Grymash Monday June 25th, 2007 8:13:52 PM
Grymash tries on the boots. His current pair have had the soles complete worn away. He'd been walking barefoot all this time. Grymash only kept the upper parts of his boots to keep his greaves from rubbing against his ankles. Oddly enough they fit! Even though they first appeared too small. What luck!!
Gilan and Ciaran Monday June 25th, 2007 9:24:03 PM
Gilan watches the goings on with the Florals, but does look to the rest of the group. "I really can use little from the treasure." He thinks a little and then nods his head. "If we have some downtime I plan to make a few potions...anything that anyone could make use of...nature spells mostly." He waits to see what anyone might have to suggest as he prepares himself for what might be to come.
Ciaran continues to lay in the short grass and seemingly doze. The twitching of his ears and nose though might be enough for some to realize that he is not asleep.
Destone and talks. (DM Jim) Monday June 25th, 2007 10:53:51 PM
Flor shakes his head as Trellus asks him to elaborate upon what he had been talking about when he mentioned a place to stay and hide. "I will not speak more till we know the true outcome...you might not even need it and this place might be needed in the future." You can tell that there is a little lack of trust still there or maybe it is just carefulness upon the part of the druid as he does not want to be caught without a backup plan for his wife and family.
As Trellus drops a single drop of the liquid upon his sister's stone form, it begins to crack and flake. Though at first it stops many a heart as you suspect foul play upon the part of Flor, you soon notice that the skin underneath is undamaged. The rest of the pack watches this transformation with a little bit of worry, awe and fear as well. This might just be a life changing event that you are hurtling towards.
As the stone flakes away, Jenny is suddenly freed from her stone prison and breathes in her first true breath of air for sometime. As her eyes adjust to the bright light she gets a look of fear upon her face that slowly turns to a smile. "Bro....brother." She literally throws herself into Trellus's arms, hugging him. Though you are her brother, it is hard to not notice that she is starting...well no not starting....she is a lovely young woman. She glances around, her face taking on a hint of fear as they fall upon Faun...she back behind her brother. "What is going on?" She remembers bits and pieces but nothing after being struck by a dart from some attacker as they faced Faun.
Flor holds up his hands in a gesture of peace and friendship. "Please miss...there has been a misunderstanding that we hope to solve...please do not be afraid now." He looks to Trellus and gives him a nod, letting him know that there will be no foul play on their part and what he said is true. Faun nods her head as well. "I wronged the whole group by not listening earlier...my temper sometimes gets the better of me." She seems to be apologizing but has not said those exacts words.
Jenny though seems to understand all this and she steps to the side of her brother now. Those that pay attention will notice the holy symbol that rests upon her chest...it is of Flower. "We came to talk...really. As to being turned to stone." She turns to regard the others of her pack and Malafret with deeply caring eyes. "We will forgive you...I have already." She once again waits for some signs of what has happened and why the Bloodpack is here, as well as why she is unstoned.
LOOT two-bladed sword shortsword(2) composite longbow(2) shortbow(2) spell component pouch(4) thunderstone(3) tangle foot bag(2) flute bottle of silver glass grass wine bottle of purple glass grass wine bag of grubs(2) bag of candied hoppers(6) cloak of resistance+4 boots of speed bracers of armor+3 bracers of armor+3 bracers of lesser archery deck of illusion(11cards) dusty rose ioun stone(+1AC) magic missile wand(9th)-10charges lightning bolt wand(9th)-5charges mithril chainshirt+2(6) heavy flail of spell storing+1 oil potion(16) spellbook[animate rope, greater magic weapon, unseen servant, flame arrow, water breathing, comprehend languages, protection from arrows, cause fear, charm person, flaming sphere] resist energy(cold) potion(12)
I am hoping that the pack did not eat all six sacks of candied hoppers during the night and morning. Each bag is the size of a plastic grocery bag in size and filled so that it can just be tied shut. The two bags of grubs are the same size as well and the grubs are the size of a persons thumb, say half an inch thick and at least two inches long.
Grymash Tuesday June 26th, 2007 1:42:01 AM
Grymash approaches Malafret with a toothy grin and his eyes sparkling with a light not from the sun. "Da stone give way to da flesh an life returns wit da east winds!" His smile becomes wider still. He nods his head and repeats, "An da stone give way to da flesh!! It be written!!" Taking her hand gently, an act quite uncommon for the half-orc, he continues, "Gargul be praised, it be written!"
Trellus (Sub SteveHaviland) Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:29:44 AM
Trellus grasp his sister in a bear hug after she returns to life. "I feared for your loss, lil' sis." the cleric says. A few tears of relief escaping Trellus's control slide quickly down his face, as if in a rush to be hidden by the blonde haired man.
After the initial relief that his sister has been returned, the cleric's mood turns more serious. "Jenny," Trellus says, "it is good that you came here to talk, but I would ask for a moment of your time before I unstone Malafret and the other Fem's."
With that, the blonde haired man tells Jenny the story of how the Bloodpack became involved and the battle just recently fought. "I need to know if it is safe to unstone Malafret and the other's." Trellus finishes.
(IF/IF NOT Statement)
IF Jenny says that it is ok to unstone the others, Trellus will unstone them.
IF NOT, THEN he will not unstone them.
Murdock Tuesday June 26th, 2007 10:54:45 AM
Murdock pays some attention to Trellus's story telling, but his real focus is on the loot, the bag he recieved just a few minutes before the fight, and answering Tishe's question.
"Well Tishe' I have a number of powerful spells. Perhaps Gaseous form would be for interest to you? Or, mayhaps you would be interested in Stinking Cloud or Slow?" Murdock finishes.
Murdock also takes inventory of the bag, finding a scroll case with two scrolls, and a single slender wand. "Ahh, just what I ordered!, the drow smiles. Murdocks smile gets wider still as he holds up the wand and looks at Tishe', "The silence of our enemies is golden! Wouldn't you agree?" the drow chuckles. Then Murdock turns serious for just a moment, "This would have come in handy yesterday."
Then the drow looks over the loot, trying to decide what he wants. He picks through the loot, and settles on the wand of magic missles. He had a desire for the wand of lightning bolts but that has already been claimed by Tishe'. He also decides to take the ioun stone and whatever scrolls are not taken by Tishe' out of the Spell book.
Tishe' Tuesday June 26th, 2007 3:15:34 PM
Well, Tishe' was satisfied with 6 hoppers, and certainly didn't polish off six BAGS of the candied treat! "It seems as though there is enough goods for a merchant expedition here... or tribute." The brown-haired woman becomes worried about that possibility.
Yet her excitable nature doesn't allow her to worry for long. She gives Jenny a friendly wave, but Trellus seems to have things under control on the un-stoning mission. Therefore, Tishe' turns to earnest conversation with Murdock. "Oh, a Gaseous Form and Stinking Cloud would be a fine trade, sweetie!", seh says brightly. "We'll do it just as soon as we get some scribing time."
(ooc) Tishe' would like spell component pouch contents thunderstone(3) tangle foot bag(2) bracers of armor+3 lightning bolt wand(9th)-5charges
Flea d20+9=10 d20+9=26 d20+9=18 Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:52:32 PM
Without Jake for competition, Flea collects the two bottles of glass grass wine, after giving the corks an appraising sniff (Appraise=10, 26) She picks up the flute, and after turning it this way and that, looking for inscriptions and such (Detect Magic, Appraise=18), she gives it a little toot.
flute bottle of silver glass grass wine bottle of purple glass grass wine
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:58:43 PM
Gilan stays seated upon the ground and watches the actions that play out between Jenny, Trellus and the two druids. He was also interested in this place that they could make use of but has not given up on the hope that they can return home.
As he strokes the head of Ciaran, he realizes how much Rattledam has become home for him. After all these years living there he really does not call anyplace else home anymore...though he does enjoy his time in the grass a lot more.
More destone and more talks. (DM Jim) Tuesday June 26th, 2007 11:27:51 PM
Jenny listens to what Trellus has to say and then shrugs her shoulders. "We were sent here to talk to the druids and get them to leave the area or stop their experiments." She looks to the stoned body of Malafret and swallows as she thinks over some of what they were told and then shakes her head. "Some other things that we were told by Malafret I cannot tell you...she is the only one that can do that." You get the opinion that she will say no more on this, no matter if big brother or not.
The rest of the group go about their own duties as they see fit. Though they all are listening in on what they can hear from the talks. It seems that a lot of things are being figured out decided upon.
It seems the real decision to unstone Malafret will be in the hands of Trellus alone or the pack...depending on what he wants to do.
