Why for the Galafar? (DM Jim) Friday January 19th, 2007 1:09:20 AM
As the grass ship pulls up even closer to the town of Rattledam, you get an even better look. Of the six docks for grass ships, three are occupied and cargos are being unloaded. You can see the hustle and bustle of workers unloading stuff and bringing it into the city.
A look to the dome tells you that the work is still not complete as the dome is of a slightly different color from all the old parts. It is not as well put together either as the old parts of the grass dome as well.
The Captain sends her ship into the last of the docking procedures and soon the ship is tied off to the dock and cargo is being unloaded down one large gangplank. A smaller one has been set up for those passengers to take to get off the boat, of which the Bloodpack are the only ones.
Marching down the dock towards the ship is the unmistakable form of Galafar and he is flanked by four burly monks that seem ready for trouble. You also notice a number of other monks, much like the four with Galafar patroling the docks.
Near the entrance to the city is a man dressed in the most outrageous clothes you have ever seen and he seems to be talking to some citizens with exaggerated jestures. He is fast being closed in on by three monks with what would seem to be nasty intent.
The four monks close ranks to form a wall behind Galafar as he comes to a stop ten feet from the end of the gangplank. The scowl upon his face is marred a little by a sneering smirk and slight twinkle in his eyes. "How nice of the Bloodpack to finally grace us with their presence. We send you out after a villian and you are gone over a year, leaving us waiting for your report." With an ever widening sneer he locks glancing with each member in turn. "You would think that the council is suppose to wait for insulent pups...instead of you being the ones to wait upon us." His gaze lingers upon both Trellus and Gilan for a few extra minutes as if he is sharing some private thoughts with himself...maybe deciding how best to say something for effect.
[Carla - Are you in need of your old character sheet or just needing to check and see if you have gotten XP since the date you posted? I will of course check to see that everything is current and make sure that Flea is up to date. Just want to get on it ASAP for you. ~ Jim]
Jim-My sheet is good. I'm just confirming the value of the new loot, 'cause I don't remember any e-mails about XP. Didn't think we got any since my last update/level change in July. Flea's good, went up a level this summer, but I'm taking her shopping before sending in the new sheet.-Carla
Trellus d20+10=18 Friday January 19th, 2007 9:08:17 AM
Trellus nods at Flea. "I wouldn't be surprised to find Tishe here."
He takes in the scene near the gates, and catches sight of Galafar and the other beaters heading for the ship. "Everyone just stay shady," he councils his friends.
For his part, the cleric has cleaned his outfit and prepared himself for just such a meeting. He calmly descends the gangplank, and stands easily before Galafar and the monks. His silver elfin chain mail sparkles in the sun - at least the arms and pushed back hood. The sleeveless burgundy -blood red, he thinks- vestment with symbols that just scream DOMI inlaid in silver is clean and pressed. Silver and burgundy - the blond man's affiliation to his pack and his god are as plain as the sun in the sky.
Trellus raises his right hand in traditional greeting, the blood red platinum band encirling his ring finger prominently displayed.
"Hail Galafar," he answers easily, ignoring the man's taunts. His eyes take in the monk, and then courteously each of his companions before retruning back to the man. "The villian was defeated, but in his defeat he flung us to the coast. We've encountered some difficulties there which delayed our return. We are eager to report them to the council."
The blond man waits calmly for an answer, his eyes fixed on Galafar. His body language is neither challenging nor subserviant. He simply is waiting for an acknowledged authority permission to continue. [Diplomacy 18]
Murdock Friday January 19th, 2007 10:08:33 AM
Murdock shares his thoughts on magic making with Gilan for the rest of that first night. He also shares his fears about not being accepted as a member of the bloodpack.
That next day, Jake comes up to Murdock asking for knowledge of magic to make his lecherous lifestyle a little bit easier. Murdock relates that he has heard of such magic, but its use can be dire indeed. The rogue further learns that Murdock did not grow up in Rattledam, but rather in the northern continent. Murdock relates some of the stories of his youth, revieling in the telling that he is an outcast even amoung the surface drow, as his is house Trizica, and not house bralfah. At the end of the day, Murdock accepts the wand without complaint, and responds that he will return it to Tishe'.
