DM Shane Monday May 16th, 2016 10:04:19 PM
The guards face clears. Ah! Mack! of the Heros of the Tree of Parting! I have heard of you. I guess Mr. Fletcher made it to the tree? Excellent! My Principle and his assistant are but a few minutes behind me. The should be coming around the bend in just a moment. It will be good to have someone familiar with the lay of the land to lead us in.
Olrich makes small talk as you and he wait for the rest of his party to catch up. As they come it to view you recognize one of the men, the Principle is none other than Gaston Laroutte! a man you know all too well.
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Monday May 16th, 2016 10:54:18 PM
Carver takes a break for lunch then heads back and patrols the area near the tree.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet Tuesday May 17th, 2016 9:32:54 AM
Meanwhile back at the tree...
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Tuesday May 17th, 2016 10:38:23 AM Chipmunks, attack!!!!!!!!!! I send that out telepathically only.
I try to contain my excitement at seeing Gaston.
"Gaston!!!! Long time no see. I was wondering what you were off to after we last saw each other. How have you been?"
OOC: Funny timing... I just got done watching Beauty and the Beast with my youngest last night. :)
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Tuesday May 17th, 2016 1:21:18 PM
Nothing really to add
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Tuesday May 17th, 2016 4:04:12 PM
Atlas feels a twinge in the back of his neck. Something doesn't feel right. I hope Mack is OK.
Looking back to Fletcher, "Are you deaf man? I asked you a question, but you're staring at me like I'm speaking a different language."
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Tuesday May 17th, 2016 6:09:21 PM
Carver keeps watch for Mack, worried that he may have gone off too far. "Should I go look for Mack?" Carver asks Atlas as he comes close to the tree on one of his cycles around during the patrol.
DM Shane Tuesday May 17th, 2016 10:01:19 PM
Fletcher looks up from his thoughts. uh...sorry...was lost in thought. Any trade consortium has competitors, and competition can get down right dirty! but as far as I know, the secret of this deal was held very close. so I doubt we will have trouble with Plateau City Does the Tree have enemies? From what I hear of the tree, not so much enemies, as covetous neighbors. I guess what I'm saying is "your guess is a good as mine"
Gaston looks a Mack with that slightly condescending way of his. but answers. Good, Good, Sir Mack, Ive been quite busy in Plateau City, since my fortunes waned a while back. I am to be the Principal agent for a Trade consortium, Ah who am I kidding, it's my consortium! If this deal goes through it will make me one of the richest men in Plateau City! I must beg off now Mack, this road has been hard, and all I wish for now is a warm bath and soft bed.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Tuesday May 17th, 2016 10:55:41 PM
From altitude, Shree-caw.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Tuesday May 17th, 2016 11:34:15 PM
Owen manages to find Atlas, who is staring perplexedly at Fletcher.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Wednesday May 18th, 2016 7:43:21 AM "Ahhh... being rich. Just remember, Gaston.... true wealth is in the friends you have, not the gold you possess." I try to keep a straight face as I say that, knowing how much Gaston will truly appreciate my wisdom. :)
"I do agree that a hot bath sure is wonderful after a long road, though."
I make sure Gaston is heading in the right direction, and let him know I'll see him again soon. I continue on my circle, hoping to find the drow next.... it appears, ironically, that maybe the drow ARE the good parties in this trade agreement. If I'm lucky enough to run into any of my group that are faster than me (pretty much any of them), or see Osul up above, I forewarn them about Gaston, and that the drow are probably the Least of our problems.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Wednesday May 18th, 2016 10:44:49 AM
Atlas shakes his head at Fletcher, "This doesn't feel like it has been thought through all that well. The most simple thought would be that there are people in either city that would not want the other dealing with 'the enemy', or people that would not want the competition to get the upper hand, or...goodness, I'm a simple man and yet I seem to know more about politics than you."
Atlas pauses a moment as he feels another wave of nausea wash over him and gets a quick picture of Mack flashing through his head. He sits down. "Something is wrong. I don't know what it is, but something just doesn't feel right."
----------------------------------------------------- ooc: For those of you that were not here for Gaston the first time around...Atlas hated him with a passion.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet Wednesday May 18th, 2016 12:35:42 PM
Armand continues he work around the tree and spots Atlas.
"Atlas, what's wrong? You look a might sick."
