K'Nara Tuesday December 11th, 2001 6:37:20 AM
The six-foot-tall woman strode over beside Figment and sternly regarding the nervous official.
"Yes, please tell us what the legal standing is for these...clerics of Caeroldra." K'Nara asked a bit brusquely. "We're trying to make sure that the spectators around here aren't caught in a crossfire."
Lian d20-1=8 Tuesday December 11th, 2001 9:33:06 AM
"Niether of you are going to touch our companion with your ... your cursed hands!" Lian says, eyes unblinking and face unreadable.
Lian stands from his croaching position over his friend into an immediate Defensive stance (23 AC, in defense of Ingrge) and readies to attack the first stupid cleric who tries to even touch or 'heal' Ingrge.
(OOC: Diplomacy Check of 8 (He doesn't want to, but he's very serious, he will attack)
Milo d20+7=19 Tuesday December 11th, 2001 10:00:59 AM
Staring down the two clerics, Milo seems to be daring them to speak further, when he realizes that they are both looking at something above and behind him. (OOC: Made spot check DC 19)
Turning around, Milo spots Lorna, and nearly jumps out of his skin as her presence startles him. Then realizing that she was probably standing there all along, the halfling begins to turn a nifty shade of red, as if he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Proclamation... (DM Chris) Tuesday December 11th, 2001 10:10:11 AM
After Flueterflam's statement, the two younger clerics of Caerolda seem ready to argue, but seeing Lian, they both back up a step, turn and look at each other, sniff in the air, and return to their respective groups.
Lorna lays a reassuring hand on Milo's shoulder and speaks to him in gentle tones, "Well spoken young Patriarch, you may just make a fine Seeker yet."
Seeing that now was as good a time as any, the city official steps forward, unraveling his scroll as he moves between the two factions of clerics, eyeing them warily all the time. "We here at in the Emerald City, proclaim that this site be dedicated to Caerolda, and that this congregation..." he looks the entire throng over, left to right, "will be allowed to construct a temple as they see fit." At this point a murmur breaks out amongst the clerics of Caerolda, and they seem to be working themselves up for another round.
Figment Tuesday December 11th, 2001 11:52:14 AM
The mage shakes his head at all the rabble rousing. He calmly speaks "So tell me, followers of Caerolda, would your goddess look kindly on either of you harming those who you would try to convert to her ways? Look at the gathering crowd. If you fight and hurt them, you might as well not build a temple at all as they will not listen to a message of love from such a group. Please, decide your agruements in private - and peacefully.".
Olana Tuesday December 11th, 2001 7:38:54 PM
" - or VOTE on it!" adds Olana to add to Figment's suggestion. She's still a bit riled about the commotion.
Ingrge (Jan) Tuesday December 11th, 2001 7:45:57 PM
Ingrge nods a brusque thanks to Lian and Fluet as they chase the clerics away, and watches with a chuckle as the clerics retreat.
He wanders over and has a quiet word with K'Nara. "I wonder if there's room for two temples here, to be built side by side. Might stop all the squabbling."
Brother Bertram Tuesday December 11th, 2001 10:22:39 PM
Bertram keeps his axe raised, even after the clerics are out of sight before lowering it. He wipes his head with a sweaty hand, cursing under his breath. While he is relieved this episode has ended, he is sure this is far from over.
K'Nara Wednesday December 12th, 2001 6:30:53 AM
K'Nara--who was wondering if she oughtn't just pull out Lucia once more and just start lopping off heads--paused at Ingrge's question.
"Hmmmm..." she mused as she mulled it over, "...I think you just may have something there, Ingrge!" Stepping over to the two head clerics, the redhead holds up a hand.
"Hey, now--remember you people are the middle of a city!" K'Nara warns them. "Now...the official over there has said that this is a site for Caeroldra...but neither of your--uhhhh--departments?..." K'Nara shrugged, not knowing a better word for the factions, "...has been given authority over the other...Ingrge here wonders if you can't build two temples in this one spot--you know, this could be the start of a new deific fashion trend...double temples..?"
Lian Wednesday December 12th, 2001 9:05:24 AM
Deflating his chest and letting out a sigh that sounds unmistakingly like a squeek, shaking his head he presses his index finger and thumb into his eyes, then he rubs them trying to alleviate the headache caused by the two very irrating cleric groups. Turning to Ingrge when he suggests the two temples on the same spot, Lian states, not really realizing his volume or his place, and not really caring either; "No Ingrge, that would be to simple my friend, they can not solve anything without yelling like fools. This city has enough problems without allowing two idiotic fighting factions to live so close to each other! By all the Gods, the Talons might even be blamed for the chaos!!" Lian looks apologetically at Ingrge, then at K'nara. "I am sorry for the out burst." Then Lian drops his eyes to the ground, overting them from meeting anyone elses.
