Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 11:58:24 PM
The woman's head whips up, wavy brown hair flying about as if she were Stripes catching a scent. "Better prepared...", she echoes Gilan. "These Walkers are offering for us to become warp and weft of a bigger pack, one that wants to do for the Wold what we are trying to do for the Sargrass. Why! It's not like this is all one side of the tapestry either. If we join, they can call on us, but we can call on them, too!"
Full of mercurial enthusiasm, Tishe' troops around and goes to the wizard. "I would weave my thread with yours to become a part of the Star Mages. And the League as well."
Stripes senses that his human has accepted these hunters-of-a-strange-pack and, remembering the touch of the other female, relaxes. He sits on his haunches and cleans himself.
Jake Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:10:32 AM
"Shady!" Jake chirrups. He shakes hands with the big guy, and takes a gander at the lady. She's probably not exactly the fantasy-type warrior he was envisioning, decked out in chain bikini or whatnot. Those adventure books of his had rather exaggerated illustrations. None of his packmates ever looked like THOSE girls, in any case. "Say, are there other packs in the WLA? Ah mean, packs from Rattledam or the Plains..."
Mac Thursday May 4th, 2006 3:06:04 AM
Following orders, Mac heads back over to the crab that tossed him, and begins fairly systematically opening and emptying it. Early in the process he considers that this crab didn't rend and eat anyone during the combat, and thus anything they might find in here ::squelch:: must be from some past attack.
Grymash Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:45:13 PM
Grymash doesnt understand what these strangers are talking about, or how they know so much. However, his instincts dont preceive them as threats so he sees no need to be on guard. He continues to look at the small items he found and wonders what he could do with the crab bodies. It would be a shame for them to go to waste.
Flea Thursday May 4th, 2006 8:00:36 PM
The rogue pulls her hooked hammer from her belt and starts to work her way through the guts. Something catches her eye, and she tries to hook it with her weapon.
Trellus Thursday May 4th, 2006 8:23:45 PM
The blond man chuckles lightly at Grainz's comments. "Dude, 'not totally sanctioned' ain't a problem for us, truly."
He looks around at his friends a moment, gauging their reactions. "OK, so you got us interested. My folks sell pottery. Dad says 'Get em interested, then give 'em the price.'"
He gives the pair a look.
"So, what's the price?"
Spoils and costs. (DM Jim) Thursday May 4th, 2006 11:45:38 PM
Graze looks to the dagger that is being offered to him and shakes his head. He does take it for a few seconds to look it over and then laughs. "Ya gotta be jokin me son...noone in the village can afford that." He hands it back to Anuk with a sad look upon his face. "Ya may never find the owner." He indicates the bundled arm with a slight frown before adding more. "Noone in this village has that kind of wealth...you find something of interest besides a regular weapon...it not belong here."
Flea thumbs through the guts looking for exactly what it was that drew her attention and comes up with a little something on her hammer. While she is doing that the others are searching the rest of the crabs as well. Several of you find other things but some have grizzly reminders of their past owners...a pair of boots with feet and part of a leg in them, a head that once probably wore that necklace and another hand with a ring upon it. Flea pulls up a small pouch on the hook end of her hammer but the bag is half eaten through and a number of gems fall out of it, to scatter upon the sand.
Graze moves further down onto the beach and looks over the crabs with a critical eye. Tishe' is doing much the same and though they can find nothing wrong with the crabs...they are clearly some kind of mutation. Maybe that mutation is only with it's size and Graze is wondering about the possibility of getting them for meat. He looks to Tishe' and smiles. "Think young Trellus would consent to the village having these...you can keep the rest...the meat would be a big help for the village." He turns a gaze back to the crabs and then slices off a chunk with a dagger at his side. He takes a small taste of the meat and then his smile widens. "Best I had for a while." He eats down the last bit of the meat in his hand, which was not a large piece.
Grainz looks to Trellus and then counts out the members of the pack. He seems to be doing some quick checking in his head and then turns to the cleric. "Figure a total of around 65000 gold for the lot of them normal...if they can reach journeyman that is...plus 2000 for the SMG." The cleric just nods her own head as she has also done the math in her head, though she has an idea of what Grainz has in mind. He turns back to Trellus and nods his head. "How about a group rate of 40000 for the whole lot of you...that includes memberships for all of you to the WLA and for the two wizards in the SMG?" He waits to see if this is acceptable to the young man and then shakes his head again. "Want to go back to the tavern...I can buy you all a drink and you can talk it over in the cool of the building?"
Treasure dagger ring amulet orange gem(3) dark blue gem round white gem necklace boots blue gem(4) vials(9) platinum(500)
Tishe' and Stripes Friday May 5th, 2006 12:01:46 AM
Tishe' turns her warm brown eyes upward to look at Graze. "I think weaving a crab feast is a wonderful idea; it will get the people feeling better than they have in a long time. And it's not like we can haul a couple tons of crab meat around with us, there is plenty to share." Taking her eating knife, she emulates Graze and cuts a piece of crab flesh and tastes.... salty, light, fluffy... good!
Tishe's face falls at the mention of the price. Wow! That's a lot of grass! The best suggestion she has heard was talk it over at the bar during the feast. "Oh yes, no hasty decisions, and we can properly distribute our winnings."
Tishe' will cast a Detect Magic on all the crab contents found.
Jake Friday May 5th, 2006 1:02:33 AM
Jake looks over at the crab eagerly, but holds himself back. "Forty thousand? Ah don't think we have that much money..." Or maybe we do? He checks his pockets. "Ah only have a few thousand, myself...and ahw as hoping to make a trip to the catacombs...But if this organization is all ya say it is.." He sighs, unable to decide.
(40k gold is a lot of money...)
Trellus Friday May 5th, 2006 10:39:47 AM
Trellus' mouth drops to the sandy beach, and he stands there for several moments, shocked into speechlessness.
"Forty THOUSAND?!?" he manages at last. "Domi's Light, dude."
He looks around again, seeking some kind of inspiration. None appears to be forthcoming.
"Uh, I think a drink or two -- or twelve, he thinks to himself -- is totally called for."
As they walk back to the Mug, the blond man quietly asks Flea, "so how much is all them gems you found worth?"
Gilan and Ciaran Friday May 5th, 2006 11:35:05 PM
Gilan stands but remains silent as he hears the price. Any other time he would have been wondering how they would come up with that kind of money...right now he is thinking of something to drink and maybe something to eat.
He follows along with the rest of the group as he tries to figure out what to have. He can easily come up with his share of the cash if the group decides to join up.
Ciaran stands as well and follows along after his brother. He can already feel the way his brother is acting and figures that food is sure to come. Maybe a large piece of meat and a few bones or better yet...a large bone with meat still on it.
Mac Sunday May 7th, 2006 4:10:16 AM
Mac watches Flea and Tishe' examining and identifying the treasure with interest. Whilst it is mostly pretty stuff, he doesn't see it helping make up the 40 thousand gold the Officer mentioned. Still, someone mentioned drinks...
OOC: If this stuff survived consumption by the crabs due to its magical properties, then their past 'meals' may have been some seriously equiped dudes.
Slow and steady. (DM Jim) Monday May 8th, 2006 2:36:42 PM
Grainz takes the group back into the village, heading for the Mug. He leads the whole lot into the tavern and soon has the first series of drinks layed out on the tables with large pitchers for refilling. He sits and drinks of the cool ale as he listens the the general chatter inside the tavern, most of it being about how this group of strangers beat the crabs.
Back outside Graze is leading the older members of the village in the cutting up of the crabs for a large feast this night. He is also rather happy about the fact that it will allow the village to have food for several weeks after as well...and trade goods as well.
Tishe' is seated at one end of the table that everyone is drinking at with the stuff they got off the crabs before her. She has divided it into two parts...magical and nonmagical.
