DM Kathy Wednesday May 9th, 2012 12:36:43 AM
Soon enough, the recruiters are gone, leaving you all with plenty to think about. You don't need to make a decision just yet, however, and soon other events crowd the question to the back of your mind.
Headmaster Roww announces that Maplehurst and The Gnowsy Thornton School will be having a competition! Gnowsy Thornton is a local school for the scions of the wealthy familiies of the Second Plateau. There is an off-and-on rivalry between Gnowsy Thornton and Maplehurst. The last competition between the two happened when you were in the Lower School, but you still remember the intense excitement.
The competition will include physical contests, such as wrestling, footraces, archery, riding, swimming, etc. There will be an original song competition, and a "knowledge bowl" with questions from different areas of knowledge.
Tryouts for the Maplehurst teams will begin immediately. Times, places, and events are posted, and within minutes the tryouts are the talk of the school.
[OOC: If your character wants to try out for something (and I assume you all do), please make three rolls of the appropriate skill. For "fighty" events, such as wrestling, please make three attack rolls. You can try out for more than one thing; make three rolls for each thing you try out for. I am deliberately leaving the list of events vague, because I want everybody to think what their character would want to compete in. Let me know if there are questions.]
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+6=12 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=18 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 3:14:12 PM
Tuck talks animatedly with the other group members as they discuss where they might go after they leave the Academy.
"My dad got his start in Dirt City," he says. "It would be nice to go there for a while. We might even have some good will from the people my dad helped. I also thought the Floating City seemed interesting. Lots of things to do there." He scratches his chin.
The coming competition excites Tuck. He gathers around with the others to listen to Headmaster Roww announce the events.
"Oh man! That sounds like fun. Are any of you guys going to do it? I'll definitely try out for some of them."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP16/20, d20+10=24 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=18 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 4:36:59 PM
Grell flexes his massive muscles. "Oh, I am soooo in!!" Truth be told, he'd been waiting for this moment for years! Ever since those upitty GT snobs had the cup in the warrior division. Even though he had been in his first few years, Grell had vowed that he was going to teach Gnowsy Thornton what a true warrior's school could do! It was one of the big reasons he has trained so hard for all these years, and now the tournament was FINALLY here! Grell signs up for as many events as he's allowed to, determined to put Mapelhurst back in first place.
As Grell is doubtlessly competing against some of his old partners in bullying, he pushes himself extra hard to be in first place in all the events. When they finish Swimming, Grell gives Tuck a hearty slap on the back "Not too shabby out there Tuck!".
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 d20+7=19 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=6 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 5:22:52 PM
Torn between all the different options facing their group, Vanime really frrls herself leaning toward the Floating city area, the Cinnamon valley or perhaps even trying to convince the others to stay around the Emerald Kingdom, but At least for now they could put that decision off a bit and focus on finishing school.
As the announcement of the upcoming competition is made, Van is possibly as eager as grell but perhaps not so forcefully. She too tries out for as much as she can. and hopes they have the overnight survival challenge this year as well.
Viewed from a distance the youngling named Ariach seems to be an imposing appearance. Almost 6 feet tall and with broad shoulders it seems he can challenge any bouncer. But on closer viewing youīll immediately notice his disfigured face. His nose is crooked and itīs obviously it was badly damaged once. In general, his entire left side of the face is deformed. His left eye almost disappears under to low hanging eyebrows. The left corner of his mouth, deprived of any sense, runs down unnaturally.
In Contradiction to all these distortions are his bright blue eyes. Among these sparkling eyes you find the fluff of a blond mustache which is perfectly trimmed. His hair is blond and shoulder length.
With increasing excitement Ariach follows the announcement about the competition from Headmaster Roww. Once the Headmaster has finished, Ariach still stands like petrified at his place. With open mouth and staring eyes, he seems mentally delving into his own world.
*This is my chance. Finally there is a challenge that must be mastered. Of course I will only participate in those competitions, which are worthy of a knight or paladin. I must not fail! I must not fail!"
After reviewing the list itīs clear he will sign up for archery, riding and competitions where weapons are used. When he sees that there are fights without weapons, he turns up his nose a little. He himself would never voluntarily participate in such a gutter fight.
(Ariach signs up for archery - 3 attack rolls 15, 6, 17 riding - riding checks 18, 20, 21 fight with weapon - 3 attack rolls 21, 12, 19
Emrys (ac14, hp14) d20+15=18 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+9=15 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 9:44:36 PM
Emrys isnt the least bit interested in the physical events. However, when his musical and loremaster talents are put to the test, he has always been able to shine. He swaggers over to the sign up sheet, with his walking stick in hand and adds his name to the rest.