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Wednesday May 18th, 2016 1:14:47 PM "I'm not sure exactly. I have a terrible feeling that something bad is about to happen. I know it could just be worry about the meeting, but this seems like something more. And Mack seems to be involved in some way. I guess we'll just have to wait it out. Keep your guard up friend."
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Wednesday May 18th, 2016 2:02:11 PM
On one of Carver's circles around the tree on patrol, he spots one of the trade delegations, and then he sees Gaston..... He turns and runs off towards the tree, he needs to spread the news to his friends before a fight breaks out. Carver hunts up Atlas first...."Atlas, I need you to remain calm. I know what the trouble is going to be with this job. It's not an army, it's not raiding party, it's one person. Gaston is traveling with one of the delegations." Carver prepares to try to head off the coming explosion.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Wednesday May 18th, 2016 2:18:50 PM "Perhaps you'd fill us in on who this Gaston is and why that is such a problem?"
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Wednesday May 18th, 2016 5:44:03 PM
Owen remembers hearing of Gaston, and he waits to see how Atlas responds to the news.
DM Shane d100=93 ; d20+12=20 ; Wednesday May 18th, 2016 7:43:24 PM
The word reaches the rest of the party via Carver that Gaston Laroutte is on his way to the tree and that he is the with the delegation. Atlas had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach that something like this was happening, and then had it confirmed. Perhaps he would like to share the tale of Gaston Laroutte with those not fortunate enough to have met him in times past.
Osul manages to find the Drow delegation, coming in opposite from the way that the Plateau City delegation was coming. As expected there are 4 of them. You notice there is one female in very nice Chainmail armor a Male in similar armor and two other males in chainmail shirts. They are wearing oddly smoked glasses to compensate for their light blindness. They won't need them long, the sun is stating to set and they are still a couple of hours out. they should arrive an hour or so after dark. Do you continue to shadow them? or return to tell the others?
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 d20+20=22 ; d20+18=31 ; Wednesday May 18th, 2016 7:49:25 PM
'Osul-eagle shadows Mack and the new people back to the tree, keeping a keen eye out for anything or one they might happen across. {Perception:22 , Survival:31+ForestWalking}
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Wednesday May 18th, 2016 7:50:01 PM
OOC: I'll let Atlas and Carver give their thoughts on the full Gaston background. But I thought he was pretty much right on the mark the same as Gaston from Disney's animated Beauty and the Beast, if you've seen that. I even put that picture on our WIKI at one point, but it seems to have been taken off. ;)
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Wednesday May 18th, 2016 8:13:32 PM
'Osul spots the drow delegation, and weighs up the options. Two hours out, and half of that in darkness... if he spoke drow he would not hesitate to make himself known and join them for the remainder of their journey. Soon enough his own sight will be diminishing in this shape. He makes directly for The Tree - but could be a while getting there.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+10=20 ; Thursday May 19th, 2016 9:01:09 AM
Armand looks at Atlas, then at Carver, then at Atlas. "So I take it that this Gaston fellow could be trouble? Maybe we should speak to the Drow about him. Or should we remain impartial? Do you think that Gaston would damage the meeting just to spite you Atlas?
Armand goes to Fletcher. "Mr. Fletcher. Can you tell me anything about the delegates in your party? It seems that some of my company knows one of them. I was wondering as to the credentials of this person called Gaston." Diplomacy 20 (d20+10)
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Thursday May 19th, 2016 12:23:32 PM Maybe we could speak to the drow about poisoning him.? I'm out in the woods still, so I only "thought" that. ;)
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Thursday May 19th, 2016 1:02:29 PM
Atlas looks up at Carver, "That pompous blow hard has the nerve to come back here? Of course he does, he thinks he's a god and can just do whatever he wants, stepping on everyone and everything along the way. This is not going to go well."
Turning to the rest of the group when they are around, "So, you've heard that Gaston is coming, right? Well, be prepared for a show of unprecedented proportions. This is an individual that doesn't understand the real world. He is stuck up in his high perch among the high and mighty, the wealthy and the noble born. He doesn't understand how the normal world works, he just does what he wants and thinks that money can solve everything. He takes his position and title very seriously and it confounds him that we don't bow as he walks. Yet he wants to be your friend all along the way while he jumps up and down on your pride, dignity, and what ever else he can find to crush. We are naught but purchasable goods to him around to do his bidding."
