K'Nara Friday October 25th, 2002 8:13:45 AM
"Olana, not even owning Parnoth's treasure trove would be enough to keep me here longer than we absolutely have to be..!" the human bladesinger assured the ranger.
Once Orson and Maloray were brought to the camp and to K'Nara's attention, the new arrivals saw the following:
Standing with the elven female was a human woman whose size, build and mien were most unusual: she was six feet tall and fair of skin (save for some freckles across her nose and cheeks.) Though the net snood that encompassed her chestnut-colored hair made it impossible to judge its length, those strands that strayed from the hairnet's confines confirmed that her hair is extremely wavy--if not downright curly. She wore a mithral shirt over a bayrah (a tunic-like dress that has triangular hemming in the front and the back of the garment; it allows the legs to move freely while retaining a modest knee-length hem) and soft boots that laced up to just under her knees. On her back, in a sheath that allowed her to draw the weapon from behind her right shoulder, was a large bastard sword that both Orson and Maloray got the unshakeable feeling that the woman they were viewing knew only too well how to use to deadly effectiveness.
The human turns and eyed both newcomers most critically, her hazel gaze expertly assessing the combat qualities of each male.
"I'm K'Nara." she said tersely in a voice that smacked of self-confidence. "I am honored to be the leader of the Emerald Talons, and pleased to meet you. Have either of you seen anything that may help my group as we try to assess this tower, the army and their purposes for being in the region?"
Ingrge Friday October 25th, 2002 11:09:06 AM
As Maloray introduces himself, he nearly makes a fatal mistake and Ingrge's eyes go cold and dark. Barely restraining himself, Ingrge retains his temper and with perfect control in his voice answers this impudent halfbreed. My name is Ingrge Nightseer, I originally hail from North of the Culverwood and if you want to keep your head in place youngling, don't ever insinuate that an elf could ever be anything but an enemy to one of those godless Yrch.
Ingrge is a tall, nearly 5 1/2 ft tall elf, with nearly pitch black hair and emerald green eyes. He is wearing gray leather armor over which rides a hooded gray robe. he seems to be brisling with weapons, including a bow, several daggers, two rapiers, and a staff.
As they get back K'nara, Ingrge leads the young halfelf up and introduces him. I came across this youngling and figured I shouldn't let him be kiled by our green friends. He calls himself Maloray Maloreyn'n Magdorn'd of the Owl Clan, whose hunting grounds lie to the east.
Ingrge in turn greets Orson and shakes his head in wonder at that two, wondering if he was ever that young.
after a moment Ingrge Turns back to K'nara and in a break in the conversation interjects.
'K'nara, Parnoth never said we had to get in to the tower. He said go to the tower and make a report of what we see. We are here we have seen, we have quite a bit to report. I say we do so in the morning and then we get out of here.' There are some that just aren't the right type of company for an elf to keep.'
DM Kent Friday October 25th, 2002 11:14:08 AM
Introductions are made and when Figment returns the rest of the night passes smoothly and without incident.
[OK all, I am withdrawing the one post rule for now until the new game starts on monday get to know each other, in character, deal with whatever issues you need to deal with, make your report to parnoth, etc. and I will post when necessary tonite and throughout the weekend. It has once again been enjoyable being your DM, even if I could't kill any of you this round. I will send out experience this weekend.]
Orson Friday October 25th, 2002 11:49:29 AM
"Exactly, eighty years is pretty old for me....in comparison, old man." he says jokingly to the young elf, who obvious is neither old nor delicate.
As Orson makes his way into camp, he too eyes wach person, attempting to assess each persons skills. His gaze lingers on K'Nara, and a look of sorrow, almost pain, covers his face for a brief moment, before continuing his inspection of the rest of the group. He in turn greets everyone, even the other new arrival.
Orson stands around 5 and a half feet, and is in quite good physical condition. His long red hair hangs freely down a little past his shoulders. He wears a well made, and well worn chain shirt over a simple surcoat, and leather breeches, tucked into boots laced most of the way up his calf.
Lian Friday October 25th, 2002 4:40:27 PM
"K'Nara, may I speak with alone for just a moment?" He gesters for Milo (if he's anywhere to be seen) to follow.
