Greeting at the Gate (ADM Jay B) Thursday September 2nd, 2004 3:58:12 AM
"Did you hear that? They vant to do a bit of shopping! Dat is all." The group of guards begin to laugh, at Gunther's expense.
Lian dismounts and is quickly on the man who insulted his friend. In a flash, the petite elven monk has the full sized human twisted up into an arm lock thats so excruciating, the man can hardly breathe, an elven knuckle can be seen jabbing the man just under the arm. "Now, apologize to my friend. I won't ask again."
Two of the guards start to approach Lian, with hands on their hilts. "Captain?!" Lian tweaks a bit harder on the mans arm (causing him a gutteral sound) and they stop, parting to the side to allow passage for the Talons.
"*cough, gag* I.. I'm s-s-orry.." With that, Lian releases the man, with a firm elbow to his head, sending him into convultions on the ground. Looking at the other guards stunned looks, Lian grins and enlightens them. "He'll be fine in a minute or two. Have a nice day." The monk remounts Merlot and continues through the gate, stepping over the twitching body of the guard.
The City is a bit busy this time of day. The merchants are hanging and setting out fresh wares and people are haggling and bickering over prices. The smell of fresh baked bread wisps through the streets. One old customer can be heard yelling about the 'steep price of salt'.
One merchant quickly closes her doors and shutter their blinds as the Talons ride by, even locking customers in.
Art stands, furniture shops, textile weavers, general stores and breweries are moving their goods quickly. There is even a wagon wright and carter.
Lian moves off toward a furniture shop that seems to deal in oaks and other hard woods, they have simple furniture.
Athalorn Thursday September 2nd, 2004 3:59:07 AM
The druid also smiles at Ingrge. Athalorn just couldn't make out the mages temperament, but he liked that. He liked the unpredictable nature of many of these companions.
He walks with Gunther, on foot behind the mounted Talons. Before entering the city, he calls Glannath to him, instructing the eagle with a softly spoken command to stay outside the city walls.
Athalorn Thursday September 2nd, 2004 4:01:57 AM
(ooc) sorry Jay - posting twice because I missed the above post
Athalorn immediately feels claustrophobic amongst the crowds, the noise pounding in his head. Nervous and on edge, he decides to follow the majority.
Figment Thursday September 2nd, 2004 6:07:43 AM
The mage notes the beahviour of the merchants with a bit of alarm. He tries to figure out if they are doing what they do because there are elves with them or if they seem to be doing it for another.
K'Nara d20=14 Thursday September 2nd, 2004 1:15:31 PM
The human bladesinger frowns a bit at Rex's parting words...something he said...(OOC: bah! only a 14 for the voluntary Intelligence check. Close but no cigar!)
...ah, well--K'Nara mustn't think TOO hard, she'll give herself a headache.
The tall female fighter's face darkens at the way the guards seem to be so callous--what kind of city was Parnoth running here, anyhow? It's almost as bad as before he made his promise to Valdor to follow the good path.
When Lian handles the boorish gatekeepers, though, she smirks at them in passing.
"Methinks the monk needs more meditation." she comments as she urges Poki along into the environs of Emerald City.
Fortunately for the group, Lian's stop was actually quite close to one of the suppliers on the list that Lera gave K'Nara.
"I'll be in here--" the woman warrior jumps down from Poki's back and quickly hitches him to a nearby post, "--getting some of the stuff that Lera wants for the Tower. She says these guys have the best rugs this side of Plateau City, if anyone else wants to come along and get a rug for their room..." With this invitation extended, K'Nara goes into the carpet-maker's shop.
Brother Bertram Thursday September 2nd, 2004 8:54:41 PM
Bertram quickly attends to a purchase of his own then heads for the Temple of Domi.
Falin Thursday September 2nd, 2004 11:52:27 PM
Before everyone part he says," It may be wise to travel in pairs. I don't like the way the city is anymore." He scan the crowd and if none of the other party members needs a partner he follows K'Nara.
Glannath Thursday September 2nd, 2004 11:55:45 PM
The large eagle trills a temporary farewell to Athalorn and rises into the air. On finding a thermal over the city, he enters it and circles majestically upwards, gaining height with no effort at all.
From there he looks for something tall at the city's perimeter. Somewhere to watch. Somewhere to wait.
Olana Thursday September 2nd, 2004 11:58:10 PM
Olana suddenly finds herself without any clue as to what to buy. She needed a new cloak, some gloves, but for her room? Ooooh, she'd never had to really think along those lines before.
Perhaps she'd know it if she saw it. Completely clueless, she follows K'Nara.
Athalorn Friday September 3rd, 2004 2:48:43 AM
Still walking alongside Gunther, Athalorn finds he has nothing to buy. He certainly didn't want to be alone in the city.
"Gunther, just a thought. I know such cities have disreputable merchants who sell any thing to anyone. Perhaps there is one selling animals? I would be pleased if one of these poor creatures were to make it to you instead of falling into crueller hands. Perhaps I can free some while we are there..."
ADM Jay B (A quick word on posting) Friday September 3rd, 2004 5:41:21 PM OOC: Okay all, I know this may be difficult for some, but I don't mind if you were to post on the weekends. I don't require it however, but I do check the boards daily.
If you would so kind as to tell me which stores each of you are going too, that would be super.
K'Nara Friday September 3rd, 2004 6:33:37 PM
K'Nara is heading into a carpet-maker's shop that is close to the furniture shop that Lian is entering.
Gunther (Traveling with Athalorn...looking for someone selling animals) Friday September 3rd, 2004 10:29:31 PM
The warrior smiles at his new friend Athalorn. "Dat is a goot idea. Let's go look." As he travels with the druid, Gunther lowers his voice. "Dere is von oder ting I vould like to check out... Let us see if dere is a store dat sells books. I vould like to buy a few for my room." Gunther blushes a little as he walks along.
Falin Saturday September 4th, 2004 2:23:02 AM
Falin will acompany K'Nara into the carpet shop.
Figment Saturday September 4th, 2004 4:53:02 AM
The mage travels with the others. He collects supplies for his lab and such but really doesn't expend a great deal of money.
Ingrge Saturday September 4th, 2004 12:36:06 PM
Walking along with the group, Ingrge watches and waits mostly and doesnt enter any of the shops. He chats with figment at one point about the lab.
" So Figment, What do you think would be the best use of the lab space? I was thinking we should definitely set up space where we could brew a potion or two. Perhaps we could create a corner that I could devote to my divination and scrying?
Fortune favors the rich (ADM Jay B) Sunday September 5th, 2004 12:41:23 AM
Lian walks into the furniture shop.
K'Nara goes into the weavers. Falin and Olana follow K'Nara.
Bertram moves off toward the Temple, which is a good distance off.
Glannath finds a tree outside the City walls.
Athalorn and Gunther stay together, traveling to the bazaar to potentially liberate an animal or two.
Figment finds his way to a back alley merchant that he knows has a great deal of inexpensive goods and supplies. Perhaps he'll have some exotic items needed for the 'Scrying Corner' mentioned by Ingrge?
Ingrge, for his part, seemingly stays with the horses and remains vigilant.
EVERYONE! Spot checks please. :)
(OOC: Please let me know what you are all looking for and for what reason. Be sure to note anything important your trying to accomplish as well.)
Lian d20+8=24 Sunday September 5th, 2004 12:56:00 AM
Upon entering the furniture store, Lian spots several pieces of furniture that he fancies. (Spot 24)
A sales lady sets out for her commission. "How may I be of service sir. Aw, by your cut of new clothes your either new to the city, or well off."
"Um, no, actually I would be interested in purchasing that large table, bench, two chairs, and a small round table." He monk shift uncomfortably, hood over his head. "Oh, and a nice bed."
Sale lady says, "Of course, let me write out a bill and have you take a look." She walks off and returns a minute later. "Alrighty sir, here it is."
