Post/Author/DateTime	Post
jeajea 02-04-04, 04:18 PM	The town of Colmsville awaits our entrepid adventurers... Explore and go where thou will, fellows. You do not all have to be in a group - in fact, you wouldn't be. But this is where my storyline will kick off. You should all just go about business, and I'll start things happening once everyone is engaged in their character's lives. ~The DM p.s. This is open to specific invited people only. See the OOC thread related to this.
ThePreacher 02-04-04, 04:44 PM	Errr.. wha? Are we supposed to post our stats and stuff? And what's the setting? I don't get it
jeajea 02-04-04, 05:32 PM	(( Oh, yes, hello. I should really find and bump the OOC thread associated with this. It's actually closed, which is also something I should've put into the title. Thank you for pointing those things out to me, and... yeah. If you want to know more, find the OOC thread and read it over. It should help some. I'm sure I could just about get one more player in somehow, if you were keen to join. ))
strom griftor 02-04-04, 07:42 PM	A dwarf walks into town. He is your basic dwarf; short and stocky, gruff and armed with and axe that is almost as big as he is. His hair and beard, both black as the night sky, do not hang loose, but are tied into a muiltitude of braids instead, reminiscent of dreadlocks. . o O(me Da's gonna be mad that I done left, but preachin just ain't fer me.) He looks down at the symbol of Moradin and sighs . o O(I be servin ye, me Lord. Just in me own way) He looks around a bit, then heads towards the Bootstrap Inn . o O(needin me a job. but first a drink) With a slight grin, he walks in.
jeajea 02-05-04, 05:59 AM	As Strom stands outside the Bootstrap Inn, it's sign swings in the breeze. Inside, a warm and decidedly welcoming glow is accompanied by the smell of a fireplace roaring fully. It's late evening, the sun has just set, and there's no better place for an adventurer to find himself than this Inn. As Strom enters, the sound of the place hits him. Twelve assorted adventurers are drunk and getting drunker, and are sitting in groups of two, three and four. The barkeep gives Strom a warm smile as he enters, and makes his way over. He's a simple man, probably in his late 50's. "Ahh, my noble patron. What can I get you? We have some excellent dwarven ales, such as Ice Mountain Ale or Deep Broth. And we have rooms, noble sir, for a very good price for one such as your noble self." With a large smile, we ushers Strom to a table and snaps his fingers at the bar, from where appears a girl of about 23. She's dressed in a suit of chain, and has a shortsword at her side. The girl makes her way over to him and says, in dull tones, "What can I get you, munificent sir?" Before she's even finished saying this, the barkeep has made his way back to the bar.
strom griftor 02-05-04, 04:15 PM	((slight modification to the description. after further thought, I realized that a full dwarven beard all braided would look really silly, so I have decided that its just a normal, full, long black beard, brushed straight down to just above his stomach. The rest of the hair on his head remains braided like dreads)) Strom frowns as he sits, leaning his axe against the table . o O(munificent?) "err...a mug o that Ice Mountain Ale, lass. And a house meal, whate'er it be." He leans back in the chair and looks around at the crowd casually as he waits for his drink and meal
Myranthor 02-05-04, 07:51 PM	The Night Owl's tavern was empty at this time of the day, half an hour before the expected, massive arrival of several workers, willful to extinguish their burning thirst with the barmaid delightful beer and other beverages. Alone, discovered under the onlyray of sun gleaming through a lone window lay a man, whose only repetitive motion was to raise and lower his arm, drawing to his lips the content of a wooden glass. "Gaespard, are you crazy?"shouted the barmaid, planted behing her counter. "What kind of real man wouldn't drink of my beer when offered?" "Maybe the kind of man who prefers to keep his head for himself, especially when his target public is coming soon?" he answered, slightly amused, convinced that his sister would never understand how he managed to forgo a drink. He remained bizarre, even for his own mother, the place's cook. Lively, cheerful, a fireball waiting to detonate amidst a crowd, he was silent and reflective when alone: a strange combination she never saw. His sympathetic figure, his dark hair, green eyes, made his expressions distinct, and made him quite able to communicate his impressions without even the use of words. His gaze darted toward the opened window, onto the horizon, looking for the men to come back from the hard work they had to complete during their tedious days.
jeajea 02-06-04, 01:59 PM	In The Bootstrap Inn, the serving girl looks down as Strom places his order. There is a momentary pause as a grim look crosses her face before she nods and replies, in dull tones, "Ah. Yes. That will be 'the Bootlaces' you're wanting. Some very strange food that's from some distant lands. It's made out of dough, much like bread, but it's all thin and slivery, and we cook it in water... in water! Did you ever hear of such a thing? And then we put a sort of tomato puree with minced cow on it. On bread, cooked in water, thinly sliced! But, as you wish. One order of Bootlaces coming up. And some Ice Mountain Ale." She makes her way back to the bar, and mumbles to the barkeep. A few moments later, she brings a flagon of ale back and sets it down. About fifteen minutes later, a plate of spaghetti is served, with bolognaise sauce. ---- In The Night Owl Tavern, the owner's wife comes out from the kitchen. "Gaespard? Are you still moping around? Come on boy, the fire's meant to be roaring by now! Get to it. And then why don't you go and visit that friend of yours... what's his name? Jerril? One of Ironfist's boys, isn't he? Why don't you go talk to him and go out to the woods again. It'll do you good, you're getting pasty and meager - no meat or muscle on you, boy. Go on, now, chop some wood before the patrons get here." And with that, she returns to the kitchens, not listening to any reply that might have come.
