We're Here..! (DM Donna) Thursday February 22nd, 2001 7:01:35 AM
Following Hollyhocks' directions, the party manages to get (and enjoy) some treats from the bakery, and then travel along the road, getting much the same reaction from passers-by as they had when accompanied by the temple assistant, though none of the local centaurs seem to feel that the party must be confronted. Thus do you all follow the road without incident.
The road itself ends after a while at the fancily-carved wooden gates that stand closed. Over the gates is an equally fancy, carved wooden sign that proclaims in gilded letters:
SUREFOOT FAMILY VINEYARDS Fine Wines since the Second Year of the Frog
The road continues beyond the gates. There is nobody in the way of a guard or even a guardhouse in this area...at least, not so you can SEE them...
Flat-top (Vineyards) Thursday February 22nd, 2001 10:42:53 AM
"Here we are and I don't see anybody around?" said Flat-top. "I think we should have somebody that can sweet talk another Centaur, like a Centaur Paladin. You, Kale, are much too good looking for all these females around here." Flat-top Yell toward the back (not really looking where Leets is) of the rank and file. "Come on Leets, get up front here and turn on your charms."
Leets Thursday February 22nd, 2001 11:24:02 AM
The young Paladin clears his voice while coming front of the group, he moves forward calmly, beyond the gates. He looks around him while still going forward slowly, and clearly announces:
"We are the Taurs, coming from the Hearthold to bring help to the Surefoot Vineyard, following the will of the Druid Hollyhocks! We would like to talk to the master of this place!"
Kale Thursday February 22nd, 2001 7:45:34 PM
"It looks deserted to me." Kale says. "I think we should just walk in."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday February 22nd, 2001 8:32:35 PM
Kalon follows the group closely still nibbling at the food that was given to him. Then abruptly after finishing half of it stops placing it in his backpack. Looking around he enjoys the beauty of the vineyards as he follows the group.
Zeoll Friday February 23rd, 2001 1:18:18 AM
Zeoll smiles at Leets's words. "Well spoken, young paladin," he says. "If no one answerrs, yourr call, let us continue to advance, and you can sound out again."
Ceira Karwyn Friday February 23rd, 2001 1:22:35 AM
Momentarily lost in thought, Ceira stares lovingly at the beautiful vineyards where one of life's enjoyments are manufactured. "Wow, look at all the wines... I mean... vines." she mutters to herself. Shaking out of her thirsty trance, she awaits a response from Leet's introduction.
Kenisha Friday February 23rd, 2001 1:32:16 AM
Kenisha smiles at Kalon and waits to see if there is any response from the vineyard.
The Sound of Silence (DM Donna) Friday February 23rd, 2001 7:39:23 AM
Nobody replies to Leets' greeting.
The breeze wafts the heady scent of fresh vines of the field towards the party. Birds sing. Insects buzz. The sun shines. The gate remains closed until somebody opens it to go through it onto the Surefoot property.
(OOC: I'm sending you a map of the property via email.)
Flat-top (Vineyard) Friday February 23rd, 2001 10:49:50 AM
As Leets comes to the front, Flat-top look around and listens to birds and the bees nothing out of the ordinary. Flat-top smells the wind. nothing. "I don't like this, Kale. No body around, as if....."
Leets Friday February 23rd, 2001 4:04:27 PM
Leets looks at a couple of birds singing on a branch while listening to Flat-Top.
"...As if people were afraid of coming here...I have not been visiting many haunted places my friend, but I don't think it would look like that if this was one..."
Leets pushes on the gates to check if it is opened or not.
Kalon the Wemic Friday February 23rd, 2001 4:18:34 PM
Kalon continues to walk forward as he says,"It's still daytime maybe people are working in the other parts of the vineyard. Naybe we should just go to one of the buildings and see if we can find anyone." he starts to turn toward the nearest building.
Ceira Karwyn Friday February 23rd, 2001 7:31:34 PM
Ceira worms her way to the front of the group to get a better look at what's beyond the gates. "I suggest exploring the second building on our right. The first one has beautiful architecture whereas the second one has a more professional look to it. My guess is the first one is the Surefoot Family home and the second is their business building. It would be more proper if we announced ourselves at the business-like building rather than their personal home. And as Kalon has speculated, maybe they are all at work inside."
Kenisha Saturday February 24th, 2001 1:28:24 AM
"I agree, the second building is probably our best bet." Kenisha said as she watched Leets test the gates.
Thiel Saturday February 24th, 2001 8:43:02 PM
Uneasy at not seeing any.. any activty at all and begins to finger his hol;y symbol. " perhaps they are all drunk on there work "
Leets Monday February 26th, 2001 4:40:21 AM
"Perhaps Thiel, perhaps not..."
The young centaur paladin pushes on the gates, and walks beyond slowly. Leets stops, closes his eyes, he feels the breeze on his face and listens at the birds singing. Slowly, all sounds and feelings mentally disappear as he concentrates and focuses on the place and the magic flows that are around him.
(OOC: Detect Evil)
"By the Pricking of My Thumbs"...? (DM Donna) Monday February 26th, 2001 7:17:51 AM
Leets uses his innate ability to Detect Evil--and his feelings do not seem to indicate its presence. As he slowly advances through the gate that he was easily able to push open, his awareness extends deeper into the area...
...and does not change. No evil...yet.
However, a few yards down the road is another sign, apparently this one has directions on it, for it says:
SUREFOOT FAMILY VINEYARDS Tasting Showroom - first right Administration Office - second right Production Facilities - third right
There are some sounds from the fields on the left, but they seem to indicate that there are about a couple dozen people tending the vines.
Everyone in the party must make a Listen check and a Spot check versus DC 15.
Kale d20=19 d20=17 Monday February 26th, 2001 9:37:56 AM
Kale starts to move in the direction of the admisistration office when suddenly he freezes(made spot and listen check) he motions everyone to stop with a wave of his hand and he slowly unslings the shortbow across his shoulder, knocking an arrow in it.
Flat-top d20+1=18 d20+1=9 Monday February 26th, 2001 11:21:19 AM
"All right them we go to the second building," said Flat-top then follows Sir Leet through the gates and beside Kale. When Flat-top hears some noise, out of the corner of his eye, sees Kale reacts to something. "HOLD it, Taurs, we may have a problem on our hands." Flat-top will take his Mace from around his neck and his shield from his back. Now Flat-top (not seeing anything) will take his que from Kale, "Well, MR. Pretty Face, you haven't been wrong yet, let's go and see. I'm right with you."said Flat-top.
Kenisha d20+2=14 d20+3=22 Monday February 26th, 2001 1:02:09 PM
Kenisha readies her sling at Flat-top'[s suggestion and looks around.
Kalon the Wemic d20=13 d20+1=11 Monday February 26th, 2001 4:10:24 PM
Having managed to get abit ahead of the rest of the group Kalon continues toward the nearest building unaware of what's going on behind.
Thiel Monday February 26th, 2001 8:22:16 PM
thiel pulls off his holy sembol ready to turn any undeadthat may be around. he quietly follows leets through the gate
Ceira Karwyn d20+2=14 d20+1=4 Monday February 26th, 2001 10:31:09 PM
"What's wrong everybody?" Ceira asks. Since she didn't detect anything unusual, she figures that maybe the group is experiencing a sugar rush from the centaur pastries.
Disregarding their unusual reactions, she proceeds to walk up to the sign and exclaims, "Ah ha! I was right about the office-looking building. I guess I misjudged that nice house on our first right. Its architecture is certainly fitting for a showroom though. It says here that the Administration Offices are to our second right. We should definitely head there first. If they have any centaur security guards," Ceira pauses and shudders at the thought. "then we'd better let them know we'll be running around. The last thing we need is to have them beating us to a bloody pulp for--" she stops mid-sentence and corrects herself. "I mean... physically restraining us for tresspassing." she quietly scurries ahead hoping none of her centaur friends heard her.
Zeoll d20+3=17 d20+4=24 Monday February 26th, 2001 11:29:18 PM
[OOC: I made the listen check by 2 and the spot roll by 9! woo hoo!]
After walking along quietly, Zeoll's hunter instincts kick in. His leonine senses, on the knife's edge of keenness, alert him to sensory clues that most would miss. He is ready for anything.
Sounds and Sights (DM Donna) Tuesday February 27th, 2001 7:24:29 AM
Those who make their Listen check can hear an argument from amongst the vines--the subject of which happens to be the fact that at least two of the unseen arguers don't think it's worth staying around and working the vines since the vineyard's become haunted. One of the arguers tells the others to shut their fool mouths, but another voice confirms that "there just HAS to be ghosties about, what with them phantom lights an' all..." (OOC: this is in Centaur, so that only those who know Centaur can understand the subject.)
Those who make their Spot checks see a lone figure approaching them. It trots along the road, apparently having come from either the offices or the bottling building.
It's a tan-colored centaur, holding what looks like a clipboard in one hand and a writing implement in the other. It's a male centaur, wearing a pair of round spectacles. Just as it gets within ten feet of the party, the centaur looks up--and spots Kale the minotaur pointing a bow and arrow his way.
His eyes bulge out in shock and surprise, and two things happen simultaneously:
His hands shoot up into the air, letting the clipboard and the pen fall to the ground as he immediately signals his surrender. He also loses control of his bowels.
"AllthemoneyisinthehouseIonlyworkhereI'mreallyVERYpoorohpleasedon'tkillmepleasepleasepleaseplease..!" he babbles incoherently.
Leets Tuesday February 27th, 2001 9:16:08 AM
"Ohohoh!"
Leets moves forward, putting his hand on kale's arm to lower his weapon.
"We are coming from the Hearthold. The druid Holyhocks wanted us to come here to make this ghost problem clear..."
Leets offers his hand with a smile.
"I'm Leets, and here are my friends...Please excuse Kale, he is a good fellow, but we all are a little bit nervous..."