A day or two later, when the ship finally docks in Rattledam, Murdock is ready to disembark, and return to his room at the inn in Rattledam. He is cut short however, from Trellus's warning, and stands back, waiting.
As the man called Galafar begins to speak, Murdock's eyebrows twitch up a bit, as he understands that he may have just misplaced his loyalties.
Tishe (sub MikeK) Friday January 19th, 2007 10:45:51 AM
Tishe breathes in the air, taking in the scent of the docks of Rattledam.
She had just had to stop by quickly at Hook City, and had caught another trader ship bound that way. After too short a day with family, she had caught another bound for Rattledam. Fortunately, it was a fast vessel - more sails equals more speed, she had noted, and here she was just in time to catch sight of her pack on the docks.
Oooo, they're talking to the bright faced beater, Galafar.
The girl bounds off the vessel, and tries to slide inconspicously into the back of the group.
[OOC - Apologies, I should have been playing Tishe all along.]
Jake Friday January 19th, 2007 5:04:12 PM
Jake is really eager to hop off, and waves enthusiastically to the few dock workers he knows, and he knows just about everyone in town vaguely. But just as he's getting ready to charge into town and greet people, Galafar comes up. Uh oh! The sneering monk has always had Jake's number. Perhaps it's the numerous discipline sessions, the many times Galafar caught Jake in the middle of some prank, but something about that particular monk has always brought Jake down low. It's as though he sees the worst in Jake, or has always had better expectations that Jake never met. In any case, Jake can only feel guilty and somewhat at a loss. Though, of course, Jake's diplomatic skills far surpass anybody else's in the group, the half-elf lets Trellus take the lead. He bows his head slightly, not able to look galafar in the eye, and hopes Trellus and the others talk their way out of this. Galafar is on the council...and suddenly remembering what Grymash did last time to Galafar (tried to intimidate him), Jake puts a hand on Grymash's arm. "Bud, don't weave anything stupid," he cautions softly and soothingly. "Just let Trellus talk us through."
Gilan and Ciaran Friday January 19th, 2007 6:40:25 PM
Gilan had been more than happy talking to Murdock about magic and creation of items. He at one points asks if the wizard plans to study anymore of those creation abilities, but does not press it. When told of his worries about the group and being a part of it, Gilan cannot help but shake his head. "You are as much a part of this group as the rest of us. In fact you will have a hard time getting rid of us now...unless you really want to leave. I would say that you are Bloodpack." The rest of the few days are spent mixing up the last of his few potions and getting things set for his return home.
After getting off the ship he cannot help but grimace as he spots Galafar. "Great, had to be him of all the councilors." He does not speak too loud and keeps his mouth shut as Galafar speaks up. He cannot keep his eyes from narrowing as the man watches him and Trell rather intently. What is it about this man that made him want to throttle him.
[Carla, looks like the last award that I gave out was for this last module...that would have been 2500 XP. My most current CS has Flea at 8th level with 32550 XP, with date 31/07/2006. Does that sound about right? You will need to add in the 2500 XP though and give me a couple and I will get you the cash split as it is in my email.]
Bad man, bad omens. (DM Jim) Saturday January 20th, 2007 6:10:10 PM
Galafar just sneers as he takes in the whole pack. "You will be seeing the council in an hours time...not before then." Turning to Trellus he gives a sickeningly sweet smile. "I told you that you are at the council's disposal and not the other way around. So whatever it is that you have to say will be said then." He turns to Gilan and with an even cockier smile looks him up and down. "You will be glad to know that Kaili has been approved for her monk training." With a quick movement he flips a small silver object in the direction of Gilan with an ever widening smile. "I was to give this back to you." He continues to stand and watch, what will most likely be an interesting few minutes in the packs life. "I would suggest going to see your families or whatever passes for them...I doubt you will be here that long anyways." The four monks behind him snicker as the abuse continues.
Further up the dock and near the entrance to Rattledam, that stranger in the outlandish clothes is being accosted by the monks that have approached him. One reaches out quicky and punches him in the stomache as another slams a closed fist into the back of his head. This causes him to slump in another one of their arms. They all glare down the citizens of Rattledam that had been talking to the man and those that had been closer to him. The poor man is soon being drug through the gates to the city gone from sight.