Milo Wednesday December 12th, 2001 10:57:15 AM
Milo blushes at Lorna's words and then mutters, "I'll do whatever it is that Alemi calls me to do." Then looking around at the clerics of Caerolda and their entourage, he speaks more firmly, "You better put those weapons away before I ask my good friend Bertram here to take them from you." Milo lays a hand gently on Brother Bertram's shoulder.
Resolution? (DM Chris) Wednesday December 12th, 2001 11:15:57 AM
At the proclamation fron the city official, the two groups start to relax. Warriors sheath their weapons, and clerics replace their scrolls in their cases. Eyeing each other suspiciously, the two factions turn towards the city official, who now stands next to Lorna. The head cleric from each side steps forward, and nearly speak in unison, "How shall we live and love in peace on this plot together? Have you any suggestions?" Their gaze sweeps from the city official and Lorna to the Emerald Talons, and back again. The Hands of Love representative looks at her counterpart, "There is no way that our groups can live peacefully on a single plot of land, or even within these city walls. We insist that these indecent interlopers be asked to leave at once." The Servant of Desire representative looks over at the speaking cleric, "Not to put too fine a point on it, but who would want a temple of Caerolda with a high priest who wouldn't know love if it fell out of the sky, hit her in the face and started to wiggle?" The HOL representative draws a nail across the air, chanting a quick prayer. The SOD representative freezes up, unable to move as her rival punches her dead in the face. Weapons come out of their sheaths.
Figment Wednesday December 12th, 2001 12:08:58 PM
The mage moves away and begins to back up the bystanders. Looking over his shoulder he says "They're going to fight. Now or later - but it's going to happen. Let's back everyone off and let them kill each other. Then our problem is solved for us. I know I'm not willing to stand between them and take unnecessary damage.". He continues to move the others back as far as he can. He'll even threaten with arcane gestures and things if some won't listen. "Back off folks. If you get to close when they fight they might kill someone.".
Olana Wednesday December 12th, 2001 6:06:44 PM
Growling as only an elf can, Olana asks - "Does anyone have a spell that could make those two "like" one another? This is a disgrace. Not in even the children in our tribe would act like that."
Ingrge (Jan) Wednesday December 12th, 2001 6:12:31 PM
Ingrge raises his voice toward the battling clerics. "Not to put too fine a point on it - but I thought you two worshipped Caeroldra? The Goddess of Love? Isn't it from her that you draw your powers? "Now it seems to me that there isn't a 'whole lotta love' going on here. Aren't you afraid that your Goddess will become angry at your lack of faith, and that your powers could well disappear?" "Just a thought, ladies..." He backs off with a smile.
Brother Bertram Wednesday December 12th, 2001 8:09:00 PM
"I am sorry Friend Figment, but you and this rabble has forgotten one thing. I said this foolishness was OVER." Bertram raises the axe saluting his opponents, not yet sure how many there are. "Now which of you is first ready to meet your Deity, for I have had Enough!" Bertram starts towards the attacking cleric with no hesitation in his step.
Lian d20+6=11 Thursday December 13th, 2001 5:49:37 AM
Lians eyes raise from the ground, an eyebrow raised ever so slightly, expecting this fight alot sooner. "Bertram, you read my mind friend. WE TRIED to be DIPLOMATIC! But NOO! You all had to make Bertram angry!! You will not like him when he is angry."
Backing up Bertram, just behind him, Lian says low enough just for Bertram to hear; "Go for the one who is not playing fair Bertram, the one chanting, I have your back, friend."
Moving up along side Bertram, as to fight side by side. (Defensive, AC 20, Dodge against the caster AC is 21. Eyeing any opponents that might have a bow of any kind. Spot check of 11. None of Lian's attacks are against the SOD, even if provoked.)
K'Nara d20=17 Thursday December 13th, 2001 6:32:55 AM
K'Nara's brow furrowed. (OOC: rolled a voluntary Intelligence check of 17.) Something wasn't quite right--and she couldn't put her finger on it. The clerics of Caeroldra had been rather flighty in the past, but ever since the Talons' encounter with the startlingly single-minded Hands of Love faction within the sect, the human bladesinger had always thought that the deity was not giving her full attention to her followers.
The situation before them was an underscore to that opinion now.
"No, Bertram! Stop, Lian!" the tall redhead ordered, eyeing the oxymoronic scene of the clerics of the goddess of love at war with each other. "Our first priority is to safeguard the civilians--get OUT of the battlezone and help get the bystanders out of spell range." K'Nara turned and started doing just that.
Domi, I'd ask you to give me strength, the woman warrior thought to herself with a pang, ...but I realize that I'm on my own now.
