DM Kevin Monday January 12th, 2004 9:16:52 PM
Gilan shows concern for Grymash. Flea ponders her entrance into Rattledam. Grymarsha wishes to enter through the cave. Jake at home in the outdoors seems concerned about boredom in the city. Anuk is glad to be coming home. All wonder how to deal with the Milo situation. Trellus begins leading the party to the cubbyholes.
You all stop for a moment when you reach the entrance, and then enter, one by one. You are back in Rattledam now, for better or worse.
Gilan Monday January 12th, 2004 10:00:39 PM
Gilan follows along to the cubbies and stows his gear in his marked spot. He glances around to see if anyone else is already here, hoping to see someone that can help Grymash. With a last look around he changes into his swimming clothes and takes up to the pool.
He breaks the waters surface and looks around his home. He slips out of the water and waits for the rest to surface. When everyone is up and out he will smile a little. "Lets head to out homes and then meet back at Milo's house...this is a pack duty and not one for one of us." He waits to see if anyone else has anything else to add or comment on.
Flea d20+9=20 d20+4=24 Monday January 12th, 2004 11:05:50 PM
The rogue bundles up her gear carefully, sure in the knowledge that what she puts behind the cubby marked with the elegant "F" will magically appear behind the cubby above ground near the fountain. She can then retrieve her possessions and bring them home for cleaning and repair.
Flea locates the goofy bathing garment and finds a shadow in which to hide while she changes (Hide=20*) Noticing that the newest female member of the party may be in a quandry, she whispers "why don't you use that silk scarf to make a bandeau top? I can help?" If 'Grymarsha' is willing, Flea will tie (Use Rope=24, nat. 20) the scarf in a neat halter top around the buxom half-orc.
When Flea emerges from the fountain, she retrieves her gear, safely stowed in her pack, from behind the cubby, and follows Gilan home.
* subtracted bonus to hide due to shadow armour ;-)
Trellus Tuesday January 13th, 2004 12:29:37 PM
The young cleric stows his gear as well as the stuff recovered from their battles, and looks up toward his home with some reluctance.
What do I say to Milo's mom? he asks himself yet again. And how do I help Gry?
So many picks he's obligated to weave, and yet, near last thread, he still doesn't know how.
Nodding with Gilan, he can only manage, "Agreed". Then, sending a 'heart touch' to Grymash, Trellus ascends into the cleansing water of the Rattledam.
He passes the children froliking in the waters, and finds he can't join in their elation. Too much has happened. (Milo) Oh, to join in their blissful ignorance again.
He goes home, embraces his parents with fierce determination, and then prays to Domi for the strength to perform the most difficult pick in his young life. Then, squaring his shoulders, he goes to Milo's house.
Jake Tuesday January 13th, 2004 3:04:07 PM
The half-elf nods, but secretly is tempted to go get drunk and forget about the whole Milo thing to avoid further anguish... but later on, as he sits on the porch of his house with a flask of glass grass, he realizes that he still misses the little mug. So, he heads on over to Milo's house to join in the condolences, just to get it out of his system.
Anuk Tuesday January 13th, 2004 3:19:03 PM
After stowing his gear, Anuk rises through the pool and surfaces into the bright sunshine. As the others leave, he spends some time swimming and thinking; the first mentally relaxing moment he's had in some time. Eventually, he climbs out of the water. While drying off, he casts his eyes about for Dancer, or any other members of the Black pack. Wonder if they've ever been tapped for going out into the Plains like we were?
Anuk makes his way to his solitary home for a bit of rest. When the time is right, he joins the others at Milo's home, a sense of sadness settling over him.
Grymarsha Tuesday January 13th, 2004 3:45:02 PM
Gry exhales a large sigh. There was apparently no help for the half-orc in the cave. Her head hangs low depressingly as Gry accepts Flea's help with the quick make-over.
"Jus remember everyones, dat NOT be Grymash up theres in Rattledam. So no be callin' me Grymash. Gry be pretty now but me still hit like Gry," warns the barbarian. "So me be Grymarsha, pretty half-orc, who join Bloodpack, in place of Grymash."
Gry's eyes roll once again when she looks down at her ample bosoms getting pressed together by Flea with the scarf. Suddenly the word "Cleavage" means much more than just the act of hacking and separating meat from the bone.
Gilan Tuesday January 13th, 2004 9:46:40 PM
Gilan heads for his home with Flea and lays a hand on her shoulder as they walk along. "Feels good to be home again." He spends the time at his home getting himself cleaned up and changing some of his equipment for later. He spends time cleaning up and just trying to keep himself busy.
At last he looks to Flea and nods his head. He will follow along with her to Milo's house and meet up with the others. When he gets there he will look to the others and scuff his feet. "You know that this is not going to be easy." He is wondering who is going to do the talking as he takes in a long breathe.
When the subject is finally brought to the families attention he cannot help but tear up and five his own apologies. "I am sorry for your loss and ours...your son was one of my best friends and I will miss him." Almost to the point of being unable to talk he takes a few breathes. "If there is anything I can do." He leaves it hanging not really knowing what else to say.
Flea Tuesday January 13th, 2004 10:58:37 PM
Once they are home, the gnome spends some time setting her gear out to air, tending to her sunburn and bug bites, and cleaning up. She locates some standard paper, ink, and an inkpen, and spends a quiet hour writing a letter to her parents.
When Gilan indicates that it is time to go, she dons her spare tunic, and her little red pointy hat, reserved for solemn occasions.
When the pack pays their respects to Milo's parents, she quietly offers her condolences. Her heart is breaking for her friends, whose grief over the loss of their halfling friend is so palpable.
DM Kevin Wednesday January 14th, 2004 9:57:09 AM
(Sorry for the missed post. I'll make this short and post again this evening.)
Everyone heads where they need to and then meets at Milo's parents' house. After a knock on the door, Milo's mother answers. "Hello children, how may I help you."
Trellus Wednesday January 14th, 2004 12:09:03 PM Domi help me. She doesn't know.
Trellus stands in shock before Milo's mom, aching with the knowledge that what he will say will destroy her.
"I...We..." Trellus' voice catches, and he looks to the ground in shame and agony. His stomach tightens up, followed immediately by the constriction in his throat. He looks back up, as tears stream down his young face.
"It's Milo," he says at last. "It's bad." He sighs heavily, weariness and nearly inconsolable sadness washing over his features. "Really bad."
Trellus waits for Milo's parents to absorb that and let them in. Hopefully they find a good spot to sit down for the rest. The cleric pours out the story in a near monotone, barely daring to actually think about the words he's saying.
"We went out into the Grass. All of us. And...and the bounders found us. We fought back, and Milo was up on the boat."
Trellus looks pleadingly at the folks, aching for some reassurance that they have no reason to give. "We thought he was safe there! Domi help me, it was the safest place on the field!"
"But a bounder came up, and he was huge, and we couldn't get to Milo in time, and, and," The tears flow freely.
"And he's gone." "Milo's dead."
The cleric bows his head, totally despondent in his silence.
Grymarsha Wednesday January 14th, 2004 3:40:57 PM
Grymarsha stands with her pack at the front steps of Milo's parents house. Gry is still a bit on edge, she doesnt want to draw any attention. She nervously looks over her shoulder, the slightest sound catches her attention.
She leans on her quarterstaff that she retrieved from her hut. She wonders how the halflings mourn their dead. Gry has never witnessed a halfling funeral. She just hopes there isnt a bunch of crying. Gry cant stand the obsessant blubbering of the humans. Milo with Gargul, nuthin' wrong wit dat. Any cleric of Gargul know dat," thinks Gry to herself. She begs Gargul for no blubbering and crying ... Gry hates that so much. "Jus get mad, fight someones, drink glass grass, have uh party, even get revenge if ya have ta, but no cryin'," Gry continues to ponder. Whatever happens, Grymarsha is prepared to give Milo's family a funeral service or comfort them in some way if they so wish. For it is the duty of an Eye of Gargul. Although Gry much prefers the Funeral Party approach. She likes to celebrate someones life and remember their great battles, and not get sad because they're with Gargul. "Dat jus selfish," thinks Gry.
Flea Wednesday January 14th, 2004 6:24:02 PM
Flea waits uneasily in the home of Milo's parents while the Bloodpack pay their respects. After a while, she finds a quiet corner in which to wait until the rest of the group are ready to leave. Alone, her thoughts turn to the treasure they were awarded after the battle at the cocoon and how it might be equitably distributed.
Gilan Wednesday January 14th, 2004 7:36:04 PM
Gilan listens as Trellus tries to explain it to Milo's parents. The death weighs heavily on all of them, but he also can see the circle of life going on here. That gives him little comfort though as he knows it would not give to Milo's parents.
Glancing to the parents he tries to help out Trellus as much as possible. "Trellus is right ma'am...it happened so fast that we could do nothing." He let his gaze fall to the floor again as tears slip down his face. "I...I am sorry." He knows it sounds weak and lame, but it is all he can muster. He slips into silence wanting to hear some kind of anger or the like for the pack. Milo had went out with them of his own free will, but that still did not mean too much for Gilan.
This would be a burden they will all carry for some time to come. He will always be expecting it to happen again...another sad story.
Anuk Wednesday January 14th, 2004 8:34:21 PM
Anuk watches the floor as Trellus explains Milo's fate. Probably best if they hear this from a cleric, he thinks, trying to justify his silence.
Finally, he manages to glance up at the halfling family and feebly mumble, "We're so...sorry."
DM Kevin d100=98 d100=63 Wednesday January 14th, 2004 11:37:46 PM
"What ... it can't be," mutters Milo's mother. She sits down in shock, in disbelief. She buries her face in her hands and goes quiet. Milo's father suddenly becomes stoic in expression. He gets up and walks to the kitchen without saying a word.
"It can't be," repeats the halfling woman. "I never thought I would live to see this day ... he was such a healthy boy, my little boy. My little boy ... my little boy is finally gone ... GONE for GOOD!!" She sounds like she's about to cry, but no, it becomes a growing laughter. Tears flow from her eyes but they arent born out of sadness. No, she cries out with unrestrained joy.
"Ha haa haa haa, oh glorious day, I'm finally rid of that brat. Oh sweet justice, it's only fitting that lil tart was eaten by a beast in the wild. Do you all know how sick I am of the smell of cookies! His stench is in everything. You cant get rid of it. The smell of cookies will haunt me no more. Oh glorious day, ha ha haa haa haa!"