[Carla, Flea's share of the loot comes to 15000 gold. Have fun and buy something good for Flea.]
Flea Sunday January 21st, 2007 10:55:33 PM
The rogue nervously picks at the fringe of her crimson sash, while the monk abuses the pack. Flea does not like the strict headmaster one bit, and wonders at how he is able to keep his job.
"What comes 'round, goes 'round," she mutters under her breath. The gnome doesn't really know what she could do to the cleric, but she figures the tall monk will get his come-upance sooner or later.
When the monk and his lackeys turn their back on the pack, Flea tugs on Trellus' tabard to get his attention, and points towards the colourful individual who is getting a beating at the hands of some other monks. "Even if he did something wrong, they shouldn't be beating on him like that. It doesn't seem right."
Flea won't wait for her friends, assuming they won't be far behind. She leaves the boat and walks down the dock towards the commotion.
Jake Monday January 22nd, 2007 6:06:43 AM
"Huh... Kaili is gonna be a monk?" Jake muses bemusedly. The little brat, well, sure she showed some promise back when they first snuck out, but she was too mischevious to ever take up the boring life of one of those serious types. The half-elf yawns and stretches. "Well, at least Galafar hasn't changed much. Still a bit of a piggie-kissing treadle. But...hey we have an hour, we can go visit everyone in town! Ah'm gonna see what everyone's up to!" and show off my new duds, he silently adds. Jake begins dashing off towards town. Then, Flea notices the scuffle. Hey, something else to see! Jake joins the pack's smallest, really more curious in seeing what the stranger's wearing and got then in helping the guy out. Who knows, he probably is a smuggler or something.
Murdock Monday January 22nd, 2007 10:16:25 AM
As Galafar's abuses continue, Murdock's waivering loyalties finally settle firmly with the pack. He moves to push past Galafar, wanting nothing more at this point than to drop a fireball right on the imbecile's head.
Murdock has also noticed the brutality of the monks against the wildly dressed man. He runs across the docks, ahead of the pack to see why monks of Pantheon would judge the man so harshly. Perhaps he is an outlaw, but perhaps "justice" in Rattledam has strayed from the teachings of Pantheon?
Trellus d20+2=18 Monday January 22nd, 2007 10:32:40 AM Now I remember why I hate this beater so much, Trellus recalls to himself, as he attempts to contain his anger behind a facade of calm. [Bluff 18] That pick with Gilan was totally sunbaked.
"In an hour, then," he responds. Its the only civilized words he can think of uttering at the moment. Anything else will just play into Galafar's game.
Trellus turns and walks off to the gates.
Out of earshot of Galafar, he tells his friends, "you can hang out at my place if you like. They got room enough for an hour."
Gilan and Ciaran d20+3=22 Monday January 22nd, 2007 11:49:43 PM
Gilan snatches the silver object out of the air with a shaky hand. When he opens his hand he finds in the palm a ring. It matches the one that he wears upon his own hand. Shaking a little more with each passing minute he cannot get himself to speak or move at all. "Kaili...." His world goes black and he cannot even seem to be able to see anything as he stumbles a little. It is only Ciaran putting himself in the way that keeps him from falling off the dock.
Monk pushing. (DM Jim) Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 12:49:22 AM
The four monks lined up, side by side, behind Galafar do not move out of the way as some of the Bloodpack push by the Council member. Each slips into a new posture that tells you that they are more than happy to cause a little trouble and pain if needed.
Galafar's face turns beat red in anger as he takes in those that push past him. "I did not say that I was done talking to you yet...but by all means go." A nasty smile slips onto his face as he watches the group move past him or at least some of it. "We can take care of the rest later...in the council chambers." He motions and the wall of monks move to each side to let you through.
When those that are making for the gates get there, the monks are gone into the city with the man. You can see no signs of him or them anywhere. You do notice that a lot of extra monks are walking the streets of your little home though and none of them seem to be cutting much slack.
Jake Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 12:33:03 PM
((Just realized... I mixed up kaili with Jenny, that girl we hunted down in the first adventure. Man, that was a while back.))