The elven monk takes the bladesinger off to oneside and states his concerns. "Now, I know your the Talons experienced leader, and I assume you were not jaded by my arrival at first. I showed up in your group in a relatively safe enviroment. Now, I mean no disrespect by stating this. WE MUST BE CAREFUL with these ones regardless of their cander or demeanor. They survived, somehow, out in there. Be it, by there wits, by dumb luck or by paying off the ugly Greenies. They hadn't even met each other prior to this. I just find it rather... convienient. Parnoth might be testing us, these could be his minions. I have a good feeling about the newcomers though, but I am going to be cautious to say the least for the next couple of days. I suggest no watches by themselves for sometime and possibly relying on Ingrge to watch them, it'll give him something else to occupy his mind, especially if you ask him to do that as a personal favor to you K'Nara." The elf waits for the leader to say something.
Maloray Friday October 25th, 2002 4:51:45 PM
Maloray shrugs and grins at Ingrge, his teeth bright against his deeply tanned skin.
"Gods or no, my axe thirsts for their black blood," he says fiercely.
He follows the elf back to the camp.
(Lian speaks)
"Your words do not shame me, elf. There is no dishonor in the wearing of rabbit skin. Owls have long hunted rabbits."
He grins widely before answering the elf's other question.
"Drinker is not a dwarven axe, it was an Orc axe and now it is an Owl axe, taken from the cold fingers of an orc feathered with my arrows."
Tracing the etchings on the side of the blade, he adds thoughtfully
"It is a better tool in my hand than it was in his."
(Hearing Ingrge speak to K'nara)
"Who is Parnoth?"
Orson Friday October 25th, 2002 7:47:56 PM
As Lian pulls K'Nara and Milo to the side, Orson moves over to speak with Maloray. In a quiet tone, "So, this is the part where they decide on whether they are going to trust us or not, i think."
After a moment, he continues in a louder voice, "So Maloray, what are you doing out in a wretched place such as this?" Orson asks as he unslings his sword sheaths from his back, setting them on the ground. He then sits down beside them, and retrieves a waterskin from a sack hanging on his side. After talking a long draw, he holds it out toward the half-elf, wordlessly asking if hed like a drink.
Speaking aloud to the group as a whole "Was hoping for a little action tonight from the greenskins, only heard there they were here, but not in such numbers. Ingrge, is that right", he glances to the elf, assuring his pronunciation is correct, "Ingrge said you where sent here to scout...do you know why they gather in such numbers?, and what they are up too?"
Ingrge Friday October 25th, 2002 9:54:35 PM
Well, we had heard that they were catching wayward humans and the such and turning them into orc breeders, so we here to see if that was true or not, and if so to try and get them to change their minds, but then you know how rumors start.
Maloray d20=20 Saturday October 26th, 2002 12:28:19 AM
Maloray accepts the water skin from the human and sniffs at it cautiously.
(Sense Motive on Orson: 20)
If it seems alright, he'll take a drink and then fix the human with his gaze for a moment.
He gestures at his horse and says in a completely serious tone: "Howler smelled Orcs and this is where he brought me. Good horse, that one."
If anything in Orson's face reveals confusion or disbelief, Maloray will give a lowd guffaw before striding over to the horse and adjusting its load.
If not, Maloray lets the comment hang as if it's the gospel truth.
Orson Saturday October 26th, 2002 12:33:44 AM
Orson chuckles loudly, "Heh, that's me...Orc Breeder Extrordinare! Might take a lot of convincing to get me to make me hate them horrid greenskins." After a very short pause, "Ok, im convinced."
Answering K'Naras question, "Truthfully, I dont know much about what they are all doing here, I had just here rumors of bands of orcs in the area, so decided to take care of them. Got in pretty far before I realized how many there actually were, and then ran across the old man here....I just really hate orcs." When he says the last part, his voice fills with anger, and his face with the same sorrowful look he had when he first saw K'Nara. He coughs and clears his throught, taking another long drink for his waterskin.
[No posting limit, must abuse it while I can!!!]
Milo Saturday October 26th, 2002 3:02:35 PM
Milo listens to Lian, nodding, "I understand your concern, but the two of them hardly look like terrorists." Moving away from the huddle, Milo looks up at the sky, silently praying to Pantheon for wisdom and patience, and then moves back to Olana, where he stands by her side. Milo reaches out to give her hand a playful squeeze, and then considering the feelings of some of his other friends, lets go, following up with a quick wink.