Atlas takes a breath after that emotional unloading. "Alright, long story short, he hired us to escort him to the woods to perform some deed so that he could come back and be a member of some group. I cannot remember the name of it off the top of my head, sorry. Anyway, we get out there and the fool talks him self up so much that we think he's going to kill everything in sight while we sit back and watch. Then when we have our first encounter he folds faster than a possum, whimpering and crying as we try to defend ourselves and him. Anyway, this happens time and time again. To top it off, he shows no respect for the forest, no respect for the residents, no respect for us...you get the point. So we eventually go home and he thinks we're going to sing his praises to this group so that he can get in, just because he paid us. We all bickered about it a bit, but in the end we told the truth and he didn't get in. Now we have this pompous carnival act with money and power out to get us. He hates us, and I'm sure he'll take every opportunity to make us pay. And to top it off, the people around him go along with it all because that is how politics works apparently. So we're on an island mostly, with maybe a few folks in such spaces secretly hoping we succeed at putting him in his place, even if they won't support us publicly."
Atlas shakes his head one last time, "Be prepared for the worst, because that is what follows this man. If I didn't already say that I would help with this then I would walk away. This man will be our downfall eventually."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Thursday May 19th, 2016 6:40:55 PM
Owen frowns at the fervor with which Atlas tells the story. "Our job is to make sure that this meeting goes smoothly. Maybe it would be best if Atlas sat this one out, or we gave the newer party members the chore of protecting Gaston."
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Thursday May 19th, 2016 8:19:35 PM "If I had my way, I'd show Gaston the elevator from the top of the tree.... Oh wait, there isn't an elevator, maybe we can see where one should go.... But honestly, I think Gaston will push the Drow too far and and we'll end up in the middle of a war between the two factions..... It depends how much sway Gaston has with the delegation he is with how well this will work out in the end. I'm going to go see if I can find the other delegation, and depending on how they greet me, I may even warn them about Gaston."
DM Shane Thursday May 19th, 2016 10:31:32 PM
The news of Gaston hits the party like a bombshell. Armand and Atlas both fear the worst of the man. Fletcher looks genuinely surprised to hear that Gaston is coming to the tree. Gaston himself...huh? yeah he's the chairman of the board for the "Plateau North Trading Company" he was the one who hired me and sent me out here, It must be pretty important for him to come out here himself.
ideas are thrown around on how to handle the upcoming personage, but no clear direction is indicated. Who all does the party let know about Gaston? What steps are you taking? and how will you greet the Drow?
Osul beats wings back to the tree to tell of the approaching Drow, wisely abstaining from interacting or shadowing the dark elves with night approaching. Travel by wing is much faster than by foot. not only is the way "arrow straight" with no hills or doglegs to traverse, you also fly much much faster than a man or elf can walk. you estimate that it takes you 30 minutes to get to the tree, leaving an hour and 1/2 to prepare for the Drow.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Friday May 20th, 2016 5:43:38 AM "Yes, about an hour and a half away... four drow - someone earlier said the drow had a matriarchal society - so that is a lady, a man and two guards or functionaries."
'Osul also never had the pleasure of knowing Gaston personally. He thinks, from what he has heard, that this could be a long evening - or a very short one.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Friday May 20th, 2016 10:38:22 AM
I keep circling. If I run into the drow, cool. If not, I keep circling until it gets fairly dark, hoping to get a good glimpse at some of the beautiful stars. Eventually, I'll make my way back to the tree. I'd like to meet the drow at some point, but I'd also like to avoid Gaston as much as possible.
Regardless of when I eventually run into the drow, I introduce myself to all of them, and I just hope to get to know them a little better (more indirectly then directly). So I do my usual and eventually just blend in.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+10=13 ; Friday May 20th, 2016 12:11:31 PM
Armand slowly walks away from Fletcher. He returns to the group.
"I've never met this Gaston fellow, but from what you're saying I think we have 3 possibilities. 1-Gaston has set this up to somehow make things go wrong and blame us or the Tree. 2-Gaston is sincere about trading with the Drow. 3-Gaston is sincere about trading with the Drow but really is trading for their 'usual services' like assassination or something."
He pauses thinking more. "I also found out that Fletcher is not in charge of this thing, he's a hireling of Gaston's. The whole trading company is owned by Gaston."
"I think I will go find some people to tell."
