Mac Sunday February 8th, 2004 7:52:33 PM
OOC: Playing catch-up after one heck of a weekend. My apologies.
Still seated with Flea, Mac turns to Gry and his question. "This axe belonged to my great-grandfather Morpheus. There are some conflicting tales about how he came by it, but I'm willing to believe that he fashioned it himself..."
"Yes, Flea. You may touch it, but beware the edge -- if you'd like to keep your fingers." He says with with a serious smile.
"...His son -- my grandfather Xerros -- reforged the broken weapon while I completed an order of weapons for Captain Kelin of the Heranmar militia, and he entrusted his father's axe to me when I took up my apprenticeship with the militia as their weaponsmith, and soon militia-man. He has taught me how to care for it, but if it ever breaks again, I will seek his instruction and repair it. Adamantine is only ever worked by the master."
Mac nods to Anuk, "If this was anything to go by..."
Later... Mac follows Falin's request and carefully hands the axe to Gymash. The haft is clearly too far around to be held in less than two hands, so it is the bulk, and not the 24 pounds of metal that is cumbersome. He reaches into the backpack and produces from it a large dagger, and hands that over to Gry also. He turns to Falin. "Will he be needin' my smithing apron as well?"
Flea Sunday February 8th, 2004 10:22:04 PM
When they enter Rattledam, Flea ignores the small crowd. Addressing those that hold the items gained from the pack's recent defense of the cacoon, she asks, "if no one is claiming these items, perhaps we could trade them in at the Catacombs? I am in need of new equipment if we are ever to venture out into the plains again."
Flea remembers an item she once heard described. It was some sort of cloak* that protected one from the elements and was designed specifically for travel in the Sargrass Plains.
(*Flea is interested in purchasing a Cloak of Comfort as described in Oshirr house. Cost 1000.)
Gilan Sunday February 8th, 2004 10:56:15 PM
Gilan ignores the crowd that gathers to see the newcomers. Looking to Brother Falin he moves over to stand by him. "Brother...if it would help I could take the newcomers to my hut. It is not too big but it will allow them to find a place to stay and get away from the crowd?" He looks to the others of the group to see if anyone will back him up in this. They need to discuss a few things anyways as a group and the newcomers will not interfere with that.
Waiting to see what will come of his offer he will head for home with anyone that wants in tow. He already figures that Flea will be along as she might want to relax. With a thought he makes his way to Flea and gets her attention. "If you want to talk to Tishe' some more...how about bringing up the scrolls I have to you." With a smile he cannot help but laugh a little at the idea. "She maybe really interested."
Tishe' Monday February 9th, 2004 4:14:45 AM
Tishe' listens intently at Brother Falin's words (as well as the other comments around her), and she doesn't fail to notice Jake's hasty exit. Obviously, being a stranger in Rattledam is not easy.
"My mother revers the teachings of Pantheon, and I would love to learn more in the Temple of Justice." she tells the Monk. "As for weapons, I will follow your pick.", and gives Gry her staff carved in geometric designs and a light crossbow and quarrels produced from underneath her cloak. "They are only tools, and tools can be replaced. It is knowledge that is important." and she taps her temple.
At the same time, she understands from the others that questions and magic are also frowned upon. She may burst, but Tishe' sternly reminds herself to NOT talk or weave magic unless these new friends indicate otherwise.
"Master Gilan," she says with a nod, "your offer of your home is good weaving." She laughs at a thought and continues. "And growing up with three older sisters, I've no fear of small spaces!"
Trellus Monday February 9th, 2004 8:04:42 AM
The cleric happily follows the rest of the Pack back into Rattledam. Everyone seems to be taking to the new dudes quickly.
He nods at Flea's question about them. "Looks like Gilan's already voted them in," he remarks with an easy smile.
That treasure is still picking away at him, though. "Dudes, if nobody wants this stuff, I'd love to take both the shield and the mace. It just doesn't seem fair for me to take half the good stuff. None of you want the shield?"