Looking at it for a minute, the elf's hood slips down, making impossible to read the slip. He pulls back his hood, revealing his lineage. A female customer in the store gasps and takes the hand of her small child and walks out.
Salesperson, "OH! Uh, sirr, I just forgot. That set of furniture was sold just yesterday. have a nice day!"
Lian, "Uh, ma'am, that set of chairs doesn't match a thing in this store. How is it a set?"
Salesperson, "Have a nice day."
Lian walks out of the store, unsatisfied and very put off by the salesperson. Pulling up his hood, he walks out and over to Ingrge. "Geez, this doesn't seem right. Not at all. The merchant wouldn't sell to me."
Athalorn d20+19=35 Sunday September 5th, 2004 4:02:49 AM
Athalorn smiles at Gunthers blushes. "Don't be embarrassed about wanting books, my friend. I respect you more for it, actually."
When trading through the bizarre, Athalorn keeps his eye out for any persons selling animals. At the same time - nervous about the crowds - he looks at the people milling about the area for signs of unusual behaviour or habit. Something just didn't feel quite right. (Spot = 35)
K'Nara Sunday September 5th, 2004 7:57:28 AM
Not being a decorator herself, but knowing what she likes when she sees it, K'Nara finds the shop attendant and begins to read off the description of the three rugs on the list: the rug for the dining area, the rug for the fireplace area on the main floor...and a rug for her room in the Tower. The measurements are simple enough, but it will be matching the colors that will be harder for the female fighter.
Ingrge spot d20+8=20 Sunday September 5th, 2004 11:18:04 AM
Keeping an eye on where each of the party memebrs heads off to, Ingrge watches the comings and goings of the locals and how everyone is interacting with each other.
spot 20
Brother Bertram d20+5=20 Sunday September 5th, 2004 7:02:22 PM
Bertram heads towards the Temple look about at the large city.
(spot check 20)
Gunther d20+1=6 d20+1=17 Monday September 6th, 2004 10:33:18 AM
The warrior takes a deep breath of relief. The confession wasn't an easy one. As he travels along, trying to spot (a lousy 6) someone selling animals, Gunther thinks about the reception at the gate. Something was wrong...very wrong about the way the people around here were acting... Gunther wracks his brains to try and figure out what it might be. (Wis=17)
[ADM Jay B] Monday September 6th, 2004 7:54:11 PM
OOC: I'll make my Monday post about 8-9pm Pacific time. So most of you will have time to post. :) This might give time for some roleplaying. Make it up as you go!
(ADM Jay B) Monday September 6th, 2004 11:58:28 PM
All of those who made their Spot checks, DC 15, notice the elven party members are being watched VERY closely and even being pointed out to other passer-bys.
K'Nara is quickly helped by a happy shop attendant and helps her 'match' the rugs to the various rooms in the Tower. The salesman glances over at the elves now and then, all the while keeping up the smile full of white glissening teeth. Falin and Olana find a way to occupy their time looking at rugs hanging in rods. They are followed around the store by a very large foreign looking gentleman. He watches them intently.
Athalorn and Gunther make it to the bizarre, where they come upon a truly sad and disheartening sight. Caged! All of them! Except the one or two horses. There ia a small primate on a saleman shoulder, which is tied with a thong tot he man's arm. Several rare and colorful birds with curved beaks. Oh my, is that a large feline? No, it couldn't be! (Athalorn, make a Knowledge Nature and Wild Emapthy roll. Both, please make a Survival or Handle Animal roll.)
Bertram moves quickly toward the Temple, moving further and further away from his friends. Strangely, his companions seem to be the only four elves in the large city. The Temple spire grows slowly in the distance as the dwarf rounds a corner.
Meanwhile, out in the streets, Ingrge and Lian have somehow managed to have gathered a small crowd of on lookers (mostly human, numbering about twenty), who seem to be debating something. The scene is uncomfortable and tense.
Glannath remains in his tree, perched and waiting. He watches as a young boy climbs 'his' tree.
Olana d20+16=19 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 1:18:28 AM
Olana has a look at rugs, wondering if they have a nice forest green one, perhaps. (Spot 19)
She's beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable, like people are staring, but she doesn't really know why, unless it was all about what she suspected earlier.
"Hello," she says to the man following her around the shop, giving him a determined smile.
Lian Tuesday September 7th, 2004 4:53:28 AM
Under his breath and in a mixed tongue of sylvan and draconic(which you have to imagine might sound mighty odd) so only Ingrge can understand it, the monk says, "This does not look right. I hope we finish quickly and get the Talons on the way!" He looks around. "Where did Bertram go off too?"
K'Nara d20=2 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 6:14:56 AM
So intent is K'Nara upon making her purchases that she doesn't notice the odd behavior of the shop personnel towards Olana. (OOC: voluntary Spot check 2--DOH!)
"...3...4...5!" she counts out the silver and pushes it--along with the requisite gold coins--across the counter to the attendant who is filling out the order. "Okay...we'll just take the rugs with us. Thank you for your assistance." The redhead turns to her elf companion just as Olana is greeting the strange man.
"Yes. Hello." K'Nara adds her own salutation, arching an eyebrow. "Is there something on sale you wanted to try to add to our order...?"
Falin d20+2=6 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 7:59:45 AM
So intent is Falin on the rugs that he does not notice the lack of elves or the undo attention he is bringing upon himself by being an elf.
Athalorn d20+15=29 d20+8=21 d20+19=33 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 2:00:43 PM
Athalorn stops in sadness and anger at the sight of the caged animals, particularly the birds. He takes a deep breath before heading up to the market trader. He tries to ascertain from his memory what the large beast is and the creatures moods.(Knowledge, Nature = 29 Wild Empathy = 21)
Walking slowly towards the creatures, his hands clutching his fingers tightly as if to prevent himself from unleashing a spell, Athalorn approaches the seller. "How much for your animals here caged, heartless merchant?" His manner is brash, his intolerant personality showing through. "I would buy what I could afford, so make your prices cheap."
(Survival = 33)
ooc: What other animals are there, besides the feline and the birds?
Ingrge Tuesday September 7th, 2004 4:48:26 PM
Feeling the tension in the air and the seeing the not so disguised looks sent his and Lian's way, Ingrge turnd to the nearest staring human.
"Have you lost your wits man? Did your mothers not teach you that staring at someone is not polite? Besides you never know when an elf might be around. I really don't want one of them to find me. I've heard that they steal babies and suck the blood out of people, just for the fun of it. Or is that brownies and vampires? Ah well I forget. Any way be off with you before you attract the guards attention to you and you end up in Parnoth's dungeons explaining yourself."
"BOO!!"
Brother Bertram Tuesday September 7th, 2004 5:13:16 PM
Bertram arrives at the temple and arrainges to meet with the local clergy for any news. As he waits he prays to Domi for strength, humility, and forgiveness. He also offers prayers to Gargul, still unsure in his role as a guardian of the God of the Afterlife.
Gunther d20+12=20 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 9:54:38 PM
Gunther is angered by the state of the animals. It was not right to cage the kitties...they did not do well in such states. And the birds...they were meant to fly in the sky. Only a fool would cage them...that was asking for illness and death. Clearly, this fool did not know what he was doing. Gunther notes that Athalorn is of the same mind. Gunther's knuckles tighten, though he makes no overt signs of hostility. His voice, however, betrays a hint of hostility. "Yes, tell us vhat your prices are...ve vish to purchase your merchandise. Do you mind me asking vhat dat is over dere? It looks like you have a kitty. May I take a closer look?" Gunther moves close to where he thought he saw the big cat, moving slowly and steadily (Handle Animal=20).
Figment Wednesday September 8th, 2004 6:03:49 AM
The mage smirks at Ingrge but inside wonders how a town in just a few weeks could go from being a melting pot to one that discriminates so openly. Seems the townfolk are under some kind of evil influence - or they have always been that way and just look for an excuse to express thier real feelings.