At that same time the father returns to the front room with a jug of glass grass. He appears to be well on his way to drunkeness and completely ignores you all has he heads out the front door to finish getting snookered. "Yes, you go do that you miserable, worthless excuse for a halfling," shouts the mother. "Too bad you didnt get eaten too. You're as bad or even worse than Milo, you no good for nothing tenderfoot. Just like Milo, always complaining about my cooking, making my life so bright and hot. This too bland, mother. This too spicy, mother. Can Grymash come over to eat dinner mother ... again and again and again. It's good that lummox isn't here either. That stupid stupid half-orc always eating and drinking me out of house and home ... he stunk up the place too. At least Grymash never complained, unlike that little spawn of the devil, Milo. Ohh that miserable rat blew my kitchen up so many times with his magical experiments. I lost my little toe from ....," she continues to ramble on.
Milo's mother gets up and stomps her way back to Milo's bedroom. She returns with a bundle of his personal belongings and starts throwing them out the front door. "Here take what you want. As far as Im concerned, I never had a son!" She stomps back to get another load.
Jake Thursday January 15th, 2004 1:53:00 AM
Jake isn't on the scene when Milo's mother gets mad; he would be arriving just as she ends her tirade, walking slowly with a bottle of glass grass ready. He nods to Milo's father as he passes the halfling on the road... and frowns at the little guy's expression. Sighing, he slows his steps as he approaches the house and keeps a good distance, watching and sipping at his supply.
Flea Thursday January 15th, 2004 9:39:24 AM
Flea is abruptly awakened from her reverie by the outburst from Milo's unhappy mother. She stands in the corner her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. When the woman stomps off to Milo's bedroom, Flea makes her escape from the place. Running into Jake, she gasps, "Don't go in there! It's terrible!"
Trellus Thursday January 15th, 2004 1:28:05 PM
The young cleric pictured a lot of reactions in his mind as he had approached this meeting; despondance, bitterness, blame. The father's response fit right in there.
But Mom's response is so totally outside of Trellus' expectations that all he can do is stand there staring at her for several minutes.
Has she totally flown off the loom? he initially wonders. No. She's serious. She's actually happy Milo's dead!
A cold anger begins building, but the cleric decides he's not even going to dignify this woman with a response. As she starts laying into Gry, his thoughts quickly turn to protecting his friend. We're half a minute away from a murder he realizes.
"Out," he grates to the pack between clenched teeth, "Everyone out." The blond man puts both hands on Grymash and gently guides him toward the door. "She's not worth it, Gry" he says in a low voice filled with rage. "We'll remember him in our own way."
Outside the door, he remarks to Gilan. "Dude, maybe you and Marsha should go back to your house. Anuk and I will get Milo's stuff."
The entire time, Trellus keeps his body between the half-orc and the thrice sunbaked mother. Not that it'd make a whole lot of difference should Grymarsha decide to rip her threads.
Anuk Thursday January 15th, 2004 2:06:17 PM I expected an outburst, but...not this.
Anuk's jaw drops as Milo's mother suddenly expresses glee at the demise of her son. He stands with his mouth opening and closing, fishlike, trying to think of something to say...some way to respond...but he can think of nothing...no way to react.
This makes no sense...she's happy?!
He follows Trellus' lead and exits, bewildered by what he just saw. It takes a moment for him to process what Trellus just said.
"Wha?...M-milo's stuff?...Oh, yeah...sure...I'll help." He goes to collect Milo's possesions, muttering "happy? happy?!!" under his breath the whole time.
Gilan d20+8=22 Thursday January 15th, 2004 4:55:45 PM
Gilan cannot help but wonder what just went wrong here. How could any mother be happy that their son was dead. His hands clench into fists and he suddenly feels the need to throttle the woman. Anger seething he tries to keep control and it is only with willpower (check 22) that he does.
Glancing to Flea he sees her go running out of the house and had started to move to go to her when Milo's mother started cutting into Grymash. "Oh Mother Wold help us." He steps almost as fast as Trellus does to stop Gry from any outburst that he/she may have intended. He knows that his small form will not stop the barbarian but maybe they can keep him/her calm. "Easy...Trellus is right she is not worth it." He will attempt to guide Gry out of the house with Trellus.
Glancing to Flea who is attached to Jake he shakes his head. "Flea...it is ok...please help me get Grymarsha to our house...fast." He continues to keep himself in front of Gry and the house. "Come to my house and we can have something to eat...tea or some glass grasswine." He is mentally pleading with Mother Wold or Gargul to please not let his friend lose it.
Without a look back he tries to guide Grymarsha to his house. "Everyone rally at my place to talk...you can put Milo's stuff in my loft."
Grymarsha d20+5=23 d20=10 d20+8=25 d3+5=6 Thursday January 15th, 2004 8:12:48 PM
Gry stands there, with slacked-jawed expression, totally surprised by this display of hate-filled speech. Words filled with so much venom, she felt dirty listening to them.
"Kill her," whispered a voice in Gry's ear. "yesss... kill her, she deserves not to live," says another. "snap her neck ... it would be so easy. beat her down. kill her. she curses our souls. avenge us ... avenge the one called milo. kill, kill, kill..." hiss the voices.
"No no no NO NO!! SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP ... STOP TALKIN', STOP IT NOW!!," bellows the half-orc. Grymarsha looks to Trellus and Gilan and says, "Me good, Trellus, Gilan ... Gr, err Marsha, have words ta say ta Milo's momma. Gargul words."
Grymarsha turns to the halfling woman and begins her speech. "It be written dat it be no good ta speak bad of da dead." She holds up her hand and shows the tattoo of Gargul's eye on her palm. At that moment Grymarsha channels a wave of positively charged energy (channel roll 10). The effect seems to calm Gry somewhat and quiet the voices. "Never speak bad of dead, even more when dead is mothers own blood an bone. Words have power, dat stir da dead spirits. Shadow be only thang dat separate da livin' from dead," Gry begins to hiss, "an da shadows be seein' an hearin' whut ya say, ya fool halflin'. All life be connected by blood an it all flow ta da same place. Da restless dead will be lookin ta be cuttin' threads, dat be sure. An for once, me hopin' they find ya!" With that being said, Gry cant help but connect the holy symbol on his palm with the side of the mother's face, in the form of a slap. (Hit AC 25, for 6 points of non-lethal damage.) "Shame be on ya!! Bad Milo Momma!"
After her speech, Gry leaves with Trellus and Gilan. She will also help with gathering Milo's things before heading to Gilan's hut. On the way there, Gry says, "Gry thinks dat bein' uh girl has made Gry more nurturin'. Do ya thinks?"
DM Kevin Thursday January 15th, 2004 8:14:44 PM
Jake isn't on the scene when Milo's mother gets mad; he approaches the house and keeps a good distance, watching and sipping at his bottle of glass grass. Running into Jake, Flea gasps, "Don't go in there! It's terrible!" Trellus does his best to ensure there is no murder. Anuk begins gathering Milo's possessions. Gilan guides Grymarsha to his house and asks everyone else to rally there as well. Before leaveing, Grymarsha preaches words of Gargul, but they fall on deaf ears. Everyone finally makes it to Gilan's house. It has been an interesting day and the group begins discussing what to do next.
Flea d20+9=19 Thursday January 15th, 2004 11:09:34 PM
Once they are back at the tiny home she shares with Gilan, Flea notices that her roomie and the cleric have a pretty good handle on things. The rogue starts to poke through stuff that was awarded to the pack, doing a mental inventory.
The big Mace went to Trellus, and Gry, no, Marsha's got the belt and the silk scarf. No one seems interested in the Longsword or the Bracers of Armour, the Shield, the Case of Potions, 7 scrolls. The gnome remembers that the barbarian had said they seemed magic.
Flea picks up the silver bracelet set with 5 amber gems, and gives it a good look, trying to estimate it's value (Appraise=19). She sets it down with the rest of the loot, next to the 40 PP, 250 GP, 200 SP, and 5 CP.
Jake Friday January 16th, 2004 6:09:34 AM
Jake looks down at the frightened little Flea and awkwardly consoles her with a brush of his hand on her shoulder, sorta a gentle pat combinated with a millisecond hug. He glances at the hut, not knowing what's going on, and decides that it's better not to go remember Milo right now. "Right, Flea." Later on, at Gilan's, he looks at the amount of money and booty before them. For a long while he's lost... "Uh, pack, ah don't get it. Ah mean, we're rich now. Ah've never had much money. Ah could live well for months!" The half-elf scratches his chin, lost on how he could have made any money from just running around fighting things. Shouldn't it cost money to be doing what you like doing?
Grymarsha Friday January 16th, 2004 7:47:41 AM "Yeah Jake, Thay calls it spoils of war. Find bad people, kill'em, take der stuff. Dat 'bouts it!"
Gry opens the scroll case and begins to look through the scrolls. She casts Read Magic to identify what each one does.
Trellus Friday January 16th, 2004 4:20:45 PM
The young man dutifully picks up every shred of clothing or equipment that thrice baked treadle throws at him. A multitude of nicely descriptive adjectives cross his mind as he purposely goes about his duty. When he runs out, he makes up more. Being pretty bright, he comes up with a lot.
Finally, he walks with Anuk to Gilan's place. The cleric enters, and carefully deposits Milo's things in a good place. He searches through them to find an appropriate marker for his halfling friend.
Noticing the other discussing the treasure, he brings himself to the present. "Flea's right. Malafret said we'd find help. I'm going down to the tunnels and see if I can find somebody." He pauses, "Is anybody at all interested in the sword? Gilan? Flea? Anuk?"
Trellus makes the trip through the waters of Rattledam, looking for someone to help tell them what they've got. He also places Milo's cooking gear in the halfling's cubbyhole as a permanent memorial to his friend.
Grymarsha Friday January 16th, 2004 4:37:24 PM "Jake ... stop lookin' at them. Gry's eyes up here!"
Anuk d20+1=11 Friday January 16th, 2004 7:04:31 PM
After he helps Trellus bring Milo's stuff to Gilan's hut, Anuk joins the others in looking at the treasure. He pokes through the box of potions, gingerly holding the bottles and peering into them. "Wonder what these do?"
He holds the sword in his hand and it feels good...nicely balanced and weighted (appraise 11). "This is nice...better than mine, I think. But, I've been finding my bow much more useful lately. If nobody wants the sword I'll be happy to take it. But if we can sell it or trade it for something that will help the pack, that'd be better."
Gilan Friday January 16th, 2004 7:27:43 PM
Gilan takes a seat in one of his chairs and then looks to the rest. "As I said, you can put Milo's stuff in the loft...there is a empty chest up there." He puts his head in his hand and rubs it gently.
He nods to Trellus as he goes out to see if someone can help them with the identifying of their spoils. "I can help out with the scrolls there if you want Mar." He gives his one male friend a smile as he holds out his hand for a scroll.
Looking to the others as they start discussing the items he shakes his head about the sword. "It is nice but not my kind of weapon...Mother Wold would be very upset at me and take my powers if I tried." Glancing at the potions he smiles a little bit at them. "If anyone has some skill in alchemy...that maybe useful with the potions." He lets himself sink a little further into his chair as he thinks of what has been going on lately. Then the reaction of Milo's mother...it is just too much to handle really.