"Flea, good idea about the catacombs. That cloak sounds shady".
Grymash Monday February 9th, 2004 10:26:53 AM
(What kind of axe is it and what is its size: medium, large, huge and so on. Im playing it as a huge weapon.)
Grymash takes the massive weapon from the demonotaur and his dagger that looks to be the size of a short sword. Gry has no trouble bearing its weight, however, even with Gry's large hands, the handle is quite large for him. Making it a bit too unweildy as a weapon. Though he hasn't any trouble carrying it across his shoulder.
Then the girl hands Gry her staff. He has to slide the knife under his belt and grasp both his quarterstaff and her staff in one hand. Gry is beginning to think that this is getting ridiculous. "Gry no carry any mores stuff. Gry no Load Beetle!"
Anuk d20+10=26 Monday February 9th, 2004 10:58:33 AM
"Well, thank you again for your help, Bro. Falin. Perhaps I will see you at services...um...sometime."
Anuk feels a bit guilty as he says this, knowing that he has no real intention of going. Just seems like it would be best not to insult the monk by just say no. So, with a grin he bids the monk farewell as they enter Rattledam.
The crowd does seem a bit bigger than usual, and Anuk glances around to see if the commotion might be caused by anything other than the arrival of the new people (spot 26).
Gilan Tuesday February 10th, 2004 12:12:45 AM
Gilan glances at Trellus and just shrugs. "It is not that...this crowd though could be bad for all of us." He will continue to move towards his hut.
Glancing to Tishe' as he walks he smiles and laughs. "Well I can at least offer the two of you that and some tea." He continues onto his hut while thinking over the past few events. He also ponders everything that they have witnessed and been through over the past few weeks.
Flea Tuesday February 10th, 2004 12:41:56 AM
"Lets have one last look at the stuff Black gave us after the battle. I'll take whatever isn't useful to the party to The Catacombs in exchange for six vouchers of equal value. Okay?"
Falling back to walk beside Tishe', Flea volunteers, "Gilan gave me some special papers, but, I can't read magic well enough yet to make good use of them. Maybe you would be interested in seeing them?"
Tishe' Tuesday February 10th, 2004 3:09:45 AM
Her eyes sparkle. "I would indeed, Flea. That would be..." she searches for a word, "shady."
Initiation [DM Matt] Tuesday February 10th, 2004 5:12:59 AM
There seem to be several gossip pools forming. Some kids. Some parents. Some seamen. Some of them are definitely staring in your direction, covering their faces, making strange gestures with their hands or hurrying children away from you. Brother Falin confides again, "Children, pelase help me escort our guests to the temple."
As Grymash is the unfortunate beast of burden, how can you refuse. You walk VERY uncomfortably through the streets. And you thought you'd get away from this kind of thing by coming to Rattledam where everyone has secrets.
Finally you arrive at the temple and enter the outer sanctum where you're placed in a room. Several monks wander by and are frightened away or intrigued in a rude stare-y way. Brother Falin then leads you into another room with three other monks which sit at a table, one of whom you recognize.
"So what have our 'favored' imps done now?" comes the patronizing voice of Galafar. Brother Falin explains the newcomers very slowly. In the room the rest of you quickly get bored. Your eyes glaze over and the incense smell makes your stomach turn. The questions are hurled quickly at Tishe and Mac, wondering what they are doing here, who knows they are here, who brought them, what they intend on doing, what they know, what their skills are, etc, etc, etc, etc.
And they seem to mean business! The monk are even more aggressive and patronizing than usual here.
After a bit they are all whispers and wait... and wait...
Finally Galafar says, "Our newcomers seem to require guidance in the ways of this city and as the good Brother Falin informs me, you have already made yourselves, shall we say, hospitable to them. Good. That will do. YOu will watch and guide them and teach them how to behave in Rattledam. As they are staying with you you may as well get some use out of them. Consider them part of your "pack" as of now." With that it seems the discussion is over and Galafar doesn't hang around for an argument.