The female cleric seats herself at the table and takes a long drink of the ale as well. She looks to Grainz and shakes her head. "Remember our mission...we cannot spend too much time here." She takes another pull from the mug and then looks to the group. "The name is Marli by the way and as you may have noticed...I serve Domi and to some extent Gargul."
The wizard, Kertan, has taken a seat by Tishe' and is currently looking at the loot that you won as well. "This maybe one of the most stimulating part of adventuring for a wizard...making guesses about stuff before you identify it...not that I am right very often and some things are rather complex to be figured out." He does not interfere or touch anything as he watches Tishe' and possibly Ulgren go about their business. He is rather surprised when Gilan, who he would guess to be a druid drops off a scroll case and gives Tishe' a wink.
Treasure dagger ring amulet orange gem(3) dark blue gem round white gem necklace boots blue gem(4) vials(9) platinum(500) (magical is italic)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Ulgren Monday May 8th, 2006 11:10:48 PM
Ulgren shakes his head softly side to side when the price of admission is mentioned. "That leaves me out," the drow whispers to Trellus as he heads up to the inn for a drink. Ulgren smiles at Kertan, "I am Ulgren D'athen, and make very bad guesses. I prefer the scroll to the usually off the mark guess."
Flea d20+9=26 Monday May 8th, 2006 11:28:06 PM
Flea stoops to pick up the gems that tumble out of the deteriorating pouch. She pockets them and any other small items that she might find, then troups along with the rest of her pack back to the local watering hole.
Taking a seat next to Trellus, Flea orders a Flaming Green Gnomish, if the barkeep knows how to mix the famous drink. If they don't know what she is talking about, she'll order a nice Asildurian red..."I wonder if they have chilled Ice Wine?" the gnome thinks with some melancholy. With a drink within reach, the rogue gets to work estimating the value of the gems (and any other items) found.
(Appraise=26)
Tishe' and Stripes Monday May 8th, 2006 11:54:44 PM
Glancing around at all the magical treasure, "nice picks, packmates!", Tishe' wonders what the mage means. "How can you identify something without the spell? I mean, is it skill or luck involved in naming a magical item?"
She smiles at Gilan and gives him a fond pat on the arm as the scrollcase clatters down. "What a sweetie.", she comments to no one in particular. And then focuses on the magical items. The gems are obviously for Flea to appraise, and platnuim is self-evident, but for the rest...
"The dagger probably enhances battleskill, and the vials are almost certainly potions... Gilan! can you look at the potions?... But as for the rest, there are so many possibilities..." She shakes her head. Concentrating her detect magic spell, she tries to guage the auras of the items to see if they are weak, moderate, or strong, as well as school of magic. Using the detect spell to the fullest extent will give her a better understanding of where to start.
Tishe' begins talking to herself as she concentrates on the items "after all, conjuration can summmon or heal, abjuration would protect, transformation would change..."
The plain-faced girl's mind is also on the 40K required to join. She glances at Kertan out of the corner of her eye. "You mentioned that we could join two ranks in the WLA. What if we only join the first one?"
dagger ring amulet orange gem(3) dark blue gem round white gem necklace boots vials(9)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Druidic 0; detect magic*, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Mac Tuesday May 9th, 2006 9:03:02 AM
"Marli, I am Mac. I follow Domi, and Gargul... well... I think I'd benefit from sitting down with yourself and Tishe' to talk about Gargul, and wisdom."
As his attention turns back to the bounty he think out aloud, "Whoever they were, they were willing to pay thousands of gold for a magical dagger instead of a couple of gold on an ordinary one. Gems are worth several hundred gold, and they had magical gems?! Maybe 40,000 gold isn't so out of reach..."
He pauses for a moment and asks, "Are these vials all the same? I mean, do they have the same stuff in them?"
Gilan d20+14=21 d20+14=18 d20+14=20 d20+14=19 d20+14=31 d20+14=15 d20+14=34 d20+14=32 d20+14=18 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 12:44:06 PM
Gilan stands and moves back down to the other end of the table. He takes a seat as he pulls the tattered piece of belt to him that holds the vials. "On it Tishe'." He takes out all nine potions and starts by checking their basic colors to see if any are the same or appear to be the same. As he works he does not say much as he is intent on his own work.
[spellcraft 21/18/20/19/31/15/34/32/18]
Anuk Tuesday May 9th, 2006 1:57:35 PM
Anuk follows Grainz and the pack into the Mug, but his thoughts remain on the beach and the men outside. Since finding the severed arm, he has seemed melancholy and lost in thought. He stares at the dagger for a while and sighs.
"We killed those crabs, but how many more are there below the waves?" he says, almost to himself. "Whatever's driving the crabs, they're killers. Someone's gotta protect these people against whatever comes next."
He's quiet for some time and then his big toothy grin opens across his face. "I've come to a decision," he announces. "I'm...uh...I'm gonna be staying here for a while. Drinks are on me, tonight!"
Trellus d20+12=14 d20+12=19 d20+12=21 d20+12=22 d20+12=23 d20+12=13 d20+12=21 d20+12=21 d20+12=27 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 8:13:52 PM
The blond cleric mingles with his packmates, both to get their take on the WLA offer, and to see what the goodies are.
"Maybe Graze'll take the non-magical stuff," he mentions to Anuk and Gilan. "He can't get twisted about that, can he?"
He takes a while to look over the potions with Gilan, but his mind keeps wandering: [Spellcraft 14/19/21/22/23/13/21/21/27 (jeez)]
After a cursory inspection, he blurts out "I think I'm in. These dudes may be the waxed pick we need to weave a way past the beaters back home. We can get reliable information from good guys, instead of this...this...whatever it is the monks are giving us."
Trellus' thoughts are rolling all over the place. It takes quite a while for Anuk's comment to register. He gives the ranger an arched eyebrow. "Whaddya mean by 'a while'?" he asks suspiciously.
Mac (illegal additional post) Tuesday May 9th, 2006 8:32:51 PM
"But Anuk, we're tracking the children down - we're gonna need you!"
Flea (illegal 2nd post) d20+2=15 d20+2=15 d20+2=17 d20+2=8 d20+2=19 d20+2=6 d20+2=5 d20+2=18 d20+2=21 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 8:42:30 PM
Flea perks up when Tishe' talks of potions. "I can help there, too!" she volunteers. The rogue handles the vials carefully after Gilan has checked them out. She unstoppers each vial, and her sensitive gnome nose goes to work. Each vial is recorked after a quick sniff.
Skills-alchemy=15, 15, 17, 8, 19, 6, 5, 18, 21.
Flea tries to remember other potions she has sniffed. She is sure to recognize the smell of almonds that comes with a curative spell. There are a few others that she is familiar with, but some that would be foreign as well.
Grymash d20-2=5 d20+2=4 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:26:51 PM
Grymash downs another ale. He hasn't had too much to say about the goings on between his packmates and the strangers. He still doesnt understand what they are talking about. However, a question does finally float to the surface. "If thays want ta give da bloodpack 40 teenzies gold ginglies, then why no let thems? Heck, Gry could use 'nuther pair boots for feet an uh keg o' glass grass! Dat be gute pay for killin' da crabbies."
(Int check 5. Wisdom check 4)
Loot and talks. (DM Jim) Tuesday May 9th, 2006 11:29:03 PM
Flea fingers the four blue gems and after a few tests she knows for a fact that each one is a diamond. Her eyes widen as she takes in each ones pure color and flawless surface and makes a few mental notes...5000 for each gem if she is not mistaken and she feels that she is right on the mark.
Tishe' takes to the treasure with some gusto. She has always liked a puzzle and this is a good one that nets the group something nice in the exchange. Her spell still working allows her to come up with a few more tidbits about the goodies.