K'Nara Saturday October 26th, 2002 6:56:29 PM
When Ingrge pointed out the Talons' mission to her, K'Nara suddenly grinned.
"Why, Ingrge Nightseer..!" she said teasingly. "You aren't seriously suggesting that we go by the semantic letter of what our most beloved and revered monarch has decreed, are you?" Her hazel eyes glowed, as though enjoying some secret joke. Before any questions could be asked about it, however, the female fighter continued to address the Talons' second-in-command:
"However, you ARE right--we can report our findings to the big Green Meanie with a clear conscience...it's just that I, myself, am curious as to what may have brought all these wastrels into this area and why. It's already adversely effected places like Fort Hospitality."
When Lian offered his own advice, the redhead nodded and replied in a voice meant for only the monk's ears: "Yes, I know...I'm not likely to hand over the keys to our weapons cache to them and go to sleep, Lian. But--I'll have a word with Ingrge about keeping a specially watchful eye on them." Which, at her first opportunity, K'Nara does.
It was Maloray's question that raised the warrior woman's eyebrows the most, though.
"WHO is Parnoth?" K'Nara echoed, having overheard the question. "Either you've been extremely sheltered all your life, Maloray, or you're jesting in some inexplicable way, because Parnoth is the big green dragon that my group and I promised to report to--he has declared himself the ruler of the Emerald Kingdom for the past few centuries and has been draining the life and love out of the forest that gives this land its name." K'Nara eyed the half-elf a bit suspiciously.
"However, I'd advise against direct opposition to the assembled orcs...at least not at this very moment." K'Nara addressed Orson. "There are far too many of them here...and I am still very, very suspicious about who or what drew them to this spot...and why."
(OOC: hmmm...how are the Talons supposed to report to Parnoth? I don't recall the almighty Green One giving the group any of his patented eavesdropping devices or magical item that allows them to do this in "real time"...therefor, the only way for the group to tell Parnoth of what's there is for them to turn around and go back to Emerald City to report in person, yes..?)
Maloray Saturday October 26th, 2002 8:36:27 PM
At K'Nara's comments, Maloray stretches and yawns.
"Never heard of him. So why doesn't somebody just slay the big lizard and be done with it?"
Maloray looks challengingly at the big woman, not realizing he's said something stupid.
DM KENT Saturday October 26th, 2002 10:22:44 PM
[OOC ROG, ALL COPACETIC TO ME]
INGRGE RAISES AN EYEBROW AT k'NARA'S COMMENT AND THEN LEANS OVER AND WHISPERS SOMETHING IN HER EAR ABOUT MOP HANDING HER A WRAPPED BUNDLE AS THEY LEFT AND THELLING HER SOMETHING ABOUT USING IT TO REPORT ONCE WE GOT TO WHERE WE WERE GOING.
SOMETHING VERY STRANGE IS GOING ON AT THE MOUNTAIN. IT SEEMS AS THEOUGH SOME SORT OF STORM IS BREWING. THE CLOUDS ABOVE THE ,MOUNTIAN ARE SWIRLING AND TURNING ALL KINDS OF PERTY COLORS. AND THERE ARE MANY LIGHTENING BOLTS SHOOTING UPWARD FROM THE MOUNTAIN.
Orson Saturday October 26th, 2002 10:44:02 PM
"Well as long as your going to deal with some orcs in one way or another, I wouldn't mind joining ya, at least for a while. Nice having other people around, and my arms won't get quite so tired if I don't have to handle all these orcs myself. Although i agree the head-on aproach might not be the brightest plan, even if you do have me."
"Not sure if I'd like working for Parnoth though, not really my ideal employer, but we can see how things go."
[Assuming they are in a fairly safe camping spot, if not, this will happen when they are in a safe place to camp :)] "Well im going to catch some shut eye, now that i got someone else to watch my back while i sleep. Pleasure meeting everyone, and if you need me to take a watch just wake me and let me know." Orson slides his chain shirt off, tossing it carelessly on the ground next to him. He slides a bedroll out of his large sack, and unrolls it near the chain shirt. He carefully places his sheathed swords on top of his armor, being quick gentle with them, them lyes down on the bed roll, using the remaining items within the large sack as a pillow.