Trellus(sub SteveHaviland) Wednesday June 27th, 2007 9:52:02 AM
The blonde haired man nods to his sister. He had hoped that she would still have that little girl quality he remembered before he started his journey with the Bloodpack. Unfortunately, that seems to be gone, having been replaced by the hard outer exterior of a woman of the plains. It is clear that if they are to get any real answers, Malafret will have to provide them.
Trellus knows instictively what to do next. He walks over to Malafret and then each of the Fem's in turn and unstones them all.
The Bloodpack is prepared for what is to come.
Murdock Wednesday June 27th, 2007 10:04:24 AM
Murdocks lips tighten ever so slightly as Tishe' calls him sweaty. The last time that happened was..... The drow find's that he can not remember, and returns a tentative smile rather than his almost constant frown.
The mage says, "It is agreed then." as he holds a hand out to Tishe'. The mage then takes the ioun stone and gives it s flick up into the air, so that it will start it's orbit above his head.
Gilan and Ciaran d20+15=16 d20+15=22 d20+15=22 d20+15=34 d20+15=20 d20+15=26 d20+15=20 d20+15=33 d20+15=19 d20+15=17 d20+15=26 d20+15=31 d20+15=18 d20+15=17 Wednesday June 27th, 2007 7:21:42 PM
Moving back to the task at hand, he pulls the last of the potions towards himself. He falls back into the work of identifying the last fourteen potions. Those that elude his tests and deduction will go with the other two that he was unable to figure out.
Ciaran rolls onto his back and continues to watch the goings on around him. Though from a different point of view.
Flea d20-1=6 Wednesday June 27th, 2007 7:42:48 PM
Flea gives the flute a shake, then shoves it in her pack along with the glass grass wine.
Her attention moves to the party cleric and his sister. Flea trails after Trellus as he attempts the restoration of the stone figures. Glancing over her shoulder, she tries to read the woman-child (Sense Motive=6) but learns little. "Jenny!" she says, adding "he is your brother and a cleric of Domi!" Flea continues, "it was he who bade us rescue you the first time you were lost on the plains! Show him some respect!"
The 3 ft. 3 in. gnome rests a hand on the pomel of her holy short sword, but makes no move to remove it from her scabbard. For her there is no home now, but where the party makes their camp, and no family but the Bloodpack.
Tishe' Wednesday June 27th, 2007 10:13:24 PM
Thinking nothing of Murdock's discomfiture, Tishe' wraps up the business of the magic items, and then gathers near Jenny, Malafret, and the Fems. She is not worried about thier reaction, and so rests easy, prepared to help if any stumble from their ensorcelled slumber.
(ooc) Tishe' would like spell component pouch contents thunderstone(3) tangle foot bag(2) bracers of armor+3 lightning bolt wand(9th)-5charges
Collateral damage. (DM Jim) Wednesday June 27th, 2007 11:42:10 PM
As Trellus moves to unstone the rest of the Fems and Malafret, the rest of the pack go about business. They do keep an eye out for trouble as it is unseen as to what might happen with the destoning done.
Jenny turns to regard Flea and then turns to regard her brother. "That might be and he will always be my brother...but what I was told...no, what the Fems were told is not for me to be blabbing on about." She turns to regard Flea with a critical eye as though appraising her for the first time in her life. "He understands that as your leader...and I know my place within my own pack." She steps forward as each of the Fems is unstoned and embraces each in turn. She is also checking for signs of wounds otherwise and general health of her own pack.
The Fems take in the presence of the Bloodpack with a little bit of shock and maybe respect, but they do not seem ready to fight. They also make no move to start any discussions with the druids either. It is Malafret that speaks up first of them all. "Saved by the Bloodpack...did the council send you here?" There is a note of worry in her voice as she speaks and as she glances around you can tell that the worry has grown.
LOOT two-bladed sword shortsword(2) composite longbow(2) shortbow(2) spell component pouch(4) thunderstone(3) tangle foot bag(2) flute bottle of silver glass grass wine bottle of purple glass grass wine bag of grubs(2) bag of candied hoppers(6) cloak of resistance+4 boots of speed bracers of armor+3 bracers of armor+3 bracers of lesser archery deck of illusion(11cards) dusty rose ioun stone(+1AC) magic missile wand(9th)-10charges lightning bolt wand(9th)-5charges mithril chainshirt+2(6) heavy flail of spell storing+1 oil potion(7) resist energy(cold) potion(17) reduce person potion mage armor potion tongues potion cmw potion spellbook[animate rope, greater magic weapon, unseen servant, flame arrow, water breathing, comprehend languages, protection from arrows, cause fear, charm person, flaming sphere]
Tishe' Thursday June 28th, 2007 3:44:11 AM
"Many Shadows, Malafret" Tishe' greets the Bloodpack's mentor formally and with a slight bow. "Yes indeed, the Council sent us and others here." At this she gestures at the magical loot that has been lined up in one part of the grass.
"We need some answers that perhaps you will be able to provide. I invite the Fempack to listen as well because I think there are too many secrets unwhispered in the grass. Yet, because you are thier mentor as well as our own, I think it proper to give you and the Fempack a choice before we talk."
Tishe' stands respectful but determined. Hope that the wisdom and care Malafret has shown to the Bloodpack in the past can provide answers to why the Council betrayed the Bloodpack. A hard glint comes to her eyes. Yes, there WILL be answers...
Trellus (sub SteveHaviland) Thursday June 28th, 2007 10:42:29 AM
Trellus nod's in agreement with Tishe's words as he circles around to stand in front of Malafret again.
"Malafret," the leader of the Bloodpack says in a quiet tone, "the council has betrayed us." Even as those words ring in his ears, the blonde haired man feels the burden of severeing ties with Rattledam in his heart. Trellus continues, " The council sent us here to find you and the Fem's this is true. They also sent another, more sinister pack, to shadow us, and end the life of the druids here." The blonde haired man looks around again to the Bloodpack drawing support from his friends and finishes, "from the state of affairs, it should be clear that we didn't let that happen."
Trellus then fills in the gaps as Malafret and the Fems ask questions. He is keenly aware that the worried look on Malafret's face may be the precursor to troubled times for the entire Bloodpack.
Murdock Thursday June 28th, 2007 10:47:03 AM
Murdock, his gesture of friendship left hanging, withdrawls his hand. The smile he had sported moments ago, has vanished from the drow's face.
With Tishe's attention drawn away from the drow, Murdock looks over at Gilan. He goes over and ask if he can help. He knows a little about alchemy but not much.
However, Murdock finds his attention being divided by the ongoing development with the Fems and Malafret.
Grymash Thursday June 28th, 2007 8:38:30 PM "Yes, it be truth! As stone give way to yooz flesh, da darkpacks flesh give way to Bloodpack metal. Thays speak wit Lord Gargul now. Though Gry no think Lord Gargul have many words wit thems. Meat for da creepers be da wages for their lies!" Grymash cant help but grind his knuckles together when recalling the battle with the Darkpack.
Gilan and Ciaran d20+15=18 Thursday June 28th, 2007 9:40:36 PM
Gilan looks up as Murdock approaches and nods his head. "If you have any skill with spellcraft than you can be of help." He waves his hand over the last seven potions that he is not sure about. "These seven refuse to give up their secrets and for my to try again would yield no results and waste them." Looking to the last bottle he shrugs. "That one is some kind of oil and I have not even tried to do anything with it...though I think that I will give it a try." He pulls the oil towards him and uncorks it to have a smell and feel some between his fingers. Seeming to have no luck with the oil either he passes it off to Murcock with a smile, though he does growl at the oil. "Maybe you will have better luck with this one too."
Ciaran continues to play at sleeping and does not move too much. He does kick once in awhile as if dreaming, though he might just be asleep as his eyes are closed.
Tishe' Thursday June 28th, 2007 10:49:57 PM
ooc: Murdock, I'm sorry! Forgot to add all posts, not an intentional snub.
earlier... The agreement made with the dark mage, Tishe' takes his hand in her own small white one. Being only five foot two, the plain-faced woman is nearly the same hieght as the thinner drow. She smiles warmly before turning to the unstoneing.
Flea d20+6=15 Thursday June 28th, 2007 11:03:18 PM
"Harrruumpph!" comes from Flea at Jenny's easy dismissal. "Be that as it may, you owe him yet another debt," the rogue continues, "Trellus and the Bloodpack." Hands on hips, and chin up, Flea strides forward towards Malafret. "There will be no warm welcome for us back in Rattledam, and not likely for you either. Time to 'fess up!"
Flea musters all the bravado she can, Bluff=15.