Saera 02-06-04, 04:43 PM	She fidgets with the staff, looking around the main square, trying to decide which way to head next. Her dark gray cloak is of good quality but travel-worn and her clothes seem decently made and serviceable rather than chosen for their appearance. She pushes some stray strands of dark blond hair out of her face, the rest of it being tied back at the nape of her neck. She mutters to herself, "Food? Inn? Sheriff? too late in the afternoon to start inquiries? feh, probably!" With sudden determination, she steps in the path of the next passer-by and forces his attention to her. She brings up an well-used artificial smile in place of her true reaction as she notices that his eyes almost immediately move past her face to the slight points of her ears. "Good sir, could you possibly please do me the kindness of telling me where your Sheriff may be consulted? And which is a decent inn?"
jeajea 02-06-04, 06:13 PM	The short man, clad in a dark robe looks up to Saera and presents her with a smile. He has something of a sly air to him, and though short he carries himself with a great deal of importance. Until apprehended, he was slinking. Indeed, he appears somewhat surprised that he is being talked to. "Jeera? She's off du'y this late ah nigh', ma'm. The best Inn fer yah... prolly the Bootstrap o'er yonder." He points down a street, and goes on his way (unless hindered).
Myranthor 02-07-04, 07:24 AM	Staring at the door left open by his own loving, affectuous yet bossy mother, Gaespard moved not, transformed into a marble statue of childish stupor, his soft lips idly opened, like a fish's. Only a gentle tap on his forehead, graciously offered by his lovely sister, awoke him from his forsaken state of mental absenteism. "What are you still doing here, son?" she kindly said, mimicking their own mother." Didn't I tell you to run to the green forest and bring us back some logs for the fireplace?" "But, mother, no one cares about this fireplace. The workers are weary, and their tired bodies already warm with the complete dayt hey spent under the boiling sun. When they come here and sit for hours, it is not for the blazing rays hidden in the wall's cave, but to be together around some mugs of ale, and to hearwhat may keep the core of them warm - my songs and the joyous shouts of their friends. My task here is not a man's task, I fear, mom. I am meant to entertain, not to ..." "Enough words, my son,and get to work!" his sister snapped, acting angry. " Go on now, or I'll ban you and your mandolin from my stage for a week!" Leaving his chair, jumping to his knees, Gaespard muttered: "Yes, O Goddess of cheap labor and tyranny. May I never bethe damnable fool to awake your ire in this way." And then, he shamelessely wal;ked to the front door on that position, making repentance for his many sins, under the amused gaze and the sound of a slight chuckle emitted by his sister. Once the doorstep passed, however, Gaespard rose to his feet, walking decidedly - and without bad temper - to the Ironfist's forge, wondering what would happen if, by the fortune's hand, Jerril was absent.
Saera 02-07-04, 09:52 AM	Saera looks off in the direction the man points. "Bootstrap Inn? And what of another, if that one is too expens... hello?" She stares in irritation, catching a last glimpse of the man's back as he disappears in the distance. With a deep sigh, she picks up her pack and goes in search of the Inn. The noise from the common room makes the hanging sign almost unnecessary in denoting the right building but allows her to brace herself for the blast of drunken babble and laughter that occurs when she opens the door. A quick glance around the room shows her the man who must be the host of this establishment and she makes her way to him through the tables and chairs and those just standing around to drink their way through the evening. "Good eve to you, sir! I'm looking for a room for the night, a private one of course, but it needn't be the best. Is one available?" Her face flushes for an instant as a small rumbling sound is heard during an unfortunately timed gap in the general noise. "And some dinner, just some stew or something?"
strom griftor 02-07-04, 02:21 PM	Strom glances up briefly at the newcomer, then looks at the server as she brings him his food and ale. He studies the food for a moment, then shrugs and digs in, making short work of the bootlaces and ale. With a hearty belch, he leans back and pushes the empty plate away, and drains his mug of ale. "not bad. Differnt, but not bad. Another ale!" He tosses some coins on the table and pulls out his pipe, lighting it up as he waits for his refill of ale.
Acaed 02-07-04, 08:37 PM	The half-elf glances at Strom from a dark corner of the inn/tavern/whateverelseitis. Her dark red and gold hair is about her shoulders, covering her face. What can be seen of her green eyes shows that she is quite beautiful, with a cute nose and exquistitely shaped face. She is dressed in what else but green and brown, the color of the elves. She is languidly lying on the cushions of the dark corner booth, her eyes shadowed by her hair but staring around the room, especially at the dwarf.
strom griftor 02-08-04, 10:01 AM	As the dwarf relaxes with his second ale, puffing on his pipe, he glances around the tavern, as if taking stock in the patrons. As his eyes move about the tavern, they pause on the female elf. He nods slightly, then moves on to the others.
jeajea 02-08-04, 04:48 PM	The serving girl makes her slow way over to Strom with a full mug of ale, and makes her way back to the bar with his empty plate, mug and coinage. As she gets back to the bar, the barkeep is smiling at Saera. He doesn't reply to her, but instead takes the dirty plate and mug from his serving girl (and the money, which he counts with a suspicious look at her), before directing Saera's attention towards the girl. The girl gives Saera a half-hearted smile, and asks, "What kinda stew, miss? Tomato, leek and potato, beef and beans... that's all we got. And some bread, if you want some." She throws a brief, unconcernedly confused glance at the half-elf in the corner. --- Meanwhile, Gaespard's late night outing leads him into no trouble. He arrives at Ironfist's a few minutes later. The house stands dark, and somehow cold and oppressive before him. Indeed... the door is ajar...