Seems like the monks have the guy pretty much under wraps. No way of getting closer to him...and Jake doesn't want Flea or another to take a bite at the monks carting the man off. So he puts a soothing hand on the packmate that is closest to rushing off and says, "Hey... ah'm sure he'll be okay. Besides, we can mention this to the council later. Old Gal's only got so much strength there..." Jake grins. Nice nickname there, for the annoying monk. "Hey, ah've gotta head off and see how some gir-er, old friends are doing!" Jake waves to the rest of the pack and takes off, to spend the hour getting himself into all sorts of mischief. And very likely showing up late to the council meeting.. (typical of him!)
Tishe' (SteveK) Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 2:24:17 PM
OOC: Using a borrowed computer, but I'm back! :)
The brown-haired woman only just gets into the rear of the Bloodpack formation before she hears the scathing tongue of Galafar. Totally bewildered by the welcome and even more by Trellus' response, she can do nothing other than stay in the back and mute until Gilan sways as if struck.
Tishe' moves to the other side of Ciaran and helps steady her fellow druid until he is able to regain his balance. Then, with no where to go and little knowledge of Rattledam, she (uncharacteristically) silently follows Trellus to wherever he walks.
Trellus Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 2:47:49 PM
Trellus keeps walking. The Beater said he could go, and so he does. It doesn't take long, once inside the Dome, to understand the monks are being extra authoritarian today.
The cleric motions for Tishe and Murdock. "The monks call Rattledam a refuge of sorts", he explains quickly. "The citizens are not allowed to discuss ANYTHING outside the borders of the Dome. Change and discovery are discouraged. And Galafar is in charge of discouraging. You can't fight him here. Don't try. Our best chance is with the council."
Having dispensed this bit of advice, Trellus makes a beeline for his house.
Flea Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 3:58:40 PM
The gnome shakes off the restraining hand of Jake, but doesn't go very far, afraid to venture forward alone. "But...but..." she stutters, "but Trellus, the...the guy?!"
Flea finds Tishe' and says in a low voice, "let's get Gillan to Trellus' place. I don't think he should be alone." Taking one of the druid's hands she pulls him forward, after the cleric. "Come on Ciaran, you too."
The rogue makes a mental note to make some enquiries around town and gauge the political and social climate. Maybe Trellus' folks will explain she thinks to herself.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 7:27:57 PM
Gilan still in a daze allows himself to be lead along by Flea to where ever she maybe going. He is only dimly aware of the fact that Ciaran is coming along as well. "Kaili..." He hand, holding the ring, clenches into a fist and his eyes flash for an instant. Though he makes no move to break free or anything.
Ciaran seems concerned for his brother as he paces along his tail almost touching the ground as he moves along. He keeps glancing at his brother and then to the others that are still there.
Murdock Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:43:45 PM
Having heard Jakes words of caution and then Trellus chiming in, the wizard holds his frustration in check. He breaks off from Trellus and the rest of the pack, promising to meet up with them later. The drow moves to go to the inn, figuring he still has a debt to settle with the inn keeper for that steak he never got to finish!
Trouble. (DM Jim) Wednesday January 24th, 2007 12:33:34 AM
The pack heads for Trellus's house, except for Jake and Murdock. As the group arrives at the house of their faithful cleric, his mother and father greet him warmly. His mother passes hugs onto the rest of the pack as well for bringing her son home safe. Jenny is nowhere to be seen and the parents have said nothing about her absence. "Get him in here now." Trellus's mother points to the young druid and the confused/dazed state he is in.
Murdock makes his way back to the inn that he had been staying at and finds the man that runs the place. He just laughs as Murdock explains what had happened and waves him off. "You owe me nothing for the steak or the rest of the meal...I am just sad that you did not get to finish it." Cocking an eyebrow he smiles. "Would you like to finish it now...I can have another one fixed up for you?" If he agrees the man soon has a large prairie pig steak, baked potato grass, cranberry grass and lastly mint grass pudding set before the young drow.
Jake hunts around and meets up with a few of the local woman that he had been flirting with. He finds a few of them have moved on and gotten married. He does set a few dates for later and then heads to his adopted home. Though he is not on so good terms with them he still feels like he should let them know that he is ok. To his surprise he finds that his oldest sister is now married to the young man that works at the weapon shop in town. His adopted father urges him to see her and at least let her know that he is ok...maybe wish her well.