The MUST remain FREE! But freedom isn't cheap!!(ADM Jay B) Wednesday September 8th, 2004 9:40:25 AM
As K'Nara, Falin and Olana prepare to leave with their goods, the large foreign simply stands there staring at Olana. It's obvious he's unhappy with her arrogant smile. The three leave without event.
Athalorn and Gunther determine that ALL the animals are malnurished. You both move a bit closer to the beast, then realize this is indeed a large kitty, known as a panther(specifically a black panther). The cat seems to want to pace, but the size of the cage barely allows him to turn around easily. The keeper of the 'goods' twists his greasy mustache between his fingers as he slowy approaches you. He's a short human with a pot belly and a tattered black leather vest on. His most prominent features are his bright white smile and his ivory cane. "Make the prices cheap?! Heartless?" He seems confused by the statement. "These animals are in the finest of health and quite rare most of them." He pokes the little squeaky primate tied to his arm. "Yes, all very special." He points to the panther. "Yes, that one was to beautiful to harvest. His companion made a fine vest, wouldn't you agree?" He fingers his vest.
There are sleek horses[think Arabian], large dogs[think great danes], serpents[think boas and iguanas], many common house pets(DMG), a wire cage with bats in broad daylight. This 'bizarre' can be better described as a 'collection' of animals. It's obvious to Athalorn that most of these animals don't want to be here. The panther somehow calmed as you both approached.
"Which creature would you like to buy? There are no set prices, within 'reason' of course. Ah, you have your eye on that troublesome beast? I can't let him go for less than... oh, 1000 gold."
Bertram discovers nothing new from his sources.
Meanwhile, back on the streets, after Ingrge's display, several folk leave. Four humans remain to hassle the two elves. One spits in the direction of the two elves."
Glannath remains in his tree, perched and waiting.
Lian Wednesday September 8th, 2004 9:41:30 AM
The monk remains quiet, but it's obvious that he's about to burst out.
Athalorn Wednesday September 8th, 2004 11:57:20 AM
The druid is angered further by the plight of the caged animals, and pleased that his friend Gunther was of a similar mindset. Quickly, he taps his feet together (Boots of Speed = haste) in case the encounter turned ugly. That done, he speaks slowly to the tradesman.
"I will buy all your stock, trader, for 2000gp. And it would be wise for you to accept my generous offer. I do not like seeing these good creatures caged as they are."
The spear at his back crackles with electrical energy as the druid reaches for it. How he was controlling his temper he did not know. Perhaps it was the crowds.
Ingrge Wednesday September 8th, 2004 5:40:15 PM
Pointing in turn to each of the four remaining humans, Ingrge simply says to them, "You for are marked and will be recognized."
Just after that the four humans each hear a whispered message inside their head (Message spell). "And by the way I can read your minds so don't try it. I don't want to have to hurt you."
K'Nara d20+1=13 d20+1=16 Wednesday September 8th, 2004 5:41:34 PM
Since the man she supposed was a would-be salesman remains silent, K'Nara shrugs.
"Go on ahead, then, you two..." she says to Falin and Olana, "...hold the door open while I wrestle our purchases out of the shop." So saying, the tall redhead picks up the cumbersome roll of rugs (OOC: Strength check 13) and slings it onto her right shoulder--the move "accidently" threatens to hit the staring man (OOC: rolled a voluntary combat check [assuming that's what I'd need] for a result of 16.)
Regardless of whether she "accidently" smacked the rude fellow, K'Nara continues to exit the store and make her way to where Ingrge (and now Lian) are with the horses and--more importantly--the cart that the new rugs are destined to fill.
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 8th, 2004 7:27:31 PM
Bertram hurries back to meet up with the others after his meeting at the temple of Domi.
Falin Wednesday September 8th, 2004 9:00:13 PM
Falin gets the door for K'Nara and then assists her in getting the rugs in the wagon.
Gunther Wednesday September 8th, 2004 9:43:03 PM
Moving as if to inspect the mans vest, Gunther grabs the lining firmly and drawing in close to the mans ear. Barely able to control his seething anger, Gunther whispers to the man. "You are a fool!!! You have no idea vat you are doing vith dese animals. You vould be vise to take my friend up on his more dan generous offer. But, if you do not, I tell you vat I am going to do... I'm going to go over dere and open up de kitties cage. Den ve vill see how vell treated he is. Maybe I should put you in his cage...let you know how it feels." Gunther pulls back away from the man and flexes his massive scar covered arms. "But den you look like a smart man. You know a good deal ven you see von, I am sure." Gunther move in toward the panther's cage and takes a good look at the lock...
Olana Thursday September 9th, 2004 12:45:44 AM
Olana nudges Lian. "What in the name of Culverwood is wrong with these people?" she asks, clearly upset. "I bet it's something Parnoth's done. I bet you anything."
She'll help with the rugs also.
Variety, the spice of life (ADM Jay B) Thursday September 9th, 2004 2:28:57 AM
The man in the store stops the rug with one hand, as if it hit a brick wall. He simply looks down his large nose at the red head and snarls.
K'Nara, Falin and Olana meet up with Ingrge and Lian, just in time for Ingrge's display. The four men look around, having no clue what's going on. One runs off frightened. The rugs are loaded.
Figment ponders about what could be influencing the populace, though it doesn't feel 'evil', per se.
Athalorn and Gunther are assentially laughed at by the animal collector. "2000!! I spent more than that to fund the expedition! You insult me sirs. You threaten me too? I could call the guards, but I think you know a good deal when you see it." He smiles arrogantly. Gunther notices the large very well made lock on what could only be considered a poorly maintained and rusty cage. "Sirs, if you bought all my animals, I'd be out of business! Choose one or two."
Bertram heads back toward where he last saw his friends.
Glannath remains in his tree, perched and waiting.
Lian Thursday September 9th, 2004 2:30:10 AM
The monk just shrugs off the stupidity and goes back into the furniture store.
"I'd like those items I asked for a few minutes ago."
The sales woman grits her teeth and writes up the slip. He moves some chairs out to the cart. Seeing the cart fill quickly, he ponders a moment on how all their goods will make it back to the Tower.
Glannath Thursday September 9th, 2004 1:07:17 PM
Perched on the highest branch that would support him, Glannath flexes his wings every now and then, and his eyes dart continually over various parts of the City.
Strange, these places. Full of block shapes, smoke, and people. All on the ground. All in harms way.
He's also on the lookout for another perch, just in case that kid climbs too high.
The six-foot-tall redheaded warrior woman glances pointedly at the remaining staring humans.
"What, now, Ingrge..?" she says as Falin and Olana continue to help with loading the rugs. "Fans asking for your autograph? We're the Emerald Talons, you know--NOT the Gold Dragons!" She adds this last comment in a teasing, flippant way.
Athalorn Thursday September 9th, 2004 6:55:26 PM
The druid speaks honestly to the trader. "The guards do not frighten me, merchant. And I will buy ALL your animals. Else I will free them of my own accord. I offer 3000 gold pieces. Nothing more." The druid removes the spear from his back, and grips it tightly with both hands. It crackles with electrical energy and he thrusts the point toward the tradesman. "It would be wise for you to accept this, as my good friend says."
Ingrge Thursday September 9th, 2004 9:05:58 PM
"There were a few humans that needed some lessons in manners, so I ummm insinuated my sunny disposition into their normally drab meaningless lives."
"Lian, You appear to have exited your store without the things you wanted to purchase. Shall you and I return inside and resume your shopping."
Figment Thursday September 9th, 2004 9:26:14 PM
The mage sighs at all the sights. He simply walks around and tries to catch snippets of coversation that might explain this new elven animosity.
