K'isst Wednesday June 25th, 2003 7:38:36 PM
A rustle of tree limbs shows a tall feminine figure somewhat camoflauged in a tree to anyone looking for such a thing. If not, then most may think it was probably a bird.
Peeking in through the window, and not sure how her presence here will be received, after all this time, she shyly continues to peek.
She whispers. "So many....."
Bill Troublefinder introduces family and friends Wednesday June 25th, 2003 8:29:00 PM
"Mama, you haven't gone to too much trouble, have you?" Bill asks, somewhat impishly, as he knows she is likely to tweak his cheek for such a cheeky question. She always works hard, and does not consider it trouble. Trouble is what happens when any of her children fail to hop to when she directs them to do something. He also knows that she knows that he knows that she works extra hard for special occasions. And birthdays on the tens are special occasions, such as Rombi is soon to have. In a few months, he'll be ten. Skirra celebrated her second ten a little over a year ago. And now Bill, himself, is about to complete his third ten.
"Papa, it is good to see you." Bill goes around the room, hugging, tousling hair, giving bookish Jenna a pinch on the bum - if she's not too quick to avoid it, and taking baby Biko from Laila's arms, giving his sister a quick kiss on the forehead as he holds the little halfling boy in his arms.
He hops up on a chair. "Everyone, this is my family. Family - these are my friends. All right, let's start by letting my friends know who is who.
Bill introduces his family members to the party
"Papa - you can call him Papa if you want, or Mister Troublefinder, or Mecko. I call him Papa, and he's a good storyteller, and one of the most patient men I know, to put up with all of us, and Mama, besides," he says with a wink. "Now my Mama - she was born Mona Steadyfoot - say, Mama, is uncle Yappa around? He's my uncle, Mama's older brother," he explains to his friends. "Well, nobody bakes a better blueberry pie than she does, and people who don't usually like mince pies - why, they fight for the last piece of her mince! Now, Papa is in charge outside, but here in the house, everybody'd better listen to Mama!"
"Okay - no, Rombi, I haven't forgotten you, and you don't go poking around to see what Arien's got in his belt pouches. That's not polite, kiddo. All right, out of order and everything - Rombi turns ten in just a few months. Rond - he reminds me of Merik, sometimes," he comments to his friend about the mischievous boy who lives just a couple miles from here.
"Now, Sirka, she's my oldest sister - just a couple years shy of me. And her husband, Banto there, our town's cartwright, robbed her from the cradle when she was only two tens old! That's twenty years." Then, with a touch of sadness, Bill adds, "Her twin, Dali, was attacked by orcs when we were young. That's when I decided I needed to learn how to deal with bad people, and defend the good ones."
He takes a breath, "Here's the good news, though. Banto and Sirka have twin boys, Sidro and Simon - six years old, right?" he asks. "And their daughter, Ilini," which he pronounces "ee-'lee-nee", "is two and a half. Hey, Sirka, I wrote a song for you!"
In a clear alto voice, Bill sings,
When I eat the pie the lemon pie, How the time just seems to fly. Hope no one will see that I Just ate the nice fresh lemon pie!
"Tamos - always pulling on the pipe, aren't you? - he grows good corn, and fine tobacco. Is Susanna coming over tomorrow?" he asks his brother, who is in his mid-twenties.
"Skirra - Skirra is our sweetheart. Best biscuit maker around, too," he says of his redhead, freckled sister who just passed out some tarts.
"Laila," Bill begins, and the cheeks of the honey blonde halfling next to the wall visibly flush pink, as attention is cast her direction, "is my favorite sixteen-year-old. She's taught me a lot about loyalty."
At that moment, the baby in his arms starts making little sounds. Bill holds him up ... and the baby spits something curdled and white on his waistcoat. Bill smiles. "Thanks, Biko. It's about time I got that cleaned, anyhow." With evident pride, he tells his friends, "This is my baby brother, Biko. He'll make an impression on the Wold, someday." He walks the baby over to Laila, for her to tend to Biko again.
He climbs back up on the chair, and spots his youngest sister breaking a small piece of crust off a pie. "Jenna - what's that book under your arm? Did you get the box of books I sent a few months back?" he asks a preadolescent girl. She turns and looks steadily at Bill, and his eyebrows raise a notch. "Oh. Oh! Well, we'll have to talk about that some more, later," he says, then adds, "Really?" It seems something is exchanged between them across the room, but just what it is would be hard to say.
Bill returns his attention to the tall ones in the room. "Okay, that's part of my family. Mama Mona, Papa Mecko, Sirka & Banto, and their little ones Sidro, Simon and Ilini, Tamos, Skirra, Laila, Jenna, Rombi & Biko. You'll have a chance to meet quite a bit of the rest of them tomorrow, at the party. Now, let me introduce you, my friends, to my family.
Bill introduces his friends to his family
"Okay, family, these are some of my friends. Some I've written you about are elsewhere. Sorry, Mama, but Hobbes decided to take off early. He has some pressing business back in Plateau City."
"How about alphabetical order? Or, no, let's go with the order I met them. So, Ronderiadshel, or, just Rond, well, I think most of you know he showed up here in Windhorn Hamlet a few years back. I'd seen him around a bit here and there, but it wasn't until Hiram Veril, from the chapel of Wardd, got me hooked up doing some work for him that I came across him in the line of duty, as it were. I'll tell you, I liked Rond from the first day I got to know him. There was kind of a bossy, rude priest in the group who thought he had the answers to everything. He killed a helpless man, then used up a lot of air boasting of what a brave and noble thing he had done. Well, I wasn't having it, and neither was Rond. He's one of the best friends a fellow can have, I'd say.
"Andraaxius Slowblade - Draax, for short, was also there in the early days. Now, he doesn't chatter away, usually, but you can tell there's a lot going on in his head. I trust him in battle, and I trust him in friendship. Sorry again about that sonic blast I gotcha with there, Draax, back in Floating City. We had a run-in with some local ruffians," he explains to his family. Then he adds, "Oh, remember that time we met in the pyramid? I'd been floating around as Greener, the gnome, and, after Draax realized it was me, he said, 'Please Bill, come down and join us so that we can take turns choking the life out of you for almost scaring the life out of us.'" Bill giggles.
"Arien also joined us early on. He's become quite the wizard. You should've seen him toss off fireballs against the white dragon like they were dirt clods. Wham! Blam! Boom! Foosh! The dragon got so peeved, he tried to squish poor Arien in his huge claws. As you all can see, though, Arien was not so squishable as that dragon hoped.
"Now Renik hooked up with us in Plateau City, at Chenna's Beer and Bath. I don't suppose I need to tell you too much about him - his reputation precedes him. And forewarned is forearmed, I say!" he says with a twinkle in his eye. Then, in a more serious vein, he adds, "Renik has quite some stories to tell from growing up. His father was a remarkable man. I see some of what we have learned of the father in his son."
"Feng is a noble paladin of the gods of the Wold. He likes to avoid violence, and likes peace. Tell you what, though, you decide you want to upset the peace? Well, Feng is a righteous peacemaker. Also, that white dragon? His axe bit so deep into it I thought he'd have trouble pulling it out. Feng is willing to put his life on the line, and I've seen him, in workin' to defend his friends, take blows - even from a giant! - that would've killed a lesser man. I think of him as Feng the Dependable. Mama, you be sure to save him some good pies.
"Now we just met good Tratain, here, over in the Scab. This nutty fellow was wandering around all by himself through the old dwarfs' tunnels, right next to the dragon's lair! He didn't happen to know there was a dragon's lair there, but, there you have it. A bold and intrepid adventurer. While I was over in one area, he went through a door, introduced himself to my friends, and, before you know it, there he was, battling with us against the dragon! He fought well, too. Tratain's a generous man, I can vouch for that."
He nods to Abram. "Abram here was in Plateau City. They say you can't judge a book by its cover. I would say the same thing about this good man. I will let him tell whatever of his story he wants to, himself, but I trust him, and want you all to make him, and all my friends here, feel at home." He smiles and adds, "As if you would know how to do anything else!"
[OOC: I'll try to have Bill respond to the rest of the characters from other games in his next posts. Thanks, all, for joining in! -Kim]
From the house, to the field of dreams - DM Ian Wednesday June 25th, 2003 8:34:48 PM
After a short time amidst the whirl of introductions, Mama Mona announces, "Okay everyone, it's just about time for the party! Can't be late!" With that she dives back into the crowd, pulling off her apron and organizing the halflings with a few quick, cheerful comments. Everyone seems to hop to, the seemingly chaotic swirl of people coalescing into groups moving food, herding children, and inviting the various guests to follow them 'just across the way' to the party itself. You are all swept along by the current of people.
A squad of children form up behind Rond to march with a happy tune, their little arms pumping in time with their song. Mama walks beside Renik bombarding him with a continual stream of questions about the places he's been. Papa Mecko brings up the rear with Bill, deep in conversation catching Bill up on recent happenings in the Hamlet.