When he tries to play his lute, something doesn't sound right. On his second attempt, a string breaks. After a mental scream, he replaces it and he nails his third performance.
(Song competition: Perform [strings]: 18 blah, 16 geesh!, 30.) (Knowledge [Nature]: 13. [Local]: 15, [History]: 28, loremaster ability -take20 on a knowledge check as standard action 1/day. Screw these awful rolls!)
Wilma (subbed by Nellie) d20+8=21 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+8=12 ; d3=2 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=12 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 10:59:22 PM
Her eyes twinkling with more than a spark of the competitive spirit of her sister, Wilma also signs up for several events.
Wilma (subbed by Nellie) Wednesday May 9th, 2012 11:18:01 PM
"Competitive spirit of her sister..." Sheeeesh. I suck tonight. :/
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 9th, 2012 11:39:34 PM
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Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+11=15 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=17 ; Thursday May 10th, 2012 12:39:50 AM
Carver signs up for several of the more cerebral competitions. Not that I would be suited for anything else...
DM Kathy Thursday May 10th, 2012 1:22:21 AM
Although many of the Maplehurst students are eager to compete at swordsmanship and jousting, Ganz tells you that those contests are not planned. "You know how soft they are over at Gnowsy Thornton," he says. "They're afraid somebody'll get hurt." He shows his teeth, in what cannot really be called a smile. "Maybe they have a point. Wrestlers, step up!"
Two by two, students come forward to try to earn a spot on the wrestling team. Tuck loses his first match, but Ganz gives him another chance, much to the dismay of some of Grell's former friends. Zeliak Hawk, a dark-haired human lad, protests the most loudly. He protests even more loudly when Tuck defeats him in the next two matches, earning a spot on the team. "That was rigged!" Zeliak protests angrily, and storms off the field.
A short time later, Grell jumps into the still-chilly lake to compete for a spot in the swimming competition. Next to him is his one-time friend, the half-orc Belorin Echt. Grell sets a school record. Belorin curses him roundly as they climb from the water. "You think you're so great," he fumes, "but you'd just better watch yourself!"
Meanwhile, Vaniime is having a great day in the riding paddock. Normally, Holly-Iris Kallier, a halfling girl, is the best rider in the school. But Vaniime outdoes herself, earning a spot over Holly-Iris. The other girl does not take defeat gracefully. "That was a fluke!" she rages. "They should pick the person who's consistent!"
Vaniime's archery is pretty good as well, but she is edged out by the odd-looking human boy, Ariach. Although he hasn't been on your previous adventures, you know who he is, and many of you look forward to having him on your team. Royse Mellon, Wilma's one-time admirer, also competes. He grimaces a little at his loss, but seems to take it in stride.
So much for the outdoor activities. Inside, Emrys gets off to a shaky start, but eventually edges out Migla (the halfling girl a year behind you) for the song competition. You think that it's the extra year that made the difference; if Migla had had just a little more training, she probably would have edged you out. She is clearly disappointed, but shakes your hand and wishes you luck.
Wilma and Carver try their hand at the knowledge tests, a nerve-wracking hour of questions fired from all sides by different professors. Carver makes the team easily. Wilma is in a three-way heat with two other students, Neave Zvarra and Belhorn Troud. Neave is a human girl, one of the silly ones that tried to get close to Vaniime a few months ago. Belhorn is a minotaur, smart but with a surly disposition. Neave and Belhorn both give Wilma sour looks when she makes the team instead of them. As they leave the hall, they complain loudly to each other about contests that aren't fair.
So, all of you have made the competition team. Each of you (and everyone else who made the team) is given a gold ring with the school's crest on it to commemorate the event.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP24/24 Thursday May 10th, 2012 7:17:02 AM
A little disappointed in himself that he didn't make it on more than one team, Grell is still determined to try his best to be a good sport about his "loss" (seeing that he didn't make the cut on every team!). Toweling off his snowy white hair, he congratulates Tuck on his wrestling win and then praises his effort in the swimming competition. "That was some impressive form out there! Haven't had that much competition in a long time! We should work out together!"