DM Kevin Friday January 16th, 2004 11:45:59 PM
Flea studies the bracelet and feels confident it is worth around 1200 gold.
Jake revels in his new found wealth.
Grymarsha determines she has the following scrolls: 1 summon monster 1 fly 2 invisibility 3 magic weapon
Trellus begins searching for help.
Anuk feels that the blade is very superior and keen.
Gilan helps look through the spoils of war.
The night goes well. Trellus runs into a monk while searching, who is able to return the heart touch.
Monk (dm kevin) Friday January 16th, 2004 11:46:46 PM
" How may I assist you, brother? "
Trellus Saturday January 17th, 2004 4:09:05 PM
"Brother, many shadows," Trellus responds.
"My pack and I have just returned from the Battle for the Drake. Plainswalker Black gave us some strange and wondrous items, but we cannot determine what magic is on them. Can you help us?"
Flea Sunday January 18th, 2004 9:46:04 AM
If nobody wants this stuff, we could take it to The Catacombs and see what they'll give us for it? I think we could get around 1200 GP for the bracelet.
Poking at the case with the vials in it. I've never had one of these before. Maybe you guys could sniff them to see if they smell familiar?
Flea then tries to tilt the large shield up, in order to see her reflexion in it
Jake Sunday January 18th, 2004 1:22:44 PM
Jake looks at the bracelet. "A thousand gold? An' two hunderd? Wow." He picks it up and juggles it in his hands. "It'd make a perfect gift for un pretty lil lady. Here, Flea, try it on." He chuckles at Flea's attempts to use the shield as a mirror, and reaches over to pick it up. "Y'all know, this shield ain't so bad. Kinda heavy compared to mah old wooden one...but mind if ah use it next time, packmates?"
Grymarsha d20-2=5 d20-2=-1 d20-2=2 Sunday January 18th, 2004 3:01:25 PM "Yeah Flea, but it sooo pretty," pouts the large half-orc. Gry's eyes quickly widen as she realizes what she had just said and how she said it. Grymarsha quickly interjects, "Uhhh, NO it ugly, Flea sell at Catacombs quick, money good!"
To change the subject Gry lets everyone know what the scrolls say. "Papers do be weaved wit magiks. Be most ungodly magiks of worldly magik weavers. Gry try an remember whut it called ... huh, Cane Magiks, no dat not it! (Int checks: 5 and -1) Gry not know whut it be called. It too arcane for Gry. But me know whut they do. Dis one make ya fly, dez two make you be see through ... not be seen (Int check 2) ya know, Investable. Dis one make ya call uh creeper ta help ya fight. Dez last two are godly magiks. Trellus and Gry can use them. It be Magik Weapon spells. Very shady!! See Gry smart, me thinked it all up by meself."
Another idea hit Gry. Why not Gry and Jake spar an train wit da new shield. Wez can find out whut it do to. Gry got me trusty fightin' stick (you all see a quarterstaff in her hand) and Jake can hold magik shield. Gry can hit Jake really hard an see whut happen. Gry looks on with a big grinning face filled with much enthusiasm.
Anuk Sunday January 18th, 2004 9:35:59 PM
"Sure wish I knew how to find out what all these potions and stuff do. Maybe Trellus'll find someone who can help."
He overhears Flea talking about going to the Catacombs. "Sellin' stuff? Sounds good to me. This sword is nice, but I think we can buy some things that'll help the pack out even more. Is there anything that'll help us beat the heat next time we're out in the grass? Or, maybe something that can help us store more stuff in a smaller space? That raft is getting awfully full."
Jake Monday January 19th, 2004 5:08:33 AM
"Woah, woah. Ya're right...that shield is magical. And ah wanted to use it...it's prob'ly cursed! Ah'm not touching it." Visions of the shield tempting him and then Jake turning into a woman are too frightening, and he backs away from the offending item. "Danged magicks."
Grymarsha Monday January 19th, 2004 9:58:50 AM
Gry's devilish smile quickly turns sullen with a roll of her eyes. "No be scared of magiks Jake. Any thang dat keep Jake out of da rapke mouth be a good thang. Cuz da rapke know Jake's taste an theys like it. Pack had pulled Jake from rapke mouths too many times already. So use da shield, if ya wont use da sword. If ya scared of little ole shield, then Jake should be big scared of da casters in own pack."
Gry spits at the ground in disgust and goes outside to practice with the quarterstaff.
Flea Monday January 19th, 2004 6:03:11 PM
The gnome struggles under the weight of the big steel shield and tries to drag it outside, as she calls to the barbarian, "Gry! Wait for me!" Huffing and puffing, she drags it as best she can, calling, "I'll hold it up, and you can bash it!"
Flea is happy to change the subject from Milo and his dysfunctional family, and to have an opportunity to 'play' at sparing.
Gilan Monday January 19th, 2004 6:48:32 PM
Gilan glances to the rest of the group as they go about thier business in his hut and snuggles down deeper into his chair. He lets his mind drift over some of the things that he had been studying over the last few years.
The idea of selling what they don't really need appeals to him...he will be needing to scrape together a fairly large amount of cash and he is not sure how long that will take. Still he shrugs as he has time...yes quite a bit of time it would seem.
DM Kevin Monday January 19th, 2004 9:12:27 PM
Flea and Grymarsha head out to try out the shield.
Jake trys working his charm on Flea.
Anuk and Gilan bith think about what they might buy if they can sell some stuff.
Monk (DM Kevin) Monday January 19th, 2004 9:16:09 PM
The monk responds to Trellus, " Yes, I can help you. We try to keep magic to a minimum around the populous, but there are those of us who know a thing or two. Bring your stuff to the main monastery tomorrow. My name is Brother Falin and you can ask for me by name. "
Flea d20+6=23 Monday January 19th, 2004 11:43:16 PM
Flea hides under the big shield, and yells out to the barbarian, "YOU HIT LIKE A GIRL!" Smothering her laughter, the gnome braces for Grymarsha's attack, then thinks to try a little magic. If I can emulate a fighter, maybe I can work this shield?
Use Magic Device=23
(OOC: I'm not sure if I did this right. I could be way out of my league!)
Trellus Tuesday January 20th, 2004 8:11:23 AM
The blond man trots excitedly back to his packmates. He stops with his heart in his throat as he sees Grymash going after Flea with his quarterstaff?
It takes a few minutes, but Trellus figures out what's going on and enters the house with a grin. "Dudes, you gotta see this. Flea's weaving with that big shield. You can't even see her under that thing."
"Oh yeah! I met a monk named Falin who says he can tell us what this stuff is. We just bring it to the main monastery tomorrow morning, and we're waxed!"
Anuk Tuesday January 20th, 2004 11:25:03 AM
Anuk steps out of Gilan's hut and sees Flea's small form under the giant shield and Grymarsha towering over her.
"Way to go, Flea! You can take her!" he yells in encouragement. Then, he sidles up to Trellus and says in a low voice, "Ten gold pieces on the half-orc."
Grymarsha d20+6=17 d20+6=23 d6+7=11 d6+4=10 Tuesday January 20th, 2004 12:51:04 PM
The half-orc looks down at the spectacle in front of her and she smiles slightly. "Flea, dis uh fighters job ... Gry mean, well, Flea not even holdin' shield right ..." then Flea spouts off her remark about hitting like a girl, "Huh .. Ohhhhhhhhhh," says Gry as she realizes she's being taunted. "OK ... guard ya self Flea ... HERE GRY COME, GRRRRR!!!"
The quarterstaff whips and twirls at a velocity far greater than the double axe due to its lighter weight. However, Grymarsha doesnt want hurt Flea so she holds back a little in order not to cause permanent damage. However, the staff comes crashing down on the little shield bearer.
(-2 penalty to do non-lethal damage*. Hit AC 17 and 23 for 11 and 10 points of non-lethal damage.)
(* Im not sure what the penalty is so I picked -2.)
Gilan Tuesday January 20th, 2004 8:52:36 PM
Gilan smiles as the others go about thier business at his hut and he is happy to hear that they have found someone that could help them identify the loot they got.
Looking up he smiles. "Hey Trellus...let the others know that they can stay the night here if they want. You all know where the spare blankets and stuff are at." He snuggles into his chair and lets his eyes close...maybe he will get a little sleep.
ADM Mike Tuesday January 20th, 2004 10:27:20 PM
The pack gathers outside Gilan's home as Grymarsha and Flea begin to "spar". With unnerving speed, Gry's staff slices through the air and lands with a resounding *thwack* on the shield covering the tiny gnome. Though the huge shield absorbs most of the blow, Flea feels a shudder that runs through her bones and stars dance before her eyes. She doesn't appear permanently hurt, but she's most definitely dazed for several minutes afterward.
The pleasant cool of evening in Rattledam begins to settle on everyone as the sun dips below the edges of the dome. As the light shifts, everything takes on a golden glow--the buildings, the trees,...even the people. In the distance you hear the sounds of children playing in the pool and you see the workers beginning to close the dome.
You are home again, and the night lays before you.
Flea Tuesday January 20th, 2004 10:46:12 PM
Flea slips out from under the shield, and let's it fall to the ground. She staggers towards the barbarian, calling, "hey Gry, I didn't know you had a twin?"
She shivers a little in the cool air, and notices that it is getting dark. "Can someone help me get this shield back in the house?"
Grymarsha d20+8=26 d20+5=17 d20+3=23 Wednesday January 21st, 2004 1:07:06 AM
Grymarsha doesnt seem to stop twirling the quarterstaff. She continues building up momentum. The whooshing sound of the staff shrieks through the air for another strike on the fallen gnome. Gry's guterally grinding growl hearlds its coming. (Hit AC 26, Strength check: 17, Dex check: natural 20)
After a loud resounding bark, all goes silent. The end of the staff hangs suspended in the air just above Flea's head. It never touched her. It halted just before it would've hit. Grymarsha's face still frozen with a menacing grimace. After a few seconds, Gry's feral facade melts into laughter. "Gry scare Flea, hee hee hee..." drops to her knees, "Hee hee, Gry make funny, HAAAhaa Haa aahhh haa haa haa HHAAAA Haaahaaa!!"
Grymarsha helps Flea to her feet and gives her congratulatory slap on the back. "Ahhhh Flea... ya do good for sneaky gnome. Big good, hee hee hee." Gry picks up the shield for Flea and helps her walk back to Gilan's house. "Gry gots dis shady medicine dat will help ya feel good. Medicine in dis." Gry presents what looks to be a green-colored waterskin.
"By da ways Trellus, ya figure out way ta gets dis belt off?"
