DM Jan Wednesday May 26th, 2004 12:17:49 AM
The Tears of the Wood is indeed the tavern Th'Ayvanen mentioned back at Dirt City.
(I'm assuming thats the direction you're going in, then we can move things on a bit?)
The orcish script appears to read something like - FOOD ALE HORSES
Vorelle finds a muddle of tracks on the road, mostly shod horses hooves, and various boot prints.
The journey north takes the group alongside the Peaseblossom River. It's fairly wide and deep at this point, sometimes a boat is seen carrying goods, and if its heading north, it has to work hard against the current. On the far bank - the beginnings of a forest appear, and the further the group heads north, the more thick and impenetrable it seems to be. A strange sense of wellbeing assails Mookie, MaCaw and Piper however, drifting from across the river.
The terrain on the group's side of the river is mostly shrubs and intermittant open ground. The weather is patchy. It keeps raining on and off, which makes it soggy underfoot. Clothes get wet, but the air is good to breathe, especially after Dirt City.
It takes a good day and a half to travel north up to the Inn, and by the time the group arrives, its twilight, heading into nightfall. There are lights up ahead, coming from windows of a three storey building. Music is playing.
There's a gate that seems to lead into an enclosed courtyard, and that seems to be the only way in. Right now its blocked by six riders clad in dark leather and fur. Their mounts are breathing hard - clouds of breath are snorted into the air which suggests they've been ridden hard. In a gutteral, aggressive tongue, with the occasional common word thrown in for good measure, it appears the riders are negotiating stabling costs. One of them turns around and glances toward the party. The leathery skin, and hardened brutish looks suggest only one thing. These are orcs. Not half orcs. Orcs.
A hanging sign outside has a picture of a weeping willow on it, and in ornate lettering - TEARS OF THE WOOD INN.
There's a fabulous smell of cooked meat wafting through the gate.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday May 26th, 2004 10:45:44 AM
Theodore tenses at the sight of the orcs, his hands grip the quarterstaff he carries just a little tighter. Macaw senses his master's anxiousness and struts to the opposite shoulder.
"I'm hungry," he says. "Can we go inside?"
Dietrich Wednesday May 26th, 2004 11:38:02 AM
OOC: Hello friends, Iīm in Germany now and wasnīt able to write earlier. Jan, we could make Dietrichīs temporary leave at the inn.
Dietrich understands Orkish and says it to his friends. He gets tense too with the dangerous people, but he agrees with Theo to get in and hopes their own dangerous outlook will prevent them from harm. He instinctively holds his hands on the shaft of the greatsword and looks at the orcs through the openings of his heavy steel helmet. "Hopefuly this good smell is not of human meat!", he nervously thinks.
Zayne Wednesday May 26th, 2004 1:32:00 PM
When the choice to eat is made by the whole group,his long nose begins to twitch with excitement."I'll take the point." Before anyone can respond to his statement he is loping off towards the inn.
He easily outdistances the group to the inn but the sight of the orcs make him change his mind and wait for the rest of his friends. When they catch up to him he is sitting on side of the road where he can observe the orcs and see if anyone is coming on the path he just came from.
His face looks pained,"Finally,I didn't think it wise to walk in there alone. So I waited,I didn't think you were ever going to catch up. Come on lets go eat,it smells delicious." His nose begining to twitch again.
rose Wednesday May 26th, 2004 6:49:33 PM
rose gets off her mule and asks vauhwyt to help keep it under control...for some reason it wants to go away from the inn. She will follow the others staying behind vauhwyt and being ready for a fight.
Vorelle Wednesday May 26th, 2004 7:59:05 PM
Wordlessly, Vorelle takes over the animals. No way is she going into that inn. She knows it's necessary, and she is ashamed of her cowardice, but she cannot bring herself to go in there.
Crowded public places are bad enough, but places crowded with orcs...she shudders.
Vauhwyt Wednesday May 26th, 2004 11:12:10 PM
Vauhwyt sees that Rose and Vorelle are nervous. She figures the orcs will enter in a little while. So she thinks about a delaying tactic.
"Why don't you boys go in and see what's up. We girls will bring the mules to the stables around the back. We'll be in in a few minutes."
She casts a message spell on Dietrich. "Therre!" she says, with a faint accent. "For the next ten minutes we'll be able to whisper messages to each otherr. So if there's trouble, just whisperr."
Then she leads Vorelle and Rose (if they want to go) around the back, looking for the stables.
When they are alone, Vauhwyt asks, "Are you guys okay?"
DM Jan Thursday May 27th, 2004 12:28:34 AM
Above the orc din, a voice calls out - "Be with you in a minute!" Sounds human, too.
If Vauhwyt, Rose and Vorelle take the spooked mules around the back, although its getting dark, they'll be able to make out what looks like a small, pretty, lamp-lit garden - where someone appears to be praying at a tiny alter. Then theres a bigger garden surrounded by a thick hedge. Looks like the Inn's produce garden, perhaps.
No stables around the back though. Entry seems to be via the main gate.
After a few minutes, the orcs and their mounts disappear inside, and a man is stood there, regarding the rest of the party. He looks middle aged, he's tall, dressed in country clothes, and his body language suggests he's no time for nonsense.
"Welcome to the Tears of the Wood!" he booms. "Do you have mounts? They'll need to be stabled - five silver pieces per night, and they'll be well fed and groomed for that."
Over his shoulder can be seen a well lit courtyard and stables. To one side of the courtyard, a bold, tent-like awning appears to herald entry into the Inn itself.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday May 27th, 2004 10:06:36 AM
Theodore is visibly relieved when the orcs are gone from sight. "I don't know if that's a fair price or not," he whispers to Zayne concerning the stabling of the mules. "Is it?"
rose Thursday May 27th, 2004 12:12:13 PM
Rose happily goes with Vorelle "yeah, but the mule isnt. Vorelle, are you ok? I don't think the orcs will cause any problems at the inn. She'll stick with Vauhwyt and Vorelle for a while, although she knows that she will have to go inside eventually. Hopefully Vorelle will get calmed down as they have to go in the inn to find out the stuff for the prince.
Zayne d20=17 Thursday May 27th, 2004 1:06:30 PM
As the women walk around back,Zayne watches them carefully,thinking to himself,"Women are jsut plain different,one day willing to fight a bear the next scared of a few dirty orcs. Dad was right,easier to try to understand the sun than guess what a woman is thinking."
In response to Theo's question,he smiles looks to the young mage,"I am guessing the extra,is for security and the like,or maybe it's a guaranty that if other patrons eat our mules we can get new ones in the morning." (OOC this is the only skill I could find that relates to joke telling.Perform:Comedy 17)
He looks to the man and says,"We have no mounts only two mules to carry our supplies. Is there by chance another rate for pack animals?" If not Zayne will pay the 1gp for the stabling of the mules.
After paying for the mules,"Good sir what about boarding and the good eats I saw advertised down the road? My companiions decided to try out the food here,even though it is a bit out of the way of our chosen path." Suddenly he thinks of a joke to play on Rose,"The halfling girl is quite the cook and,she would probably be willing to help with tomorrows breakfast."
Winking at Theo and Dietrich. He waits for the man's response.
Vorelle Thursday May 27th, 2004 7:26:47 PM
Vorelle breathes easier once they're clear of the orcs, but is puzzled to find no stables in the back.
"I-I'm a-alright," she responds to Rose and Vauhwyt. "I-I d-d-d-didn't kn-know there w-would be o-o-orcs."
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday May 27th, 2004 8:03:51 PM
Mookie pipes up, "I think the animals go in the main door with the people."
Vauhwyt says, "Well, shall we?" and leads Rose and Vorelle in the (evidently) only entrance.
DM Jan Friday May 28th, 2004 1:36:54 AM
"If those mules have been traveling all day, lad - they'll eat their fair share, so the price remains the same," says the man. "For food and lodging, you'll need to go through the tent and upstairs. Mavis will sort you out." He cocks his head to one side as the girls arrive back. He beckons everyone inside the gate. "So... where you from? You don't look Aisildurian to me!"
Inside the gate, on the ground floor is a courtyard, surrounded by stables. It's quite a big stables too - well beyond the requirements of a wayside Inn or Tavern. By lantern light it looks immaculate - not a blade of straw out of place.
Above the stables, running around the walls are two more storeys to the building. Both have lit windows that look down onto the square courtyard below.
To the left, is a large awning, tied with ropes and firmly anchored. It looks a little orcish in style, but not quite. Beneath it can be seen a set of wide wooden stairs leading up. Thats where the food smell is coming from.
Sounds of merriment can be heard coming from the second floor.
loretta Friday May 28th, 2004 2:35:37 AM
ooc: i thought we had three mules, rose has one and i thought there were two others. rose will pay the 5s for her mule and chip in for the others.
Dietrich Friday May 28th, 2004 3:55:32 AM
Dietrich is relieved the orcs didnīt cause any trouble and he is satisfied with the stables and everything, in spite of the high prices. Thats quit normal for such a risky busuiness.
Still with hands on the greatswords shaft, Dietrich walks upstairs towards the food and merriment. Orcs or not, this sounds and smells interesting!
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+7=18 d20+7=23 Friday May 28th, 2004 10:45:04 AM
Inside the awning, Vauhwyt is happy to be under shelter after all the rain. She casts a prestidigitation cantrip and uses it to clean off herself and everyone else.
"We're from the east," she says to the man, "and new to the lands near Aisildurr." With her intonation and choice of words, she sends a simple secret message to her friends: "Be friendly but reveal nothing." [OOC: Bluff 18 to pass a secret message]
We are pleased to meet you, Mister, uh ..."
"Anyway, I am Miss Veronica, and this is Miss Ruth [points to Rose] and Miss Valerie [points to Vorelle]. Our guards are Goodman Daniel [Dietrich], Goodman Zachariah [Zayne], and Goodman Timothy [Theodore]."
Vauhwt, improvising wildly, remembers that the birds felt something good in the forest.
"As you can see (she points to Piper, Macaw, and Mookie), we are pilgrims, members of the Black Feather sect. We are here to discover for ourselves the truth about the forest across the river."
[Bluff roll 23 to lie like a dog! Woot!]
Mookie says, "Caw Caw Caw!"
Vauhwyt cocks her head as if interpreting the bird's cawing. "Yes, we must get some nourishment for our sacred birds and for ourselves."
She leads the rest of the party up after Dietrich.
Zayne Friday May 28th, 2004 11:34:50 AM
Astonished at Vauhwyt's blatent lies,Zayne stares at the wemic with eyes bulging and mouth agape.
Uncertain of how to react,to the situation,he just stands there looking befuddled.
Theodore and Macaw Friday May 28th, 2004 10:22:25 PM
Theodore decides to say nothing and just go along with the rest of the group. His eyes look hungrily to the second floor, eager to get a meal and some rest. His skinny legs are tired and cramped from all the walking.
He does find it interesting that first they came across goblins trying to make an honest way in the world. He hopes that perhaps these orcs are the same.
Vorelle Sunday May 30th, 2004 4:26:29 PM
Alarmed, Vorelle wonders whether she can remember "her" name. Valry, was it? She hopes she doesn't have to answer to it for long.
DM Jan Tuesday June 1st, 2004 1:50:57 AM
For a moment the stableman looks as baffled as Zayne.
"Right..." he says after missing a couple of beats after Vauhwyt/Veronica's explanation. But then his eyes take in the birds, and he nods to himself. "Your mules will be taken good care of," he adds as a parting gesture.
The group heads under the canopy and up the stairs into the Inn proper. After the damp weather, which is becoming decidedly chilly as nightfall descends, the warmth from the interior is welcoming indeed.
Straight ahead at the top of the steps is a large desk with a rather jaunty blue vase of flowers placed on one side of it.
Behind it - is a middle-aged lady with well-coiffed blonde hair and a sparkle in her eye. To one side of the desk, is a male half orc. He's leaning easily against a wall with his arms folded, his eyes appraising the group calmly but thoroughly.
"Welcome to the Tears of the Wood!" exclaims the lady with a beaming smile. "My name is Mavis. What can we do for you? Are you staying for a short while? Or will you be wanting rooms? I do have a few left if you want them."
A large sign in front of the desk plainly states -
'STOW YOUR WEAPONS! No exceptions!'