As Belorin begins to rant, Grell smiles, though he does an inward contemplation. That couldn't possibly be what I look like when I lose my cool, could it? The thought bothers him so much that he makes extra efforts to be "polite"...or as polite as orc raised boy could be. Turning to the half-orc, Grell flashes his winning smile "You'd be faster if you cross trained more. Come run with me at dawn. I'll be wearing full plate armor and suggest you do as well. That's way you get endurance and strength training in one workout."
Hoping to see the half-orc at his dawn workout, but suspecting Belorin's pride won't allow him, Grell turns his sites on the new guy Ariach. Now *he* looked like he would make a GREAT workout partner! "Hey you...uhhhhhh...Arch is it?" Grell is clearly struggling...obviously not great with names. "What do you say you join me for my morning workout? I didn't feel as strong as I should have been out there, so I was gonna double up on my endurance and strength training. Meet me at the track...dawn...and wear full plate. This is no time to slack off...we got a tournament to win!"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+9=27 ; Thursday May 10th, 2012 1:36:12 PM
ooc: Appraise check 27 on the gold ring.
Carver accepts the ring humbly, carefully holding it and examining it in his hand. Yay for social validation.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday May 10th, 2012 3:37:44 PM
Tuck grins widely at Grell. "You're a great swimmer! I'm sure you'll blow them all out of the water."
He seems quite pleased to be on the wrestling team, though his first loss is a bit embarrassing. For one skilled in hand-to-hand combat, any loss could be the last. Shaking it off, he vows to improve.
"That would be great to work out together, Grell. I need a big guy to wrestle with. And I could help you with your swimming!"
Tuck congratulates the others on their successes, as well. "I think we'll have a good team, this year."
Ariach Thursday May 10th, 2012 5:27:08 PM
In the first moment after the equestrian competition Ariach felt quite something like disappointment. He has always considered himself a very good rider, but he must recognize without envy that Vaniime cannot be beaten that day. Even Holly Iris Kallier, the best rider in school, has no chance against Vaniime today. Therefore he decides that is no shame in this defeat and congratulates Vaniime to her success.
Ironically Vaniime is also Ariachīs toughest opponent in the archery competition. Royse Mellon and Vaniime hit the targets well. Fortunately Ariach hits a little better and wins the try out.
He takes great pride in receiving the golden ring and struts through the ranks of other students before it comes in his mind that arrogance isnīt a chivalryīs virtue. Immediately his broad smile disappears from his face and he exhorts to show humility.
To his surprise itīs ironically Grell who speaks to him and invites Ariach to join his training. Grell, this uncouth, rude bully. Why should Ariach deal with a guy like him? Well -- First at all Grell is recognized as one of the best fighters in school. Although Ariach had been surprised that a student named Tuck, not Grell, had won the wrestling competition. But Ariach would train with Grell. Because Grell has something Ariach really likes. Grell has a sister.... Wilma. And to be near this delicate, innocent girl with the lovely red hair he would do almost anything. Even if that means to work out with Grell who is probably an unpleasant companion. But every person, in this case every half- orc, deserves that he can prove his righteous character.
"If you allow, I am happy to participate your training. I hope I will not be a burden for you but to be helpful to you in your honorable quest for fame and honor for our school. "
At the agreed meeting with Grell Ariach appears in full armor and with his entire adventure equipment.
Grell (2nd post) Thursday May 10th, 2012 7:06:50 PM
The muscle bound jock blinks at Ariach's comment, obviously struggling to comprehend his flowery words. "Uhhhh...okay". The gears in Grell's mind grind painfully slowly. "It's ummm an open invite, so you can show up on the days you like. Just don't be late because I like to leave before it gets too hot." Quite clearly, the rest of what Ariach says just doesn't click. "Alright...so I'll see you at the track then."
If Ariach is astute, he will notice that Grell is all but shunned by his old popular friends. He will also notice that this doesn't seem to bother Grell too much.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Thursday May 10th, 2012 8:54:17 PM
Wilma looked her ring over, smiling slightly. It was nice to have your efforts acknowledged, but the order of Gargul frowned on extraneous jewelry. One wore rings if one needed the magical abilities they imparted or if one pledged themselves to another in marriage. Some exceptions were made if wearing the ring was required by the school or such. Until that time, however, the ring went into her pocket.
Meanwhile, the redheaded acolyte of Gargul remembered to find and congratulate her classmates on their team placements.
"I wonder what the actual competition's going to be like...?"
Her disappointment at not having a swordsmanship or survival event this year bothers her awhile and even stays under her skin during the wrestling and that distraction caused her to be pinned quickly by a student she normally beats after having had two wonderful rounds. But is truly pleased to see that Tuck ended up winning.
