Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath d100=35 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 5:40:23 PM
As the enlarged guys carry the tigers, Emrys looks at the gems on the tigers' forepaws. He deduces that they are Eberyon's Tears of Mercy, adding damage to natural attacks and converting all damage to nonlethal. The gems are not rings -- more like burrs that stick to the fur.
Also on the walk, Lowell engages Alleah in some chit-chat. The graceful Alleah responds in kind.
Then, after arriving at the gladiator school ...
Royston urges this master of galdiators to take on the tigers as ... students?
Ariach silently agrees with Royston that this would be a good home for the tigers.
Emrys steps in with a bit more tact. He introduces the group, and asks permission to rouse the tigers here.
Evaris backs up Emrys, only committing to waking the tigers for the moment.
Then Grell undoes at least some of Emrys's diplomacy by insulting the gladiator. But he treats leaving the tigers here as a thing that would benefit the gladiator school, so maybe he is just playing "bad cop"?
The scarred master gladiator looks you all up and down. "Hmmm ... I've heard of you 'Vanguard' heroes. I had not heard that you are a mixed bag of Don't-Know-What-You're-Doing. Fine, wake up your kitties, and maybe you can figure out if you want to leave them at this school or take them somewhere else."
"But someone has to pay for their tuition, if you want them to study here. And you'll be responsible for any damages!"
Your answers to the gladiator master can wait until your next post, but since you seem set on waking the tigers, do let's move forward with that, says your kindly DM.
A few cures later, and the two tigers are standing once more. The female growls menacingly, but the male chuckles. "No, my dear," he says to her, "these folk beat us fair and square. Let's see what they have to say now."
OOC: In your next post, please respond to the master gladiator and to the tigers, understanding that these events may be separated in time.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Wednesday June 11th, 2014 8:51:21 PM
Lowell thinks about Alleah's question for a bit, then responds. "Having Grell as my twin can be pretty annoying at times, but no matter what I say, I really do enjoy having him around. Grell is, well.... I don't really know how to explain it. He teases me and I tease him back. I do my best to protect him and he does the same."
Once the tigers are awoken, Lowell retreats to the very back. He decides that he has had enough of dealing with the cats.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 d20+12=18 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:53:26 PM
"That was quite an amazing performance. You drew such a large crowd, we had to carry you here afterwards. Is the gladiator life what you wish for ... because that is the second reason why we brought you here. This is a gladiator school, they can hone your natural talents of combat and teach you things like showmanship and how best to manage your path as a gladiator. Is this something you truly want?"
Emrys glances down at Felix's jeweled paws. "Like all things in this city, everything has a price. I noticed your Eberyon's Tears ... such magic doesn't come cheap. Do you have a patron helping you?"
--------------- (Diplomacy: 18)
Addressing the master gladiator, "We understand, sir. Of course, the decision is ultimately theirs. However, I must say, having these two as students would be mutually beneficial to both themselves and the school. It would set your school apart from the rest. It would renew your reputation as visionaries and innovators!"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:58:17 PM
ooc: Long, busy day. Posting tomorrow morning.
Grell, HP 13/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) d3=1 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:30:12 AM
Grell watches with satisfaction as the great cats are healed once more. It is the perfect end to a perfect day. Well, almost perfect...he still needs to settle things with Emrys. But you've got to hand it to the guy, he did have a way with words. Grell leaves the negotiations with the gladiators to Emrys for the time being. He's not afraid to play the "bad cop" again if needed. In this town, everything was available for a price. Though he does listen in to the conversation with Felix, and he adds his own opinion. "Or, if it is the more quiet life you wish, my father has an area in his castle devoted to big cats. If it were you and your mates wish, I'm sure my Dad would be more than willing to take you in. He's already got a dire lioness and her cub...who actually is full grown now. But I would understand if you prefer to be combat trained. You were MAGNIFICENT out there!"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:41:06 AM "Just be grateful you're not identical twins" Alleah adds to Lowell with a friendly wink and an elbow. Teasing Grell sounds like a pastime she could get involved in.