To the left of the party, the room opens up into the main tavern area. There's a bar that extends the full length of the wall that backs onto the courtyard below; there are lots of tables - mostly full of patrons, and what look like cozy booths against the opposite wall that boasts large round windows. The bar looks like its been made from a boat! The orc party have just got their first pint, and are about to settle at the far end of the room - cracking their glasses together in a toast - "Haaa!" But there are humans, dwarves, a solitary troll, half orcs, and some strange, narrow-faced elves amongst the crowd, too. Folk's attire suggests these patrons are from all kinds of places, and follow many professions. One of the serving girls walks past nearby - 'attractively' dressed and carrying a huge tray of what looks like roast meat and a monster pile of vegetables.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+7=17 d20+3=20 Tuesday June 1st, 2004 5:10:19 AM
Vauhwyt sees that the group is a little slow on the uptake. "Come, Miss Valerie," she says, taking Vorelle's hand. "Goodman Zachariah, follow along," she says, tapping Zayne.
The liontaur goes upstairs to join Dietrich in front of Mavis's desk. She is the first to open her mouth.
"Hello, Goodwoman Mavis. I am Miss Veronica, and this is Miss Valerie and Miss Ruth. We will be needing a room for ourselves. If you have an adjoining room, that would be ideal for Goodman Zachariah, Goodman Timothy, and Goodman Daniel." She indicates Zayne, Theodore, and Dietrich." If there is no second room nearby, we will perforce share a larger room, with a blanket or tapestry to divide the room in twain. If that is possible?" Then she inquires as to the going rate for lodging.
Vauhwyt adds, "But first we would be remiss if we did not seek the hospitality of your common room. After the chill of the road, your fine fare would be most pleasing."
"And let me add, that as pilgrims of the Black Featherr, we seek information about the unusual forest across the riverr. If you are busy now, perhaps later you will join us in a drink?"
Mookie caws: "Caw! Caw!"
Vauhwyt listens and then says to Mavis, "Yes, as my black feather brother says, we would also be pleased to learn more about your wonderful and unusual establishment herre."
The liontaur's accent comes out at the ends of a few words, but they come out exotic rather than nervous. [Bluff 17, Diplomacy 20] Rose might have to dodge a couple tense tail swishes, though.
Oh, and Vauhwyt, seeign the sign, either stows her spear with her own gear or places it in a rack if that is what's expected.
Zayne Tuesday June 1st, 2004 1:04:40 PM
Stands there confused until Vauhwyt taps him into the inn,where he just looks around and looks at the sign until the girl walks by he watches her hungrily.(well not so much as her but the tray of food she carries)
As Vauhwyt talks to Mavis,Zayne decides that it is time to eat,"I will let you handle this,I see more pressing matters that need attending to." Still staring at the serving girl.
He looks for a table large enough to accomidate the party,preferably one where the gorup will be able to observe the entire room.
Rose, er uh Miss Ruth Tuesday June 1st, 2004 3:47:05 PM
Rose looks around as Vauhwyt speaks, and accidently gets hit in the back of her head. (that's what happens when you stand by wemics :)
As she sees the sign she asks "Goodwoman Mavis does the sign mean we're to keep our weapons sheathed or that we have to check them?"
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday June 1st, 2004 5:52:09 PM
Theodore offers his quarterstaff and dagger, if that's what is necessary, and follows Zayne to a table. The young wizard is just as eager to eat as his friend.
"I'm curious about this country we've been traveling through," he whispers to Zayne. "It seems that those I have always thought of as monsters and unnecessarily cruel, are accepted amongst the other races as neighbors. I wonder why that is."
Vorelle Tuesday June 1st, 2004 6:54:08 PM
Pleased to let others do the talking, Vorelle busies herself with unstringing her longbow.
DM Jan Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 12:40:47 AM
"Well, lets see..." says Mavis, consulting a thick, leather-bound ledger. "I've two rooms, but they're not adjoining - both have four beds. They're 2GP per room for the night, and that includes a visit to the bath tubs and breakfast. Dinner's extra - 5SP each, but I can recommend it. We have a good chef and fresh produce grown locally. Shall I book you in?"
"Check 'em, little Miss," says the half-orc Eric to Rose with an even grin.
Zayne and Theo find a table with 7 chairs - its located centre back, near the round windows. Immediate surrounding patrons are - The Troll, sat in a booth staring out of the window, behind them. 3 male Elves, dressed in forest attire, sat on a table to the left. 2 male humans dressed in bright red robes, both of whom appear to have sustained some kind of horrible, bloody accident on their chests and are proud to display it - sat to the right. A large table in front houses 10 noisy tradesmen, dressed in silks and flashing various rings on their fingers. As Theo has noted - a strange mix indeed.
Over at the bar, two tall half-orcs pour pints, and in the room, a number of females, obviously picked for their looks, serve customers ale and food.
As for 'Veronica's' questions - "If I can spare some time later, I'll come over - if not, Eric here will try to answer your questions."
Dietrich d20+4=18 Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 4:07:46 AM
Dietrich lets Vauhwyt do the business and concentrates himself at the good things of life. He unwillingly checks his weapons and than admires the girls and enjoys beer and meal with his friends. He observes their surrounding patrons a little and keeps an eye on them. (spot 18)
Zayne d20+5=19 d20+5=25 d20=9 d20=2 d20=20 Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 12:48:06 PM
He sits down and begins to look around,(spot 19) he waits patiently for a sverving girl to caome by the table,when one does he orders food for eleven people,tea for Rose and ale for himself,Dietrich and Vauhwyt, fruit juice and water for Vorelle and milk for Theo. He even pays the whole bill. (He is hungry and will probably eat enough for two or three and Vauhwyt will probably eat more than a normal sized human)
As he makes the food order,he does his best to listen to the various conversations nearby for anything useful about the travels ahead.(Listen 25 natural 20)
When the food arrives he attacks it. As is usually the case when he eats he says nothing until he is finished,"What about dessert? I could go for some pie,and maybe honey cakes. I love honey cakes,and pie. Who else could go for honey cakes and pie?" As the serving girl comes back around he inquires about dessert.
(OOC if there are honey cakes and pie available he will order for himself and whoever else wants some,eat them and be quite pleased. If it's one or the other he will still be fairly happy,if niether he wil be most put out.)
Regardles of menu options,after eating he will ask Dietrich,"Want to go see who else here is thirsty,my friend?" With an ear splitting grin."Then looking around,anyone else want to join us?" Thinking to himself,"Too bad Devlin isn't here. He would be love this place,when I see him again I have to bring him here."
Looking at Vauhwyt,"And no I am not going to start any trouble,I am just going to see if I can find anything out about the road ahead,and maybe poke around a little to find out any local customs we should know about." Then giving her a slow wink,"And anythng else I can dig up."(Gather Information 9 Gather Information 2 Gather Information 20 The first is for traveling conditions and the second is for customs and the third is for any information on the group's actual mission.)
Not able to resist,"I promise I will play nice and I wont stay out past curfew."
rose d20+6=13 d20+6=11 d20+6=18 d20+6=21 d20+6=10 d20+6=18 Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 12:50:40 PM
Rose slowly begins handing over her weapons, making sure that each one is marked with her name and she gets a receipt...however she isnt so trusting and tries to conceal several of her smaller weapons.
rose cont Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 12:54:56 PM
ooc: me and zayne posted at same time :)
Rose sits down and starts eating when zayne orders, however as she is tired she makes sure that the tea is herbal and gets some milk to drink as well. Unless there are chairs made for halfling sized people she ends up standing on her chair to reach the table and makes a few low voiced comments about wishing people providing chairs and stuff for the smaller races.
Vorelle d20+6=12 Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 8:28:42 PM
Vorelle hands over her unstrung bow, her quiver, and her axes.
She sits at the table, happily camouflaged by her friends, and eats her dinner. She tries to keep an eye out for trouble, but she find herself hungrier than usual, so she is not paying attention as she usually does.
Spot 12
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 8:35:13 PM
Macaw seems eager to be out of such a noisy place, so Theodore lets the raven seek the outside to look for his own food.
Theodore eats his meal while glancing about the room. His eyes continue to stray back to the two men dressed in red robes.
Theodore pokes Vorelle in the arm, as the others seem intent on their own devices. "What do you think of them?" he whispers to her. "I've heard a little bit about the Marteus cult, and they seem like they might fit in."
Theodore continues to watch the pair as he nibbles on a carrot.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday June 2nd, 2004 10:39:39 PM
"Caw Caw!" declares Mookie.
Vauhwyt looks at the bird and then at Mavis. "Yes, thank you, we will take the rooms and the dinners. Please join us at our table if you have time, you and Eric?"
Vauhwyt joins her friends at the big table. She settles in on the floor (since she has no use for chairs), but that just puts her at the same level as everybody else.
She tells Zayne that gathering some info is a good idea, just remember that his name is Zachariah, and don't reveal our true mission.
Vauhwyt whispers fiercely to Mookie, "Look, take it down a notch with the cawing!" The raven nods OK.
She enjoys the meal and keeps an eye open for Eric or Mavis.
DM Jan Thursday June 3rd, 2004 12:47:23 AM
The meal turns out to be a hearty one and quite tasty. The cuts of meat aren't the most expensive if compared say - to a high class Plateau City hotel, but the dishes are well cooked with lots of gravy and complimentary herbs and spices. The vegetables are superb - beautiful, white, fluffy potatoes, plump peas, juicy carrots, crisp broccoli, served with wild rice and hunks of fresh crusty bread. There are no honey cakes. However, there's a rather splendid strawberry pie, served with a huge jug of fresh cream.
Rose has managed to sneak a solitary dart into the restaurant, but everything else had to be checked.
Surrounding conversations -
The merchants/tradesmen (in COMMON) - talking about how they're glad they headed south for a change, otherwise they would have missed this place.
The elves (quietly in ELVEN) - talking about someone they had to rescue, because that person had fallen asleep, and how it wasn't done to sleep in the forest.
The troll (built like a brick outhouse) is saying nothing, just staring out of the window and downing pint after pint.
The Aisildurian clerics see Theo checking them out. One of them raises his glass in greeting, and smiles. Something seems to be moving slightly on his chest, in time with his heartbeat. It's the strangest thing - as though there's something growing there. Gross, maybe horrific - depending on your frame of mind, but definitely interesting.
Dietrich earns a few flirtacious winks from some of the serving girls.
Vauhwyt keeps her eye out for Mavis and/or Eric. So far, they haven't come over. However, the reason for that may well be witnessed by Macaw, flying around outside. The birds beady eyes pick up another band of mounted orcs, arriving at the Inn.
Zayne heads for the bar, and what a strange bar it is. There appear to be a few barnacles and limpets stuck onto the wood, as though the bar was built from the hull of a sailing ship. It smells of beer and salt water. A rather voluptuous woman-shaped ship's figurehead holds up the bar's section of the ceiling. There's a smattering of talk at the bar from various patrons, mostly nothing of interest, although two men dressed in rough clothes are examining whats left of a graffiti carving on the bar top. Most of it has been rubbed and polished out, but they're trying to see if it was someone's name. There are men either side of him, and male half orcs behind the bar. So, when a seductive female voice says - "Well hello there..." Its a bit of a mystery where its coming from.
Theodore and Macaw d20+1=8 Thursday June 3rd, 2004 8:18:09 AM
Theodore blushes when the two clerics find him looking at them. He quickly turns his head and clears his throat. "Maybe not the best thing to stare, Theodore," he reprimands himself.
Getting the empathic signal from Macaw, Theodore turns to those still at his table, and says in an ominous whisper, "More orcs are coming in. Just to let you know."
Turning his attention back to the two clerics, he takes a deep breath and rises from his table, staggers as the hem of his trousers catch under his shoes, and rights himself quickly. He picks up his milk, in a shaking hand, and walks over to the two peculiar humans. "E-excuse me," he stammers. "I'm sorry for staring, earlier, but would you mind if I sat with you gentlemen for a bit. You seem like interesting fellows. My name is Theodore."
(Diplomacy = 8)
Vauhwyt d20+3=23 d20+7=8 Thursday June 3rd, 2004 2:07:20 PM
The liontaur's untrained ears are still plenty sharp enough to hear Theo's attempt at conversation. "Idiots!" she thinks, "I'm surrounded by idiots!"
She tries to cast a quick message spell (Bluff 8) and whisper to Theo, "Your name is Goodman Timothy, rememberr!" But her exasperation is a little bit obvious.
Oh well.
Rose or goodwoman Ruth Thursday June 3rd, 2004 4:31:05 PM
Rose just listens as she eats her dinner...and sneaks an extra piece of pie. Everyone can tell that she is tired...although you might be a bit worried as rose has been sleeping on the mule in the day for most of the trip.