Ulgren sits and watches Tishe' though he does introduce himself to Kertan. Not being as new to the pack he does not realize that the scroll case dropped onto the table contains scrolls that he could make use of.
At the other end of the table Mac sits down to talk to the young cleric and the leader of this small group. He does some thinking outloud about the cost of joining and some stuff.
Gilan checks over the vials one by one and comes up with only three that he can identify out of the nine. He growls at his own inabilities but passes the others onto anyone that wants to try.
Anuk drops a small hint that he may stay on at the village for awhile to help out here. He has had enough of the grass and would welcome some time to study the waters here...maybe make some drawings for later use.
Trellus stands, partly to get information about the goodies but also to find out what the others think about the WLA. Plus it gives him a chance to think this through. He does stop off to have a look at the last six potions but comes up with only one that he is able to figure out. The comment by Anuk does put him on the prod.
As both Trellus and Gilan pour over the potions, Flea gives them what aid she can with her alchemy skills. Though she is not able to help out much for Gilan, she is able to point out some oddities to Trellus that allows him to identify yet another potion.
Grymash is having a good time drinking and though he does not understand all that is going on...he just cannot see why it would be bad to take the money. If the poor half-orc only realized that he will be paying a percentage of this money instead.
Kertan looks to Tishe' with a smile and goes through some quick figures. "That would cut your cost a great deal but not allow as many benefits...making it to the second tier in trainin will toughen you up and allow you to take more damage(aka Toughness feat)." As he runs through the numbers a little more he looks down to Grainz and gets his attention. "What about 14000 gold if the first tier alone is taken?" He has included the fee for the SMG as well in there but does not mention that as of now.
Grainz looks up at Kertan and takes in what the mage is saying with a nod of his head. "We could do it for that much for the whole group...except for Anuk there if he would rather wait. If he joins too that would raise the price a little and that would get you the basics in the WLA, plus access to the SMG for the two mages." He glances to Marli and nods his head again. "We can take a few days here and then go after the slavers in the area...I am sure that band has not moved that far off."
Marli shakes her head and then smiles slightly. "You are right...they like to pick off stray groups for slaves anyways." She laughs lightly as she turns to Mac to talk to the minotaur. "That is the reason that there is only three of us traveling this direction." She rummages through her pack and tossed a set of manacles upon the table before her. They clatter and then come to a stop, though it is not hard to tell they are made from a strange black metal. "We got these a couple of weeks ago when we got the job. Seems the slavers in question use only the best manacles to hold their slaves." You can tell that she takes it personal that anyone would sell another person as a slave.
Treasure dagger[moderate transmutation] ring[faint abjuration] amulet[moderate transmutation] orange gem(3)[moderate conjuration] dark blue gem[moderate magic] round white gem[strong transmutation] necklace[moderate transmutation] boots[faint transmutation] blue gem(4) [i]vial vial vial levitate potion levitate potion vial daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) (magical is italic)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Mac Wednesday May 10th, 2006 1:21:01 AM
"Nice!" chimes in the taur as he looks at the manacles. "We came by a set of these a week or two back - got them packed away in our room at the moment - and my family are all sorts of smiths, but I don't recognise the metal. What can you tell us about it?"
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday May 10th, 2006 1:45:07 AM
Oh, there are so many things to talk about that Tishe' is having a hard time concentrating on any one subject! Treasure, slavers, crabs, Anuk, and joining groups, oh my!
For the groups, Tishe' siezes on Trellus' comment with gusto and ponders the words of Kertan. "Brilliant! Er, I mean... Shady!", exclaims the brown-haired mage. "We've been wondering if the monks have only been showing us one side of the tapestry for a long while. With an independant source, we could verify and be sure we are helping the right people! And perhaps we will be able to pay the entire 40,000 gold with the gems we have found..."
Tishe' sees with relief that Mac has taken the slaver talk by the horns, and is confident that if they took out the slavers.... "If we took care of your slavers," she says to Marli, "I wonder if you could check out where the giant crabs are coming from so we can do the quest we promised for the return of Ulgren from the Lands of Rest? That way, we can get two bounders with one arrow!"
Trellus is confronting Anuk, and Tishe' also is sure the cleric can find out what pick the ranger is on better than herself. If there is one thing she doesn't know, it's how to handle people!
So the plain-faced girl goes back to what she is good at, and concentrates on the magic: "well, to identify these will take the rest of the day (casting time is an hour for Identify) so we may as well get started!
It is morning, so Tishe' can study spells and take all Identify spells for her Red Spells. So she can (thoughout the day) Identify the Dagger, Ring, Amulet, Orange Gem, and Dark Blue Gem.
"Ulgren", she asks, "could you Identify the Round White Gem, Necklace, and Boots? You can weave your own spells, or use Gilan's Identify scrolls." She hands Ulgren the scroll case with four Identify scrolls.
dagger[moderate transmutation] ring[faint abjuration] amulet[moderate transmutation] orange gem(3)[moderate conjuration] dark blue gem[moderate magic] round white gem[strong transmutation] necklace[moderate transmutation] boots[faint transmutation]
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Stripes sits down and enjoys immensely the feast after the hunt; cracking shell with powerful jaws and eating succulent flesh.
Druidic 0; detect magic*, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Jake Wednesday May 10th, 2006 5:21:04 PM
Jake sits over by Tishe and boredly watches her go about identifying stuff. "You know," he suggests, "there's a quicker way to identify stuff, just get Gry to try putting it on. Last time worked out pretty well..." he chuckles.
Jake seems pretty at ease, and heads back to the bar while the others divide up the treasure. He comes back with a waitress, who he has bribed with a gold to take drinks over to the hard-working packmates.
Flea Wednesday May 10th, 2006 7:11:22 PM
After a study of the gems, Flea's eyes widen when she recognizes the treasure that has landed in the party's lap. Although she hasn't picked up all the details of membership volunteered by the folks from that 'league', the gnome does fancy thier cool blue badges and wouldn't mind the prestige of sporting one on her cloak.
"Psst!" she whispers, "Trellus!"
When the rogue has the cleric's attention, she beckons him down to her level, and with a hand to her mouth, she whispers in his ear the estimated value of the gems she has appraised.*
*(4 gems x 5000 = 20,000 GP)
Trellus Wednesday May 10th, 2006 8:26:38 PM
Trellus grins at Flea. "Shady!" he whispers back.
He lets Tishe and Ulgren at the magic while he mosies back over to Grainz. Anuk is staying, which bites grass. But with he and Ulgren out, 40K doesn't look like a great bargain any more.
The blond cleric tries to block Anuk's imminent departure out of his mind, and quietly works with the seasoned fighter. "I'm thinking we got seven interested in joining," he says. "How 'bout 31?"
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday May 10th, 2006 8:57:13 PM
Gilan looks to Ulgren as he takes a sip of the cold fruit drink before him and then wonders. "Why would you not be able to join...surely you will get a share of what we have here." He cannot understand why the wizard would turn down this opportunity unless he is planing something else.
Looking to Trellus he speaks a little louder so that the blonde cleric can hear him. "Try 35 and we will get Ulgren in somehow." He already knows how they will go about doing it but does not want to say at this time.
Ciaran is quietly sleeping at his brothers feet as he waits for the food to start flowing. His own nose has picked up the scent of something that smells very good.
Like most of Gry's ideas, they usually come to him dead on arrival. Without thinking too hard about what Flea was suggesting, "Shady ... Gry can put on an see wha...!? HEY! Gry NOT be doin' dat agains!! Gry keepin' all Gry's pieces parts dis time!! NO WAY! Any one try dat wit Gry will gets uh slobber knocker!!" The half-orc clinches his white-knuckled fist and shakes it a few times for all to see before retiring back to his drink. After taking another gulp, Grymash mutters, "Grymarsha wus most pretty girl in da pack anyways ... jus make Flea jealous!" (Bluff: 18) Gry puts up a rather convincing front in trying not to show a smile and give away his little joke.