Trellus Wednesday January 21st, 2004 11:31:02 AM
The man cringes as Gry's staff streaks toward Flea. It hangs there in front of her like a rapke in mid-pounce, and then the half-orc lets everyone in on the joke.
Chuckling, Trellus retrieves the shield from Flea. "Light Gry, you had me going there," he says. He waves his hand in front of Flea's face with a smile, "Hello? You still in there?"
Gry's question brings him around to the half-orc's situation again. "Let me pray again on it tonight, Gry. Gilan said his home is open to whoever wants to sleep here. I'll see you all at the monastary tomorrow morning and we'll see what this stuff is. Good night, all."
The young man goes home to enjoy the company of his family, and hits the sack.
Gilan Wednesday January 21st, 2004 7:23:35 PM
Gilan lets his eyes slip open as Flea and then Gry walks into the house. He lets a smile play across his face as he looks to the others.
Proping his feet up he lets his eyes close and he pulls a blanket across himself. A comfortable chair and a warm fire was all he needed right now.
He would let his friends decide if they wanted to go home. He figured that he would have at least Gry and Flea staying the night...Gry due to his problem with the belt. "Night Trellus...see you at the monastery."
Flea Wednesday January 21st, 2004 8:21:25 PM
Still dizzy from the first blow, Flea cringes when two half-orc barbarians bring their quarter-staffs down on her. She closes her eyes tight, but there is no impact. Orcish laughter fills the air, as her big friend makes a joke at the rogue's expense. Being a gnome, Flea enjoys the prank, and makes an attempt to give the half-orc a friendly punch in the leg, only to be slapped on the back and nearly laid out!
Flea follows her friend back to Gilan's house. Holding her finger up to her lips, she whisper's "Shhh!" then points to the druid. "He needs his sleep!" Flea leads the barbarian to a comfortable corner near the hearth. She opens out her bedroll, and scouts around for some spare blankets from Milo's abandoned possessions which she uses to make a comfortable nest. Inviting Gry to sit down next to her, Flea reaches out for the "green medicine."
Jake Wednesday January 21st, 2004 9:08:58 PM
For the last little while, Jake had been wandering about the town checking out the local things and quickly grew bored. Seeing the others head over to Gilan, he joins them, then takes a spot slumped against the wall comfortably. Jake lets a chuckle or two escape as Flea and Grymash have their little testing thing going on. He sits in the background, quietly leaned against the wall, his hat tipped over his head, snoozing slightly. He's more than happy to stay and sleep there at the other's house in his current spot than go home.
Anuk Wednesday January 21st, 2004 10:28:51 PM
"Here, Flea...lemme help you with that." After the match between Gry and Flea, Anuk lifts the shield off of the gnome while she steadies her legs. He touches her on the shoulder. "You doin' okay, there?" he says with a smile. He walks into Gilan's house and sets the shield down against a wall.
Walking back outside he looks up into the darkening sigh and says, "Well, I'm off for some rest. See you all in the morning!" and he heads home, intent on spending the rest of the night fashioning a new journal to keep in his pack. Gotta figure out some way to waterproof it, this time. Didn't ever think that'd be a problem out here in the Plains.
ADM Mike Wednesday January 21st, 2004 10:40:07 PM
Following the match between Gry and Flea, some pack members retire to thier homes while others stay and sleep at Gilan's. The night passes quietly and uneventfully--a nice change of pace after your time in the Grasses.
Morning comes and you wake to the sounds of the Rattledam coming to life. The voices of monks, farmers, children, and others float through open doors and windows as people begin their daily work and chores. The smell of breakfast cooking wafts through the air--delicious! Too bad it's not yours...
Flea Thursday January 22nd, 2004 8:13:14 AM
Flea wakes up as the first light of the new day enters Gilan's tiny abode. The gnome moves over to the tiny dresser and props up a small steel mirror. First she checks her tongue, which feels fuzzy, then she pulls down her lower eyelids, to check out the redness. Shaking her head, slowly, because it aches, she slips out the door to have a little run around the neighborhood. She ponders how Grymarsha's green medicine could be so much like the Green Gnomish she had once sampled in a tavern called The Giggling Ghost.
Flea ends her exercise with a swim in one of the Rattledam fountains, then returns home to Gillan's house to get ready for the trip to the monestary. She is interested in learning more about this Domi, who's blessing passed through his cleric, Trellus, has saved her skin on more than one occaision.
Grymarsha Thursday January 22nd, 2004 12:48:41 PM
Gry gets up a little early. Sleeping in a unfamilar body and on a small section of the floor of Gilan's house made her nights rest not the best it could be. However, she gets up before everyone else and works out the soreness and stretches in the early morning sun.
The pleasant smells of breakfast meals from the surrounding residents of Rattledam makes her stomach growl. Instead of going to the market and risk being recognized, Gry goes outside the dome and tries a little foraging. She takes her time, making sure not to miss anything. (take 20, Survival check 26)
Lucky be a lady this morning, as the half-orc comes across several nests of eggs. From the slightless birds, no doubt. Shaking an egg Gry can hear the thud of its contents. "Ahhh, good good! Hard-boiled baby blind bird... Mmmmm good." Gry also find some freshly grown wild wheat grass. Makes for an excellent morning brew she thinks. Its too bitter for most tastes, but its great for hang overs and irregularity. Happy with her little bounty, she heads back to Gilan's. Gry has enough for everyone in her pack.
Back at Gilan's house, Gry takes a good sized boiling pot and heads out again for water. She spots Flea swimming in the pond. "Hey Flea, Gry ...er, uh Marsha find breakfast. Blind bird eggs. Come gets sum when ready."
When Gry returns with the water, she builds a small fire. While Gry waits for the water to start boiling, she thinks about the treasure.
Gry thinks, Me no use da shield or sword. Gry hate belt, belt curse, hate it ...bad. Papers good, most for ungodly magic weaver though. No use bracers either. Me wear red silk wrap thingy, but it gettin' too loose. Gry bumpys showin'. Where Flea ta tie silky wrap back on rite. Sigh. Da silver an gold ginglies be great, wut ta buy wit them... hmmm?
Gry can't wait to crack open the eggs. To chip open one end and look down at that little savory featherless chick that lies curled up within. So delicate and so tasty. "Food of da gods," Gry thinks. Though she also wishes she had found some fat and juicy grubs to go with them.
Gilan Thursday January 22nd, 2004 5:31:31 PM
Gilan wakes the next morning feeling a lot better after a nights sleep that you did not have worry about waking up. He stretches and looks to the others that stay, noticing that most of them are up early and doing their own things.
Grabbing his bath stuff he heads off to take a bath after getting a little exercise. He smiles as his two wasps come flitting up and buzz around his head. "Morning little ones." He watches as they buzz off to get something for thier own breakfast.
After a quick little bit of exercies that leaves him feeling loose and heart beating at a good pace. He then takes a bath and dries off as he watches the other of Rattledam go about thier work. He wonders what exactly Kaili is doing and if he will get a chance to see her before leaving.
Making his way back to his hut he finds Flea and Grymarsha are already back. He smiles and flicks his still wet hair as he enters. "Morning...I hope you both slept semi well." He looks to the preparations that Grymarsha is makeing for breakfast and shakes his head again. He finishes getting himself ready to head to the monastery. "Just about got some breakfast finished there Grymarsha?" He slips a bowl of fruit out on the table as well with some bread.
Trellus Thursday January 22nd, 2004 10:00:36 PM
The cleric wakes up and performs his morning devotion. A huge smile breaks out on his face as he prays. Domi has blessed him again, granting him another thread for his tapestry.
Trellus cheerfully breaks his fast with his parents and siblings, excuses himself, and sprints to Gilan's hut. He enters beaming, and walks right up to Grymash.
"Dude, check out this pick," he says, casting REMOVE CURSE on the half-orc.
Anuk Thursday January 22nd, 2004 11:15:57 PM
Anuk wakes up a little bleary, but happy. Stayed up a little too late writing in his new journal and trying to remember everything the pack has been through.
After getting cleaned and dressed, he heads over to Gilan's house. Poking his head through the door he addresses Grymarsha as she cooks.
"Mmmmmm...that a mess of blindbabies you're cooking?"
ADM Mike Thursday January 22nd, 2004 11:27:21 PM
Gry's cooking and Gilan's bread and fruit are surprisingly tasty and there is plenty to go around. All who want to eat their fill.
When Trellus arrives and casts his spell, everyone watches to see what will happen. There is a brief but brilliant burst of light. It dies down, and Grymarsha is still standing in front of everyone. It would appear nothing has changed. Until Gry notices that the belt seems to have loosened a bit...
Flea Thursday January 22nd, 2004 11:50:03 PM
Flea sits at the table, moving a little bit of Gry's cooking around the plate. There is a little pile of crusts of bread, and the remains of some fruit on the table beside the plate.
She asks the other's seated at the table, "If no one wants the stuff Black gave us, why don't we trade it in for something we do want? If we're ever going to go back out there I want one of those nifty cloaks I've seen in the market."
Flea goes on to explain a finely woven, unadorned cloak that is especially favored by merchants who traverse the Grass.* It offers protection from extremes of heat and and cold.
When Trellus arrives, the gnome watches with interest as the cleric weaves a shady new spell.
*Cloak of Comfort in Oshirr House.
Jake Thursday January 22nd, 2004 11:58:42 PM
Unnoticed, Jake continues to sleep in Gilan's house. Later on he wakes up, and in that weird, non-human way he sometimes adopts, wanders off to stare at nothing in particular for most of the day. Then, as night comes, he visits upon their 'enemy pack', with a peace offering of glass grass. Before they can react, he's off to assume his more human self, heading to pick up more glass grass at the local distillery, amazed at how much money he has and how easy it is to get now.
Grymarsha (maybe Grymash) Friday January 23rd, 2004 2:06:34 AM
"WHoooshh" and Grymarsha rubs the white light, from Trellus' spell, from her eyes. "Trellus whut dat be ... me eyes no see!?" After the inital shock wears off, Gry feels the grip of the belt weaken. Her eyes widen with excitement. Feminine half-orc hands quickly attack the buckle. If Gry is able to take off the belt, he flings it to the ground, grabs his quarterstaff and commenses to beat it to death. "GRY HATE BELT, GRRR ... BELT, HUH, BAD ... UMF, DIE BELT DIE!!"
Gilan Friday January 23rd, 2004 5:15:23 PM
Gilan takes the time to eat and glances up when Trellus enters. He smiles as Trellus casts a remove curse spell upon Gry.
As Gry hopefully rips the belt off and tosses it to the floor he watches as Gry starts to beat it. He laughs lightly to himself as the half-orc cusses the belt. With a last laugh he looks around to the others and motions to the food. "Eat up people...we have to go to the monastery this morning."
Trellus Friday January 23rd, 2004 9:45:28 PM
The cleric waits in anticipation.