Vorelle d20+6=7 Thursday June 3rd, 2004 9:17:31 PM
Vorelle looks at the cultists as Theo points them out, then stares in horrified fascination when she notices the strange, pulsing growth. She searches her memory to think of some kind of malady that would account for the bizarre phenomenon, but her mind is a blank.
[Heal check 7, natural 1!]
DM Jan Friday June 4th, 2004 12:55:16 AM
Theo is welcomed to the cleric's table and offered a glass of wine from their carafe.
Vauhwyt's exasperation possibily gets worse as she hears -
"Theo! Its good to meet you. One would be Brother Jagoda and Brother Stiles, who are off to Plateau City to attend to a 'certain matter'," says one of the men, giving the young mage a beatific smile. Close up, there seems to be an aura of power and strength about them. Not malevolent and threatening as such - its just there as an undercurrent. "And what brings you to the Inn? Are you traveling too, perhaps to our fine realm of Aisildur?"
Rose seems to be ready for bed, and Vorelle finds the cleric's heartseeds quite mesmerising.
The orcs at the table at the far end of the room are starting to sing.
Outside Macaw can see the second party of orcs down by the gate, getting their horses checked in to the stables. Does he also see a solitary figure out on the road, on their way toward the Inn also? The shape looks a bit familiar but its hard to tell in the dark.
As for the information the group want, about the mysterious Marteaus cult - who's likely to know anything? Who's likely to know and will tell? Who's likely to know and doesn't want anyone else to know? Who knows absolutely nothing... Hmmm...
Theodore and Macaw Friday June 4th, 2004 9:49:51 AM
Theodore shivers slightly at Vauhwyt's magical message and berates himself for forgetting his 'name.' Oh well, he thinks.
"My friends and I are sightseeing. We're originally from Dirt City, and I must say that I'm intrigued by many of the things that we've seen on our trip, thus far. We stopped at an inn run by goblins, good and honest, mind you, and now we share a tavern with orcs and even a troll!" he says this last bit quietly, so as not to be overheard. "You must understand, that where I'm from this simply doesn't happen. I have to admit that I'm intrigued by this different culture. You gentlemen are obviuosly learned fellows. Would you be so kind as to share what you know of this realm with me?"
Theodore sends a mental signal to Macaw to fly overhead of the approaching figure and try to get a better look.
Zayne d20=16 Friday June 4th, 2004 2:18:33 PM
As he decides on who to talk to in the bar,his curiosity gets the better of him and he decides to talk with the troll,not quite sure if he should be doing this he waits until it's current pint is nearly empty and he walks up to it and sits down and buys orders two pints,looks over up at the troll and says,"You look thirsty,I'm buying you a pint." the words topple over each other,but they manage to come out.(Diplomacy 16..OOC whew,I was praying for something fairly decent,we don't want to find Zayne in a troll's belly now do we?)
He even manages to offer the troll a weak smile. He looks afraid but he is going to stand his ground and face his fear.
"So what brings you out this way?" Trying to make small talk with the troll.
Vorelle d20+6=25 Sunday June 6th, 2004 5:20:04 PM
At last tearing her attention away from the odd growths on the cultists, Vorelle scans the room curiously, looking for anything interesting or noteworthy.
Spot 25
Vauhwyt and Mookie Sunday June 6th, 2004 10:21:57 PM
Vauhwyt sighs and signals to a serving person. She asks for a mug of cider, if they have it. Resigned to plans ganging aglee, she waits to see what happens next.
DM Jan Monday June 7th, 2004 11:19:48 AM
Sat with Theo, Brother Jagoda and Brother Stiles launch into a dialogue about how wonderful Aisildur is - how there is no crime, how everyone is happy and taken care of. They are most sincere. It sounds like a utopia. They talk about Ga'al and how he takes care of his followers. How he is like a father to them all, and how he takes care of decisions, so no one has to worry and make any agonizing choices about life. Its all taken care of. The Brothers are very persuasive. They say part of their mission is to spread the word of Ga'al and convert everyone to a better way of life. Both Brothers are pleasing to the eye (apart from their squirming chests) and have charisma by the bucket load. The perfect missionaries.
Zayne buys the troll a beer. It disappears down the creature's gullet in two seconds. Dang this thing can drink. As for why he's here? "Ale" belches the Troll.
At the group's table, one of the girls brings Vauhwyt a mug of sparkling cider. Vorelle takes a look around. It's difficult to tell who might know anything about the Marteaus cult. Whats the connection with this place? How did the Prince's men come up with the clue in the first place? Looking at the patrons, most folk seem to be traveling from one place to another. Was it a stopping point for the cult? A meeting place? Was there someone here who knew something or had seen that glyph? It sounded as though the merchants hadn't been here before. The elves looked like adventurers, dressed like forest rangers.
Other things happen -
The second party of orcs ascends the stairs. The first party of orcs stops singing abruptly. Eric the half orc walks across to the group's table. He's already made eye contact with his fellows behind the bar - who nod and glance at both parties of orcs. Eric sits down and nods at Vauhwyt. "So - what would you like to know?" he asks, keeping one eye on the orc parties.
Outside, Macaw gets a better look as the lone figure approaches the Inn main gate. Its Olyn!
Zayne d20=15 d20=12 d20=5 Monday June 7th, 2004 1:28:35 PM
Amazed that the troll not only didn't eat him,like in every story he has ever heard about them,but is actually driniking ale with him.
Thinking,"What do I do now,what can I talk to a troll about? What if he knows about the cult? Good job Zayne,there you go jumping in head first without checking out how deep the water is."
"I came to eat,and now it's time to drink. So how often do you come here for the ale? I have been looking for a new drinking companion,and I think I may have found one.(Diplomacy 15 Sleight of Hand 12 Actually that second should be +3 from his dex. That is his attempt to make his knocking his ale over look to be an accident.)
As the barmaid comes back by he stops her,"I need four more." Remembering something he saw in a tavern back in Dirt City he grabs a gold coin and slips it into her bodice, and says "Buy something as nice with that."
Looking back at the troll,"My name is Zach,whats your's?
Theodore and Macaw d20+1=12 Monday June 7th, 2004 2:40:26 PM
Theodore makes use of Vauhwyt's message spell to whisper, "Olyn's coming." Hiding it by turning his head and covering his mouth as if to sneeze.
"Excuse me," he apologizes to the two priests. "I guess my nose didn't need to discharge after all." He frowns at himself. That was pretty disgusting.
"Well, it sounds as if your Aisildur is great. Ga'al is a wonderful blessing to your people. Where I come from, there are many troubles and powerful beings who spread evil." He shakes his head sadly. "I wonder if your realm has ever experienced such before?"
(Diplomacy = 12)
Vauhwyt Monday June 7th, 2004 7:02:27 PM
The liontaur asks if she can buy Eric a drink.
Her first question is just out of curiosity. How is it that so many beings, enemies elsewhere, come in peace here? She couches that as a compliment.
Then she asks about the forest. She feels in her heart that it is a spiritual place for her beliefs, but she does not know how. What is it called? Who lives there? Is it considered a place of darkness or of light?
Vorelle Monday June 7th, 2004 7:57:36 PM
Vorelle stares longingly at the party of elves. What knowledge and experience the must have, living so long and spending time in the wild! What knowledge could they impart to her, if she could only summon the courage to ask?
She sighs. Some questions she'll just never know the answer to.
rose Tuesday June 8th, 2004 2:12:45 AM
Rose is sitting in her chair her head fallen back and laying on her shoulder and her eyes are closed......is she asleep or just pretending?
Dietrich d20+2=20 Tuesday June 8th, 2004 6:12:54 AM
OOC: HEllo again folks! Unfortunatelly itīs really impossible to post more often, so Iīd like to ask you to NPC Dietrich sometimes till he leaves the party for a while.
Dietrich has stood all the while drinking ale with VAuhwyt, trying to flirt with the bargirls, whom he gives a nice tipp, and listening to talks around, specially to the orcs, whose dirty language heīs able to understand (listen 20). He keeps reserved, letting others do the talks and ready to fight if need be. Dietrich doesnīt like the strange clerics very much, for Aisildur is not very well famed in the Windbourne Hills. There has been enough strugle with that people.
If he hears that Olyn is coming, Dietrich gets surprised and is happy to meet his old comrade again.
DM Jan Tuesday June 8th, 2004 10:39:43 AM
Zayne discovers that the Troll doesn't talk much, and there is no name forthcoming. Maybe the creature doesn't have one. Maybe he's shy - who knows. But there's a chance of Zayne getting completely and utterly wasted this evening if he drinks in the same manner. The serving girl's face tells him she was thinking of clipping him behind the ear, too, behind that smile of hers.
The priests' faces grow more solumn as Theo mentions evil creatures. "There will always be evil," says Brother Stiles. "But its the heart of the people that matters. Ga'al gives us the strength to persevere and overcome these things."
Over at the group's table, Eric has a glass of water. He's obviously staying sober. He breaks a grin at Vauhwyt's questions. "That lot -" pointing to the orcs, "They come here for the horses. We breed them here - fast, strong, a lot of stamina and - they're not afraid of an orc on their back. Gives the tribes an advantage, being on horseback, so they're not about to throw that away by courting the disfavour of Mavis, are they. "As for the Forest, I see you've come prepared." He nods toward Mookie. "Blackbird Forest is a strange place. A mystery. Culverwood with a twist," he laughs. "They say it doesn't bode well to fall asleep there, although on saying that, some of the elves enter and put themselves in a trance, and 'they say' that no one ever hears of them again. There are some strange travelers through Blackbird, but I don't know of anyone who lives there. The guys at the bar can tell you more about 'strange'."
Rose carries on with her sleeping ruse, and Vorelle looks toward the elves, who seem quiet, and are keeping ther own council.
Dietrich, a little older, and a little more accomplished at this sort of thing, has better luck than Zayne flirting with the girls. It gets him a couple of extra pints and yep - he's going to be smashed too if he drinks it all. He lets everyone know at the table what the orcs are talking about. It's inter-tribal rivalry for the most part, and some reverential references to someone called Borden. The language gets decidedly colourful when the second band of orcs arrive.
Olyn finds a very busy tavern room and will have to push his way through.
Zayne d20=14 d2=1 Tuesday June 8th, 2004 2:09:11 PM
Quickly seeing that this troll is doing his best to empty the house casks on his own he buys one more for his new "friend" and slips away from the table.
He looks at the room and wonders if he would have better luck with the orcs or the elves. He takes a copper piece out and flips it(1 he talks with the elves 2 the orcs)
Waard has decided the elves,"Where are either Olyn or Cade when you need them? Devlin was pretty good with people too. Oh well I have a job to do."
Walking to where they are seated"Good evening,how fare you all this evening." (Diplomacy 14)
rose Tuesday June 8th, 2004 4:34:19 PM
snore snore
Olyn Tuesday June 8th, 2004 8:05:31 PM
hefting his pack tighter over his shoulder he eyes Vauhwyt at a table. giving a tired smile he plops down onto a chair and pulls off his boots
rubbing his feet.
man, I havent walked this far in I dont know how long. not to mention seeing this many oddball races in one place without the guards being called.
turning, he motions to a bar maid. when one arrives he asks: good lady, might I bother you for a bucket of hot water to soak my tired feet and a mug of ale to quench my thirst.
turning back to Vauhwyt, and with a long sigh, he states: sorry I wasnt there to leave with you all, the church required my attention longer than I wanted but what are acolytes to do. Better late than never my ma always said.
What have I missed?
Theodore and Macaw d20+1=6 Tuesday June 8th, 2004 9:39:26 PM
Theodore nods in agreement with the clerics at comment of the eternal nature of evil. He's beginning to like these fellows.
"Um...I hope you don't think I'm being rude, because I don't intend to," he says as he twists the extra length of his sleeve. "But what exactly are...those?" He points at the heartseeds on each fellow.
(Diplomacy = 6)
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+7=18 Tuesday June 8th, 2004 11:55:08 PM
Vauhwyt uses her bluffing skills to communicate to Olyn without revealing their names to Eric. She welcomes Olyn as Goodman Oliver, and uses the bluff to communicate that she wants then to use assumed names.
But the welcome in her voice is unfeigned. "Wowsy, it is good to see you! As always, most welcome!"
Vauhwyt is also surprised by what Eric says. "Blackbird Forest? Blackbird Forest! Truly a name of good omen! Why do they call it that? And which fellows should we talk to?"
SHe tries to figure out who he is talking about -- not the orcs?
Vorelle Wednesday June 9th, 2004 1:24:22 AM
Vorelle gives Olyn a shy smile. It's good to have him back with the group again.