Gunther d20+1=18 d20+3=19 Thursday September 9th, 2004 10:23:28 PM
Gunther chuckles mirthlessly. He walks around the cage, examining it carefully (Spot=18). When he spots some of the more rusty bars, he gives them a good healthy yank (Str.=19)..."testing" them (ie...hoping to bend some of them, so that the kitty might free himself). "Go ahead little man...call de guards...maybe den you can explain vhy you have housed such a clearly dangerous animal in such a pitiful cage. Vhat do you ting dey vould say if de kitty vere to get loose and go roaming around de city??? I don't ting dey vould be too happy vith you, do you?" (Yank, yank) "My friend is more dan generous...it is clear dat you do not know vhat you are doing... It vould be a goot ting if you vent out of business (Yank, yank).
Olana Friday September 10th, 2004 1:08:40 AM
Olana decides to say nothing more to the townspeople. It was very odd. No one was actually saying anything or accusing them of anything, so she was at a loss to know what was going on. Most frustrating, and she has to work hard at keeping a frown off her face.
A taste of justice....(ADM Jay B) Friday September 10th, 2004 4:09:01 AM
K'Nara, Falin and Olana finish loading the wagon.
Ingrge looks over to where Lian was, notices the monk is gone, but then realizes Lian is loading furniture.
The group of humans gasps as the redhead states, "...We're the Emerald Talons, you know--NOT the Gold Dragons!" The remaining three human are gone in a flash, running as if their life depends on it. "Talons!! Run!"
Figment hears nothing.
Gunther gracefully *pops* a couple bars loose, as the merchant talks with Athalorn. Athalorn distracts the merchant. The merchant ponders the 3000. "3000 gold aye?" Spear crackles in the mans face. "I'm sorry, I can't sell you my animals! Be gone, you rapscallian rogues!"
Bertram rounds a corner and notices Gunther and Athalorn in a courtyard. The dwarf apparently took a wrong turn on his path back to the furniture store.
Glannath remains in his tree, perched and waiting. The boy remains at a distance.
Gunther and Athalorn turn toward the trader. Suddenly, they hear a snarl and the mans face goes pale. As Athalorn and Gunther turn to see what is scaring the merchant, they see a flash of black fur dashes between them, knocking them over. (You were both knocked over and surprised!) Seconds later, the panther is mauling her unkind keeper. The man tries to fight the animal off with his ivory cane, but all for naught. Roughly a minute later, the man is spilling blood, still and twitching as the panther digs its teeth into back of his neck. The man has less than a minute before he's a goner.
Bertram sees the attack happen. The creature might turn on his friends next.
Lian Friday September 10th, 2004 4:11:13 AM
"Ingrge, could you help me with my table and benches."
He briefly looks around for a general store of sorts, then continues loading the cart.
He speaks up to the salesperson. "Ma'am, I'll take a chest and cabinet too."
Athalorn 3d8(6+2+2)+9=19 Friday September 10th, 2004 8:26:27 AM
The druid gets up quickly, his hand instinctively going to the pouch on his belt. He feels the Culverclove leaf between his fingers, and calls on the power of nature to help the man on the floor. (cure serious wounds, 19 hp)
Gunther d20+12=27 Friday September 10th, 2004 4:05:28 PM
Gunther is caught off guard by the attack, but he really doesn't feel much sympathy for the man. The kitty must have been treated very poorly to lash out like that. Still, Gunther supposes that the man shouldn't have to die for his stupidity...perhaps this would teach him a good lesson.
Rising to a crouching position, Gunther moves in close to the panther. Moving slowly, but steadily, Gunther tries to attract the cats attention (Handle Animal=27). Reaching into his pack, he pulls out a piece of jerky and throws it a little distance away from his current position. He speaks calmingly in orcish...though he knows the kitty can not understand him. "Ja Sie sind ein guter Kitty. Jetzt warum nicht, kommen Sie hierhin... Urlaub, der schlechter Mann alleineund gekommen zu Gunther ..." He stays in his crouched position, allowing the kitty to inspect him if she wishes, but not wanting to spook her.
K'Nara Saturday September 11th, 2004 7:19:42 AM
K'Nara stares, slackjawed, as the remaining people seem to streak off as though their lives depended on it.
"...I guess this DOES mean they didn't want autographs..." the leader of the Emerald Talons admits, at a loss to explain such very odd behavior. Then her hazel eyes rove the members of the group present.
"Hmmm...I see the good Brother, Gunter and Athalorn aren't here..." she notes out loud, "...as well as our resident wizard. If that--" K'Nara nods her cauled head in the direction of the retreating humans, "--is anything to judge by, then it's in our best interest to find the others as soon as possible."
As soon as they can, K'Nara will advocate having everybody except one person start off towards the Temple of Domi (the likeliest place to start, as they all know that Brother Bertram wanted to go there) to begin their search.
Falin Saturday September 11th, 2004 5:56:19 PM
"Do you think the odd behavior has something to do with the Tines? I still do not trust them."
Figment Sunday September 12th, 2004 6:28:41 AM
"I doubt it, Falin. The city was getting like this before the Wold changed not so long ago. Then it changed by by necessity. Now it appears to be moving back like it was. We - and the Tines - had blamed Parnoth for the change. The leader at that time was an elf. Now, I'm not so sure about Parnoth. There may be another reason - what I don't know...".
Figment Sunday September 12th, 2004 6:30:02 AM
"I doubt it, Falin. The city was getting like this before the Wold changed not so long ago. Then it changed by by necessity. Now it appears to be moving back like it was. We - and the Tines - had blamed Parnoth for the change. The leader at that time was an elf. Now, I'm not so sure about Parnoth. There may be another reason - what I don't know...".
Brother Bertram Sunday September 12th, 2004 4:01:12 PM
Bertram runs forward towards the creature. His first priority is to stop his friends from being attacked, his second is to save the citizen down on the ground.
Olana Monday September 13th, 2004 12:36:30 AM
Olana is eager to find the others, too, then they could all get away from the oppressiveness of this place. In the back of her mind, she reckons that she should have a bit more than a rug for her room, but she wasn't really in the mood for shopping.
Glannath d20+6=9 d20+16=29 Monday September 13th, 2004 12:45:11 AM
The eagle scans the town, basically looking for anything to eat and/or Athalorn. (Listen DC9, Spot DC 29)
A rabbit would rather nice, right about now, better still - a hare, they were bigger. Not likely to find that here on the edge of town. Wish that kid would go away. I'm a bird of prey, you little twit, and I'm hungry. Hmmm... maybe a chicken. Humans kept chickens. Would have to be a big chicken. Like a rooster, yeah..
He flexes his wings once more, ready to take to the air if something happened.
To the rescue... (ADM Jay B) Monday September 13th, 2004 8:09:42 PM
K'Nara, Falin, Olana, Ingrge, Figment and Lian remain outside the furniture store waiting for the other three. Wagon loaded and ready for departure.
Gunther and Athalorn, despite their anger at the merchant, rescue him from the brink of death, just in time to see their dwarven friend dash out of nowhere, rushing to their rescue. Bertram's wrong turn may have been divine intervention.
The merchant is stable but unconcious, people scatter as the panther paces about. She seems content just having mauled the man. The panther lays down and begins cleaning paws and licking the blood off her face.
The decision remains, now that the merchant is 'more cooperative' in his current state, what is to be done with the animals?
Glannath does feel something may be wrong with his friend in the city.
Time to leave the city.
(OOC: After Athalorn, Gunther and Bertram post, I'll make another short post this evening.)
Lian Monday September 13th, 2004 8:10:49 PM
The monk runs off across the the stree tot the general store and reappears a moment later with a large box. He loads it ontop of the cart.
Brother Bertram 4d8(6+6+3+7)+9=31 Monday September 13th, 2004 10:05:25 PM
Bertram moves to the downed man and murmurs a prayer over him, awed yet again as Domi reaches down, healing the wounds of the man.