Brother Falin quickly gathers you up and silently leads you all, sore butts and all out of the temple again.
Flea d20+23=39 Tuesday February 10th, 2004 7:18:10 AM
Trying to hide from the prying gazes (Hide=39) Flea feels sorry for the newcommers. She remembers all to well the rude welcome she recieved at the hand of some bullies when she first arrived in Rattledam.
When the pack is dismissed, Flea walks beside Tishe'.
Mac Tuesday February 10th, 2004 7:18:54 AM
OOC: Greataxe, two handed, large. Dagger, light, large.
"Well, thank you Brother Falin. What just happened? And you still haven't said what it was I reminded you of..." Mac says, rubbing the top of his snout.
Tishe' Tuesday February 10th, 2004 9:42:49 AM
While Tishe' loves questions and thier answers, this grilling by the Monks seems to be pointless badgering, and it really gets her dander up. While she answers as best she may, her sentences become progressively short. And sharp.
Outside of the temple, the plain woman sees Flea next to her. "My mother called my sisters and I a 'pack'. Does that mean we're like siblings now?"
She rubs her posterior. "Either way, after an afternoon of THAT" (she gestures) "all I want is someone to weave a good dinner and a bed."
Trellus Tuesday February 10th, 2004 10:00:16 AM
Trellus endures the interrogation stoically, knowing from past experience that talking or even sighing will accomplish nothing more than dragging out the process even longer.
Once out of the temple, he turns to the two newcomers with a half grin. "Welcome to the Bloodpack," he says lightheartedly. "Let's go to Gilan's place."
Once back, the blond cleric launches into some fast instruction. "OK, dudes. First rule in Rattledam is, nothing exists outside of Rattledam. You don't ever talk about it with anybody. 'Cept us. And then only when we're alone. That's part of what's twisting everyone with Mac. He's so totally not of Rattledam, they can't get around him."
Looking up at the huge bull head, Trellus addresses the taur directly, "Dude, this totally bites grass, but you have GOT to stay totally peaceful here in the town. Don't even appear slightly threatening, 'cause the beaters, er, thats what we call the monks, are looking for any reason to toss you out."
He takes in both of them again, and smiles widely as he glances at his packmates. "The good news is we've all felt what you're feeling. Some more than others (nods toward Gry, Flea, and Anuk), but we're all different from most dudes here. We understand. We'll help. A pack is a family, weft and web, woven together as one fabric. Stick with us, and we'll watch out for you."
His smile becomes wry once more. "Don't stick with us and we all get tossed out of here."
Jake Tuesday February 10th, 2004 1:34:10 PM
They come into Gilan's house to see Jake already occupying the most comfortable chair with a glass of wine in his hand. He can't help but grin at their obviously scrubbed faces and such. Listening to Trellus, he looks at the newcomers...more new packmates? Well, maybe not true packmates yet...just taggers along for now. He offers a drink to them. "It's glass grass," he explains. "Not exactly the best, but pretty good."
DM Matt Tuesday February 10th, 2004 3:15:10 PM
[Yes you're right. I meant Galafar, not Malafrat. Thanks to the braintrust that gave them such similar names. :) I've edited Flea's and Trellus' post to take out the appropriate bits about this issue. Or you may repost if you wish]
Gilan Tuesday February 10th, 2004 6:12:09 PM
Gilan cannot help but smirk just a little as Galafar makes his snide comment. He was always out to get them in trouble and thus kick them out of town. One of these days he would find that he needed the Bloodpack and they would have to decide if they would help him. He was not sure what he would do at that time...must wait and see.
After much sitting and listening to some of the same questions asked over and over they had been allowed to leave. As they left he took a big sigh of relief and then turned to Trellus. "One of these days that man will need us...we will decide how his thread is weaved." He could not help but smile a little at the thought.