Flat-top Tuesday February 27th, 2001 10:25:16 AM
Flat-top tells Kale,"If battle were always this easy. One look at you and they surrender. But I'm sure he's not the problem. Not right now ?" Then turns to the rest of the party,Flat-top tell them,"We suprized a worker and even I cannot understand him. Maybe one of you Taurs can get information out of him. OH! be careful don't step in any Road Apples."
Kale Tuesday February 27th, 2001 4:51:48 PM
Kale lowers his arm, but gives Leets a dirty look. "Dont do that again." he whispers to him
Thiel Tuesday February 27th, 2001 7:29:54 PM
Thiel Has been completlyn absobed in his own thoughts and was unable to be aware of anything around him' He is almost as suprised as the tan that has just been mugged by kale. Thiel stiffles a laugh and then offers " We are not to be feared we are quested to bring peace to our races and to unit all the races under one banner. we really only wish to help. could you possibly help us in understanding the nature of your haunting and where they appear most ."
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday February 27th, 2001 7:34:54 PM
Kalon turns toward the centaur and seeing Kale's weapon in hand,"No need for that Kale we are here as friends and allies." he turns to look at the frightened centaur,"Greetings good centaur there is no need to fear us we mean you no harm. Kale is just about overtense perhaps worried about the tales of hauntings we have heard. I am Kalon and I am pleased to meet you." Kalon moves to pick up the clipboard and pen the centaur dropped and hand them back to him.
Zeoll Tuesday February 27th, 2001 7:57:51 PM
Zeoll, seeing that the centaur with the clipboard is being well-tended, walks quietly up on the place from which the argument derives. He tries to listen as he walks. The liontaur makes no effort to conceal himself, however -- don't get the idea that he is sneaking.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday February 27th, 2001 10:52:11 PM
Although a bit shocked by the centaur's sudden appearance, Ceira relaxes again. "Typical foolish centaur." she mutters under her breath. "Please announce yourself next time. You almost got your head lopped off by our friend Kale here. Well... I suppose we are also at fault for barging in without announcing ourselves. Please accept our humble apologies." Ceira bows slightly.
After listening to a few of her companion's comments, she interjects, "What is this haunting you all speak of? Surely it's just some wild rumor spread by a competitor in the wine business." Turning back to the frightened centaur, she smiles as she awaits what he has to say.
Kenisha Wednesday February 28th, 2001 1:49:22 AM
Kenisha remains silent as anything she says would be redundant. She does however take the stone from her sling before looping the sling back through her belt.
Ah, ha! (DM Donna) d20=9 d20=14 d20=19 Wednesday February 28th, 2001 7:22:47 AM
The tan centaur, hearing the different yet corroborating explanations from the various party members, very slowly puts his hands down, flushing a bit in embarassment as he takes a tentative step forward, then uses his rear hooves to kick some dirt over the evidence on the road of his extreme fear.
"Oh. Oh, well..." he says, clearing his throat and speaking in Tauric, "...I am Browser...I am the head accountant for the vineyard. I recall Silky saying something about help being sent from the Temple...if you are that help, I can take you to her."
Meanwhile, Zeoll--who's moved a bit away from the party and towards the fields, makes his way a bit into the well-tended and very healthy vines, coming upon a trio of centaurs who are arguing amongst themselves. The centaur with the white hide snorts and looks aggreived from the face of a large dark brown centaur to a smaller, black and white centaur. The argument seems to be between the white centaur and the brown one, with the small centaur apparently trying to appease the both of them.
At Zeoll's approach, however, the brown and the small centaurs shut up and whirl around to face the wemic; surprise on the brown one's face and something that painfully resembles panic on the smaller centaur's expression. The brown centaur sets himself at a stance that Zeoll can tell means that he is ready to charge if need be, and demands something of Zeoll in a belligerent tone.
(OOC: they are speaking in straight centaur, however, and Zeoll doesn't know Centaur.)
Kale Wednesday February 28th, 2001 8:36:35 AM
"Then take us there, and be quick about it. " Kale says
Leets Wednesday February 28th, 2001 8:51:59 AM
The young paladin bears Kale's glance and his own gaze turns very cold as he clearly answers. "I really hope I won't have to, my friend, or it will mean that you tend to do too much mistakes..."
Feeling a little bit sad because of this argument, Leets faces the head accountant of the vineyard.
"We will gladly accept your own help Browser, could you please lead us to Lady Silky?"
Flat-top d20+1=14 Wednesday February 28th, 2001 11:15:57 AM
(OOC:fail listen roll)
"Well at less we will talk to someone in charge" Said Flat-top putting his mace back around his neck and his shield slip to his back. Then bows, smiles and in poor french says to to Kale," Apree Vou Monsure Taur Kale."
Kalon the Wemic Wednesday February 28th, 2001 3:36:24 PM
Kalon awaits the centaur to go and then follows along with the group continuing to enjoy the scenary. "You know Kenshia I have never been in a vineyard it is very pleasant"
Thiel Wednesday February 28th, 2001 7:22:20 PM
Perhaps we could sample some of your vinyards grapes or better yet their product as we tour hthe vinyard.
Zeoll Wednesday February 28th, 2001 9:34:21 PM
Zeoll spreads his empty hands wide and says in Taur, "In Domi's name, grreetings. I am sorrry to disturrb you. We werre sent by Domi's prriest, Hollyhocks, to help."
Ceira Karwyn Thursday March 1st, 2001 12:42:49 AM
Ceira follows Leet's lead in silent acknowledgement. While trotting along, she hums an old Wemic song to herself as she grooms her mane in preparation for Silky.
Kenisha Thursday March 1st, 2001 12:53:12 AM
"Neither have I." Kenisha answers Kalon. "My aunt taught me how to make wine from wild grapes."
Browser Cooperates (DM Donna) d20=20 Thursday March 1st, 2001 7:35:26 AM
The bespectacled centaur retrieves his writing implements, attempting to recover some of his dignity at the same time.
"Um...yes...well...this way, then..." he says, turning around (and giving a WIDE berth to the recently-buried "road apples"). Then he swivels his head around.
"Sayyyyy..." Browser drawls, "...wasn't there one more of you? One of them lion-thingies..?"
OOOOO--looks like Zeoll's wandered off!
Centaur Confrontation (DM Donna) d20=7 d20=3 d20=18 Thursday March 1st, 2001 7:53:26 AM
The large brown centaur eyes Zeoll, suspiciously, looking as though he's going to charge the wemic. The smaller centaur is practically cowering behind the larger one.
"Stop it now, Fenwick!" the white-hided centaur says sharply in Tauric. "It's a lion-taur...a wemic, if I got the name right...and *I* believe him."
"You're a fool, then, Clover." growls the brown centaur, but he steps back and crosses his arms over his chest. "This creature is little better than a minotaur."
"This creature--" echoes Clover (the white centaur, of course,) "--bears the holy symbol of our patron deity, and deserves at least a little respect." Clover faces Zeoll and bows his head.
"Wemic, I heard that Silky was importing some kind of help to investigate the stuff around here." Clover tells him. "I hadn't realized that she managed to get help from such exotic sources. I think you'll find Silky over at the office building...she's usually going over stuff with Browser from accounting."
Zeoll Thursday March 1st, 2001 9:08:33 AM
Zeoll bows low in return. "Forrgive me forr not intrroducing myself," he says, "I am Zeoll, Student to Shaman Frrith, Warrriorr to Prride Nonowla, and Son to Clan Aene. I am indeed a liontaurr, and I and my frriends -- all loyal and devoted to Domi -- arre herre to help with yourr haunting prroblem."
"Thank you forr yourr guidance; I will seek out Silky and Brrowserr momentarrily. But can you tell me anything about yourr prroblem? Is the vinerry haunted? Why do you think so? What have you seen orr hearrd? Wherre?"
Pausing for a moment, Zeoll adds, "I hope you don't mind these questions. We only want to help"
Kale Thursday March 1st, 2001 9:57:56 AM
"He'll be all right." Kale says to the accountant. "He's probably just hungry and went looking for a centaur to snack on."
Flat-top Thursday March 1st, 2001 11:33:05 AM
"No I don't think so. Centaurs don't like Wemics. You go with the party and I'll go looking for Zeoll." Flat-top Tells Kale. Then turns and galop off to find the Druid Taur.
Leets Thursday March 1st, 2001 3:43:49 PM
Leets looks at Flat-Top trotting away to find Zeoll, and then asks Browser:
"Tell me, Browser, you seem to work "on the ground", so you should be aware of anything special happening in the vineyard...What's about this ghost story?"
Kalon the Wemic Thursday March 1st, 2001 9:22:02 PM
Slowing back to step beside Kenisha Kalon leans in and whispers to her,"So what do you think about the idea this vineyard is haunted?"
Ceira Karwyn Thursday March 1st, 2001 9:46:50 PM
Ceira's casual humming stops abruptly. With all the persistent discussion of the rumored hauntings, a worried look emerges on her face. She has been successful in ignoring the speculation thus far but as they progress deeper into this mission, the realization is becoming all too real. Ceira remains silent and listens intently to hear how Browser answers Leets question.
Thiel Thursday March 1st, 2001 9:54:04 PM
"I'm hungry. Adrink would be nice as well"
Kenisha Friday March 2nd, 2001 1:15:05 AM
Keeping her voice just as low, Kenisha replies to Kalon, "It is possible, but it could easily also be some sort of trick by a competitor or mass histeria on the part of the workers here. I'm going to reserve my opinion until after we find out more about what's happening."
Browser's Dialogue (DM Donna) d20=14 Friday March 2nd, 2001 8:41:25 AM
"I'm an accountant, NOT a bard!" snorts the educated-looking centaur as he resumes the way towards the office building. "Haunted? Ha! I can tell you nothing of haunting--facts and figures, now that's MY forte!
"The numbers just aren't adding up...it's SO odd!" he says, almost more to himself than to you. "Profits are down...some of the workers have left, but that doesn't explain the shortages...or the inventory that has gone missing, either. That part has been happening over the last quarter...the stupid 'haunted grove' rumors have only been circulating for this past week or so."