Brother Bertram Thursday December 13th, 2001 7:44:31 AM
Bertram grinned as Lian took his back. Hearing K'Nara, he muttered back. You do that K'Nara. I think that would be a great idea." He continues his advance.
Milo Thursday December 13th, 2001 10:25:06 AM
Milo's head jerks in the direction of the acting cleric, and then setting his feet, he stands between the two opposing groups, his ruby pendant, symbol of Alemi held high. The halfling shouts, "Anyone else who moves to attack will be struck down where they stand."
Evicted... (DM Chris) Thursday December 13th, 2001 10:35:14 AM
Oddly enough, as the attack on their high priestess resolves, the Servants of Desire do not move to retaliate. In fact two of them move forward and collect their leader, curing her and treating her with the utmost tenderness. The high priestess of the Hand of Love seems outraged, "Fools, you don't know what love is?" Then an unexpected voice enters the conversation... Stepping away from the city councilman, Lorna speaks up, "Good dwarf stay your axe. There will be no blood this day." The cleric of Alemi steps between Bertram and the Hand of Love priestess, and speaks in a loud clear voice. "By Alemi's decree, I expel the Hands of Love from the Emerald City. You are to collect up your personal possessions now, and then myself and the clergy of Alemi will escort you out of the city. You are not welcome back within its walls... ever." As if to punctuate her statement, clerics of Alemi come filing out of their temple. Many are adorned in armor, all carry weapons, and the wrath of Alemi's justice is in their eyes.
Flueterflam d20+2=6 Thursday December 13th, 2001 1:55:52 PM
The bard taps his foot rather unsuredly. "Um...yeah, how shall things proceed then?" He looks around to see what the group appears ready for. In addition, Flueterflam carefully watches how the Hands of Love accept their sudden eviction. (ooc: voluntary int check DC 6)
Figment Thursday December 13th, 2001 3:15:41 PM
The mage turns from his bystander shooing and watches the potential spellcasters - ESPECIALLY the Ravenloft gypsy. If so much as a syllable comes out of her mouth that looks like it might be a curse he fills it with a magic missle.
Olana Thursday December 13th, 2001 6:07:52 PM
The elf helps K'Nara with crowd control, keeping a sharp eye on the Hands of Love group. She's more than happy with Lorna's decision, viewing that particular branch of Caeroldra as being quite insane.
Ingrge (Jan) Thursday December 13th, 2001 6:10:46 PM
Ingrge moves to back up Figment, Bertram and Lian, ready for action if need be, and with a stern look on his face.
Brother Bertram Thursday December 13th, 2001 6:13:28 PM
Bertram stops immediately but does not lower his axe. "And what about K'Nara's curse? Is that to go unhealed and unpunished?"
Lian d20+6=19 Friday December 14th, 2001 4:53:04 AM
Lian stops. He looks around the scene.
OOC:Spot check to see anything out of the ordinary. Spot of 19)
K'Nara Friday December 14th, 2001 7:24:40 AM
The twist of the female fighter's lips was rather fatalistic, but she did nod to the drow woman who'd cursed her in the first place.
"I believe that this curse you've placed upon me is for me to deal with, m'lady," K'Nara said firmly, "Though my teammates would like to know if you have any way of abating it--I, myself, would rather that you assure me that I am the only one cursed, and that my mates are safe, if you cannot reverse the curse."
Milo Friday December 14th, 2001 10:05:13 AM
Milo quickly walks over to take his place among the other clerics of Alemi. Standing with them, he turns to face the Hands of Love, and with one deft movement, his short sword practically leaps from its scabbard, spinning with a flourish before it comes to rest in the halfling Patriarch's grip. Though he is the smallest in stature among them, he looks deadly serious.
Banished... (DM Chris) Friday December 14th, 2001 10:12:07 AM
The Hand of Love high priestess looks at Lorna, turns to look at the clerics of Alemi, and then finally rests her gaze upon the Emerald Talons. She smiles at K'nara, "Believe what you like young fool, it matters not in the end. I have no more power to remove your curse than your precious cleric of Alemi." Then turning to the Hand of Love, she barks an order, "The Hand of Love is leaving this accursed place, withdraw to gather your possessions and meet me in this square in ten minutes."
Figment Friday December 14th, 2001 10:37:54 AM
The mage watches them carefully as they prepare to leave. He also keeps an eye on the SoPs as well.
Brother Bertram Friday December 14th, 2001 6:51:11 PM
Bertram stands watching them prepare to leave, still refusing to lower his weapon until they are safely away.
Lian d20+6=14 d20+3=9 Saturday December 15th, 2001 7:40:53 AM
Lian walks with almost a glide up to Bertram and whispers into his ear, in a very low tone with hands cupped around it; "Bertram, I have heard that afflictions can be remedied by removing the source of the affliction, be it a vine choking the roots of a tree so as to sufficate it or even something as simple as a thorn in a foot. So..." Lian pauses. "Perhaps she can be... removed, like the thorn she is."