She watches curiously as Zayne approaches the elves, interested to see what will happen next.
Dietrich d20+6=8 Wednesday June 9th, 2004 8:23:09 AM
Dietrich has a nice time with the bargirls, but when Olyn arrives, he happily salutes him and turns his attention towards his friend.
As the orcs donīt seem to talk about anything particularly interesting and as Vauhwyt and Zayne get information, Dietrich report what has happened till now to Olyn and asks him about news. He slows down the rythm of drinking and keeps sober. (fortitude 8)
DM Jan Wednesday June 9th, 2004 1:03:00 PM
((Happy Birthday Tim))
Zayne leaves the troll drinking away, and moves to the elves table. They look at him in a slightly bemused fashion, but accomodate some space for him at their table. "We fare very well," says one of them in perfect common. "Please join us, would you like some wine?" All three look at him, their perfect faces awash with curiosity. The wine is poured, then one of them asks. "So... are you going in, or have you just come out? We noticed the bird." Vorelle watches that one glance over toward the group.
Rose is asleep as Olyn arrives and joins the group. He gets an ale pretty quickly. However - "I can show you to the washtubs for your feet, Sir," says one of the serving girls. "It's not far."
While the half elf plays catch up on the news, Theo continues his talk with the clerics of Ga'al. "This is the heartseed," says Brother Jagonda. "With this we are protected from ill thoughts and the selfishness of individualism. With the heartseed we work as one, for the greater good, through the will of Ga'al himself. You should join us, son, and have a happy and worthwhile life."
Dietrich sensibly stays sober and keeps his eye on things. The second party of orcs are now seated quite a way from the first group, but after his months hanging out in Dirt City, and witnessing - not to mention being part of, the occasional bar fight - he knows trouble brewing when he sees it. So does Eric the half orc bouncer, who's keeping a practiced eye on both tables while talking to the liontaur.
"Not sure of the origin of the name," says Eric. "Maybe its because of the birds. Birds with black feathers seem to know their way through. There's bad magic in that forest, and without a bird..." he shrugs. "Won't catch me venturing in there." He points toward one of the half orc bar men, busy pouring pints. " Thats Nyle. He can tell you a story. Some people just go off their rocker, and one customer did not so long ago - right there at the bar."
Olyn Wednesday June 9th, 2004 3:23:16 PM
thank you ma'am. *hands her 2 silver pieces* I will take you up on that shortly.
sitting back he drawns deeply from the mug, and whiping the froth from his mouth he looks at Dietrich, listens intently to all he has to say, watchs the goings on.
Zayne d20=19 d20=14 Wednesday June 9th, 2004 4:51:15 PM
He takes the offered glass and does his best to imitate those he has seen by smelling the glass.(Bluff 19)"Thank you,a good year. My name is Zach." Thinking to himself"I hope thats what you are suposed to say."
When asks whether he is going in or coming out,he asks,"Going in or coming out of where? We merely stopped to fill our bellies and get some rest." Looking back at the table he is startled to see Olyn,and seeing that Rose is making his story more believable.
Pointing ot the table,"Some of my companions aren't really cut out for life on the road,as you can clearly see."
Vorelle d20+6=19 Wednesday June 9th, 2004 9:31:03 PM
Vorelle continues to look curiously around the room.
[When in doubt, make a Spot check. :) Spot 19]
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday June 9th, 2004 10:01:49 PM
"No thanks," says Theodore to the priests. "But I appreciate the offer. Thank you very much for the company, Brothers. May Ga'al smile on you, always." He pushes back in his chair and nods to the two men before retreating back to his group's table to say hi to Olyn.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday June 10th, 2004 1:08:12 AM
"Oh, thank you very much," Vauhwyt tells Eric. "I appreciate your help. I'll have to talk with, you said, Nyle. But let me not keep you from duty. It was a pleasure talking with you."
She smiles at Eric (and hopes he gets the hint and leaves). If he does, Vauhwyt brings Olyn up to date on the entire trip. Especially the mission the prince gave us, and while Zayne is at the elvish table, the whole story about Zayne and his rash words.
DM Jan Thursday June 10th, 2004 12:04:22 PM
Theo returns to the table. Eric nods, stands up and leaves. Vauhwyt and Dietrich bring Olyn up to date on whats going on and why they're here in the first place - looking for clues about the mysterious assassins, possibly linked to Marteaus, who are trying to bring Dirt City down.
It's getting obvious that no one is going to walk right up and say 'Hey I know all about these people!' It's going to take some digging, and piecing together. This is also a busy place, with a lot of people coming and going, so its not going to be easy. So far it seems the Ga'alian clerics and the troll know nothing of interest. That leaves the other patrons and the staff. The transient and the constant.
The atmosphere in the room is pretty electric. Everyone figures that something is going to happen between those two parties of orcs, its just a question of when.
As Vorelle looks around the room, she notes the bar and its strange nautical design, with the carved figurehead at the centre between bar top and ceiling. Did she just see its eyes move?
Zayne continues his conversation with the elves who - seem a little embarrassed after their wrong assumptions. "My apologies," says the one doing all the talking. "We assumed you were explorers such as ourselves. Our black owl is hunting outside. We've just left the forest across the river. It's been.... interesting." One of the other elves smiles.
Is anyone wearing their Wolf ring btw?
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday June 10th, 2004 2:27:26 PM
Vauhwyt does not wear her wolf ring because it would be out of character for Miss Veronica. She wanders over to the bar and introduces herself to the fellow Eric pointed out. "Excuse me, Goodman Nyle, my name is Miss Veronica, and Eric mentioned that you have an interesting story about Blackbird Forest. Can I buy you a drink and hear your story?"
Zayne Thursday June 10th, 2004 2:39:31 PM
(OOC Zayne's wolf ring is in his belt pouch,he only wears it when he is dealing with the wolves. He isn't still entirely comfortable with the status it gives him.)
Looking at the talkative elf,"No apologies are needed. We are indeed explorers. We are required to go to Aisildur presently. I am a guide by profession and,am always on the lookout for new paths and destinations,maybe this forest of youre's is something I would be interested in. The countryside around Dirt City is quite tame,and after Aisildur I will be needing some time back in nature."
Vorelle d20+6=17 Thursday June 10th, 2004 9:28:28 PM
Caitiously, Vorelle approaches the bar, watching the figurehead intently. Is it enchanted somehow? [Spot 17]
Vorelle's Wolf ring is a bit small for her finger and she's afraid she'll lose it. So she doesn't usually wear it.
Theodore and Macaw Thursday June 10th, 2004 9:34:58 PM
"The clerics don't know anything," Theodore whispers to Olyn and Vorelle. "Just a bit weird."
He decides to sit at the table for a bit, not being one with words and afraid he might let something slip.
DM Jan Friday June 11th, 2004 1:07:20 AM
In answer to Vauhwyt's request, Nyle turns to his fellow barman.
"She wants to hear the story Jon." "The story, Nyle?" "Yep the story." "Better tell it then Nyle." "The one about how no one mutilates my bar, Jon?" "Yes that one, Nyle." "Okay then."
Nyle the half orc barman leans forward and grins at Vauhwyt and anyone else who's nearby. Jon the half orc barman shakes his head, smiles, and carries on pouring pints.
"So... it was a dark night." "It wasn't that dark, Nyle." "Shut up Jon." "Okay Nyle." "It was a dark-ish night, fairly quiet, and in walks this strange man wearing a cloak covered in black feathers." "Black feathers, Nyle?" "Yep - black feathers. Very strange he was. Ordered a pint and sat right - there!" He points at the space next to Vauhwyt. "Then he starts mumbling." "Mumbling Nyle?" "Mumbling Jon - something about the return of those who are lost, and a great prize for the master." "What kind of prize, Nyle?" "I DON'T KNOW what kind of prize, Jon. A great prize. Said a lot of other stuff too, and THEN - he proceeded, with a shaking hand, to carve - with a knife he'd SNEAKED IN - some weird sigil, on MY BAR!" "On your bar, Nyle?" "Yes, Jon! On my bar!! So - whats any self respecting half orc to do??" "What did you do, Nyle?" "I'll tell you what I did, Jon - I put down my glass towel, I walked around to confront the rascal. I told him to CEASE CARVING ON MY BAR!" "That told him, Nyle." "But he didn't stop Jon! I had to knock him down, and drag him down the stairs feet first! Whereupon! WHEREUPON! His head! Hit every single step!" "Did it knock some sense into him, Nyle?" "Naaaw. He staggered off Jon. Still uttering the same nonsensical tripe. Mind you - we haven't seen him since, have we Jon." "No we haven't Nyle."
Nyle leans forward a little more, looking at what looks like a scuff mark with some carved lines in it. "Hmmmm.... have a bit more work to do to get rid of that," he mutters. (Spot DC 12)
Nearby, Vorelle actually sees the voluptuous figurehead roll her eyes. And in Vorelle's head - Sigh... he's told that story at least 8 times. Hello, deary. Not much in the way of 'talent' here tonight is there, although I see you've brought some nice young men in with you.
The elves talk to Zayne about the forest - how it forgets sometimes where and when it is, how you have to wake it up, and that if it starts to forget and begins to disappear, how you must run like the blazes.
"It can take you with it. Sometimes to places you really do not want to go," says one of the elves in a hushed voice.
It's starting to get a bit late, hot cocoas are offered at the group's table, and some patrons are heading off to bed.
Olyn Friday June 11th, 2004 1:59:57 AM
turning to the serving maiden he motions her over. upon arriving he says: i'll be taking that bath now if you dont mind.
turning to Vauhwyt: i am in need of a bath. havent had one in a few days. tell me your room number and you can show me where ill be sleeping tonight. if that's ok with you?
Theodore and Macaw Friday June 11th, 2004 9:28:56 AM
Theodore yawns widely as he sits contentedly at the table. "I believe that milk has done me in," he says. "I think I, too, will take a bath and call it a night. It will be nice to sleep in a bed, again."
He pushes his chair back and approaches the innkeeper to ask where he might bathe and then sleep.
Zayne d20+3=15 Friday June 11th, 2004 1:13:18 PM
Looking confused,he sets down his untouched wine,"What do you mean the forest forgets? Do you mean there are treants in the forests? I have never heard of a forest that forgets,let alone take not just somewhere else but some other time,are you trying to confuse me,because if you are you are doing a great job." Smiling weakly.(Knowlege Nature 15 toe see if he has any clue what they are talking about)
rose Friday June 11th, 2004 1:13:46 PM
some how pretending to be asleep turned into the real thing :) but as sleeping in a chair isnt that comfortable rose slowly wakes up thinking that she hears olyn...naw must be a dream she thinks as she wakes. Rose finishes waking (luckily before her face ends up in the food) and sees olyn. "Olyn!} she squeels and launches herself at him for a big hug. "we've missed you olyn." Unfortunatly she hadn't heard Vauhwyt introduce him as goodman Oliver.
Rose settles back down and drinks some cocoa before following the waitress to the bathing rooms.
ooc: sorry for not posting my knee popped and i wasnt on the comp.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+3=12 Sunday June 13th, 2004 11:36:46 PM
Mookie sees the scratching on the bar and says "Caw! Caw!" [seems appropriate since Vauhwyt only just made the spot check with her familiar +2 Alertness bonus].
The bird hops to the sign scratched on the bar and pecks once at it before hopping back to his master's shoulder.
"What an odd story," Vauhwyt tells the bartender, as she looks at where Mookie had indicated. "My feathered friend seems interested, too."
DM Jan Monday June 14th, 2004 12:38:55 AM
The staff show the way to the bath tubs, which are down some rickety steps to one side of the stables. Here there are round bath tubs in relatively private cubicles. The water is hot, the towels have a certain 'exfoliating' quality ie. they're clean but a bit scratchy, but the place is clean enough. They're also told that the male members of the party are in Room 7 on the 3rd Floor, the female members are in Room 12 - same floor and a little further down the hall.
Funny how the carved graffitti on the bar looks faintly like the bottom two symbols of that Marteaun sigil.
Zayne can't remember anything he's ever heard about a forest forgetting anything, and the elves appear to agree. "We've never seen anything like it, either to be honest, and we're from Culverwood. We'd liken it to a partial plane shift, but... Anyway, we took to playing it tunes to keep it awake. That works. Sometimes."
It looks as though most folk are off to their beds. The tavern room is fairly quiet now. Both parties of orcs have rowdily stomped off upstairs. The Ga'alian clerics have gone downstairs to the shrine in the garden for nightly prayers, and the merchants look sleepier than Rose.