Clover's Dialogue d20=18 Friday March 2nd, 2001 8:54:50 AM
Flat-top manages to hear the conversation between Zeoll and Clover & company, and follows the sound to its source, emerging beside the wemic just as Clover addresses Zeoll's questions:
"Well...me and my cousin are in the Surefoot herd, and we been working in the vineyard about a couple years now. There's always been that old family story about the Arch Grotto ghost...but I never put much stock in it myself. My cousin works the night watch, though--says that she saw a bright flash of light over that way a couple or three nights ago. Ever since then, really weird stuff's been going on around here...and last night, Firehoof says she saw something that just up and made her quit! Won't tell ME what it is, though."
Flat-top (in the Vineyard) Friday March 2nd, 2001 10:48:46 AM
Flat-top follows the sound and comes to stand beside Zeoll, putting his hand on the mace around his neck (to indicate no fights) " Ah! There you are Taur Zeoll, and a GOOD DAY to you TAUR workers?". Then turns to Zeoll and tell him,"I heard what was said, very interesting... Would have like to talk to Taur Firehoof, but she's not here. Hmm! But we are needed at the office, Taur Zeoll." Flat-top waits for Zeol to walk ahead of him. Then will walk beside him.
Kale d20+1=19 Saturday March 3rd, 2001 9:36:05 AM
Kale walks along with the others, but is taking in his surroundings with care, looking for places of ambush(spot check of 19)
Kalon the Wemic Sunday March 4th, 2001 12:37:36 AM
Kalon continues to walk alongside Kenisha,"Yes, I don't doubt that it could be haunted but I think we should just not rule out that possibility instead of deciding it is true before we do any investigation. Some people can be so superstitious" he whispers back,"and not so quick to draw their weapons" he says in a slightly louder voice obviously intending it for Kale to hear
Leets Sunday March 4th, 2001 6:46:22 AM
Leets trots along with Browser and Thiel. He nods at Thiel speaking of the inventory missing.
"No facts nor figures...Well, that won't help us...Perhaps Silky will be able to tell us more about those missings..."
Kenisha Sunday March 4th, 2001 10:57:19 AM
Kenisha snickers behind her hand, but tells Kalon, "Ah but you weren't there for the giant worm-like creatures, good friend. Sometimes being quick with the sword is a good thing."
Ceira Karwyn Sunday March 4th, 2001 9:20:18 PM
'Maybe this place isn't haunted afterall.' Ceira wonders. "Giant worm creatures Kenisha? Eeewww." she replies with a slightly contorted facial expression. "Just how big were they? Actually... nevermind. "We have a task here to focus on. Perhaps you can share some of your 'tails of adventure' over some spiced wine back home when our task is completed." Ceira grins hoping she caught the pun.
"Excuse me Browser. You said these rumors started flying around about a week ago. What were some of the observations that led to these conclusions? Perhaps these sightings are linked to the shortages and missing inventory you mentioned? Anything is a potential clue here."
Zeoll Monday March 5th, 2001 1:03:55 AM
Zeoll briefly asks a few more questions -- Where is this Arch Grotto, what's the legend, where might he find Firehoof -- then walks with Flat-top to rejoin the party.
Together Again (DM Donna) Monday March 5th, 2001 7:27:57 AM
"If you follow the main road all the way to its end," Clover says to Zeoll and Flat-top, "You'll find the Grotto there--it's a pretty place, kind of a peaceful sanctuary, really...it's got this old wooden archway that marks it...that's how it got the name."
Clover leads Zeoll and Flat-top to the road, where they meet up with the rest of the party. The white-hided centaur returns to his job in the fields when Browser assures the laborer that he will take the party to meet Silkshanks.
"Firehoof works third shift--she's a guard." Clover says as he departs. Even as he goes back to the fields, though, the party hears the clatter of departing hoofbeats and sees a pair of centaurs galloping out of the vineyard. Flat-top and Zeoll recognize them as the two centaurs that had been with Clover.
"Hmmph! Cowards!" Browser snorts, his tail twitching in irritation and one of his hooves stomping on the ground. "It's been like that for the last three or four days--workers quitting or just up and leaving! Take Firehoof, for instance--while it's true that she WAS a guard, she, too, quit...although she at least had the decency to do so in person, rather than simply run away like THOSE two!" The accountant sighs sharply.
"All right, then...follow me." So saying, the centaur trots along to the office building...
Silkshanks Surefoot...& Company..! (DM Donna) Monday March 5th, 2001 7:50:23 AM
"Anyhow," Browser says conversationally as he moves down the road and takes the second right, "The inventory that's missing is wine, of course. Tuns and tuns of it. Even allowing for the recent ghost story scare and employee turnover, there's no logical reason why we should be coming up twenty tuns short of our sacred Blue wine! I keep a sharp eye on ALL the numbers--it's my responsibility as the head accountant. It makes no sense whatsoever that the wine just...disappears."
Browser leads the party into the whishtal tree that houses the administative branch of the vineyard. He takes you past the startled receptionist and directly over to a large, carved wooden portal that has "Silkshanks Surefoot, President" in bold relief on it. The accountant knocks and opens the door upon hearing a female voice bid him to enter.
"Silky," Browser announces, "There's a party of...people here to see you--they say that Hollyhocks sent them."
You all see a medium-sized, matronly centaur female with a light brown hide, darker brown skin and black hair and eyes look at you and smile slightly, nodding.
"Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable." Silky says politely. "That will be all for now, Browser." The accountant exits.
"I have someone whom I believe is supposed to be with you..." Silky tells you, waving one hand in the direction of...a figure wearing studded leather armor and bearing a large wooden shield emblazoned with the sign of the God of War on it--a pair of crossed swords.
"Imagine my surprise when there suddenly appeared in the corner of my office a Minotaur." Silky says wryly. "I almost wet myself. He just appeared there, asleep. He woke up all of a sudden and held up his shield--and I just KNEW he was here to help me. Don't ask me how."
Indeed, when all of you see the shield, you all get a sense that this minotaur is here to be part of your overall objective of uniting the Taur races. There can be NO doubt...it was Domi/Imod/Tomi's hand that brought your fellow Taur here.
"I have purple wine and moonbuns for all," Silky tells you, gesturing to a huge tray that has large goblets, a pair of hefty decanters and an assortment of light breakfast rolls upon it. "I do believe introductions are in order, so help yourselves while you get acquainted."
Flat-top Monday March 5th, 2001 11:20:50 AM
"By all that is holy, only a chosen one enters like that" said Flat-top with a smile. As the piebald hide,dark skin,white (hair/mane/tail) and ice-ble eyes (that seems to look right through you). "Greeting and welcome to our party. They call me Flat-top, I'm a military Centaur, and glad to see another Fighter," said Flat-top as he puts away his mace around his neck and extend his hand to greet the new comer. Then turns to Kale and tells him,"Don't worry I still love you best," and Flat-top winks at him.
Kenisha (the centaur sorceress) Monday March 5th, 2001 1:30:33 PM
Kenisha shakes her head at Flat-top's actics but follows him in introducing herself (in Minotaur). "How do you do, fellow Taur. I am Kenisha, trained in the magical arts."
Kalon the Wemic Monday March 5th, 2001 3:25:40 PM
Kalon steps forward extending a upperpaw toward the large minotaur,"I am called Kalon and I am pleased to meet you. My but you certainly are a formidable looking fellow"
Raorr the Minotaur Monday March 5th, 2001 3:54:41 PM
The (7' 8", 750lbs approx.) minotaur stands slightly hunched, looks warily at the strange group entering the room. He lowers his Spiked Gauntleted right hand to his Bastard sword's hilt but stops noting the outnumbering odds he faces.
He looks at Flat Top's outstreched hand and appears to considering the gesture. He hesiatingly clasps the hand, but once held he hold's on hard, and leans towards the Centaur called Flat-top. An expression of savageness in his eyes.
"Rrraaaoooorrrrrr" He bellows at the top of his lungs, it quite possibly may reverbate the glass of the door and anyone still outside the door would hear it.
Raorr releases his grip on the Flat-Top and looks at the Centaur Kenisha and considers what to make of her. Raorr's face contorts to a angered expression "[Minotauric]You speak my language. But why? You Centaur, are you spy, sent to use magic against Minotaurs? Perhaps you Witch" A twinkle in his eyes and his facial expression changes and relaxesd "(Tauric)Raorr stay with you. Raorr in The Dream. I travel with all you."
Raorr doesn't shake anymore hands as he seems defensive about so many people at once near by. He does spot the Minotaurs and seems almost confused by their apparent minority amongst the group present.
(OOC) Raorr wears common travelling outfit, and as mentioned before is wearing Studded Leather has a pair of Spiked Gauntlets in his left hand carrries the Large Wooden Shield, and in a sheath on his left side has a Bastard Sword. Leaning on the wall beside him is a Glaive. He has three pouches on his belt. Laying on the ground beside him is a Saddlebag with a Waterskin hanging from it.
Leets (the centaur paladin) Monday March 5th, 2001 4:18:21 PM
The young paladin salutes the Minotaur newcomer by noding and smiling. He has been seeing too much savage minotaurs during his childhood to get closer. [Minotauric]" Don't worry, I am no spy, I speak your language because I was raised near the lands of your people. May you be welcome among us Raorr."
Leets is a young centaur(8.6 feet, 1440lbs), with blond hairs and a white body. He wears a silver colored chainmail on a blue tunic, and holds a sparkling large steel shield (that looks very new)on his left arm. He also has a longsword on his left side, and a staff tied on right side of his horse body. He finally has a backpack, with a small barrel tied under it.
Thiel Monday March 5th, 2001 9:14:11 PM
Thiel says to Raorr "Imods blessings on you And luck to die in battle. "
Ceira Karwyn (wemic sorceress) Tuesday March 6th, 2001 12:25:15 AM
"Good day Raorr." greets Ceira. "My name is Ceira Karwyn and it is a pleasure to have you join our merry band. Please, don't be too shy now." she says with a playful wink. "I am a dabbler of the arcane arts. We could certainly use your extra sword to aid in the greater good of our mission to unite all Taurs."
