Jake Thursday June 17th, 2004 3:48:37 AM
Looking uncomfortable, Jake shifts slightly and keeps his eyes on his feet, as he always does when in trouble, since he was a kid and first dragged out by the monks. No use saying anything, since none of the elders would probably believe him anyways.
Trellus Thursday June 17th, 2004 8:13:59 AM
Trellus momentarily glances at the ceiling and sighs to himself. Well, Piggie dumps
Galafar's outburst really doesn't bother the young man anymore. The cleric has seen too much death over the past few weeks to care about the ravings of a sunbaked administrator. Trenic and Malafret are another matter.
"We did let two go," he admits, "the thief and the sorceress. After destroying the warboat, we fell behind the other trading ship and lost it at nightfall. The people on that boat knew Rattledam's location, and were going to get away. The mercenaries offered to tell us where the boat was heading if we freed them. We questioned them, under a truth spell, to make sure they couldn't find Rattledam on their own."
Trellus voice changes, he's almost pleading with Malafret.
"They don't know where we are. They're fighters, not navigators, and we sailed in nearly a circle for two days before letting them off. I didn't know where we were, and I've lived here all my life. They don't know. They don't."
Recovering himself, the young man continues.
"The thief provided directions to find the boat, told us Balina was on board, and informed us of the Baron's camp. The sorceress provided the magical aid we needed to allow us to rescue Balina from the boat. They kept their end of our bargain, and we kept ours by granting them their freedom."
Grymash d20+2=18 d20=12 Thursday June 17th, 2004 10:14:01 AM
Grymash and Trellus seem to mutter "Piggie Dumps," in unison when Balina confesses to the council of the Bloodpacks merciful actions. However Grymash is able to keep his cool when Galafar has his expected outburst (Wisdom 18, Diplomacy 12). In Trellus' and his packs defense, Grymash steps forward.
Giving a sharp glare at Galafar, the half-orc starts his speech. "Weez all have bloody thoughts..." Gry returns his attention back to the council, "even more so Gry. Gry wanted ta add them two treadles to da score of wicked souls sent ta Lord Gargul. Me bloody axe was itchin' ta hack'em. But Trellus be smart an stop Gry. Thays know where da other boat wuz goin' an Trellus knows it better ta deal wit da two treadles an save Rattledam than killin' them. Wit da help of da treadles weez catch da other boat an dealt out vengence most sun-baked Gry ever seen. So much death ... poor Balina here was victim to da dark deeds of da treadle captain. Balina's soul departed wit his. Lord Gargul must've seen fit ta let Gry call her spirit back to Balina's body from all da other souls weez sent ta him dat bloody day. An Balina come back ta life before Gry eyes. Weez all should be celebratin' an praisin' Lord Gargul's name. Weez rescue Balina and save all of Rattledam. Dis be uh gute day!!"
Flea Thursday June 17th, 2004 11:57:25 AM
The rogue rolls her eyes when Balina elaborates on what happened on the plains, providing a little more information than was necessary.
The witless girl's life may have been returned by Gargul, but the god appears to have kept her mental faculties. I knew she was trouble from the start! thinks the gnome.
Flea siddles up to the babarian, to give him a supportive pat on the back after his poignant speach. Due to her short stature, the pat falls a little short, and she ends up with a hand on the half-orc's muscular rump.
Gilan Thursday June 17th, 2004 3:17:27 PM
The sudden outburst of Galafar sends the normally stoic druid into a fit. His eyes narrow and his hands clutch into fists as he takes a step forward. Wether he intended to throttle the man or not is unsure but he stops short of passing Trellus. "You would dare lecture us on orders." His voice slowly rises as his temper grows. "I burn down a whole ship to save a town that I have grown to love...for people that I have grown to love..." He seems at a loss for a few seconds as his rage continues to play. "I suppose Galafar that you would have promised them everything and then turned on them just as quick!" He bites back the sudden need to spit at the man's feet in disrespect. He continues to glare the man down, his eyes never leaving Galafar's or him flinching from a superior.