Will Gry change back?
Anuk Friday January 23rd, 2004 10:20:06 PM
Anuk cleans up the last few morsels of food from breakfast and then helps clean the food and plates. "Thanks for the food Gilan! Good birds, Marsha!"
When Trellus performs his spell Anuk looks on in anticipation. After a moment he says, "Umm...was something supposed to happen?" But then, Gry takes off the belt and begins beating it. "Ah, yes...I see. Back to normal," says Anuk with a smile.
ADM Mike Friday January 23rd, 2004 10:57:05 PM
As Marsha fumbles with the buckle and removes the belt, suddenly Grymash is back before your eyes! The roar of his curses and the crack of his staff fill the air as he vents his fury on the belt. Oddly, despite the beating, the belt seems to remain in fine shape.
This cheerful moment is interrupted by the sound of a rap at the open window. Standing outside the window and looking in is a monk.
"Many shadows, my young friends. My, that's quite a bit of noise you are making. Some of it is quite...how shall I say this...colorful? Please, mind the ears of the children playing outside," he says with a smile.
"Oh, I've forgotten my manners. My name is Brother Kensi. I come with a message for the one called Trellus. Brother Falin bids you to come to the monastery at your earliest convenience if you desire his help today. He has business that will take him outside the walls of Rattledam by mid-day."
With a slight nod, Brother Kensi bids you farewell and disappears down the path running past Gilan's hut.
Flea Saturday January 24th, 2004 12:04:04 AM
Although Flea doesn't think she can use any of the items Gry identified as being magic, she is none the less curious about what they might be.
"So what are we bringing to this Brother Falin?" she asks. Looking over at the pile of stuff, she adds, "the bracelet isn't magic, nor the silk scarf, and Gry knows what the scrolls say, right?"
So what's left?
Jake Saturday January 24th, 2004 2:33:20 AM
"Grymash, ye're back!" Jake runs over and claps the half-orc on the back cheerfully. "Hah! Trellus is da new king of shade. Hey, don't harm it..." Jake snatches it from the floor before Gry can hit it again and looks at the item. And thinks. His next words are slow and considered... "Say, Trellus, you can do that again, right...?" A glint comes in his eyes, and before anyone can say anything, he dashes off heading out with the speed of a rapke.
(Muwahahaa....!)
Trellus Saturday January 24th, 2004 10:35:37 AM
"Yes!" Trellus crows as Gry becomes Gry again. "Praise to Domi, you're OK!"
"Jake, don't....light." The man sighs in exasperation. "Lets get this stuff to the monastery and get going before a lady Malgo or Galafar show up at our door. The image of Galafar as a woman lingers in Trellus' brain for a while, and he can't help but chuckle.
The summons to the monastery breaks his daydream. "Right. Let's take the shield, sword, mace, bracers, and the potions. C'mon dudes!" The cleric helps bundle all the stuff up, and leads everyone over to find Brother Falin.
Grymash Monday January 26th, 2004 1:12:54 AM
Grymash's brow wrinkles with confusion when Jake grabs the belt and runs off with it. Gry wasnt finished killing it! He looks at all the smiling faces staring at him. "Huh, whut?!" not knowing why everyone is so happy. Gry realizes his voice sounds deep again. Suddenly he pulls off the silk scarf. "Gry bumpys gone, me hairy man chest back!!" Grymash turns his back to his pack and checks down stairs. "Gry poppa back too ... it ALL BACK!!! Me Grymash again ... GRY IS BACK, WHOOOOOHHHHH!!!"
Gry becomes so excited he starts to hop up and down. He lunges at priest of Domi in a fit of pure joy. Slapping shoulders and hands of anyone in reach. In fact Grymash reaches out to whomever is close and squeezes them all in for one huge hopping group hug.
Freshly Squeezed [DM Matt] Monday January 26th, 2004 10:45:03 AM
"Errrrrrrrg!" is the sound that comes from Trellus, Anuk, and Flea as they are bearhugged by a surprisingly joyful Grymash. Just think what it would be like to be hugged like this if he were mad!
Jake beats feet out the door with his prize. Giggling to himself about what he plans to do, he runs across the village, passing Brother Kensi on the way.
"Ah, ah, ahhh!" he hears from behind him, "Slow down, child. This isn't a race."
Trellus Monday January 26th, 2004 4:45:47 PM
"Errrrrrrrg!" Trellus grunts as he's orchugged.
Finally managing to disentangle himself from Gry, Trellus picks up the bag of stuff and says, "Let's weave, dudes. Brother Falin is waiting!"
He goes with his pack to the monastery. On the way, he remembers Flea is pretty new to Rattledam. "Flea," he grins, "All these beaters are priests of Pantheon. They don't have much of a sense of humor. So try to look as sober and miserable as you can till they help us out."
At the monastery, he finds Brother Falin by simply asking everybody he sees where the man is located.
Gilan Monday January 26th, 2004 6:24:59 PM
Gilan takes the slap from Gry as stoicly as possible, despite the fact it almost knocks him down. He rubs his shoulder as the big man enwraps the others in a hug. "Glad to have you back Gry." He sobers as Jake go running out his door and groans. This will most likely not be too good for the pack.
He follows along with the others as they make their way to the monastery. He slips up beside Trellus and nods. "That was a good weave with the spell earlier...I think Gry will remember this in the future." He glances to Flea as Trellus speaks up and grunts. "Yeah...any sort of happiness is like a sin to them." He adopts a somber face as they make it to the monastery. He is actually no longer pretending to be in a bad mood after they have had to ask almost everyone in the monastery about this brother.
Flea Monday January 26th, 2004 6:34:16 PM
Flea hopes she looks somber enough in her black leather garb. She pulls the faded blue ribbon of finest silk out of her hair, and tucks it in a pocket. It is hard to keep the smile from her lips, or the sparkle from her blue eyes. She knows the treasure is of significant value, and when she gets her fair share, she's going shopping!
Anuk Tuesday January 27th, 2004 1:29:28 AM Gry, you're back! This is the shadiest thing ever! Woohoo!! thinks Anuk as he's crushed in the big guy's embrace. Trying to express his feelings, he looks at Gry and utters the only thing he can.
"...erf..." **wheeze**
When all is over he follows the others to the monastery. He keeps low, hoping to hide his face from so many monks he and the others have played pranks on over the years.
Grymash Tuesday January 27th, 2004 5:13:06 PM
Grymash finally calms down from his celebration. He feels good, the first time in a long time. He grabs the red satin scarf and wraps it around his waist, like a sash. He thinks, It no kill any one ta have uh splash of color ta make outfit not so plain. Gry thinks it's strange that he's never considered such things before. Plus red is Gry's favorite color. Shady color ... pretty like blood!
After they start on their way to the monastery, Grymash practices a somber facial expression. He experiments with various frowns, jutting his large jaw in and out. He wonders how much tusk to show. Should he just stare at the ground the whole time. Grymash turns to the others and asks without moving his lips, in order not to mess up his expression, "hayy, ezz diz fass uh guud wonn?"
Flea Tuesday January 27th, 2004 11:14:03 PM
After spending a great deal of time walking about the monastary looking for Brother Falin, Flea starts to get a little worried, and a little hungry.
She hangs back, and asks the half-orc, "got anything good to eat, Gry?" Noticing the silk scarf lied sash-like about the barbarian's waist, she nods approvingly, adding, "it suits you!"
No Running in THIS Pool [DM Matt] Wednesday January 28th, 2004 12:23:41 AM
Jake immediately stops his run, annoyed that he's been caught.
"What have you got there, child?" says the monk approaching. "Ah! a belt. Well, you'd best be careful with that. You wouldn't want to damage it. Off you go then. Ah, children, you're on your way at last."
This last he says as the rest of the party comes galloping up on their way to the monastery. He turns to leave when something catches his eye. "Very nice, son. That's quite striking." indicating Grymash's new sash, "Mind your manners in the monastery, now."
He walks towards the now visible large structure of the monastery. A small brown and black dog , perhaps a terrier type of mutt, comes up to bark at you.
[My rules regarding posting: I won't post until I've gotten at least half of the group (or more under certain circumstances) posting for the day. I don't mind double posts if it's just to reply to another player's comment or question (although don't make a big habit of it), but do not perform any other actions in a second post.]
Jake Wednesday January 28th, 2004 12:37:26 AM
Jake stammers out an apology to the monk and subtly tucks the belt into his coat when he spots the group approaching. He sneaks off again, this time facing one of the toughest decisions in his life; to try to sell the belt as a way of making money, or to try to trick someone into wearing it. "Decisions, decisions," he mutters to himself.
Trellus Wednesday January 28th, 2004 5:05:09 PM
Inwardly groaing at the prospect of getting called "child" a couple of dozen times, Trellus takes the load up to the monastery to find Brother Falin.
"Woof right back at ya," he laughingly tells the dog.
Grymash Wednesday January 28th, 2004 5:16:34 PM "If dat little yappin' piggie bite Gry, me havin' it for dinner!" says Grymash to his packmates.
Gry is already getting ticked. He hates being called a child.
Flea d20+7=17 Wednesday January 28th, 2004 5:23:52 PM
Flea follows along with the group, a little confused by what is going on. She scans about (Spot=17) to see if she recognizes anyone.
Gilan Wednesday January 28th, 2004 6:52:44 PM
Gilan seems slightly distracted as the packs makes their way to the monestary. He seems to be lost in thought as to something but he has not brought it to the packs attention. Then again maybe it is a personal problem that he needs to deal with.
Jake Wednesday January 28th, 2004 9:44:10 PM
Jake thinks to himself. This sort of thing could be quite useful in other ways... in fact... the more Jake thinks about it, the more he decides he can't just use it and waste it. This sorta gag or gift or bribe, whatever it may be, has to be saved and lulled, waiting for just the right moment... He heads back to a place where he sometimes hides things and puts the belt there along with a few other things he needs to unload, then heads back to the monastery, figuring he'll meet the group up there.
Anuk Wednesday January 28th, 2004 9:45:29 PM Wonder what those potions do, thinks Anuk as they wander through town to the monastery. Hope we find something useful in there.
"Need a hand carrying any of that, Trellus?" he asks his friend. If Trellus says yes, he gladly grabs whatever needs to be grabbed. "Always best to look busy around the monks, eh?" he says with a wink.
Looking Busy [DM Matt] Thursday January 29th, 2004 1:15:35 AM
The group obediently trudges to the monastery. Anuk tries to look busy as he thinks about "all those old guys" looking down on him.
Flea sees people here and there, typical day in Rattledam. Everyone kind of looks the same....dirty.
Grymash growls back at the dog and it whimpers and runs off, knowing full well what Grym is thinking of doing.