The others and guests are by no means left alone. Laila takes an immediate liking to Flea, joking that finally someone else comes around who blushes like she does! Little Rombi bounces along beside Feng, saying, "Wow! What neat armor! I bet it must be heavy, but you have to stay safe, yeah, safe is good! I bet you hunt dragons and everything. Tell me, tell me please!" Jenna walks along beside Ashira, and asks with a smile about the man who gave her such a pretty wedding ring. Tratain and Draax are each handed another tart by the brightly smiling Skirra, and lead out into the road with her between holding their hands. Abram follows along behind the main mass, watching the people with a withdrawn look of deep memory. Luke and Yorrick initially cause a stir of concern, but that passes quickly. In fact, the children seem to delight in daring each other to run up from behind, pet the bear, and run away, each time Yorrick changes direction.
After only a short walk, the happy mob comes around a corner to find a field on the edge of the Hamlet has been filled with people. To each side a brightly colored striped pavilion, and at the end of the field a low stage of cut timber perhaps four feet high. In between in a loose arc are long wooden trestle tables of various heights to accommodate guests, and in the very center, a dance floor has been cleared, and marked out with lightly glowing crystalline stones.
All around is an incredible variety of food and drink, the bounty of the Hamlet's harvest all lit from above by softly glowing, cleverly carved crystals in the shape of animals hanging suspending from the boughs of nearby trees. To the right of the stage a group of musicians of various races have set up their instruments, and are tuning up. A male half elf sits holding a lyre besides a human male with a mandolin, comparing the tones from their strings, as a pair of halflings play a teasing little melody called "Harvest Reel" on squeezebox and a lustrous recorder, for a nearby dancing young couple. Completing the ensemble is a dwarf sitting before an assortment of drums of various metals, and a gnome polishing a crystalline flute shining in the light.
As the crowd carrying everyone along disperses to lay out food and seek something to drink, an older halfling steps onto the stage, and quiets down the assembly with raised hands.
"If ya haven't met me, I'm Yappa Steadyfoot, Bill's uncle, and emcee tonight for his party. You are all welcome here, so feel free to eat, drink, and make much merriment! Happy Birthday, my nephew!"
With that, you are all greeted with a cheer, and a host of raised cups to Bill. Looking around, the natives of Windhorn Hamlet find themselves surrounded by the people they have known their whole life. The visitors find themselves immersed in a sea of smiling and laughter, making them feel almost home.
On the left side of this gathering, a blue robed man rolls open a new entrance to the nearby pavilion, and ties the tent flap in place. He then turns to a pile of odd, darkish wood in the center of that end of the pavilion, and waves a fiery red wand over it thrice, whereupon the wood bursts into greenish flame. The adventurers assembled recognize the tell-tale shades of the Giggling Ghost transport system.
(OOC -- If any PC desires, they may use this to enter or exit the scene, with the other end of the transport being the GG.)
Valdor: Gold Dragons Thursday June 26th, 2003 2:05:05 AM
As soon as the gateway is opened, Valdor enters. His armor is shined up and the sun glints off the mithril armor brightly. His sword still stands over his left shoulder, but he doesn't have his baldrics of daggers, he second and third swords, nor his shield. He looks about for Bill, having little trouble from his 2-3 foot height advantage, walks over to him and picks the halfling up, giving him the 'gentlest' bearhug he can give. "Happy bithday, you old scoundrel!" he says. "I knew you'd have lots of pies and I couldn't miss the opportunity to tell you parents about you thrashing me in that tournament." He smiles brightly, then lets go, knowing Bill will be in high demand this day. He moves off to say hello to all of the Hamleteers that he knows, and meet the ones he doesn't. He then goes in search of Bill's parents....
Ashira of the Swords of Redemption Thursday June 26th, 2003 10:20:57 AM
Ashira smiles warmly at Jenna. "Oh, this old thing..." she winks as she plays with her ring "Actually, I got it off a pirate. You see, he stole my heart, but gave me this in return. Say, have YOU ever seen a pirate? 'Cause there just happens to be another one here at the party." Ashira points out Appolo to Jenna and lowers her voice conspiratorially. "Watch that one, he's been known to steal a heart or two."
Luke and Yurric(Ceil) Thursday June 26th, 2003 10:49:11 AM
Luke and Yurric stay next to Flea Boots. Both chuing on what ever anybody gives them, BUT keeps an eye on Flea. Growling everytime somebody kisses Flea.
Setanos of Windhorn Hamlet Thursday June 26th, 2003 1:01:41 PM
When the portal opens, Setanos steps through. He is wearing simple traveling clothes, and a silver shield pendant with an axe across it hangs from a chain around his neck. His shield is stowed, but his axe remains strapped to his side. Looking about the party, he relaxes slightly, and starts peering about the crowd, a rogueish smile on his face.
Tratain: Windhorn Hamlet Thursday June 26th, 2003 1:38:35 PM
Tratain follows all of the Halflings out to the pavilions where the party is being held. Feeling right at home in the Party. When Valdor introduces himself Tratain almost manages to keep his admiration in check, He manages to stammer "Hello Sir, it is an Honor to meet you, I hope one day to be able to do as much good for the Wold as you and your companions have."
Tratain mingles with the Crowd for a little while longer but a huge Grin appears on his face as he walks over to the newcomer.
He says "Setanos is that you? How have you been? Its been months since I have seen you, finally finished your training eh? Let me introduce you to my new companions, all good fellows."
Tratain then introduces Setanos to his companions, telling them that he and Setanos trained and adventured together for a while at the War Cathedral before he left for the Scab mountains.
Feng Thursday June 26th, 2003 3:23:37 PM
Feng heard somebody say something but didn't see where it came from, until he looked down. Feng smiled upon seeing the small halfling. It was a nice smile, as half-orcs go anyway.
"You get used to it. It was heavy at first but now it feels strange when I don't have it on. I got this armor from a dragons cave." Feng says to little Rombi pointing to the flying griffon engraving.
Renik Thursday June 26th, 2003 3:24:21 PM
The rogue shakes Setanos' hand warmly. "Grab a brew! Grab a pie! (they really are out of this Wold). Nice to meet a friend of Tratain's. So, are you a follower of Domi too?"
Renik nods politely to Valdor, but as usual feels a little intimidated by the great man's aura of power.
Tellin' Tales - Roast him! - DM Ian Thursday June 26th, 2003 7:33:10 PM
From the pavilion on the right comes a trio of human females bearing platters of sliced meats, adding them to heavily loaded tables of food.
Fresh baked bread and muffins surround sliced fruit, corn on the cob, and potatoes served both fried and mashed. Cheeses give a splash of color to one side, aged and delicate, while fruit filled baked tarts flank the other side of the display. A small table at the end even bears a selection of sugar candies, formed around lattices of string in the shapes of cavorting animals.
A table to itself is required for the pies. The families have apparently outdone themselves in friendly competition here, with an impressive variety laid out for sampling, from fruit, to mincemeat, to sweet potato and pecan. There are even some light mousses, gleaming in the soft light from above.
The left pavilion houses a bountiful selection of libations, from mulled cider, fruit juices, and such for the little ones, to some local wine, stout beer, and sparkling champagne for the adults. A group of pipe smoking elders of the Hamlet of various races have congregated here, enjoying the drinks fresh from the casks, and nodding politely to each new arrival stepping through the greenish fire on the other end of this hall-like pavilion.
(OOC: any PC may use this as an entrance or exit from this scene.)
Yappa takes the stage again to ragged cheer, and motions once more for quiet. After a few moments of people shifting to find seats and get a slice of pie or drink to work on, the party comes down in volume.
"Now, we all now how the birthday boy loves the stories," chuckles Yappa. "I have no idea where he came up with such a liking, I assure you," he says to a response of general laughter.
"So I'm thinking, how about we each take a turn here on the stage, and share a story of Bill! And none of you have to be shy,... I'm sure the visitors and those of us who live here have only half the story each!"
Yappa's comments are greeted by a round of chuckles, and a hubbub of conversation as the various groups scattered around the green begin to remember the past, and encourage each other to go up and "roast" Bill.
Yappa announces, "So who will be first!", and scans out over the crowd for a volunteer.
Appolo d20+11=15 Friday June 27th, 2003 2:57:41 AM
Appolo is thoroughly enjoying himself dancing eating and drinking when Valdor arrives.Seeing Valdor,Appolo excuse himself and tries to sneak up on him. He taps him on the shoulder. "Hello my friend glad to see you could make it." he says with a big smile.
Move silently 15
Bill Troublefinder, making the rounds d20+18=29 Friday June 27th, 2003 5:24:28 AM
Bill makes the rounds, greeting the various friends and family and community members. Without going into detail about his interactions with many of the latter, here is what he has to say to some of those adventurers who have shown up so far.