Saera 02-08-04, 08:17 PM	"Leek and potato, please, and yes, with bread. And some hard cider, if you have it." Saera finds an empty table, a bit far away from the bar but still available, and seats herself, dropping the pack to the floor. She pushes the pack under the table and props her feet up on it, used to the tricks to keep someone from "accidentally" opening or borrowing it. The staff she leans against the table in the confidence that no one will attempt removing that. As she waits, she studies the others but making sure her eyes don't linger too long on any of the apparently drunken young men, lest they take curiosity for invitation. She feels free to look longer though at the female in the back booth, recognizing the same heritage as hers in the woman's features. And noting the direction of the other's gaze, she sees the dwarf and studies him as well. . o O (now why would she have such interest in him?)
Myranthor 02-08-04, 08:44 PM	Humming gleefully while walking, hiding his fine hands in his dirty pockets, Gaespard cheerfully walked towards the forge, home of a family he knew each member since his nirth. He held no dire resentment against his own mother, knowing he had to do his daily chores, like every member of the tightly bound family. He just loved to complain before doing something he wouldn't delight to do, more by principle rather than because it could pull him out of his minor troubles. However, upon the entrance of the dark home in his troubled sight, he felt a sudden chill travel through his spine, noticing the strange, eerie appearance of the cold house, which door was let ajar. Imprudent at first, he had the stubborn and impulsive reflex to jump to the house, longing to see by his own eyes the wonders of danger or mystery awaiting him therein. His lithe brain, fortunately, understood swiftly an elementary concept : someone, be it the mighty blacksmith himself, his son, or a ruthless scoundrel, left the door slightly opened. Agreeing that discretion is the better part of valor, Gaespard slowly, noiselessly, tried to move his body nearer to an illuminated window. {His preference is for illuminated windows.}
Laihndred Evennon 02-09-04, 12:18 AM	They let her in through the gate just as the sun set. Whipple's and Greyskies's hooves clattered onto the cobbled road. The wagon creaked behind her under it's load of heavy sacks of grain and other produce. Laihndred herself sat in the wagon seat, holding the reins only gently. The horses knew where they were going. The business day was toward the end of it's rather lengthy close. Streets that had been crowded only moments before were now nearly clear. Laihndred was glad of this and took tighter hold of the reins, clicking Whipple and Greyskies into going faster. It didn't take long for Laihndred to arrive at the King's Inn. The posh looking stableman did not even blink taking over the reins from the rather plain farm-woman. She stepped down from the wagon seat with a footman's aid and smoothed her cobalt blue dress under her grey traveling cloak. Tucking a long dark braid behind her ear, she reached into the pocket of her starched white apron and handed them each three gold coins. The wagon and horses were cared for as if they were the finest coach and matched pair. At the door she stamped the dust off her boots again and walked inside. The was the most plainly dressed person in the common room, but the inn's keeper greeted her with a smile. Plain as she appeared her gold was good...as her father's had been before her. None of that concerned her. She only had eyes for Jerrill who waved to her as she entered, a bright smile warming his face.
jeajea 02-09-04, 07:30 AM	The serving girl gives Saera a nod, and makes her way to fetch the requested stew. A few moments later she returns and sets it on Saera's table. "Pay now, or later? Later is it? Thank you for your custom." She makes her disinterested way back to behind the bar, where she sits and stares out sullenly. --- There are no lit windows. As Gasepard moves up to a window, a chilling breeze brushes past him, and it seems as though it came out of the house. There's no sounds not movement from within the house - yet, Gaespard can't help feeling that some evil has just left, interupted by his presence... --- The entrance lobby of the King's Inn was warm, clean, orderly and decorative. A few important people milled around, one or two gave Laihndred a distainful look, though on the other hand one or two gave her a warm smile. Jerril was one of those to give her a warm smile - though it was tempered rather severely by worry and pain. He made his way over to her, "Laihndred! I'm so pleased you're here... please, please come with me to my dad's... and bring your sword - something's horribly wrong. My... my da... I took him to the cleric's, and I decided to come here to wait for you... but... it's horrible... I think Geraim and Kelm are..." He trails off. The sky... it's going to be horrible weather tonight." Something about his tone raises the hairs on the back of her neck. He's completely serious, and his eyes speak of some great loss.
Saera 02-09-04, 03:06 PM	Despite her hunger, Saera eats at a restrained pace, keeping some of her attention free for those around her. The serving girl confuses her. . o O (since when do barmaids wear chain mail and carry swords? the tavern doesn't seem that rough! and she's hardly got the right attitude for this sort of work... okay, girl, stop being so critical, it probably all makes sense somehow) When the bowl is emptied, she counts out the coins and puts them in a small pile next to it to make it clear she has the payment. The cider she sips slowly, not yet willing to make a complete end to the meal. The noise of the common room is still at too high a level to promise any chance of sleep even if she went upstairs. She waits, ordering her thoughts for the next day and the visit to the Sheriff's office. The thought of asking among those here crosses her mind, but she dismisses it with a touch of reluctance. No one seems that unfriendly, but most seem caught up already in their own conversations, or else are too far gone in their drinking to be approached.
strom griftor 02-09-04, 04:12 PM	The dwarf remains in his seat, comfortably. He puffs on his pipe, blowing a few smoke rings as he drinks the ale. As he drains the mug of its contents, he motions for the barmaid. "ey, lass. I be takin a refill, if ye gots anymore back there." As she approaches, he finally takes note of the armor and sword "errr....Ifen ye dinna mind me askin, why ye be dressed fer battle?" He motions around with his pipe. "It ain't exactly like hordes o' orcs are streamin down the hills 'round these parts"
jeajea 02-09-04, 05:03 PM	The serving girl tidies away Saera's empty plate, takes her coinage and puts it all away. She makes her way over to Strom with some more ale, at his request. As his question, her snappish and curt reply is, "Mind your own business, dwarf." At that moment, a new patron enters the establishment. A woman in her mid to late thirties, with short dark hair that's tinted slightly red, dressed in the garments of a town guard - a leather suit under a blue velvet top, with soft leather boots and trousers. Jeera, the town's sheriff, makes her way to the bar. She isn't here to socialise, however - the look on her face speaks of trouble. Just outside the door, two civil guards can be seen. She has a brief word with the barkeep.