The large wooden doors of the monastery creak open. The inside is full of candles flickering and a sweet smell which tries to cover up a very old smell. Various bald heads and large cowls bob and weave their way in and out of view. Someone quickly approaches you and quietly says, "Quietly and quickly please. This way. Hats please." indicating you should remove any headgear while inside.
You meander through the place not even knowing who your guide is. Until he unlocks a series of doors with a large key. He opens a dark redwood door and inside is a man on his knees with his back to you. He mutters deeply but you can't quite make out what he's saying. In front of him is a symbol on the wall. Your guide ushers you in and then leaves closing the door behind you.
Flea Thursday January 29th, 2004 7:12:27 AM
When their guide goes through the machinations of opening the locked doors, the rogue's hands twitch. As the party passes through each door, she runs her hands lovingly over the door knob and bolting mechanism.
When the group arrives in the room with the kneeling monk, she takes a place to one side and back of the pack, in order that the more charismatic members can present their case.
Trellus d20+7=18 Thursday January 29th, 2004 2:31:45 PM
The cleric happily hands Anuk part of the equipment the pack is bringing for the promised identification.
Frowning slightly at the reception, Trellus dutifully follows the priest into the dark room. He glances at the symbol in mild curiousity (Knowledge - Rel check 18).
Taking the mumble for a greeting, the young man says, "Brother Falin? I brought the stuff to get identified as you instructed."
Anuk Thursday January 29th, 2004 6:25:21 PM
Anuk enters the monastery with the others. Looking around reminds him mainly of a lot of hard work when he was younger. Just the thought makes his back ache a bit.
When they enter the room with the kneeling man, Anuk tries to hide his discomfort with a barely audible, "Uh...hi."
Gilan Thursday January 29th, 2004 7:22:27 PM
Gilan slips in with the others but keeps himself busy with other thoughts. He glances up once to see this Brother Falin and then looks to the others.
He silently wonders what the others have decided for thier future or if they have even taken the time to ponder it yet.
Senility Creeping in? [DM Matt] Friday January 30th, 2004 8:18:22 AM
Brother Falin raises a hand indicating "patience..." while continuing to mumble and you realize he's not mumbling to say "hi" but as some form of ritual. (Spellcraft 20 to tell what it)
You all continue feeling uncomfortable. Trelus thinks to his knowledge, that symbol, a green ship's wheel-looking thing with the tiny hammer coming out of it, looks like Pantheon.
FINALLY the monk rises, having a little trouble balancing on aging knees, and takes a large leather pouch with a long strap which he slings over his head and under his right arm.
[Spot check 16]
"We are ready," he declares and to your surprise, LEAVES THE ROOM!
A bit flabbergasted, you follow, not quite having any idea where this guy is leading you. He goes through lots of doors again and finally exits the building.
Trellus d20+6=23 d20+8=18 Friday January 30th, 2004 10:01:48 AM
[Spellcraft check 23]
Realizing that Falin is casting a spell, Trellus waits patiently. After all, he probably needs to do something like that to identify the pack's goodies.
[Spot check 18]
Then the beater leaves the room. The cleric sighs inwardly. He should have known better than to expect help from these guys without getting some kind of secret run around first. What is it about the Circles that makes people flat refuse to just answer the grass-bit question?
His mouth tightly set, Trellus rolls his eyes and nods his head toward the door in a "c'mon" motion to the pack. In resignation, he follows Falin, wondering how long this is going to end up taking.
Grymash d20+2=8 d20+2=21 Friday January 30th, 2004 3:39:52 PM
Grymash looks on with his manufactured somber facial expression. He hears some mumbling coming from the old monk but isnt aware at what was being said (Wis check 8). If it were a spell, he wouldnt know how to determine what was cast since he could never get a grasp of basic Spellcraft. Cedric, his clerical mentor, nearly ended his own life out of frustration when trying to train Grymash in the art. Only through the power of Gargul himself could Gry cast his spells at all.
However in the monk's dark room, Grymash's eyes are keen with the absence of light (Spot check 21). "Dat be strange!," Gry thinks after seeing what he saw.
Grymash's eyes roll with aggrivation when they have to keep on walking through the maze of doors and corridors only to go back outside again.
Jake Friday January 30th, 2004 6:14:37 PM
Jake heads back to the cathedral but doesn't see the others outside...sighing, he decides to wait around for them to show up, unless it takes too long. In the meantime, he tries to hang around outside of the sight of the monks, in the refreshing shade of the cathedral.
Flea d20+7=22 Friday January 30th, 2004 7:07:25 PM
Flea gamely follows her pack-mates. The rogue keeps her eyes open for any unguarded trinkets that might be easily pocketed.
Gilan Friday January 30th, 2004 10:11:26 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus and shakes his head in frustration. Will this secrecy thing never end for them. Though he has decided to join full heartedly with the circle and ask no more questions too soon...he is started to feel a little bothered by half answers.
He keeps an eye out for any possible problems as they continue to follow Brother Falin to wherever he is leading them.
Oh to be out in the sunlight again, with the cool air blowing across his face.
Anuk Saturday January 31st, 2004 12:01:26 AM
As they wait in the darkness, Anuk carefully begins to lay out the collection of treasure so that the identification process can move smoothly and quickly. Then, Brother Falin exits!
"Wha? Oh, light!" mutters Anuk as he gathers up the armload of stuff and then hurries to catch up with the monk outside.
Field Trip [DM Matt] Monday February 2nd, 2004 12:20:24 PM
Trellus realizes that the mumbling sounds somewhat like a prayer, seeing as how he's kneeling to a holy symbol and all, but there are distinct magical tones within that resemble rites of identification. So he has actually started after all!
As Flea is looking around she sees a type of message board with notes and schedules and assignments and a large scroll scrawled with "Performing a service for group of kids coming in the morning. Please guide them to me in the chapel. Brother Falin."
Jake watches the monks go in and out. Some of them give him dirty looks as they exit. One even takes a damp cloth and starts scrubbing his face. As this happens the door opens and out walks Brother Falin and the rest of the party.
Falin leads you all through the streets still muttering to himself and concentrating very succinctly on an object in his hand. Trellus spies that it is a smooth gray stone. It somewhat seems like it's pulling him. "Be ready children. We'll be exitting the city for a bit. It doesn't always go this far." he finally says. Well at least he's talking to you now.
As you pass through the gate, you do indeed feel the heat and wind on your face. Looks like its going to be a scorcher today. The grass sways and bakes with you as you start tromping into it. Then suddenly Brother Falin stops, not from the rock but by something he sees poking over the grass and coming round a bend in the trail.
He turns to you all in a little bit of panic, "Quickly children. Back. Back into the city. Now!"
Coming around the bend about 60 feet away is a very strange looking eight foot tall creature of immense proportions. This aberration seems to be a very muscular barechested human wearing black bants with a large frame, but with what looks like a bull's head. Its hair is dark and ratty and the sharpness of his wide black horns look almost as painful as the large axe it carries on its shoulder.
Juxtaposed to this is the beast's accomplice, an average sized and average looking human woman dressed in browns and greens with a black belt and a long sage green cloak that billows around her in the wind. She carries a tall staff with very strange symbols carved into it.
[They are sixty feet away and don't notice you yet. It is your round to act.]
Grymash d20-2=15 Monday February 2nd, 2004 1:24:45 PM
Grymash's jaw drops at the sight of the horned beast that walks upright. The image reminds him of an illustration in his book of Gargul (Int check 15). An image of a huge humanoid figure with horns atop its head. Gargul, with a choir of angels, casts the creature back into the infernal realms. Then it becomes all too clear to Gry ... this large horned figure must be a DEMON!!!
Grymash reaches for his double axe, but it isnt there. He holds a quarterstaff instead. He growls in frustration. He's not wearing his armor either. His growl becomes more furious!
"STOP DEMON ... NO COME HERE ... DEMON ONLY FIND DOOM IN DIS PLACE!!" bellows the loud barbaric priest. "GRY SPEAK IN GARGUL NAME, AN GRY SAY YA BE DOOMED!!" With the utterance of those final words a wave negative energy shoots from Gry's hand and engulfs the horned giant. It's embrace is cold and full of dread. (Casting Doom spell. Will Save DC 13. If fail, the target becomes Shaken and suffers a -2 to attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks and saving throws.)
Trellus d20+3=17 Monday February 2nd, 2004 3:52:51 PM Where is this beater taking us? the cleric wonders.
It is all too soon before Gry's warp is way up, and even Brother Falin is panicky.
But, there's something about these two that Trellus swears is familiar. He can't place it, just a tickle in his brain saying these dudes are shady. Unless Gry really twists em, anyway.
"Everybody just warp down!" he yells. More quietly, he starts giving instructions, "Nuk n Flea, left. Gil n Jake, right. Stay easy."
Making a mental note that leaving the armor in the caves may be a bad idea, the unarmored cleric of Domi moves around Gry and plants himself directly in front of the half-orc, effectively blocking his immediate path.
Facing the two strangers, the young man, sweat trickling off his blond crew cut, speaks loudly again. He keeps his tone nice and easy in an attempt to offset somewhat the effects of Gry's spell.
"You shady, dudes? Sorry about the spell." He smiles easily, "You dudes really scared us there. We kinda got this rule that sneaking up on people in the Plains is a pretty bright idea. Anyway, It'd be most waxed if you just stop there, keep your hands off the really big axe, and let us know what you're up to out here."
[Diplomacy 17]
Anuk Monday February 2nd, 2004 6:42:16 PM
Anuk follows Falin and the others outside of Rattledam, carrying his armload of stuff. Goin' outside the walls just to find out what this is? Better be worth it is all I can -- whoa.
Anuk stops mid-thought at the sight of the creature and the woman. Trying to gather his thoughts and wishing he'd brought his bow, he steps to the left of Trellus and stands there trying to look fierce. Frankly, it's not working so well.
Gilan Monday February 2nd, 2004 6:59:05 PM
Gilan follows the monk out of the city and into the grasses. He shakes his head wondering where this monk is taking them and why it needs to be outside of the city.
When the others start pulling up short he glances around and almost trips over Flea. He takes a double take of the huge horned beast that stands on two legs and then to the female with it.
He moves off to the side as Trellus orders but then stops as Gry goes into his spill. "Ohhh...bother...not again." He just wishes for once Gry could not do that to everyone they meet. Being unarmed is bad enough but that big one has a very large axe. "As he says, please forgive our big friend...he often acts before he thinks...but that is not his fault." He hopes that they can smooth this over and he also wonders why it is that the monk seems so afraid.
"Brother...would you mind telling us what is wrong?" He glances between the two newcomers and the monk as he asks. "They have shown no signs of hostility to us?" Still he makes ready to beat a hasty retreat if need be.