Armand will tell Laughingwater and Miles about this Gaston fellow returning and that he is the owner of this trading company coming from the Plateau. Diplomacy 13 (d20+10)
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Friday May 20th, 2016 12:15:26 PM "Carver, I'm not sure what we could say to the drow. From the stories I have heard, they might not take our information as readily as we would hope. Either taking it as an insult that we think they cannot handle him, or using it to their advantage during the negotiations, which wouldn't align with the neutrality of the tree. Then again, I'm still on board with your idea of testing for new elevator placement, so maybe it won't be an issue once we complete that task?"
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Friday May 20th, 2016 1:33:21 PM
OOC: Sorry for missing yesterday. Nothing to say in the morning and then life got in the way.
"Perhaps Gaston has matured since you last met him. At any rate, I have some experience with dealing with testosterone loaded males who are nowhere near as awesome as they think they are :-). I agree that it would be better for those of us with no prior history of Gaston to deal with him.
I doubt that he is going to intentionally sabotage the trade relationships. He'd lose too much money and prestige. If he is the person you describe, he wouldn't think you important enough to spend that kind of effort on.
At least it sounds like the whole thing will be interesting "
Leskni then goes and adds some potted plants to Gascon and companies rooms :-)
DM Shane Friday May 20th, 2016 10:05:54 PM Mack searches for the Drow and eventually finds them, or more specifically they find him as he suddenly finds himself with Drow with drawn weapons looking at him, A heavily accented common calls out, Come oout leetle haefling, ve see shoo. you contacted them about a 1/2 hour from the Tree.
Osul takes word back to the tree about the approaching Drow.
Many things are happening at the tree, Armand and Leskni both ruminate on Gaston. and Armand wastes no time in spreading the word to the rest of the Tree about the arrival of Gaston.
Laughingwater grimaces, I knew this all sounded a bit too good. Well...Gaston is powerful, rich and has a lot of contacts...this might be an actual trade deal, it could be...I don't know...something else i guess. I think we need to play this as if it's on the up and up, but be aware that it could be something else and plan accordingly, that or we lock the place down and turn everyone away. I'd rather not do that cause if it is on the up and up, it could mean a lot to the Tree. Yeah, I hope he has matured as well, but, some real boneheads make up the rich and powerful in Plateau City, and pride can make a man do stupid things.
[b]Miles isn't so erudite as Laughingwater and lets loose a stream of invective that would make an Orc blush. Apparently Miles has some very creative ways to insult noble lineage, or farm animals, it kind of blurs together near the end.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Saturday May 21st, 2016 10:35:31 AM
Owen says to Miles and the group, "Okay, let's figure out how we're arranging ourselves. Miles, let me know if this is off-base at all: Leskni, Armand, and Carver stick with the Plateau City delegation. Mack, Atlas, and I deal with the drow. 'Osul can stick with Laughingwater and our hosts or he can use his shape-shifting abilities to keep an unobserved eye on things."
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Saturday May 21st, 2016 12:27:10 PM "I'm sure Gaston will just love me in his group, but if I can be the center of his attention, maybe he'll avoid screwing up this agreement. I may need to work off some anger, but I'm sure I can find something to stick with my lance....."
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Saturday May 21st, 2016 1:06:53 PM "Good evening! Welcome to the Tree Of Parting!" I say, welcomingly, holding my hands up slightly in a show that I am unarmed.
"I thought I might enjoy a walk in the woods, and at the same time, maybe run into just to give you an early welcome." :)
I keep a smile on my face, and wait to see how they react. I have no idea what to expect from surface drow, but I think happy thoughts.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Saturday May 21st, 2016 6:29:20 PM "I wouldn't expect EITHER party to be taken unawares by a shapeshifter. Drow will have detect magic and, if stories are correct, acute paranoia. Gaston will probably have researched all of us if he is at all competent".[/,b]
Similarly, I expect them to assume that Pella is the familiar that he is"
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Sunday May 22nd, 2016 6:42:49 AM "Right Leskni - so we should put our cards on the table, so to speak. It is not like I will ever be able to fool the drow or anyone else that I am anything other than what I am. The only one I know who doesn't understand who I am is me. I'm not sure that counts." "But, it means no one can cry foul later."
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet Monday May 23rd, 2016 9:11:21 AM
nothing to add to the plan.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Monday May 23rd, 2016 11:09:56 AM "Ha! Carver drew the short straw, sorry friend. I would take your place, but I'm not nearly as confident that I won't do something stupid when I see him. Granted, if you do something then all I ask is that I be close enough to run over and see it." Atlas is smiling for the first time in the last 24 hours.