Lian Siannodel, of the Emerald Talons "Lian, here, have one of Shirra's biscuits. Take a few extra - they travel well for at least a few days, and fresh like now - you'll not easily find any better. How's Milo Thistledown doing? I haven't seen him for a while. You hear anything from Legs of Aisildur?"
Appolo & Ashira Van Palin of the Swords of Redemption "Appolo - you rapscallion! Glad you made it! Say, have ... oh! Ashira, you're here too! So, is Rigging nearby? Or is he holding down the fort somewhere? I'd love to see him sometime. I can see that marriage is treating you well. But, to be fair, I should have a look at Mr. Von Palin, to see if all things are equal in that respect," he teases the tall greenish-gray aquatic half-elf.
"Well, Appolo, how is Valanthe faring? Next time you see her, tell her I said hello. I trust her headaches are a thing of the past. At least, I hope so, sincerely," he tells the party-friendly rogue.
Flea, Luke & Yorrick "Hey, Luke, you diligent cleaner of tavern floors, you, where's Sly? He off eating cookies somewhere?" He grabs a plate of mincemeat, and sets a slice down for Sly Foxx's loyal war dog. He then looks way up. "Oh. You are a bear, aren't you?" Perceiving the bear to be somewhat tame, he asks, "So, who belongs to you, Mister Bear? Here, have the rest of the pie." He sets out the pie in a spot convenient for Yorrick, taking care in the vicinity of the bear, gauging his responses.
Then, as Flea the gnome greets Bill the halfling, and so warmly, hers is not the only face that flushes. "Th-thank you. Flea? Oh, yes, I remember seeing you in the Giggling Ghost for the debates." [Autohypnosis, DC 29 to recall Flea's countenance.] He adds, "I only wish we had more time to discuss such matters, as there were - there are - so many interesting things to consider." He thanks her for the scroll. "I shall take the time to read it - when there are fewer folk about," he laughs. "Gelatinous cube, you say? Sounds intriguing. Stick around, Flea - my family and friends are fun to get to know. AND, wait just a bit later - you shan't go away empty handed, I promise!"
The halfling gives the gnome's hand a friendly squeeze, then excuses himself to answer a question of his young cousin, Lindbo Pastna, who tugs on his waistcoat. "Yes, yes, tell your mother that now is a good time for the bread surprises. No, Lindbo, I can't promise to climb the tree with you tomorrow, but that sure sounds like fun. Now, now, don't frown. Let's see how things work out. Run along and tell your mama."
Renik "Telling my sister, Renik? Oh, the truth, nothing but the truth, so help me," he answers Renik, raising his right hand, with mock-serious countenance.
K'isst It is just about that time that he sees a familiar face peering in through one of the windows. There is a sharp intake of breath, and Bill darts out, nimble and quick, and squeezes past those gathered at the open door.
"K'isst!" he almost shouts. "You've come! Oh, remember when I invited you long ago to come meet my family? Well, come inside." He takes her hand, and drags her in. "Mama. Papa? Mama! Let me introduce you to K'isst. K'isst, this is my Mama. Her name is Mona, and she's fixed you something special, just in case you could come."
Mona Troublefinder smiles up at K'isst. She holds up a finger, then goes to open a cabinet door. She pulls out something wrapped in a fine cloth. In the troglodytish-elven tongue of the nearby tribe to which K'isst belongs, she says, with not too bad an accent, "Lo'isht bi'ifo ksaq laamp itkoka'a," which K'isst recognizes as one of the friendly blessings of her tribe, 'May you find tasty fish in dark cavern pool,' although 'tasty' does not do justice to the nuanced word of K'isst's native tongue.
The unmistakable smell from special occasions from K'isst's youth of La'a-ilula, a blending of the tasty fish from the underground pools of the troglodytes, mixed with special herbs and spices which her long-ago and great great great grandmother, a full-blooded elf, introduced to her tribe. The sweet and tart and meaty dish was prepared only once a year, in honor of the time that her elf ancestor joined with her tribe.
"Bill told me of your tribe, and Tamos and his sweetheart, Susanna, met with them, and later Mecko and I were introduced." She clucks her tongue. "They are wonderful people, K'isst. We are so ... well, I'm just glad you're here, honey. Make yourself at home. You'll have to -- No, put it over there, Stella, next to the bread. Not that bread - the, yes, there." She looks back up at K'isst. "Darling, I'm sorry. I have to take care of something here. Let's talk in a bit, all right?"
Valdor "Hey, big guy!" Bill's muffled voice laughs as Valdor envelopes him in a bearhug. As he comes up for air, Bill looks with delight on Valdor, the Dragonstone. "Thrashing you? Well, gumming you up a bit, maybe. But you and Gareth were the ones who thrashed me, I'd say. Not that I didn't manage to slow you down a bit." The halfling laughs again. Then, more seriously, he asks, "How do things fare with you and yours?"
Setanos of Windhorn Hamlet Seeing the fellow with axe at his hip, Bill says, "Welcome, friend! Enjoy the food."
[OOC: Since Setanos is from Windhorn Hamlet, perhaps you can tell us a little more about him. I'd be surprised if Bill did not know him, since they're from the same town. -Kim]
Bill Troublefinder makes at least one disavowal Friday June 27th, 2003 5:37:06 AM
When his uncle, Yappa, suggests that those gathered tell stories on him, Bill stands and says, so as to forestall a certain criticism, "No, I was NOT the one who put a cup full of red ants in Aunt Lydia's gorseberry pie that time. That would be ... well, I'd better not say." He sits down, now that that point, at least partially, is cleared up.
Vauhwyt Friday June 27th, 2003 9:43:53 AM
A slim liontaur emerges from the magical green flames. She moves very slowly and carefully, so as not to (A) step on anybody, and (B) not frighten anybody. Her smile also communicates friendliness.
She sits on the grass at the edge of the festivities, just taking it all in. If she meets Bill, she'll wish him a most happy birthday, and she'll mention that the tapestry adventure they went on was the high point of her adventuring career.
Gilan of The Sargrass Plains Friday June 27th, 2003 1:40:01 PM
A young druid steps through the fires of the portal and looks around at all the poeple. Giving a quick set of buzzes to his wasps, telling them to behave, he steps off into the crowd.
It is only with a little bit of looking that he spots Flea and makes his way over. "You have not seen Bill Troublefinder have you...I have this little set of animals for him." He pulls out a bit of cloth and dumps out the forms of several little wooden animals. "Took me some time to do with a wood shape spell...turned out pretty well I think."
With a last look around he smiles some, as he thinks of the last time he has been in a crowd this big.
Setanos Friday June 27th, 2003 1:47:34 PM
Setanos follows Tratain around and greets everyone he is introduced to, smiling and laughing heartily.
Setanos raises his hand at Bill's greeting, wishing him a happy birthday, and responding with a grin and a bellowful 'No fear, I shall!'.
[OOC: You might remember him as a bear of a man, fond of good drinks, hearty laughs and general rough housing, but with a spark in his eyes that tells you he's no stranger to more learned things. About two years ago or so, he left to train at the War Cathedral, and this is the first you've likely seen of him since then.
Appolo Friday June 27th, 2003 2:44:30 PM
Appolo shakes Bills hand and slaps on the back"Here you my friend.I hear you old guys need help walking from time to time." he says with merry smile as he hands Bill a finely crafted walking stick, with a silver gnomes head on top."Happy Birthday!!" He then turns back to Valdor.
Borbo Pastna Friday June 27th, 2003 3:45:02 PM
A halfling sporting a magnificent potbelly and dressed in a fine green overcoat and bright yellow breeches enters the room and looks about.
He sees Bill and calls out, "Bill! Bill Troublefinder, I hear it's your birthday. I knew there'd be pies, so I decided to come. I do hope you have cherry... and gooseberry, and lemon meringue, and chocolate, and... Oh, have I missed the roasting?"
He grins impishly and waves at his cousin.
Rond Friday June 27th, 2003 6:19:23 PM
Look around the assemblege of people as they continue to grow, Rond begins to wonder what Bill does in his spare time.
When Rond sees K'isst his face lights up in a smile. Hoping that she is doing well, Rond keeps is distance to allow Bill and K'isst some time to talk.
More speeches, and presents! - DM Ian Saturday June 28th, 2003 3:16:55 AM
The air of revelry continues, with long time friends coming up on stage to share remembrances of Bill's childhood, and many images of an impish, curious youth. Of course, no one could be exaggerating... The townsfolk continue sharing their memories of Bill, and encouraging the party to do the same, to the accompaniment of laughter and song.
The musicians start up off to the right by the stage, and play an improvised melody around an old Woldian folk tune, with a few of the townsfolk detaching themselves from the merriment to come dance, punctuating the melody with claps. A grinning young halfling male even comes through the crowd to ask Flea for the honor of a dance.