She's glad about the direction the group has taken with the dire tigers. The Vanguard will not always be around to protect the city, and having two well trained and formidable tigers on their side could be a great benefit in the future.
This is the closest she has been to them while they have been conscious.
"Magnificent" is all she can say. It's hard to resist not reaching a hand out to stroke their fur, but given they are taller than her, and with bigger teeth, Alleah keeps her hands in her pocket.
Evaris 2d6=6 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=2 ; d20+18=35 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 3:21:28 PM
Evaris first ensures that both tigers are fully healed, redeeming his promise to Father Reuyn. While he's at it, he does it in such a way that his companions can benefit, too.
More channelling energy! Everybody, including the tigers any any injured gladiators that happen to be standing around, is healed 20 points. [Let me know how much more healing the tigers need, and I'll start marking off resources.]
He replies to the master gladiator, "Do you perhaps have some kind of plan where prospective gladiators can get training, then pay back a portion of their winnings? If not, perhaps it would be something to consider, especially in this case. These two stand to bring in quite a bit of coin." [Diplomacy 35]
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Thursday June 12th, 2014 6:24:43 PM
"I would agree paying their tuition. But why should we be responsible for any damage thereafter?"
Ariach is not willing to accept such terms.
------ Ariach doesn´t say anything to the tigers. He cannot understand why somebody wants to be a gladiator. But if being a gladiator satisfy the tigers, he will be also satisfied leaving them at the gladiator school.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Thursday June 12th, 2014 7:04:05 PM
Lowell continues his chat with Alleah until the tigers awaken. Then he backs off a bit, just in case.
Emrys is not so shy, however -- he compliments the tigers and lays out the plan to offer them membership in this gladiator school.
Grell offers another option, and a compliment, one that is echoed by Alleah.
Evaris goes a long way with channelling energy that restores everyone aroundabouts. Still, seeing as the party pumped over 150 hp of lethal and nonlethal damage into each of these creatures, this 20 hp of curing is more of a decent start than a complete cure.
Ariach agrees to pay for the tuition. But he balks on assuming responsibility for damages.
.....
Felix rumbles appreciatively as the positive energy restores him and his mate. He nods to Grell, but says that the city life has been an eye-opener, and he'd prefer to stay. His mate is less enamored of the hard cobblestones and the stink, but the prospect of easy meat every day and fighting that entails no risk ... well, those are compelling!
The big tiger introduces himself to the master of the school, as this turns out to be, and asks for more details on what it means to be a "student" here. The master discusses the fitness regimen, the system of bouts in the arena, the teachers here that work to improve your form and appeal in matches.
He also takes back his request for the Vanguard to pay for damages. "I was afraid these creatures were brutes that might eat innocents, but I see that these tigers are professionals. Or could be, with some training."
It seems that the deal is struck! The master declares that tuition is 800 gp each for the year -- eight times the usual rate, but the cost in beef and goat and horse alone will bankrupt him otherwise! After a year, if they graduate, they will no longer be students, but can become licensed free-swords in the arena. Although usually even a free-lance gladiator will accept a sponsor or patron.
.....
Speaking of patrons, that leads us to the only detail remaining -- Emrys's question about whether the tigers have a patron already.
Felix looks slightly abashed, and says, "A patron? Well, not exactly. You see --"
"Hush, my mate," says Gavisus. "We were not to say a word about him."
"Oh, right." says Felix.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral d100=35 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 9:06:13 PM
Lowell smiles at Alleah's comment. "Yeah, but, we do look practically alike! Except for our hair color.... And height..... But that is pretty much it!"
When Lowell hears the two tigers talking about a patron, He looks over. He mutters to himself. "Not supposed to talk about who...?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+5=25 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 10:28:52 PM "No, there's more to it than that" Alleah responds thoughtfully to Lowell.