Ceira now walks over to grab a breakfast roll and begins nibbling away.
To Business... (DM Donna) Tuesday March 6th, 2001 7:33:04 AM
"Are we all introduced, then?" Silky says amiably in the common Tauric, looking to Zeoll and Kale, who have said nothing so far. "Well, let me tell you the reason that I asked for help from the Temple...perhaps this may contribute to your sense of...unified purpose." The filly flips her hair from her shoulder to her back.
"Four nights ago, the guards that secure the vineyards at night reported seeing a brief flash of light from the area that's called the Archway Grotto." she tells you. "When they went to investigate it, they found nothing unusual there. Ever since then, however...strange things have been happening. Odd things. Weird noises with no apparent cause...small items disappearing or simply being moved from one spot, only to appear moments later in another. All odd, to be sure, but the so-called 'ghost scare' comes from some of the guards claiming to have seen...a very large, um...purple monster flying about the vineyard.
"As of yesterday, three of the guards quit, claiming that they were NOT hired to be, ummm...'ghostbusters' (whatever THAT is!) Once the other workers heard that the guards were quitting, they, too, started leaving. At present I have only half the usual workforce to harvest this season's crops." Silky looks pleadingly at you.
"This year was going to be a most excellent year, ESPECIALLY for the Sacred Blue Wine distillation...but unless I can clear up exactly WHAT has my workers in such a fearful tizzy, the Temple will not get its usual tithe of wines...there may not be enough Blue Wine for that ordination ceremony that is coming up in a few days, even! Please...will you help me..?"
Zeoll Tuesday March 6th, 2001 7:35:16 AM
Zeoll, a liontaur (or wemic) walks over to Raorr. He wears leather armor and carries a greatsword and a longsword. There are totem and clan beads braided into his mane.
Sticking out his hand in welcome, he says, "It is good to have anotherr Taurr among us. Thanks to Imod for brringing you to us." His accent is strong, as he speaks the common Taur language, but he smiles in a friendly way.
Turning to Silky, Zeoll thanks her for the hospitality and promises to try to help.
Kale Tuesday March 6th, 2001 9:18:37 AM
Kale just stands there silently
A Moment of Silence (DM Jerry) Tuesday March 6th, 2001 10:50:00 AM
...and for a moment, all is silent in The Wold.
Flat-top Tuesday March 6th, 2001 4:06:24 PM
Flat-top walks over to Kale, "You know I'd like to go over to the Grotto, just to see this interesting place that spooks guards." Said Flat-top " are you as courious as I am?".
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday March 6th, 2001 7:35:11 PM
Kalon seeing the large minotaur's hesitancy turns to where the rolls are as Silky gives his explaination. Taking one of the rolls he breaks it carefully in half placing half in his backpack and slowly eating the other half.
"I will help as well" Kalon says to Silky,"I think that is a good idea to look over this grotto. I will come with you Flat-top" he adds to Flat-top"
Raorr the Minotaur Tuesday March 6th, 2001 10:48:24 PM
Raorr snarls at the comment made by Thiel "To die in battle shows weakness, I will be happy to die Old and grey while my enemy rots in his grave."
Raorr grasps the Glaive leaning on the wall and says "Raorr will kill what ever Purple thing appears. Raorr cares not what it is, it will die all the same."
Holding his Glaive hard he glares to the Wemic Sorceress "Another witch, no matter I fear not your nor Kenisha's magics. Raorr will not be pushed around, Imod said to travel with you all, I do so for him."
Raorr bends his neck, popping sounds may be heard as joints are streched. He roars "Enough talk lets go! I am in need of some exercise"
Kenisha Wednesday March 7th, 2001 1:11:09 AM
Kenisha shrugs at Ceira and says in Tauric, "I can't imagine what we could have said to earn sure a response, but no doubt he will learn the truth. It does seem to be our Maker's way."
Turning to the others she adds, "Let's go, shall we?"
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday March 7th, 2001 4:19:31 AM
"Muph wuh shul..." With the breakfast roll still stuffed in her mouth, Ceira only smiles back at her measily attempt to talk and nods in agreement.
She gestures to Silky with an 'OK' sign to indicate Silky is in good hands.
*GULP*
Hasta La Vista! (DM Donna) Wednesday March 7th, 2001 8:53:01 AM
"Thank you...all of you!" Silky says, smiling. "I've already informed my foreman, Tailthwacker, to let the workers that are still here know that they are to cooperate with you in any way. You can speak to anyone you wish, and go anywhere you feel you need to without worrying about whether anyone on the grounds will object." The president of the Vineyards pauses a moment, thinking for a bit.
"When you exit the offices, you follow the pathway out to the main road, turn right towards the bottling facilities, and follow the road until it ends. There you will find two ways to go on...turn right or turn left. Turning right leads you to the bottling building. Turning left will lead you to the Archway Grotto." Her eyes search your faces.
"Any other questions..?"
Zeoll Wednesday March 7th, 2001 9:39:08 AM
Zeoll catches Silky's eye and introduces himself, if he hasn't already.
"If ourr enthusiastic new frriend can be patient forr just a minute morre," he says, bowing to Raorr, "let me ask you a question orr two."
"Please descrribe forr us in grreaterr detail the signs and manifestations that have been rreporrted. What disappearrred and rreappearrred? What kinds of noises?"
"We must considerr that these may indeed be the rresult of superrnaturral activity. They may be omens and augerrs that rreveal trruths to those who can rread them. Have you had any unusual drreams lately?"
"But we must also considerr that these signs could also be rruses by someone hostile to you, Silky. The missing wine suggests that theft is the prrobable motive. Could you give us a list of worrkerrs who have quit rrecently? They arre possible suspects."
Turning to the entire grroup, Zeoll outlines his thoughts.
"Firrst, if therre is something superrnaturral going on, we need to discoverr what. We should: One - investigate this grrotto. Two - stay therre overrnight, with some asleep to see what trruths come frrom theirr drreams therre. Thrree - use whateverr detection and divination magic we have to seek out magical influences."
"Second, if therre is a mundane and merrcenarry cause, if theft is the motive. then we must: One - Searrch forr physical clues. In moving tuns of wine, some sign may have been left. We need to use Trracking and Searrching skills to look forr signs like scuff marrks, trracks, spills, especially wherre therre should be none. Two - We need someone with Sense Motive skill to question all worrkerrs -- both those who have left and those who haven't -- to see if anyone is suspicious. Thrree -- We need a Centaurr with Gatherr Info skill to nose about town. If therre was a theft, someone has to fence, storre, orr trransporrt tuns of wine, and therre will be clues in the community that a savvy investigatorr can discoverr."
"As a prriest of ourr common god, I myself would be good at the superrnaturral investigation, and I would be good at looking forr clues with my Trracking skill. Who else can contrribute, and how?"
"And should we all stick togetherr orr split into grroups of two orr thrree?"
Kale Wednesday March 7th, 2001 9:48:21 AM
"Sure, lets go." Kale says to Flat-Top, then he whispers to him. "That guy needs to work on his Taur." Kale says pointing at Raorr. "He gives us bulls a bad name." then he says in a loud voice "We stay together. Some of us are new and I dont trust their abliltes to take care of themselves yet. I dont want to explain to Imod that some of his chosen are dead."
Kenisha Wednesday March 7th, 2001 10:38:40 AM
Kenisha states, "I am have been taught to recognized things of an arcane nature. I would assume that Ceira also has this skill? It probably would be best if we split into two groups- one to investigate the Grotto and the other to investigate here and in town if necessary."
Flat-top Wednesday March 7th, 2001 11:06:11 AM
"yes,Kale, I was wondering about him myself," said Flat-top, "he does need to work on the Taur skills." Then as an after thought, added "I realty want to see this flying purple thing. Hmmm Do you think you can handle the bull headed fighter? I know I won't be able to."
Raorr the Minotaur Wednesday March 7th, 2001 1:28:06 PM
"To many words!" Raorr shakes his head, "Raorr kill, kill and help."
Raorr lowers head as if looking for somethng below another twinkle crosses his eyes again he speaks but quieter "Raorr, not wise. Raorr not read." his head lowered still shaking "Raorr not good with people. Raorr called Wild One by others. Others made fun of Raorr, Raorr run away to forest to be free."
He raises his head, the violent expression returning "Too many words!" He snarls "We fight enemy, right!" Alternating his grip on the Glaive by tightening and relaxing, he stomps the ground with a hoof. "Raorr have no skills other than fight, Raorr will kill, you will live. This Raorr do for group."
Leets Wednesday March 7th, 2001 3:04:35 PM
The young centaur trot to Zeoll.
"Perhaps could I assist you my friend if you were meeting any trouble during your supernatural investigation...If you think you can deal with that alone, I could probably take in charge our new friend to patrol in the vineyard..After all, I agree with him: we have the strength, the steel, and the faith, I don't need more to face our ghost..."
Leets waits for Zeoll's answer, to know what he will do.
Kalon the Wemic Wednesday March 7th, 2001 7:08:38 PM
Kalon listens to the group deciding on the way they want to investigate the situation. As Zeol goes through his list of things to do Kalon doesn't hear anything he can do. So waits to receive instructions as to what he will be doing.
Thiel Wednesday March 7th, 2001 8:40:47 PM
Thiel says to Leets and Zeoll, "I have no doubts of your strengths, but I have belief in facing what you know on equal terms. But what you don't know often can kill. I think I must go with Kale - we should stay together."
Answers & Friendly Advice (DM Donna) Thursday March 8th, 2001 7:12:12 AM
Silky's head tilts as she considers Zeoll's numerous questions and proposals. Then she replies for all to hear:
"I've been told of incidents ranging from 'ghostly whispering and giggling' to items such as baskets and hoes disappearing from one spot and reappearing in another...but the specific details of these things are facts known by Tailthwacker--being the field foreman, it is he to whom the workers reported these mysterious happenings first.