Just as fickle as the tempests of nature he starts to settle though his eyes tell of a greater lack of respect for Galafar. He turns to Malafret and Trenic with a look of peace in his eyes. "We made what some would call a deal with Marteaus to stop that ship and if I had to do it over again...I WOULD." He looks back to Galafar and shakes his head in sadness. "We were asked to stop the information of Rattledam's location from getting known anyway we could...WE DID JUST THAT." Taking a step back he shakes his head again. "I know that you are in complete control of our futures...but do not let me lose my respect for the wisdom of this council...but some it is well known have had it out for us from the beginning." His eyes once again take in Galafar then he turns them back to Malafret and Trenic. He crosses his arms and stands waiting for a decision on the packs decision.
He silently wonders if he went too far, but he had lost it in a fit of rage. But no, they had to make a hard choice between two evils...what could they have done.
[OOC: Prepare to see Gilan thrown out of Rattledam for sure now. How many people would have talked to both Galafar and the council that way. :)]
DM George "Outbursts and Rewards" Thursday June 17th, 2004 4:10:01 PM
Galafar is about to respond to Gilan's outburst when Trenic speaks first. She stands to her feet and points at Gilan sternly. "Young man, I realize you have been under a lot of stress lately but if you keep ranting, I will have you locked up, and your mind wiped down to the age of a 3 year old. Then I will have you spanked!" The council leader is yelling by the end of her speech.
She takes a big breath and closes her eyes, Flea thinks she hears, "1...2...3...4" but isn't sure. Trenic starts to speak again, "I understand why you did what you did. You thought you were working for the greater good. You were on the scene and we weren't and had to make a decision. I can respect that.
Next time I want you to bring any prisoners back to Rattledam. Just because they can't find their way back, doesn't mean someone else couldn't probe their minds and use the information they find their to find our homes."
Trenic sighs again and continues, "I fear it might be academic anyway. I believe they have enough knowledge of Rattledam to find us in the future. This news of their building a navy is most disturbing."
She sits back down and nods to Malafet, who then stands up. She unrolls a scroll and starts to read from it.
" To the members of the group known as The Bloodpack. The council of Rattledam,and her citizens wish to congradulate and thank you for your efforts in defending the city. For the capture of the Baron's raiding ship and the return of the druid wood,you have our official thanks and trust."
Malafet stops reading and looks up and smiles, "Along with the official thanks, we are going to give you a substantial reward. The council can not allow normal citizens to control a raiding ship. We will be buying the ship and the druid wood from you. You each will recieve a chest of gold with 4,000 gps in it.
The ship will go to good use. It is to serve as the center of Rattledam's new navy. It looks like battle will becoming to our shores." With that statement Malafet sits down but not before giving the group a wink.
Galafar stands up and says, "Balina, say your goodbyes. You have duties to attend to that are more important than flirting with this crowd.
The rest of you are excused. Don't go far, we may have other duties for you to perform." The last word comes out like a swearword. He doesn't look happy that you are being rewarded but is biting his tongue for now.
Flea Thursday June 17th, 2004 9:33:58 PM
Flea moves behind Grymash in order to hide her big grin from the council members. A chest of gold each, and we're rid of the girl! Flea rubs her hands together at the thought of the reward.
When the group is dismissed, Flea tries to manoeuvre next to Gilan, and asks him "how much do you need to do that druid tree thing you're saving up for?" Although not normally of a disposition to share treasure, the rogue is moved by the young adventurer's kindness towards her. She fingers the remnant of a faded blue ribbon now kept safe in a pocket. "Would you accept half of my reward?" she whispers, hanging her head a little at the thought. Then, catching sight of her nifty new boots, she raises her head, her eyes flashing and a big smile on her face. "Yes! You must accept it!"