Olyn Monday June 14th, 2004 8:22:22 AM
stripping off his clothes and letting them drop onto the floor. same for his backpack he slowly slides into the tub. slowly getting used to the heat. after a few minutes he climbs out, and washes himself from head toe. then, grabbing a empty bucket he fills it up with some water from the tub and dumps it over himself a couple times to rinse the soap off. then climbs back into the tub to soak.
about the time that the water becomes luke warm, and his fingers show wrinkles, he gets out, dries off completely. pulls out a fresh set of clothes from his pack. dons his shoes, and heads off to the room where, after putting his things by the bed, he kneels next to it and begins meditating and praying.
an hour later, he climbs into bed and drifts off to sleep.
Theodore and Macaw Monday June 14th, 2004 1:35:02 PM
Theodore takes his time with the bath, as he hasn't had one in a few days. After soaking for a goodly time, he dresses and retreats to his room where he wishes Olyn a good night and lies down for the night.
Zayne Monday June 14th, 2004 5:10:52 PM
Zayne cannot understand what these elves mean by keeping the forest awake,so it doesn't forget,so he politely dismisses himself from the table heads to the baths for a quick wash and rinse then heads to the rooms to catch up with Olyn.
rose Monday June 14th, 2004 5:15:36 PM
rose splashes about as she washes, then goes to her room.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday June 14th, 2004 11:58:01 PM
Vauhwyt goes off to bed with her friends. She visist the boys before the baths begin to tell them the news -- "A human wearing a cape of black feathers carved the Marteaus symbol into the barr. I think it is a Clue!"
She tells the girls the same story. She urges everyone to set watches.
Mookie will take first watch in the girls' room. Vauhwyt takes last watch after sleeping the night through.
DM Jan Tuesday June 15th, 2004 12:20:52 AM
Apologies folks - screamer of a headache, I'll post tomorrow morning.
DM Jan Tuesday June 15th, 2004 11:54:57 AM
The group heads off to bed.
(Everyone make a Will Save, please.)
In the early hours of the morning, anyone on watch hears the beginnings of a ruckus. It starts with footsteps, loud orcish language, and develops into a lot of banging and crashing.
Suddenly, the door to Olyn's, Dietrich's, Theo's and Zayne's room bursts open with a crash - and about three hundred pounds of orc, a whirlwind of fury comes hurtling through - two of them - intent on killing one another by the looks of it. The door frame is splintered. The door itself hangs on one hinge.
No one has any weapons of course, because they're all down at reception for safekeeping.
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 13 (with dodge against first attacker) d20+5=8 Tuesday June 15th, 2004 12:01:49 PM
Not having a particularly useful spell ready to stop the intruders, Theodore decides to do the next best thing; squeeze himself as tightly as possible into the furthest corner from the fighting.
(Will Save = 8. Uh-oh...)
Zayne( Ac 13 Hp 19/19) Will save 21 d20+1=21 d20+5=10 d20+5=18 Tuesday June 15th, 2004 12:40:58 PM
As the orcs crash thoug his door,he leaps to the far corner of the room,instinctivley reaching for his battle axe,that isnt there he lets out a string of curses,rivaling any sailor.
Looking around the room for something he could use as a weapon.(Search 10 Spot 18 not sure which one I should use here Jan)
He calls to Theo and Olyn,"Stay clear of them,defend yourself if you have to."
Olyn d20+6=23 Tuesday June 15th, 2004 8:34:30 PM
will: 23 rolling out of the way, and nearest to Zane, he does as he is told and becomes one with the wall.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20=2 Tuesday June 15th, 2004 9:58:27 PM
It being between Mookie's and Vauhwyt's watches, they remain fast asleep. [rolled a 2 to wake up!].
DM Jan Wednesday June 16th, 2004 12:32:57 AM
As Theo is trying to make himself inconspicuous, its now he realises where those voices were coming from - the voices he heard while he slept, chattering and whispering in some unknown tongue, accompanied by a lot of sighing and moaning. The voices were coming from the walls.
However, right now that little snippet of info seems irrelevant as the two fighting orcs roll around and trash the room in their attempt to strangle one another.
To Olyn and Zayne, it looks a fairly even fight. Dietrich however is already away from the wall and in a fighting crouch, just in case.
Zayne spots a small table and two chairs.
In Room 8 next door, it's occupant wakes up with a start, no doubt wondering what the heck is going on.
(Fred make a Will Save for Ryan, please. Same goes for Vauhwyt and Rose. Failing will have allowed you to hear the voices in the walls as you slept.)
Things get worse as three more orc faces appear at the doorway to Room 7. They snarl and look menacingly at all the occupants in the room.
Along the corridor toward the girls' room, the noise is too loud to ignore, and outside, someone is sounding a hunting horn. Vorelle wakes the others in Room 12.
Dietrich d20+2=18 d20-1=8 d20+5=18 d6+3=9 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 4:50:47 AM
Dietrich is quite angry about this disturbance of his sleep and takes one of the chairs in his hands. When the other orcs appear, Dietrich gives them a menacing glance and shows them his scar marked face and muscular body (will save 18). He shouts in Orcish:
"Back vermins! I stick this chair trough the foul head of the first who dares to come closer!" (intimidaste 8)
**If someono comes closer, Dietrich attacks with the chair. hits ac 18; damage 9 (or more?)
Olyn Wednesday June 16th, 2004 8:35:20 AM
sounds a verbal alarm.
VAUHWYT, ROSE, VORELLE. GET THE BOUNCERS IN HERE NOW!
Ryan d20+3=21 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 11:09:47 AM
Ryan wakes up in confusion. Wondering what is going on he gets out of bed and casts Mage Armour upon himself. (Will=21)
A small black and grey cat cautiously steps out from under the bed and follows Ryan to the door.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+15=29 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 11:26:50 AM
Vauhwyt wakes suddenly. "Darn!" she mutters, "I'm Miss Veronica! Not Vauhwyt! No discipline!"
Then she leaps up and casts Enlarge Person (shared with Mookie) as she heads into the hall. She looks for the source of the ruckus. Standing over 12 feet high and weighing well over three tons, she bellows at the top of her lungs, "CAN'T AN HONEST WOMAN GET SOME SLEEP AROUND HERRE! KNOCK IT OFF!"
[Intimidate check 29 includes a +8 size bonus vs medium sized creatures.]
Mookie flies around cawing.
[OOC: This is really about two rounds worth of action (get up and cast is one, move and intimidate is two), so if we are going round by round, Miss Veronica can't do it all. But I kinda got the feeling we aren't into formal round by round -- at least not yet.]
Zayne d20+1=18 d20+1=20 d20=3 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 11:35:03 AM
(OOC I have an idea I hope this works)
Seeing the table he is inspired,he quickly flips his bed onto it's side and pushes it towards the door,using the bed to try to force the orcs out into the hallway.(Str 18 to flip the bed Str 20 to froce them out)
If that is not possibe Zayne will,grab one of the chairs and try to scare the orcs away by looking threatening.(Intimidate 3)
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 13( with dodge against first attacker) d20+3=18 d3=2 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 2:40:38 PM
Theodore sees that both Dietrich and Zayne are attempting to intervene in the fight. The mage stays where he is, but readies a spell to hurl at any enemy that threatens one of his friends.
(Readies Acid Splash. Hits AC 18 for 2 damage. Only casts if one from his group is threatened physically.)
rose d20+5=7 d20+6=8 d20+3=22 d3+3=6 d6+3=9 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 11:52:22 PM
Rose tosses and turns she cant sleep well and keeps hearing some strange voices. Suddenly she is awakened by a loud crash and Olyn yelling that there's trouble. She swiftly heads into the hall, and upon seeing the problem sends Piper to wake the owners.
Meanwhile she stands by Vauhwyt and gets ready to defend herself.
throwing a dart, range 20' attack: 8 damage: 6 sneak attack: 9
DM Jan d20+4=7 Wednesday June 16th, 2004 11:56:50 PM
With Room 7 being the centre of attention -
To the left in the corridor -
5 orcs have burst out of room 3, fully intent in joining in the fun. They race along the corridor toward Room 7 and then suddenly stop in their tracks, then look at one another, uncertain.
To the right in the corridor -
The Troll, who's emerged from Room 10, completely smashed out of his gourd on ale, figures he's made an impression on the orcs heading in his direction. Haha - see how they stop and stare.
What he hasn't realised is this - Right behind him is the largest liontaur this part of Izen has ever seen, completely blocking the corridor and accompanied by some great monster of a bird.
If Ryan pops his head out of the door in Room 8 - he and the cat will see the Troll just walking past on its way to Room 7. He would also see a thrown dart embed itself in the floor next to the Troll's foot.
Outside Room 12 - Nyle and Jon, the double act half-orc barmen come running up from a stairway at the far right. They're carrying some kind of crossbow contraption with a modified bolt. Right behind them is Mavis, armed with a rather large frying pan. "S'cuse us! S'scuse us!" They yell, pushing past Vorelle but stopping short because they can't get past Vauhwyt and a half squished Rose. "Those bloody orcs," mutters Mavis. "If I've told them once, I've told them a thousand times."
In Room 7 -
The orc giving Dietrich the stare down takes the warrior's warning as an invitation, leaping into the room, only to have Dietrich's chair bashed over his head. This is followed closely by an acid splash attack from Theo.
Zayne attempts to block further incursion by using his bed. Right now its working, but not for long as two orcs start pushing right back. Still - its keeping them busy.
From his position, Olyn can see there are 5 orcs in the room. #1 and #2 are still grappling one another on the floor. #3 is about to engage Dietrich after the chair and acid splash incident. #4 and #5 are pushing at Zayne's flipped over bed in the attempt to bust some heads - maybe Olyn's, maybe Zayne's, maybe Olyn's.
Orc #3 - his head cut and bleeding, takes a swing at Dietrich with a mailed fist - The creature misses.
DIetrich AC 12 d20+5=10 d6+3=5 Thursday June 17th, 2004 4:31:10 AM
As so often, Dietrich is amazed at the Orcish stuborness and stupidity to enter the room. But he's really surprised with it's toughness and looks at the chair he's just crashed over the man. Then Dietrich's anger about the event vanishes and he feels the adrenalin and fun of a good bar fight and swings the chair again: hits ac 10; damage 5.
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 13(with dodge against first attacker) Thursday June 17th, 2004 8:59:35 AM
Macaw keeps outside of the inn, at Theodore's command. The bird wouldn't be much help, anyway.
Probably more help than his master, though, as Theodore continues to huddle in his corner, out of any other useful spells.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20-2=14 d20+17=34 Thursday June 17th, 2004 10:17:01 AM
Vauhwyt advances toward the boys' room as best she can. She also lets non-orcs walk by (per the rules, you can let allies walk through a square you occupy so long as they don't end their move in your space.)
Vauhwyt gently (but loudly) asks the Troll to go back to his room. "PLEASE GO BACK TO BED, FRIEND TROLL!"
She continues to berate the five orcs she has stunned, shouting: "YOU FIVE GO BACK TO BED NOW TOO, OR YOU'LL BE SORRY!" Mookie flaps around in an effort to help. "CAW! CAW!" Vauhwyt's claws click on the floor threateningly, and her hands are shaped into fists. Her face is red, though a lighter shade than the bloody-looking glyph on her forehead (which appears whenever she is enlarged)
[OOC: Mookie Aids Another successfully with a roll of 14. Vauhwyt's Intimidate Check is 34, including Mookie's +2]
Olyn d20+2=20 Thursday June 17th, 2004 12:26:08 PM
without waiting for an invitation. Theo get your backside over here and help me help Zayne.
rushing up Olyn assists Zayne on using the bed as a barricade to push the Orcs out of the room. str check of 20.
Zayne d20+3=23 Thursday June 17th, 2004 1:14:14 PM
Pushing for all his worth he welcomes Olyn's help.(aided Str 23 Natural 20!)
Ryan Thursday June 17th, 2004 4:41:05 PM
Now slightly annoyed by the fact he was woken up, Ryan darts into the next room room 7 "Hey knock it off!" he shoutes He casts a Sleep spell at the two fighting Orcs.
The cat follows him curious and wairy.
Theodore and Macaw d20=9 Friday June 18th, 2004 9:36:31 AM
Theodore wrings his hands as the fight continues. At Olyn's command, he whimpers in protest but gets up to do as he's told.
The young mage puts his weight into the bed and adds what little strength he has to Zayne and Olyn's.