strom griftor 02-09-04, 05:06 PM	Strom lofts a furry brow at the snappy response, then shrugs, drinking his ale. As he tamps out the pipe, he notes the newcomer and followers her walk to the bar with a bit of interest, as he does not know who she is. He slips the pipe into a pouch and idely fiddles with the leather wrap of his axe handle.
jeajea 02-09-04, 05:15 PM	Jeera turns to face Strom, and gives him a brief look over. She then gets up onto the bar, and the bar hushes until there is an almost deathly quiet. "People and patrons of the Bootstrap, most of you are adventurers. I seek to gather an experienced group to investigate certain difficulties. I also seek information, for which I offer a substantial reward, into the deaths of two of Ironfist's sons, and Nerman's own severe wounding at the hands of what has only been described as 'hooded attackers', dressed as clergymen. Please bring this information to my office, or my house, both of which will be open and ready. Thank you." She jumps down off the bar and, with a deep frown that scores her face with worry, she makes her way to leave.
strom griftor 02-09-04, 07:17 PM	The dwarf stands. "Ye've caught me innerest. I'd be willin ta lend me axe ta whatever ye got in mind." He drains his ale in one swig and hefts his axe over his shoulder and walks towards Jeera. "dealin out Moradin's justice always be a good thing. especially when it comes wit a substantial reward."
Myranthor 02-09-04, 07:31 PM	An excruciating chilll went through my body, seizing control of myr eactions for no more than a few interminable seconds, leaving me an unexplainable impression, the unthinkable idea that, soudlessly, an impressive evil left the little home where a joyous family usually lived peacefully. Frightened, I doubted of the course of actions I should adopt, strangely shared between an irrationnal fear of this absolute silence, and the huge desire to live something exicting, to become one of the inquisitive heroes so often told of in magnificient symphonies, instead of constantly cowering, losing my life under the dirty roof of a nameless inn. Ignoring the epidemic fear gnawing the tiniest bone of my skeleton, I pushed the door lightly, waiting for any reaction from the inside. If none came, I advanced cautiously, looking everywhere for any sign or interesting cause of the smith's disappearance. If, by mysfortune's sinister hand, no such hints are present in the small home, I immediately left the deserted house, without moving the objects, to gain the sheriff's company, hoping she would be able to tell me about the vanishment of a good family, known throughout our whole town.
Laihndred Evennon 02-10-04, 02:33 PM	Laihndred returned his serious look. She rested her hand on his arm tenderly, the only sign of the deep compassion beneath her practicality. "My sword is in the wagon," she said softly, her own fears in her eyes and voice. She ran to the inkeepers counter and paid for a three night stay and was back at his side in a matter of moments. No words were necessary. Together they went out... A few minutes later, her sword strapped to her back, Laihndred rode Whipple out of the stables. Jerril rode Greyskies out beside her. These horses would be faster than any others. "Tell me..." She said as they rode out.
Saera 02-10-04, 03:17 PM	The woman's words solved the mystery of her appearance and her mood. Not the barmaid, that was still unsolved, but the newcomer to the tavern, the sheriff Jeera. And so much for any attention to Saera's questions tomorrow. She might as well not bother. The murder of two apparently well-known and well-connected young men and the injury to their father would take precedence over everything else till it was solved. So to help? A reward, too. Saera's master was no skinflint but this journeying looked as if it would take longer than either had expected, and the funds she had would be far better augmented than relied on in their current state. She listens with careful interest, and especially to see how the dwarf's offer is received.
jeajea 02-11-04, 03:36 AM	Jeera turns back to glance the dwarf over again. She thinks for a moment, and asks, "Are you skilled at adventuring, master dwarf? I would not want you to get into something... ah... over your head..." But presently, the serving girl steps up to Jeera, and, throwing off her apron, she stands before Jeera. "I am at your service. Experienced, poor and practically dying for some action, Jeera." Jeera winces, "Poor choice of words, Tani. Bring your party to my office immediately." She turns to Strom, "I'm sorry, master dwarf - this matter is too important to trust to one who's ability I cannot be certain of. I make a humble apology to you, and I pray that I can call on your services another way - but I cannot ask you to do this thing for me. I beg you forgive me. If, indeed, you can, I may have another employment for you... come, find me at my offices tomorrow. And so goodnight." She turns, and without a further word, leaves. Her expression is grave as she goes, and the two young civil guards who pursue her do so without the usual exaggerated self-importance of the civil guard - indeed, they seem scared. The door shuts. The barkeep clears his throat loudly. "Ah... well, now... it seems... odd happenings... but come, let it not put you off your ale... ah... twenty percent... nay, thirty percent off all ales and fine wines for the rest of the night... ehh... and... a vacancy for a barmaid as of tomorrow, most likely..." But Tani is already leaving... "Or... maybe even right now... double wages? Ehh..." --- The Ironfist's house was empty. Not a thing stirred. There was a faint smell of burning, mingled with a very slight whiff of death... the house itself imposed a stark chill in Gaespard. Then, slowly, two white and shimmering figures rose slowly from the floor, accompanied by a terrible howl to break the stark, unnatural silence. But this sound was no more natural... the two translucent forms drifted towards Gaespard. Their long, chilly tones and drawn out sentences crept towards him. The room got even colder. The dead Geraim and Kelm, sons of Ironfist, made their way towards Gaespard horribly slowly. For a moment, fear held him in his place... "Save us... help us... pain, we're in such terrible... agony... end it... we can't live like this... help the pain..." --- "I cannot say... it is too horrible to even imagine, let alone speak. It must be a dream... this can't happen to me! It... it can't..." Jerril fell silent, withdrawing in to his own world. He kept his eyes straight ahead, diverted from Laihndred's. He wasn't in the mood to speak. The passed several commoners, who gaped at them, but the streets were mostly empty. A strange mood of panic seemed to have come across the town, and the peasants all hid themselves away. The odd door had a hastily made holy symbol engraved upon it. People were afraid... they reached the house presently, slowing to a stop. Jerril took his heavy hammer from his back, and hefted it into a prepared position. He approached the open door... giving Laihndred a look, to see whether she was there, and to assure her that he was there if she needed him.