"You speak of portents, lion-taur..? The only strange dream that I, myself, have had lately is the Grand Dream...the one that all centaurs shared but a fortnight or so ago. Other than that, I have had no unusual dreams that I can remember.
"The different avenues that you propose to explore are all good ones...but take some friendly advice from me: the centaurs of this area are NOT used to seeing wemics...and they definitely will be very suspicious of minotaurs (to say the least!)--I don't think it would be a good idea for your group to separate to investigate those possible leads, because the area centaurs may not think to treat the non-natives in your party with the respect due them. Why, it might even be dangerous for them. The concept of wemics and minotaurs as brothers-in-arms is just TOO new for anyone outside the vineyard to entertain. I think your best bet is to exhaust all the avenues within the vineyard first...THEN, if you still feel the need, ALL of you--together--can go back to town to do additional investigating."
Silky regards you all with a friendly, inquiring gaze that asks silently: is that all?
Kale Thursday March 8th, 2001 8:43:52 AM
"He needs watching." Kale whispers to Flat-Top in regards to Raorr. "If he cant control himself, we may have to do it for him." then he walks up to Silky and says. "Thats good advise. We will go to the grotto. Can you point the way?"
Flat-top Thursday March 8th, 2001 9:19:24 AM
"I'm with you, Kale" said Flat-top,"I think that he'll be one fine fighter, even better that me. But he has to learn control."
Zeoll Thursday March 8th, 2001 9:47:27 AM
Zeoll agrees with Kale. "Yes, Silky, yourr worrds arre wise. Thank you."
The liontaur priest turns to the group. "Let us go, then, firrst to this Grrotto to deterrmine the superrnaturrality of these visitations, as best we can."
To Kalon and Raorr, Zeoll says, "You werre not Chosen in vain -- we will have need of yourr skills, I am sure."
To Leets, Zeoll suggests, "Yourr intuition, frriend Paladin, will be welcome if this does turrn out to be a prroblem with undead. Please let us know about any hunches or feelings you get."
"Silky, thank you forr yourr welcome. Come now, fellow Chosen! We have work to do!"
Raorr the Minotaur Thursday March 8th, 2001 11:13:59 AM
Raorr realizes the time to leave is now bulls (pun)his way through the group towards the door in an attempt to get ahead of them. Trying to step around or over those in his way. For those who seeem to resist, he tries to push around them with his bulk. All the while Raorr's breathing seems deeper and more rhythmatic, it is as though he is in a trance.
Leets Thursday March 8th, 2001 3:23:29 PM
Leets nods at Silky, and then Zeoll.
"My intuition, my friend, tells me that there are little chances for undeads to be involved. The blue vine can be considered as a holy liquor or a simple alcoholic drink for pagans. I don't have much experience, but I think that undeads would need neither one..."
Leets gets closer to Raorr and smiles to him:
"My friend, it looks like our merry little groups will have a walk!"
Ceira Karwyn (guest played by Cayzle) Thursday March 8th, 2001 7:09:04 PM
Being a little startled at Raorr's behavior, Ceira backs up to let the minotaur pass. Slightly nervous, she turns to Kenisha and answers her question quietly. "Yes, I know something about the arcane. I hope that together we can prove no ghost is involved after all."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday March 8th, 2001 10:54:52 PM
Seeing that Raorr has made a path through the group Kalon hurries after him. Sensing in a strange way a kindred spirit he tries to catch up to the big minotaur.
"I'll keep an eye on him" he says to Leets, Kale and Flat-top.
Kenisha Friday March 9th, 2001 1:03:31 AM
Giggling at everyone's reactions to Raorr, Kenisha nods to Ceira, "So do I. Although I do think that if we don't calm Raorr down, some poor worker here is going to get scared to death at the sight of him!" With that she bursts out laughing and trails out after Raorr and Kalon.
The Way to the Grotto Friday March 9th, 2001 7:07:21 AM
Silky immediately makes sure that her office door and even the doors to the outside are opened before the minotaur barbarian can muscle through them. She canters out to the pathway in front of the office door and literally points the way towards the Archway Grotto even as she repeats her previous directions to reach it:
"Follow this pathway out to the main road, turn right towards the bottling facilities, and follow the road until it ends. There you will find two ways to go on...turn right or turn left. Turning right leads you to the bottling building. Turning left will lead you to the Archway Grotto." Silky explains, adding, "Oh--and Tailthwacker is an older centaur...he's got a gray hide and he'll be on the lookout for you."
Raorr the Minotaur Friday March 9th, 2001 3:25:04 PM
Raorr nods his head acknowledging his understanding of the directions from the Centaur, Silky. When she finsihes he begins to hustle quickly (80 ft/round) Glaive held in front of him ready in case of combat. He travels up the pathway, making a right at the main road and continuing until he reaches the end. There he makes a left hand turn and continues on towards the Archway grotto. All the while he will keep an eye open for a grey hide centaur.
Flat-top Friday March 9th, 2001 5:56:06 PM
"Come on, Kale we better keep up with him, he's bound to get into trouble."Flat-top tells Kale. Then Flat-top gallops behind Raorr, yelling " HEY! RAORR! WAIT FOR US. YOUR NOT ALONE ANY MORE!"
thiel Friday March 9th, 2001 8:34:05 PM
The game is afoot . thiel Decides to walk to the grotto he is in no hurry to speak with an elderly centaur.
Kale Friday March 9th, 2001 9:31:00 PM
Kale shakes his head as Raorr runs off to find death. How did we get stuck with this guy? Kale thinks to himself as he begins to walk on the path at a normal pace
Leets Friday March 9th, 2001 10:57:38 PM
"By the gods the workers of the vineyard certainly don't need that!"
Says Leets following Raorr as quickly as he can just after Flat-Top. As the young Paladin is running he thinks:
"At least we are two centaurs running after him, this will be better to explain that he's a friend..."
Kenisha Saturday March 10th, 2001 12:55:10 AM
Shaking her head and silently chuckling, Kenisha follows the rest at a normal canter. "I think we need to get Raorr to stop and smell the honeysuckle. That boy is WAY to intense!"
Ceira Karwyn (guest played by Cayzle) Saturday March 10th, 2001 5:16:34 PM
Ceira helps herself to one more of those delicious moonbuns and thanks Silky. "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll figure this out." She follows Kenisha, moving toward the Grotto.
Kalon the Wemic Sunday March 11th, 2001 7:15:36 PM
Kalon hurries off after Raorr calling out to him,"Slow down my large friend. No need to rush the grotto will still be there and you might run over somebody in your hurry and hurt them" Kalon tries his best to keep up with the large minotaur
Zeoll Sunday March 11th, 2001 11:09:11 PM
Zeoll stays between the group chasing Raorr and the two Taur spell casters (Kenisha and Ceira) behind. He'll urge the two mages to hurry in order to keep everyone together, if necessary.
Along the Way (DM Donna) d20=10 d20=8 d20=6 d20=3 d20=7 d20=3 Monday March 12th, 2001 7:20:07 AM
As Raorr goes stomping off down the road--with his newfound compatriots trailing along behind the minotaur.
About a half a dozen field hands happen to see the "parade"...and all of them--seeing what appears to be a rampaging minotaur with barbarous-looking weapons at the ready--stampede towards their hereditary enemy...they look determined to stop Raorr by any means necessary.
Leets Monday March 12th, 2001 3:51:11 PM
While the young centaur paladin runs after Raorr, he notices the vineyard's workers approaching to stop Raorr.
"By all the gods and goddesses! They'd better try to stop a charging bull herd!"
Leets gives up Raorr, moving in the direction of the workers:
"Please stop my friends! The appearances could be disturbing, but this minotaur is there to help us...He will hurt nobody as long as nobody stands in his way. Please brothers centaurs go back to your work, we will manage the situation."
Raorr the Minotaur d20=12 d20-2=11 Monday March 12th, 2001 4:40:13 PM
Raorr believing he hears Leets, Kalon and Flat-Top(Listen Check 12) stops. He looks behind him at the rest and bellows "(Tauric) Why tell Raorr to stop? Raorr go find grey-haired one."
Raorr looks around (Spot Check 11) and believes he sees more Centaurs joining the group to help look for the Grey-Haired Centaur, he grunts to himself 'Ponies', Bellows at the approaching workers snarling in his usual charismatic tone. "(Tauric) You tell Raorr where Tailtwacker is, Raorr wants Tailthacker!"
(OOC) I believe centaurs move 50 per move or 100 ft. so the group's Centaur should easily reach Raorr in the one round of running that they made. And unless the Wemics are medium encumbered they should move at Raorr's Speed.
(To DM) What are the workers equipped with?
Flat-top Monday March 12th, 2001 7:03:07 PM
"HEY! Roarr, Wait up. This is a group effort. We all go as a party. Your too big, you'll scare everybody away." Yelling Flat-top as he gallop towards Roarr.
Thiel Monday March 12th, 2001 8:42:35 PM
thiel says " that bulls gonna get someone hurt " we better see that he finds away to be part of the team we dont need someone in busines for themselves
Kalon the Wemic Monday March 12th, 2001 9:17:18 PM
Kalon hurries as fast as he can to catch up to Raorr while trying to keep an eye out for any trouble that Raorr might have stirred up.
Zeoll Tuesday March 13th, 2001 1:00:09 AM
Hoping to forestall disaster, Zeoll will ready a leap to interpose himself between any aggressive local centaur and Raorr.
"Good folk," the liontaur calls out, "we arre all frriends, sent by Domi to aid Silky and this vinyarrd!"
To Raorr, he says, "Frriend, please be calm. slow down. We do not want to frrighten these people."