(Strength check = 9)
DM Jan Friday June 18th, 2004 11:23:29 AM
Dietrich swings his chair again, on this occasion missing the orc who's trying to hit him.
Olyn gets Theo organised and now three of them - Zayne, Olyn and Theo are up against two orcs in a pushing contest with the bed. The bed begins to slide back toward the outer bedroom door, sweeping the two orcs with it.
In the confusion outside, the 5 orcs to the left start to back off, their defiant looks are at odds with their movements. But hey - they're not about start anything with the giant lion woman.
At the doorway, Ryan casts SLEEP, and one of the orcs who'd been grappling on the floor goes limp. The other carries on throttling, adrenalin coursing through him.
The Troll stands there blinking. Hmmmm, hmph.... orcs, noise, big cat, head spinning. Ooooh, but that little cat looks tasty. But he's too drunk and confused to move.
Nyle, Jon and Mavis manage to push past Vauhwyt and Rose. "Out the way!" yells Jon to Ryan.
Facing the door - Dietrich, Theo, Olyn and Zayne see it coming and have a chance at a REFLEX SAVE DC 12.
The crossbow is fired into the room. The strange pommelled bolt hits one of the orcs in the back with a soft thud and explodes outward - and the occupants of the room are hit with a cloud of flour and pepper, a medieval version of tear gas. To those who didn't close their eyes and turn away in time - the flour and pepper mix enters eyes and noses and starts to sting - badly. The orcs have stopped pushing and fighting, and are frantically trying to cover their eyes.
"Who started this??" yells Mavis.
Zayne (Ac 13 Hp 19/19 Ref 18) d20+6=18 Friday June 18th, 2004 12:51:13 PM
Seeing the odd crossbow discharge in front of him he decides to hit the ground. He shouts,"Olyn,Theo watch out!"
As the dust settles he looks around bewildered,as the orcs who were just so intent on killing each other,are now squirming on the ground,"What was in that stuff?" Carefull to stay away from the powder.
Looking around to see if Olyn and Theo are doing okay.
Ryan Friday June 18th, 2004 4:27:54 PM
Ryan covers his eyes to try and stop them stinging to no effect. First he is woken up and now this!
The cat at his feet has her eyes closed and is coughing helplesly.
Olyn d20+3=22 Saturday June 19th, 2004 9:04:57 AM
jumping out of the way and into the hallway he rushes to be near Vuahwyt, out of the smoke from the crossbow contraption.
seeing the effects from it he thinks to himself. I gotta get me some of those.
answering Mavis: the 2 orcs still in that room. busted into the room entangled with each other, trying to kill one another.
rose Sunday June 20th, 2004 9:04:45 PM
Rose is looking for a place to stand thats safe, finally she gets as close to vauhwyt as possible and if necessary scoots under for a minute.....hopefully she doesnt get stepped on.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Sunday June 20th, 2004 9:46:37 PM
Vauhwyt backs up Olyn's report of events so far as she can and waits to see what happens. She readies a punch at any of the five orcs she told to back down if they get aggressive.
Vorelle Monday June 21st, 2004 1:16:59 AM
Suddenly aware that she is standing in an inn hallway wearing naught but a chemise, Vorelle lets out a startled "eep!" and dives back into her room.
DM Jan Monday June 21st, 2004 11:42:52 AM
The aftermath -
The 'dust' settles. Mavis personally gives anyone that needs it, an eye bath. The two orcs who started the fight are dragged off to their respective groups. There is embarrassment in both camps by their leaders, although they don't go as far as apologising to the ones who's room they broke into. Olyn, Zayne, Theo, Dietrich and Ryan get a few intimidating leers instead. No one's leering at Vauhwyt, though.
Eric, who'd been stood quietly with a large club, behind the group of 5 orcs, explains to Zayne about the pepper and flour, wrapped in paper. "Straight from the kitchen. Sometimes its the simplest things."
Mavis wants to know if there's anyone who could fix the door.
The rest of the night is a more subdued affair, although for those who can hear the voices in the walls - it is a restless one.
Breakfast is also a sharp contrast to the previous evening. In the main tavern room, hot drinks, fluffy omelettes and huge sweet bread rolls are served. Only the elves are there this time, along with a rather groggy looking Nyle and Jon behind the bar.
Theodore and Macaw Monday June 21st, 2004 1:12:56 PM
Theodore wakes with a throbbing head and sand in his eyes. He appears to have not slept a wink last night. As he pulls on his clothes, he grumbles to himself, reminding everyone that he's still a teenager and requires more sleep than most to be pleasant.
Ryan Monday June 21st, 2004 3:54:16 PM
After having some breakfast he heads towards the bar and asks Nyle conversationally: "So do you have those kind or problems with orcs a lot then?" He bears no grudges for being hit with pepper-dust and is used to disturbed nights and so he and his cat are in fairly good spirits, considering.
Zayne Monday June 21st, 2004 8:18:35 PM
Making sure to write down the ingrediants of the powder,he goes back to sleep.
In the morning on the other hand he is quite pleased witht the menu and helps himself to plate after plate of everything. Not even bothering to talk with anyone about anything until he is finished.
When he is done eating he asks Olyn about where he has been,and asks the rest of he group if they found out anything useful the night before.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday June 21st, 2004 10:18:01 PM
That night, Vauhwyt emits a sound like this: Hmmph! and then shrinks to normal and goes to bed.
In the morning, Vauhwyt talks to everybody before going down to breakfast. In secret, Vauhwyt reminds everybody about their aliases:
Vauhwyt = Miss Veronica Vorelle = Miss Valerie Rose = Miss Ruth Theo = Goodman Timothy Zayne = Goodman Zachariah Dietrich = Goodman Daniel Olyn = Goodman Oliver
She reminds the group that we are pilgrims from the east, and that we are members of the Sect of the Black Feather. We are here to find out about the forest.
She also reminds the party about the two important clues that they have so far:
1) A stranger wearing a blackfeather cloak came into the tavern one night and carved what might be the Marteus symbol into the bartop.
2) The forest gave the ravens a strange feeling of well-being. The name of the forest is Blackbird Forest. The elves said that if you let the forest go to sleep while you are in it, you might not get out or you might end up in a different place. Keep the forest awake with songs when you are in it.
Two more interesting points, maybe clues?
3) The tavern is magical. The carved woman over the bar moves, and there are sounds like faint voices in the walls at night.
4) This place is unusually friendly to creatures normally thought of as bad company, like orcs and trolls.
==========
At breakfast, Vauhwyt eats with pleasure and has three servings of omelettes, two omelettes per serving. It seems odd that a creature who eats as much as Vauhwyt does should look so skinny, but there it is.
She sees the mage from last night (Ryan), and invites him to the table. She introduces herself as Miss Veronica and gives the other party members' aliases. "We are pilgrims, interested in the forest across the riverr." Her accent is faint but noticeable, a result of the shape of her teeth. "Would you mind if I asked if you know anything about it?"
Vorelle Monday June 21st, 2004 10:32:47 PM
Not having had a chance to "talk" with the carved figurehead the night before, Vorelle walks over to it this morning, studying it some more. Will it speak to her again? Or does it only speak under certain circumstances?
Or was the whole thing just her imagination....?
rose Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 12:20:46 AM
Rose stays awake doing something (vorelle and vauhwyt cant see) just like she's done the last week.
In the morning they awaken to find Rose asleep and a bundle of clothing on each of their beds. Each outfit is made from the material that Vauhwyt or Vorelle (depending on who's outfit) most admired and even has some plain embroidery on it. Rose makes it down for the end of breakfast, sleepily rubbing her eyes, as piper flies over head. "Okay, okay I'll get you some breakfast."
Vorelle and Vauhwyt each have: 1 shirt with buttons and 2 pockets, matches plain side of vest & cloak 1 lace up nice blouse with embroidery, matches nice side of vest and cloak 1 vest made from a matching and heavier material, the vest is reversible with one side being extremely plain and the other side being nicer with embroidery 2 pairs socks 1 pair pants, matching plain side of vest & cloak 1 skirt, matching nice side of vest and cloak if vauhwyt doesnt wear pants/skirt then she doesnt have them. 1 cloak with 2 pockets each inside and out, reversible to match vest.
took 20 on skill check
Dietrich Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 12:05:20 PM
Though stunned by the pepper bomb, Dietrich laughs at the end of the fight and found it good entertainment. He sends the staring orcs a specialy foul curse in Orcish and trys to memorize the how to make the powder, imagining its military applications.
The next morning, the fighter has breakfast with his friends and waits to see what will happen.
DM Jan Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 1:23:09 PM
Breakfast fills empty bellies and brings folk awake, diminishing some of Theo's grogginess. Nyle shrugs at Ryan's question, continuing to polish glasses at the bar while talking. "What you saw was probably about the worst. For the most part they tend to behave, or at least the ones attempting to be civilized do. Rumour has it they have a new leader in central Izen, who's trying to give them an identity. He's never been here, so we don't really know. But they're keen to get their hands on the horses here and appear to treat them well enough." Nyle chuckles and his half-orc face splits into a grin. "Civilized orcs, eh? Where will that lead to I wonder?"
It appears that Rose has been stitching away furiously over the last few days and has made some clothing for her fellow female adventurers.
Dietrich, Olyn and Zayne think on the powder bomb used the night before. Such a plain mixture - flour and pepper, but quite startling and highly effective. Of course the crossbow gave it added velocity, but perhaps a paper bag full of the stuff and thrown hard would have the similar effect of temporary blindness and confusion.
Vorelle stops by the figurehead. Did she imagine it?
yaawwn.... Good morning, dear,
The carving's eyes seem to be looking at her.
Vauhwyt introduces herself to Ryan and brings everyone up to speed on what's been learned so far. It appears that a member of the strange cult has been in the tavern. But where did he come from?
Vorelle Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 1:37:00 PM
Experimentally, Vorelle thinks Good morning back to the figurehead. Then, Can you hear me?
Communicating without words, if possible, could be very convenient....
Zayne d20+5=13 d20+5=6 Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 2:46:38 PM
After listening to Vauhwyt's recap of everything that has been found out,he sits back and thinks things over carefully.
"Timothy,do you still have that parchment with the symbols on it? If you do,we could ask Mavis if she knows anything about it."
After a brief pause,"Miss Veronica,can I talk with you for a moment outside? There is something I want to show you. Maybe you too Oliver,we have a lot to catch up on"
Looking around as they walk out the door(Listen 13 Spot 6) After they get outside he walks down the road a good ways,not saying anything until they are obviously out of hearing range. He points up at the sky,but his words have nothing to do with anything up there, "I really don't think it would hurt to say where we are from. During the summer I did a little traveling,and I hung out in a few taverns and I noticed that after word got out about where I was from,peole went out of their way to be helpful. I think you may have picked the wrong disguise. You said it yourself,this bar is friendly to some very questionable races. What would a group of happy pilgrims be doing here? I think if we told them we were from Dirt City we could get more respect. I have ties to two houses,one that I am not comfortabe with,but my house of choice is the Cloaks,I haven't been spending time with them lately but,I have heard some of the lowest ranked members use the Dirt City reputation to intimidate rulers." He is still pointing at various birds and trees,he occaisionally picks up a handful of dirt and points to it as if there is somthing signicant about it.
"This is your'e call though,I don't know if you noticed,and I don't think anyone else has said anyhing to you about it,but you are in the head of this outfit,maybe it's because you are bigger than everyone else but we all defer to you in some way. I know I am a hothead and I don't always do the right thing,but I'm not stupid,I pay close attention to what's going on around me and thats what I see." The look on his face,and his tone of voice are sincere
No longer pretending to be discussing anything else,"Vauhwyt,we all look up to you. I don't like the idea of lying,period,but I'll go along with it,because you are my friend,and I don't have very many of those.Turning to Olyn blushing slightly,and looking a little surprised at his sudden display of emotions,he quickly looks down at his shirt sleeves,"Is it me or does my shirt look too small,maybe I can have rose let it out a little."
Looking back at Vauhwyt,"So how do you want to handle this?" Looking at Olyn again,"I know you are the level headed one of the group and I know that Vauhwyt respects your'e opinion as we all do,I may be wrong about this,but I really think that we can use Dirt City to our advantage here. I've told you what I think what about you two?"
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 4:27:19 PM
Vauhwyt is happy to go outside with Zayne and Olyn, and she listens really carefully to everything Zayne says.
But before she can respond, Mookie pipes up. "Now why are you telling her this stuff? You'll make her head bigger than it already is!"
"Hush up, Mookie," says Vauhwyt, "Anyway, I have you to deflate me whan my head gets too big." Mookie swells up with pride at this comment.