Ulgren Wednesday May 10th, 2006 10:59:37 PM
Ulgren whispers to Trellus, "I am interested but I lack the funds to cover my fee." The mage then smiles at Tishe', "I can identify the other items in the morning, no problem." The drow then turns and listens to the rest of the conversation.
Anuk Thursday May 11th, 2006 12:08:36 PM
After a few drinks, Anuk stands up from the table. "My friends," he says with a smile as he raises a new mug of green gnomish with his gloved hand, "to the Bloodpack!" He drains the mug and puts down and looks around at everyone.
"Protecting people is a shady thing, and I really do think I'll be of help to these good folks, but...light, I'll miss you all. Trellus...thanks for all the waxed picks during our fights. Your head's always been in a shady place, 'dude'. Gry...thank you for your constant protection and your big heart. Gargul is proud of you. Watch your back when Jake's around, eh? Speaking of whom...Jake, thanks for keeping things...uh...'interesting'. And best of luck with every lady you meet from here on out. Watch out for their fathers. Flea...thanks for your friendship...I'm glad you came to Rattledam. I hope your thread crosses with Bohdi's again someday. Gilan, you are the night soil, my friend. Keep your ties to mother Wold strong. And thank you for the gift box for my pens...I'll always use it. Mac, you came to us right when we needed your strength. Thanks for your bravery and your comradeship. I'm glad to have known you. Tishe', thank you for your uncommon sense. Keep those celestial bison coming and keep Jake in line, would you? And Ulgren, thanks for the shady fire picks. You've woven tightly with the pack in such a short time it's like you were here all along."
He gives everyone a grin, but there is a hint of sadness behind his eyes. He produces a pouch of coins, removes two of them and gives them to the bartender. Then he places the bag with the remainder of the coins on the table (248pp), along with the knife he found in the crab on the beach. "I hope this helps you on your quests. I can't see that I'll need it here." He clasps his hand over his fist and gives a slight bow. "The land, my life, my friends. Farewell. I hope our threads cross again. Oh...and someone kick Galafar in the rear for me when you get back to Rattledam." He winks and then turns and exits through the door of the Mug. As you hear his footsteps fade off, each pack member feels a farewell heart touch from the stocky ranger.
The feast and farwell. (DM Jim) Thursday May 11th, 2006 1:04:21 PM
As the day wears on a little further the group talks over thier plans and the village folk mainly leave you all alone. Though many come over and offer thanks for saving thier village and all. A certain female from the previous night comes over and seems to be stuck to Jake and many notice a smiling father in the corner.
At last Anuk makes his true intentions know. He drinks one last toast to the group and then makes a small contribution to the funds. With a last hearttouch to the group as a whole he wanders out the door and further into the village. He had made a deal with one of the locals to stay at his house. The man has no family and had been welcome of the company when Anuk had offered.
With a little bit more of a heavy heart the pack goes back to their dealings or at least might. As the day wears on further the pack find themselves swept up in a large outdoors cookout of crab meat. Large fire pits have been set up to cook the meat on with a large supply of vegetables.
Grainz moves over to stand by Trellus as he looks out over the festivities. "I would like to see those manacles...you may have settled our mission for use." He looks to the blonde cleric with a smile. "If that is so...we could check into the will behind the crab if you want." The other two members of his group are off talking to the villagers already. Soon the mage is casting a series of spells that delight the children with images of the fight upon the beach.
Treasure keen dagger+2 ring of protection+2 amulet of health+2 orange elemental gem(2) orange gem[moderate conjuration] dark blue rhomboid ioun stone(alertness) pearl of power(3rd) periapt of wisdom+2 boots of elvenkind [i]vial vial vial levitate potion levitate potion vial daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) blue gem(4)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(0)]
Went ahead and used up the identify scrolls of Gilan's to identify a further four pieces of treasure. That only leaves one piece left and the potions that we could not identify.
Tishe' and Stripes Thursday May 11th, 2006 4:05:30 PM
Farewells are never Tishe's strong suit, and besides, she had stayed behind with the Manfri for a couple of days so could hardly try and make Anuk stay. Still, there was a comforting presense about the quiet ranger with the ashen-gray hand.
"As a shuttle through the loom", she formally tells Anuk, "you move away from us this day, may you touch our threads again." She smiles and is comforted by the hearttouch, and wonders what will happen to the Tear of the Dragon that is embedded in the ranger's chest.
With the majority of the magic identified, (and told to everyone) Tishe' waits for others to make thier selections since she gave up the ring+2 for the Peripat of Wisdom +2 from Grymash...
Stripes keeps eating.
Druidic 0; detect magic*, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Trellus Thursday May 11th, 2006 8:13:59 PM
The blond man grasps the ranger's forearm and pulls him close. "Walk in the shade, Anuk," he says as his eyes well up.
It takes Trellus quite a few moments to trust himself to speak after Anuk's departure.
"OK," he tells Grainz. "We're all in, all the way."
He looks over the crab treasure. The pearl is of interest, but Ulgren might make better use of it. He waits to see if the drow makes a claim.
"Mac, if you ain't got a ring like that, you should probably take it," he suggests.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday May 11th, 2006 11:40:58 PM
Gilan clasps Anuk in a hug of his own and just barely keeps himself from making a fool of himself. "Your thread will always be with us no matter the distance...I am sure that we will see each other again one day." He lets the man go and moves back from the others. If anyone notices the few tears that swell in his eyes he will pass it off as he got some sand in his eyes.
Ciaran can feel the sense of loss, not only from his brother but the rest of the group as well. He cannot figure out why one of the pack would leave unless it was a time to die or he had broken some pack law.
As Gilan watches the others and has got himself back under control he shakes his head. "The pack will never be the same till he comes back...but we all must walk our own path when the time comes." He moves back over to look at the loot and wonders if Anuk will truely stay in this small village for long. Though he looks over the boots for a few minutes he does not say anything as they are really for sneaking and that is not his forte.
There is nothing of great interest to Gilan in the pile.
Mac Friday May 12th, 2006 1:07:21 AM
Mac wraps Anuk up in a bear hug. Before the ranger leaves he says to him, "I have a favour to ask of you. Will you keep Galea with you? Being lugged around the plains is no life for a kitten...". It is as far as he gets before he chokes up and falls silent.
When Trellus mentions the ring, he checks with Tishe' (who was going to get Gry's +1 ring after he gets the +2 ring from the slavers) to see if she wanted the newly identified +2 ring.
Tishe' (2nd Post) Friday May 12th, 2006 3:15:03 PM
the brown-haired girl gives Mac a warm smile and a dip of her chin to indicate he should take the ring. After all, he has people smacking him around a LOT more than she does! :)
Jake Saturday May 13th, 2006 12:47:10 AM
Jake gives Anuk a good handshake, clasping his packmate's hand and grinning at him. "Weave it shady, ya crazy walker," the tanned half-elf comments. "I know you'll come along back...you did before. Hey, you're blood no matter how much dust ya grind." Jake reaches into his pack and pulls out one of his wineskins. "Here's a bit of some of that sweet old glass grass, just to tidy yourself over." Jake wanders over to Tishe and considers her list. "If'n we're ta take some of the items here, I'd take the dagger normally, but ah'm thinking I'd rather trade it in for a few good throwing weapons. Ah'm thinking something weavy, like hammers or little axes. As it is, just count me out of this round of selection... Ah'm needing some cash, especially if ah'ma gonna join this league."