Acaed 02-11-04, 08:39 AM	The half-elven maiden in the corner rises from her booth and makes ehr way to the door, tossing the barkeep a platinum coin...she never bought anything, only sat down in the booth. To any thieves in the tavern, she looks like easy prey. Her purse is full of platinum, and she appears unarmed. ((Go on, Jea, you know you want to...))
strom griftor 02-11-04, 04:38 PM	Strom frowns at the back of the now leaving sherrif type. He shakes his head and walks back to his seat, leaning his axe against the table. he grumbles to himself, though most in the tavern can probably hear it, or at least part of it. "Well, there's a fine hello to ye. Poke fun at me height, and assume I gots nae skills." He shakes his head. "P'rhaps I best leave, before someone mistakes me fer a kobold er somethin." He grumbles a bit, then motions to the barkeeper for another ale. he tosses a few coins on the table top. "fer the ale, and a room fer th' night."
Laihndred Evennon 02-11-04, 05:56 PM	Laihndred drew her sword is a surprisingly easy motion. She laid her hand on his arm once again and looked up at him to let him know she was ready to face anything...but it was more than that. She was there for him.
Myranthor 02-11-04, 08:49 PM	Violently, I made a few steps backwards, terrified by the tormenting apparitions that went through the floor, seagulls soaring through waves they never should've crossed, bringing my sensible back to an hurtful pain, a surprising meeting with a solid wall. Paralyzed, unable to flee, to leave this haunted house, tise forsaken dwelling, inhabited tby the two healthy remnants of the Ironfist family, I pathetically melted to the floor, helplessly. Frightened, victim of an invincible chill traveling through my spine, of a fear never emant to be felt by ormal humans, losing control of both my panicked tongue and trembling lips, I babbled, incoherently: " End...pain? .... what?"
Saera 02-11-04, 08:56 PM	So much for helping. It seemed that those not already known were discouraged from lending aid, or put to other tasks probably of less import. Still, it wasn't an unusual reaction. When faced with an apparently unknown threat against their fellows, it was natural to be suspicious of outsiders, even if only leery of their claims to skill rather than suspecting them to be implicated in the crime. And now the barmaid is explained, too, as an adventurer down on her luck enough to do this work for the few coins it supplies. Saera shakes her head quickly as the desperate glance of the tavern keeper pauses on her, but also refrains from straining his resources by taking advantage of his generous price drop. When the rush of other customers subsides, she approaches him. "If I could have the key to that room now, sir?" The dwarf is staying the night as well. Saera can't help but hope their rooms are far apart. Given the amount of ale he's consumed, the noise of his snoring is likely to travel far.
jeajea 02-12-04, 06:18 PM	The incorporeal figures make their way towards Gaespard. On reaches out it's hand to him, a desperate pleading face on each of them. They're begging for his help... "Shall we?" Jerril half-smiles to Laihndred, "Oh... I hear..." Without a further word, he runs into the house and comes across his dead brothers and Gaespard. His eyes go wide, his hammer drops from his hands, and he himself falls to his knees. A look of shock, an imensity of dread and sheer impossible horror mingle their way accross his features. He is unable to move, to speak. He remains, with his hands still in the position of one holding something, loosened a little out in front of him... forgotten... his two deceased brothers looks up sharply and become totally disinterested in Gaespard. They head for Jerril instead, their pleading now directed at him. --- The barkeep of the Bootstrap winces slightly. "Aye, sir. Thank you kindly, yours is the room at the top of the stairs, last on the left. Twelve. It's two gold a night. Here's your ale, sir." He offers some ale along with a key in return for the money. He then turns to Saera. "Aye lass? Two gold a night. Room three - up the stairs, right in front of you." He points to the stairway for them both, and returns to his work behind the bar.
Laihndred Evennon 02-12-04, 07:10 PM	Laihndred moved in at Jerril's side. "The Devil!" She shouted in susprise, seeing the dead men. Both hands clasped her sword. Almost without thinking about it she began to pray softly under her breath, those simple words she had learned as a young girl. She moved forward.
jeajea 02-13-04, 02:51 PM	The ghosts ignore Laihndred. One reaches out to Jerril, it's hand passing into his body. Jerril shudders, going pale and limp. A bright flash followed a moment later by a loud peal of thunder breaks the clouds; heavy rain drops begin falling. The Boostrap Inn's common room somehow chills slightly, just for a moment. In the other end of town, Laihndred can't help but have the momentary thought that Jerril was going to die... but footsteps signal the arrival of a priest of Pelor. He gasps sharply, and instantly holds forth his holy symbol. "Creatures of the darkness, the Light of Pelor banish you and end your suffering!" As his words come, the two ghosts shrink away from him, and as he finishes his words, they dissipate. Jerril slumps to the floor, not dead, but not far from it. A moment of silence passes while each tries to come to terms with the flashingly fast events of the last minutes.