(OOC cured 31 hit points in additon to what he was already healed for)
Gunther Monday September 13th, 2004 10:45:55 PM
The warrior watches the cat for a few tense moments...gauging its reaction. He visibly relaxes as the panther begins licking its paws. Turning to look at Athalorn and Bertram, Gunther half-heartedly asks about the merchant's condition. Assured that he won't die, Gunther moves on to more pressing business...
Glancing over at the panther, Gunther attracts Athalorn's attention. "She is a beautiful kitty, no? If ve leave her here, she vill probably be put to death or vill kill some of de villagers. Do you have a vay of talking to her...persvading her to come vith us? My methods take more time dan I tink ve have right now." Gunther looks around to see how much attention they have attracted so far.
Looking at the other animals, Gunther sighs...he definatley can't carry them all. "Perhaps ve should leave de money and free de rest of dem." Gunther looks over at the mauled merchant. "I doubt dat he vill vant to be in dis business for much longer..."
A moment of reason... (ADM Jay B) Tuesday September 14th, 2004 12:51:17 AM
The merchant sturs a bit and his eyes flitter open. He see the kitty and tries to scramble to safety but can't get his muscles to function. "K--k--kill it! Its a monster! Take it away."
The man calms after a moment and looks up at the men and dwarf. "You can have what you want from me, just take that beast away. You'll have a friend in town if you do. My name is Flattumous Gordon."
Athalorn Tuesday September 14th, 2004 3:33:40 AM
The druid nods to Gunther. "Aye, I will speak with the panther. I would see these gentle creatures free - let us leave him the money for them. Will you speak with Flattumous?"
He calls on the power of the Culverwood to aid him, feeling natures power clear his mind, and turns to focus on the panther. (ooc: Cast Speak with Animals)
He tries communicating with the panther in gentle tones, walking towards it slowly. "Be at peace, friend. We mean you no harm. I am Athalorn, of the Culverwood. Would you like to come with us, to a home away from these people? To a home in the wilderness?" He hopes for a response of some kind from the animal. "We could use the help of a strong ally."
Figment Tuesday September 14th, 2004 6:10:44 AM
The mage waits as all the purchases are made, ready to be somewhere else.
K'Nara Tuesday September 14th, 2004 6:24:52 PM
The redheaded woman could have sworn that the group was going to go looking for Bertram, Gunter and Athalorn, but apparently the rugs are a little more cumbersome than she originally anticipated, as they are only just now finishing with loading the rugs into the cart.
"Last minute shopping, Lian..?" K'Nara says with a grin and a nod at the box. She squints around the area.
"We're still short three members." she points out. "Too bad the only one who can talk to Athalorn's eagle companion is Athalorn--or I'd ask the bird to see if he...or is it a she-bird?...well, I'd ask the bird to look for them. Eagle eyes are MUCH better than human or elf eyes."
Glannath d20+16=29 Tuesday September 14th, 2004 8:06:52 PM
Just one of those feelings of unease...
The huge eagle spreads his wings and pushes off, quickly finding a thermal. From then on, he wheels around and around, climbing swiftly out of arrow range, while keeping his sharp eyes on the streets below, on the lookout for Athalorn. He lets out a sharp, piercing "Creeee!!"
Just looking, just making sure.
((Spot 29))
Olana Tuesday September 14th, 2004 8:14:26 PM
"I think the bird's a 'he'," says Olana, pondering on whether she ought to by a chest to put in her room, or something.
"Let's stick together and see if we can find them."
She'll walk along with the cart.
Gunther Tuesday September 14th, 2004 10:57:34 PM
Gunther sighs...he really didn't like the man, so talking too him wasn't high on his list. He walks over to the sleazy man, trying to look concerned. "Flattumous, dat is not a monster. She is a goot kitty dat attacked you because you did not treat her vell. De kitties do not like being caged. But ve vell take her avay from you...don't you vorry about dat. Now...my friend...ve vould like to give you 2000 gold to pay for de freedom of all of your animals. I vould hate to see you have anoder accident like dis von, and for your own safety, I tink you ought to find anoder line of vork. Maybe open yourself a nice safe tavern or something...vhat do you tink? Vill you accept our offer?"
Falin Wednesday September 15th, 2004 3:36:37 AM
"I agree, we should find the rest of our companions. I do not think we should linger in town any more."
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 15th, 2004 4:37:08 AM
Bertram listens to the conversation with the animal keeper, one hand on his axe, one eye on the panther and how it is reacting to his friend.
Time to go...(ADM Jay B) Wednesday September 15th, 2004 4:59:08 AM
The band outside the furniture store ponder heading off to find the three wayward friends. Several outwardly state their unwillingness to remain longer.
Flattumous Gordon thinks hard about the offer. "2000 aye. I'll take it. Set the animals free. Tavern life, been there, done that. I did this animal gig for the tourists, selling to a pretty lady made me happy. Or to a child. Didn't think about the animals. You truly have a friend here. Trust me." He gives you a seedy grin. The takes the 2000 and leaves the cages to the three. In a moment he's gone. The panther is quite content just following the three away from the cages. She nuzzles up the Bertram, unconcerned with the hunk of metal in his hand. (She is thin and malnurished, better off than most the other critters.)
Glannath spots the group near a building, but no Athalorn. Perhaps he's inside one of the hollow mountains of stone and wood. The 'Creee.' can be heard throughout the city center.
After deciding how to handle the caged creatures, the three meet back at the store to find their friends waiting, some rather impatient and in terrible moods.
Loaded cart and black feline in tow(and what other animals may have been liberated), the group weaves in and out of the streets. Up ahead, in broad daylight non-the-less, you see an old man (the same old man complaining about the salt prices earlier in the market) being beaten, he's not releasing a small pouch. The thug is quite ugly and rather looks like the old man could hold his own, if it wasn't for the sap in the thugs hand. Regular civilians hurry past without a care. What to do?
[OOC: Those of you handling the animals, I suggest to keep the week moving, talk over what you do with the creatures via emails. Keep me in the string too, if you don't mind ;)]
Ingrge Wednesday September 15th, 2004 6:09:24 PM
Seeing the robbery going on , Ingrge stops.
"You know I believe Parnoth is losing a bit of control of things. This should not be allowed to happen. Olanna would you be so kind as to remove the sap from tha man's hand and give any money he is carrying to the old man?"
K'Nara Wednesday September 15th, 2004 6:41:06 PM
Looking a bit askance at the arrival of their erstwhile companions, K'Nara can't help it:
"What is this? The start of our own menagerie..?" she quips, though her tone is at least a little alarmed--there are a lot of obviously maltreated animals here and she isn't sure how the Talons can actually help them out.
However, K'Nara willingly follows the lead of Athalorn, Gunter and Olana when it comes to how to get the poor critters out of Emerald City--it's quite clear that none of them belong anywhere but in the wild.
"I don't believe this!" K'Nara grumbled at the sorry sight of a mugging in broad daylight...and not even a block or two away from a guard station! She didn't wait for Olana to act on Ingrge's suggestion--she immediately drew her large sword.
"Lucia!" she barked at the top of her lungs, swinging the sword dramatically for maximum fiery effect as she stomps toward the robbers. "Halt in the name of justice!"
Olana Wednesday September 15th, 2004 6:55:27 PM
"Oh!!!" exclaims Olana to Gunther. "What have you got there, a displacer beast?" She looks at the creature, this way and that, before being distracted by Ingrge.
About to step into the fray, she hesitates as K'Nara moves toward the fracas. "Well," she says with a grin to her fellow elf," if that doesn't make him drop his weapon, I don't know what will."