"Hey, while we're here, I saw one of those places that do tattoos and was thinking of getting one on my arm, what do you think, Trell?" Since tattoos would be scandalous back in Rattledam, Jake just can't help but mention this.
Meat and potatoes. (DM Jim) Saturday May 13th, 2006 6:25:28 PM
Grainz nods to Trellus and then motions the wizard and cleric to him. "Starting tomorrow morning we begin the training for this pack." He then looks to Trellus. "It will take about four days to get in all the training that we have to offer your group...this is normally at least six months of training in all." As he takes a bite of crab from off the plate that he is holding he smiles at the celebration that is going on. "Your pack has done a good thing for these people." Kertan looks to all the pack and then nods his head in understanding with what has been decided. "I will have the necessary spells ready for the next few days then." Marli persus her lips and then nudges Trellus with one hand as she looks him straight in the eyes. "I would also like to see those manacles that were mentioned in the morning if possible." She is hoping that maybe the ones that the pack took are going to be from the group that they were hunting for.
The party continues with many of the villagers coming over to congratulate and thank the pack for what they have done. Finally the village elder makes his way over with a small pouch in his hand. "It is not much but we would like to offer this to your group." He holds out the small pouch to Trellus after speaking and the smile that is upon his face speaks volumns.
Granz comes over and shakes his head. "I might have originally thought you would run...but ya proved me wrong." He holds out a hand to Trellus to shake with a bigger smile than you have seen this man give since you came here. "With the crabs gone...maybe we can get things back to normal and do some fishing." After shaking hands with Trellus he will move around to all of the pack in turn and offer thanks and shake hands.
The young woman hanging on Jake, Dinae, keeps close to him through the night and does not seem to be going to leave his side. Many of the other young woman are pouting about this as they wanted to have a chance to spend some time with him as well. Soon a dance is started with several of the older seaman playing on an assortment of odd instruments.
At around midnight the party breaks up and everyone moves off to get some sleep. Jake will find that Dinae still has a hold on him and gives him that come with me look. Many of the others in the pack find that they are also being watched by the young females of the village as well. Some are even approached for dances before it is time to go to sleep, some seem willing to invite the boys back to thier houses. Tishe' finds that a young man has been watching her all night long with doe eyes. He does get the nerve to ask her to dance but when it is time to go home he only wishes her a goodnight and if he can see her tomorrow. Flea finds that she is also a source of interest to some of the young men who watch her as she moves around. Still most of her attention is taken by the youngsters of the village that ply her for stories and tales of daring.
Treasure keen dagger+2 ring of protection+2 amulet of health+2 orange elemental gem(2) orange gem[moderate conjuration] dark blue rhomboid ioun stone(alertness) pearl of power(3rd) periapt of wisdom+2 boots of elvenkind vial vial vial levitate potion levitate potion vial daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) blue gem(4)
[i]You can post for the nighttime events and then to early morning. I will then start the training and get us through that as well.
Start your training back from 3rd level up to your current level. You will get access to both feats for joining the WLA and making it to journeyman. Those that joined the SMG will gain all the benefits of that from 3rd level up to your current level as well. Any questions please email me and I will take get into more depth if needed.
Mac d20+14=17 Saturday May 13th, 2006 9:30:05 PM
"I've got 'em Trellus!" Mac makes for their room, grabs the 5 sets of manacles, pausing briefly to reflect on the empty space where Galea's carrier sat, and brings them back to the table. He takes one in his hands and examines the black metal. [Weaponsmith check: 17 - sigh]
Mac (illegal additional post) Saturday May 13th, 2006 9:51:28 PM
Not entirely convinced that was the last of the crabs, but not sharing those thoughts with the celebrations underway, Mac takes up a position near the bell. Using the arctic gear on and off for warmth, he settles down for a night of light napping and watching.
Tishe' and Stripes Sunday May 14th, 2006 1:18:10 AM
The brown-haired girl enjoys herself at the party. She eats more than she should of the delicate crab meat, and accepts dances from the young man as well as dragging any of her 'pack who want to dance as well, smiling and stepping to the unfamiliar tunes and patterns. Mindful of her disasterous alcohol episodes with Jake's glass wine and a dream about something called a Flaming Green Gnomish, Tishe' keeps hydrated by cool water and lightly flavored cordials.
She doesn't notice any glares from girls or eyes from men until near the end of the night, when that nice dance partner bids her the good night. Oh my... The man is looking at her the way that girl is looking at Jake. The way boys used to look at Tishe's sisters but never at her. Blushing furiously, she stammers "I-I'll be in the village for a few d-days. Training. I'm sure you will see me. Er, Excuse me, but I need to talk to Gry." And she beats a hasty retreat to the side of the half-orc.
Soon after, Mac leaves the festivities, and Tishe' follows him out into the clear night. Seeing his intent, she nods, and joins his watch. Stripes pads beside her, and she affectionately rubs the hyena's ugly head. She passes the time talking to Mac about the stars, about her family in HookCity, about her very pretty sisters who always had boys following them. "I never had a boy follow me around", she comments frustratingly, "and I had my magic so was happy about not having the distractions. But since I went to Rattledam, there's been that Blackpack boy, Curli the faun, and now this fisher boy." She shakes her head. "I'm just a plain, dumpy girl; why are they trying to complicate my life!" A score of emotions are running across her face from flattered, to embarrassed, to puzzled, to frustrated.
Stripes sits close and offers what comfort he can to his human, not understanding why she is upset after the recent mating rituals of the fishpack.
Trellus d20+10=22 Sunday May 14th, 2006 9:42:38 AM
The blond haired man's head bobs up and down as he listens to Grainz. "Shady," he replies. "We're looking forward to it." When Mac appears with the manacles the trio is interested in, Trellus looks on with interest. "So what is that stuff they're made of, anyway?"
The village elder tries to give him something. Trellus grins, but covers the man's hands in his own and closes them back over the pouch with a shake of his head. "Thank you, truly," he responds politely. "But we have already recovered a great amount from the crabs themselves. Please keep it. You may have need of it later." [Diplomacy 22]
Graze comes over and the cleric laughingly returns the handshake. "I told you dudes, The Bloodpack doesn't run. We're were happy to help. Light, it led us to these three here."
The party starts getting under way, and Trellus notices that he's getting noticed. The evening is promising to by very shady indeed. Before everyone starts splitting up, he hunts down Ulgren and asks if he can take a shot at identifying the remaining potions and that last gem. "In the morning, if you can. No hurry."
With that last bit of business out of the way, the young man turns to enjoying some of the other benefits of being famous in a small town. He dances, he drinks. After a bit of drinking he tries his hand at singing. And he's more than willing to accept invitations.
Its a truly waxed evening.
Jake d20+18=27 d20+10=20 Sunday May 14th, 2006 11:58:39 PM
Jake enjoys the night immensely, buying drinks for villagers to get friendship, probably getting drinks bought for him by grateful people, and all in all making good friends. His friendly and easygoing nature excels in this environment, and he meshes with the townspeople like he was one of their own. Soon he's telling them stories, like of the time Grymash greedily tried a magic item and got turned into a woman, and the follow up joke about how he tricked a gnome in love with Flea to put on the belt to "grant him great powers in combat". He keeps on telling stories and drinking with just about everyone, and making sure to dance quite a bit with his current paramour.
(Perform; storytelling: DC 20 and Diplomacy DC 28 :D)
He also spends time trying to pull the other packmates into the fun. "Hey, GRY! Gilroy here says that he thinks Mac's stronger than you. I think you two should have an arm-wrestling contest to prove who's stronger!" He will also take bets, putting money on his personal favorite, Grymash, 'cause he's never seen the half-orc get beaten. Though the huge minotaur probably has his own supporters... Jake can't help but notice Tishe has a dancer and there's an amused glint in his eye when he manages to bump into her just as she's about to head after Mac. "Hey, Tishe! Ah think that boy over there thinks you're mighty cute. I'll make sure to tell him what kinda grass ya like and stuff. You want me to tell him you think he's cute? Okay!" And before she can respond he's off, his (Current) girlfriend pulling him off to dance.