Saera 02-13-04, 09:44 PM	. o O (two gold a night?!... ) She hands over the coins, hiding her dismay. Maybe seek out another, cheaper inn tomorrow if it looks like she'll be here long. Taking the key, her bag, and her staff, Saera goes up to the room. She makes certain the door is locked after she enters, though looking at the apparatus she wouldn't give much chance of it holding against the greenest of thieves. A chair propped against the door offers hope of waking from the noise at least. The journey had been a tiring one and longer than expected. She makes some attempt at removing the road dust and dirt using the pitcher of cold water left in the room, but the bed beckons strongly and she soon heads to it and falls asleep quickly.
Myranthor 02-14-04, 10:00 AM	Prostrated on the floor, gasping, struggling for some fresh air, I hurriedly gazed towards the opened door, curious to discover who were the new arrivants, those mighty creatures possessing enough power to send into cowering reminiscences of life, prisonners of Earth's grasp. I joyfully noticed a strong hand, brandished, holding forth a holy symbol, the paternal figure of the sun deity. Relieved of further doubts, clensed of my precedent, terrifying fears, I rose to my unstable feet, still facing the door. "What happened?"
strom griftor 02-14-04, 07:38 PM	Strom finishes his ale and yawns. . o O(tired. Best be gettin some sleep, then go find out what th' lady wants an inexperienced short person to do.) Snorts, takes his key and axe, and climbs the steps to his room.
jeajea 02-15-04, 01:52 PM	Strom and Saera find their rooms small and dinky. These are rooms specifically for adventurers, though, as there is a space for weapons and an armour rack. The small, bedside cabinet has a lock on it, which their room key secures. The locks to the rooms are moderate quality, surprisingly enough, though the beds are quite hard. The two sleep peacefully enough, and the following morning breaks through the windows, waking them each to the strong smell of cooked breakfast wafting up from the kitchens. A smell of coffee, bacon and other nice things. --- The priest stood a moment more, blinking. He then issues short and sharp orders. "You two, grab this poor man and follow me to the temple of Pelor. Now. We can talk there - it will be safe." His tone brooks no arguement, though the look of utter shock and horror on his face belies his stern voice. He turns and strides out, clutching his holy symbol close.
Laihndred Evennon 02-17-04, 01:32 AM	She quickly bend to do just what the priest asked, looking to Gaespard for help lifting Jerril. Her face is shows no expression, but her eyes a slightly wild.
Myranthor 02-17-04, 07:37 AM	Silently, I approached the corpse lying on the floor, seizing its legs, patiently waiting for the priest, to whom I offered a complete trust, to direct me and my new sidekick.
Acaed 02-17-04, 11:20 AM	((Waits...))
Laihndred Evennon 02-17-04, 12:18 PM	"Have a care..." She admonished gaespard when he grabbed Jerril's legs. "This man still lives," she said in an almost strangled tone as they followed the preist out.
jeajea 02-17-04, 05:52 PM	On arriving in the temple a of Pelor, a warm scent greets their noses. Three young priests, at the bidding of the priest that saved them, come to take the body. He nods and assures the two that Jerril will be looked after. He then offers to lead them to a small room, where he smiles kindly to the two of them. "Good day. How did you find yourselves in Ironfist's house, and why? And do you have any questions for me?" (( Acaed, I presume your character slept in the same Inn? ))
Laihndred Evennon 02-17-04, 09:20 PM	Laihndred tossed one of her braids back over her shoulder, the hilt of her great sword sticking up incongruously behind her head, and fixed the priest with a serious expression. "That's my man, you be caring for now," she said jerking a finger back toward where they'd left Jerril. "He told me something happened...I thought robbers or some such. So I gone back with him to see what's amiss...and this happens. So yeah, I got a question. What manner of being does that to a man?"
jeajea 02-17-04, 09:38 PM	The priest pales. "We don't know. Some very great evil. I'm terribly sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Telim, servant of Pelor, at your humble service. We are looking into it, but it has us beat at the moment. All I can tell you is that it has far-reaching implications for the whole town and probably all the farmland around us. There've been... these rumours... but that's all here-say. Who knows which of them are true, and which not?"
Laihndred Evennon 02-17-04, 09:49 PM	"Well it's not reached Evennon Stead...if that helps you any. Meantime I owe ye a thanks for what you did back there." She takes a step forward. "I'm Laihndred Evennon, I got my cart up at the King's Inn for market tomorrow. If I can help you "looking into it" afore then, then I will."
Myranthor 02-18-04, 06:14 PM	"All I know is that the two of them were ghosts, and that they came from the floor. Maybe the bodies are still under it, and that further investigation would provide information on the cause of the death?" Noticing my last words were just an admittance I was in the house since a few minutes, I added fastly: "My mother sent me to fetch my friend, so we could cut some woods. seeing the house cold and dark, and the door slightly opened, I wondered what happened, and went in. "
strom griftor 02-18-04, 06:28 PM	strom Sleeps in his room, snoring as expected, until morning. ((waits to be told when morning is))
jeajea 02-18-04, 07:12 PM	(( Strom, Saera - it's morning for you. Scroll up... smell of bacon and coffee and stuff... three of my posts up. )) The priest eyes Gaespard. "Yes, indeed. We will perform further investigations, in compliance with the sheriff's wishes and at her request only. It's not for us to march into the homes of citizens without permission. And that should go for you, too, my lady and good sir. I think, perhaps, it is time for you to rest. These things must have been very troubling for you. Come, find yourselves a room so you can rest your weary heads." He makes to leave, and if allowed, the two find themselves ushered into seperate rooms, offered healing and calming potions, and then allowed to sleep until morning.