Good or bad. (DM Jim) Friday June 29th, 2007 12:20:17 AM
Jenny does not argue one way or the other. There maybe a debt to pay to not only her brother but to the Bloodpack as well. What does not seem to be taken into consideration is her loyalty to her own pack.
Malafret listens to what is said and then nods her head in understanding. "Your actions may not be seen as the best as far as the council is concerned...but it will not be totally dangerous to go back, if you want." She mulls over the idea for a few minutes and then shakes her head. "They may not let you stay for long and you will most likely get something sort of like an exile...though Galafar will most likely want your memories wiped and a full exile. The council will not follow him down that path, of that I can be certain. Even if you are not serving them the way they want...they can still make use of you." Turning to take in the rest of the Bloodpack she grins. "Seems that this time around I owe you all a debt of thanks and maybe something more." It appears she will have to think on that one some more to come up with a fitting payment.
Flor and Faun have been watching with some interest as well but have kept quiet up till now. It is Flor that moves forward to stand beside Trellus as he appraises Malafret. "I have a place that they might be able to stay...it is a little far from here but should offer them protection........if it still stands as it has been four months since I found it." He glances to Trellus to see what he might have to say, but does look back to Malafret and nods his head. "Later we will have things to talk about." He moves off to let the conversation return to a more private matter. His wife joins him and they move off further down the glade and begin to work on something.
Malafret looks to Flea and breaks her cocky attitude a little as she does not fall for the bluff. "You young lady should realize that I am never defenseless when it comes to the council." She does not elaborate for she does not feel that she has to. "Though I will tell you that I did not come here with the councils' approval but to stop what almost happened. The Fem Fatales here are my new group as you are getting a little too experienced for me to try and teach much too anymore." There is a hint of regret in her voice as she says this and her eyes get alittle misty. She looks to the Fems and smiles as they are a good group of young woman. "I will answer what questions I can...but be aware that I am still a council member and must maintain what secrets I must. In time you will learn them, but now they are too dangerous to be let out...especially if certain people were to hear." The Fems move off to the side of the clearing as well and they soon have a small fire going. They sit and talk amongst themselves, though there are a lot of glances to the Bloodpack and questions aimed at Jenny.
A good ten minutes pass and suddenly you start to notice the smell of what can only be stew coming in your direction. It appears that what Flor and Faun have been up to, was cooking something for the midday meal. If you bother to look up at the position of the sun you will find out that it is roughly noon....where did the time go?
Trellus (Sub SteveHaviland) Friday June 29th, 2007 10:14:24 AM
The blonde haired cleric's head spins and reels. First, his sister. She should have loyalty to her pack, but also a deeper loayty to her family, Trellus thinks. Now, Malafret, stating what the Cleric of Domi feared in his heart, yet could not summon the words to say.
Then Malafret starts in on Flea which helps Trellus bring his mind back into focus. The blonde haired man, normally so even tempered and wise, loses his composure for a moment.
Light! This eats grass! Malafret, I've always thought of you as a black face, but now I am starting to wonder.
Tell us about the tree's of the plains? Why did they disappear? Why are the tree's that grow here stunted. What is happening to the Rapke? What ancient secret is the council hiding? Why did they send the other pack to ambush us? WHY DID THEY BETRAY US!
The Bloodpack comes to pull you and your piggies out of the fire, and you tell us you can't weave any answers for us? Thats totally sunbaked! I'm just about on my last thread with you and the council! Your right, you owe us a payment, a payment in answers and in blood.
Trellus takes a deep breath, as he tries to warp down. His distress is visibly evident. His clerical training wispering in his mind to handle this situation like the calm man of the cloth that he is.
/ooc: Someone is going to have to help me with these questions to ask Malafret. I still don't really understand all the circles of the plains stuff. -Steve
Murdock d20+18=36 d20+18=24 d20+18=21 d20+18=30 d20+18=38 d20+18=35 d20+18=34 d20+18=31 Friday June 29th, 2007 10:23:26 AM
Murdock seats himself next to the druid and the wolf. The drow gathers the potions up, and one by one takes tiny sips, hoping to identify the potions.
(Spellcraft Checks to identify the potions: 36,24,21,30,38,35,34)
Trellus raises his voice, and Murdock listens in with Pride in his leader.
Then the mage pours a single dolop of oil between his fingers, rubbing his fingers together and smelling the liquid.
(Spellcraft Checks to identify the oil: 31)
While the mage is testing the potions and the oil, he ask Gilan. "So what's up with the pup? Is he really your brother?"
Flea d20+3=14 Friday June 29th, 2007 8:23:42 PM
Flea is surprised at first by Trellus' outburst, but then, not really surprised. The cleric was good at keeping his head, but the whole pack's threads had been worn a little thin.
"Trellus is right!" Flea comes to the defence of her packmate. " If it wasn't for us, you'd still all be just a ring of...of...stones...just standing in the middle of...of...this place!"
Moving closer to Malafret, but showing some deference as she removes her faded crimson hat and squashes it against her chest. "Miss Malafret, you were good to us," Flea's eyes slide from her packmates to the new Fems clustered over their fire, "an' we...I...can understand you're going to train up a new group, but...but...who will speak for us at council when Galafar gets all shuttlecocked?"(Diplomacy=14)
Flea steps back from the pack's former mentor, and stands beside the cleric of Domi, and echo's the later's sentiments. "We need answers."
The rogue has half made up her mind to abandon Rattledam altogether, and take her chances with Flor and Faun.
Tishe' Saturday June 30th, 2007 8:33:17 AM
ooc: SteveH - think you're doing a great job with Trel. He would know the deep loyalty a pack gives to each other, but is probably confused in seeing it in his kid sister.
"Packmates, don't get too shuttlecocked!", cautions the brown-haired woman. "Think about it from the other side of the grass. I would defy my own family, my city, and yes, even stand up to the Father of Nature or visit the Lands of Rest to protect my Bloodpack. Perhaps Jenny and Malafret are feeling thier loom is the same?"
Then the slightly homely face turns its intelligent brown eyes on Malafret. She is the early mentor of most of the Pack, but Tishe' came on later, much later. "In the same weaving, we were almost killed by orders the Council gave, even if they weren't specifically to 'cut the Bloodpack's threads'. The questions Trellus asked have all of us warped up."
Tish'es eyes flash as she pounces like a rapke on Malafret's words. "But you said 'almost happened'. We know what happened, but what 'almost happened'? And what is the significance of that 'almost' NOT happening?"
Gilan and Ciaran Saturday June 30th, 2007 8:40:16 PM
Gilan looks up at the outburst from Trellus and groans. They have all been feeling the effects of the strain but this was no way to get answers. "Please Trell, try to warp down." He does not add that being polite to Malafret would go a lot further than yelling at her.
Looking back to Murdock as he works with the last of the potions and the oils he smiles. "You do have a nack for this it seems." He is satisfied with the work that they have turned out and leans back on his pack. It seems that nothing overly wrong is going to happen or at least no fight. He thinks over the question by Murdock as he scratches the chest of Ciaran who is enjoying this. "He is my brother in many senses of the word. My link with nature is strong and stronger with one animal that I choose to partner with. To him we are his pack and that makes us all brothers and sisters to some point." He glances to Murdock and without batting an eye asks him a serious question. "Would you be offended if I consider you my brother?" He cocks his head to one side much like Ciaran does at times as he watches Murdock.
Good or bad, cont. (DM Jim) Saturday June 30th, 2007 9:08:00 PM
The Fems come to their feet as a group. Many of them are reaching for weapons as voices are raised in anger. They make no move to interfer though they are prepared for anykind of trouble that might arise.
Malafret though waves them off and turns her angry flashing eyes to Trellus, though they slowly turn to take in Flea as well. "You might have brought us back from stoning...but do not think that gives you the right to demand answers. I said that it gives you the right to somekind of help or reward...but information might not be what you get." There is a hard edge to her voice that betrays her inner emotions. "There are ways of asking questions and then there are ways of demanding them...you demand them at the point of a sword." Her eyes continue to bore into Trellus as she thought he would know better, not matter the situation. You can see that she takes a few minutes to try and settle herself and get her feelings back under control. "This tells me that you are not totally ready for the full secrets...but I will give you a little information." She indicates the ground and her eyes tell you to sit as she takes a seat herself, feeling more under control. "Yes there use to be trees on the Plains a long time ago...before most but the Manfri might remember. This whole are was like most forests but with the grasses growing in areas too...what we call plains, though it would only grow to about two feet. Then a sickness came to the land that killed off the trees as they are older organisms and harder to change. The grasses though are faster growing and more survivable and thus took to the sickness and soon became what you see now...though in areas the grass still remains short or is not exhistant at all. These new trees here are not born here so they cannot resist the sickness either and even ones that are born here sometimes are not strong enough. As you might have guessed, the council knows what the sickness is...but that is a secret that will only be revealed when you are ready for it." She sighs as she knows that this will not be enough for the group but it is all she can offer.