She then considers this unknown benefactor as she speaks with the tiger. She starts by bowing her head as a sign of respect to each great creature. "It's understandable that you would feel indebted to whoever it was that awakened you. If they seek anonymity because they are modest or do not want credit for this good deed, then we will try to respect their wishes" Alleah isn't used to making decisions that can affect the whole party. She pauses to gauge reactions from the group "But if whoever granted you this sentience has more sinister motives, we would like to know more. We really do wish only the best for all life here. Please tell us more."
Diplomacy: 25!
Throughout the seriousness of this conversation, Alleah cannot help imagining riding atop the back of the larger tiger, through the plains and forests. A joy ride, if you will. It brings a smile to her face.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 d20+12=29 ; d20+12=28 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:04:49 PM
(Diplomacy: 29, to befriend Felix and Gavisus and earn their trust.)
A warm smile grows across his face and he looks both Felix and Gavisus in the eyes. "I understand ... I do. The druids are a very private lot. I ought to know, my father is the Grand Archdruid Myrridan the Wild. They go to great lengths to protect their secrets ... regretfully, even from their own sons. Their language is also a mystery ... qúye-muina s dolen lye so nin." He chuckles and then adds, "then my father shouldn't speak it in front of a naturally-gifted linguist, like myself. Alas, I haven't completely learned the language yet, just a collection of words and phrases. I read druidic much better than I can speak. Just don't tell my father! That can be our little secret."
Looking back at the crowd forming at the gate, Emrys says, "I don't believe you two got paid for your performance. Maybe we should go collect what money we can from the crowd and start paying for your tuition. If you two don't mind, maybe the King and Queen should start accepting tributes from your royal subjects."
(Diplomacy: 28, to persuade the crowd into a giving mood.)
With that being said, Emrys steps lively towards the gates with the grace and authority of a master of ceremonies. He enlarges himself (Enlarge Person) so he can see and speak over the crowd. He then presents the royal couple and does his best to persuade the masses to give gifts of coin, no matter how great or small, so that they may continue to bring them more exhilarating, action-packed, blood-curdling combats, the likes of which have never been seen before!!
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+23=25 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:28:47 PM
Royston folds his arms. "It would be best if you were not evasive. These people may be connected with the monsters released into the city from the sanctuary."
On Felix, Cure Critical Wounds for 22; Cure Serious Wounds for 17; Cure Light Wounds for 8
On Gavisus, Cure Serious Wounds for 21; Cure Serious Wounds for 16; Cure Light Wounds for 11;
On Grell, Cure Moderate Wounds for 15; Cure Moderate Wounds for 19.
Could everyone else please update their headers so I can tell who else needs healing? Thanks!
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Friday June 13th, 2014 6:02:50 PM
"If they want our help, they have to be honest and tell us more about their mentor.If not, we escort them to the WLA headquarter and deliver them to the officials."
Ariach hopes they will find a quick solution for the tiger problem.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday June 13th, 2014 10:38:42 PM
ooc: check
Lowell watches the tigers carefully, not quite able to trust them.... yet. He notices how good Alleah is with the tigers. "Wow, you seem pretty good at handling the.... cats."
Grell, HP 13/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Friday June 13th, 2014 11:40:49 PM
Grell nods as Felix and his mate express their preference to join the gladitorial school. He knows that if he were faced with the same decision, that is definitely what he would chose! Besides, how cool is it that he's going to be able to come down to the gladiatorial area on his down days and come watch them fight?! Maybe he could even sweet talk this guy into letting him train with them! How awesome would *that* be?!
Grell watches carefully to see if anyone volunteers to sponsor the big cats. If not, he inquires whether the big cats will have a chance to earn any wages from the fights they participate in. After all, they will undoubtedly bring in more business to the school once they begin fighting. Hoping to get the price lowered a bit, Grell is still fully willing to sponsor the big cats training himself if needed.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Saturday June 14th, 2014 5:11:52 AM "Well, your features are a bit softer. A bit more refined. There are lots of differences to the two of you" Alleah responds to Lowell, but not taking her eyes away from the tigers.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Saturday June 14th, 2014 9:32:33 AM
Lowell and Alleah continue their conversation.