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 15th, 2004 8:58:17 PM
Bertram looks down at the creature for a moment with a sour on expression on his face, then softens looking into the poor creature's eyes. Lowering his voice, Bertram whispers into the ear of his new friend, "Its alright now, we will get you out of this abominable excuse for a city, get you into the country for some fresh air and maybe some fresh meat." His hand moves to the feline's head, his coarse hands scratching at the creature, trying to make friends.
Gunther Thursday September 16th, 2004 12:27:27 AM
Gunther travels happily along...thrilled to have succeeded in freeing the animals. He was a little disappointed that the kitty was apparently warming up to Bertram, but still...it was nice being around the kitties once more. Carrying several of the bird cages, Gunther notes their sickened state...looks like he will be busy for quite some time.
The warrior grins goofily at K'nara's comment. "I found dem in de bazaar...dey don't have homes...Can ve keep dem, huh, huh?" He winks playfully at the leader.
Gunther playful tone changes instantly when he takes in the mugging. Pulling his two-bladed sword from his back, the stocky, yet agile warrior moves into a rear guard position...making sure that the two ladies don't get bushwhacked.
[OOC: Gunther, the panther initially warmed up to you, but Bertram was showing dominance, so she felt protected near him.]
Lian Thursday September 16th, 2004 12:58:14 AM
Lian rides alongside the the others.
He stops when he sees the robbery. He dismounts and marches toward the thug. Soon he slows and stops, considering what he is about to do, then turns and returns to the horse.
Merlot wennies at the sight of the panther, but calms after a minute.
Falin Thursday September 16th, 2004 2:23:55 AM
Falin draws his bow and knocks and arrow.
"Remember not to stand directly between the arrow and the bad man." Falin tells the group. There is a cold edge on his voice.
Figment Thursday September 16th, 2004 6:04:13 AM
The mage sighs "Seems Parnoth has a really top notch guard here. What's gotten into everyone?!". Seeing the others respond and knowing its enough he stands ready to cast.
Athalorn Thursday September 16th, 2004 1:34:26 PM
The druid loads the cart with as many cages as will fit, promising himself not to leave any animals and thinking it best to wait until they are at the tower before realeasing those healthy enough to the wild.
He smiles at K'nara's words. "Ah, my dear friend. Gunther and Bertram will look after the cat, the others I will take under my wing, as it were, until they are fit enough to be freed."
His chatter is cut short by the fracas in the street. Thinking more than ever of being away from the city, he stays near the cages to calm the animals as best he can, whispering soft words of comfort and promises of freedom. Looking around for Glannath in the sky, he feeds the creatures scraps of food that he has with him.
Home... (ADM Jay B) Thursday September 16th, 2004 11:40:42 PM
The thug, seeing the red-head ignite her sword, and several of her friends approach, releases the old man. He backs away slowly, until he's gone. No one is able to follow.
The old man stands and brushes himself off. "Crime has been getting worse even though Parnoth has returned to the City! I can't even get home with a bag of salt without being mugged!" His voice is gravely as he spits out a bit of blood. He grunts and walks away without another word or 'thank you'.
------------------------------------------------ As the Talons leave, they make there way home.
Near the Tower, only a stone's throw away from the almost-completely fixed stone wall, the group feels a chill, the horses stop and a form materializes infront of them. Soon you all recognize Brusse as he approaches K'Nara. "Captain." He salutes. "Madam Themol bids me to fetch you home. Hurry." He dissipates and is soon gone as fast as he appeared.
Lian Thursday September 16th, 2004 11:48:19 PM
He moves to follow the thug but isn't able to get much more than a block away before he loses him. "He is gone. Is the old man okay?" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On the approach to the Tower, Lian stops and listens to Brusse, then looks at K'Nara nervously. "This can not be good."
Falin Friday September 17th, 2004 2:19:27 AM
As the messenger disappears Falin begins to run towards the tower.
Brother Bertram Friday September 17th, 2004 4:40:06 AM
Bertram follows along, axe at the ready, expecting the worst at thier new home.
Figment Friday September 17th, 2004 7:06:41 AM
The mage gives Jux a nudge and moves toward the tower at a good clip.
Olana d20+16=24 Friday September 17th, 2004 11:31:52 AM
Driving the cart, Olana muses on the events in the town. Emerald never had been a happy place, but this was ridiculous. They were going to have to find out what had started the rot, and try and put it right, otherwise this place would be too far gone to save.
She wrinkles her nose as their ghostly guard arrives with a warning. Bow - check, arrows - check. She keeps her eyes open, and keeps the cart steady. ((Spot DC 24))
Gunther Friday September 17th, 2004 12:06:38 PM
After loading most of the animals in the cart, Gunther walks a good distance behind the others with the panther and the horses. He spends a lot of time with the panther, doting on her, sharing his jerky, and generally trying to make friends. He is hopeful that he'll be able to keep her as a pet.
Lucia Friday September 17th, 2004 12:52:52 PM What else could possible go wrong? Honestly, sometimes I don't know why I bothered with sentience.
Ingrge Friday September 17th, 2004 5:46:45 PM
"You know, some day we are actually going to get a two week vacation where we can actually rest and do something we want to do."
Brother Bertram Friday September 17th, 2004 8:58:21 PM
Bertram snorts at Ingrge's words. "I dont believe it will happen, Friend Ingrge. I have read of other adventurers that have said all they wanted was a day or two in town without being run off, or attacked, or hired to save the world" Bertram grins but keeps a hard look ahead for any sign of trouble.
Lian Saturday September 18th, 2004 1:04:53 AM
The monk laughs at Bertram's statement. "So true my friend."
Athalorn d20+19=31 Saturday September 18th, 2004 11:10:16 AM
The druid smiles as he watches Gunther trying to bond with the panther, pleased that his friend seemed so kind to the creature. Athalorn himself continues staying near the other animals, calming them in this new environment as they travel.
When the apparition appears and gives a warning, the druid whispers a chant to himself and once again takes to the sky in his favoured form of an eagle (ooc: wildshape - Golden Eagle)
He soars up to the sky and makes straight for the tower, calling to Glannath to come with him and looking for the signs of trouble he had become used to expecting. (Spot = 31)
Back to the Tower....(ADM Jay B) Saturday September 18th, 2004 7:27:23 PM
The group rushes to Rainara's location (a corner of the garden near one of the last of the gaps in the protective wall to be fixed), they find their right-hand woman kneeling by an elf lying on the ground. The elf is unrecognizable to anyone present, but it's quite evident that he is dead... and that he is extremely emaciated and had been on the receiving end of several harsh beatings over time.
[Olana make a Spot Check.]
Gunther Saturday September 18th, 2004 9:34:24 PM
Staying back with the animals, Gunther tries to keep them all in check, since Athalorn has left. He is absolutely dumb founded at the discovery of the dead elf and swears quietly in orcish.
Olana d20+16=22 Monday September 20th, 2004 2:33:32 AM
((Spot Check DC 22))
"oh! What happened?" exclaims the elf, scrambling off the cart to go to Rainara's aid.
Glannath Monday September 20th, 2004 2:40:04 AM
The huge eagle finally spots the party as they leave the City, and so he circles a little more, just to gain a little more height, then follows the group back. He's pleased to see his companion up in the air, perhaps they could go hunting now. Glannath's wings form a 'W', and he drops at an alarming speed until he's at Athalorn's altitude. There's a strange scent coming off the druid, though. Sniff sniff..... cat????
Cat trouble, eh? Yes well, that went without saying. He follows Athalorn toward the tower.
Figment Monday September 20th, 2004 7:48:53 AM
The mage races over to the fallen elf. He keeps Jux far enough away as to not mess up any tracks or such and begins to scan the area for anytihng unusual.
Falin Monday September 20th, 2004 9:08:35 AM
"What has happened here?"
Athalorn d20+19=36 Monday September 20th, 2004 12:44:48 PM
The druid smiles as Glannath joins him in flight, but stays airborne over the party to keep an eye out for any trouble. (ooc: Spot = 36)
Ingrge Monday September 20th, 2004 5:00:07 PM
Seeing the body, Ingrge shakes his head sadly. "This is getting far to reminiscent of an earlier time."