And he can't help but notice hte attention the other packmates are getting. He gives Trellus some pointers and compares notes with the blond cleric on wihch girl to go after.
He also tries to draw the other quieter members into fun. The dark elf, who he tries to get to dance and show some moves, or maybe some magic tricks. Or Gilan, who he tries to convince to dance...and so on.
Flea Monday May 15th, 2006 12:55:48 AM
The gnome listens quietly as Anuk tells the pack about his decision. She doesn't say or do anything until just before he leaves. then she runs at the curly haired human and hugs him around the legs. "Don't go!" she cries piteously. "We need you! I-I-I need you!"
But the young man's mind is made up, and eventually Flea lets go, and watches as he makes his way through the village with the guy who is going to take him in.
Flea isn't in much of a mood to party, but the rogue's mood brightens when she spots the booty. Nothing specific calls her name, but everything must be touched and examined.
Ulgren d20+5=21 Monday May 15th, 2006 7:59:37 AM
Ulgren finishes identifying the items with Tishe' and looks up in time to hear Anuk's words of farewell. The drow's eyes well up, a pit forming in his stomach. The mage rushes over to him, "You are my family, my brother, my life, I'd give mine for yours." The mage stands a bit straighter, "I will miss you. A part of me will stay here with you." Ulgren gives Anuk a smile and a hug, "May the gods watch over you." Ulgren forces himself to turn to the task at hand, "I will memorize identifies in the morning to help with the rest of the potions and the last gem." Ulgren shakes his hand at the sight of the items laid across the table. "That pearl could come in handy, but I will defer to Trellus." The mage smiles as the festivities began and gets drawn into dancing by Jake and doesnt do half bad for his first time. The drow manages to avoid and invitations to anyone hut and eventually heads upstairs to bed.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday May 15th, 2006 12:57:09 PM
Gilan is quick to shake hands with Graze when he comes over to him. He cannot help but turn red at the thanks and all. Really it had been nothing that him and the pack have not done for others.
Through the night he spends his time drinking with the locals as he gets to know stories of the area...not that he will be able to relate any of them in Rattledam. With a little egging from Jake he finally consents to dance with a few of the women that ask him...though he does not take anyone up on thier offers of company.
After some time and when things start to wear down, he finds himself back out on the beach staring at the sea. Ciaran is by his side and watches the moon both in the sky and in the water. It is a nice night and he knows that tomorrow will start a routinue of training that he has not seen before. He lets his hand drop to lay upon the wolves head. "Tomorrow brother our lives will be different...but at least we will always be one." He scratches the spot behind the ears and smiles as the wolf looks up to him.
Tonight they will sleep outside upon the beach and be woken in the morning by Mother kissing them with morning light. He can feel that things have started to change with him...his appetite and tastes have started to change...he has also noticed a slight change to his teeth, more pronounced canines. It was strange but it felt natural...like he had always been this way.
One item and four potions remain to be identified. If anyone else has Spellcraft, a 25 will identify some of the potions...you just need to roll once for each potion.
Ulgren: 2nd illegal post d20+14=34 d20+14=20 d20+14=27 d20+14=18 Monday May 15th, 2006 10:43:25 PM
Spellcraft checks for the 4 potions :34, 20, 27, 18.
Train hard, train fast. (DM Jim) Tuesday May 16th, 2006 12:22:54 AM The Night Before Grainz and Marli both come over and take a look at the manacles with a professional look. As the compare the two sets of manacles that each group had they finall nod thier heads and seem to have an even more satisfied look upon thier faces. Grainz speaks up and Marli nods in agreement. "This is most definitely the group were had been looking for...you beat them all...killed them I would figure." It is not a question but a statement of fact really. He cannot believe their luck. Marli speaks up with a hint of amusement in her voice. "The metal is adamantine, an extremely strong metal and a rare choice for any slaver. You may notice those little markings on the manacles?" She points out a part moon and star on each manacle of the groups as well as the ones the WLA have. "These all belong to one group and they have been more successful than any other group...with them out of the way the slave trade will halt a little." It appears that the group has unknowingly done a mission for the WLA without even knowing it.
That Morning Those of the group that are not up early the next morning find that there is a pounding at thier room door. When it is finally answered Grainz is standing in the doorframe with a wide smile. "It is a fine morning for training and nearly seven...you should be out of bed by now...we train hard and we train fast." He moves back down the stairs and you do not hear much more out of him as he goes but... "Training time boys and girls."
Marli is down at the beach that same morning and is rounding up those that decided to keep vigil on the ocean or just spend the night there. To those that maybe there and not up she just holler at in a military tone. "Come on you lazy sacks of bones...the Wold waits for noone...it is time to start training." She waits long enough for them to get up and then marches back towards the houses and the inn.
Kertan collects the rest of the group from various houses or at least those that went home with villagers. His banging on the various doors rouses some of the villagers from thier sleeps, though they do not seem angry. "Time for training...fall out in front of the inn." He just gives that little bit of advice as he moves from house to house.
Back at the inn you find that all three of the WLA members are there but in a lot different clothes than earlier. Grainz and Marli are both wearing protective gear and Kertan is dressed in normal clothes. Leaning against the wall are a number of longspears, bastard swords and shortswords...of the practice variety. Grainz steps forward as if he is drilling a squad of troops. "Today we will starty your training with one of the following weapons...I know that some of you can use some of these weapons already so you will most likely choose the bastard sword which is not so common." He walks back and forth in front of the group with a big smile upon his face. "I want you to try out each weapon and see what fits you and that is the one that we will train you to use...unless you already have a preference." He waits for all of you to make a decision and pick up a practice weapon.
As weapons are chosen you find that you are soon in mock personal battles with either Marli or Grainz. They run you through the drills a number of times and though you get many bumps and bruises, you find that you are learning. When at last Grainz calls a quit to the training you feel like you have been at this for at least three weeks, but as you wipe off sweat it is only nearing noon.
Grainz nods his head in a satisfied fashion as he wipes off himself. "A very good morning of training...you are doing well...all of you." He moves back towards the inn and shakes the sweat from his hair. "We will break for four hours to get lunch and any private matters...then we will start training in your skills...which you had better think about and tell me what you want to do at that time." He moves on into the inn and leaves a tired bunch in his wake.
You now notice that a group of villagers, mostly admirers from the night before, are standing around or seated upon the sand watching you. Many of the seem to be admiring the athletic bodies that they are getting to see more of today than last night...or at least for some that is.
Treasure keen dagger+2 ring of protection+2 amulet of health+2 orange elemental gem(3) dark blue rhomboid ioun stone(alertness) pearl of power(3rd) periapt of wisdom+2 boots of elvenkind bless weapon oil bless weapon oil bless weapon oil levitate potion levitate potion levitate potion daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) blue gem(4)
All the treasure is identified. Ulgren was able to identify two of the potions through Spellcraft and I figure that he will identify the other two by spell when he gets a chance. The gem he also would identify with a spell. So there you have it...all the treasure is ready for sell or division.
OOC Tuesday May 16th, 2006 6:43:12 PM
One last question before I post the proposed distribution: Are we trading in the manacles, and if so, what are they worth? The manacles have an inherent value based on function and material (the latter I have no clue about), or a value based on them being 10lb of Adamantine (which I also do not have a price for). If we keep it, then as one option Mac would be willing to make each packmate a dagger - given time and access to a forge.