Alleah does her best to convince the dire tigers to reveal more about their "patron." And her best is pretty darn good!
Emrys lends his golden tongue to the effort of befriending the tigers.
[OOC: You guys have moved well away from the crowds and into a private courtyard. Even if you were to walk back and try to raise some gelt from the onlookers, they have by now surely dispersed.]
Royston lends his support, sort of ... by threatening the tigers!
Evaris, on the other hand, offers unambiguous assistance, in the form of curing! The tigers look much better now!
Ariach seems to agree with Royston, but he does not make any effort to coerce them by means of intimidation.
Grell is becoming more enthusiastic about the tigers and their potential careers as gladiators. The master of the school tells him that 50% of student winnings go to the school, 40% to the student's sponsor, and 10% to the student. After a year of study and graduation, the student is free to negotiate any deal he can muster as a free-sword. He is happy to accept Grell's tuition payment (1,600 gp total for a year, please.)
The tigers respond to Alleah and Emrys in kind, but the queen tiger's ears flatten at Royston's threatening body language, and Felix himself says, "Sure, we can tell you some more, just keep that lizard pal of yours in line, okay?"
"The gist is," says Felix, "We were living in the Monster Forest, dumb as rocks, when this druid fellow woke us up. Naturally, that was nice of him, and he gave us these gems and asked us to come to the city and, you know, raise some heck. Not kill anybody! Just teach these humans who the real king of the town was."
"Well, the first humans we happened to meet were these flashy fellows who made us a deal. They'd hook us up with the priest for cures if we would stand in the square and take on all comers. That plus a few squares, and it seemed like a deal to us. So here we are."
"And you guys are way nice too, hooking us up with this place and paying our way after you won the fight. That's pretty classy, and the queen and I appreciate it." He nods to Emrys, Alleah, and Evaris.
"Especially the big guy here who pounded me so hard! and now he's paying the school fee."
He holds out a paw to Grell. "Remind me what's your names are, friends, because Felix and Gavisus are at your service."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Saturday June 14th, 2014 1:35:06 PM DM Cayzle - It seems that I did not communicate what I actually wanted Royston to do.
Intimidation, Bluff, and Diplomacy can all be used for influencing other people. This can come in many forms for each skill. I was attempting to voice my displeasure with their reticence, and subtly suggest that they may be colluding with criminals. All I did is fold my arms and speak sternly -- that is not threatening them. Assuming that every use of Intimidate is trying to threaten an NPC is equivalent to assuming that every use of Diplomacy is trying to seduce an NPC.
Cayzle Comments: Good point and no prob. Just spell out for me better what you are doing and what you are hoping to get out of it.
Still, "Intimidate" is in its essence the use of negative emotion, not positive. Right?
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Saturday June 14th, 2014 5:44:37 PM
Grell smiles at the gladiator teacher. "I will gladly bring you my student's fees. I will of course, have to go back home to get the money first. I'd also like to see where they will be housed before we leave."
Grell beams as he shakes the tiger's giant paw. "Name's Grell Illutu, and it has been a pleasure to meet you Felix! I look forward to seeing you and your mate as you are trained."
OOC: DM Cayzle, don't know if you want to RP this, but all of Grell's money will be back at there place, so he will need to go there and get it and come back...he doesn't usually keep that kind of money on him. ;) I may post a second post a little later for some more RP fun. :)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Saturday June 14th, 2014 9:24:39 PM
OOC to Grell: The Master of the School will take your IOU, since he knows who you are, and since you are geting a reputation.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Saturday June 14th, 2014 10:30:23 PM
Lowell smiles a bit. "Yeah, I guess so, Alleah. Besides, we all know that I am the smarter out of me and Grell!" He grins, but quickly looks over at his brother, hoping that he didn't hear his comment.