"Plan sounds good unless Miles has anything to add. Besides, I've always wondered what a Surface Drow looks like, especially the females." Atlas' smile gets even bigger if that is possible. He's been couped up in the Tree a bit too long without proper companionship.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Monday May 23rd, 2016 1:59:52 PM
I keep smiling. :)
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Monday May 23rd, 2016 3:42:47 PM
Owen frowns at Atlas' last comment....
DM Shane Monday May 23rd, 2016 8:26:57 PM
The female Drow speaks up. Ah! A Herald, Excellent, you will preceed us to the Tree and announce our presence, yes? She speaks he own language to the guards and the Captain nods and issues commands to the two guards. Both guards snap to attention, then one moves to stand to the right and back from the leader while the other looks confused for a bit and then takes left front. In heavily accented Common the Captain says Stay ahead of us 20 paces. no tricks...lead us to the tree.
The rest of the pary prepares for the guests as best they can. Gaston shows up in about an hour begs off to his room claiming exhaustion from the road. The Drow arrive, being led by Mack about 30 minutes after Gaston arrives. They too demand/ask to be shown their rooms and retire for the night.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Monday May 23rd, 2016 10:50:52 PM
Just checking in. nothing to add at this point
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Monday May 23rd, 2016 11:26:51 PM
Carver watches both groups arrive, after both have been shown to their rooms he hunts up Atlas. "This has disaster written all over it. Both groups think they better than the rest of the world. I'm getting the feeling we are going to end up having to beat this agreement into all of them, because they are going to end up at each others throats in under a day."
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Tuesday May 24th, 2016 5:31:39 AM "Well,.. that was... wasn't it?" And then he nods in response to Carver's take on things
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Tuesday May 24th, 2016 7:35:15 AM
I zig-zag a lot as I lead the drow party to the Tree, turning back every 30 seconds or so, and saying something like "So, how was your journey so far?"... "See anything exciting on the way here?".... "Isn't it hard to have this conversation with me so far ahead of all of you guys"
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet Tuesday May 24th, 2016 8:47:45 AM
Armand watches the arrival of both parties.
"I wonder if they will be planning on meeting during the day or during the night?"
Armand shrugs. "Anyway I guess it really doesn't matter. Our goal is not to see to the actual creation of any kind of trade or deal. We're just here to ensure that the neutrality of the tree is secure and to provide facilities to the two parties."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Tuesday May 24th, 2016 4:59:07 PM
Owen replies to Armand: "Well, we are supposed to make sure the deal goes well. That may come down to damage control, though..."
Owen turns in for the night, wakes, and prepares spells for the coming day.
Prepared spells: Highlight to display spoiler: {Bold spells are unused, underlined spells are in progress. 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Ray of Frost, and Ghost Sound. 1: Feather Fall, Sleep, Color Spray, Color Spray, and Silent Image. 2: Scorching Ray, Invisibility, Minor Image, and Invisibility. 3: Fly, Haste, and Major Image. 0/1 daily Arcane Bond spell used. 0/7 daily Blinding Rays used.}
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Tuesday May 24th, 2016 9:31:28 PM "I'm going to get a few hours rest, I have a feeling I'm going to need it, I'm getting up early, hopefully before either group. If you're up at 5ish and I'm not, please get me up. Night all." Carver heads off and gets some rest, planning on being up early.....
DM Shane Tuesday May 24th, 2016 9:43:22 PM
The Drow guards stiffen and go "on guard" every time you run back, but the female seems to find it funny and answers some of your questions Tiring, an ankheg nest and My guards want to keep me safe, not talk to a halfling, there may be time to talk on the morrow, but for now, we are strangers in a strange land and one cannot be too careful..
When Drow reach the tree you notice a curious emblem/house crest adorning their equipment. a curious sideways oval with three dots in the center. Roll Knowledge (local) to get the spoiler for this emblem or ask yourself a question...Have I seen this before?
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet d20+14=17 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2016 11:49:10 PM
As the Drow approach the Tree Leskni goes out to greet them
"Good day. My name is Leskni. Welcome to the Tree of Parting. I hope that your stay will be peaceful and profitable for both you and the people that you are meeting.