OOC:Spot to see who might be listening and a Hide check to cover my lips so no one can read them. 14 and 9 respectively.
Olana Saturday December 15th, 2001 2:53:45 PM
The elf lets out a sigh as the Hands of Love decide to depart without a fuss. With difficulty, she tries to assume an air of impartiality. If things were settled, there was no sense in pouring oil on to low burning embers.
Ingrge (Jan) Saturday December 15th, 2001 2:55:50 PM
"Good riddance," mutters Ingrge. He whispers to K'Nara. "I don't trust them. They might be rallying for another fight."
Brother Bertram Saturday December 15th, 2001 6:39:30 PM
Bertram sighs and mutters back to Lian. "I agree, but I will not go against the will of the group, at least at this point. They have treated me with kindness and trust and I don't wish to betray that trust. However I refuse from this point on to be bullied about by rabble like this anymore." Bertram turns and grins to Lian, "So in the meantime we must drink my friend!"
K'Nara Monday December 17th, 2001 6:42:29 AM
The tall human woman frowned, but she'd had the feeling that her inquiry was likely not to result in a satisfactory answer, anyhow, so she did the only thing she could do at the moment: K'Nara simply dismissed the curse from her mind...for now. She could brood over it later.
"All right, all right--break it up, people..!" K'Nara announced to the last remnants of the ogling crowd. "Nothing to see here--move it along..!"
Milo Monday December 17th, 2001 10:12:24 AM
Milo breaks away from the clerics of Alemi briefly to speak with K'nara, "I'm going to go with them to escort the rabble out of the city. I'll be back in a little while. Where are we going from here?"
Not so sad good byes... (DM Chris) Monday December 17th, 2001 10:26:53 AM
Ten minutes pass, and the Hand of Love has reassembled back into the square. Without a word, the clerics of Alemi, advance on the group intending to escort, forcably if necessary, to the city gates. It does not however take any prodding, and the entire procession begins to move.
The Servants of Desire, after tending to their high cleric do not give the Hand of Love a second glance as they leave the square. It is as if they are forcing themselves to be good sports about the entire affair. They do however, seem preoccupied with their own business, having already forgotten what has gone before. They talk with animated gestures as they inspect the plot of land that the city has given them to build on.
It is late afternoon in Emerald City, and the possibilities are endless.
(At this point folks we are entering a three week slow down here in the Wold, giving us all a chance to catch our breath from the first weeks in the Year of Asenscion. A great deal of the action in the next three weeks will be driven by you. There may be some surprises as well however, so stay on guard.)
Olana Monday December 17th, 2001 7:11:10 PM
Overhearing Bertram, the elf says. "After all that - I wouldn't mind a drink, too."
Ingrge (Jan) Monday December 17th, 2001 7:12:27 PM
"A drink sounds good, and I can catch up with my spellcraft. We could all do a lot worse than go down the pub."
Figment Monday December 17th, 2001 11:38:39 PM
Once the HoL have left the city, the mage corners Lorna. "Lorna, have you heard anything about the followers of Domi? Our Bertram struggles to keep his composure. What are they to do now? Surely Alemi or some of the other gods have spoken on this...".
K'Nara Tuesday December 18th, 2001 6:05:52 AM
After finally getting the situation handled, K'Nara sighed and turned to the other Talons.
"Hell, yeah--a drink and a decent meal sounds like what we could use!" the human bladesinger said enthusiastically. "We can talk over how to help out Bertram here while we eat."
Milo Tuesday December 18th, 2001 10:40:32 AM
Milo strides off to join the clerics of Alemi as they escort the Hand of Love out of the city, "I'll meet you guys at the pub after I'm done here." The halfling shouts over his shoulder as he steps in line with the rest of the priests of Alemi.
Brother Bertram Tuesday December 18th, 2001 10:41:09 AM
Bertram shakes off his oppressive mood and looks to K'Nara with a twinkle in his eye. "And what makes you think I need help Lass? Clerics without gods are in great demand in some nations I hear." Bertram can't keep a straight face and chuckles despite the situation. "This will all work itself out one way or the other. I just need to move on with my life. Problem is I am still devoted to all that Domi stan, er stood for."
Lian Tuesday December 18th, 2001 10:42:32 AM
"Yes, some refreshment may be in order after the day's events. Refreshment and perhaps a few days of meditation to regain my equilibrium." Lian follows along with the Talons as they head toward the pub.
Warm welcomes... (DM Chris) Tuesday December 18th, 2001 10:51:30 AM
As Figment turns to speak with Lorna, he finds her to be in absentia. Most likely heading up the procession as the Hand of Love makes their way to the city gates.