Evaris Sunday June 15th, 2014 1:22:45 AM
The tigers are looking better, but Evaris made a promise to Father Reuyn. Now that his companions are fully healed--except for the Constitution damage he cannot fix just now--he spends the remainder of his resources getting the tigers as close to fully healed as he can. This includes several more Calming Touches and a couple of Cure Light Wounds.
"And that, I believe, is that," he says as the last spell is cast. "My new friends, I really must insist that we rest for the day. We are in no condition for another fight."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Monday June 16th, 2014 12:13:11 AM
"Grell, you really surprise with your generosity. That's truly a wonderful thing you're doing for those two. I'm sorry for that little quip earlier. I let my temper get the best of me and I humbly apologize for my unfounded remark." A warm smile forms across Emrys' face as his eyes light up with a sudden idea. "Why not I take you to my favorite tailor as a gift to you. Leopold can do no wrong!"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Monday June 16th, 2014 1:34:45 AM "Perhaps it would be wise to return to the WLA administration and advise them that there is no longer a threat? Following that, perhaps we do deserve a rest. And a bath" the halfling girl suggests.
Not to mention the reward the WLA may provide for dealing with the tiger menace....
OOC: Alleah is fully healed with the exception of the Con damage she still has
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday June 16th, 2014 1:22:55 PM
ooc: Re: negative emotion being used in Intimidate checks.
Well, sure it does. But I think that many things can be considered intimidating while not being threatening. Like a bureaucrat at the DMV. Or perhaps it would be good to differentiate physical threatening from social threatening. Royston was strongly implying the possible consequences of their actions, but not shaking his fist at them.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Monday June 16th, 2014 5:17:03 PM
Grell settles things with the the Master of the House of Blood, whose name turns out to be Quint. Farewells are said with the tigers.
When Grell touches paws with Felix, the large feline whispers to him, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Look, that druid fellow who woke us up? He was sending other creatures into the city to raise heck too. He had white hair and a tiny pet baby dragon."} Spoiler for Grell only or Listen check DC15 if you want to eavesdrop).
Lowell engages in a little brotherly trash talk -- good thing Grell was busy with the tigers and was not listening ... or was he?
Evaris cares mostly about the party's health and ability to engage in further neroism today. In short -- he thinks not. But he did keep his word to Father Reuyn.
Emrys, perhaps sensing Grell's annoyance with him, offers conciliatory words and an offer of assistance.
Alleah suggests getting back to the Star Mages Tower and the WLA officers running the monster round-up. That seems like a reasonable notion, so the party heads on back.
Back at Magic Square, however, there is surprising news awaiting Vaniime. A mage from the Emerald Kingdom is waiting for the party, with a letter for Vaniime, which she shares with you:
"My daughter, we have a deep need of you to return home, for a long visit or a short, I cannot yet say. I apologize for interrupting you, and for the suddenness of the request. Know that none of your loved ones are in danger of death, but I cannot divulge the reason for this summons in this missive. Only you are needed; please allow your friends to continue their adventures without interruption. With deep and eternal love, Father.
The seal on the letter is unmistakeably that of Ingrge Nightseer. The mage who brought the letter, and who will now teleport Vaniime home, provides unassailable proofs as required that this is no trick, trap, or ruse; that the need is urgent; and that only Vaniime may teleport away with him.
So it would seem that some farewells are in order now, friends of the Vanguard.
Everybody, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Kent has asked me to give his PC an honorable exit for the time being. He'll be on walkabout from the Wold for at least this summer. I hope he'll stop in for a goodby, but that may not be possible. Either way, please do say your goodbies to Vaniime.}
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Monday June 16th, 2014 5:54:26 PM
Ariach cannot or doesn´t want to believe what Vaniime is telling them. He gets a dry mouth when he thinks about possible leaders within their rows. The young warrior doesn´t want that Vaniime is leaving. She was at least a small part of consistency in the ranks of ----some times very difficult group members. Who will follow her as the leader of the vanguards? The impulsive, brutal Grell? The not that impulsive not that brutal Lowell? Emry- the babblemouth? Alleah- the thief? Ariach shivers while thinking about possible successors.