Trying to pull herself for the archery, She shoots well and is beaten just by a hair by Ariach, a boy she doesn't really know well but who seems to be a relatively ok sort, though sometime he can come off as a bit snooty, but then nobody is perfect. After the ring is given out, she happily congratulates Ari on his victory and puts on her game face to try and win a spot in her next event, the riding. While not her strongest area, it is mostly because she prefers to be on the ground as opposed to on top of a large lumbering beast. And well to be honest she just doesn't much like being around Holly, so she often avoids the stables when the "Girls" are around.
So... Van is nearly as surprised as everyone else when she wins the riding ring. Even she realizes that she has never ridden so consistantly or felt at one with her mount. As she accepts her ring she can't help but grin as she is congratulated by Ari whom she had just congratulated herself for beating her in archery. Well I guess we will be seeing a bit more of each other as we train for the competition. I am sure we could give each other some pointers....
All in all as she looks around she realizes that all of her friends have won a spot on the roster and with the addition of Ariach the team looks quite formidable.
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 10th, 2012 10:37:57 PM
Emrys fancies his new ring. However, upon remembering his disastrous performance, he goes to giving his prize darkwood lute the once over. After getting it back in tune, he sighs with relief and his smile returns. His presence radiates warmth and good feelings. Those standing around him can't help but smile as well.
DM Kathy Friday May 11th, 2012 12:55:21 AM Grell attempts to smooth things over with Belorin, but the half-orc is having none of it. "We'll see about this," he mutters as he stalks off.
Ariach and Vaniime are surprised to win their respective events, but resolved to do their best for the upcoming competition. Tuck looks forward to training with Grell.
Carver takes a look at the ring. He tentatively places its value at around 5 gp, similar to various signet rings he has seen. Wilma decides it wouldn't be appropriate to wear her ring, so drops it in her pocket.
Emrys spends some time with his instrument, making sure it is up to the challenge.
That evening at dinner, Headmaster Roww presents the team to the school to enthusiastic applause. Well, most people are applauding enthusiastically. There are exceptions.
There are an even dozen students on the team, and you are all brought up to the front of the dining hall for your introduction. Professor Roww also announces that Dame Brightseeker will be your coach, and she strides up to shake your hands and promise that the work has only just begun.
"The competition will take place in two weeks," the Headmaster concludes. "And I must stress that, from this point until the end of the competition, I expect everyone at this school to comport themselves with decorum and good sportsmanship. I know that in past competitions, tempers have gotten out of hand, and some unfortunate incidents have occurred."
He pauses for a moment, then frowns. His usually-affable demeanor becomes almost menacing. "Let me be very clear. Any incident of poor sportsmanship or hooliganism will result in immediate detention and a letter to your parents. If anyone on the competition team is involved in such a display, they will be removed from the team immediately. There will be no appeal. Do I make myself quite clear?" He fixes the suddenly hushed hall with a stern gaze for a moment.
Then he smiles. "Good. Now, let's show those pampered kids what Maplehurst students are made of!"
Grell (2nd post) Friday May 11th, 2012 8:01:30 AM
Dame Brightseeker's announcement brings about a flicker of terror in the fighter's eyes. *Any* incident and he's off the team! That's gonna be kinda difficult with Belorin and the others constantly hounding him. And there is NO way he's going to not be in the tournament this year!! Terrifying visions of being booted off the team and replaced with Belorin fill his head. He's got to think of a strategy,... the sooner the better!
I could try and make sure a Professor is with me at all times... Naw, that would be hard to arrange, and I need to find my own answer. I'm not some little kid any more. Wilma and Van would back me up, maybe I should hang with them. Of course, Wilma's my sister, and if push came to shove, I'll bet they'd believe Belorin over Wilma. He mentally screams at the problem which apparently has no good solution.
His eyes casts about the room, desperately searching for a way out of his problem. His eyes settle on Ariach. Hey, what about that guy? It's true that Grell knows very little about Ariach, and honestly, the few times he's spoken to him, he couldn't figure out half of what he said. But he had a *reputation* for always being honest, even when it wasn't in his favor.