Now that things have settled down, the Servants of Desire return to their Inn. Most likely to make plans for their new temple.
The Talons, sans Milo, have no trouble getting to the pub, which seems to be astir with all sorts of talk. As the group steps into the doorway however, the room goes quiet. The good folk all seem to be looking at you. Then, a strange thing happens. They begin to applaud. It starts slowly, and spreads across the room until all the patrons are coming up to you, pulling you in, slapping you on the back, and generally welcoming you in after your recent tribulations. A relatively large table toward the middle of the room easily seats the group, and the barmaid makes her way over to you for orders. "Can I help ye fine gentles this evening with a mug of ale, or a bowl of spiced stew?"
Figment Tuesday December 18th, 2001 11:25:12 AM
The mage smiles at the reception. And graciously accepts a seat and some stew.
Brother Bertram Tuesday December 18th, 2001 2:43:44 PM
Bertram scratches at his thick beard for a moment then smiles and heads for a table. Things might work out after all. He looks to the barmaid with a twinkle in his eye. "A resounding 'Yes' to both my dear!"
Olana Tuesday December 18th, 2001 6:40:10 PM
Olana waves to Milo as he wanders off with the cleric types, and then beckons to Fluet. "Come on," she says, "don't get left behind."
The welcome reception the Talons receive at the tavern makes her blush, and she sits down rather quickly. "Soup sounds wonderful," she says.
Ingrge (Jan) Tuesday December 18th, 2001 6:44:23 PM
Ingrge accepts the applause with a stiff bow, while fighting a grin which keeps wanting to emerge no matter how much he tries to stop it. "The same for me," he says as Bertram gives his order, "and perhaps another ale."
K'Nara Wednesday December 19th, 2001 6:30:02 AM
K'Nara chucked a light fist at Bertram's shoulder.
"How remiss of me not to remember!" she joked, then sobered slightly. "It's hard to believe he's dead, true...but I'm sure that his ideals still live on--in ourselves, if nowhere else."
The welcome at the pub surprised K'Nara, but she made sure to respond to all the handshakes and well-wishing by playing up Ingrge's clever and capable performances during the last few months. Publicity like this was invaluable to her plan to supplant Parnoth.
"Ale and stew for each of our party, miss!" K'Nara ordered with a smile. "Oh, and should a roguish halfling cleric of Alemi come in, send him to our table and fetch him the same, too..!" The tall redhead sat down, practically sprawling into her seat with her arms draped across the backs of the chairs to either side of her.
"Grab a seat an' let's eat..!" she invited the rest of the Talons with a grin.
Milo d20+18=27 d20+14=20 Wednesday December 19th, 2001 10:44:18 AM
After see the riff-raff out of the city gates, Milo bids his fellow clerics a good evening, and quickly makes his way back to the tavern, where he is hoping that everyone is waiting for him. As he enters the tavern though, he does so under stealth, not wanting to attract attention to his person. (Made Hide and Move silently checks DC 27 and 20 respectively)
A silent lull... (DM Chris) Wednesday December 19th, 2001 10:55:38 AM
The tavern patrons settle down as they return back to their conversations. As the sun goes down however, there is a noticable lull in the general tavern noise as folks glance apprehensively at the coming darkness. It is obvious that the memory of two days of darkness and horror lingers on still with the good folk of Emerald City. Still, the stew is delicious, as is the soft warm bread that it is served with, and the ale warms the body from the inside. Sitting there in the common room, it is hard to mistake the apprehension, as conversations turn to the subject of Parnoth, his disappearance, and whether his legion of monsters will be set free upon the city any minute.
Brother Bertram Wednesday December 19th, 2001 10:04:14 PM
Bertram notices the looks of apprehension around him as darkness settles. He rises to his feet. "My friends, this is not a night to fear. This is a night to praise the gods that, at least for a while, you are not under the heel of that tyrannical beast. I say tonight is a night of celebration. For tonight we are free! Free to choose our own destiny! I say we drink to Freedom!
K'Nara Thursday December 20th, 2001 6:33:51 AM
"Hear, hear..!" K'Nara said enthusiastically, lifting her own tankard in support of Brother Bertram's toast. "To freedom!"
Figment Thursday December 20th, 2001 11:29:23 AM
The mage relaxes with his friends and enjoys the time off - wondering how long it will last.
Olana Thursday December 20th, 2001 10:29:01 PM
Trying to keep her voice to a whisper, the elf says - "You know - if he comes back, then we're back to hiding again."
Ingrge (Jan) Thursday December 20th, 2001 10:32:59 PM
Ingrge raises his glass. "Freedom. We'd better make the most of this. I wouldn't mind trying to find out exactly what happened to old green scales though. Better to be prepared."
K'Nara Friday December 21st, 2001 8:00:56 AM
K'Nara set upon her meal with dispatch.