Friendly reminders and shiny things... (ADM Jay B) Monday September 20th, 2004 10:11:50 PM
Olana notices, immediately, that there is a chillingly familiar piece of jewelry around the elf's thin wrist- a slave bracelet of Emerald City mint-- and it is the only thing on the elf's body that is shiny and new.
Olana Monday September 20th, 2004 10:18:52 PM
"A slave bracelet!!" shrieks the elf in horror.
Olana marches up to K'Nara, visibly upset. "So that's why we were treated strangely in the City! K'Nara - we have to do something about this. We have to!"
Lian Monday September 20th, 2004 11:20:43 PM
The monk slowly approaches Olana slowly, and places his hand on her shoulder. He's not able to say anything, eyes on the dead elf.
Then the horror hits him. "My family! They live close to the forest."
Athalorn Tuesday September 21st, 2004 1:36:22 AM
(ooc: Can someone let me know the relevance of the bracelet and why Olana and Lian react the way they do? Sorry to be a pain,I just want to be sure I'm on the right wavelength - thanks, Simon)
OOC: As I understand it (this part of Wold history is before my time and backstory mostly), but Olana's family/tribe, and many other elves, were conscripted or taken in by Parnoth to tend his forest. Many elves feel sympathy for this time in their history. Lian feels it because he cares for Olana and he's worried that outlying areas, like where his family lives, might have been picked from this time around. Does that help?
Kent - Also at this time ANY elf or half elf in the city was required to have a braclet nad was no better than property. Literally there were thousands of elven slaves "taming the forest and working for parnoth in the mines and anywhere else he wanted. At the time of Ascension, he magnanimously freed all the slaves (and since they were already freed because of the asscension it was no skin off his nose) and promised that in the future he would only "enslave" those found to be guilty of a crime. (of course it is a crime to be an unowned elf in the Emerald Kingdom, so....)
Falin Tuesday September 21st, 2004 10:33:41 AM
Falin is visibly disgusted by the bracelet.
"I am apalled by this display of lack for life. I lost my entire family to Parnoths forced work camps. When I fond out who was behind this..."
Falin tails off as he stands and looks at the body.
Lucia Tuesday September 21st, 2004 10:38:50 AM *This is horrific. When you find who has done this there will be things I want to do to them. You would be supprised what someone can live through.*
Athalorn Tuesday September 21st, 2004 2:11:27 PM
From the air above, the druid sees the party crowding over the fallen elf, so glides down to land on a branch near to Olana. He sees the bracelet, and racking his memory of Culverwood lore that his father had told him, realises what it represents. He tilts his head slightly to the elves in the group, as if in sympathy, seeing the reaction on the faces of Olana and Falin.
Brother Bertram Tuesday September 21st, 2004 3:49:21 PM
Bertram turns his pony back and without a word, heads back towards town, Grim purpose in his demeanor, His axe gripped tightly.
K'Nara Tuesday September 21st, 2004 6:01:23 PM
"Rainara--Brusse reported that you needed to see us as soon as possible," K'Nara said after riding Poki up to the Tower and quickly dismounting and approaching the elder elf, "What's the m--"
Then the human bladesinger saw the late elf on the ground.
"By the gods..!" she gasped, putting an empathetic hand on Rainara's shoulder. "When did this happen..? Do you know how--" Olana's cry interrupted the female fighter:
"A slave bracelet!!" shrieks the elf in horror.
The sight of Parnoth's official seal on the shiny new bracelet sparked memories inside the redhead's mind:
...you dream of the Emerald Kingdom as it used to be, splendorous and wild. Ruled by the elves, beings and nature living in balance. The land thankful for the people's protection and the people thankful for the land providing. You dream the dream of peace and prosperity. Then a dark cloud hovers over the lad, a cloud with glowing green eyes, a cloud that reshapes the land and takes away the people. The cloud grows claws and the claws rip into the earth causing great bleeding gashes. Out of these gashes the great green claws pull gold and gems. Out pours all of the kingdom's wealth and fortune, and then the claws scrape dust over the kingdom's wounds, not in order to heal them, but to hide them. Finally, you see a man coming out of the north. Those of you who are "Tines" don't even have to see him. He is "The Chosen One", the one for whom you watch. He smiles and the light from it melts the claws. He laughs and the cloud is blown away. He cries, and where his tears fall the land is healed. Next you see "The Chosen One" climbing down from an old tower, with something in his arms. He stretches his arms out to you in a warm embrace and . . . his chest explodes outward in a burst of blood, A bright orange blade where his heart used to be...
***
"Parnoth is a user first, Lian," the woman warrior said firmly, "As long as the Talons can be used by him in any way, he will tolerate us. The second he perceives any of us to be of no more use--THAT is when he tries to get rid of us."
***
"We want to know if this last battle with Marteaus has knocked some sense into your head, Parnoth." K'Nara said, barely controlling her antagonism toward the scaly tyrant. "I, personally, am hoping that you will henceforth be fair with those whom you consider to be your subjects...but only you can tell us whether or not there's a better chance of an ice mephit navigating the elemental plane of fire."
Turning to face K'nara and Ingrge, Parnoth snorts and then after a few moments of apparent thought, Parnoth nods and says "...alright--I will end the slavery, however I must be allowed to use convicted criminals as slaves in the mines and other places. And to show my good faith I will free the elves even before you leave on my task." He makes a show of concentrating for a moment and then opening his eyes announces, "There, they are all free now. I even freed the dwarves at the mines as well, just to show my good faith..."
***
"Aye, it's true," Greymaulkin confirmed over the silver dragon earclip K'Nara wore, "Parnoth Oneclaw vowed to uphold the ideals of the Gold Dragons from now on. I almost fainted dead away when Valdor told me of it."
***
Her awareness returning to the present, K'Nara's face became as stone.
"He lied." She said in a voice that was ground out through gritted teeth. "He lied to the Gold Dragons...he lied to the elves of the Emerald Kingdom...but, most of all, he lied to us....for the LAST time!"
The leader of the Emerald Talons wheeled about, the look in her hazel eyes was of almost maniacal determination.
"Parnoth Oneclaw has sealed his own death warrant. If it takes me years--if it costs me my own life--if it even costs me my own place in the Shadowlands..." K'Nara vowed, "...I will not rest until The Wold is rid of that green-scaled wyrm. Parnoth dies..!!!"
Gunther Tuesday September 21st, 2004 6:50:50 PM
Gunther is disturbed by the sight of the elf and the talk of Parnoth's slavery, but sad to say, he'd seen worse. Still...tyranny was despicable.
Gunhter lays a gentle but restraining hand on Bertram's shoulder. "Vait my friend. Ve vill act... But first ve vill prepare and investigate. Only a fool acts on a impulse. Be like de kitties...vatch and vait...vait for your opening and den like our precious here..." Gunther motions to the panther by his side "Go for de kill."
Figment Tuesday September 21st, 2004 8:09:19 PM
The mage frowns at the scene before him. "K'Nara, we should first confirm that Parnoth has in fact broken his vows before we act against him. What if this one is indeed a criminal? Or perhaps someone put him here hoping we would assume it was Parnoth? Too much at risk to move against him. Besides, we are no match for the Wyrm. It would be better to contact the Gold Dragons and tell them of our findings. They will be much better at taking him out than we - and determining what he has actually done...".
Lian Tuesday September 21st, 2004 11:05:35 PM
"I for one am not against seeing the Green Meanie get his due. But Figment is right. Alot of people would like to see Parnoth dead and setting him up so that another group is seeking him might be a way to do that. Don't believe everything you see, your eyes are not always right."