Glancing around she leans back a little and rests on her hands. "The rapke have been mutating for the same reason that the trees die or sicken and you will notice or should have noticed that other creatures might be the same. The council has a team that goes out and fights the mutations and tries to stop what is happening and no it was not the pack you fought." Her smile returns as she shakes her head. "The council did not betray you at all...they might have used you to find this place. This pack did give you a chance to leave I would guess or maybe more than one. It was your choice to fight them and to tell the truth I am happy that you did." She does not elaborate anymore on that as she turns her attention to other things. "My dear little Flea misunderstands...though I might be training a new pack, I still remain on the council and will be there to try and support your group. You must realize that the group that you destroyed here was a personal tool of Galafar and a pack that is used to get rid of undesireables or do dirty jobs that need to be done." She does not seem to like the idea of an assassin pack or the fact that it might be employed by the council but she does not seem over worried about its uses.
A shudder passes through her as she contemplates things that might have happened if the other pack would have succeeded. "If the council had known what I planned they would have sent that same pack after us. The druids would have been dead by now and we would have been lost and most likely forgotten. Though I must say that I was not too good at covering my tracks." She gives a sly smile as her eyes sparkle. "I figured the council would send the Bloodpack to find me if I went missing and I left a few clues behind. But as to what might have happened if that pack would have succeeded...WAR." She glances to each member of the Bloodpack in turn and holds their gaze for as long as four minutes. "Do you think that the druid circles would have let the murder of two of their order go unanswered? Do you think that they would have just left the Sargrass alone and not sought out Rattledam? You run with a druid and a half druid, so you know the powers that they wield and their are some who can talk to plants at will. Even the plants here on the Plains call most druids friends." She lets that sink home for both packs before she lets out a breath. "You saved the Sargrass and you home from war....and the price was high." She seems to like that fact less and less but there is also little she will be able to do. "I might be able to answer some general questions...but do not expect me to answer them all."
The Fems have settled down and taken their seats again, but they now watch the Bloodpack closely for other reasons. They number a total of seven and some of you remember having seen them around Rattledam before.
Flea Monday July 2nd, 2007 8:38:24 PM
The gnome's eyes fix on Malafret, and her discontent is tangible at the beginning of the tale. However, as the cloth of the tale is woven, Flea's eyes grow round as saucers.
Had Malefret and the Fems succumbed, there would have been WAR? Instigated, from the druid quarter? Flea sits back, resting on her arms. She is a small copy of the woman telling the tale, but her eyes move with newfound respect to Gilan and Tishe' as Malafret continues her tale.
Flea ignores the junior pack, and addresses Malafret once again. No threat is implied, and the rogue in fact mimics the woman's relaxed and reclining position. "So, you figure Galafrar's assassin pack was after us? Not after you, and the...the...girls?" Flea waves her hand dismissively in the direction of the seven young females. Flea tries to catch Trellus' eye, to gain a sense of the cleric's mood, but the rogue isn't quite satisfied with the answer's, or the treatment, the Bloodpack is getting.
Tishe' Monday July 2nd, 2007 8:55:39 PM
War. So THAT'S what 'almost happend'. Tishe' nods worriedly to her packmates. "I only know a small part of the power of the Mother, but can you see animals and the grass itself rising against the people of Rattledam?", she shakes her head again. "I am glad we stopped the assassination team against the druids, then."
The brown eyes rove over the Fems and she gives a friendly wave towards Jenny. Perhaps later Tishe' will go over and talk to the new group, but there are other things to worry about at the moment.
"I understand you are still weaving secrets about the change on the Sargrass, Malafret. I don't like it, but understand. And also know that you are our best voice on the Council. And you have given us a lead for more questions with the Manfri." Silently, Tishe' hopes her suggestion about Malafret being on thier side and needing some secrets rubs off on her packmates.
"But you have raised another pattern in the tapestry." The plain-faced girl pauses before continuing. "You have been our voice in the Council. Galafar had his own pack. There is another pack who fights the mutations. And the Black Pack that were the one-time rivals of Trellus and the others. Which Council member speaks for them? We know Galafar doesn't like us and there is nothing we can do about it. Who else do we have to watch for? Who else on the Council can we count on for extra support? Without knowing the terrain of the Council, we can easily fall into a pit should we return."
Trellus Monday July 2nd, 2007 9:15:28 PM
Almost as soon as his tirade is over, Trellus cringes inwardly. Malafret lets him have it, and the blond man nods in acceptance of the reprimand. He probably deserved that. He quite visibly works to get a hold of himself, which takes a few moments.
"I apologize at my tone," he responds with regret. "I should not have yelled like that. But Light, we got real close to getting killed, and we don't really know why. It sure is frustating for us." He sighs. "If you can guarantee we won't get mind-wiped, we'll go back to Rattledam to see what the Council has to say. We're beginning to expect exile...light, we're beginning to prefer it. But, we're also interested on any truths the Council, or you in its stead, would like to share."
He looks over at Flor. "And we'd totally be interested in your place."
Trellus is starting to perk up. The fact that they just ripped one of Galafar's "personal tools" is a very happy thought. He moves over toward the Fems, passing close by Flea on the way. "Not their fault," he whispers as he passes her.
"Many shadows," he greets the Fems. "I'm Trellus. Whaddya think of all this?"
Grymash d20+10=28 d20-2=3 d20+2=18 Monday July 2nd, 2007 9:20:37 PM
During the whole exchange of words, Grymash keeps a close eye on the Fems in the distance. His eyes keep a cold, hard as adamantine gaze on the other pack. (Intimidating Stare: 28)
Malefret's words, tense at first, soften and so does the half-orcs temper. (Int 3, Wis 18) He tries to follow what she is saying but the distraction of the Fems draws too much of what attention span he has. He generally relies on others to explain what was said later on.
Grymash can only think of one question to ask his teacher. "If dis bone-dead pack dat da Bloodpack hacked ta bits be Galafars, Gry like idea da Pig Beater, Galafar, bleeds for them. An Gry no waste time not twistin' dat blade in Galafar's back too! Gry hope Galafar feels every cut!" However, the barbarian eases his expression and his tone. Giving Malefret a thoughtful and needy look he finally asks the question he's always wanted to know, "IF dis be time for secret tellin' then please ... tell Gry dis! Why ... why did Galafar gives Gry over to da orc raiders when just uh pup?! Why do Gry earn dat fate. Why Galafar make uh slave of Gry?"
Gilan and Ciaran Monday July 2nd, 2007 11:54:17 PM
Gilan has been listening closely as he is talking with Murdock and spending the free time with his brother. His head turns at the words of war and with druids no less. His eyes take in his pack and he gets a little nervous. "You know that I have no loyalties to anyone but the pack, Mother Wold and Father Wold." He does not really know how to voice the concerns he is feeling that he might have got pulled into something that might have put him against nature itself.
He continues to let the others talk and ask questions as he continues to scratch the head of his brother, who has rolled over.
The next step. (DM Jim) Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 12:38:52 AM
Malafret takes in the next barrage of questions and laughs lightly at the idea from Flea. "I would suspect that the assassin pack was actually sent here to kill the two druids...most likely the council figured that the Bloodpack though might do the job for them. I can tell you that the assassin pack was not given orders to kill you unless you gave them reason and by not allowing them to deal with the druids....you gave them reason." She glances to the Fems and shakes her head. "You should not dismiss them lightly...they have a few skills that with a little honing will turn them into a formidable group...I would hope with good hearts." She glances back to Flea with a wry smile. "Much like another pack I know."
She frowns as she turns her head to regard Tishe'. "That is a hard one...most of the council will do what is right, within reason of the laws set down. Some though are a little more taken with what they can gain out of the deal and personally I would not trust most of them too far." She glances to each Bloodpack member in turn and shakes her head. "Keep that last bit to yourselves but remember it." She shrugs as she is not too sure of all the packs that run in Rattledam. "I am sure that each council member has at least one pack that they support in different ways and some may have even more than one...politics is a deadly game, sometimes far deadlier than what you face in the grass." She does turn her smile to Trellus and laughs lightly. "I had forgiven you almost as soon as your outburst was done...almost. As far as why you almost got killed...you protected the druids this time around and though the council may not know it or even acknowledge it...save the town of Rattledam in the process."