Grell remembers back to that time a couple of years back when Ganz had assigned them to run laps. It was the hottest summer on record, and they'd already finished up a grueling hour of swords practice. Everyone was hot and tired, so it wasn't a big surprise when Grell some of his friends "accidentally" skipped a couple of laps while Ganz stepped out for a couple of minutes. Everybody but Ariach followed suit. Not only did the guy finish out his laps, he had the *gaul* to tattle on the rest of the group! Grell remembers the day well, because that night, after he finished cleaning the latrines as punishment, he and Belorin had snuck into the stables. A couple of well hidden burs on Ariach's saddle brought about roars of laughter the next day as Ariach was thrown about four foot from his mount and into a mud puddle during jousting practice. Grell frowns a bit at the memory. Sure, his intention at the time had been to teach the whelp that a group sticks together no matter what and never rats out the other members. But now, in retrospect, he wonders if the guy hadn't had a point...maybe there was something to this honor jazz... A slight pounding at his temples indicates that Grell has been thinking too much. He should really stop making a habit of all this mental stuff, that was Wilma's job.
Grell turns to Ariach and pulls him aside. "Hey uhhhh...Arch. I was wondering if you could help me with something." Once again, it's clear that Grell isn't intentionally calling Ariach by the wrong name, he just doesn't remember it. "See, I GOTTA stay on the team, but I got me a little problem. Belorin and some of the other guys don't like that I beat them out. And well, we're not on very good terms since I started hanging out with William. I'm pretty sure they're gonna try and do something to get me to get kicked off the team. So I was wondering if you wouldn't mind hanging out with me until the tournament. Maybe help me make sure I don't lose my cool." Grell looks hopeful, but is more than a little worried that Ariach might shoot him down. Considering all the pranks he's pulled in the last few years, Grell wouldn't blame the guy if he wanted to stay as far away as possible. "What do you think?"
Grell Friday May 11th, 2012 8:01:58 AM
Ugg...stupid headers. :P
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday May 11th, 2012 3:28:07 PM
Dame Brightseeker, a strict overseer. Perhaps what is necessary for this team to succeed.
With a red face and a wide smile, Tuck stands awkwardly in front of his classmates. He nods vigorously to Dame Brightseeker's stern lecture, hoping to wordlessly convince her of his intentions to focus and refrain from hooliganism.
Later, when the team is left to themselves, Tuck speaks up. "Oh man. I feel nervous." He looks nervous. He lets out a deep, shaky breath. "I don't want to let anyone down."
AriachAC 23/14/19 Friday May 11th, 2012 3:34:24 PM
As Ariach hears that none other than lady Brightseeker will be responsible for the training of the team, he is more than enthusiastic. Finally lady Brightseeker will be one of Ariachīs teachers. Of course he will try to do everything possible in order not to disappoint the other team members and the school administration. Ariach also finds that the remaining members of the team are very well-educated students. With this composition the team can win the competition. But it itīs Grell again who surprises him one more time. The warrior asks Ariach for help against a threat from its own ranks. And although Ariach doesnīt want to spend more time with the half-orc it is his duty to assist a person seeking assistance.
"We are now at the same team. Whenever it is possible I will support and protect you. But I expect that your behavior does not harm the welfare of the school. You can count on me . Iīm the shield of of righteousness"!
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 Friday May 11th, 2012 8:19:21 PM
At the introduction of their coach as Dame Brightseeker, she cringes a bit. Dame Brightseeker, it seems is one of the few professors who doesn't seem to have a sense of humor and always seems to be frowning at Van's antics.
Ah well, I guess I can curtail my activities for a bit "Hey Wilma, do you think you can manage to keep me on the stright and narrow for a few weeks?"
Glancing over at Grell and the others, she is surprised to see him leaning over and chatting with Ariach, as the two have never seemed to be running in the same circles. Well, Maybe it will mellow Grell out a bit.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Friday May 11th, 2012 11:45:22 PM You can do this. Just stand here. Just stand here and smile. Yes, that's it. Wave a little. Don't do look too nervous. Just stand here and smile and you can get through this pep rally without embarrassing yourself. Last time was a fluke. It's not your fault that halff-orcs are clumsy. You didn't ask for him to trip and fall on you, pinning you in front of the entire school. *sigh* Why do they have to hold these during class? I'm missing Outer Planar Horticulture for this. But noooo. We could never interrupt the sports teams that meet after school. Dumb policies.
"What? Oh, right. Yes, good manners."
DM Kathy Sunday May 13th, 2012 10:30:40 PM
You hear the stern warning of the headmaster, and immediately realize its significance. Grell and Vaniime go so far as to ask for help in controlling their tempers.