Then she addresses Zayne's comments seriously.
"Thanks for being honest. It makes me glad to have friends who say what they think."
"The truth is, I made up the false names and pilgrims story on a whim, on the spur of the moment. I wish I had thought of it earlier so we could talk it overr. Maybe it was a bad idea. Truth is, I get paranoid, and for some reason I had a bad feeling about giving our true names. That's all there was to it."
"That said, it's an incredible coincidence that we have three black birds in the group and the name of this forest is Blackbird Forest AND the birds felt something funny about it. So I think the Black Feather Sect story might be a good coverr, just out of dumb luck."
"I said we were from the East just to be vague. But Dirt City is east of here, so it could be Dirt City as well as anywhere. If someone asks where we are from, I don't mind if we say Dirt City. I just prefer to not give out more than we have to (that's my paranoia showing again."
"Leader, hmmph! I never thought of that. I don't think of myself as leaderr. I don't even like leaders. I'm kind of allergic to people telling me what to do, so I don't want to tell other people what to do, especially not friends. I don;t think I'm really the leader. I just think I have a big mouth! I need you guys to speak up if I say stupid stuff!"
She looks at her familiar before he can say anything about that and says, with a smile, "Hush up, Mookie!"
"I think we work best when we talk things over and all agree. Or mostly agree, anyway!" she adds. "I'm sorry I surprised the group with the Pilgrims story. But now that it's done, I think we should keep to it for now. What do you two think?"
"Oh, and by the way, I think asking Theo to show the symbols to Mavis is a great idea!"
rose Tuesday June 22nd, 2004 9:04:26 PM
Rose picks up her dart on the to breakfast. She seems very sleepy, making clothes is hard work. she eats an omlette with bacon, onion, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, zuchini, and other veggies. she also eats a roll and gives one to piper.
Seeing Vorelle by the figurhead she heads over to her. "What are you doing?"
DM Jan Wednesday June 23rd, 2004 12:57:12 PM
In Vorelle's head - Yes, I hear you... think clearly, and I'll hear.
Completely immobile, the wood-carved figurehead nevertheless suggests life exists within it, somehow.
As a discussion goes on outside, breakfast in the main tavern room continues. The elves look to be finishing up. Mavis is sat at the reception area, going over some papers with Eric.
Outside, the stables seem busy. A team of black mares are back from their exercise, and their grooms are pulling saddles from their steaming hides. The man who let the group in through the gate last night, is in the middle of the yard, barking orders.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday June 23rd, 2004 1:31:35 PM
Theodore nods at Zayne's suggestion to show Mavis the parchment on which he copied Ba'Bac's symbol a few months ago.
He tries to be as discreet as possible while showing the parchment to Mavis. "You spoke with my friend...Miss Veronica...last night about a gentleman that came through a few days ago wearing a black feathered coat. Supposedly he carved something into the bar, here. Did it look like this?" Theodore points at the symbols.
Ryan d20+5=19 Wednesday June 23rd, 2004 4:14:38 PM
Ryan's curiosity is growing quite rapidly and he wonders why a group in the tavern are acting suspiciously and what interest that Miss Veronica had over some forest the other side of a river? (Sense Motive=19 to see if he believed Miss Veronica's cover story) Of course he said he didn't know anything as he did not know much of this area anyway. He looks at the Cat's glassy eyes for a while as if having a silent discussion, "O come on then, Neen" he says finally, they head towards the door to find out what Miss Veronica and the other two are doing.
Vorelle Wednesday June 23rd, 2004 7:10:03 PM
In answer to Rose, Vorelle gestures to the figurehead. "C-c-can you h-h-hear it?" she murmurs.
Who are you? she thinks at the carved woman.
Zayne d20+5=15 d20+5=11 Wednesday June 23rd, 2004 8:30:24 PM
Looking at Vauhwyt,"You may not want to be the leader but you are. Like I said we all follow your examples. You don't have to like it. I just wanted to point that out to you."Checking the surrounds briefly(Listen 15 Spot 11)
"If you don't mind I think I am going back inside to put my idea to the test." As he begins to walk towards the inn,he stops and turns around fumbling around in his belt pouch until he finds what he is looking for,pulling out the Wolf ring,and holding it up,"What do you think we should do with these? They will verify being from Dirt City,but how will they go with the black feather thing?"
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday June 23rd, 2004 11:37:40 PM
Vauhwyt shrugs when Zayne says she is the leader. "Thanks for thinking of me so highly. I don't know about leader, but I'll do my best to be a good friend, either way."
"Oh, and I'm hiding my Wolf ring."
Inside again, Vauwyt is amazed by the new clothes. "Wowsy, Rose, these are wonderful! You are so talented!" She tries on the cloak right away. (She does not need pants, skirt, or socks.)
She sees Ryan looking for her and walks over to him. So, friend," she says, "what's your story?"
DM Jan Thursday June 24th, 2004 1:00:51 PM
Ryan and his cat step outside to join the others, and after a little more conversation, the group returns to the tavern.
Theo is there showing the parchment to Mavis, who shrugs but gestures toward Eric the half orc, who's stood looking over her shoulder. She holds up the parchment. "What do you think, Eric? That looks like the old Marteaus symbol."
"Yep," answers the half orc. "Thats why Nyle got so mad. We've noticed a few crazy ones lately, coming out of the forest. Izen can be hard on some of its people, but why they'd want to go double crazy by wandering around in Blackbird Forest is beyond me."
A soft, melodic voice interrupts. "We've seen that sign, too. In the forest, carved on some of the trees." It's one of the elves, who are about to leave.
Over by the bar, Vorelle's and Rose's minds absorb the following -
My name is Livia, formerly of the late schooner, the Orracleze. Alas, a rather nasty shipwreck put paid to our seagoing ventures, so we were hauled up the Peaseblossom and now reside here. All thats left of the ship is what you see of the bar, here. And myself of course. "I used to converse with whales and dolphins. Now I have to listen to drunks all night long. Sigh....... Oh, and the panelling and beams that make up the Inn, chattering away all night long about this and that. It's enough to drive a lady completely mad. Sigh... Not a particulary auspicious end for a ship's guardian, but it does have its moments. Sometimes...
The figurehead's eyes seem to roll.
Ryan Thursday June 24th, 2004 3:42:59 PM
Inside Ryan decides to confront "Miss Veronica" "Miss Veronica, exactly who are you and what are you're interests with the forest over the river?" He says accusingly "And what were you doing outside?" He tries to speak in a low voice knowing that it may be a delicate subject and of the size of the creature, he is addressing.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+3=16 d20+7=19 Thursday June 24th, 2004 5:31:35 PM
[Untrained listen check to hear the news about the symbol carved in trees across the river = 16]
When Mookie hears that the symbol has been seen carved on trees acrss the river, Mookie voices his consern. "Caw! Caw!"
Vauhwyt is also concerned, saying, "Oh dearr."
Then Ryan approaches her, demanding answers. The liontaur looks at the mage, for so she deems him, and smiles. "Well, I did ask you for your story, so if you want mine, you shall have it."
"My friends and I are members of the Black Feather Sect. We have come here to learn about the special forest on the other side of the riverr, which we have reason to believe is a magical place, one with a special affinity to the birds who are our companions."
"Caw!" says Mookie.
"Now we learn that the symbol of Marteaus, our enemy has been seen among those magic trees. I think it is an ill omen, but not one we can ignorre."
"My conversation outside was private, and none of your concern. But we mean no one here any harm."
"I think our next step is to go to the forest and see for ourselves. What of you, friend? What is your story?"
[Bluff check 19 for the story.]
Zayne Thursday June 24th, 2004 9:01:19 PM
Nodding in agreement with Vauhwyt's idea to hide them he heads back into the bar to try and catch the elves,even if he can't find out anything about the cult,the forest sounds pretty interesting.
When he sees them agian he walks over and says,"It was late last night when we talked but I would like to hear more of this forest,we are all members of The Blackfeather Sect,and this Blackbird Forest of youre's has peaked my interest. Would you care to share what you know of this forest? Particularly,what did you mean when you said that it would fall asleep and forget when and where it was supposed to be. I am a child of the forest,things like this make me nervous."
Hoping hi little speech is good enough to get the elves to spend a little more time explainging things to him,he motions for Vorelle to come over. He knows she is shy around strangers,but she is a ranger too and he trusts her skills enough in case things get out of hand.
Vorelle Thursday June 24th, 2004 11:27:36 PM
Desperately trying to remember the mission, Vorelle asks the guardian, What can you tell me about orcs?
DM Jan Friday June 25th, 2004 12:08:12 PM
More info -
The elves look away from their interest in the parchment, and gaze up on the young impetuous human. "Well, lets see now," says one of them, overly patient. "Imagine falling asleep, then waking up and finding that you're somewhere else. An adventure for some perhaps, but not if that somewhere else is at the bottom of the sea or under a mountain. Most forests know where they are in the Wold. Their long fingers dig deep into the ground, their canopy stretches out to enjoy the sun and rain. There is a solid... connection, with the land. "This forest, has a habit of losing that connection from time to time. Parts of it just disappear, only to return days or weeks later. Why? We're not sure. It's larger brother Culverwood feeds it seeds and water, and THAT forest is both magical and dangerous, so who knows what influence it has on it's lesser sibling? "You just need to be careful. We've found that if we sing, or talk to it, it tends not to drift off. It's all very odd of course, but then the Wold does have some very strange forests. Very strange indeed. "Another piece of advice. The nearest bridge is south - at the Aisildurian border. I wouldn't bother with that. They're very suspicious right now, searching everything and trying to get into your every nook and cranny. We don't know why. Try the stepping stones to the north -" The elf smiles enigmatically. " - they're much more fun." The other elf laughs musically. "Well we must be off. We're traveling south east to a place called Dirt City. Ever been there? We've heard it's horrible, but there's someone there who we need to meet." They prepare to leave.
And from the figurehead -
Orcs? Hmmm..... Well... apart from their boorish behaviour - I'm relatively new here, but the wood walls tell of some great disaster, the loss of a great power, and the scattering of orcs, and others for that matter, into the wilderness. They have a new leader now. A hero. No one has seen him, but they say he will lead them into a new age of respect and independance. But there's other talk too. There are some who mourn the loss of the great power - whoever that is, and they pray for his return. They also gather, in a secret place. They plot and plan, and attempt to make way for the return of their great master. Sigh........ That's wood wall talk. The panelling in this place is alive with gossip and storytelling. It just won't shut up. Every day, all night long. Sometimes it's worse than the drunks in this place. Yap yap yap, on and on... You get the picture, I'm sure.
Theodore and Macaw Friday June 25th, 2004 12:45:24 PM
Theodore rerolls his scroll and tucks it back into his pack. "Thank you for your help," he says to Mavis and Eric.
When the elves admit that they are off to Dirt City, Theodore gets all excited. "That's where I'm from! It's not so bad a place, as long as you keep your purse stowed in your tunic. And don't stare too much. You don't want to look like you're not from around there. Oh, and don't stay up top for too long, or you might get stabbed. But otherwise, it's a great place. Who are you meeting there?" Theodore seems genuinely interested in the elves, now. Whether its from missing his home, or just not wanting others to get the wrong impression of it, is hard to say.
(Sorry that I've been posting sporadically, lately. My computer doesn't like me anymore and I don't have an internet connection at home. I have to post from work. Just bear with me for a bit.)
Ryan d20+5=23 Friday June 25th, 2004 4:49:14 PM
Slightly surprised at such a straight answer he smiles and returns the favour. "My story?" he pauses for a moment. "Maybe we should sit down" He takes a deep breath "I lived in an abandoned shack in Dirt City for most of my life not knowing my parents or if I even had any. It was a life of a sort, knowing no real power or ambition resorting to thievery to sustain myself. Then, at about 15 years old, I discovered the sorcery in my veins. Neen here;" he gestures towards the cat sitting beside him "was the first sign. For lack of nothing ells to do and curiosity, I decided to exploit this power, use it to my advantage but I grew foolish and let my new power blind my common sense and attract unwanted attention, so I fled the city and decided to wander; you see having no ties or home means having no weakness but unfortunately leaving me without a meaning which is what I wish to find."
Sense motive=23 He is not sure if he trusts Miss Veronica yet and wonders why he was so truthful he could get into trouble for that again.
Zayne Saturday June 26th, 2004 2:23:39 PM
Listening carefully to what the elves say about the forest,he begins to understand a little better than the previous night."I will be most careful."