Machesthai d20+2=18 d20+4=21 Monday February 2nd, 2004 7:54:38 PM
The minotaur stands his ground, whispering thanks he gives to Domi for his continued favour as the spell breaks over him (Will save = 18, 21 vs Fear) and subsides. His dark eyes attempt to pick out any scurrying for cover (Spot check = 21) as the others begin to speak and defend.
"There are noo de-amons here. Just a lass seeking out her kith an' kin inside yon' gates, an' I'm a'makin' sure she gets there unassailled." He exchanges a brief, reasuring glance with Tishe' before acknowledging to the group ahead "You donnae look much like bandits..."
Grymash Monday February 2nd, 2004 8:05:44 PM
(Historical note: Gry has never attacked anyone he's met in the wild without being attacked first. He does have a problem with trusting them, for good reason; but he's never attacked on sight. Until now. :)
"Not you see da DEMON?! Big dude wit pokey horns on head. Gry see him in Gargul book. DEMON EVIL!! DEMON come ta stomp Rattledam!" Grymash is amazed that some in his pack dont believe him. Gry has never seen such a creature in all his life. Only within the pages of his holy book of Gargul. The one thing in the world he puts his complete trust in.
Flea d20+23=29 d20+9=17 Monday February 2nd, 2004 9:08:40 PM
On Trellus' command, Flea sweeps left following Anuk. The rogue makes every effort to blend into the grass (Hide=29) as she takes up a flanking position. As she passes the ranger, she whispers, "pass out the gear, some may be able to use it if we must defend ourselves." The gnome then listens intently to what the fearsome fellow with the horns is saying (Listen=17) and is surprised to hear him invoke the name of Trellus' god.
Jake Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 12:15:11 AM
The half-elf watches the scene with some vague amusement. If the two do attack, he expects they'll be able to take care of them. Though he wouldn't want to get in fight with the lady... "He don't look like a demon to me, he looks like one of dem things...........a bull?" He shrugs at the looks of others. "I hear they're like horses." As if that explains anything. His eyes go back to the pretty woman with the strange staff. Nuts, he thinks to himself. More magic.
Tishe' Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 12:21:19 AM
Talking animatedly to Mac towering three feet over her head, Tishe' doesn't notice anything in the grass until an angry shout about demons and black pall momentarily assails them. Unprovoked attacks are the worst kind of bullies! Nothing is wrong with her reflexes as she lets go of her staff, and raises her hands in an obvious spellcasting gesture. She doesn't get her hands to shoulder level before her large companion answers the shouts. Well, if Mac is willing to give talking a try, Tishe' will not be the lesser person. She lowers her hands. "If Mac wants to talk, we'll talk, but if you are just a bunch of hoodlums trying to pick our weave, you've got another thing coming." And she moves to address the short-haired blond man stepping in front of the angry orc. "I don't know about any bright ideas, but we're certainly not shady." She glances at her large companion. "We're fine upstanding travellers!"
Stephen: Game Notes will soon be deleted :) Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 10:04:10 AM
I like to welcome the newcomers to the game. The Sargrass Plains is a very special place. Very unique. And I invite the newcomers to the game to follow these links (and even some of the current players) and read up on what makes the Sargrass Plains so unique. There are explainations for almost everything a player needs to know so far. Even info on the local slang.
Quick note: Shady means good. Bright means bad. And there are no bulls or horses in the Plains. If none of us have left the plains, we would more than likely have never heard of such beasts. However, more Plains creatures are in development. The area is still being invented. :)
Whooooooooo are you? Who Who. Who Who! [DM Matt] Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 5:53:24 PM
Brother Falin comoes forward cautiously as the two being talking.
"Excuse me for staring. But what are you?" he inquires of Mac. "Children be on your guard." he whispers to the rest as he moves forward a bit?
"And madam I note your Hook City accent. Am I correct?" "Pardon my panic but you surprised me. I thought you someone else. But what are you seeking here in our city please?"
He seems very interested in the newcomers.
Gilan d20+2=13 Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 7:05:18 PM
Gilan takes an easy stance as he watches the events unfold before the group. He looks to the minotuar and shakes his head. "I seem to remember some of your kind back at my home." Searching his memory (int 13) he slightly remembers about a race like this. "I believe that he is a minotaur...they use to come and trade at my dad's store." Giving Mac an appraising look he nods and slowly steps forward beside Trellus. "They have an honor system...so I believe him."
With a bow to both the people he glances back to the others. "We are not hoodlums but we are curious about both of you...if you have the time we would love to hear your stories." He glances to Mac and wonders if he will grace them with tales of his homeland and race.
[Gilan was not born and raced in the Plains originally. His father and mother were wealthy merchants so it is most possible that he has seen minotaurs before.]
[I was not talking about Gry attacking anyone before. Just that he speaks that way before he thinks. I know that Gry is challenged in that area. :) This is what makes him so fun to play in the same game with. :)]
Grymash d20-2=12 Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 9:04:40 PM
Grymash grits his teeth in frustration. Trellus is always hopping in front of him at the worst possible times, blocking his path. Just like his old pet lizard, Hissy. "Poor squished Hissy," thinks Gry as his mind strays for a brief moment. Grymash's attention quickly returns and he glares back at Trellus. He hasn't forgotten that his friend has given back his manhood and that was enough to keep him from getting smacked.
"Hissy ...err uh, Trellus, yew not hear girlie say dat biggie horn dude no shady? Gry never hear words 'bout minotar or horsebulls ever!"
When the old monk makes mention of the Hook City accent it reminds Gry of something that happened out in the wilds. "Dat funny girlie talk," Gry thinks. He's heard it before. (Int 12) Suddenly his eyes widen when his thought connects with a memory. Pointing at the female accusingly, Grymash blurts, "YOU ... da funny talkin' magik weaver dat blabbed in Gry ears all nite when Gry sleep, lots many nites ago!! Why do dat? Girlie not wit big horny dude then."
Trellus Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 9:36:58 PM
The cleric breathes a quick sigh of relief. Only a Rattledam wannabe could butcher the local slang as badly as that girl just did. Brother Falin's comment about a Hook City accent cements it. These, uh, dudes are not demons.
"She's just got the words wrong, Gry. Just like all the white-faced traders that try to get us to buy their junk," he assures his large friend. "C'mon dude. No demon would twist our talk that badly."
Deciding now would be a good time to get out of Grymash's path, Trellus eases his way over to Brother Falin. He gives Gilan a quick wink as he does, aware that the druid and Anuk have a running bet going as to when the 'jump in front of Gry' stunt gets the cleric stepped on.
"Brother, if these, uh, folk are simple travellers, may we continue our quest to identify our stuff?" he asks politely.
Machesthai Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 10:22:49 PM
Mac moves up to the right of Tishe' - he knows it isn't strategically smart, but he's not going to leave the girl in the thick of things and unsupported. Besides, this is just getting interesting. The word and memories catch up as he gets a closer view of these... people.
"I am Machesthai of Heranmar -- a minotaur, the son of Antonio, grandson of Xerros, and great-grandson of Morpheus and Aurora, who left their homeland in the Taur Isles some two centuries ago..." he looks at the faces displaying no recognition of the names, "I regret that I have little gift for tales though, and I am not due to travel that way for some time yet."
The half-orc's talk of dreams sparks a memory. He is suddenly aware of Trellus' religious acoutrements, and says with respect and a slight bow, "Tis an honour for one who does Domi's work to meet one who speaks his word!"
Despite earlier requests, the axe remains rested up on Mac's shoulder - the sun's rays reflecting sharply off the undecorated portions of the millstone sized blade.
Flea Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 10:50:32 PM
Sensing that discretion could be the better part of valour in this situation, Flea emerges from the grasses. The gnome with strawberry blonde hair, and clear blue eyes set in a slightly sunburned face, approaches the one called Machesthai. She holds her hands open, palms out, at shoulder height to show she bears no arms and greets him with a wide white gap toothed (and slightly strained) smile.
Flea decides to say nothing, until she is addressed directly, leaving introductions to the more charismatic folks.
Tiev and Zilia Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 10:53:54 PM
Two shiny bodied wasps, one slightly larger than the other, appear near Gilan. They hover protectively near the druid.
Tishe' Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 11:25:18 PM
"My, that's a lot of information to cover at one time!" Tishe' laughs pleasantly, all but forgetting her combative stance a moment before. She bends down and picks up her staff, looking at the group that comes out of the grass. Her face clouds in concentration on the many references to dreams. It couldn't be... could it?
Well, one things for sure, it looks like the Monk is in charge. "Indeed I am from Hook City," she says with a slight bow in his direction. "Though my mother was a foundling from Rattledam. As Mac has said," indicating the minotaur, "we met on a merchant boat travelling here. And since then, we have woven a like path."
The small, plain looking woman cocks her head at Trellus' patios. "My mother often picked a slang that others in the City found amusing. I couldn't understand some of it, but being a family of weavers, some made sense."
She seems to completely lose her train of thought when Flea steps out of the grass. Her eyes sparkle as the small gnome moves up to Mac. "Why, you are facinating!" Dropping her staff once again, Tishe' takes her own palms and places them against Flea's in an obvious gnome-greeting gesture, and smiles back.
"I am Tishe' Spellweaver, and it is a pleasure to meet you."
Anuk Wednesday February 4th, 2004 12:26:39 AM
Anuk watches as everyone's guard begins to drop. Things do happen fast around here, some days, he thinks.
Still carrying his armload of stuff, he offers a friendly smile to the woman when she approaches him. It fades a bit as he realizes she walked over to talk to Flea. He studies the large, bull-headed creature and recalls reading of others like him in the past, back at home in his father's study. Hoping not to offend, he approaches the minotaur and bows slightly. "I'm Anuk. Welcome to our home. May we ask what brings you here?"
Crunching through the Grass [DM Matt] Wednesday February 4th, 2004 12:06:23 PM
Brother Falin relaxes a little as the tales are told, "I'm Brother Falin", he says with a bow, "One of the monks which oversees this our abode. You will follow us now," he says to Tishe and Mac, "for we are on an errand and then I will lead you into the city. It would be unwise to enter by yourselves as you would be accosted even more than you have been now."
He turns and starts walking through the group again. He stops at Grymash and whispers, "Watch them."
He takes a few more steps and whispers to Trellus, "Watch HIM." (indicating Grymash)
He leads you all off the path and through the tall grasses. Dried grasses and insect exoskeletons crunch under your feet. Brother Falin continues to hold his hand with the stone out in front of him. He finally slows down his steps and then stops. In front of Brother Falin, you see a sunken path of sand. Brother Falin opens his bag and pulls out some sort of dust. He begins releasing the dust very succinctly and in spurts while starting to mumble again. The sand begins to separate as the dust hits it and after several more seconds of holding the stone above, the sand starts to spill downward out of site, but there strangely seems like an inexhaustable supply of it.