"Yeah, you're probably right, Olana." the leader of the Talons had to agree. "But...I'm hoping to make the most of Parnoth's absence--I can't shake the feeling that there is something rather big keeping him away, and that he won't be able to get back for quite a while. However, well...we all saw how he left his trove--it's definite that he fully intends to return."
Milo Friday December 21st, 2001 11:09:05 AM
Appears standing next to Olana as if from nowhere, "Perhaps we can have a look about the countryside. I can't imagine we'll find anything, but it won't hurt to wander a bit." The halfling stands there shining an apple on his shirt, with a smile on his face and a glint in his eye.
Lian Friday December 21st, 2001 11:10:24 AM
Lian is strangely silent in the tavern. It appears he is listening to everyone, and no-one all at the same time.
Music anyone? (DM Chris) Friday December 21st, 2001 11:16:12 AM
As the evening passes on further, one of the patrons produces a fiddle, and another a small flute, and the two make their way up to the hearth, and begin to play a lively tune for the room. The talking continues, though more quietly, and some of the patrons sit listening, tapping their toes in time to the music. Folks who looked as though they were ready to turn in for the evening sit right back down and order another pint. The tavern keeper looks extremely pleased at this, and stands there with a towel draped over one arm, clapping in time to the music.
Olana Friday December 21st, 2001 6:16:53 PM
"Oh!" exclaims Olana, suddenly seeing Milo, and then she bursts out laughing. "Milo, I think the least you can do after scaring me half to death is ask me to dance."
Ingrge (Jan) Friday December 21st, 2001 6:18:16 PM
Ignoring the music for a moment, Ingrge says quietly to K'Nara. "Milo has a point. What do you think? Should we find out more?"
Flueterflam Friday December 21st, 2001 9:53:41 PM
Having quietly kept to himself for most of the night, Fluet pipes up when some other patrons produce some tunes. He walks over to one and develops a 'May I join in?' face. Assuming a nod is given, the bard joins in with his own lute and even sings quietly when he feels appropriate.
As he plays with the group, it appears that he has something else on his mind. However, it may just be that he is tired.
Milo Saturday December 22nd, 2001 12:12:40 AM
Milo's smile nearly splits his face, "Why my dear, I thought you'd never ask." Setting his apple on the table, Milo gives Olana a courtly bow and then holds out his arm, ready to lead her to the floor.
Lian Saturday December 22nd, 2001 12:32:48 AM
After seeing Milo head to the dance-floor with Olana, he looks around for someone that he may be able to dance with. Lian stands up and leans over to Bertram and says; "I think K'nara is right, we SHOULD make the most of Parnoths absence..." Placing a hand on Bertrams shoulder and nods in the direction of a young elven lass; "...and personally, I am looking forward to it!" He smiles widely, ear to ear and walks up to her. "Excuse my forwardness M'lady, would you care to dance? I am Lian Siannodel, it is indeed a pleasure." Lian bends in half with a bow.
K'Nara Saturday December 22nd, 2001 7:13:52 AM
The human bladesinger's hazel eyes twinkled as she eyed her colleagues enjoying themselves for the first time in a long time. Then she turned back to Ingrge.
"Aye, Ingrge." she agreed. "And there are the elf children I promised to go back and check up on--the ones we pointed in the direction of Perpaguil. The Obsidian--curse their hides!--orphaned 'em, so it's only right that we make sure that they are okay. I promised them we'd return, and I keep my promises." K'Nara downed the last of the ale in her tankard.
"We can do Milo's reconnoitering on the way there and after we finish checking up on them."
Figment Saturday December 22nd, 2001 10:58:13 AM
"Too bad we can't find a way to get at Parnoth's treasure. I wouldn't mind combing through it for some nice items. That reminds me. We need to keep an eye on Mop. I would bet he hasn't gone far... And where did the Obsidian go? Did they disappear with Parnoth or leave by other means? Can we follow? And what of the army to the North? Have they moved? Do they have spies watching the city? Are the HOL tied to them in some way? Should we do some reconnisance ourselves? So many questions...".
When the opportunity presents itself, the mage nudges Lian and whispers so that only he can hear "Do not be too downtrodden by K'Nara's lack of interest in dancing. She won't dance with me either...".
Brother Bertram Monday December 24th, 2001 7:48:19 PM
Bertram listens to the music enjoying himself, and surprised to find it so. He finds himself smiling and chatting away with the locals and feeling at peace for the first time since the death of Domi.
Dance and Make Merry... (DM Chris) Wednesday December 26th, 2001 11:37:45 AM
With the inclusion of Flueterflam as a musician, the music takes on a shape and beauty unknown to the common minstrels, and they are pushed to perform better than they ever have, inspired by the Talon's bard. The music picks up the pace and the floor is cleared as couples file out to dance and make merry the evening. The good folk's spirits are lifted even higher, and a good time is had by all.