I'm not sure if you know enough of us to recognize that I too am a stranger to these lands, I come from some far off islands. Little knowledge of your people has come to us, only stories passed on through many hands with the exaggerations and inaccuracies that causes. Once you are settled in and rested I'd love to talk to you some time about your people, your arts, your culture. And, if you're interested, tell you of my culture in turn"
A diplomacy check of a whopping 17.
Leskni is quite sincere in all of the above. She is genuinely curious and is trying hard to NOT let her preconceptions rule her judgement. She has no ulterior motive
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Wednesday May 25th, 2016 8:29:01 AM "Trade agreements and sausages, Armand — two things you don't want to see being made. Or so I have heard."
'Osul is put to mind by the crest of the drow of the white markings adorning the goblins or orcs drawn to the sky lights in the Red Hills, or was it the creatures who attacked the dwarven caravan? Seems unlikely to be a constellation.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet Wednesday May 25th, 2016 8:42:28 AM
Dawn. A new day. Armand rises and prays to Gargul. All things come to Garul in their time. He wonders if Gaston's time is near, that would certainly help those of the tree, lifting a burden from their minds.
After praying a slightly longer amount that normal he rises and goes to the tavern for breakfast. He still wears his armor, but his glaive is still in his room at the compound. He does still have his tools with him (in his bag of holding). When the others arrive he greets them.
"Greetings everyone. I think it's going to be a long day. Hopefully their is plenty of food for breakfast."
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Wednesday May 25th, 2016 11:14:45 AM
The symbol on the drow looks familiar to me, but I can't remember exactly where I've seen it before. I mention it to the others when I get a chance, and see if it rings a bell for any of them. "curious emblem/house crest adorning their equipment. a curious sideways oval with three dots in the center. Sounds familiar to any of you?"
I let them know that my first impression of the surface drow was pretty good. On their guard, but otherwise, they gave me no reason for alarm.
I tend to stay up that night instead of sleeping, in the hopes of continuing a conversation with the female drow. If nothing else, trying to get her name. :) I'm just as interested in talking with any of them, but my impression so far is that the guards won't be quite as talkative.
For now, I'll try to stay up at night, and get some sleep during the day when I feel the majority of the group will actually be up. Plus, I feel like I'll get a better chance to talk with the drow at night. And it's less "busy". :)
OOC: I have no training in Local History, so I did not even attempt a roll. ;)
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Wednesday May 25th, 2016 11:53:48 AM
Atlas makes his introductions to the Drow. He debates whether or not to sleep outside their lodging on his bedroll.
----------------------------------------- ooc: Where are they all staying? At our old place, everyone in the Inn, somewhere else? I'm just wondering what their proximity to each other is, how defensible their locations are, etc.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Wednesday May 25th, 2016 12:00:59 PM "Oh, and Mack, that symbol is the one we saw on the goblins when we were on our way to the beacon. I'm wondering if the Drow were their masters, or if the Drow and them have the same master. Hard to imagine who could be powerful enough to be masters of the Drow.
"If you have a chance to ask her about it, please do."
-------------------------------------------- ooc: I didn't do a Knowledge check because I remembered the goblins and I assume that Atlas would as well.
DM Shane
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 3:09:46 PM
+1 hero point to Atlas and 'Osul for sharp memory and excellent role play using their brains instead of dice to solve a quandary! good job guys!
The rooms for the Tree Top tavern are spread around the tree a bit. There are Six rooms around the Tap room for the tavern and Eight others spread around various locations around the tree. Ciyradyl Ilyndrathyl, in consultation with Laughingwater and Miles put the Drow in the rooms around the Tap room. for several reasons. 1, it's closer to the meeting point. 2 it's the farthest away from the exits to the ground, and thus gives more time to intercede should any trouble start or gods forbid, the Drow are here to prep the ground for a raid. Gaston takes his usual room nearer the bottom of the tree, the "King" suite.
Although obviously tired from their journey, the Drow female takes a bit of time to meet everyone, her guards standing protectively nearby. Greetings to all of you, My name is Eclyndryl ne Lidrly Ortandanara of House Dul'g, your surface dweller tounges are no well suited to the intricacies of Drow tongue, so you may call me Eclyndryl if you wish.