Kenisha Tuesday March 13th, 2001 1:04:16 AM
Kenisha quickens her cantor to catch up and moves to stand besides Raorr; giving a visual indication of Raorr's inclusion in the group. She smiles at him reassuredly.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday March 13th, 2001 4:28:52 AM
As Ceira runs to keep up, she shakes her head. "Looks like we are going to have our hands full for quite a while. And I'm not just referring to Silky's problem."
Kale Tuesday March 13th, 2001 6:20:04 AM
lagging behind the others, Kale once again finds his bow in his hands. if he hurts any of those workers, Kale things to himself, ill drop him my self
Dog...er...Pony Pile on the Minotaur..! (DM Donna) d20+4=19 Tuesday March 13th, 2001 7:31:29 AM
(OOC: rolled a Strength check for Raorr.)
The completely unarmed workers--to a centaur--throw themselves upon the barbarian, shouting and calling for help as their sheer weight bears the well-meaning Raorr slowly but inexorably to the ground. To their credit, they are NOT hitting, kicking or stomping on the hapless minotaur, but they ARE yelling in a panicked manner for Tailthwacker, the Fort patrol, the Safety Squad and even a yelp for "Mommy!!!"
(OOC: Raorr can roll a Strength check versus a DC of 24. IF he actually makes it, it means he's managed to wrench himself away from the fearful bunch of centaurs.)
Raorr the Minotaur d20+4=13 d20+5=18 d20+5=17 Tuesday March 13th, 2001 11:41:56 AM
'Silly Centaurs' Raorr thinks to himself, He yells out to the group "Only Centaurs would attack an armed minotaur with nothing but their hands" decididing rather than slaughtering unarmed Centaurs he will attaempt to push and kick them off him. He snarls to the Group (PCs) "Raorr not kill them.....They want to play, Raorr don't lose." trying to give them the impression he doesn't feel threatened by the workers.
(Strength Check = 13) Raorr uses very little of his strength in a feeble attempt to break free, however he seems more than happy with fighting back against the workers.
Raorr will release the Glaive he had in his hand and attempts to headbutt (Unarmed Melee attack = 18) one of the workers. "Stupid Centaurs" He snarls, noticably his voice is becoming even more incoherent as his face seems to contort "Release Raorr, or face Angry Raorr"
(OOC) Since they moved through one of Raorr's Zones of Control... Raorr would have attempted to kick one of them (Unarmed Melee Attack of Opporutunity = 17) before they could start the grapple.
Raorr will use his dodge verus a random Centaur Worker,
Kalon the Wemic d20+3=6 Tuesday March 13th, 2001 4:18:23 PM
Kalon rushes in to aid the grappled Raorr grabbing at the first centaur and trying to pull him off of Roarr. Not for Roarr's sake but because he's pretty sure he doesn't want to see Roarr angry and neither do the centaurs. As he struggles amidst the mass of tangled centaur, minotaur and now wemic limbs(6 to try to grab a centaur) he can't get a good grip on anything,"Stop, stop he is not trying to hurt you...at least not yet. He's just abit overeager!" Kalon yells
Leets Tuesday March 13th, 2001 5:20:45 PM
Leets hesitates between rushing into the chotic melee and doing something more smart. Also he would really like a good hand to hand fight, he decides to trot circularly around the melee, trying to prevent new centaurs to jump on Raorr.
"Perhaps is it a strange idea but I feel like they won't talk of ghosts tonight..."
Flat-top d20+3=16 Tuesday March 13th, 2001 5:27:54 PM
Flat-top arrives and grabs a centaur from off of his buddy the minotaur. "Hey, buddy-boy..." he says to Raorr, "...you have to control yourself, buddy-Raorr." Then Flat-top tells the centaur he's grabbed onto: "I DON'T think it's a good idea to antagonize this less-than-intelligent minotaur who LOVES to play rough...you'd better leave him to us!"
And now he hopes for the best!
Stone Cold Zeoll d20+1=14 Tuesday March 13th, 2001 6:11:56 PM
Zeoll stands flabbergasted at the sight before him. Then he laughs from mane to tail. "Domi loves a good wrrestling match," Zeoll says, "and looking at you wimps, it's clearr that I'M KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!" The big wemic dives in!
[OOC: that roll above is my strength check. Zeoll will be careful to NOT hurt anybody (claws sheathed). And boy oh boy, do I wish I still had my wrestling proficiency from the Second Edition version of my character!]
Thiel Tuesday March 13th, 2001 8:24:43 PM
As tiel arrives at the pile of haunches and horns he begins to laugh and he says a silent prayer that none of te farm help gets injured. Deciding not to enter the frey he thinks to himself " I would say that it will do the bull good if he comes out of tis with afew bumps and bruises but he Knows to himself thats notn the case that bull is sure to think himself larger for having gotten himself hurt and afew of the others as well.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday March 13th, 2001 11:35:33 PM
She places both hands on her waist and shakes her head. "MEN... Centaur men in particular..." scoffs Ceira as she rolls her eyes in disgust. Knowing full well, the others should have things under control she pulls out one of her waterskins and takes a drink as she watches on in amusement.
Kenisha Wednesday March 14th, 2001 12:54:29 AM
Kenisha refrains from adding her voice to those trying to get the centaurs to cease their attack. She does however gets ready to grab any centaur the others manage to remove from the mess; thus freeing them to grab another while keeping the first worker from just leaping back into the fray.
Kale Wednesday March 14th, 2001 7:03:57 AM
shaking his head, Kale puts his bow up an continues to walk down the path, ignoring the melee that is happening. "When you are done, meet me at the grotto." he says as he walks on by
Who's On First? (DM Donna) d20+1=21 d20+1=18 d20+1=4 d20+1=18 d20+1=19 d20+1=2 Wednesday March 14th, 2001 7:43:56 AM
By now--with the addition of some of the party members--the road is all but blocked by the mass of writhing, wrestling centaurs, wemics and the lone minotaur who unwittingly set the whole scenario off. None of the centaurs who jumped on the barbarian have made any move towards the relinquished weapon on the ground. Rustling and the sound of pounding hooves approach.
"Oh, for the love of Domi!" hollers a voice from just beyond the hand-to-hand battle. "Awright, ya knot-heads--knock it OFF!!!"
It's a very hilarious scene as everyone in the free-for-all freezes in place and looks at the person who just bellowed out that command in a no-nonsense-allowed tone of Tauric.
There--just in front of Kale--stands a large, bearded centaur with a gray hide, a long flowing beard and an aggrieved look on his weather-beaten face.
"Now what in the six-hunnert-an'-sixty-six layers of the Abyss is goin' ON???" he demands.
To the last centaur, the field hands in the melee all point to Raorr.
"HE started it..!" six voices chorus in unison.
Leets Wednesday March 14th, 2001 8:02:56 AM
Leets releases the collar of the centaur he was holding back and walks to the newcomer.
"Hello! You are probably Tailthwacker, Silky wanted us to see you. We are the group of Taurs sent to investigate about some stranges events that happened recently in the vineyard...It looks like it has to do with the Grotto, and our friend Raorr - noding at the dust-covered minotaur on the ground - just...well...Rushed too quickly to go there and meet you..."
The young paladin rubs his hands one on the other to clean them.
"Oh, I almost forget to behave with all this wrestling...I'm Leets, and here...and there, is our group."
Zeoll Wednesday March 14th, 2001 2:03:27 PM
Zeoll climbs to his feet, then offers a hand to whoever looks like they could use one.
He bows to Tailthwacker. "I am Zeoll, a prriest of Domi," he says, "and I am pleased to meet you. Please forrgive ourr rrambunctious spirrits -- the joy of life and Domi's blessing flows frresh within us!"
The liontaur brushes himself off and looks at the group. Turning back to the aged centaur, he smiles, shrugs, and says, "Appearrances notwithstanding, we arre the serrvants of Domi summoned by Hollyhocks to aid you herre. We've alrready spoken with Silky, but I would like to hearr frrom you. Please tell us all about yourr rrecent trroubles."
Flat-top Wednesday March 14th, 2001 3:39:06 PM
"He started it."Yells Flat-top, as he points to Roarr. "Come on Buddy Boy,pick up your weapon and let's catch up to Kale. And besides this was fun." Flat-top gives the minotaur a hand to help him get up.
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday March 14th, 2001 8:50:06 PM
Ceira walks around the mass of taurs and approaches Tailthwacker. "Good day to you." she bows in respect. "Judging by the outcome of this mayhem, I'd say you're the one in charge here. Ceira Karwyn at your service. Please excuse our gruff minotaur friend over there." she gestures to Roarr. "I understand the recent activities that has transpired here has kept the nerves of the centaur workers on edge. The minotaur's name is Roarr and I can't blame your workers for how they reacted. Just look at him." Ceira pauses to let Tailthwacker look him over. "His demeanor is just asking for trouble sometimes! Anyways, we should move on to business. Silky has given us a task to investigate and she has directed us to you."
Kenisha Thursday March 15th, 2001 1:16:52 AM
Kenisha snickers as she watches all the fingers pointing. They were all acting like young colts.
Addressing the workers she gentily admonishes them, "I believe that in fact it was you six that started the fight, although Raorr's charging down the road no doubt was too much. Let's just call it even and shake hands as friends."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday March 15th, 2001 1:26:59 AM
Kalon stops struggling with the arrival of Tailthwacker and tries to disentangle himself,"Com'n Raorr let the nice centaurs go. We're all friends here" he says to Raorr. Once clear he waits for the grey coated centaur to speak.
Raorr the Minotaur Thursday March 15th, 2001 3:26:34 AM
Raorr shoves a Centaur of of himself, and stands up. Snarling he says "See" lookingover at Tailthwacker "Raorr find Tailthwacker, Raorr find grey haired Centaur."
He picks up the Glaive and Tightens the grip again on it. Looking at the centaur workers, he switches the hand the Glaive is in to the hand holding the sheild. He bends over and hesitantly offers a Hand to one of the Workers to help them up. An expression of restraint is shown on his face in doing so.