As they enter his hut the find Jake already there relaxing with some glass grass wine. "You missed it Jake...a fun time with Galafar." He makes his way to his stove and quickly gets some water boiling. After a short amount of time he will have some tea ready for those that need it, a relaxing tea of his own make. "If someone would like to chech I am sure I have some eggs, sausage and onions in the cubby." He moves some day old bread out on the table with a jar of jam for anyone to snack on.
Anuk Tuesday February 10th, 2004 7:36:32 PM
Visibly agitated, Anuk stands nervously as the beaters jump down the throats of the newcomers. It wasn't pleasant for him when he had to go through it, and he doesn't particularly appreciate the reminder. When it's all over and the pack begin to file out, Anuk covers his mouth with a gloved fist and goes into a short coughing fit.
*bracghh!* *becghh!* *beaters!* *brach!*
If anyone looks askance at him, he feigns innocence and makes his way hurriedly out of the temple.
As they head to Gilan's he moves up alongside Tishe'. "We haven't really met yet, but I'm Anuk. Just wanted to say welcome to the pack."
Flea Tuesday February 10th, 2004 10:56:33 PM
When the group arrives at Gilan's place, Flea invites Tishe' into the cubby with the tiny bed and small chest of drawers given to her by the druid. She fishes around in her pack, hanging from a peg nearby, and pats the small bed, inviting the plain woman to sit. Flea hands Tishe' 4 scrolls* that had been given to her earlier by Gilan. "My friend gave these to me, but it is only with great difficulty that I can decipher the script to activate the magic they contain."
While Tishe' studies the scrolls, Flea excuses herself. Putting the longsword, bracers, silver bracelet set with amber, and the fine silk scarf in a plain bag of some woven stuff, she heads off to exchange the goods. "I'll be back soon. Jake, make us something good to eat, and don't let Grymash eat it all!"
* 4 scrolls of Mage Armour
Time to relax [DM Matt] Wednesday February 11th, 2004 5:48:02 AM
Brother Falin's only remark to Mac is "I feared evil and discovery." He does not seem to look at Mac for the rest of the way to Gilan's place.
Back at home base, things are definitely more relaxed and Jake has already started the party without everyone else and ironically Trellus is saying his "Don't stick with us and we get tossed out of here." line when they enter and see him sitting there in comfort...by himself.
After showing Tishe around a little, Flea starts taking things out of other people's bags. Among the items she takes are the magic sword and magic bracers.
[I don't really care how you guys divvy up magic items. But just so everyone is on the same page, you need to speak up now in character to claim things. Or if you guys want to start doing this in email that's fine too, but just make sure everyone has a chance to speak up. Last chance to speak while Flea is still in the room with you.]
The evening sets in and you indeed all become hungry and tired. Various people try to look in the window, wide-eyed or glarey.
[Do any business or whatever for the night]
xMac Wednesday February 11th, 2004 10:15:07 AM
Mac looks ernest enough as he thanks everyone for the welcome. His expression barely flickers as Trellus gives him the news. "I understand - I have seen this before.
Flea Wednesday February 11th, 2004 12:51:59 PM
Before she leaves for the store, Flea does a quick run down of the items the pack will keep:
1 special mace (Trellus) 1 special shield (Trellus) various potions (to be distributed as appropriate) scrolls (to be distributed as appropriate including to Tishe'!) 1 belt of gender change (Jake)
1 special sword (to be traded) special bracers (to be traded) silver bracelet set with amber (to be traded) silk scarf (to be traded)
vouchers and coins will be split 6 ways by the party that fought in defense of the drake.
"Did I forget anything?" asks the rogue as she stands on the threshold of the hut.
(OOC: Matt, there is mutual accord regarding the distribution of the treasure. We've been e-mailing each other.)
Cool. Copy me on those emails please. fenrsisulf@juno.com Thanks -Matt
Grymash d20-2=0 Wednesday February 11th, 2004 1:15:48 PM
Grymash returns with the pack and is more than ready to relieve himself of his burden. He takes his time and closely inspects the huge great axe. Showing it far more reverance than either his or Tishe's quarterstaffs.