Grymash d20=7 Tuesday May 16th, 2006 9:05:10 PM
Grymash enjoys the training sessions. He also likes that he doesn't have the responsibility of planning a training schedule for his packmates that regularly joined him during his morning workouts. Using the bastard sword was a treat. He had never used one before. Gry also made sure not to be too gentle with Jake. Especially after his night of storytelling. Though he does feel kinda bad for stepping on his chest after "accidentally" knocking him to the ground. "OOPS! Sorry 'bout dat!"
(Bluff check: 7)
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday May 16th, 2006 9:59:07 PM
Gilan finds that the long spear is a nice weapon but he doubts that he will be able to use it much as it would be against the code he lives by. He puts everything into the workout that he can, just as if he was working out with Grymash.
As that part of the training is finished for the day he feels more tired than he has in a long time. When Grainz gives them some time off to eat and rest he is happy but the idea of coming back and working more leaves a bad taste in his mouth. Leaning the spear up against the inn he moves slowly inside. "Man...that was intense and I feel so tired." He slips into a seat in the Mug and sighs as it is cooler in here than outside. The training in the sand had made it all the harder.
When he finally gets a serving girls attention he orders some food and some cool juice. As he sits and waits for it to be brought he closes his eyes and leans back in the chair.
Ciaran whines from his spot on the floor and wonders when his brother will get him something to eat. After all he has not eaten since breakfast and he is hungry again.
Jake Wednesday May 17th, 2006 3:42:51 AM
If anything, Jake is actually giving pointers on bastard sword use to the others. (Exotic Weapon Prof in it, Weapon Focus, AND Specialization :P ). For him it's actually more than just a weapon, it's an extension of his arm. He enjoys using tihs time to get back at Grymash, making sure to use the wooden bastard sword to poke the half-orc a few times when he's still clumsily swinging, or to tap him on the side of his rather hard skull teasingly. Since he also knows how to hit those particularly-sensitive spots (using sneak attack rogue ability) he hits Grymash softly, but just in the rigth place to make it felt.
Mid-practice, he strips off his armor, and after a second, his shirt, showing his rather well-pronounced muscles. Since he's not a brute or overly muscled, he looks damned good, and he knows it. But he's also being rather vain...who else would practice wearing only a loincloth and a hat? Still, if you got it, flaunt it.
If anything, the practice is quite enjoyable to him overall. He's not used to the running and forced exercise by others, but he does keep himself under a heavy regimented exercise. This one's just a bit more fun, and interactive. He takes it seriously, putting all his effort into the tough exercises, but can't help but mix it with some goofing/showing off. Like, grabbing Gilan and rubbing his head furiously with his knuckles, "where'd you get them teeth, huh?"
Trellus Wednesday May 17th, 2006 7:58:23 AM
Trellus enthusiastically throws himself into the training with the bastard sword. For the cleric of Domi, the chance to just work without thinking much doesn't come around much anymore.
He dutifully follow Grainz's instructions and happily swings the unfamiliar weapon around and around. He notices the looks of some members of the audience, but doesn't think much about it. This morning isn't for thinking, its for doing.
Lunchtime rolls around, and the blond haired man drops down beside Gilan for some food. He eats quietly for a few minutes, gathering his thoughts. Back to thinking, he mutters wryly to himself.
"Hey Gilan," he starts. "I been wondering, how much info have the monks ever given us? I mean, they've been spoonfeeding us our entire lives. And now...I dunno...I don't think we're getting the true thread. I'm thinking maybe we get more outta these WLA guys. Maybe we actually talk to that Baron Lady. Maybe we ask the manfri on our own. Maybe...maybe Rattledam ain't the place we should be. Maybe we'd protect the Grass better from someplace else."
Trellus lowers his head and thinks some more. Its the first time he's ever mentioned leaving Rattledam, and the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he's likely the only person in the pack with anything to leave.
"Maybe we just start our own town," he muses.
Mac Wednesday May 17th, 2006 8:40:54 AM
Mac takes up a large Bastard Sword in one hand, and spends the morning getting used to the oversized weapon - the arcs, parries and thrusts. Grainz will no doubt need to impart some lessons here as Mac occasionally treats the tip of the bastard sword like a rapier. He lets Jake and Gry have their fun, but he's trying to gain all he possibly can from the training - even to the point of pushing the envelope.
As they break for lunch, he approaches Grainz and answers his question: "Climbin' please."
At lunch he eats what might normally be two portions for the taur, but still engages in the conversations at table.
More training. (DM Jim) Wednesday May 17th, 2006 5:27:27 PM
Grainz moves into the Mug as well and with his two companions they settle in for some food and rest as well. There is only one large table that all the group can set at and now it does not bother them to share it.
As the group goes about relaxing the serving girl brings around several pitchers of cool juice, beer and a light wine. She also has several platters of bread, cheese and assorted fruits brought to the table as well. She looks to all those present as they settle in. "For lunch we will be serving either a nice crab stew or lightly fried prairie pig in an apple sauce." She waits to see what everyone is looking to have and will bring it out.
Grainz looks to the group with a smile on his face as he takes a small bite of bread. "So...has anyone figured out the next part of your training for today." He glances to Mac and inclines his head. "Kertan will have a nice wall for those that want to practice climbing on and over the next few days we will work with several different types of wall actually." Kertan nods his head as he speaks up. "I have a wall of wood spell ready for today...I think I will try a stone wall tomorrow and work my way up to ice at the end." He chews on a piece of apple as he thinks a little more on it.
adamantine manacles should be worth roughly 300gold/manacle. I just noticed that you cannot truely figure that out with the DM book. Sorry about that.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday May 17th, 2006 11:06:55 PM
Gilan punches Jake in the shoulder as he comes into the Mug. "I think it is my connection with Father coming out." He simply shrugs as he cannot phrase it any better than that.
As he sits he opens one eye and looks to Trellus to see if he is serious. He sets forward and opens both eyes now. "I believe the council is telling us only what they want us to know...they may have good reasons for it...but I also know that they are isolationists in many ways." He rubs his shoulders and thinks over what else he can express in this matter. "They seem to fear change...something I cannot figure out...all things change...ask Tishe'...the tapestry is always changing as it is woven." He looks to the others to see if anyone else wants to say anything. "I also believe they hide a big secret that they fear...that is one reason they will not allow any trees to be grown outside the dome." Looking to Grainz and the others two he shakes his head with a sigh.
He looks back to Trellus as he reaches down and scratches his brother's head. "I doubt that the WLA has any more answers to some of the secrets that the council hides...I doubt that the council would tell anyone much of anything." He picks up a piece of apple and takes a bite out of it, chewing it slowly. "I am not sure that I want to settle down yet...but a new base of operations would not be a bad idea...the council have threatened us often enough and I doubt it is idle threats." He eats the rest of the apple as he gives a half-hearted smile. "The only one that I fear disappointing is Malafret...she has been nice to all of us...but I wonder just how much we can trust her..." He lets it hang there as he takes up a hunk of bread and takes a bite of that. He slips a few things from one of the platters onto the floor for Ciaran to eat.
Glancing to Grainz he nods his head. "Grainz...I would like to work on my animal handling skills after our break...if you have any ideas." He knows that he has a better chance of working with animals than most being a druid...but he could use some more skill in that area.
Trellus Thursday May 18th, 2006 8:19:04 PM
The cleric leans back, and runs his right hand over his short haired scalp several times. "Crab," he replies distantly to the several girl. "And, uh, I'll try climbing, too," he says in response to Grainz.
But mostly, he's thinking about home, and the monks, and what Gilan's saying, and what it all means. "Yeah, I know the Woldian League won't have many threads here. Its just.....I mean, light, I am so tired of being led around by those beaters. Malafret is shady, I guress... I dunno."
Trellus gets a far off look as he stares at the wall over Gilan's shoulder.