Figment Wednesday December 26th, 2001 12:51:28 PM
The mage moves over to Bertram. "I'm glad to see you in high spirits again, my friend. I am concerned for you!".
Brother Bertram Thursday December 27th, 2001 12:09:51 AM
Bertram grins back. "I was concerned for awhile as well Friend Figment, but I think everything will be just fine." Bertram leans back and takes another goblet from a passing waitress and taps time to the music.
Flueterflam Thursday December 27th, 2001 1:19:38 AM
The bard is pleasantly surprised at the other musicians' will and want. He continues to keep up with them, including a merry little whistle to all his strumming.
K'Nara d20+5=19 Thursday December 27th, 2001 5:44:48 AM
Once she finished eating her fill, K'Nara stuck her tongue out at Figment.
"Imagine a bladesinger not wanting to dance..?" she teased the mage. "I have never danced with you, Figmentary, because I do not recall you ever asking me..." With this, the tall redhead leaped to her feet, siezing one of the mage's hands.
"Now, I'll show you dancing..!"
With this promise (or was it a threat..?) K'Nara immediately requested that the musicians play a high-spirited jig and launched with energetic grace into the steps.
"Keep up with me, Figment..." she called with a grin, "...IF you can..!"
(K'Nara made a Dancing check {using Perform} of 19 total.)
Figment d20+3=16 Thursday December 27th, 2001 1:10:21 PM
Startled for a moment, the mage stumbles a bit. But he recovers as the music begins to play. The mage matches the dance steps of the warrior woman easily enough (Dex DC 16), but certainly lacks her panache for it. He smiles and looks into her eyes with joy - almost hoping she had chosen a slow song.
Olana Thursday December 27th, 2001 11:33:15 PM
Laughing merrily, Olana dances with Milo, feeling more light hearted than she had been for ages.
Ingrge (Jan) Thursday December 27th, 2001 11:36:21 PM
Ingrge watches the dancing with a smile, while knocking back some ale. It was good to watch his friends kick back a little. These times were few and far between.
Milo d20+10=21 Friday December 28th, 2001 3:36:09 AM
Milo spins and whirls on the floor, dancing merrily as only a halfling can. Smiling at Olana, he boldly winks at the elven lady, blushing simultaneously.
Midnight Oil... (DM Chris) Friday December 28th, 2001 3:40:01 AM
As the Talons kick up their heels, the music spins them faster and faster. The evening wears on however, and it seems like only a moment of sheer bliss before the minstrels are packing up and the good folk are heading off to warm beds and a good night's sleep, leaving the Talons on their own.
K'Nara Friday December 28th, 2001 6:41:05 AM
It was good to blow off some steam, K'Nara had to admit to herself...but, all too soon, the revels were ended.
"Let's get some sleep, Talons," she told the others, "We have to set out for Perpaguil in the morning." She went to her bed with a light heart for the first time in months.
Figment Friday December 28th, 2001 10:18:56 PM
The mage smiles as he finishes his dance with the warrior woman. Holding her hand perhaps a bit longer than necessary. "It was my pleasure to dance with you this evening, K'Nara. I hope it will not be the last.".
He retires for the evening with the others.
Olana Monday December 31st, 2001 2:20:54 PM
The evening comes to an end far too quickly for Olana, and she gives Milo a warm hug. She hadn't had so much fun in ages.
Still, it was time to rest. Who knew what they were going up against on the morrow.
"Hey Fluet, that was great!" she says enthusiastically.
Ingrge (Jan) Monday December 31st, 2001 2:24:27 PM
Ingrge retires with the others. "Having fun?" he asks the giddy Olana with a wry grin.
He then settles into a few hours of quiet reverie.
K'Nara Tuesday January 1st, 2002 6:30:59 AM
Not quite dawn: K'Nara finds a suitable spot to begin her daily exercise of the sword-and-sorcery techniques that would someday entitle her to the official title of bladesinger. She uses the silver-metal earpiece that allows her to communicate with Greymalkin of the Gold Dragons and spends a good two and a half hours practicing the intricate, dance-like steps of the elvish art of the bladesong. Anyone witnessing the routine would likely be fascinated by the graceful technique that interspersed the beauty of the dance with the deadly application of blade and magic.
K'Nara stopped about an hour after sunrise--there was a bath and breakfast with her name on it, not to mention the fact that the Talons had an appointment to keep with some elven orphans at Perpaguil.
She had her bath and her breakfast and--as soon as the others were ready--went to make sure that the Emerald City Tines had no pressing need for the Talons. Once this was cleared, the journey to Perpaguil began.
Milo Tuesday January 1st, 2002 11:05:38 PM
Dizzy from dancing, Milo is quite satisfied with himself as he makes his way to bed, intent on sleeping away the better part of the morning.