Gry turns to Mac and asks, "Mac say dis made of Antman Tin ... uh me not can say. What Mac call it? Duh "A" word ... da name Mac give dis metal?" (Int check 0)
Knock Knock [DM Matt] Wednesday February 11th, 2004 4:30:47 PM
While handling your evening business, there is a sudden knock at the door. It is not a sharp aggressive knock, more that from a meek mouse, but it's a knock nonetheless.
Opening the door in the dimness you see the silhouette of a dingy robe and cloak. "Oh great, what do the monks want now?" you think.
You are relieved that this six foot tall "gentleman" is not from the circle. Despite the more-than-usual grime and dirt on his face and clothes, you see that it is in fact Sterlin Ebb.
Gilan Wednesday February 11th, 2004 5:15:46 PM
Gilan makes for the windows first and pulls the curtains to block out the lookie-loos. He turns to the two new people and bites on this lower lip. "I think I have enough room for both of you to stay." Indicating the upstairs piece of his hut he smiles slightly. "You could throw out a bedroll up there if you want...it would be hard to find another place to stay so late." With a nod at Trellus's words he looks to both Mac and Tishe'. "The man asking most of the questions was Galafar and he has a grudge against us....so he will not cut you any slack now that you are part of our pack." He shrugs again and starts gathering some of his supplies.
Gilan looks up at the knock and shrugs his shoulders, he had not been expecting anyone. When the door swings open he is surprised to find that Sterlin is the one behind it. With a smile he motions the man in. "Back for awhile?" With a look to the others he will let them greet the man first as he prepares a little meal of his own out of the onions, potatoes and sausages.
Sterlin Wednesday February 11th, 2004 5:54:04 PM
Sterlin nods and enters. " Yes, I'm back for awhile. I hope to be back for a long while now. That is if the bloodpack will take me. "
Anuk Wednesday February 11th, 2004 7:36:38 PM
"Sterlin! Welcome back!" Anuk stands to greet his old friend. "We've, uh, grown since you last saw us." He gestures to indicate Mac and Tishe'.
"Mac...Tishe'...may I introduce our friend and packmate, Sterlin."
Trellus Wednesday February 11th, 2004 10:19:00 PM
The cleric accepts Mac's reply with a nod. "Shady. If you get twisted too much, stick with Gry. They'll still push at the fabric, but nobody in this town will purposely get Grymash mad."
Answering Flea, the blond man responds with "sounds right".
"Gilan, when Flea comes back and we finish the last thread, I'll clear out and go home. That ought to give you some space."
The appearance of Sterlin is a pleasant surprise. "Sterlin! Welcome back! Whaddya mean 'take you'? You're weft and web!" Trellus looks a bit closer.
"You OK?"
Tishe' Thursday February 12th, 2004 4:44:28 AM
She listens closely to Trellus and the others, especially about Galafar's emnity. While not liking a bully in power, there are times when one has to be patient. "I take it I shouldn't call them a 'beater' to thier face," she says with a smile.
She accepts Gilan's hospitality for a place to sleep and the food. "I've slept in worse as an apprentice, never fear, and I am glad there is other food besides a merchant's bean soup to eat.
Looking at the strange new drink Jake offers, Tishe' rubs her stomach and seems to remember something. "Jake, that's sweet, but I've had poor experience with new drinks, and I think I'll stick to the famous clear water of Rattledam for now!"
Flea hands Tishe' some scrolls, and after a Read Magic spell, the wizard can hardly believe it. "You've only met me today, and you trust me with so much?! I've done nothing to earn this!" Her eyes go moist with tears. "The rest of Rattledam may not like the outside, but you have made me feel more at home than the day I left my apprenticeship. Thank you all, you are the weft and web."
The plain-faced Tishe' smiles and nods as she is introduced to Sterlin. He looks rather bedraggled, but his friends know better than she. She makes herself a cheese sandwich and takes a seat near Mac, fondly patting his huge knee in passing.