At the roar of a particularly funny story, a portion of the lights above drop from their hanging perches, and float as feathers might down over the crowd. Drifting downward, the crystalline shapes sparkle and shine, until they swirl to a rest before the various guests to the party, coming to rest on a table, or on the back of a hand, or perched on a shoulder.
Examinging these figures, the guests find them incricately carved, no more than an inch in any dimension. They are lit by a mild silverish light from within, perhaps just enough to read by on the night of a new moon. The worksmanship, however, is breathtaking, and the form of the work seems to match the person they come to rest before. Each has a loop or hole in its shape that would allow it to be worn as an earring, or upon a necklace.
For Ashira, a delicate little ship. For Setanos, a miniature curved shield. For Flea, a spiral surfaced mug with the symbol of fork and knife upon the side. For Valdor, a sinuous dragon coiled upon itself. For Tratain, a hammer with the unbelievably intricate symbol of Domi. For Feng, a rearing warhorse, its hooves catching the light. For Appollo, an ominuously grinning shark, with rows of teeth revealed. For Gilan, a wasp in flight, its wings lovingly detailed. For Vauhwyt, a pair of scales hanging balanced from a single chain. For Renik, a darker variant of the crystal in the shape of a wolf, in mid run. For Draax, a trio of knives fanning out and upwards from their stacked points below. For Yorrick, a wide shouldered bear with its paws crossed before it. For Rond, a single, swordlike blade hanging point down in a nimbus of carved crystalline flame. For K'isst, a single elven rune formed of graceful curves, its meaning not discernable in the fraction of a second before it glides to a stop in the palm of her hand.
As the last of these figures fall, Yappa comes through the crowd, stopping before Bill.
"Come on, birthday boy, we need a speech from ya!", and with that, begins urging Bill towards the stage.
Appolo Saturday June 28th, 2003 6:23:37 PM
Appolo takes the figurine looks at then places it in his pocket. He then walks over to Bill"Happy birthday my friend hope you enjoy the walking stick.It's been a realpleasure meeting your family. I got to go now.See you later and good luck." With that Appolo steps through the fire back to the Gigling Ghost.
Valdor Sunday June 29th, 2003 2:33:59 AM
(Sorry, Appolo, I haven't been able to post for a couple of days.)
Valdor jumps as Appolo sneaks up on him. Spinning and reaching for....he sees Appolo and grins back. "Man am I getting jumpy in my old age! You almost gave me a heart attack. It is good to see you as well, my friend. Been practicing on those dagger throws? I'd reckon it's almost time to take another shot at the title, and we won't be so easy on them this time. You take care and I'll see you soon. We may be coming to your country soon for a visit. If we so, I'll make sure we look you guys up." As Appolo walks off, Valdor smiles, remembering when he was that young.....oh well, there's a party to enjoy, he thinks to himself as he sees the amazing and beautiful display unfold around him. When the crystal dragon earring floats down, he steadily holds his hand out and lets it land on his palm. He admires the workmanship, then decides to add this one just above his other, Gold Dragon earring, popping it right through his ear where no hole was before. He grimaces for a second, then looks around for who created such a masterpiece.
Appolo To Valdor Sunday June 29th, 2003 4:15:12 AM
OOC:No problem.This takes place before Appolo says goodbye and leaves.
Appolo givesValdor a hardy handshake"man you are getting jumpy.So how are things going for you and the rest of the Gold Dragons " He says witha smile."Yeah been practicing allright.but is you go to Aisildur don't expect to find us there and don't expect a warm,friendly welcome either. G'aal is stronger then ever now,he's gone Wold wide and broken containment. He even has halflings and elves as priests now, so may I suggest you aviod Aisildur unless you plan to bring an army.If you wish to find us look up the Pirates of Jack and the Sword of the Seas that's my ship and home.You need to show up at theGiggling Ghost sometime,I would like to talk to you about a few things."
Renik Sunday June 29th, 2003 3:35:02 PM
"Speech?" calls Renik in cheerful, cheeky reply to Yappa. "Well, OK, but only if I can have a chair, a plate of pie and a bottle of red! Bill's speeches have a habit of lasting an entire evening! You might want to think about providing bedding and breakfast if he decides it's going to be a long one!"
And he raises his glass in a salute to Bill, with a friendly wink.
Olana Sunday June 29th, 2003 4:17:46 PM
The elven Olana enters in a rush, glad to see the party is still going on and she hasn't missed it.
At one point she'll find Bill, and give him a hug. "Happy Birthday!"
She finds a seat quickly as someone says something about a speech.
Flea Sunday June 29th, 2003 9:02:49 PM
Flea rushes over to Luke and Yorrick, and has a quick word with them. "Now furry fellows, you must be on your best behaviour! If you can not be good, we will have to leave." She senses the irresistable draw that Yorrick poses to the halfling youngsters and has a special word for the large bear. "These little guys think of you as a big toy. Please be very gentle." Flea relaxes a little, when Luke curls up in a kidney shape, his warm glowing eyes taking in the action, as the tiny members of Bill's family crawl over the gentle bear, who has rolled over on his back, allowing the children to climb over him, and snuggle in the soft fur of his great chest.
The gnome enjoys the female companionship of Laila, and asks her how she gets her honey blonde hair so shiney, as she reaches up to touch her own hair, now dry and bleached straw coloured from the intense sun of the Plains. She points to the well groomed half-orc, Feng, trailed by Rombi, and whispers to Laila "He's kind of cute, don't you think?" Before Laila can answer, Flea is whisked away in a dance, by a handsome young relation of Bill's. At the end of the dance, she finds herself by the refreshment table.
Pouring herself a glass of the local wine, she looks up at the unexpected voice of her pack-mate from the Plains, Gilan. "These are quite remarkable!" she says as she admires the animal figurines he has crafted. "You are so kind" she adds, as she reaches back and gently touches the blue ribbon binding her hair. Just then, little chrystal shapes start to fall from the sky...
Tratain Sunday June 29th, 2003 10:35:49 PM
Tratain Stares in wonder at the little crystal hammer he recieved, He says aloud not even realizing it "This has to be some of the most beautiful craftmanship i have ever seen" Tratain chooses to wear his small gift as an earing and finishes putting it on his ear just as Yappa calls for Bill to make his speach, he finds a chair to listen to what Bill has to say.
Draax Sunday June 29th, 2003 10:38:46 PM
Draax greets Setanos in-between bites of his pie. "Well met and welcome back to the hamlet. I guess your timing could not be more perfect, Bill's party and free food. Who could want a better homecoming?"
At the mention of Bill making a speech, Draax goes over and grabs himself another pie. He finds a nice comfortable spot among some of the halfling children. Draax cuts slices in the pie and shares it with the children while waiting for the birthday boy to start.
Feng Sunday June 29th, 2003 11:02:05 PM
This was an unexpected event. He never actually expected to get something, but he had to be honest. Birthdays were never celebrated much growing up. He would have to thank his little friend later.
Setanos Monday June 30th, 2003 7:04:10 AM
Setanos grins at Draax and nods in agreement, enjoying his own piece of pie, and raising it in a strange form of a toast.
He takes the crystal sheild in wonderment, turning it about in his hand, and thinking. He breaks out of his daze when Yappa calls for the speach, and waits for Bill
Ashira Monday June 30th, 2003 9:12:55 AM
The half-elf beams at the ship, and removing some cloth from her back pack, wraps it carefully and places it gently in her back pack. She was amazed at the party and the place...apparently so taken aback that she completely missed Bill coming by and saying hello. She makes a mental note to stop by when things slow down and chat with the little fellow. Spotting Vauhwyt enter, Ashira heads her way, suddenly lonely after the departure of Appolo. "Hey, Vauhwyt...how are you doing? You're looking well."
Gilan Monday June 30th, 2003 11:58:51 AM
Blushing at Flea's words he gently wraps the carvings up. "Well you know...you have been bothering me for my ribbon for as long as I have known you." With a look of pleasure on his face he gestures with the bag. "Most have not seen animals from The Plains, so I made these using wood shape. They don't have a lot of detail...but it is a gift from the heart."
His eyes widen as the little wasp floats down to him. With trembling hands he catches the little thing in his palms. Gently he examines it and quickly finds that it is more durable than it appears. "A birthday were the guests get something.....how unusual." Taking the time he gently slips the wasp onto the chain of his necklace. Dipping out a glass of punch he takes a sip and then looks back to Flea. "Want a glass?" If she does then he will fill and hand her a glass. "Do you feel comfortable among all these people..." He blushes again and takes another sip from his glass. "Guess living my life on the Plains has....left me feeling funny in large crowds."
With the announcement of a speech by Bill he turns to listen to what the man has to say. When Bill is done with the speech he will go to find him...to give him this gift and to thank him for his.