"Vaniime, even if we cannot come with you right now, we will find a way to follow you. We pay a mage for a teleport spell, or we take some horses. You know you can count on us."
But as Ariach recognizes at Vaniime´s face she will leave alone and doesn´t want anybody to follow her, Ariach coughs slightly and says "It was a pleasure to fight on your side. Whenever you need a shield, a sword or just a companion or friend - just send word to me."
Then Ariach turns and goes away because he wants to give Grell and Vaniime some privacy for their goodbye.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday June 16th, 2014 11:03:48 PM
Sir Royston holds both of his hands above his head, with the palms facing toward Vaniime. "Blessed journeys to you, child of the forests. May Alemi guide you. May Domi protect you. May Ffloy enrich your bounty, and may Flower enrich your soul. May Pantheon deal you justice. May Gargul turn away the shadow of death. In all things know the love of family and friends, and in all endeavors do good to the world around you." He lowers his hands and touches his fingers to his heart. "May we meet again."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Monday June 16th, 2014 11:14:36 PM
"Vaniime ... this is quite a shock. I don't believe in goodbyes, as you know. We are children of Culverwood, our roots run deep. As long as you remain connected to the land, we are never truly be apart. I will continue to set a place for you at the dinner table, ready for your return."
Evaris Monday June 16th, 2014 11:48:41 PM
Evaris bows. "Captain Vaniime, I have known you only for a day, and I regret that we will not become better acquainted. I hope the matter that calls you home is swiftly resolved, and that you are soon back among your friends."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Tuesday June 17th, 2014 12:09:59 AM
Alleah deals with Vaniime's departure as light-heartedly as possible. "Getting called away promptly by your folks? Perhaps they've struck it rich and are about to increase your allowance?"
She fights the urge to give Van a hug as she softly adds "Just take care of yourself, ok?"
Meanwhile, her lucky coin just feels... 'warm'
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Tuesday June 17th, 2014 10:43:24 AM
"Oh... Van, you're leaving...? Oh...... well, I hope you have a great time wherever you go! I am so happy that I got to fight along side you while I was here. Maybe.... just maybe.... We'll be able to see each other again? I mean, Grell will probably really miss you!!!" Lowell forces a smile on his face. He had only just gotten to see Vaniime after such a long time, and he didn't even get to talk to her much! Even though he is trying his best to stay positive, Lowell can't help but shed a few tears...
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 1:55:06 PM
Coming down from the high of knowing that he is now the sponsor to two magnificent tigers who are going to be trained in the art of combat, Grell is more than willing to accept Emrys apology and move on. "Hey, it's okay Emrys. I make mistakes too...I think it's combat head. You get all hyped up about fighting for your life and it's hard to see things clearly. Ganz talked about it a lot at the academy. Eh, don't worry about the tailor...all I really need is some workout clothes and my armor. Life isn't that complicated for me."
More than ready to make his report to the WLA and head back home for some rest, Grell is completely taken aback by the letter and the mage. His first impulse is to insist that there's some kind of mistake and there's no way on Domi's green Wold that she's going anywhere without him! But then he considers what he'd feel like if he'd gotten a letter like that from Dad. Sure, he wouldn't want to leave the Vanguard, but there's just something about a message like that from home that makes you just have to go. Fighting back the lump in his throat, Grell grabs Vaniime in one of his famous bear hugs. "It's ok Van, I know you gotta go take care of home. Just promise me that you'll take care of yourself...I know you can, but I worry about you without being able to watch your back."
