank you, Parsifal. If I were to dance here in the Dragon, though, Beth and Ameiko would likely box my ears. Dance, to me, requires bared steel. Singing is a joy, dancing is survival.
Parsifal looks sheepish for a moment, then smiles brightly, "Well, then, that is a dance that I, myself, have been called to... though I imagine I lack the same sort of grace that you possess."
With the general assent for drinks, Parsifal stands to catch the attention of a server, then motions to each of his companions and mimes drinking. At the slight look of surprise, he nods to confirm that he intended to include everyone.
He sits back down with a smile, "Well, that's taken care of." The smile fades quickly when he lifts his cards and exclaims with a laugh, "This isn't a hand. It's a talon!"
He then listens with interest to Emilah's comments, asking, "Do you think the animals sensed this storm, or do we fear it is something more sinister? Truly, Sandpoint could use a longer break from such troubles." Perhaps this is why Abadar directed me to return...
As the round arrives, he cheerily passes everyone at the table their drink, placing coin down on the tray to cover the costs and a small tip. He raises his tankard and says, "To your health, and the health of those you love.". He then takes a deep draught and then winces as he is forced to play another card.
What is the expression? Unlucky in cards, lucky in life? I do pray that to be true...
"Better a talon than a soup recipe Parsifal, although if I understand the rules that might be a powerful card."
Takeda nods at Ceru's explanation. "Excellent, let's give this a try." As he is playing the game with others he looks to Parsifal. "You think more trouble is coming. Well I'm here and I'm a well trained swordsman of our towns militia. My power will stand between this city and any threat that would befall it. So long as my dear Ameiko and her home are both safe. That is the most important thing to me." He then looks at his hand. "If I understand the rules right.....this is bad."