Over the next few days, you become accustomed to your new routine. Your class schedule is relaxed to allow you more time to train and prepare for the competition. The team's unofficial "headquarters" is a multi-purpose room in the chapel--the old dining hall, with its high ceilings and many windows. It's a pleasant place to spar, do calisthenics, or drill yourself on History of Aisildur. Even those of you who need to do much of your training outside, spend a fair amount of time in "headquarters" as well. Dame Brightseeker provides encouragement and advice, and keeps a stern eye out for infractions.
Wilma realizes, at some point, that she can't find the ring she was given. It was in her pocket, and then on her nightstand, and then--another pocket? Her keepsake box? She doesn't remember what she did with it, and it's kind of vexing not to be able to find it. Still, it's bound to turn up at some point.
Tuck has a braided-leather headband he uses to keep his hair out of his eyes while he's training, but now he's not sure where it is. Maybe it dropped, unnoticed, out of his pocket at some point? He's not sure. It's not a valuable heirloom or anything, but he kind of likes it and he wonders where it's gotten to. Still, it's pretty distinctive and most people know it's his. If somebody finds it, they're sure to let him know.
Meanwhile, your training is going well, Dame Brightseeker praises you for how hard you're working, and there is palpable excitement on campus as the competition draws nearer.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Monday May 14th, 2012 12:11:40 AM
Wilma applied herself to her studies--her categories were not the physical ones that Van or Grell would be participating in, but the object of the competition was for the members of the competing teams to win as many of the various contests of skill as they could, so her competitions were as important as archery or swimming.
"Dame Brightseeker," she said to the team's appointed coach, "I can't find the ring I was awarded--you know, the one that all the team members have..? I...I put it in my pocket and now I don't know where it is. Have you seen it..? Maybe I should put a notice up on the school's bulletin board...?"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday May 14th, 2012 1:18:47 PM
Carver sits in an over-stuffed chair near a window. Those who pass by will see him intently reading a textbook while sucking on a few licorice hard candies.
Evocation Magic and You or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Magic Missiles
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday May 14th, 2012 4:07:48 PM
"Well, that's weird," says Tuck to himself. He rummages through a few more drawers and looks under his bed. "I must have misplace it."
With hands on his hips, he stands silently for a moment, musing about where he might have put his headband. Finally, he shakes his head and leaves. There are more important matters.
Tuck is furious in his dedication. He spends long sessions wrestling, bringing in fresh partners every few minutes to work on his cardio. He practices his duck walks, double legs, single legs, knee taps, clinch throws. Attack, attack, attack!
Next comes defense. Tuck asks Grell to attack him with double legs, single legs, knee taps, clinch throws. Defend, defend, defend!
Groundwork. The seatbelt and the craddle. How do you escape back control? Maybe like this. Spin, turtle, pin!
"You have to work from the worst positions, Grell," says a huffing, red-facedTuck to his training partner, Grell. "You do the hard work now, and the actual match will be a breeze."
Tuck gives back. He helps Grell with his own conditioning and pace in swimming. Grell finds that Tuck is willing to do about anything to help.
One might get the feeling that Tuck is a competitive sort...
Ariach AC 23/14/19 Monday May 14th, 2012 4:59:13 PM
Ariach spends his time near his newfound "friend" Grell. Whenever Grell wrestles with Tuck or exercises in swimming, he stands stonily like a full armored city guard in the vicinity and observes Grell and his environment. When Wilma is near, he seems to lose a little of his stoicism and smiles a lot. If he is aware of this, he turns quickly to the side. Seconds later when he regains his composure he looks back again.
Only in the morning Ariach spends 1-2 hours to shoot arrows. At that time he asks Grell to stay near him. Ariach is keen not to deviate from its usual practice routine. Because he learned that daily repetition and repetitive daily routines bring order into life. If you watch him you will notice how many times a day he cleans up his bow and aligns the feathers of the arrows fastidiously - quite the contrary of his normal daily routine.
DM Kathy Monday May 14th, 2012 10:39:00 PM Wilma asks Dame Brightseeker about the ring. "I'll ask around," the paladin says, "and it might not be a bad idea to post a notice as you suggested." The ring does not turn up, however. Neither does Tuck's headband.
But that is largely forgotten as you throw yourselves into training. Excitement builds as the day approaches, until at last it is the day before the competition. Your training session goes a little long, and you are wrung out but exhilarated as Dame Brightseeker dismisses you. "Get a good night's sleep," she says. "And tomorrow, we'll be ready to show Gnowsy Thornton what we're made of!"
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