Mac Thursday February 12th, 2004 8:34:45 AM
Mac runs a smith's eye over the items to be traded. He smiles a slight smile towards Flea as they are bundle up. "I 'spect their worth much more, but if ye're not offered 25 platinum for the bracers, I'd give you that. I'd give you more if I had it." He tests the weight of his belt pouch in his hand. "Make that 25 platinum pieces and 25 gold pieces."
Mac turns to Gry "Adamantine" He pauses for a moment. "Ad-ah-man-teen. Works like steel, but it is tougher, harder and much rarer." As he turns the axe, he notices one side of the double-blade is polished clean and reflects with odd distortion, and the other side is also well kept, but the upper third is covered in intricate designs.
"So, Trellus, the monks are also Rattledam's watch? I knoo about bein' in the watch, but not so much about monks. An' yes, I'll keep nearby Gry, just incase some of them decide to test out their horns." He thinks for a moment that that phrase didn't translate well into common, and tries to leave it at that.
Mac takes up Jack's offer of a drink.
"D'y'think this Galafar put me with you so all his problems are in the one basket, Gilan?"
He raises half a glass to Sterlin as he is introduced - assuming (with a drink or two under his belt) that he isn't terribly out of place at all.
The minotaur smiles as Tishe' passes and takes her seat, and remembers that it was only that morning they were talking on the merchant ship - it feels more like a week, he thinks.
Grymash Thursday February 12th, 2004 10:20:40 AM "Ohhh shaadddyyy!! Ad-uh-man-teen is tougher an harder ... Gry want some too," says Grymash full of awe. Then an idea hits him. "Gry have sumethin' ta shows Mac. Gry be back quick." With that being said, Gry springs to his feet and scampers off into the darkness.
Gilan Thursday February 12th, 2004 6:11:10 PM
Gilan motions to an empty chair that Sterlin can sit in. "Sit Sterlin...you look about done in." Soon he has a nice big amount of food fixed up and lays it out on his table with some bowls and more bread. "You may want to get a little of this too Sterlin...you will need your strength." He smiles at him and then turns back to cleaning his other dishes.
With Tishe''s comment he just smiles and nods. Then he turns as he is drying a pan. "Not a problem really." He then glances to Trellus and shakes his head. "Do not worry about taking off too soon...have a little bit and lets talk of our next bit of plans." He nods to Mac and sighs. "It is exactly that Mac...he has no great love for any of us. It was another little way of getting back at us...or so he thinks." He cannot help but laugh as Galafar has just given the Bloodpack a couple great recruits.
Soon he settles into his own comfy chair and slowly eats some of the food he cooked. "What would everyone like to do next...see the dwarves, see about the Barons or check out the mountains?" He shrugs his own shoulders as he snuggles down into his chair. "All of them have some appeal to me...maybe we should wait for Flea...though thoughts would not hurt." He looks to the newcomers and his eyes sparkle. "At any rate we should let Mac and Tishe' in on what we have gotten as suggestions to explore next from Malafret."
[Going to say that Malafret gave us the different directions we could go for game purposes. I am not sure if we every made an actual decision.]
Jake Thursday February 12th, 2004 7:55:05 PM
Jake snorts. "Great...Whenever Grymash learns of something new or better, he always decks himself out in it completely. One time I had him convinced that if he doused his muscles in piggie plop, it would strengthen them after exercises..." Jake grins, stopping his story, realizing the amusing and embarassing story might make a bit of an impact on the new guys.
Flea d20+6=21 Thursday February 12th, 2004 11:16:12 PM
Stepping back from the door, Flea acknowledges Mac, "these still haven't been properly identified. If I learn anything about them that leads me to believe they would fit you properly, I'll bring them back!"
After pinching a sausage from Gilan's plate (Sleight of Hand=21) the rogue makes a hasty exit, smiling at Sterlin as she passes him by the door. She is growing used to the druid's mysterious comings and goings.
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