Her face is a mix of emotions in regards to the councils' actions with the Bloodpack. "The council will not be pleased that is for sure and you can bet that they already know of what has happened here. They might not know all the details but you can be sure that the assassin pack got somekind of message to the council before they all died. I am sure that they will only impose exile, though not a complete one on the whole pack....as I said, as long as they figure they can use you later." She shrugs as the next part is obvious. "They will keep you around." There is a lot of sadness in her voice and face as she turns to regard Grymash. "Galafar is a hard on to figure. He might have wanted you as part of the assassin pack at first. Hate is a powerful tool and maybe giving you as a slave was to break you and mold you into a killing machine...at least one that he could use. I like to think that I had a hand in changing and shaping all your lives...at least a little."
The Fems turn almost as one to look at Trellus as he speaks. None of them have been paying Grymash much attention and his glare did not seem to be having much effect. Some of this might be that Malafret was close at hand and they knew that they were safe or it might be that they just do not care. A young woman with chestnut colored hair looks to Trellus and nods her head in greeting. "Do be honest....we think it sucks. We came to protect Malafret as she asked us to, but we feel that the council is making a big mistake." She looks to the other young woman who also nod their heads in agreement. "As for changing anything...that will be beyond us for at least a few more years." She digs her dagger into the ground at her feet and shrugs as she has little else to offer.
With the calming of emotions and people actually thinking a little more, Trellus might notice that his sister is wearing a symbol of Flower on the front of her armor. She is also sitting rather easily amongst the other women and you get the feeling that she is a valued member of this pack. Gone is the little girl that you knew and in her place is a young woman trying to prove herself.
Flor moves over to the large group and smiles. "We have prepared a simple stew for everyone...if you would join us that is and be our guests. You may stay here as long as you like." He turns to Trellus and pulls him off to the side for a few seconds. "I will tell you of this place tomorrow morning and then you can make your decisions as to what to do." He glances around as he lowers his voice. "I would suggest that you check the place out though before you return to Rattledam....it has been six months since I have been to the dome and I am not sure how it fares." He seems rather ashamed about this but you feel that he has been busy. You also might guess that he is worried about more than the condition of the dome but what might have moved in.
Tishe' Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 12:16:15 PM
Relieved that Malafret is providing good information, and that tensions are winding down a little, Tishe' heaves a sigh and picks up Wart. "If the Council needs us, mind-wipe won't be an option. And as much as the Council needs us, we still need them for support as well. If we are taking a vote, Trellus, I say we should return to Rattledam with Malafret and the Fems."
And with that last piece of duty out of the way, the brown-haired woman decides some relaxation is in order. She eagerly samples the savory stew and speaks with Flor and Faun, interested in perhaps getting a better understanding of the druidic circle of the Sargrass.
She mingles freely with the Fems, noting names and abilities of the women not too much younger than herself. She is free with the information about her own abilities, the wonders of HookCity, and some of the Sargrass dangers that the group has encountered. (Keeping her own secrets, Tishe' doesn't speak of IronHome, the manfri, or any of her packmates abilities, origins, or interests.)
Finally, Tishe' helps complete the sorting of the loot from the assassin pack with her packmates before settling down on cut grass beds for the night.
Trellus Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 3:44:49 PM
Trellus can only nod in sympathy at the Fem's comment. "Yeah, it does," he responds, totally understanding. His eyes fall on Jenny's markings, and he gives her a playful jab in the shoulder. "Priestess of Flower, huh? Looks good on you."
The blond man indicates the gathering food with a nod of his head - a silent invitation. Walking beside his sister, he tries to make small talk. "How long has your pack been training?"
Flor makes his comment, and the cleric nods agreement and understanding. Talk of a new home, and what may need to be evicted, can wait until there are fewer dudes around to hear it. He is way ahead of Malafret on the "be careful who you trust" advice. Right now, that list is has only five mortals and a couple gods on it.
Sitting with the groups and enjoying some stew, Trellus follows up on Tishe's comment.
"I agree. We should go back to Rattledam, at least to see where the wind is blowing. If you don't mind, Malafret, we won't go back immediately. There's some threads we gotta tie off around here first. We'll see you down there." The Council isn't the only one capable of telling half-truths, and Trellus is a fast learner. He keeps the conversation going on common goals and themes, and steers it away from his pack's plans for the coming days.
Those plans are the business of the pack, and the pack will discuss them when they are less likely to be heard.
Flea Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 7:59:29 PM
Flea listens, and for once the gnome's small share of wisdom dominates.
Druids...Mother and Father Wold as Gilan and Tishe' so often refer to the forces of nature...Talki Fresal, Dondit Liki...The land, my life...and Jenny's devotion to Flower...
A wrinkle furrows Flea's brow when Tishe' speaks of returning to Rattledam. There are no friends there...
Flea keeps her own council, and smiles and nods, accepting a bowl of Flor's stew. Her eyes slide to Trellus, and she gives a nod of comprehension. We'll talk. Later. Away from prying ears, she thinks.
Flea finds a seat beside Grymash Mountainback. The half-orc sends out heat like a furnace. "I'm thinkin' the Grey Eye still talks to Grymash," she says, "and maybe one or two of the pack, but not to me...anymore." Flea opens her shirt to reveal the red stone embedded in her chest. "I don't think it works anymore Gry," she admits. "Could you pray to, an' ask him why he makes it so the dragon stones don't work?" Flea refrains from referencing the god of Life and Death by his name.
Grymash Wednesday July 4th, 2007 2:04:51 AM "Yeah, da Grey Eye do still talk ta Gry. Gry wills pray on its. Wit other things dat weigh heavy ta Gry." Grymash pauses to ponder the problem. He tries to offer words of comfort until he's had time to figure things out. "It do be written dat Gargul be seein' through all his Eyes. Gry be uh Eye of Gargul. He holds up his palm, displaying the tattoo of an open eye, the holy symbol of his Lord. "An Gry wills never be blind ta Flea!"
Murdock d20-2=18 Wednesday July 4th, 2007 10:18:48 PM
Murdock nods his head in understanding as the druid's relationship with the wolf is revealed. He blinks in slight suprise at the druid's question, but recovers almost instantly. "My friend," the dark elf starts, "in the world that I grew up in, such an offer is as rare as the site of the sun. I would be honored to be considered your brother."
As Malafret begins to reveal some of the mysteries of the plains, Murdock begins to listen, his ever keen mind whirling like clockwork. However, the drow also has his prejudices, and when he speaks, it is clear that he is biased by them.
"I can sense the truth of some of your words Malafret. It is unfortunate that untold truths remain lies of omission. However, it is clear that neither you or your precious council want the best for this land, or it's people." The drow takes in all those gathered in the grove with his luminous violent eyes, and continues.
" A land and it's people are tied as one. This is a lesson I have learned from my druidic friends." The drow looks momentarily at Tishe' and Gilan, acknowledging them. "For the Rattledam council to knowingly let a sickness linger in this land, even when they know what it is, and to not share that information with those that could help is wrong. Further, to send assasins to kill those that could help, is evil. The worst injustice of all in my mind however, is to cover it all up in the name of the Lord God Pantheon, and pretend that he blesses the "law" of the council."
Murdock pauses a moment, his face flashing in momentary anger, "I have felt the fury of your council, my memory still echos with the fire that nearly burned all that I am away. If you, who know this secret, refuse to help those that would see this secret uncovered, then you are no friend of mine, or to any of us gathered here, no matter what past or present pretense you harbor. If however, you would see the land, and it's people healed, without playing the political games of the council, then you would truly earn a place in my heart, and no doubt in the heart of posterity. This is all I have to say on this matter." (Diplomacy=18 // NATURAL 20)
The drow then grabs a bit of harty stew and partakes, asaging his hunger for the next several hours.
/ooc: Thanks for the feedback, I hope MikeK appreciated that I didn't get Trell killed. :P -SteveH
Tishe' (2nd Post) Thursday July 5th, 2007 9:22:33 AM
The plain-faced woman cringes at the bald statements of her newest packmate, and hopes Malafret sees the concern behind the words more than the hurtful accusations.
When Murdock settles in the grass with his stew, Tishe' moves over and sits beside him. After a couple mouthfuls she speaks in a wondering tone. "You know, I've always thought the best way to change a pattern was to use the current threads in a different way. The master weaver abandons the tapestry and begins anew usually only as a last resort."
A few more spoonfuls move to her lips before she continues. "When I was in my mother's weaving shop in HookCity, she had apprentices who would bond with her in order to learn the trade. Always, it was my mother who determined when a new skill was taught to the apprentice, and that usually when the apprentice showed promise. Often, wandering journeymen would stay for a time, teaching what they knew in exchange for further refinement. Yet any apprentice or journeyman who demanded knowledge received nothing."