Vauhwyt Monday June 30th, 2003 4:45:13 PM
The liontaur with the long auburn mane laughs in delight as the crystal presents float down through the air.
She holds her pair of scales in the palm of her hand, and just stares in wonder. "This is so perfect!" she says out loud. "Wow." She looks at the scales and sees how the colorful embroidery on her neat white shirt looks through the glowing crystalline shape.
She turns when she hears Ashira's voice, and her smile becomes even broader. "Ashira!" she says, "It is so good to see you. Now I am doubly glad I came to Bill's party."
Her voice drops to a whisper, "I was afraid I wouldn't know anybody."
She offers her crystal gift to Ashira to look at, and compliments Ashira's ship if she shows it to her. In response to Ashira's compliment, she replies that Ashira looks marvelous too.
"Bill is such a sweet person! I'm very glad to have met him. It is a lesson to me that not all the smaller races are foul and contemptable." (A shadow crosses her face as she recalls her childhood spent as a slave to a goblin tribe. But looking around at the party, such dark thoughts do not linger in her mind.)
"No, Bill and his family and friends are all just wonderful! I hope he comes over to say hi!"
A shy speaker, and Yappa - DM Ian Monday June 30th, 2003 10:29:06 PM
(This begins the last day of posting for the party. Thanks for coming, and feel free to either have your character go out through the fire, or remain at the party as the 'camera' shifts elsewhere.)
Yappa chuckles and goes looking through the crowd for Bill, hauling him back up towards the stage.
"The night is getting late, I know, and you are welcome to stay and enjoy the clearing as you like. The portal back to the Giggling Ghost will remain until shortly after dawn. Hope you've all enjoyed the food, gifts, drink, and company."
"Come'on my boy. Up on the stage for ya."
Flea Tuesday July 1st, 2003 1:14:41 AM
Flea collects the tiny translucent mug, and plays with it. She fits it over her baby finger, then pops it into a little pouch hanging from her belt.
She searches for Luke and Yorrick when Yappa announces the end of the festivities. Finding the dog and bear curled up and sleeping, with a half dozen snoozing halfling children draped over and around them, the gnome decides to stick around and help with the cleaning up.
Flea stifles a yawn as she admires the great mound of clean dishes sparkling in the torch light. She picks up her pack, calls gently to Luke and Yorrick and heads through the portal just as the sun sends small rosy fingers into the early morning darkness.
Valdor Tuesday July 1st, 2003 1:20:14 AM
Valdor shakes Appolo's hand and replies,"I'll be there soon."
He heads over to the pie table and finds a small piece, not much on sweets, but he sure doesn't want to be rude.
He then makes his way around, shaking hands with fellow adventurers, chatting and such, until he finally heads over to Bill one last time.
He pats the halfling on the top of the head and says,"My word, your family can throw a party. Happy birthday, my friend, and may you and yours see many, many more. Tell your parents thank you and that the pie was delicious." He waves farewell and heads back through the flames.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday July 1st, 2003 11:28:49 AM Reunion Happy he is to see so many friends. But when Borbo Pastna shows his face, the normally garrulous Bill is rendered momentarily speechless.
He stutters. He stammers. He blinks his eyes, and rubs them to clear up his vision. "B-B-Borbo? B-B-B-But you - you...? His voice trails off. He then launches himself at his cousin, wrapping him in a bear hug. His eyes stream tears, and he sobs for joy, for sorrow, for a forlorn desire until this instant unrealized. He releases his pot-bellied cousin, laughs as the tears stream unabashedly down his cheeks.
"You are back! You rascal, you, Gargul let you come back! Praise the Maker!" He gives Borbo a punch in the arm, and then says, "You don't disappear on me, now, cuz. We have a LOT of catching up to do. Have you seen your statue? Oh - look, there's some berry there on the side of your mouth. No, the left side. Yeah." He beams at his cousin, his old play mate, his comrade in arms, his friend. Just then, someone else beckons his attention. "Borbo!" he says with a chuckle, then heads over to talk with the next person.
- Bill takes the time to greet each of the other guests, thanking them for coming, and urging them to eat more pie.
Then, as Yappa brings him forward, he looks out upon his family, neighbors, and friends.
His eyes scan the crowd, lingering here and there for a moment.
He opens his mouth to speak. "Uh, I don't know what to say." Then then steps down.
As the crowd responds, he hurries back up. "Oh - I just thought of something."
And his speech begins...
Bill T - will post speech later - sorry - no time Tuesday July 1st, 2003 11:31:55 AM
Kim here - Folks, thank you for your patience. I have to run - but will have Bill give his speech when I'm off work this evening. I won't drown you in details, but I've had no time and hardly any access to the internet for a few days, here. Don't worry though - in the words of the indicted, "It's all good."
Gilan of the Sargrass Plains Tuesday July 1st, 2003 12:51:38 PM
Gilan makes his way around the party, going off of a discription that he was given to find Bill. When he finds him he approaches a little slowly. "Errr...Bill...I have this for your birthday." He hands him the leather bag with the wood shaped carvings in it. "Carvings of animals from the plains sir...made with my own magic so I hope you like them." With a bow of respect he looks around the room with a smile. "Lovely party and thanks for the wasp, she is truely beautiful." He takes the time to shake his hand and then easily disappears into the crowd.
At the announcement of the end of the party he decides to hang around and help cleanup. It is the least he can do after the gift he was given...it just did not seem right otherwise. After helping he makes his way to the fireplace and enters, to disappear and reappear in the Giggling Ghost.
Setanos Tuesday July 1st, 2003 2:55:50 PM
Watching the interaction between Bill and Borbo, Setanos smiles inwardly, knowing the feeling of finding a comrade long thought lost.
He continues to examine the precious crystal gift he was given, and enjoy the fine food and spirits, taking time to catch up with Tratain on all thats happened since they last spoke.
When Bill gives his speach, Setanos listens, throwing in a hearty 'Here here' now and then.
Ashira Tuesday July 1st, 2003 10:13:16 PM
The half-elf smiles warmly at Vauhwyt and shows her her figure. She then carefully wraps it and puts it back in her backpack. "Yes, Bill is a wonderful hobbit. I only wish I'd been able to go on more adventures with him...but there is always more adventure to be had in the future." Ashira winks at the large liontaur, and chuckles at her comment about the "smaller" races, figuring that she probably fits in that category by comparison with Vauhwyt. As the party begins to break up, Ashira leads Vauhwyt over to Bill (after his speech, of course) and wishes him a very happy birthday. "I hope that your 30th birthday was better than mine...actually, I don't remember it...boy, it must have been bad. Anyway, I wanted you to have this as a gift." Ashira hands the halfling a small vial of holy water. "Umm...I'm a little low on funds, so I made this for you. Actually, come to think of it, I hope you never have to use it." Ashira chuckles at the irony of her gift. After giving her gift, Ashira chats a little while with the party goers, and then heads toward the fireplaces. Waving to Vauhwyt, she says "I'll see you back in the tapestry." and quickly disappears from view.
Bill Troublefinder's third ten's birthday speech Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 2:18:07 AM
The diminutive adventurer finally gets to his speech.
"I was born here in Windhorn Hamlet. Just as most of you were. Some of us played together, growing up. Skipped rocks on the pond, and the flat parts of the stream. Picked the small sweet strawberries in the early summer from the edge of the woods.
"Some of you reported in to my papa or mama certain pranks you may have thought I committed. Well, sure, a bunch of 'em I may have had certain acquaintance with," he says mischievously. Then, sincerely, he adds, "I'm still really sorry about your prize daffodils, missus Harrentof." He projects genuine repentance for that long ago adolescent deed. Then, turning his attention elsewhere, he says with a twinkle in his eye, "I am grateful that my cousin Borbo is here to accept full responsibility for the crumb cake caper.
"But you, my friends and neighbors, helped me, helped us, learn about what is right, and what is wrong. Through the goodness of many of you, many virtues were caught by my friends and siblings. Through the badness of a few, we saw that the temporary advantages of evil are outweighed by the eventual consequences to the evildoer.
"We learned that we need to watch out for each other. To help each other. And, if someone were getting a bit full of himself, to help bring 'im down a notch or too. Lessons in humility, you might call 'em. The ability to laugh at oneself.
"We learned courage, when the men and not a few of the women helped defeat and drive off the orcs that tried to take advantage of us some years back. We lost a few that day, including widow Willowby's husband, Talko, the best brewer of honeymead in our town; Stepan Palto, who helped work the mines near the Scab in the summers; Binko Footfall, who was just a lad, like my own dear brother whom we also lost on that dark day." Bill looks down at the ground for a moment, remembering the time.
Then, slowly, he raised his eyes to look at the crowd. "That was the day I decided to learn to overcome evil, so that good people might live in peace, and receive support and defense during times of unrest. I decided to become an adventurer.