The gnome feels all warm and fuzzy at the thought that she might be able to help out her friend and pack mate.
Mac d20-1=16 Thursday June 17th, 2004 9:49:42 PM
The taur automatically salutes the council in the manner they used in the Heranmar City Watch and exits with the pack.
In his mind he tires to comprehend the financial upshot of it all. "FOUR thousand gold. No. Four THOUSAND gold. No. Four thousand GOLD. No..." In silence he nearly neglects to avoid the top beam of an intervening doorway.
Jake Friday June 18th, 2004 12:37:30 AM
Four thousand gold! Why, that's four thousand beers! Jake looks as happy as a piggie in a puddle. He heads outside swiftly, and waits till the others are all out. "Pack...this calls for celebration! Drinks on me! WOooooooo!" With that, he darts off for Rattledam's best ale source. (Not quite sure what that would be, but I'm sure Jake would...)
Trellus Friday June 18th, 2004 8:25:43 AM
"Thank you," Trellus responds to Malafret.
He grabs Gilan's arm, and quickly escorts the group out of the hall.
As soon as they get outside he bursts out laughing, grabs Gilan in a headlock, and gives the crazy druid a noogie. "Light, Gilan," he chuckles teasingly, "even Gry knew better than to go off on the council."
As everyone starts talking about the treasure, Trellus just has to interject. "Dudes, I think we should give more of the gold to Gry and me, since we didn't take any magic stuff. Let's try to split it up so it all comes out even at the last thread."
DM George "introductions" Friday June 18th, 2004 8:43:06 AM
Malafet joins the Bloodpack outside in the anti chamber. She grabs Gilan by the ear and says, "What were you thinking. You are lucky that you were successful and Galafar is in disfavor. Don't do that again."
She turns her pinch into a hug and says to all, "Shady very Shady. I am proud of you all."
She steps away from Gilan and smooths down her dress. "Now I have some important news for you. I have found you a new recruit. Nain please come here."
A stout and solid dwarf walks up looking around with curious eyes.
"This is Nain Hammersong. I want you to take him under your wings. He is a most unusual fellow! I have to get back in."
Malafet hurries back into the council chamber.
Grymash Friday June 18th, 2004 11:34:48 AM
Grymash gives Trellus a look and says, "Wut yooz mean by 'Even Gry' knows better!?"
Trellus Friday June 18th, 2004 1:17:25 PM
Trellus just winks back at Gry.
The man turns his attention to the dwarf.
Trellus is a young human of average height. Since they just got back, he's decked out in breastplate armor emblazoned with a gold hammer of Domi. He carries a shield, a mace, and a wears a backpack. He has also removed his helmet to reveal short blond hair.
He smiles easily at Nain. "Unusual huh? Well dude, you'll fit right in."
He extends a hand. "I'm Trellus." He gives Gilan a look and a grin. "I'm the one that gets to explain to the Council how we got all twisted again."
Gilan Friday June 18th, 2004 4:11:16 PM
Gilan takes it all in stride as he is abmonished for his behavior, he had actaully expected worse. Still he shoots Galafar a scathing glance as he replies. "You are right councilor...forgive my outburst." He takes a few steps back and then listens as the reward is given out.
Suddenly he is hurried, no pushed out by several of the pack...Trellus in the lead. He takes the comments and noogie of Trellus in stride as well as he smiles. "Sorry about that...that...man just makes me so mad sometimes." You can see that he has more to say but about that time his ear gets grabbed. "Ouch...ow...hey...come on..." He goes on for several seconds before Malafret speaks and then he closes his mouth and listens.
He had intended to step away from her till she wrapped him in a hug. He was too surprised by this that when she let him go he can only stutter. "Yes Mistress...never again." He silently wonders if he can keep his promise, but the rewards had been nice. Most everyone will notice him go red in the face.