She turns to face her packmate and lays a gentle hand on his forearm. "Sweetie, I think that we have some knowledge, and that our ultimate goal should be to make the changes that you have so succinctly stated. However, I think that we are journeymen who still have need of learning before that next step can be made."
And knowing communication is a two-way street, she patiently waits for Murdock's response.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday July 5th, 2007 6:32:42 PM
Gilan is gladdened by the words of Murdock and he offers his hand in friendship and brotherhood. "It is glad that I name you brother than." He makes his way to get a bowl of stew and then moves off to sit and eat...and think.
He only half listens as the others talk and he only really pays attention as Murdock falls into his speech. The real truth would be great but he does not know what to make of all of this. There has to be a reason that this sickness is here and then an idea comes to him...what if the council is unable to do anything about it. They are not really geared towards change and would keep things the way they are.
[Sorry for missing two posts. The 4th took me away for a longer period of time than I wanted. Was not sure if I was going to make it back today either. :)]
Grymash Thursday July 5th, 2007 8:38:22 PM
Grymash is suddenly hit by a very troubling thought ... have I become exactly what Galafar had wanted me to become! A cold-blooded killer! The words of Malafret, meant to ease the half-orc, have now cut him to the core. How much of him is his natural half-breed impulses and what of it is training from his most hated enemy? Has he been playing into his hands all along?
He buries his face into his hands and begins to pray. Grymash needs answers!
Preparations. (DM Jim) Friday July 6th, 2007 1:31:16 AM
Trellus moves off with his sister and the two get to know one another again. She seems happy to see her brother and is not at ease. It is hard to believe though that she is the same young girl that you save a long time ago in a cave.
Malafret looks to Murdock and shakes her head. No matter what this upstart may think, he will never accept what she is not able to give. More to everyone that to him she speaks. "The council is about keeping things the way they are. We do not seek to return to the way it was in the past, nor do we seek to see the Plains move in the direction that the mutations are going." Turning her attention to Murdock she looks sad. "You inability to let this go at what you have shows your lack of growth. As far as a taste of the councils' power...you all know the risks that are run everyday of your lives. The council keeps secrets that are too dangerous to be let out in the open. If enemies should get ahold of the secret they could very well change the whole Wold." Her eyes rove to each and every individual in the grove, holding eyes. "Do any of you believe that if the Barons or a follower of Marteus was to capture you, that you could go to your grave without giving secrets away? Do you think that even in your death you could keep a secret? That is a chance that the council is not willing to take." She moves off to get a bowl of the stew and eats alone.
Grymash communes with his god for the better part of two hours, seeking answers to the questions that plague his mind. Though he gets no voiced answers, he feels a warming of the jewel set into his chest and it is not one of his pack that is doing it. The warmth is of comfort and resolution, a knowledge that you are on the right path.
The night wears on and soon it is time to fall to sleep. The Fems keep to themselve not exactly feeling welcome among the Bloodpack. Only Jenny spends time with any of the Bloodpack and that is only her brother and she tries to get him to talk into the wee hours of the morning.
Malafret is also withdrawn and is not easily coached into talking. She is rather disappointed in the Bloodpack right now, or in at least one member. They do not want to see the big picture in what needs to be done or the dangers.
Morning will come way too soon and the Fems, with Malafret will have to leave. They will return home.
Murdock Friday July 6th, 2007 9:52:11 AM
Murdock is not bothered in the least by the human's apparent disapproval of his stance. This is his first encounter with her, and he is not impressed with her either. He expected for the woman to outright disagree with his points or to not understand them in the first place. It appears the outcome is a bit of both. What does bother the drow, is Tishe's concern, so he reponds to her.
"Tishe', I do not ask for this information for my own knowledge, although I must admit to being curious. What I ask is for Malafret and the council to stop playing games with lives that do not belong to them. What I ask is simply for them to stop trying to kill people who are trying to help. I ask that they share information with those that can be trusted and can help. I am not saying that person is me, or the Bloodpack, but I do believe druids like Flor and his wife can heal the land. I believe that if they have the power to destroy Rattledam, then surely they have the power to withstand the Barons and the minions of Martues.
The drow pauses long enough to look into the brown haired woman's eyes. What he see's is wisdom, and concern. Then the drow continues, "Malafret says that the council stands for the status quo. However, you above most should know that there is no such thing. In fact, the only certainties in this Wold are change, death, and the grass." Murdock says the last with a chuckle. "All we mortals can hope to do, is to survive long enough to make a difference in the Wold around us. It is up to us to decide if that difference is good or bad."
The mage then withdrawls into himself, eating his soup quietly and hoping that his pack mates understand his logic.
Tishe' Friday July 6th, 2007 4:41:04 PM
Nods in understanding. "And I think you are weaving in the right direction. We will change the Sargrass if we have anything to say about it. I also am convinced that any secret will eventually be found out. If the monks know something, it will get out in time. I'm only hoping that we find out before the Barons."
Slightly disappointed in the Fems not interested in talking with her, Tishe' speaks quietly with all her packmates, sharing a joke with Flea, growling goodnight to Grymash in draconic, feeling the grass with Gilan...
Trellus Friday July 6th, 2007 5:00:56 PM
The blond haired man inwardly cringes at Murdock's accusations, but finds Malafret's reply to be less hostile than he expected. Tucking that bit of news away, he determines to spend as much time as he can with Jenny.
"I'd like you to take this," he says at one point, removing his Cloak of Comfort. "It keeps you cool, like an Endure Elements spell."
The night passes as he and his sister reminisce about the much, much simpler life only a couple years ago. "Growing up ain't much fun, is it?" he sighs.
In the morning, Trellus makes sure to approach Malafret before she leaves. Nodding respectfully, he addresses her. "Mistress, we'll be there in a while, truly. We just need to tighten ourselves up." The blond man looks across the plain and Grymash and Murdock. "Too many of us have been used too badly to trust much of anyone any more. And...well, Light...until yesterday I figured The Council was of one mind in everything. Now, I'm guessing its a lot more fractured than I expect."
He looks back to her.
"We swore to protect The Plains, and we're doing our best. Even if we are pretty clumsy at it." Trellus finishes, and waits in silence, thinking. After a few moments, he rejoins his sister for a last farewell.
Flea Friday July 6th, 2007 7:18:59 PM
Flea nods in acknowledgment of what Malafret says about the council...'same ol'...same ol'..., and understands, to some extent where the party's newest member is coming from. Hanging her head, she doesn't meet Malafret's eye when the party's former mentor...possible protector...eyes the group.
Later in the evening, as the group makes its own night preparations, Flea takes out one of the bottles of glass grass...
"...look what I've got, Gry!" the rogue announces brightly, holding up a bottle.
Grymash Saturday July 7th, 2007 2:24:33 PM
Grymash rubs the warm gem embedded in his chest and his doubts are melted away. Feeling the touch of his Lord was the medicine he needed. Then Flea mentions something about an unopened bottle of glass grass!! "Well ... open it then," Gry says with a smile. "'Bout times weez all feels da bite of spirits! Let Gry gets out some mugs." It makes the half-breed chuckle a bit after hearing what he just said. A very un-orcish thing to say. No pure-blooded orc would've had the slightest compulsion to use drinking vessels. An orc would have just grabbed the bottle and drank from it despite his friends. More than likely, keep it all for himself after bashing a few heads, friend or not.
As Flea works at opening the bottle, Grymash secretly attempts to send her a heart touch and a short message. "Feel God, Flea!" Followed by a quick request to Lord Gargul, begging to allow it to work. 'Let Flea know that Lord Gargul still watches her!'
Turning to Tishe, he attempts his best draconic, "Uhhh, good tart Master Tishe too?"
Flea (illegal 2nd post) Saturday July 7th, 2007 6:54:15 PM
Flea works at dislodging the cork from the bottle of purple glass grass, saving the silver in reserve...
Gilan and Ciaran Monday July 9th, 2007 9:06:04 PM
Gilan continues to relax with the rest of the pack and spends a little time talking to the Fems, though they seem to keep to themselves.
Coming back over he stops by Trellus. "Do we post watches tonight?" He keeps his voice low as he does not want to alarm anyone or show that he does not trust too well either.
Ciaran seems to be enjoying the time to relax as well as he rolls around in the short grass. A few times he disappears into the taller grass but comes back each time with no ill effects.