"Papa, Mama - without you, I would not be here today. Obvious that is, yes, in some ways. But watching you through my short years, I saw how you worked together, loved each other, kept my brothers & sisters & me from trying to play one off the other. Ooh! THAT was a mistake!" he says, rubbing his bottom as if to relieve a pain recalled. He laughs.
"Now you all know that I could go on for a l-o-n-g time, just talking about this and that. But don't worry - this should not be more than three hours," he says, knowing that some will chuckle, and some will groan.
"My friends and I have been out and about in the Wold for these past three years. Solving problems, foiling the bad guys - none of us can forget what the dastardly Sons of Dread attempted to do with Mengor's remains!" he says of the plot to destroy their beloved hamlet.
"What is the Wold? It is a wide place, filled with wonders, filled with amazing things waiting to be discovered. I trust that some of you youngin's will want to get out and look around someday. I'll tell you what: The best preparation for getting along in the Wold, is learning to get along here in Windhorn Hamlet.
"Now - well I was going to mention a name, but won't embarrass you full on. However, there are two hobbits here who were friends for ages. One of you accidentally, and thoughtlessly, hurt the other. So, boy - and you know who you are - I want you to forgive your friend. He didn't mean to hurt you, and he has apologized for it many times.
"I've learned that you hold on to bitterness, and it'll poison you, from the inside out. Don't do it. Forgive folks, and give 'em the benefit of the doubt. Boy - forgive me, even, for bringing this up here. I only do it because the intercession of others has not yet borne fruit. You restore your friendship, and someday, you'll live to be thankful for it.
"The Wold is a place filled with friends. There are good people out there - and it has been my good pleasure to get to know some of them." And here Bill mentions the names of each of the adventurers who has come to the birthday party, and honors them with a word or two about who they are and what they have done. He also points out a few other folk, not adventurers, but people he has met outside of Windhorn Hamlet, who are here tonight.
"The Wold has its share, too, of folks and critters that aren't so nice. It's the role of some of the people here to help keep them in check. And, THAT can make for some interesting stories, let me tell you!
"Well, I can't use up all the time here that would better be spent singing and dancing, and swapping tales with each other.
"There are some things I need to take care of, now that I have reached my third tens." He appears about to add something, but checks himself. "Well, I'll not go into detail now." A slow smile appears on his face. "You know it's not polite to spoil a surprise!"
"Uncle Yappa - Thank you for ... for all you taught me. Without your steady counsel, I would be a different Bill Troublefinder."
"Oh, let me show you a trick I learned, friends." Bill pulls from his pocket a flash pellet and a thunderstone. To those closest to him, he whispers, "Cover your ears!" He casts them down to the ground before him, causing a flash and a boom. As they leave his hand, Bill dimension doors up into the nearby oak, near the top of the branches.
From there, his voice pipes out, "Happy day, friends! It's time to dance!" He waves down at his friends, and giggles in the tree.
And a good night - Dm Ian Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 2:28:41 AM
(My apologies for the lateness of the post. Starting tomorrow I will slowly start to post earlier each day to get back on track.)
As the partyers go their separate directions, Rond, Arien, Feng, Bill, Tratain, Draax, and Renik are approached by Laila, who offers to guide the group to warm beds in the Hearthfire Inn. As Tratain and Setanos are busy recounting old times when the offer is made, a room and an offer for breakfast is also extended to Setanos to enjoy the hospitality of the Hamlet. Before you all go to sleep, you each pass Abram in the common room of the Hearthfire gazing in to the banked coals in the fireplace, lost in memory. However, some of the weight seems to have gone out of his face, replaced instead with a look of sadness.
When you wake up in the morning after a good rest, only a few villagers are in the Hearthfire, and the innkeep has arranged a light breakfast for you, with pastries and warmed cider complimented by biscuits and gravy. Waiting for you, as bright and chipper as the night before, is Yappa Steadyfoot.
"Bill's mom and da will be along shortly, but I thought I'd greet you all, and make sure something was said. We of the Hamlet appreciate you all, every day you put your lives on the line to make the Wold a better place, and every night you sit watch keeping our friends and family alive."
At that, Momma Mona, and Papa Mecko come walking into the Hearthfire, and join you at the table.
Papa says, "So, before you get back on the road, is there anything we can help with? I know Bill had said at the party he had something to say. Just wanted to check with the rest of you as well."
OOC posting: DM Ian Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 8:09:26 PM
(Ok, hopefully the lack of postings is due to my posting yesterday at an odd time. I will post tomorrow at or around noon pacific time, unless you guys would prefer another time, and do the last post in this scene before heading out on the road for more adventure. If anyone is having a problem with permissions to post, please let me know at ianhess@hotmail.com. I will erase this post after tomorrow's posting.)
Draax Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 10:10:33 PM
Draax eats another helping of pie as he listens to Bill address the gathering. He smiles, laughs, and nods his head at the appropriate moments of Bill's speech. His eyes gets that distance look as he reflects about the Son of Dreads attempt to use Mengor' corpse. He sits contently until he notices the thunderstone in Bill's hand. A look of panic comes across the half-elf's face as he drops his pie in an attempt to cover his ears quickly.
Draax laughs as he spots Bill in the tree, but his laughter is more at himself than at the halfling as he stand there with himself half covered with pie. He bids everyone goodnight at the end of the party and collapse into the bed when he is in the room.
Waking up early Draax goes for a run trying to work off some of the treats that he had eaten the night before. After the run he goes through a few forms with his sword, making sure he works up a good sweat before taking himself a quick swim. When he returns to the inn he is refreshed and ready for breakfast.
At breakfast Draax starts to tell Yappa that there is no need to thank them, but he hold his tongue. Instead he thanks Yappa for the kind words.
The half-elf takes a moment to think of anything to say to ma and pa Troublefinder, but cannot think of anything. "All I would like to say is thank you for inviting me into you home and letting me celebrate the birthday with your family and friends, I had a great time. I will probably think of many things to say once we are miles away, but all I can think of now is thanks."
Feng Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 10:21:08 PM
"I would also like to give my thanks. All I can say is that last night was a new expierence for me. A very pleasant one." The half-orc leaves it at that clearly unwilling to talk about the subject.
Tratain Wednesday July 2nd, 2003 10:46:27 PM
Tratain thanks the Troublefinders for thier hospitality in the mourning and says, "Well when are we off to the meeting? Hey Setanos you should come with us." Quickly turning to the party "Would you mind if Setanos accompanied us? Its been a long while since i have seen him and he is quite skilled." Quickly turning back to Setanos "Would you like to come with us? I think we're going off on a quest of some sort. It's been a while since we have gone adventuring together it should be interesting." Quickly back to the party "Would you mind? I know im still new so I don't know if I can invite my friends on our trips, Setanos really is a good fellow though."
Renik Thursday July 3rd, 2003 2:31:38 AM
The charming rogue offers profuse thanks to the Troublefinders for their hospitality, though his skull is pounding somewhat from the free flowing red wine of the night before.
Feeling unaccountably hungry he demolishes a fried breakfast, looking over at Tratain with a mouthful of sausage when he suggests Setanos accompany them.
"Well from what little I've seen he seems a decent sort" he says once his sausage is swallowed. I have no objection, though it will be our employer who will have to make the final decision."
Rond Thursday July 3rd, 2003 7:05:55 AM
Having not noticed Borbo until Bill has said something. Rond is speechless learning that Borbo was able to make the party. But not wanting to interrupt anything between Bill and Borbo, Rond lets the two spend what moment that they can.
Not sure what to do with his latest gift, Rond puts it in his money pouch until he can figure out what to do.
Responding to Papa Mecko, "I don't think I need anything more. Just providing me a place where I can kick up my feet and not worry about the Wold for a few seconds is payment enough."
Setanos Thursday July 3rd, 2003 3:21:06 PM
Enjoying the hearty breakfast, Setanos thanks Yappa and Momma Mona, and Papa Mecko for their hospitality.
He responds to Tratain saying "I'd love to accompany you all, sounds like you've got a good group here."
After breakfast, if there are no objections to him comming, he follows the group where ever it leads, readying his axe and shield.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday July 3rd, 2003 6:44:02 PM
Bill greets his friends, a little late to breakfast himself. "Whew! Oh, guys, I've got a few more things for you all."
Another surprise - DM Ian Thursday July 3rd, 2003 8:41:13 PM
(OOC: I'm out tomorrow, but I have asked ACDM Jan to follow up with a posting. Happy 4th of July!)
As the party assembles and begins to converse, Papa Mecko smiles, and pulls a small brass key from his coat pocket, with a jaunty ribbon tied in a tiny bow on one end.
Handing it to Bill he says, "Now, we here in the village aren't rich people, but we care care of our own. Since you've been gone, we've been working together, lots of us, and we've built a little something for you on the family land."