"Raorr should not have charged through road. Raorr want to finish this stupid Ghost Hunt soon, everyone talk too much. Raorr hurry and find Tailthwacker" Looing at the Grey-haired Centaur. Again the expression of restraint crosses his face as he continues "Raorr....sorry" The last word barely passes his lips as he tries again to look tough by snarling.
Truth & Consequences (DM Donna) d20+2=16 Thursday March 15th, 2001 7:55:40 AM
The gray centaur gives everybody in the vicinity a very canny and probing glance, his sharp eyes roaming from one person to another. Finally he stomps a hoof.
"Didn't I just tell ya guys that we was expectin' comp'ny? DIDN'T I???" he yells, causing the six field hands to jump, droop and/or twitch their tails nervously. "We's all just had that dream jus' last week, an' the druids all jus' interperted it for us just a few days ago--an' youse all gotta charge a minotaur that was jus' tryin' ta help us. Sheesh!"
The centaur whom Raorr extended a hand towards looks sheepish (for a horse! tee hee!) and slowly accepts the minotaur's hand, hauling himself to his four feet.
"Now--get yer hinds back ta work--ALL of youse!" the gray centaur commands with a growl and a scowl. Suddenly all you see are tails & elbows as all of the field hands gallop back into the fragrant and fertile vines.
"Now...I am Tailthwacker," the gray centaur says to you, "Sorry that my boys jumped youse like that--they shoulda knowed better. They're just spooked by all this here 'ghost' talk. Now...whatcha wanna know..?"
Kale Thursday March 15th, 2001 9:32:18 AM
"We are here to investigate these ghosts." Kale tells Tailtwacker. "If you will show us were they are suppost to be, we will solve this and be on our way, letting you get back to work."
Flat-top Thursday March 15th, 2001 12:32:15 PM
"Listen, Raorr, All we want you to do is march along with us, or something might happen to you or to us. You might be so far head of us that YOU or us could get KILLED!" Flat-top tells Raorr,"Now why don't you march beside me and Kale here?" Flat-top glares at Kale and tells him,"WE could Use a little HELP here."
Kenisha Thursday March 15th, 2001 2:22:11 PM
"WE are here to investigate the disappearance of the sacred wine and other strange things that have been happening here- whether it be caused by ghosts or other means." Kenisha pointedly directed this to Kale even though she was addressing Tailthwacker. "What is your take on the occurrances, sir?"
Leets Thursday March 15th, 2001 3:06:59 PM
"We were told that the strange events that happened recently were perhaps linked in the some way with the grotto over there, and we are thinking it would be a good place to begin our investigation. The main problem seem to be the disappearance of the blue vine, perhaps could you tell us were was the vine that disappeared?"
Leets gets a look at Raorr when he has finished, feeling better when he sees that Kale and Flat-Top are dealing with him.
Zeoll Thursday March 15th, 2001 6:36:27 PM
"We need to get to the Grrotto. I hope you can lead us therre," Zeoll tells Tailthwacker.
As soon as he gets the opportunity, Zeoll will engage the centaur in a conversation. He will try to use his untrained Sense Motive Skill (+3 Wisdom bonus) to get a hunch about this elderly centaur. Is he trustworthy or hiding something?
Kalon the Wemic Thursday March 15th, 2001 7:26:15 PM
Kalon seeing that the situation has calmed down stands by quietly listening as the party begins to question the grey centaur. He stands ready to intervene should Roarr begin to get out of hand again.
Raorr the Minotaur Friday March 16th, 2001 2:26:34 AM
Glaring at Flat-Top "Raorr in control" he snorts "Raorr, need not march, You centaurs are faster than Raorr, you Wemics are fast too." Raorr stretches his neck again and speaks "Why need Raorr slow down. Time important, Festival only days away."
Tailthwacker (DM Donna) d20+3=20 Friday March 16th, 2001 7:07:52 AM
A final glare from the foreman sends even the spectators back to their jobs in the field, then the older centaur turns a bemused face towards Raorr.
"Flying Purple..? Ahhhhh...the critter!" Tailthwacker nods. "Youse don't believe in THAT stuff, does ya?" Laughter brays forth from the male. "I'm dead sure that th' guards was nippin' at the inventory themselves to see such a sight! Purple monsters!" The foreman snorts.
"Alla the herd that works around here have stories about weird stuff that's been happenin'..." the gray centaur says, "...One guy swears up an' down that a basket of grapes he'd just picked poofed outta his hands...then reappeared a row over. Somebody else says she felt really big horseflies nippin' at her and, when she tried to swat at 'em with her tail--it was covered with muck so's that she dirtied her hindquarters up. She also says that she heard giggling--but there was nobody there. Stuff like this has been happenin' ever since the guards reported seein' that light a few nights ago...an' everyone around here starts yakkin' that it MUST be 'ghosts'!" The field foreman tosses his head, clearly skeptical.
"Now...if it's about these 'ghosties' that youse wanna find out, follow me...I'll tell youse the legend of the Grotto ghosts while we go see the place." Tailthwacker turns around and starts to walk down the road, in the direction Raorr was going before being halted by the overzealous field hands.
Zeoll definitely gets the feeling that the gruff centaur is being entirely truthful.
Raorr the Minotaur Friday March 16th, 2001 6:38:22 PM
Raorr for once remains silent and follows the grey Centaur, and will listen carefully to the legend when it is told.
Zeoll Sunday March 18th, 2001 1:12:08 PM
Zeoll keeps alert as they approach the grotto. He listens carefully to Tailthwacker. At a natural pause, he says softly to Kenisha and Ceira, "I have not hearrd that the Undead are loverrs of prranks and mischief. You arre both students of the arrcane -- does this kind of thing sound familiarr?"
Flat-top Sunday March 18th, 2001 1:48:30 PM
Walking with Kale and Raorr, Flat-top tell them," So far NO! perple taur eaters."
Kalon the Wemic Sunday March 18th, 2001 2:48:41 PM
Still keeping an eye on Raorr he tries his best to enjoy the scenery and listen to what Tailthwacker is saying.
Kenisha d20+7=18 Sunday March 18th, 2001 4:04:35 PM
"No, Zeoll, it doesn't sound like things undead would do. Let me think a moment...."
(ooc- rolled an 18 on my Knowledge: Arcane to figure out what, if anything, fits this description.)
Kale Sunday March 18th, 2001 9:22:07 PM
"Thats very interesting." Kale says to Tailtwacker. "But we need to get going. If you have any important information for us, tell us, if not we will be on our way." then he gives Flat-Top a look that says, why do i have to babysit? while making it a point to ignore Kenisha's comment
Ceira Karwyn Sunday March 18th, 2001 10:53:51 PM
"No!" she replies a bit louder than usual. "It can't be a ghost. We are here to solve the mystery by proving it is NOT a ghost... Right?" the same concerned look emerges on her face again. She looks to the sky to double check the time of day.
Regaining her composure, she thinks for a moment and gives a suggestion. "The first thing that comes to my mind when combining 'mysterious lights' and 'pranks' are the mischievious Will-O'-Wisps. I am not certain if I am right, but I am basing it off of some old stories I have come across. The undead," she shivers before conitinuing. "are too mindless to pay any heed to pranks. The only sensible ones who might enjoy the humor in toying with their prey would be Vampires, Liches, and the Ancient Dead. If any of those three were present, these centaur workers would have been wiped out long before we would have arrived." Ceira looks at Tailthwacker. "No offense Tailthwacker, but they are foes you just don't want to mess with."
After a few brief moments she continues reluctantly in a lower voice. "Well... I suppose a ghost COULD be michievious in their nature." Ceira begins twiddling the toes on her paws in nervousness. "I have heard stories of the existence of neutral ghosts. They are very rare and it depends on the nature of their death. Very rare." she repeats with emphasis. "As P.B. Shelly once said in Ozymandias, 'All spirits are enslaved to serve things evil.' And I tend to believe that because I do not want to let my guard down for ANY ghost."
Leets Monday March 19th, 2001 4:29:50 AM
Leets Keep an eye on Raorr and the other on the surroundings in the case something would happen. When Tailthwacker begins to tell his story, he listens carefully, wondering which links could be supposed between the latest stange events and the legend of the grotto. He feels a little bit excited and worried at the same time. This would be his first meeting with supernatural creature, but on the other hand, that could be dangerous, mainly for people around. As his mother once said: one is never too cautious when innocents' safety is in question. Leets manages to abandon his curiosity, prefering to look around and listen to Tailthwacker while he follows the little group.
The Tale of the Grotto Ghosts (DM Donna) Monday March 19th, 2001 7:03:37 AM
As far as anyone can tell, nothing mystical seems to fit the descriptions that Tailthwacker is relating to you about the so-called ghostly happenings.
"About a hundred years ago--" the foreman starts his story as he walks along the road, "--a young female fled into the Arch Grotto section of the vineyard, seeking refuge from the unwanted attentions of the then-stallion of the Surefoot herd. They say he was a real ornery fella, an' he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. He was s'pposed to have run into grotto after her...but the stallion was the only one who was seen to come out. He was grabbed and thrown inta th' pokey, and got hisself convicted of her murder even though the body was never found.
"Since then, there been a crackpot or two who've spouted off that the ghost of either the female or the stallion had been sighted in various parts of the vineyard...the Grotto, the fields...even aroun' the old distillery buildin'..."
Everyone should make a Listen check against DC 15 to hear the sound of galloping hooves approaching the party from behind.
Kale d20+1=7 Monday March 19th, 2001 7:35:20 AM
Kale is so annoyed that Tailtwacker pretty much ignored him that he doesnt hear the hooves galloping
Raorr the Minotaur d20=1 Monday March 19th, 2001 11:19:18 AM
Raorr seems completely distracted (Listen roll = 1) and entranced by the story of the two centaurs that he ignores everone else.
Raorr says "Ghost then not new, why only now people flee then. If ghost old then people know ghost ghost should be friend, ghost help protect home from enemy. Spirits help protect nature."