He lowers his voice to a whisper that only Van can hear. "And please hurry back! I...love...you!" Tenderly pulling himself in, Grell gives Van a soft but passionate kiss. Gently rubbing her cheek, Grell eventually releases Vaniime and lets her go with the mage, his eyes never leaving her until she finally teleports out.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Tuesday June 17th, 2014 4:28:24 PM
check
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 6:46:56 PM
ooc: check
Vaniime AC: 18 touch AC: 14 CMD: 24 HP: 47/ 47 (61) down 3 pts con Tuesday June 17th, 2014 9:45:20 PM
Vaniime reads the letter with a bit of a trepidation as she can't imagine what it might be that her parents and Father Bertram would need her for, that they couldn't handle themselves. They are the Emerald Dragons after all, but her parents said that they needed her badly and that worrys her more than she can let show.
She nod her aquiessence to the mage and then turns to her new family the Vanguard.
In a slight daze she hears each as they say their piece and gives and accepts hugs and even a few words with each.
"Ariach, my friend be patient with our family while we all have our failings and our differences, remember that all of us are on the side of good. Even if some of us bend the rules just a bit. Take care of them and each other."
"Sir Royston, Always remember that Gargul himself was once an evil entitiy and now he is looked to maintain a balance in life and in death. So too will the Vanguard and its members be viewed as we make decision over people's and other creatures' lives. Help us all to see the right direction without changing who and what each of us is."
"Emrys, I know that we will meet once again in the Culverwood at some time in the future as do all creatures of the wood eventually do."
"Evaris, You will be a good addition to the family. Take care of them. Aa' lasser en lle coia orn n' omenta gurtha, y Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle."
Those who speak elvish Highlight to display spoiler: { May thy path be green and the breeze on thy back and the leaves of your life tree never turn brown. }
As Alleah makes the comment about her parents and striking it rich, she chuckles.
"Alleah, my parents kind of help run the Emerald Kingdom." In a short time you have come to mean a lot to me. Stay safe and help keeps these boys from killing each other. And try not to drive Sir Royston and Ariah too crazy."
"Lowell, You have grown so much since first I greeted you. I am honored to have fought beside you and doubly so that you saw fit to join our Vanguard family. Take care of your big brother. Some one needs to keep him out of trouble."
And Lastly Grell comes over and nearly crushes her with a bear hug and then tenderly kisses her. "You watching my back? Fighting back the tears that are now threatening to start pouring down her cheeks she breathes deeply.
"Yeah, You watching my back? Like that happens. More like you watching my backside you mean. I am just glad Lowell is here now to keep an eye on you. Somebody needs to keep you out of trouble. "Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa y Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'. Amin mela lle te."
Those who speak elvish Highlight to display spoiler: { Your heart is that of the lion and my heart shall weep until it sees thee again. I love you too.}
With those final words she looks into each of their faces as if to imprint them in her memory and then walks oof with the mage.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 11:57:46 PM
There is a moment of silence as Emrys watches her leave. He can only think of all his friends that have come and gone. For the time being, only Grell and himself remain from the original fellowship. Only Ariach remains, who later joined them, from their time at Maplehurst. The first to leave was Fizzle, William and Nymirin.
Fa'ast soon followed the first three after his encounter with the gibbering mouther. You just shouldn't try and grapple an amorphous blob covered with mouths. 'No wonder that he lost it,' he thinks. He recalls his last visit with the monks that were taking care of him. He still isn't talking, or able to care for himself, but at least he was beginning to eat solid food again.
Then there was Carver, and then poor Thessa. Such beauty reduced to a jar of ooze. Tuck and Wilma soon took their leave to focus on other duties. Emrys looks to Grell and then Araich and wonders what the future holds. They will need to have that hard discussion soon, but not right now. The future of the Vanguard depends on it.
Emrys then looks upon their new friends and wonders how they found themselves with them. Was it written in the stars? He's been aware that this fellowship would always be in constant flux, but Vaniime departing was a complete surprise. Emrys has seen her death in one of his many visions, and he takes a small comfort in that premonition. She will have to return for him to witness the event ... possibly by then he can prevent it. "Don't fret, my friends ... she'll return soon enough."
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