Time off. (DM Jim) Monday July 9th, 2007 11:40:50 PM
The rest of the night is uneventful, except for the bottle of grasswine that is drank down. There is an extra bottle offered up by Flor as he does not like the stuff and wants to get rid of it.
The night is full of good dreams and a lot of rest for all those concerned. It is nice to have a little time off and not have to worry about survival.
The next morning some are up early as usual and others might be sleeping in. Malafret and the Fems are up sort of early and preparing to leave for Rattledam.
The night before, Jenny had taken the cloak from her brother with a sad look. She tried to explain to him that she could not take it and that he might have a use for it.
Malafret on the other hand is sad to leave the Bloodpack behind. "It seems wrong to leave you all like this. I have been looking after you for so long and now hard choices are being made for you and by you." She sheds a few tears as she tells the group that she will do all that she can with the council before they return home.
[Trellus finds his cloak has mysteriously returned to the top of his pack when he first opens it.]
[Consider yourselves to have two weeks of downtime to do with as you like. I will be moving things along in the next couple of days, so you will be able to post of the whole two weeks if you want in that time.]
Trellus Tuesday July 10th, 2007 9:43:13 AM
With the departure of Malafret and the Fems, Trellus calls a pack meeting. There is a lot to talk about. "Dudes," he begins. "I wanna tell you, you're all the night soil. I know we get totally twisted chasing stuff around all the time, and never get to really talk. And I know I get pushy sometimes. So I wanted to take the opportunity to let you all know you're my packmates, and I don't think my ideas are any better than any of yours. we got a break now, so lets take advantage and talk about what's going on."
"First off, those treadles (pointing to spot of fight) got the drop on us. I think they were able to spy on us, and they sure were able to sneak up on us easy. Anyone got any ideas how we can tell if someone is watching us magically?"
"Second, let's talk about The Council and The Land and what we've learned." The cleric starts counting off points on his fingers. "Something has been turning the Land from mostly forest to mostly Grass for a really long time, and changing the animals too, and its still happening. The druids here seem to want to go back to forest, and The Council seems to want to keep everything just like it is." Next - "The Council ain't altogether on everything. There are factions - Malafret's got a group, Galafar's got a group, others probably got their own. And they don't work together too good." Three - "We're probably not gonna fare too well when we get back to Rattledam, but I think we should go. We could learn more about the factions in the Council and maybe some more of these secrets. The question is, do we risk eveyone going in there, or do just a couple of us go?"
"Four - Flor has mentioned a couple times he might know of a place where we can stay, like a home base. I think we should take a look, but I'm thinking something might have moved in already. It'd be totally shady if we had someplace to call home, and maybe bring other folks there as well". Trellus finishes and sits down. It doesn't take much to figure out which 'other folks' he's thinking about moving.
The cleric also takes the cloak and potions he's claimed, and asks Gilan if he can produce some more healing draughts.
And now that he's got a bit of time on his hands, the young man decides to take a serious look at this pendant of his. He spends a good hour peering intently at the designs, rubbing his hands over the metal, and praying for inspiration. [Inspect Pendant of Order - Take 20 - Spellcraft 32]
Posting Report (ADM MikeK) Tuesday July 10th, 2007 11:15:16 AM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of July 2 - 6
Name MTWTFS
DM JimW XOOXO
Trellus XOOXO
Tishe XOXXO
Gilan OOXOX
Grymash OXXOX
Flea XOOXX
Murdock OXOXO
[X = post, O = no post]
ADM Note - Looks like the holiday slowed the DM up. We'll get back on track this week!
Tishe' d20+15=20 Tuesday July 10th, 2007 2:46:47 PM
(ooc: mailing everyone about distribution of the loot. Please tell me if you aren't getting it. Carla? )
Prior to Fem departure... Tishe' rises early and tries to locate a Fem who has arcane spellcasting ability, mostly by looking for a spell pouch on a hip (Spellcraft: 20). "Many shadows", she begins, holding palm forward an empty hand. "Both our packs are taught by Malafret, and I'm thinking that we should be weaving better together. Malafret thinks that you are some real black hands. I would like to give your pack some goods to help out and show our mutual friendship."
With that, Tishe' brings out several items. "Consider it a good faith gift between your pack and mine."
2 shortswords, 2 shortbows, 3 potions of mage armor and several pages taken from the spellbook unseen servant comprehend languages cause fear charm person
Tishe' plans to take any items accepted by any member of the Fempack off of her own personal goods so there won't be any trouble with her own packmates.
After Fem Departure... Tishe' is more than happy to talk about the issues Trellus has brought up, and she matches him point for point.
"First, we can change our tactics. One of us with good senses can have the pick to always look behind us. All of us were concentrating on the druids and noone at the area around us. I don't know of a long-term spell that could do the same weaving, but just being aware would help tremendously. Also, once a fight starts, having a defensible place would help. If there isn't anything to put our backs to, I or Mudock can be the one who creates a magical wall for protection before starting anything offensively."
"Second", she adds to the blonde cleric's list, "the secret the Council is keeping is linked to the Golden Door in the caves underneath Rattledam. I suspect it has something to do with the water in Rattledam in the first place as well." "However, I don't want to forget about the other groups in the Sargrass. We know the Barons are not all of one mind, and that they have allies like IronHome that don't necessarily agree with everything the Barons want. Also, what about the Manfri? Are they supporting the druids, or the monks, or on thier own? We know some of the Council like Malafret works with the manfri, but is that just because it is convienient for the manfri? Perhaps they could be a clue or allies in what is going on with the Sargrass."
"Third, we won't have the possibility to learn more from the Council or whisperings in Rattledam if we don't go back and face them. And if some of us don't go, the Council will be more suspicious of our motives than they already are. I think we should all go together, keep our faces humble and our ears open."
"Fourth, I agree we should check Flor's safe place out, but until we see it, we don't know what constraints there are on a large group living there in security."
"Additionally, Fifth, I think we need to go to HookCity to use the Catacombs, the Woldian League outpost, and the Star Mages Guild. It is a very good chance that we could get more information from those sources."
It is Tishe's turn to sit and wait for another to speak.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday July 11th, 2007 6:59:13 PM
Gilan has been listening for some time as some speak. He is not sure about somethings but he does agree with what is being said. One thing does nag at him though. "Are we sure the SMG and WLA are not being kept in the dark as well?" For some reason he is starting to worry about a lot of different things. In fact something just came to his mind that he had not thought of earlier. "If this taint is in the land...what about the food we eat?" Suddenly he does not feel so well, but he also knows that it is all in his mind.
With the request from Trellus he nods his head. "More healing potions would be no problem." He adds that to his mental list of things to do.
[There will be a DM post tonight.]
Bringing packs together. (DM Jim) Wednesday July 11th, 2007 11:47:05 PM
Tishe' finds a spellcaster in the Fems, before they leave. She also finds out the young woman's name is Jan. The whole pack is very thankful to the Bloodpack for not only saving them but also for giving them gifts that will help them in protecting the Plains and Rattledam.
With everything slowing down it gives the Bloodpack time to start and figure out a few things. It seems they need more information and that there are more elements going on here than they might have thought. Though the word is not thrown out, it seems the Bloodpack might have just entered into....POLITICS.
[Hopefully we will start moving in some direction friday. I wanted to get a few opinions first and thoughts as to the direction from you guys. Will be checking out my email later to see what you have to say.[
Tishe' Thursday July 12th, 2007 1:27:46 PM
The average-looking woman is glad that Jan accepted the gifts and that it looks like the Fems will be a potential ally. Yet now is the time to organize thier own pack.
"I'd really like to get to HookCity to see the SMG and WLA for study and skills enhancement as well as any history.", she mentions. All her other arguments are still valid, and she lets the others speak.
Trellus Thursday July 12th, 2007 2:37:09 PM
"Hook City is a REALLY long walk from here," the blond haired cleric points out. "And I did tell Malafret we'd be along. She's probably our only friend on the Council, and I'd like to keep her happy."
Trellus rubs his head. "On the other hand, our next trip into Rattledam could very likely be our last, and we need a fallback.
I propose we check out Flor's dome and make it habitable. Then, go to Rattledam and see what happens there. Then, we can hop a boat to Hook City and check in with the WLA and Star Mages."
He looks around. "Whaddya think?"
Tishe' Thursday July 12th, 2007 4:48:42 PM
"The plan is a tight weave."
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday July 12th, 2007 9:11:34 PM
Gilan shrugs. "Lets check out this place and then go from there." He does not mention the fact that he is scared to go back to Rattledam. It is the first place that he has ever really been able to call home...losing that scares him to death.