The walk through Rattledam had laid out a few extra things for the pack as the moved around. The dome was indeed not repaired as well as is should have been. It is also slightly different and the grass is the wrong color to match the old parts of the dome. All of the monks walking around are keeping an extra careful eye upon everything and most of the other packs are keep a low profile. Off to one side of the town you also notice that a small number of prairie pigs have been brought inside the dome to be taken care of...something that had not been done before.
Posting Report (ADM MikeK) Wednesday January 24th, 2007 10:02:15 AM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of Jan 15 - 19
Name MTWTF
DM JimW XXXXX
Trellus XXXXX
Tishe OOOXO
Jake XXXXX
Gilan XXXXX
Grymash OOOOO
Flea OXXOX
Murdock XXXXX
[X = post, O = no post] ADM Note - Grymash is MIA. Everyone else doing very well
Tishe' Wednesday January 24th, 2007 1:53:08 PM
The plain-faced woman smiles and offers her hand to shake when Trellus introduces her to his parents. Tishe's brown eyes sparkle with curiosity and she looks like she is almost ready with a ton of long unanswered questions, but prudence rescues her tongue and they fo all unasked.
Instead she helps make Gilan as comfortable as may be, and whispers to Flea. "I remember Gilan talking to me about this girl he liked. What is the significance of her joining the monks and the return of the ring?"
Louder, she speaks the one observation that has made her the most uncomfortable. "Rattledam looks more like a city under siege than a refuge."
Trellus Wednesday January 24th, 2007 5:13:06 PM
Trellus engulfs his mother in a bear hug, holding it for several moments. When she calls for Gilan, he comes back down to Grass level.
"Yeah, Gil. Come on in. Have a seat." The blond man leads his friend in.
"Where's Jenny, and Danner?" he asks his parents. Jenny is the family favorite, the only girl in a family of five siblings. Danner is Trellus' adopted brother and confidant. The two spent a lifetime talking in a shared bedroom, and the cleric is eagerly looking forward to an accurate portrayal of the past year's events here in town.
Jake Wednesday January 24th, 2007 6:09:41 PM
Jake is feeling pretty good about himself. Catching up on relationship gossip---who married who, who changed completely, who surprised everyone, who the current shockers are---is one of his favorite things to do. And for once he's not involved! It's like he can safely laugh at anybody. It's a hard thing to meet the family who adopted him again...in particular his step-father, who never really was satisfied with him. In his mind, Jake thinks that the father is doing this to show off how well his daughter did, and how proud he is of his new son, his real son. This sorta stings... Of course, his sisters are all grown up, and some of them are real pretty. Not his real sisters, of course, which would make things interesting to Jake, except for the fact that they, of everybody in town, have always had his number. And further, the father and mother watch him like a mother dragon around them. Jake says he'll see his oldest sister (Arial) and her new husband, figuring at the same time he can look at some weapons maybe. After popping in long enough to catch up on old times, ask how the packs are doing, check out a few swords, and promise to stop by for dinner sometime, Jake heads on back over to Trellus' house. He wonders how that brat, Jenny is doing, and if Gilan and the guys will be there.
Murdock Wednesday January 24th, 2007 6:14:32 PM
The drow accepts the meal greatfully and chows down, saying a silent prayer that he not be judged, and that he may complete this meal in peace!
After the drow finishes, he thanks the innmaster and pays for the meal. As he is paying, he ask quietly, as to only be heard by the inn keeper, " Why are the monks of Pantheon so riled up? This place looks more like a prison than a sanctuary...."
Grymash Wednesday January 24th, 2007 8:06:10 PM
The very very very silent Grymash finally steps up and speaks. "Uhhh ... Gry no rememberin' dis place likes Gry shoulda!!!" He removes his helmet to scratch his head. "Gry try ta find old grass hut. Gry no find! Gry thinks find da spot, nuthin' but junk piled theres! Da color no seem right. Nuthin' right. Is Gry no rememberin' Rattleham gute??! Gry no remembers da people no gute too. Galafar makes Gry angry, but no knows why!?"
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday January 24th, 2007 9:01:52 PM
Gilan seems to come back to himself as he sinks into the chair. He looks around at all the worried faces and tries to apply a forced smile to his face.