Happy New Year Talons... (DM Chris) Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 9:54:52 AM
It is a bright new day, and the Talons rise with the morning, feeling fresh, new and ready to take on whatever they will. For those who have chosen the road to Perpaguil, it is pleasant journeying. While folk still seem to feel the boot, or talon if you will, of Parnoth, they do somehow sense that change is in the air. Whether it be for good or bad, is anybody's guess.
Figment Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 2:22:42 PM
When the Talons get to the elven city, he goes and looks at the tree he gave them the seeds to plant - to see what has happened to it. (i.e. The high druid gave the Talons all golden apples which healed and refreshed them completely when eaten. Figment gave some the seeds to the elves and kept some himself - which he still has.).
Olana Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 5:34:22 PM
Olana will accompany K'Nara to the hidden elven community, also curious about the orphaned ones. Hopefully they would have settled somewhere and afforded the tranquility needed for a true elven upbringing.
Ingrge (Jan) Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 5:36:51 PM
Ingrge follows the others, wishing to ask if the elves there knew anything about the disappearance of Parnoth.
Brother Bertram Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 7:57:35 PM
Bertram follows along cheerily contemplating a new career for himself.
Milo Thursday January 3rd, 2002 12:44:25 AM
Joining in the trip to Perpaguil, Milo stocks up on candies and small toys before leaving, hoping to have something to pass out to the children when he arrives.
Lian Thursday January 3rd, 2002 12:46:02 AM
Lian is just as happy to accompany his new found friends, interested in exploring all manner of elven life outside of the deep forest.
K'Nara Thursday January 3rd, 2002 6:35:09 AM
"I do hope that those children sought asylum in Perpaguil," K'Nara said as the group traveled to the village, "If anything happened to them, I swear I'll hunt down every single member of the Obsidian and kill them for slaying the children's parents in the first place..!" The redhead scowled at the thought.
Do You Know the Way to Perpaguil? (DM Chris) Thursday January 3rd, 2002 10:24:42 AM
The road journey, though relatively easy on such a fine day, is also quiet... a little too quiet. As the Talons make their way north toward Titania along the road, they note that many of the farmsteads along the way appear to be abandoned. On the doors to the homes within is branded a mark that resembles a bow with the arrow drawn back, superimposed over a hand. (Make knowledge-religion checks)
It isn't long however (a couple of days) before Titania comes into view and the group can start looking for the road that heads east toward their destination. As the Talons get closer and closer to Titania, they can see that a swath of the forest surrounding the city has been clear cut, giving the guard atop the wall a clear view of all who approach. Though it is midday, the gates are closed.
Figment d20+5=20 Thursday January 3rd, 2002 11:03:59 AM
The mage evaluates carefully the symbols. Troubled at all the emptiness. "I suppose the farmers went to the cities after the event with Domi. I wonder why a religious sect is branding these places?".
K'Nara d20=9 d20=16 Friday January 4th, 2002 6:39:30 AM
"I don't know, Figment," K'Nara said to the mage, scowling because she couldn't fathom the meaning or origin of the symbols, "I get the feeling that some kind of purging may have been happening here--if I recall correctly, most of the homesteads in this area of the kingdom are inhabited by mixed families...you know--humans and elves with half-elf offspring." (OOC: first roll was for Religion Knowledge; second roll was for Local Knowledge [the bit about the type of people who live in the area.] K'Nara is highly suspicious that the elf-purging groups encouraged by Parnoth have started getting out of control.)
Flueterflam d20+2=19 Friday January 4th, 2002 3:35:14 PM
The bard carries on several tunes by whistling as they pass by the quiet surroundings. He takes some time to study the brands on several of the homes. When the group approaches Titania, he exclaims, "I wonder why the gates are closed."
Olana d20+11=23 d20+8=20 Friday January 4th, 2002 8:00:53 PM
The elf frowns. "Well this doesn't look right," she says, and has a quiet word with Ingrge. She then moves left of the gate, searching for any signs of ill-doing. ((TRACK 23, SEARCH 20))
Brother Bertram Sunday January 6th, 2002 9:02:47 PM
Bertram slowly loses his good cheer as they approach the city proper. He pulls his axe from its cradle and watches about for any signs of movement, friend or foe.
Milo Monday January 7th, 2002 2:11:48 AM
Milo is unusually silent after the group starts to spot the strange symbols. He seems to be concentrating a great deal as he spends time studying each one. A perpetual frown seems to darken his face.
Liam Monday January 7th, 2002 2:18:30 AM
Liam doesn't know quite what to make of the strange symbols, though he doesn't get a particular warm feeling when he looks upon them. He doesn't let it get him down though, taking in the wide world as he rides alongside the Emerald Talons.
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