"How soon do we leave though." He figures to use some of his time to make a few potions and get things set up for the possibility of more fighting. The Plains was changing and not in a good way it seemed. He was like the others, he wanted answers and bad.
Events. (DM Jim) Friday July 13th, 2007 12:57:23 AM
The next four days seem to fly by as the pack discusses the many options that they see before them. The get to know the two druids, Flor and Faun, a little better as well. It seems that Flor is a GreenMage and Faun is a Shifter and that they are here as they said...to study the effects of the Plains environment and try to find out what causes new trees to die.
Many things are done during this time and the group is most likely glad for the rest as well. Flor lays out what he knows about the place that he was talking about that you could use for a base.
It is an old dome made out of grass, that has seen better days. He tells you that from the appearance, he would say that a battle took place there at one time but that the dome is still standing. Last time he was there it had nearly eight rooms in it that were built out of the same grass that made the dome. It was surely done by somekind of druidal magic or someone that had a connection with the land.
Grymash Friday July 13th, 2007 1:58:56 AM "Well, if pack wanna go back ta Rattledam, maybe guter dat weez goes in thru da cave an comes up through da underwater way. Galafar maybe order da guards ta fight wit pack at da gates ta makes Bloodpack looks like da enemy. Dat sunbaked piggie probably sayin weez beddin' down wits da Barons by now!"
Murdock Friday July 13th, 2007 12:17:34 PM
Murdock looks at Grymash, thinking to himself that it is odd that a half-orc be so wise. " I agree with Grymash.", the mage says. "If we are to go back to Rattledam, we should go back by way of the caves, and not by way of the gates." Murdock continues, "However, I am more interested in going to emplore the dome that Flor has described, and I need the time to think about what may come upon our return to Rattledam." The drow finishes.
Tishe' Friday July 13th, 2007 2:10:34 PM
"That's that", she states with finality, "we'll go to the grass dome, check it out, and maybe set it up as a secondary base just in case." She considers for a second, and then continues. "In the meantime there are a few things that I need to prepare."
1) Tishe' has 50gp worth of parchment, ink, blotting material and stuff. She would like to scribe the spells that she and Murdock agreed to exchange? ready to scribe Animate Rope, Gaseous Form, and Stinking Cloud
2) Tishe' spends the second day and entire night a little apart from the others, settled into the Grass and questing outward with her mind, becoming one with Mother Wold, and searching for a companion of Her fold with a like mind.
Murdock (2nd post) Friday July 13th, 2007 2:41:29 PM
Murdock cast a read magic and also gets out his spell book, quills, and parchment. The mage is prepared to scribe the spells that Tishe' has offered, plus a few more.
/ooc: Scribing stoneskin, lightning bolt, and despel magic - Steve
Gilan and Ciaran Saturday July 14th, 2007 1:21:27 AM
Gilan steps off to the side of the group to go to work on things that he needs to. He lays all his equipment in a pile by his pack and leaves Ciaran to watch over it.
With that done he finds an area that feels right to him and pulls out what looks like an athame, made of wood. Slowly he traces out a circle in a semi-bare are, inscribing strange runes in High Woldian and sylvan. At last he settles in the circle with only the gear that he needs for brewing potions.
To everyone, he just simply disappears but the circle remains upon the ground.
Stephen ooc. Saturday July 14th, 2007 1:58:55 AM
SteveH - Grymash is very wise (wis15), just not very smart (int7). Of course in DnD, the average animal(wis12-14) is wiser than the average human(wis10).
Trellus Sunday July 15th, 2007 9:43:22 AM
Trellus nods at Grymash. "Good idea Gry. Might as well get the sunbaked meeting done in private."
Just before Gilan disappears, the cleric asks him for two Lesser Restoration potions.
The blond man's face falls a bit at the revelation that Flor's dome is more House sized than Town sized. His fleeting daydream of starting up their own town appears to be nothing more than that. Regardless, Trellus wants to check out the place.
Again, he turns back to the Pendant he pulled from the druid in the Oglian caves, and spends his day investigating its properties. [Take 20 on spellcraft check - 32]
Flea Sunday July 15th, 2007 9:07:18 PM
The rogue isn't too wild about any idea that involves returning to Rattledam, but sticks with her pack, expecting that the cleric will determine the destination for the pack.
Flea is happy that the group goes to check out Flor's place, and like her pack-mate is let down that the place isn't the small settlement she thought it might be.
Reconciled with the idea that all paths seem to lead back to Rattledam, the gnome nods her head at the orc's suggestion, adding, "maybe we can check out the golden door?" Looking expectantly from Trellus to Gillan, she continues, "'member? The one in the room with all the manfri art and the hand prints?"
(OOC: Sorry folks! Having some computer problems. No internet, and worse, no e-mail, for me since Thursday. Will try to keep up via borrowed computers.-Carla)
Moving along. (DM Jim) Monday July 16th, 2007 11:49:33 PM
The next few days move uneventfully but the who pack gets some much needed rest. Many of the pack go about daily routinues, while others work on other projects of their own.
Murdock and Tishe' are both able to add a few spells from the others spellbooks, increasing thier own in the process. They also go about setting up a few scrolls of more useful spells for the pack.
Gilan disappears for hours on end to some unknown place or realm. When he comes back he seems to be just fine but does not talk about the places that he goes...though noone asks.
Trellus finds the pendant full of surprised and though he knows that it holds more magic...he is unable to discern more with inspection. What could be so important about this pendant or is it just that powerful that it will take a lot to discover it's secrets?
Flor and Faun seem to be getting along fine and going about thier work as usual. Rootrot has not awoken from his self imposed slumber though and it appears that he might never wake up. Many nights you hear the two druids talking of this and they seem to be mulling around the idea of leaving the Plains. Some days though you find that Flor is gone for long periods of the day as well, though he do not suspect him of going the same place as Gilan.
The end of a second week in the grove is fast approaching and all the pack seem restless. Maybe it is time to move along.
Posting Report (ADM MikeK) Tuesday July 17th, 2007 9:52:05 AM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of July 9 - 13
Name MTWTFS
DM JimW XOXXO
Trellus XOXOX
Tishe XOXXO
Gilan OXXOX
Grymash OOOXO
Flea OOOOX
Murdock OOOXO
[X = post, O = no post]
ADM Note - OK folks, the holiday is over. Let's see if we can get back in the groove.
Trellus Tuesday July 17th, 2007 5:20:17 PM
Trellus has got the "time to go urge". The blond man paces around a lot, occasionally stopping to grab up the pendant around his neck and giving it an irritated glance. "Sunbasted pendant," he mutters crossly.
As soon as Gilan reappears from, well, whereever he is, the cleric announces its time to weave on over to Flor''s dome.
He makes sure Flor tells everyone how to get there, and then they are off.
Grymash d20+9=28 Tuesday July 17th, 2007 7:15:43 PM "Hmmm, maybe gute time ta goes huntin'!" He grabs his bow and scans the horizon.
(Survival 28)
Tishe' Tuesday July 17th, 2007 7:56:40 PM
ooc: any sucess on Tishe' calling a new Companion?
Tishe' is also ready to go. Hefting her staff and gear, she is ready to go trekking to the small Grassdome that may become thier place of refuge.
Flea Wednesday July 18th, 2007 6:36:50 PM
The rogue has inventoried her gear and packed it away neatly in her HHHaversack. The second bottle of glass grass wine is there, but the flute often finds itself in her hands as she studies it and tries to figure out the intricacies of extracting a tune.
When Trellus' and the rest of the pack show signs of restlessness, the rogue shoulders her pack and looks to the horizon.
"Point the direction, and I'll go scout!" she volunteers.
(OOC: DM and players, I'll be on vacation for 3 weeks starting next Wednesday. Carl (yes Carl!) has agreed to sub for me in my absence.-Carla W.)
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday July 19th, 2007 12:28:06 AM
Each time that Gilan comes back from where he goes, he is tired and ready for some rest. He gives the others a smile as he is producing a great many things that might help out the group as a whole.
By the time that the group is getting really restless and Trellus makes it known that it is time to move along...he has a nice stock of potions for the group. "I have a few potions made that we will need to distribute between us." He moves off to the side of the clearing and near the group as he lays out ten small vials on his cloak. Handing two of them to Trellus he gives the cleric a smile. "Lesser restoration as you wanted." His hand sweeps over the remaining eight potions with some pride. "Healing potions." He looks to Trellus to see what he has for ideas on giving them out as he does not really need any himself.
Ciaran looks ready to move out as well. His ears are perked and he paces near the group as he waits for the leaving.
[Will try to keep things moving. The weather is not wanting to cooperate too much though.]
LOG ON