Acaed 02-19-04, 04:23 PM	((Methinks it's safe to assume that, Jea)) ((Um...)) The maiden sleeps unpestered for the rest of the night...
strom griftor 02-19-04, 07:10 PM	In the morning, Strom comes down the steps and sits at a table. He orders a hearty breakfast and an ale, tossing some coins down for the meal. After he eats, he walks out, axe over his shoulder and makes his way to the sherrif's office. .oO(prolly gonna ask if I can shovel out her stables, the bloody wench) He pushes the door open and walks in, his face set in a frown, behind his massive black beard.
Laihndred Evennon 02-19-04, 07:19 PM	She insisted upon spending the night as close to where Jerril was as possible. ((If they let her stay in the room with him, she did.))
jeajea 02-19-04, 07:30 PM	Strom enters the sheriff's office. The place is a mess, total chaos has descended. People are running around everywhere, town and civic guards alike. In the centre of it, Jeera stands. She looks up to the dwarf for a moment, then back to the frantic woman she was talking to a moment before. She smiles sweetly to the woman, says something, and makes her way over to Strom. With a pained look, she motions for him to come into her office. "Ah, master dwarf... I have a request of you. We have three adventuring parties out - this has turned out to be bigger than we'd thought - and I was going to see whether you could... ah... find some people to fly our flag for us and do some investigating. Put together a group, that sort of thing, you know? Try in the Bootstrap, see if there's anyone left in there, and in the Temple of Pelor - there was a report of three people who went to investigate the disturbance at old man Ironfist's gaff. You'll be very handsomely rewarded -" A loud bang, and the door shakes. "-for your troubles from the town's-" Another booming thud. "-coffers... YES, JUST A MINUTE, PLEASE! Sorry, master Dwarf... oh, I didn't catch your name. But if you wish to undertake this mission... I really have no choice in these matters anymore, it's out of my hands. But I also recommend you make your way to this address..." She offers him a sealed envelope. "...and pick yourself up a master... ahh... lockbreaker to assist you. I'm very sorry, this is highly unconventional, and I'd rather do this more formally, but my back-" A third loud bang. "-is...*sigh* ...against the wall. What did you say your name was, sir? And will you help me?" --- (( Gaespard and Laihndred, next day for you. )) The priests don't allow her to stay the night with Jerril, but assure her he will be well looked after. In the morning, a meager, holy man's breakfast if offered. A young priest approaches them both over breakfast and sits at their table. (They were put together, away from the rest of the clergy). He has a bright smile, and looks them each over. "So... you those brave adventurers they've all been talking about?" --- Back in the Bootstrap Inn, Acaed's character wakes to the barkeep's gentle shove. "Come on miss, time to wake up. Don't... ah... want to work here, do you? If not, I'll have to charge you for staying the night..."
strom griftor 02-19-04, 08:16 PM	Strom frowns, leaning on his axe. "Yesterday, ye said I wern't skilled enough. t'day ye be wantin me ta 'fly yer Flag' fer ye." He runs his free hand through his beard then snags the envelope. "But, As a servant o Moradin, I be compelled t' do what be right, So I be Strom Griftor at yer service. " He furrows a brow at the banging sound. "exterminator ain't one o me job titles. ye best be findin another t' take care o whatever be infestin yer buildin' "
Myranthor 02-19-04, 08:41 PM	Sadly looking at my meger meal, an old piece of bread I found demoralizing, I answered the priest, surprised. "I think "adventurer" is a term that is far too strong to qualify for us..well, for me, to say the least. Only bold imprudence and carelessness brought me there, where I only accomplished the duty of a mere witness. Nothing more. Nothing more than an adventurer against his will, wondering if his family learend of the news, or if its members might cluelessly wonder ifhe got eaten by rabid wolves while chopping wood."
jeajea 02-20-04, 09:19 AM	"Ah... Strom, is it? Thank you master Griftor, your help will be remembered. I didn't mean to say you weren't skilled enough yesterday, sir - merely that I could not be sure of how skilled you were, and was so going to take the safest option, and glean help from those I already trusted. Can you report back when you have a party of five or six? I will know better then what needs doing. Thank you kindly." She shows him out, past many busy people wanting her attention, and is swiftly lost into the crowd of people. --- The young priest's face falls. "Ah... yes... very well." He moves to go, but hesitats to say to Leihndred, "And you, m'lady?"
Saera 02-21-04, 10:18 AM	Despite the hard compactedness of the mattress, Saera slept later than she'd anticipated (( :rolleyes: )). A quick cleaning up and then she headed downstairs to a breakfast of coffee and an egg on toast. The dwarf is nowhere in sight, but the half-elven woman and the innkeeper seem to be having some sort of discussion. The others in the tavern are on edge. Apparently whatever happened last night hasn't be cleared up, not yet at least. Saera sighs with irritation over this disruption of her plans. "Can't be helped, I'll still try to see if anyone's willing to talk to me," she murmurs under her breath. With that she stands and leaves the price of the meal beside the empty plate before she heads out the door in the direction of the sheriff's office. The madhouse she finds almost makes her back away again, but she finally grabs hold of what seems to be some minor clerk. "I know you're busy but this might be quick! A farm was destroyed, I'm not sure how long ago, could you tell me who might know what happened or whether there was any report at all?"