Absently he nods to Nain as he stands looking the group over. "Nice to meet you Nain." Glancing over to Trellus he gives him a look he smiles. "Yeah...when I don't open my stupid mouth and say something to try and get us in trouble."
Collecting himself he finally is able to address some question thrown at him. He nods to Trellus and claps the man's shoulder. "I will give up some to even it out...things will come as they come." He then slips over to Flea and turns her towards the hut they share, while looking of to Jake's quickly retreating back. "Lets meet by my hut then...I have some work to do anyways." He lays his hand on her shoulder and smiles at her. "Lets just wait on that potion roomie...I have some time and it is not pressing." Glancing to her feet he smiles again. "How do you like your new boots." It was a way of changing the subject but he hoped it worked.
[George - Let me know when my potions are ok to use.]
Nain Saturday June 19th, 2004 1:49:57 AM
Nain, a dwarf with dark bronze skin, shakes the hand of Trellus. " Well met, I look forward to traveling with you."
Flea Saturday June 19th, 2004 4:54:01 PM
At the sudden appearance of the dark skinned dwarf, all thoughts of the recent council meeting and the distribution of rewards are gone.
"Who and what are you!" exclaims the rogue, having missed Malafret's introduction. Flea stands in front of the dwarf, her hands on her hips, expecting an explanation.
Jake Sunday June 20th, 2004 4:02:42 AM
Jake comes back to the group from a hut, and passes by Flea, patting her on the head with a chuckle. "Din'cha hear, Short an' Shady? 'e's a," imitating Malafret, "'Most unusual fellow'," (normal), "though that's typical for us Bloodpackers." Jake is a rather tall youth, especially for someone with some elven blood in them. Perhaps sixteen or so, but with those fae features that make it hard to tell. Tanned and dark of hair and eyes, well-muscled and slim, he could pass for a tough farmboy or a ready-to-stand barroom brawler. Like most natives to the Plains, he has a somewhat unusual dress code; loose short pants, a light woolen shirt underneath a chain coat, and a stiff brown leather hat. (Jake's favorite item, made of one of those mythical 'cows' he constantly talks about). Despite this minimal clothing, he wears quite a lot of weapons; a bright polished shield, a bow with quiver strapped over his shoulders, an assortment of throwing stuff (dagger, axes, hammers), and the sword he proudly shows off now to the pack.
"Lookie here, ah gots my sword super-magified." He shows off the well-crafted blade, and smiles. "Ah dare someone to lick it." (It's an ice blade...so, anyone who licks it will probably have the same thing that happens to kids in winter who lick telephone polls).
Grymash Sunday June 20th, 2004 4:09:02 AM
Questions fill Grymash's fragile psyche! He looks with wonder at Jake's sword. "Wut be dat? Sword like ... not be hot, but cool feelin' like bein' wet in da shade ... but more cool than dat! Wut yooz call it ... wut da word for it be?! It strong shady hurtin' cool!"
('Ice' isnt in Gry's vocabulary, nor is the word 'Cold'. He's never seen or experienced it before.)
Mac Sunday June 20th, 2004 9:42:02 AM
The taur pauses before continuing the introductions. "Flea, this be Nain. Nain, this be Flea."
He catches Jake's comment about his sword, and Gry's reply. His eyes focus on some distant nothing as he recalls ice: snow covered mountains, frozen lakes, sleet and hail, crisp frost on the grass. He says nothing as his focus returns to the sword. "Tis a fine blade Jake."
Jake Sunday June 20th, 2004 2:10:52 PM
"Ah read about it in a book, there was this sword, lahk, Frostbrat, or something, and it was all cutting through demons and fire beasts. It's so cold, it'll turn ya into a statue!" Jake grins. "Oh, and ya gotta try licking the blade..." Jake seems really enthusiastic about it for some reason.
(Jake doesn't know what Ice is either...except for what he's read about in books, which is hardly accurate.)