He continues to listen to the groups conversations as he closes his eyes to try to get some sleep.
Maloray Saturday October 26th, 2002 11:55:28 PM
Maloray turns to check on his mustang and sees the commotion around the mountain.
Untying his long, wrapped bundle from the saddle (anybody who cares to look can tell it's a wrapped sword, probably a greatsword. The shape of the crossguard kind of gives it away), he gestures towards the scene.
"Looks like we might be in for some weather."
He walks over and sits on a nearby rock.
K'Nara Sunday October 27th, 2002 6:51:32 AM
After Ingrge reminded her about the wrapped bundle Parnoth's assistant Mop had handed over, the leader of the Talons nodded--she'd forgotten about it in all the strange events that effected her group since agreeing to come investigate what was happening in the Mount Bone vicinity.
"Why hasn't anyone..?" K'Nara began to echo Maloray's words, blinking in astonishment. Then a slow but very sincere grin spread across her face. Suddenly the half-elf found himself in a brief but tight hug--a sensation that was not unpleasant, for (while certainly not buxom) K'Nara's physique was that of a supple athlete with curves in all the right places.
"I love you, Maloray!" she said in a voice that expressed extreme approval of his question. The human bladesinger released the half-elf and continued: "It was the fact that Izen and their Dark Lord--whom we now know is the deity of disease, Marteaus--were eyeing the Emerald Kingdom as a land to be conquered that kept the Green One's head from gracing the trophy wall of dragonslayers...Parnoth has been crafty enough to exert just the right kind of influence to keep Izen's forces from invading the country, you see--as bad as Parnoth is for a ruler, Marteaus is infinitely worse."
K'Nara turned her attention to removing Mop's package from her backpack--and was reminded of the items she'd manage to get from the Catacombs while at Fort Hospitality.
"Here..." the warrior woman handed Olana some potion bottles, "...I got everyone a Light healing potion--and could you give these Moderate potions to Milo and Figment as well..?" (OOC: everyone in the Talons group gets one Cure Light Wounds potion--except the newcomers [for now]. Milo and Figment each get one Cure Moderate Wounds potion as well.)
The redhead then set about unwrapping Parnoth's "present" to the Talons, the sudden climatic disturbance causing her to glance at the mountain--and then unwrap faster.
Maloray Sunday October 27th, 2002 9:50:12 AM
As K'Nara grabs him for her bear hug, Maloray gives a high-pitched squawk of indignation. When she releases him, he turns away muttering under his breath, rearranging his various weapons and accoutrements and brushing himself off. But it's plain to all present that he's not really upset - his protestations are just a reaction to his stark surprise at her sudden affection.
When she begins talking again, he returns to his rock to listen.
After her explanation about Izen and Marteaus, Maloray nods slowly, still looking puzzled. There's something not quite right about it, but he can't put his finger on it.
Milo Sunday October 27th, 2002 1:10:03 PM
Milo speaks up, "Perhaps the forces arrayed before us are a planned invasion... which is why Parnoth, dumb as he is, wanted us to check this place out to begin with. The overgrown lizard is afraid that Marteus may be planning to attack the Emerald Kingdom." Milo thinks for a moment, "So how do we stop an impressively sized army of orcs? Who would help? Maybe Parnoth knows."
Figment Sunday October 27th, 2002 4:53:14 PM
The mage lands back at camp and introduces himself as a caster. He looks on as K'Nara opens the package. "I wonder what kind of present our 'liege' (said with sarcasm) has prepared for us...".
Figment Sunday October 27th, 2002 4:54:32 PM
OOC: Sorry folks, I have no dial tone in my new apartment and won't for another week. I'm afraid Figment will have to wonder around unless someone would care to post for him. Sorry.
Olana Sunday October 27th, 2002 5:06:53 PM
Olana's own grip tightens a little on Milo's hand briefly, then she remembers her manners and walks over to the two newcomers.
"Hi," says the elf with a pleasant smile. "My name is Olana. If you guys are hungry, you're welcome to share rations."
KENT Sunday October 27th, 2002 5:35:07 PM
[OOC David, I will post for figment if you want for the next few days.]
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