To Leskni Resht Lysandi! I have heard legends of the people of the Taur isles, but I thought them merely that, like the stories of a body of water that spans the whole of the world! but it seems my ignorance was only exceeded by my hubris! What else will I be proven wrong on with this journey? I would love to discuss your people and tell you of mine! Perhaps you would accompany to my room? This land is cold and I would love to run my fingers through your fur and rest my head against the warmth of your side as we talk. This was said in as open and friendly a way as you have ever heard, but being unfamiliar with Drow culture you cannot be sure if this is a come on, or simply an invite to have a slumber party.
The Drow retire to the suites around the Tap room. The Captain of the Guard place Eclyndryl at the end of the hall and sets the guards to stand a rotating watch watch in the open hall way around the Tap room.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 d20+9=29 ; d20+9=29 ; Wednesday May 25th, 2016 3:33:13 PM
OoC: Owen would have remembered the oval and dots from the reports Atlas and 'Osul gave of the events prior to his arrival. But I didn't get back to my house until 3:20.
IC: Owen tries to figure out if Eclyndryl is hitting on Leskni, or if her offer is some quirk of the drow's matriarchal culture.
(I'm not sure what knowledge check to make, here. I'll roll both Local and Geography; maybe such a check requires some combination of the two? Oh my goodness, I rolled natural 20s on both checks! That's gotta be worth something.)
Knowledge (Local): 29. Knowledge (Geography): 29.
DM Shane: This roll lets you know 2 things. both the surface drow and subsurface drow are rather hedonistic, even the "good" ones seem to be a bit touchy feely for a lot of folk....it's cultural. 2nd unless she's been hiding under a rock for...well her whole life, she would be hard pressed to not know that there is an ocean.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Wednesday May 25th, 2016 10:26:03 PM
Leksni looks a little bit confused and taken aback before she responds.
OOC: I'm trying to figure out how she'd react. Part of me thinks that she wouldn't even recognize the come on. Part of me thinks that Liontaurs would be fairly hedonistic too. I think I'll go with the pleasure loving but somewhat naive approach
"I'd be very happy to accompany you to your room and talk. And I agree to let you stroke my fur so long as I can stroke your hair in turn"
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Wednesday May 25th, 2016 11:28:25 PM
Carver sleeps until early morning, he finds time after eating to do his morning prayers.... He prays for help in restraining himself from throttling Gaston, at least he won't have to see him until they go lower in the tree.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Thursday May 26th, 2016 8:15:32 AM Why do the girls always get to have the fun slumber parties? I think to myself.
I let the symbol discussions wait for later, as it seems Leskni and Eclyndryl can spend some time getting to know each other instead. Since I'm up, I try to chit-chat with one of the drow guards, just to learn more about them in general, if he's willing to talk at all.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Thursday May 26th, 2016 12:22:20 PM
Atlas whispers to Leskni before they go, "Learn as much as you can about that symbol. We have seen it before and I worry that whoever is creating it will be putting the Tree and its people at risk at some point."
Atlas wakes up in the morning feeling rested. He goes about preparing for the day's activities, while looking for Leskni to find out how the night went.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Thursday May 26th, 2016 3:34:40 PM
Owen raises his eyebrows at Leskni's response.
DM Shane Thursday May 26th, 2016 9:57:28 PM
Placeholder post. sorry guys work was later than I expected today, will post further tomorrow.
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Thursday May 26th, 2016 10:59:38 PM
Carver eats a hearty breakfast, confident that he will not be in any mood to eat after dealing with Gaston all day.....When he sees Atlas, "If this goes more than two days, you're taking day 3 with Gaston. Maybe it'll light a fire under his butt. Then I'll do another two days, all I know is that unless he's changed drastically I'll need a break or I'll be explaining to Lord Gargul why I need his blessing again to be a devout warrior in his name again."
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Friday May 27th, 2016 7:26:06 AM
'Osul attends to his morning meditations, trying again to see his place in the broader scheme of things. Something is bothering him. He has seen both sides to participate in the negotiations, but it is as if there are still pieces missing from the board. He returns for breakfast, and adds, "Don't forget we have fresh faces - mine included - that have no ba... history with Gaston. Make use of us."
He fills the stone basin in the kitchen with water Create Water, drops a metal rod (unmagical) in, and casts Heat Metal on it, stopping when the water boils. Quietly he goes about returning the kitchen to a pristine state.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Friday May 27th, 2016 7:27:13 AM
...you don't need a fire to get into hot water...