He absently turns the ring in his hand as he thinks. "I am sorry for my sudden absence." He clears his throat as his hand clenches into a fist again around the ring. He does not know if any of them, besides maybe Trel's parents would now what it is. "This is a pledge ring...given to one you love...a sign that you are two people connected by something..." He cannot come up with a word that would get his meaning across. "It was a pledge between us that we were to be married in a few years." Holding the ring up so that he can better see it he shakes his head. "But the head monks choose the mates for the monks...like the one that Kaili has just become." It seems about right that Galafar would bring this too him...they could not let her do it.
Pulling a necklace from around his neck he opens it and slips the ring onto it. It falls to land beside the little silver wasp, so delicately carved that hands upon the necklace. "Guess they did not find me worthy."
Ciaran whines as his brother goes silent, though he is happy that he seems to be out of the worst of it.
Flea Wednesday January 24th, 2007 11:51:33 PM
" I dunno, Tishe'" answers Flea, but then Gillan explains. "Maybe the monks will choose you for Kaili?" Flea adds hopefully. She had once had a crush on the druid, but that was a long time ago, back before she had met Bohdi Nackle... The gnome still had a soft spot for her pack-mate, though, and it pained her to see him hurting. "We got Malafret on our side, an' some of the Manfri! That ought to count for somethin'."
Trellus asks about his sibs, and Flea listens with half an ear before grabbing Tishe' and saying, "lets go check out the kitchen. Maybe we can help Trellus' mom wrestle up some victuals?"
Answers and Questions. (DM Jim) Thursday January 25th, 2007 12:58:51 AM
Jake finds his sister just a easily as he would have figured, especially knowing where the smithy was in town. He gives his well wishes and finds out that his sister is actually pregnant and expecting in another five months. When he gets back to the house of Trellus, he is most likely still a little stunned by the news.
Gilan explains about the ring but does not go any further. If anyone had been paying attention to Trellus's mother they would have seen the look upon her face and the shaking of her head. She knew that the monks would never pick one of any other order for one of their own.
With a sadness for the druid she slips off into the kitchen to be joined shortly by Flea and most likely Tishe'. They start to work on a few little items to snack on as it is still early enough in the day to not be close to supper.
Trellus's father takes a seat and shakes his head. "Son, your sister had been asked to join a pack and she accepted. She is even now out on her first mission and to tell you the truth...I am worried sick about her." With a smile he gives away a little more of the story. "You would not believe it but she became a priestess shortly after you left...wanted to follow in her brother's footsteps I think." Leaning back in his chair he smiles again, this time a happier smile. "Your brother is off with one of the grass ships to get supplies from up north. He is not due back for another month. Seems he wants to be a sailor or maybe a merchant." He looks to Grymash and the smile disappears. "The city is more or less under marshal law, overseen by the monks. Since that whole deal with the spider rider, nothing has been done right around here. The dome has not been fixed right as the grass we need to do it is a five day journey outside of town and the wild bounders and rapke have been about in force. Strangers have been coming into town lately and the monks have been forced to put a few into prison or wipe their minds...not sure which the really do. It is a right mess." In the kitchen, you will be getting mostly the same information if you ask.
Supper comes and goes at the larger house. A fine meal of roasted prairie pig, spiced slugs, an assortment of grass vegetables, bread and juices. It is maybe around seven when a knock is heard at the front door. When it is answered by Trellus's father there are four monks standing there who look at the pack with shrewd eyes. "You are to come with us...the council will see you now."
Murdock over at the inn finds out the same stuff as the pack from the man that runs and owns the place. He is no more happy as the next person about it. He seems to also think something is wrong but does not know more. Around the same time as it is happening at Trellus's place, four monks walk into the inn and one indicated Murdock. "That is the one that was with them." Another monk, one that seems to be in charge nods his head. "Murdock, you are to come with us to the council chamber and meet up with the Bloodpack there." They wait only so long before they will forcefully move you out of the inn or out of the house as the case maybe.
Trellus Thursday January 25th, 2007 9:45:04 AM
Trellus nods at the news about his siblings. He isn't all that surprised, really. One question does spring to mind, though - "Is she following Domi?" he asks curiously. That'd be totally shady.