Just one thing after another!! (ADM Jay B) Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 12:02:15 AM
As K'Nara makes her decree, a bloodied and battered Lucius, Endrin's Second in command, stumbles into the courtyard through the broken wall. "Endrin insists you return to the headquarters and speak with him."
The group barely has time to digest all that is happening.
Athalorn Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 3:59:35 AM
In eagle form still, Athalorn watches what is happening. He sees Bertrams determination and K'nara's seething anger, and he watches the scene unfold in silence, wishing the forest could indeed return to its former peace. Peace he had not known. It had always been a battle, his love of the great Culverwood. Was it all coming to an end? For better or worse?
The eagle sees Lucius enter the area, and instantly takes to the sky, calling for Glannath to follow him. He heads in the direction Lucius had come from, soaring high over his beloved forest and scanning the area for danger or the source of any trouble, as he had done so many times for his great circle.
Figment Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 7:43:31 AM
Seeing the being battered, the mage races with the other to the next crisis. Why is it the Talons seem to attract trouble?
Gunther Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 3:22:39 PM
Spinning with sword in hand at Lucius' arrival, Gunther swears loudly in orcish. Recently things were happening too fast for him to deal with. He looks down at the panther pacing next to him. Don't suppose she'd be too welcome at this meeting... he thinks to himself. But then again, it didn't look like in their current state that these Tine fellows would be in any condition to argue. And if he didn't bond with her soon, he should just let her go.... But then again...if things went south, his kitty would be in danger... Gunther rubs his temples tenderly...the tingling sensation of the start of a migraine creeping its way up his skull. He moves to follow the man, leaving the rest of the animals for Rainara to tend to and hoping the panther will follow him.
K'Nara Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 6:40:54 PM
The tall redhead looked like she would have spit into Figment's and then Lian's face at the sound of their counsel, but, fortunately, she seemed to recall why it was she made sure to surround herself with cooler heads. However, there was one VERY big clue she felt it incumbent upon herself to point out to them:
"You are both right...but I must point out one rather--painful--fact: look carefully at the official seal of Kaari, the Emerald City...it's always been that of a rampant green dragon with foreclaws bared. Look, then--see for yourself: the dragon on the Official Seal of the City that is stamped into the bracelet of this poor soul has a false claw where its natural one should be...meaning it was minted AFTER Parnoth lost his own claw--and AFTER he promised to free the slaves of the Emerald Kingdom!"
(Vacationing DM's OOC Note: Indeed, if any of the party cares to peer closely, the seal bears the image of Parnoth as he is now, rather than the old Official Seal; thus K'Nara's assumption has at least one very valid point to support it.)
Just as K'Nara was about to demand that somebody get that blasted, evil jewelry OFF the ex-elf, Lucius makes his sudden and dramatic appearance.
"What happened to you???" K'Nara asked the newcomer, and then wrinkled her brow. "You look awful familiar..." (OOC: K'Nara never really met Lucius--only saw him in passing when the group was first assigned to retrieve that artifact for the Tines.)
Figment Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 8:21:32 PM
"What I'm saying, K'Nara, is that somebody may have minted this thing. Remember the 2 blue dragons? The green meany does have enemies of note, you know. Perhaps we can determine where it came from...".
Olana Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 10:29:46 PM
Near to tears, Olana says - "Well, whoever it is - they should be stopped. Lucius, whats going on?"
She stares with disbelief at the dead elf. The bad things were coming around again.
Glannath Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 10:31:35 PM
The scent of death, carrion. Was that why Athalorn acted this way?
The huge eagle follows his companion.
Lian Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 10:32:03 PM
Lian's head snaps toward the Tine member. "Aw man. Something else to worry about."
"Parnoth has to go."
Lian removes the jewelry from the dead elf.
Tines com'a callin'...(ADM Jay B) Thursday September 23rd, 2004 12:14:17 AM
Athalorn sees no danger. He does see a single human man hunting. He's a poor hunter, missing every pigeon he fires at. He takes aim at Athalorn but misses.
Everyone looks at the Seal of Parnoth and it does seem authentic.
Figment makes a valid point.
Without another word, and under the assumption that you'll follow, Lucius heads off toward town without further word. He looks back to see if your following. "Come one."
Lian and Olana both make their feelings felt.
Athalorn Thursday September 23rd, 2004 3:55:17 AM
The druid smiles inside at the dreadful hunter. If this was all the forest had to contend with, then it would be a happy place indeed.
As the party moves off, Athalorn soars higher, feeling the air brushing against his feathers the thrill of being so high warming his spirit, and Glannaths company reminding him of better times. He follows the Talons as they head off to town.
Brother Bertram Thursday September 23rd, 2004 4:36:31 AM
Bertram keeps heading back towards town, rushing the pony as fast as it was able to carry his bulk.
Ingrge Thursday September 23rd, 2004 5:53:27 PM
Raising an eyebrow at K'nara's outburst, Ingrge takes a deep breath and sighs. Looking to the heavens he then calmly replies.
" As much as I do not like or trust him, I have doubts that Parnoth has actually broken his word, per se. I expect his interpretation and ours of what was said may be quite different. As I recall there was a law against elves being in the city without one of those braclets. As we never asked and he never said, I expect that is still a law, which means any elf without one is a lawbreaker or a criminal. If this is the case He did not break his word. It just makes him an evil, slimy, fork-tongued despot that needs to be overthrown."
As Lucius arrives Ingrge reaches for his staff and then relaxes a moment as he really sees him. Looking around he realizes that Bertram is nowhere in sight.
"Hey all, Our friendly Brother seems to have taken Parnoth's present to heart. I expect he is a third of the way to town already. Let's hoof it people."
K'Nara Thursday September 23rd, 2004 7:34:21 PM
The human bladesinger blinked, almost aghast that none of her friends seemed to support her opinion of Parnoth. She wanted to stamp her feet and remind them that the slimy green monster had plotted to have her killed not just once but twice! She knew better than anyone here just what a duplicitous and evil serpent he was..!
...and then there was Endrin's lapdog come yapping at them to return to the City. K'Nara's initial instinct to tell Lucius to take his summons and use it for a saddle evaporated as she realized that returning to Kaari would allow her to consult with Milo--that wily little rogue was just the person to be able to prove whether or not Parnoth had returned to his evil ways!
Pausing only long enough to see Rainara use a Floating Disc spell to unload the cart and to give the woman permission to have the deceased elf interred on the Tower grounds if that seemed proper to her and her husband, K'Nara immediately mounted Poki once more and spurred the horse into following the Tine from the City.
'I'll see you dead, you moldy mass of gangrene!' K'Nara thought to herself vindictively...then urged her horse to greater speed.
Falin Thursday September 23rd, 2004 9:42:47 PM
"I for one has always believed that Parnoth should die. I never believed that he had turned from the dark side. I have a vendeta against him and I will either see it paid or my lifes blood flow from my body."
After saying that he wipes a tear from his eye and follows Lucius.
Gunther Thursday September 23rd, 2004 10:18:52 PM
As is by now, almost tradition, Gunther follows the others into the fray. Having no horse of his own (yet) he hoofs it on foot, watching to see if the panther follows or melds into the forest as he suspects.
Olana Friday September 24th, 2004 1:33:30 AM
Olana's sense of fairness struggles with the overwhelming outrage coursing through her head.
Was this Parnoth's doing? Or not? She offers to help Rainara when they return, in respect of the dead elf's body.
Then she sets off with the others, jogging on foot alongside Gunther.
Glannath Friday September 24th, 2004 1:38:09 AM
Close by, Athalorn's eagle companion beats powerful wings, keeping up easily.
She panther Friday September 24th, 2004 5:20:26 AM
The feline moves off following the group and indeed finds a private path in the brush and disappears.
It's not entirely certain, but the group feels its being watched from afar by feline eyes.
Lian Friday September 24th, 2004 5:32:54 AM
Lian pushes Merlot to move his fastest toward town.
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