"Hand me the items." he says firmly.
Gilan Wednesday February 4th, 2004 8:18:31 PM
Gilan looks to the rest as Brother Falin decides it is time to move out again. He follows along as he watches the grass for plants that he recognizes.
When Brother Falin finally stops and begins his spell he watches with interest as the sand starts to part. He is even more curious to find out what will happen next and watches intently.
Tishe' d20+11=23 d20+11=21 Wednesday February 4th, 2004 9:56:31 PM
Like quicksilver, Tishe's attention is drawn to somthing else again, this time as Brother Falin speaks again. She quickly retreives her staff and, with a glance and shrug at Mac, follow the Monk.
"I don't want to be the cause of a disturbance in the city." She walks with the group, but makes sure she is next to her large companion.
She is VERY interested in what is obviously a spell that Brother Falin is casting in the dust. Perhaps it is something similar to what she knows of Spellcraft(23) or Alchemy (21)?
(OOC: Thank you for the info. I've read both several times already, but since Tishe' hasn't, I deliberately made her misunderstand.":)
Trellus Wednesday February 4th, 2004 10:02:30 PM
The young man grins in reply to the monk's instruction. He's been watching over Gry for years, and vice versa. That's what makes them the Bloodpack. They're all weft and web.
When Brother Falin completes his preparations, Trellus eagerly helps Anuk hand over the mace, shield, sword, bracers, and 6 potions.
He hovers in gleeful impatience to find out what they've got.
Flea Wednesday February 4th, 2004 10:15:06 PM
Flea is surprised by the strange woman's reaction to her presence, and taken aback when the magic user places her hands on Flea's own. The gnome giggles, "No! No! I'm just showing you that I bear no arms, and mean you no harm!"
The rogue nods her head in response to Tishe's introduction, then makes a fist with one hand, placing it on her chest, and covering it with her other hand. She bows her head first to Tishe' then to Machesthai, "Furtif Aeanora Flibbertigibbet of the Bloodpack, Rattledam, Sargrass Plains." Then with a big unrestrained smile, she adds, "my friends call me Flea."
Jake Wednesday February 4th, 2004 10:41:54 PM
Jake has been following along, and doesn't seem at all worried about this whole thing. "Hey there, big guy." He claps the 'minotar' on the back friendly-like. "Woah, shady seta muscles you got there. Say, ah betcher ev'n stronger 'n Grymash." he chuckles. "Ah bet you, that's a sight some people'd pay to see; an arm-wrasslin' contest between the two of yas. Ah'll tell ya right now, friends, ah would be willin' ta take bets on either side. Thou' ah'm naturally disposed ta favor the underdog, in account of mah respect for heroic undertakin's. In this case, you being the new guy, ah'd put mah money on you." Of course, Jake says all of this just so Grymash can hear the admiration in his voice, but there's a genuine current of friendliness towards these new guys as well, like he's accepted them into the community through his decision to play tricks with them.
Of course, through all this he smiles back whenever the pretty lady glances towards him. He's already decided to introduce himself at a more proper moment.
Grymash Thursday February 5th, 2004 12:49:40 PM
Grymash rolls his eyes when he hears Jake trying to strike up a deal with the horsbull demonotaur. "Wut did da demon call itself ... huh Macintar, huh demon ... NO me call him dat! Uh Minitaur? No, oh wells, Gry goes wit Demonotaur for now," ponders Grymash to himself.
Anuk Thursday February 5th, 2004 1:39:26 PM
Anuk approaches Bro. Falin and hands over the treasure he holds. He stands with Trellus and watches the ritual intently.
While they wait, he turns to Trellus and remarks, "Busy day today, eh? Just wanted to say, that was a good thing you did for Gry this morning. Nice pick on working out the countercurse. Thanks for figuring that out."
Gilan d20+14=22 Thursday February 5th, 2004 9:46:42 PM
Gilan takes his time to look around and see what he can find plant wise. He knows that there are plants out here that will help with muscle aches and relieve slight pain (survival 22).
He lets the others take care of the treasure and talk to Brother Falin. Keeping an eye on the newcomers he cannot help but wonder what this minotuar could tell him about minotaur life. The real question is should he ask or would it be a breach of ethics.
Tishe' Thursday February 5th, 2004 10:54:27 PM
Tishe also smiles at her mistake. Knowing Flea is now showing her a proper gnome greeting, she watches carefully. She places a fist on her chest and covers it with her other hand (noting which hand Flea uses). She then bows and returns the gnome's grin. "I think I'm going to like it here."
Christmas in July [Dm Matt] Thursday February 5th, 2004 10:58:29 PM
The monk solemnly takes the items. They all do things so proper and ritualistic, don't they...
He hovers the stone over each in turn and places them in the descending sand, which causes the items to spin as if caught in a whirlpool. He casts a last bit of dust upon them and mutters something else unfamiliar. Tishe picks up magical words and phrases and clauses and determines that Identification is their function.
Shortly the items begin to glows slightly in different colors The Shield and Bracers glow Green. While the Sword and mace glow red.
Two of the potions glow a faint white while two others glow a little stronger white. The last two glow different. One is marly white and black with white being dominant. The other is Red and purple.
"Now my friends, the mace and sword will help you a little in battle hit more accurately. The Shield and bracers defend you a little in battle. These four potions will heal you up with these two (indicating the stronger glow) being more potent. This will make you grow larger (the purple and red) while the other will slow down any poison in your veins."
The sand soon stops and he picks up the items and hands them back.
"Now we must return..."
He quickly leads you back to the village.
Tishe' Friday February 6th, 2004 11:05:33 AM
Tishe' obiediantly moves to follow the Monk to the city. No matter how much she picked from her mother, she realizes that she has much to learn out here on the Sargrass Plains.
"You must be quite important," she murmurs to Flea as they walk toward Rattledam. "Identification is an expensive spell. Why, I would have to destroy a pearl worth 100 gold to cast that spell."
Grymash d20-2=5 Friday February 6th, 2004 11:36:29 AM
Grymash says boastfully, "Gry identify magik papers all by me self. Gry can read magik words for free. Gry can read lots many words." His eyes dart back to the demonotaur. Making sure his attention doesnt stray too far and allowing his guard to go down.
Gry comments on the items. "Only thang Gry like ta keep for Gry is Make Big Potion. Dat make Gry one big shady beater. Bigger than horn dude over here. Gry like da silk belt now, but me sell if worth lots many gold ginglies."
Gry attempts to appraise the silk scarf based on what he would have payed for the silk rope if he hadnt gotten it for free. (Appraise 5) He hasnt a clue! "Flea does ya knows how much ginglies dis red silk thingy be worth?"
Mac Friday February 6th, 2004 12:14:18 PM
The Minotaur returns Anuk's bow. "Wanderlust for the mostpart. Since my grandfather's time the only distant travelling my kin have done are return trips back to the Isles to find wives. For the now I'm happy to find out what is out here."
Whilst Brother Falin does his thing (like Mac has a clue) he takes a few moments to fold -- bringing one foot across the other and after one nearly fluid motion is sitting crosslegged before Flea. "Greetings Flea. If people here use short names then I'm also called Mac.'fact most people do." He deftly brings the polished and honed greataxe off his shoulder and brings it to rest on both of his palms, with the backs of his hands resting on each knee. "This says that I openly bear a weapon, but that I do nae weild it ag'in' ye. Be there better way o' saying that 'round here?"
To Flea's sight Mac winces as Jake's clap contacts scar, and he exhales deeply through his nostrils. "Shady... yes. Been working the forge since I could weild hammer and tongs."
"Brother who or what did I remind you of when you first saw me?"
Grymash Friday February 6th, 2004 1:19:05 PM
Gry's eyebrow raises and he looks to Mac with much interest after he spoke to Flea. "You's uh smithy ... you's weave an beat dat axe togethur?" Gry's first civil words spoken to the visitor also expresses a small degree of acceptance to their presence.
Gilan Friday February 6th, 2004 6:29:34 PM
Gilan listens as the monk goes over what the stuff they have does. He shrugs as the others make comments as nothing is of particular interest to him.
When the time is called to return he makes his way back to town with the rest. He continues to listen to what the others are talking about around him. He moves up to walk by Trellus and nudges the man. "Seemed that we got some stuff that should help in our cause." He keeps some of his words cryptic as to not alert those around them, especially the new people.
[What is the email for our new DM? Not sure which one is his on the lists and need to send him a Catacombs purchase.]
Anuk Friday February 6th, 2004 6:39:31 PM
Anuk scoops up an armful of the booty and heads back to Rattledam with the rest of the group. As they walk, he addresses the monk. "Thank you, Brother Falin, for your help. How may we repay you for this kindness?"
When he has a moment, he turns to Mac. "Someday I'd like to hear more about the places you've been. You should know, though, that once we're inside Rattledam, the monks don't like anyone discussing the outside world. Not entirely sure why, to be honest, but that's how it is. Still...I think you'll like it here. I know people are gonna show a real interest in you," he says.
Tishe' Friday February 6th, 2004 11:22:12 PM
The small plain-faced woman is suddenly interested in the large one calling himself Gry.
"Magic papers? What sort of magic papers? And you can read them? How interesting!" Her eyes sparkle with energy.
Then she looks crestfallen. "No, if you could read them, they are yours, and I shouldn't pry."
Jake Saturday February 7th, 2004 2:56:14 PM
Jake trots on back to the town, humming. THese dirt-baked walkers are in for a surprise when they try to stay in Rattledam, he thinks. They're the most obvious outsiders he's ever seen. And if he's caught with them...Jake blinks, and says to the group, "Hey guys, I'll meet you back at Gilan's house. See ya." ANd he heads on.
Flea Saturday February 7th, 2004 8:59:58 PM
"Mac", Flea tries the name out, and smiles up at the huge creature, even in repose he is greater than her 3 ft., 3 inch self. "Can I touch it?" she asks, reaching out a tentative hand, before adding, "me mum and dad are craftspeople of a sort. Not from here!" she wispers hooking her thumb over her shoulder, to indicate the town of Rattledam, "I'm kind of new here, myself."
After examining the weapon admiringly, if Mac permits it, Flea excuses herself and moves over by Trellus, keeping her voice low and her eyes on the two newcomers, she asks "should we bring them back to town with us?"
Brother Falin [DM Matt] Sunday February 8th, 2004 12:51:13 PM
Brother Falin smiles and shakes his head, "Ah child. There is so much you do not understand. The only pearl I need is Pantheon. Perhaps you are in need of coming to some of our services."
When you arrive back in town there seems to be a big to do around. Just more people bustling then there was before. Before you enter, Brother Falin turns to Mac and Tishe and says, before you will be allowed into our city we will need to remove your weapons from you. You will get them back of course but it is for your safety as well as ours. Please hand them to Grymash please.
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