"The house has got rooms for little and big people, a root cellar and a kitchen. Got beds and the basics in place, but we knew that a man would want to fill his own house with decorations and things."
"Besides, its silly for you group to have to stay in that Inn when you come back to town. Hopefully, this will help."
Seemingly alot of words from the usually quiet man, but his smile says everything his words did not.
The older halflings then sit back, to see what other gifts and conversation occur.
Draax Thursday July 3rd, 2003 10:34:58 PM
Draax listens to Mecko and looks at the key as it is handed to Bill, "Wow! It feel great to be appreciated by I would have never expected anything like this. With all the gifts, kind words, and presents. I beginning to think that maybe its my birthday too. I cannot remember the last time that I have said thank you and really meant it so many time in one day. But although it does not even reflect a little of my gratitude, again I say Thank You."
Tratain Thursday July 3rd, 2003 11:00:41 PM
Tratain says "Look at that Bill your very own house." Looking to the others he says "What can you tell me of the man we are going to meet? and when are we supposed to meet him."
Arien Friday July 4th, 2003 1:05:05 PM
"Well the man we're going to meet is a fairly important man in Plateau City. We've done work for him in the past, mostly keeping the peace type jobs, but there was some investigative work as well. Due to certain events that transpired shortly before the death of Domi, I trust the man completely. Our dealings with him are mostly secret so it would perhaps be better to wait until we are in a less public place to go into details."
Renik Friday July 4th, 2003 5:02:21 PM
The rogue nods at Arien's words. "In fact, given the nature of our work and our employer, it might be best if we left explanations to him."
He claps the halfling on the shoulder. "Your own home, eh Bill? Carefull, there'll be a wife and 5 kids in it before you know it! You don't want to go getting yourself tied down at your tender young age!"
(DM Jan, posting for DM Ian) Saturday July 5th, 2003 2:07:22 PM
Yappa and Bill's parents chat with the players quietly as the gift giving and conversation continues. Looking around, you realize Abram appears to have not come out of his room as of yet.
A quick question to the innkeep finds that Abram awoke early, before dawn even, and left word that he would be on the road outside town, preparing his horse and gear for travel.
Bill Troublefinder thanks his papa and mama Sunday July 6th, 2003 3:48:39 AM
"Papa. Oh, Papa. A root cellar, too?" Bill answers his father, blinking. "Room for our friends?" He gulps, and looks down for a moment.
Then he stands, and comes to his father. He extends his hand. "Thank you, Papa. You are the best in the Wold." He turns, and kisses his mother on the cheek. "So are you, Mama." Looking at both of them, he repeats the words, "Best in the Wold!"
He acknowledges his friends' words. He gulps as Renik mentions the possibility of a wife and children. "Oh, I don't know if I'm ready for all that, Renik!" He is excited, though, about the home.
Bill Troublefinder - Some gifts & such to friends Sunday July 6th, 2003 5:26:34 AM
"Well, first of all, I want to thank you all for entrusting me with some of the extra proceeds from the white dragon's lair," Bill says to his adventuring friends.
"Also, through the past few years, I've been pretty lucky - and my thanks to Wardd and to The God - so want to share some from all that.
"So," and here Bill drags out a bag, weighing maybe 35 pounds, "I've been able to pick up some things for you all!"
He reaches into the bag, and out comes some rolled-up cloth, nearly as tall as Bill himself.
For Arien "Arien - you have become quite the wizard. And, what wizard could not use his own," and the halfling, grabbing the edges of the rolled cloth, shakes it with a snap, unrolling a carpet, three feet wide by five feet long, "flying carpet?"
Bill speaks, in elvish, the command to hover. The ornately-patterned woven carpet springs to life, and floats mere inches above the ground. He hops up on top of it, and invites Arien to join him. Again in the tongue of elfs, he commands it slowly to rise. It does so. Just before Arien's head touches the ceiling, he again tells it to hover, and the ascent halts. Telepathically, he tells Arien all the command words to get the carpet to do exactly what he wants it to do.
"It's good to have someone above the fray, eh? Oh, and when you're up there, you'll want to use something like this from time to time." Bill pulls from his pants pocket a blue cloth bag. From the bag he withdraws a tanglefoot bag, a thunderstone, a flask of acid, and a flask of alchemist's fire. "Upend this on your enemies below you, and watch what happens!"
Bill commands the carpet to land, then, the items placed back in the blue bag, tells him, "And, you'll want a place to keep things like that." Walking over to a low drawer, he opens it, and pulls out a folded blue article of clothing - a pair of pants, apparently hobbit-sized.
"Just try these on," he urges Arien. "It's okay, they'll fit over what you're wearing." Should Arien do as Bill suggests, he will find that the pants indeed fit just right, seeming to grow to fit his own physique. "There are more of the blue bags inside the pockets." Ten similarly-equipped blue bags in all. "Remember the pants I worked with the Black Genie Center to develop? They call them 'Bill's Stylish Pants o' Plenty,'" he says laughing. "Had a pair made for you, too. A pair of pockets, each holding a lot, and, you can change the color and design whenever you want. I like plaid," he notes, indicating his own pants. "But, yours can be black, or red, or green, or striped - whatever you want. Get tired of what you chose? Just think about it, and they'll change to what you like!"
For Draax "Andraaxius, you've always been steady and dependable. There's a quiet strength to your personality that I like. Well, to go with that kind of strength, I'd like to offer another." From the bag he dragged over a moment ago, he draws forth a broad leather belt. The figure of broad and strong shoulders are artistically styled in relief to either side of the buckle. "A belt of strength, Draax!" [+4]
"Also, we never had a chance to use it - I'd thought about trying to leave it in the lung of the dragon, but never quite made it there." He holds forth a white feather. "Now, don't drop this!" he urges strongly. "It is one of Quaal's feather tokens. This one, you drop it into water, and it changes into a good, fast boat. A swan boat! It lasts a day, they tell me, and can carry a fair number of folk. And this," he adds, holding forth a potion bottle, "will neutralize most poisons pretty well. Never know when something like that will come in handy!"
He returns to the drawer, and pulls out another pair of pants. "Try these on," he suggests, handing Draax the green clothing.
For Feng "Your humility wrapped in strength, your kind heart, and your hatred of evil all, in some way, argue against the need for this," Bill speaks to the well-kempt half orc. "But, Feng, one can never be too careful. So, as a paladin of the gods of the Wold, I found this." He hands the paladin a small leather box with strings attached. "This phylactery of faithfulness will help you, when making decisions of an ethical nature, better discern wise actions, and fulfill part of your mission in life. Many have I met in the Wold, but few who equal you in humble honor, Feng. There! Now that I've complimented you on your humility, you'll have to repent of how good that makes you feel," says Bill with a twinkle in his eye. Then, more seriously, he says, "That conundrum has vexed many who strive for the best. Just keep your eyes on the best of what the gods teach us. Think of Domi, brave and self-sacrificial, and of Alemi, a maker of peace and of healing, and of - but who am I to lecture such as you on such matters. Feng, I like you."
He begins to turn to another, but then returns his attention to Feng. "I've something else for you, but you'll have to wait a few minutes."
For Renik He does turn to Renik. "I have something for you, friend, for a specific purpose." From his left pocket he pulls out a journal, and opens it. He says, "Transcribe." Then he says, "This is for you, Renik, to keep of record of what you do, and see, and hear, and think. Your friend, Bill T." He shuts it and hands Renik the journal. "Open to the first page." When Renik does so, he sees recorded on the first page, "The Wold According to Renik Dacour" written in Bill's standard, regular and pleasant script. Below that are the very words that the halfling just spoke.
"Renik, you'll have to be my eyes and ears, in some respect, for a while. This journal of writing should help you in that regard."
He adds, speaking to all. "Well, I suppose it's time for me to let you all know. I will not be going with you to the ship that mister M asked us to take a look at. I have been thinking for some time that there are some matters I need to attend to. And, much as I love you all, for now, our paths must diverge." He waves his hands, forestalling any words of protest. "Now, you can tell me how wonderful it is that you won't have to put up with my fussy ways later. But we're not done yet with the goodies. So, hold on, guys."
He pulls from the bag a pair of boots, with a strange design along either side of the boots, below the ankle. "Well, twinkle toes, you seemed really to take to flying," he tells Renik. "So, I had these made for you!" He passes to Renik a pair of winged boots. "One good thing is, if ever you're way up high, and have used these for more than two hours in a day, your ring of feather fall will help ensure a soft landing!"
Renik receives a pair of Bill's stylish pants of plenty, red, with black piping.
For Rond "We've seen a few bad things in the last three years together, Ronderiadshel, plus many good things. And, all in all, we've had, as I said early, some pretty good luck. Well, so that that might continue with you, Rond, take this rock." He hands Rond a grey stone, smooth and oval in shape. "It's a stone of good luck!" he tells his good friend. "It'll help you in all sorts of ways."