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 15; HP 38/38, Speed: 30' Friday May 27th, 2016 7:37:51 AM "That's a very good point, Osul. In the same breath, I would hate for those of you who don't even know Gaston to suffer because you're lumped in with the rest of us. I definitely got the feeling when he left that he'd be holding a grudge against us.... the leaders of our group at the very least (looking towards Atlas and Carver). I don't think they're too concerned though." :) "But he DOES have lots of money, and friends in high places, like it or not."
I let the drow guard know that I'm heading to get something to eat, but don't worry, I'll be right back! :) And I ask if he wants me to grab him anything.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 41/41 CMD 16 Character Sheet Friday May 27th, 2016 9:43:12 AM
OOC, Sorry yesterday was the first day of summer break and I crashed. Teachers need summer break more than students.
Armand had retired before the Drow arrived. (On purpose). And since lord gaston whatever, was so exhausted when he arrived was never introduced to him.
After breakfast he will again resume his task of wandering around and fixing things. Though today he will be trying to work mostly in the tap room and in the area of the meeting room. Armand will also dither about being slow to fix things if the trade delegates are about so that he can keep an eye on things.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 20; HP 52/52 Character Sheet Friday May 27th, 2016 2:21:48 PM
Atlas keeps looking for Leskni so he can get an update.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 26/26; CMD: 15 Friday May 27th, 2016 3:55:34 PM
Owen sleeps for a few hours and then reads for the rest of the night. As day breaks he joins Carver for breakfast.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Friday May 27th, 2016 10:22:51 PM
Just checking in
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:32/32 Saturday May 28th, 2016 1:31:01 AM "Mack... we live in The Tree... who doesn't have friends in high places?" he says, deadpan, not even turning away from the matter at hand - the kitchen.
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 48/48 Speed 65 Character Sheet Sunday May 29th, 2016 4:42:01 PM
Carver looks to 'Osul, "Some friends are higher than others...."
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 15/14/11; HP 35/35; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Sunday May 29th, 2016 10:15:16 PM
Leskni rejoins her friends the next morning and asks to speak to them privately
When they arrive, she casts detect magic to make as sure as possible that they are not being spied on.
OOC: Keep in mind that this is all G rated. So don't ask questions that I am not going to answer. Some things are best left to the imagination anyway.
"Well, that was certainly a very interesting night. I'd better tell you what I learned. Or was told. I'm not atrocious at detecting lies but I'm also not that good at it either. So take everything with a degree of caution.
Eclyndryl ne Lidrly Ortandanara is a Senior Sister of House D'ulg. She is an absolutely and totally evil person, at least in the way that we define things. But she is, by her own lights, a reasonable person. She seemed to be quite open and honest with me and in a great many ways I actually like her while at the same time being absolutely appalled at everything she believes in and stands for. She saw nothing at all wrong with murdering people, sacrificing them to Lillith, putting your own good above almost anything else. It was as if she'd never ever even considered morality, never even heard of it. In that way, she seemed almost more like an intelligent animal than a person.
Never before have I had the slightest sympathy with the way that the so called Noble Races look down upon the Taurs (and others) as inherently inferior to them. But I had that same sensation with her. She is evil, the very essence of evil. But not really from choice. I do not know if this was caused by her upbringing or whether it is innate to their very nature.
Her Society is an absolute abomination that should be destroyed. But I think it is possible that its members should conceivably be pitied. Not that the difference really matters in practical terms.
I am not at all sure whether or not she is trustworthy. She seemed genuinely friendly to me, Open. She would clearly betray us in a heartbeat if she thought that it was in her best interests. But my best guess, and it really is only that, is that she is intelligent enough to know that a simple betrayal wouldn't gain her what it cost her. I told her of our culture and I THINK that I managed to sort of kind of maybe impress upon her the fact that we view betrayals differently. That she should be loathe to betray us because it would cost her.
I'd suggest that somebody go and make it VERY clear to her, in a respectful and polite way, that any act of betrayal would have repercussions. That would best come from a female authority figure here within the Tree. I think that at the moment she considers me something approximating a friend and ally, at least to the extent she recognizes those terms. I'd like to cultivate that relationship for what little it is worth,
If things do erupt into violence I'll actually be trying to capture her if that seems possible, It is conceivable that she can be redeemed. At any rate, I'd like to try if events unfold in that way.
Oh, and would all of you please examine me as thoroughly as possible to make sure that I haven't been enchanted in some way. Or deliberately diseased. Or poisoned. Or in some other way made into a long term trap."
LOG ON