Kenisha d20+2=16 Monday March 19th, 2001 12:39:48 PM
Kenisha listens to the story as they continue on to the Grotto, her mind ticking off difference mystical creatures and events.
"I agree Raorr, why would a ghost start now to haunt the vineyard?"
Suddenly she hears something. Even before she is completely turned around to look she says, "Um, guys? I think someone's approaching from behind us."
Flat-top d20+1=3 Monday March 19th, 2001 2:49:40 PM
Flat-top Listens to Tailthwacker not really impressed. When Kenisha said something to the effect that someone was coming. Flat-top turns his head and ask,"HUH?".
Ceira Karwyn d20=5 Monday March 19th, 2001 3:39:21 PM
Ceira fur stands on end and a chill run up her spine upon hearing Tailthwacker's story. She is so petrified, she is oblivious to her surroundings. She continues focusing on Tailthwacker in the hopes that he will reassure her those are strictly rumors.
Kalon the Wemic d20+1=12 Monday March 19th, 2001 9:16:46 PM
Kalon listens intently to Tailthwacker's story. "Very interesting" he thinks to himself,"I wonder what it could be"
Absorbed in his inner musings he fils to hear the sound of hooves approaching from behind.
Something Wicked This Way Comes..? (DM Donna) Tuesday March 20th, 2001 6:54:21 AM
Everyone in the party except Kenisha didn't hear the hoofbeats approaching, but the sorceress's verbal warning is sufficient to keep the party from being caught flatfooted...
...but this is no battle. You turn to see a young centaur female with a russett hide cantering quickly up to your group--no, wait--she's obviously specifically seeking Tailthwacker.
"Sir!" she calls out to the foreman. "Browser told me that I need your signature on this release form before I can get my severance pay." She stops in front of the older centaur, holding out a piece of paper and, occasionally, sneaking puzzled glances at the party.
"Awwww, Firehoof, I'da thunk YOU wouldn'ta fallen for all this ghost talk poop..." grumbles Tailthwacker as he--with obvious reluctance--takes the paper from the female and starts to search his satchel for some kind of writing instrument.
"It's not the ghosts that have chased me away, Mr. Tailthwacker, sir." Firehoof says firmly. "I know what I saw...and it was NO ghost."
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday March 20th, 2001 7:46:33 AM
Ceira's eyes light up upon hearing Firehoof's claim that it is not a ghost. Ceira confidently strides over to Firehoof and proclaims, "Worrry not, we Taurs have been sent by the Domi to investigate the problem and rectify it. My name is Ceira. Rest assured that you are in good hands. Now, I will not stop you from leaving, but could you spare a few minutes of your time explaining what you saw?"
Zeoll Tuesday March 20th, 2001 9:34:12 AM
Zeoll listens patiently to Ceira and waits for Firehoof's reply. Somewhat taken aback at not having heard the centaur as she approached, he now keeps a keen eye open and tries to be more alert.
Raorr the Minotaur Tuesday March 20th, 2001 11:46:22 AM
Raorr thinks to himself... cowardly Centaur. What should Raorr say to it? I know
Raorr looks at the young Centaur, Firehoof. "Roarr think you coward. You hired to be guard, you should protect the vineyard. Scared wine more important than you. Scared Wine more important than Raorr. Scared Wine is blood of the Taur people, even Raorr know that."
Looking at TAilthwacker "You Centaurs need to hire brave minotaurs to guard we don't scare this easy."
Raorr yells out to the sky "Is their no BRAVE CENTAURS anymore!. Or are you all just little colts with fears of shadows jumping out at you?"
With that said Raorr smiles.
Flat-top Tuesday March 20th, 2001 11:50:11 AM
Flat-top upon seeing the filly (Firehoof), Brushes his hair and main back. In he's sweetest voice, ask her,"My what a beautiful filly you are, would you mind taking a little trot with me? I have a few question, I would like to ask you!" Flat-top puff his chest out and smiles romantically.
Leets Tuesday March 20th, 2001 1:20:16 PM
The young paladin clears his voice, always a little bit intimidated when meeting girls. He gets closer, saying with his most reassuring smile:
"I think that you should think twice about it before leaving the vineyard, it has to be a great honor to defend such a place...Moreover, now that we are here, things will probably get better very soon, especially if you answer Ceira's questions..."
When he has finished, Leets blushes a little...
Kale Tuesday March 20th, 2001 6:48:22 PM
Kale sits down in the grass and starts flicking his dagger into the ground, knowing that the info he wants will come soon enough
Kenisha Wednesday March 21st, 2001 1:08:14 AM
Kenisha raises an eyebrow at Raorr's bellows. With arms crossed over her chest and a stern look on her face, she trots up until she is mere inches away from him.
Firmly and in a no nonsense voice she tells him. "Be careful of the words you use; that they should be soft and sweet. You never know from day to day which ones you may have to eat." She pauses for a moment before adding, "Now why don't we wait and hear what she thinks she saw before we pass judgement on her."
You Talkin' ta ME??? (DM Donna) d20=20 Wednesday March 21st, 2001 7:07:14 AM
Firehoof answers Ciera's request readily.
"There's no such thing as a winged purple ghost, that much I know--so what I saw was NO ghost...but it was big and loud and...and it roared at me, so I'm NOT sticking around."
The rather attractive centaur female quirks an eyebrow at Flat-top, with an expression that says to all: "you've GOT to be kidding..!" This bemused expression is methodically drained from her face as Raorr's pronouncement is made, though. Firehoof stands silent for a moment, her face pale and her eyes flash with the fires of intentional, barehanded murder as she stares at the barbarian who dared to call her a coward.
Then, slowly, she takes the paper back from Tailthwacker...and rips it in half, crumbling the pieces.
"Never mind, sir," Firehoof says defiantly, "This hornhead is right! I'm a security guard, here to insure the safety of the Sacred Blue Wine...I have NO right to turn tail and retreat just because I saw a twenty-foot-tall, one-eyed, one-horned flying purple monster. I have a job to do, and I'll continue doing it." Firehoof backs off a step or two, but then steps up to stand toe-to-toe with Raorr himself, so that her face is mere inches from his.
"And you..." the guard says in a deceptively mild tone, "...while I'm grateful that you talked the yellow out of me--if I ever have the slightest reason to...I will definitely strike you down, minotaur--just see if I don't!"
Flat-top Wednesday March 21st, 2001 10:56:58 AM
Flat-top stands there with his mouth open, trying to ask a question...
"Ubba...ubba...mmm...twenty feet...uh...uhhh...TALL...annnd...annnnd...purple...one--one-aye yi aye yi EYED...flying...and FLYING???" He eyes the filly suspiciously. "What have you been doing? Sampling the wine, young lady?"
Leets Wednesday March 21st, 2001 12:45:51 PM
Leets tries to figure out what the monster can look like...
"That would be some kind of purple cyclop with wings...That was certainly no kind of new Taur...So what could it be?"
The young guard seemed to be serious.
"Does anyone thinks it could be some kind of...well...demon?"
Raorr the Minotaur Wednesday March 21st, 2001 1:31:35 PM
Raorr looks down into her eyes, with his. Raorr's eyes show signs of respect and intelligence.
Raorr speaks quiety to Firehoof "For the first time in this grotto, You have show me a Centaur I would be honored to die fighting beside." He looks back to the group then nback at Firehoof "I am Raorr. I too hope never to give you that reason to strike me down, for Domi and Imod would lose a strong willed Taur if either of us died."
He places his Glaive on the ground and retreives a Wineskin from his Saddle bag. His voice raises slightly "A drink to a Brave Centaur, and may the Domi, Imod and Tomi protect her in her vigil." after taking a sip himself of the Wine he made from home, he offers it to Firehoof along with an open hand in a gesture of friendship.
He glances at Kenisha thinking to himself <I'll talk to her in private>
Kenisha Wednesday March 21st, 2001 3:01:27 PM
Ingoring Raorr's scowl at her, Kenisha ponders what creature could possibly fit such a description. Turning to Firehoof she asks politely, "You said it roared at you. Did it sound like a lion? What (if it had any) did it's teeth look like? It's eye- was it like a centaurs, or more like a cats or reptilian? Did it have fur, skin or scales? What other details can you give us? Anything would be gratefully appreciated. So far I haven't been able to determine what kind of creature this could be."
Zeoll Wednesday March 21st, 2001 3:50:40 PM
"Let us ponderr the otherr clues," Zeoll suggests. "All the evidence points to mischief and tomfoolerry. I believe this monsterr is anotherr prrank!"
"Considerr -- a huge monsterr must eat, but no prrey has been hunted. Demons and undead are malevolent, but no one has been slain. Ghosts and spirrits are not purrple, as Firrehoof points out. I suspect illusion and trrickerry."
Zeoll shakes his mane, as if to shake dust or cobwebs from his eyes, and the beads braided in his hair clack resoundingly. "We arre looking for cowarrdly mages, maybe gnomes or feys, who have prrobably themselves stolen the sacrred wine," the wemic declares.
Kalon the Wemic Wednesday March 21st, 2001 7:17:24 PM
Kalon smiles inwardedly at the exchange between Raorr and Firehoof."So there is more to him then meets the eye" he thinks to himself.
Clearing his throat abit nervous at speaking to the group as a whole,"Maybe what we face is something sent by our mutual god to see how well we can work together to solve the problem and work together without bloodshed"
OOC: Sorry I'm sure I sent a turn yesterday but it obviously didn't show up.
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday March 21st, 2001 9:28:02 PM
Ceira cluthches her chin in thought. Upon hearing Zeoll's speculations, she nods in approval. "Yes those are all good points Zeoll. Let's keep that in mind while we have a look around the Grotto." Ceira looks Tailthwacker in the eye as a signal to continue.
Kale Thursday March 22nd, 2001 5:30:31 AM
"All this speculation isnt getting us anywhere." Kale says "We will find out soon enough what is it when whe get to the grotto. Which is what we should be doing right now. I dont want to meet this thing at night if I can help it."
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