The young man can only snort derisively at the news regarding the twisted repairs. "Light, Dad. We've been weaving through the Grass for nearly a year, now. It ain't THAT bad. Surely some of those beaters, uh, I mean monks, could go out there and get the Grass we need."
Trellus shakes his head at the stubbornness of those people, and decides to forget about them and enjoy dinner.
He's sufficiently encouraged by the rest of dinner that the arrival of their escort doesn't twist him that much. He merely gives Jake and Gilan a half smile. "The council will see us now," he repeats solemnly, his face innocent as a cherub.
He gets up, gives his mom another hug, and strides out toward the chambers.
Tishe' d20=19 Thursday January 25th, 2007 3:20:48 PM
A sad look in her brown eyes, Tishe' moves with Flea and Trellus' mom to see about dinner and snacks. She is not familiar with the usual Rattledam fare, and is able to forget the new troubles for a while in learning the local victual preparations. "If monks only marry monks, maybe Gilan will have to study as a monk of Pantheon to win Kaili?"
And with a captive audience in Trellus' mom, Tishe' begins her own careful probing. "It sure is shady for you to take us all in, Mrs. T", she says brightly, "it was just like what my own mother would do when I was a child." And a while later. "I'm not a very good cook; my mother felt weaving was a much more important skill; she had learned nice picks as a child." And still a while later. "Nice grass pattern on the wall, Mrs. T. I recognize the pattern as one my mother taught me and my sisters."
Tishe's eyes are alert and watching Trellus' mom for any clues to see where her next probes should go (Sense Motive: 19)
But with the arrival of the monks, she shoulders her pack and will go with her Bloodpack.
Grymash Thursday January 25th, 2007 7:59:25 PM
Grymash tries to remember his indoor manners while in Trellus' family home. Its been too long since he's practiced such etiquette: not eating with his hands, no spitting on the floor, and so on. As he picks his teeth with one of the slug skewers, he makes sure his pinky is in the air. After digging out a rather large and troublsome piece of prairie pig, he licks it off the skewer's tip, savors it for a moment and finally swallows. "Hmmmmmm!" Grymash turns to Trellus's mother and proclaims, "Da piggie be uhhh, deelishous!" He then taps Trellus on the shoulder, leans in and whispers, "see gry be shady wit da manners, huh!?"
Jake Friday January 26th, 2007 12:55:50 AM
Jake enjoys the dinner at Trellus' house, talking with plain folks, and most of all, eating good ol' home cookin'. Nothing like it, no matter where you're from. It's after thirds that the half-elf finally stops, loosening his belt slightly. "Ahhh...that was excellent, ma'am." He manages to stifle a belch of contentment. "So, your bratty sister, the one who got us into all this mess, gone..." Jake is just saying, when they are summoned. "Well, time to go be nice to people." Jake puts on his hat and gets ready to go face some no doubt serious faces.
Homeland Security. (DM Jim) Friday January 26th, 2007 5:16:31 PM
Trellus's dad shakes his head. "It would not be that bad but it is mostly packs that are sent out...the monks do not usually go out themselves...the see no reason for things to change." Then supper is served and everyone enjoys themselves with the good food and family atmosphere. Then the knock comes and they need to leave for the council meeting.
The monks move at a good clip and you soon find yourselves arriving at the entrance hall of the main buildings in Rattledam. You find that they have also brought Murdock along a well. Four of the monks stay behind to go on with patrols while the other four take you inside and down a flight of stairs.
You find yourselves in what is the waiting chamber before the real audience hall. "You will wait here till summoned." Then the four monks leave as quickly as possible, heading back upstairs. The room is lightly furnished, with a few plants and a few well worn couches. It is not hard to make out raised voices from beyond the great double doors but it is muffled and you cannot catch anything that is being said. Seems that it will be awhile before your summons.
Tishe' d20+12=22 Friday January 26th, 2007 6:09:30 PM
Tishe' is content to wait and takes out a half-finished weaving of grasses and lets her hands move in the comforting dance to complete the grasshat (Weaving: 22)
She cocks her head over at Trellus and suggests, "I can spell up a listening spy to hear what is being said."
Flea Friday January 26th, 2007 7:52:27 PM
"Shady!" adds Flea, when she overhears Tishe's offer.