When they mention they are heading to Dirt City,"I see I can repay the kind favor and give you a word of advice about the city I call home. Be wary,there are pickpockets and cutpurses on every street. If you need place to unwind you might want to try the Blue Eel." He grimaces a little when he says that.(Remembering finding little Tam there)
"If there is anything you need to know about the city feel free to ask. Remember,if you have to be out after dark,don't do it alone,and don't violate the peace."
Thinking to himself,"I knew it,I knew I could use it to my advantage."
After talking with the elves until they leave,he heads over to tell Vauhwyt about the forest and the elves destination,and to see if she has turned up anything about the cult.
Vorelle Sunday June 27th, 2004 11:57:23 AM
Vorelle listens carefully, knowing she'll have to convey this information to the others later.
And what do you know of Blackbird Forest? It seems a very strange place.
Vauhwyt (Miss Veronica) and Mookie Monday June 28th, 2004 12:46:29 AM
Vauhwyt listens to Ryan's story and smiles. "I lived in Dirt City myself for a few years. It is good to meet someone who has been there too. I too have not always been welcome among those who wish me ill, and I too have sorcery running in my blood. You saw some of my magic last night," she says, ducking her head.
"Have you are seeking purpose, I have an idea. We are headed into some danger, and a friendly mage is always an asset. Would you consider coming with us to the forest across the river? We can't pay anything, but if my friends agree, you can share in our rewards."
When Zayne tells her what he has discovered, Vauhwyt tells him, "Great job! That's good to know. Thank you."
DM Jan Monday June 28th, 2004 1:26:45 AM
The elves appear to soak up all the info that Theo and Zayne have to offer on the delights of Dirt City. "Thank you for the information. Of course we'd never start any trouble," says one of them, "and we're not going to be there long. We're visiting a man named Liam Kent, and then setting off toward Plateau City." "Just be mindful of the forest," says the other. "use your birds to navigate. For some reason they aren't affected by the distracted melancholy in there. That reminds me, I'd better go and see if our owl has caught breakfast. Fare well, fellow travelers."
Dietrich goes downstairs to see about the mules, and Olyn checks with Mavis to make sure they don't owe anything.
Vauhwyt makes a proposition to Ryan, while Vorelle and Rose are still 'talking' to the figurehead.
Blackbird Forest? The trees are mad. Oh, but they like birds, especially ones with black feathers. You'll find a lot of black-feathered birds in there. Personally I think the madness comes from Culverwood to the North, but who knows. I've never been. All I know is tree talk from the wall wood. Maybe the live ones are more sane. But I doubt it. Sigh
Nyle is clearing away the breakfast buffet table. "Anyone want any bread rolls? We've some left over. If they stay here, Jon'll wait till they've gone hard and stale and start pelting me with 'em."
Olyn Monday June 28th, 2004 8:34:57 AM
walking out into the dining area and grabbing a roll he walks up to the others.
our account here is settled and we are free to continue on our journey my friends. shall we gather our things and head out. the early bird catches the worm so to speak.
Vorelle Monday June 28th, 2004 2:19:22 PM
Vorelle sighs. I think my companions are ready to depart. It was lovely talking to you. More slowly, she adds, I don't speak very well with my voice, you see.
Zayne Monday June 28th, 2004 4:44:02 PM
After talking to Vauhwyt,he heads over to get a few of those rolls.
Seeing that everyone is getting ready to head out,he heads upstairs to get ready for the road. Making a note to himself to remember this place,it could be useful in the future. He sits for a moment to enjoy the rolls.
On the way out the door if there are any rolls left he grab a couple more.
Vauhwyt (Miss Veronica) and Mookie Monday June 28th, 2004 6:38:33 PM
Vauhwyt gets ready to go -- thanking the staff for the lovel breakfast. She asks directions to these "stepping stones" the elves mentioned to Zayne?
She takes some rolls for the road, with thanks.
Did she hear the name "Liam Kent"? If so, she will try to talk to the elves in private for a moment. If it works out, then she tells the elves that she has a friend in common -- she knows Liam.
Loretta Monday June 28th, 2004 6:44:24 PM
My comp is down, Jan please npc Rose or have someone play her.
~~Jan~~ Will do, Loretta. Sorry to hear about the comp problems. Windows Media Player should have been strangled at birth.
DM Jan Tuesday June 29th, 2004 1:31:53 AM
((OOC - Folks it looks like we have more than one of our players with computer probs. The rest of us, lets forge on and keep it rolling. Hopefully things will get resolved soon and the computer gods will take pity on us :) ))
The group gets ready to go.
It was a pleasure, my dears, says the figurehead in her purring mindspeak. Little one, may your fingers always be nimble, and tall one, never be troubled over any lack of speech. Words are just words. It's what you do, that counts. Fare well, and have a safe journey.
Vauhwyt might have a short moment with the elves, as Dietrich brings the mules out.
And then it's out into the wilds once more, although right now, the surrounding 'wilds' seem tame and lush in comparison to what the group has experienced before in Izen. The grass is green, the track is firm and level, and the wide river flows from north to south, on its inevitable journey to the sea. Across the river are the beginnings of the forest - a lush mass of deciduous trees and shrubs in full leaf.
As for the stepping stones - they're three miles north from the groups current position.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday June 29th, 2004 8:29:16 AM
Theodore gathers up his gear, and stashes a few of the leftover rolls in his backpack. When he steps outside, he stretches serenely. A big smile splits his face until Macaw wings out of nowhere and lands on the young wizard's mop-top.
Theodore flinches at the touch of Macaw's powerful feet, but suffers his friend the time to find a decent perch.
Olyn d20+6=18 Tuesday June 29th, 2004 9:25:28 AM
hefting his pack higher on his shoulder for a more comfortable load he begins following the others on their trek to the stepping stones.
and begings singing a lovely tune about open spaces and butterflies.
Zayne d20+5=12 d20+5=19 Tuesday June 29th, 2004 12:18:16 PM
Glad to be on the road again,but sad to leave the food behind,he takes up his usual position at the front of the party. Alert to his surroundings as always,he looks around before he begins to scout out the trail. (Listen 12 Spot 19)
Walking over to Vorelle,"I'll take the front,you can take the rear." Tugging absently at his right sleeve. "I think I might have to ask Rose if she could let out my clothes they are starting to feel a little tight. Thats not what I wanted to talk about though. Did you find out anything more about this blackbird forest?" Telling her what he has mnaged to ferret out on the matter,he waits for her response.
Ryan Tuesday June 29th, 2004 3:56:28 PM
Ryan thinks for a moment, "It seems that we have quite a lot in common Miss Veronica and I would be happy to join you. This could well help the both of us I'm sure.I am ready to go now as I do not have anything to pack."
Ryan Tuesday June 29th, 2004 4:00:45 PM
((OOC sorry for missing a few posts my computer wouldnt start but its fixed now)) :)
Vauhwyt (Miss Veronica) and Mookie Tuesday June 29th, 2004 11:24:51 PM
Vauhwyt introduces Ryan to the group -- Miss Ruth, Miss Valerie, Goodman Oliver, Goodman Timothy, Goodman Zachariah, and Goodman Daniel.
She enjoys the walk to the stepping stones.
DM Jan Wednesday June 30th, 2004 1:09:22 AM
((Quick question - what do you intend to do about the mules? leave them at the tavern, or take them into the forest?))
The journey up the side of the river is quite pleasant, and although there's no one else on the path, there's some river traffic in the form of the occasional boat. Some boats' occupants wave as they go past, others pay the group no mind at all.
In about an hour, Zayne spots what looks to be the stepping stones ahead. There appears to be a boat, just the other side of them on the river.
Zayne d20+5=18 d20+5=19 d20+3=14 Wednesday June 30th, 2004 11:27:03 AM
Straining to see if that is in fact a boat.(Listen 18 Spot 19)
He stops to wait for the rest of the group to catch up,telling them that he thinks this is the spot.(Knowlege:Geography 14)
Then he asks how would the rest of the group like to go on from here.
Vorelle Wednesday June 30th, 2004 2:16:47 PM
In answer to Zayne's question (sorry I didn't post yesterday!!), Vorelle says, "Th-the f-forest is s-s-said to b-be m-m-mad. B-b-but b-b-black b-b-birds are n-not affected. Also, th-the orcs h-h-have a n-n-new l-l-leader." She goes on to tell Zayne (and anyone else in earshot) everything she heard from the figurehead.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday June 30th, 2004 3:31:08 PM
Theodore sends Macaw to fly about, and keep a raven's eye view (heh) of anyone or thing that might approach their group. Theodore smiles widely at Ryan and offers his hand to shake.
"It's good to have another friend," he begins. "You can never have enough."
Ryan Wednesday June 30th, 2004 4:43:25 PM
Ryan smiles at Theadore "I agree with you there. So where exactly are we going and why?"
Vauhwyt amd Mookie Wednesday June 30th, 2004 8:28:29 PM
Vauhwyt suggests boarding the mules at the inn.
She looks for anyone on the other side who might be a ferryman. How wide is the river? How placid or rough is the water? How far apart are the stepping stones? Do they look slippery?
DM Jan Thursday July 1st, 2004 11:15:32 AM
As the group get closer, it is indeed a boat - a short, flat-bottomed barge, overloaded with square crates. The entire crew seems to consist of 4 gnomes who are currently standing at the stern, facing downstream. The stepping stones block their path. One of the gnomes has his arms raised and is in the middle of some kind of incantation. There's a lot of arm-waving, whooping and chittering, but finally, at the end of it, two of the stones seem to sink below the surface, allowing the boat to drift past and on its way south.
The crew wave at the group as they float past on the current. "Hey! Don't forget - four are better than two!" yells one of them. And off they go. The stones rise back out of the water.
There's no sign of a ferryman. At this point the stones seem to be the only way to get across. The river looks to be approximately 35ft wide. There are 5 stepping stones - perfectly circular with patterned grooves cut into the surface. Each stone looks to be about 3ft in diameter. Each stone is about 3ft apart. Stones 3 and 4 are wet, but there doesn't appear to be any moss growing on the surface. For humans, half elves and liontaur, it looks simple enough. Rose might have a bit of a struggle. The river banks on either side look firm enough, with a 3 ft leap onto the first stone. About 1ft below the stones, the river runs deep and steady, with a strong current.
Overhead - Macaw circles around, getting a birds eye view of the terrain. It seems quiet enough. The gnomes barge is a way downstream by now and there doesn't appear to be any other traffic at this point. To the east, grass and shrubbery change to a more familiar rocky terrain, and to the west lies the expanse of Blackbird forest. Here and there, territorial song rises up from the trees, and Macaw feels a need to fly west, over the tree canopy. So does Piper and Mookie.
Zayne d20+5=12 d20+3=16 d20+3=12 d20+3=17 d20+3=17 Thursday July 1st, 2004 12:17:26 PM
Looking at the flow of the river,the young ranger decides that he ccan swim across it. He announces his plan to the group. Which consists of him borrowiing another rope,tying one around his waist,thaving Vauhwyt and Dietrich hold the end of the rope tied around his waist. Then when he gets to the other side he will tie the two ropes together and then find a tree to anchor that end.(OOC Throw out that first roll I forgot that I can take 20 on this one)
After taking off all his equipment,he takes on rope and secures it to his midsection. Taking the other rope he ties one end to the rope around his waist.
Slowly he wades out into the water,and begins to swim for the other side.(Used a hero point for the second roll) Swimm checks are 16 17 17. After getting to the other side he carries out the rest of his plan.
Vorelle d20+1=16 Thursday July 1st, 2004 4:31:54 PM
Puzzled, Vorelle watches Zayne distain the stepping stones and swim across.
Doable, if necessary, she thinks, but awfully cold.
She walks to the edge of the bank, takes a deep breath, and jumps onto the first stone (Jump 16). She pauses and looks around, waiting to see if something is going to try to eat her.
Paranoid Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday July 1st, 2004 9:42:33 PM
Vauhwyt sees Zayne -- and his caution makes her worry as well. She does not trust these stones that go up and down. She casts Enlarge Person (shared with Mookie), and wades across, on the upstream side of the stones. She figures that at 12-plus feet tall she will not have to worry about the fact that she can't swim! We'll see if she is right!
Theodore and Macaw Friday July 2nd, 2004 9:21:53 AM
Theodore has a difficult time keeping Macaw from winging off into the woods, but manages to convince his familiar that the forest is indeed the direction they are headed.
Not sure what exactly Zayne is up to, the mage decides to wait a moment before committing himself to leaping from stone to stone. If there's an easier way, he's all for it.
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