DM George "Summons" Monday June 21st, 2004 5:13:30 PM
As the group gets to know their new member, they can here shouts from the conference room. "What! your gonna trust them again! Have you gone totally white! That really eats grass!"
The doors will bang open and Galafar will be standing there with a red face. He will glare at you and rudely push past, mumbling to himself.
Then you will hear Malafet call, "My friends, will you please rejoin us in the council chamber?"
Flea d20+23=28 d20+2=15 d20+1=3 d20+5=11 Monday June 21st, 2004 10:33:28 PM
Galafar's words grate on the gnome's ears. "...@#*... white handed beater...%&*...stupid treadle...#@%..." issues from the rogue in a combination of Gnomish swears and plains-style Common. Hidden by the taller folk (Hide=28) Flea reaches out deftly with her hooked hammer and tries to catch the nasty monk at the ankles (Trip Attack=15*, DC 3). If the monk looks about to see who played the trick on him, Flea will put her hands (including the pretty little hooked hammer with the scarlet leather-bound handle) behind her back, roll her eyes up to study the cieling, and pursing her lips, whistle a little gnomish ditty. (Bluff=11)
*d20 + 6 (gnome hooked hammer) -4(for size penalty)=15 No AoO due to Flea's use of weapon.
Gilan Monday June 21st, 2004 11:20:59 PM
Gilan hears the yelling and shouting of Galafar in the coucil chamber, but he just rolls his eyes. When Galafar comes storming out he just steps to the side, not wanting to get into any more trouble.
Looking to the rest of the Pack he shakes his head and hides a small laugh. Then he hears the summons from further in and wonders what is going on now. He will head back into the council chamber with the rest and take a spot near the front of the group.
Grymash d20+2=5 Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 3:10:29 AM
(Wisdom 5)
"Who Galafar be so mads at dis time," questions Grymash? After getting several rolling eyes from his pack, "Whut?!", the half-orc goes back in to see Malafret.
Trellus Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 8:52:15 AM
Trellus has been friends with Jake far too long to go along with anything he starts with "Ya gotta try...". But, he's not opposed to somebody else falling into the man's trap. The young cleric settles for a suspicious look at Jake, but says nothing.
The sudden inclusion of Nain doesn't bother Trellus at all. This is Rattledam. Sudden additions to family or pack is the norm.
The cleric maintains a very proper straight face as Galafar pushes past, before breaking out into a grin as he leaves. "Same dudes he's always mad at", he answers lightly to Grymash. "Same dudes as always."
"OK dudes," he declares, "Let's go see the nice weavers."
Trellus leads the group back into the Council Hall, and enters respectfully.
Mac Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 9:18:24 AM
Walking back towards the chamber after Galafar leaves, a confused expression crosses Mac's face and he whispers, "By 'gone totally white' did he mean, like, bones picked clean and baked dry in the sun?"
Tishe' Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 10:51:46 AM
From the time they all got back to Rattledam, Tishe's mind has been awhirl. It really seems that her new freinds (and herself, now) has enemies and friends in high places. Though she is not sure of the why's of Galafar's enmity, nor why letting go of the prisoners was such a bad idea, she knows who is a good heart and stalwart friend. And any friend introduced by Malafret is a friend.
"Greetings, Master Dwarf," she says in her lilting SkyHook accent, and bows properly. "I am Tishe' Spellweaver, recently come to the Plains and met with this pack of companions.
Short for a human, the girl plays with her brown wavy hair and looks at the world with a barely suppressed energy shining in her brown eyes.
Malafret's request to come back in distracts the plain-faced woman from other concerns, and she moves with the others to the chamber.
Nain Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 1:09:37 PM
"Hardly a master, but appreciate the welcome, Tishe." Nain follows the others and stays out of the way since he is still new. He gives a quick tug on the straps holding a beautiful dwarven axe on his back, to make sure it is still secure as he waits to hear Malafret's words.
LOG ON