The gnome passes a hand over her clothes, and a simple cantrip* makes her presentable. From the top of her crimson velvet gnome's hat, to the tips of her elaborately embroidered Boots of Speed, all is shiny and clean.
*Prestidigitation
Trellus Sunday January 28th, 2007 12:05:43 PM
At the dinner, Trellus grins at Gry's efforts. "You're doing real shady," he assures his barbarian friend. Its the thought that counts.
In the waiting room, his first thought is to tell Tishe 'no'. "We'll probably get caught," he starts, but then stops and thinks about what he's saying.
"Light, I'm becoming a beater myself. Oh why not?" Trellus pokes Jake in the side. "We haven't cleaned the monks dishes in AGES, huh dude?"
Murdock Monday January 29th, 2007 11:33:01 AM
In the waiting room, Murdock walks up to Trellus. The blonde haired human is talking about washing someone's dishes.
"Why are they so keen on bullying everyone around?" referring the the monks. "And would you mind telling me what was up with that Beater, Galafar?" Murdock finishes.
Jake Monday January 29th, 2007 4:02:17 PM
Jake goes along happily, feeling really pleased with his stomach and all those pleasant sensations still lingering. So when he's instructed to wait, he doesn't take it badly, but instead goes over to his favorite couch and takes a seat in it. "Ahhh, just like old times." No doubt he was forced to wait here many times, sometimes with his packmates, for various transgressions. Still, it's changed slightly...his lump has moved! He adjusts and waits patiently. Tishe makes an interesting suggestion, and Trellus shows a more allowing side, agreeing, and Jake grins as he's elbowed. "Yah... even if they don't catch ya, they'll probably catch us for something else anyways. 'Sides, how else will we keep up our reputation as miscreants... "Murdock, ya gotta realize, they're the Monks, the leaders of our village. They protect it, they know lotsa stuff about the Plains that we wish we knew. And, well, Galafar is the worst of 'em as far as dislikin' packs. Ah'm sure once Malafret hears of us, we'll be fine. She's the fairest one of 'em, and outranks Galafar ta boot. And, hey, Murdock, why weren't ya over at Trell's house? Ya should come along next time, get REAL plains cookin while ya can. Ah'd marry her just for her cookin', if she weren't already married. 'Course, as it is, ah can get her cookin' just hanging around with Trell.."
Grymash Monday January 29th, 2007 8:38:36 PM
Grymash awaits their turn with the rest of his pack. He leans up against the wall with his arms crossed trying hard not to look nervious. He cant help but be a little nervious. He grew up the constant intimidation of the monk beaters.
Flea (2nd illegal post) Monday January 29th, 2007 9:06:23 PM
In a hushed voice, Flea adds her two coppers to the explanations being provided to the drow. "It was all new to me, too, Murdock" Flea recounts, "when I first got here, that is."
Flea explains how the foundling villages of the plains are run by the monks as a place to give those lost in the Sargrass a place to stay, heal, and sometimes live out their lives. The monks guide the foundlings or refugees through physical and spiritual healing, and then find a role for them in the self sufficient villages under the protective domes. "Those that don't find roles as labourers and artisans, are formed into 'packs'," she continues, her voice a little louder.
"The monks watch over the city, but the packs watch over the plains," announces Flea with a bit of pride. "Talki Fresal, Dondit Leakey!" she calls, cupping her hand over the gem embedded in her chest. "That means 'the land, my life'.
"Anyway" the gnome continues, "I figger Galafar just picks on us, 'cause Malafret likes us, an' Malafret is more important than him."
Self satisfied with her explanation, Flea crosses her arms, in immitation of her big friend Grymash, and leans against the wall as well, a diminutive copy of the half-orc barbarian-cleric.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday January 29th, 2007 9:23:33 PM
Gilan has been leaning against the wall all this time as well. He shakes his head. "I presonally think that Galafar has a mean streak against almost everyone." He watches and waits to see what will happen with this listening spell. He wonders if you could pick up the sounds just by placing your ear against the door. "Maybe just listening at the door would be best...it might be spelled against magic." He shifts uncomfortably against the wall and then settles back into a different position.
Ciaran has settled upon the floor near his brother, not bothered by the inside but also not exactly happy. At least it was no cave underground that he was in, but it was almost the same.
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