"Oh, and, if you're in a tight place, and evil is pressing in, this," he says, passing Rond a trumpet, "can give you a minute of respite of sorts. It's call a horn of goodness, and will make a magic circle against evil. You can blow it once a day, buddy. Use it wisely!"
For Tratain "Well, Tratain, you talented explorer, you, I managed to pick up a few things that might help you as you go poking about." He pulls from his waistcoat a pair of opaque crystal spectacles. "You slip these over your eyes, and you can see just fine - even when it is pitch black out. They're call goggles of night. Now, when your goggles reveal a door before you, and it seems well stuck or locked, just bang this thing," and out of his right pocket he pulls a hollow mithral tube, "and it will make a nice chime - and open up most any door, or lock, or the like. Just point it at what you want to open. It's called a chime of opening, and it's good for about fifty uses.
"Also, with all the scrapes our group gets into, here is a wand of cure light wounds, fully charged. Help keep our team alive, eh, Tratain?" He gives the adventurer a pair of pants, khaki in color.
For Setanos "I heard that you're talking about joining the Windhorn Hamleteers, or the Windy Wolves, or the Blackberry Investigators, or whatever this group becomes known as. They need someone to help keep an eye out, and to get them out of tight situations, too." Bill hands him a pair of clear crystal spectacles. "Eyes of Seeing, he tells Setanos. "Also, this vest of escape, he adds, passing to his fellow townsman a folded black silk vest. He shows him some secret pockets, where lockpicks that add +4 to checks to open locks are kept. "Wearing the vest will also help you if you need to slip out of confinement." [+6 on Escape Artist checks.]
Bill gives Setanos a pair of black silk pants.
For Feng, again "Feng," he says, dragging the bag to his tall, strong friend. "This bag is yours. Look inside."
If Feng does so, he finds a bag of 700 gold pieces. "That's not a gift. You lent me the money a while back, to help me out with something I was trying to do at the Black Genie Center. But, the bag itself is a gift. You can help to carry the things that the group needs. It's not as big, nor as light, as the portable hole. I had to trade that in. But it's not bad. It'll hold a thousand pounds, up to a hundred fifty cubic feet inside. It always weighs thirty five pounds, at least on the outside. Be sure not to try to fill it too full. And don't try to stuff any of the pants you all got today into it. It's a bag of holding [bag 3]" Bill explains.
"And, here's your pair of pants, Feng!" Feng's pants somewhat match the color of his breastplate.
=========== All of the pants people received are pairs of Bill's Stylish Pants O' Plenty
Bill's Stylish Pants O' Plenty Sunday July 6th, 2003 5:30:50 AM
Bill's Stylish Pants O' Plenty - These pants appear to be well-made and unremarkable, but their magic nature is obvious when different people try them on -- a perfect fit regardless of size!
The pants can have many regular pockets, but two special pockets open into nondimensional spaces, like a bag of holding -- the inside is larger than the outside. Neither the pants themselves nor objects placed in the special pockets affect the wearer's encumbrance. Each pocket can hold up to 20 pounds in 2 cubic feet of space. While such storage is useful enough, the pants pockets have an even greater power in addition. When the wearer reaches into a pocket for a specific item, that item is always on top (as with Heward's handy haversack). Thus, no digging around and fumbling is ever necessary to find what a pocket contains. Retrieving any item from the pants is a free action. If the wearer of the pants desires to withdraw items from both pockets in the same round, the second pocket item retrieval is a move equivalent action.
If a fine or diminutive living creature is placed within a pocket, it can survive for up to 10 minutes, after which time it runs out of air.
The pants and whatever the pockets hold gain a +2 resistance bonus to all saving throws. This resistance does not extend to the wearer of the pants.
If a person tries to place an item in a pocket which would exceed the capacity of the pocket, he will feel a resistance, a pushing back against the item. If he nevertheless forces the item in, that will cause the pocket to burst. The DM may make a saving throw for each item within to see if it is lost in another dimension (d100:1-40) or spills out upon the ground (d100:41-100). Add 5% to the roll if an item stored is magical, (such as a potion), or 5% times the plus of an item to the roll for items with magical plusses. For example, a +2 dagger would fall to the ground if the adjusted d100 roll is 31 or higher (d100+10).
Though highly resistant to puncturing or tearing, if a concerted effort is made to damage a pocket, a similar effect to that of overfilling will result.
These pants come in two variations.
1. The standard pair of pants o' plenty can be made of any number of durable fabrics. The extra-dimensional pockets are made of finely tanned leather, which is concealed by the fabric.
2. The stylish pants o' plenty are able, on a command phrase (which includes the shade desired), to change color. And with a separate command phrase, they will also change style. The wearer of the pants gains a +2 on disguise checks. This does not stack with Change Self / Polymorph / Hat of Disguise bonuses, but may stack with a disguise kit. An individual change takes a standard action, or both color and style can be changed as a full round action. At the DM's discretion, a limit of up to five color changes plus five style changes can be made per day.
Caster Level: 9th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, Leomund's secret chest. Change self also needed for color/style changing option. Market Price: 2,000 gp for Bill's pants o' plenty; 2,500 for Bill's stylish pants o' plenty.
Bill T - Rond gets a pair of pants, too. Sunday July 6th, 2003 5:36:31 AM
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Bill hands Rond a pair of pants, with a pattern that looks like green frogs eggs in a yellow scum. "Thought you'd appreciate these. If you see Merik before you leave town, you should show him these, eh?"
[Any character can, as the item describes, change the color of the pants as they wish.]
Bill Troublefinder Sunday July 6th, 2003 5:45:17 AM
Bill has other gifts for his family members ... but that is another story.
To his friends, Bill says, "May you act wisely, and the gods grant you good hearts, and you watch out for each other, and for the citizens of the Wold who have need of brave defenders. I pray that, in time, we may again travel together. There is no end to what I could say to you in parting. But just know this. You are my friends. May it be granted that never we forget one another. Fare well!" He gives each of them warm bread surprises for their pockets, and each a set of eating utensils for travel, and each a flask of halfling honeymead.
He stays to answer any last minute questions his friends may have, and gives hugs, light punches in the arm, or handshakes, as may seem appropriate to his different friends. "May The God keep you all in the palm of his hand!"
Rond Sunday July 6th, 2003 10:18:57 AM
Having adventured now for 3 years with Bill. Rond is now astounded at the windfall of items that has come into his possession. Rond wonders if there's some kind of mighty evil coming that he doesn't know about.
With the presentation of the house to Bill Rond comments, "At least it's a place to store a lot of your knick knacks."
When Bill gives his presents to Rond, "Thank you my friend. This is supposed to be your birthday!" Looking at Bill with big eyes, "You're not giving away your birthday presents, are you? We were here to celebrate your birthday right? All we're doing is getting presents from you?!" When Rond finishes he'll wink at Bill.
Feeling a small lump in his throat as Bill says goodbye. "You be sure to take care of yourself buddy."
Draax Sunday July 6th, 2003 11:10:37 AM
Draax looks at the gifts in front of him and sits for a moment in awe. "I don't know what to say Bill. I appreciate the gifts and everything else." He smiles, "You have always been too generous for your own good."
He picks the halfling up and gives him a big hug. When he sets Bill back on the ground the half-elf says in a joking manner. "Will you please do me a favor? The next time we meet you will probably be parading around disguised as one of the enemy. Please don't wait until we get ready to try to kill you before you say, HI GUYS ITS ME BILL, I'M ON YOUR SIDE." Draax laughs for a few seconds. "One thing I will say for you Bill, you sure know how to make an entrance. Take care of yourself friend and I would say stay out of trouble, but then you would not be living up to your name. So, what will you do now?"
Renik Sunday July 6th, 2003 2:39:35 PM
Renik is astounded by Bill's generosity. But before he has a chance to thank him the halfling drops his bombshell; he will not be accompanying the party.
"My friend, it's just not going to be the same without you. Is there nothing we can do or say to make you change your mind?" Renik looks very glum at the prospect of Bill leaving. He has always considered the halfling to be the heart of their little group.
He looks at his many gifts, and sighs. Magnificent though they are they are no substitute for the companionship, wit and wisdom of Bill Troublefinder.
Feng Sunday July 6th, 2003 9:57:01 PM
It took Feng a while to understand that Bill was retiring from the adventuring life. His resourcefullness in a crisis will be missed. Feng can't even think of dealing with the dragon without Bill there.
"Thank you for the gifts my small friend. Your presence will be greatly missed. It's too bad that most of your good deeds were done in secret. The bards should be able to sing your tales."
Setanos Monday July 7th, 2003 7:40:23 AM
Setanos stands in wonderment at the fantastic items he's been given by Bill.
"Bill, I dont know what to say. You've made me feel more welcome than I have in any other place. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
With that Setanos scoops Bill up in a big bear hug.
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