"Wouldn't it be totally shady if we found someplace with Grass and trees and water and people and just had a place to stay? Our own place? No beaters, no Barons, no Raiders. Just us, and our families and friends and we just protect our own and The Land like we see fit. I mean, who put the monks in charge anyway?"
The crab arrives and Trellus sets into it. It's truly tasty, and he stops daydreaming long enough to enjoy it.
Grymash Thursday May 18th, 2006 8:24:43 PM
Grymash continues on with his training. He finds it most enjoyable. Watching the others try and hit one another. He really enjoys dodging Jake's sneaky little jabs. The barbarian's 'uncanny' ability to 'dodge' such attacks has aggrivated many a rogue. Opponents of Gry learn rather quickly it is very hard to catch him flanked or flat on his feet. :)
The training days. (DM Jim) Friday May 19th, 2006 11:36:22 PM
Grainz just nods his head in understanding of the groups wishes. He will have things set up for the group and their continues training.
After about four hours the group finds themselves back outside and with more training. Kertan has set up a wall as he was asked and those that requested more training in climbing are soon at it. Gilan runs through the paces with Ciaran and several other wild animals that are brought into being.
The next three weeks continue like this with combat training in the morining and skill training in the evening. Each night the members of the Bloodpack find themselves exhausted but feeling better about what they can do.
The morning of what would be the beginning of the fourth week Grainz is up and seated at the table downstairs in the mug. He looks up as each packer comes down for breakfast and he smiles. "We will hold the ceremony for your full induction into the WLA and SMG an hour before lunch...then we will celebrate for the rest of the day." He has not spoke of anything beyond what his group is currently doing with the Bloodpack but you have a feelig that they will look into the crab dilemma.
Jake Saturday May 20th, 2006 2:09:01 AM
"Not head back to Rattledam? You guys gone totally walker on me? Rattledam's not only where our bosses live, it's our HOME. We fight on the plains FOR Rattledam, not because we're from it. Heck, ah ain't seen much on the plains worth fighting for more than Rattledam. Perhaps we should head back and...well, I dunno. Amelioriate them, submit ourselves to their judgement. I mean, we HAVE been gone a long time... We should head back as soon as possible. I miss home, sorta."
Jake has enjoyed these last few weeks. Training is pretty good practice, and if anything, they've been working more as a group then since they were first bloodpack. Since hten he's broken up with the first girl, having found her a bit TOO clingy for his tastes. For a while, it even seems he even stays away from the girls of the town, but then it turns out he was just keeping up that front, and secretly at night sneaking out to a secret hideout point to meet a girl. When news of this comes out, he's kinda embarassed, because this girl is kinda unnattractive. Well, many mixed-races are.... The next girl, however, is a far better looker...and so it goes on. And, to boot, occasionally he can sneak an attack past Gry's barbarian trained defenses by feinting. (Bluff +10, so nyah nyah!) (I like this ooc back and forth poking ;-) )
Trellus Sunday May 21st, 2006 8:51:57 PM
Trellus cocks his head and listens with some surprise as Jake calls to head home. He hadn't expected the half-elf to be so attached to Rattledam. After all, it wasn't like the dude was the settling down type. Of course, Jake right. There ain't much else on the Grass worth defending.
But the blond man can't shake the feeling there is more and the monks won't show them.
"We're going back, Jake," he answers placatingly. "We train here. We weave this pick for the Baron Lady. And then we come back here, get a boat for Hook City, and hop a trader back to Rattledam."
"I'm just saying it'd be a lot shadier if the monks weren't trying to sunbake us all the time. I mean, these folks got a shrine up to their god at least. You seen any shrines to Domi or Gargul in Rattledam?"
He muses for a moment. "Wonder what would happen if I told them I wanted to build one?" The very thought of Galafar's reaction brings a huge grin to Trellus' face.
"Oh, I'm sorry dudes. Anuk leaving has got me all twisted. Let's go get to work and climb these walls."
Induction Ceremony. (DM Jim) Monday May 22nd, 2006 11:16:48 PM
Grainz is standing outside of the Mug with Kertan and Marli, all now dressed in the full uniform of a WLA member. Pinned upon Grainz's chest is a red medal that identifies him as an officer in the WLA, while Kertan and Marli wear the blue pins. Kertan is holding a box in his hands that has a number of small blue badges on it and a pair of medallions.
Grainz steps forward and sweeps up all of the badges in his hand as he steps forward to stand just in front of the group. "All of you will swear the oath that all new members must swear." He puffs his chest out a little as if he is truely happy with todays work. "Please repeat the following after me and insert your name into the oath..."I, ......, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it."." As each of you finishes the oath he moves down the line slowly and hands each of you a blue badge in turn. "Though we have no outpost in this part of the Wold...it will be a better place to have members of your caliber here to carry out its protection." He then steps back and nods his head.
Kertan steps forward now with the two medallions clasped in his right hand. He stops before both Ulgren and Tishe' in turn. "You are both now a brother and sister to me in the Star Mage Guild...when you get a chance visit our branch in Hook City, when you visit the Woldian League of Adventurers." Over the past few days he has explained many of the advantages to both packers and what they may do when the find a branch.
The rest of the day is spent in celebration of the newest members of the WLA and SMG. The village seems as happy to have the Bloodpack around as anyone. As the day wears on Graze comes forward to see what the pack will do in the morning...will they be leaving the village and will they return someday to visit.
Trellus Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 8:11:54 PM
Trellus gives an easy smile as Grainz inducts them into the Woldian League. "Thanks, Dude," he tells the instructor. "We're looking forward to dropping in on Hook City as soon as we can." Cause that's the way home. he finishes to himself.
When Graze comes by, the cleric nods. "We gotta go drop in on the Baron Lady. We owe her a debt. After that, we were hoping we could come back here and catch a ride to Hook City."
Grymash Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 9:14:30 PM "Gry, Gry, do be solemonumlie swears ta hold up da ideals of da uhh ... League, an ta pro...protects da innocents an battle evils where Gry finds uhhh ...it. Yeah, dat be right... where Gry finds it!"
Grymash likes the blue metal ... all nice and shiny. However, Gry does prefer the other color and he thinks about asking later on if he can trade his blue one for a red.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 9:45:39 PM
Gilan gives Grainz a nod as he presents him with the blue badge. He repeats the oath that was given to all of them. "I, Gilan, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it." Taking the badge he afixes it to his steelgrass armor as he waits for the others to receive thier honors.
That night is one of revulry that Gilan has not had the chance to participate in for a long time. He dances with the young ladies and swaps stories with the local fisherman.
Later before it is time to head to bed and being very tired he finds Trellus. "So...we go to help out this village then." He watches the others as he speaks. "Then to Hookcity?" He glances to Ciaran who is now getting scraps from the few children in the coastal village.
Flea Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 10:31:25 PM
The rogue has been very quiet during the week of training, and all ears when the folks from the WLA would just stand around and talk about...stuff. There is something straightforward and honest about this group and its ideals. Even the oath...it just made sense to protect the innocent and combat evil...not like that weird stuff she had to swear to avoid the monks and their brainwashing back home.
Home
Was Rattledam Town under its strange woven dome really home anymore? How long had it been since she had slept in that little bed in Gilan's hut. The gnome's eyes slide over to the druid. He seemed okay, now, but recently he had been behaving so weird. Maybe he wouldn't want to share his hut with her anymore? Maybe he would want to be alone with that wolf of his?
"I, Furtif Aeanora Flibbertigibbit, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it."
Flea looks down at the shiny blue badge, and admires how nicely it contrasts with her Shadow Armor. A little whistfully she thinks of the cute gnome guy she had met back when the party had got sucked into some portal. I wonder what Bohdi would think, if he could see me now? she wonders to herself. Then, with a sigh, Flea squares her small shoulders and joins the revellers.