Gellaenen 02-22-04, 11:19 AM
strom griftor 02-22-04, 01:18 PM	Strom nods. "I be doin what I can" He leaves and makes his way back to the Bootstrap Inn. He walks in and up to the bartender. "I be wonderin ifen ye be knowin any..err....lockbreakers? I be commissioned ta form a group ta work fer yer sherriff, an bein new here, I dinna be knowin anyone."
strom griftor 02-25-04, 02:31 PM	:bump: das bump! :bump:
jeajea 02-27-04, 03:03 PM	The clerk gives Saera a look. "Sure, lady. Just pick up one of the blue forms on the main desk - if you can even get to the main desk - fill it in, and hand it back to us. It won't be dealt with any time soon, because... as you can see... we're currently swamped, but we'll get to it. You might like to know, though, that there have been many strange things happening to our farms and farmland recently." The clerk makes his swift and self-important way into a back room marked 'officials only'. --- The bartender blinks at Strom's request and shakes his head quickly. "Ooh, no. No, no. No idea about any no such things, no." He then forcibly continues washing up. Strom gets the impression it's a non-talkable subject. However, as he's thinking what to say next, a shadowy figure gestures to Strom from the edge of the room. A smooth and silky voice greets Strom's ears. "Come here, friend... I may be able to help you..."
strom griftor 03-01-04, 03:03 PM	.oO(aye, ye be a fool fer askin, eh Strom?) He shakes his head and looks over at the shadowy figure. He smirks and makes his way over to him, being sure to tuck his pouch away before hand. "friend eh? I dinna be thinkin so." Strom folds his arms across his chest and studies the fellow for a moment. .oO(silly me. need a fellow like this, look in th shadows. Typical) "Aye, I be needin the services o' the likes o yerself. I be assumin, by yer words, that ye be lookin fer work, eh?"
jeajea 03-02-04, 06:11 PM	The man blushes visibly for a moment before withdrawing his face into his hood. He takes a further moment to control his voice, and says, "Ah, yes. Employment prospects are always welcome. I'm not by any means desperate, however, so I expect a large cut of any takings. If... you want to hire myself, that is. I am but a... ah... beginner. Would you not prefer someone more talented? I have completed my training, and am fully qualified, though - make no mistake, I can break any lock you present to me. My only true failing is lack of experience."
Myranthor 03-02-04, 07:29 PM	Stunned at Laihndred's sudden silence, the insulting lack of answer she gave to the sympathic, gentle Pelorite, ĢI scowled grudgingly, surprised at such a strong antipathy. Disturbed by the cold her distant dispositions brought to our table, uneasy in the eye of a silence's cyclone, I couldn't resist but top engage once again conversation with the ecclesiastic, whose visage remained carefully polite, despite the lack of answer. "Father, I softly said, preferring not to vriolently break the damp silence floating in the smal refectory, I thought I ought to tell you, since such things are more of your resort than mine, and that you probably have more competency in such dealings than I do, that, before the door opened upon the two frightened persons of my neighbor as well as jerril, the two chilling specters pleaded to me for help, an help they seemed to badly need. I am curious of what will be done to ease the souls of my friends, and what will be achieved to uncover the cloak of mystery became their funeral shroud."
strom griftor 03-03-04, 03:11 PM	Strom chuckles as he strokes his beard. "I be not in this fer the adventure, I be in it fer me God, Moradin." He tilts his head a bit, then continues. "And, I not be th' one doin the hirin.' Th' lady sherrif be the one we be answerin to."
jeajea 03-03-04, 06:02 PM	The cloaked man seems to concider. "For your God, eh? Do-good type, are you? Come, let's take a walk. Away from this tavern. The sky's nice around this time. The sun's high in the sky. Let's go to the marketplace, maybe." With that, he stands and makes his way out and to the marketplace. Once there, he turns and smiles to Strom. "I revere the God of elves, Correlon. A pleasure to meet you, friend. I'd be willing to offer any help I can and present my services willingly and happily." The figure lowers his hood to reveal attractive, slim elven features and a warm smile. The air of darkness changes to an air of mischief, completed by the young elf's smile. "I hope we can become friends - you seem a good sort to me." --- The priest nods, pretending to understand, but not doing a great job. He's lost, quite visibly. "Ah... yes... they were probably...uhh... oh, dang, I have to go. It's time for food." He makes his flustered way out of the room. The two are left alone.
strom griftor 03-04-04, 02:43 PM	Strom strokes his beard as he ponders the elf's words. "Friends, eh? well, dinna be to hasty just yet. Leave us to see what th' future brings, eh?" He looks around briefly, then back to the elf. "I be Strom Griftor. Ye gots yerself a name, or do i let everyone around know what ye do by callin ye lockbreaker?" Strom's smirk is mostly hidden by his black beard.
Myranthor 03-05-04, 08:26 AM	Raising a brow, I frowned, unhappy with the priest rather incomprehensible answer. "Ha, well. Better to leave than to remain here indefinitely, waiting for someone quick-witted to come. " Fastly, I went through the main door, leaving the silent church at its own problems, getting back to my own home, anxious of my mother's reaction to my sudden disappearance.
Saera 03-08-04, 09:55 AM	"Blue form? main desk... " Saera turns and looks at the madhouse crowd around the main desk and blanches. But her strong streak of stubborness (... determination... strength of will... alright, yes, I'm stubborn... ) comes to the forefront and that combined with a judicious use of the staff as a wedge allows her enough entry to grab one of the stacked forms. A few minutes later and some additional prying apart of a new set of bodies and the filled out form is deposited in the appropriate box. Saeara lets out her breath in relief as she moves back out of the fuss. . o O (... but now what?... ) Her own business taken care of as much as can be done now, she listens to some of the shouting matches. Enough actual words come through the noise that she pieces together more of what happened last night but the press and movement of the crowd eventually drive her out of the building. She walks thoughtfully towards the inn. As she passes through the marketplace though, her attention is caught by the strange combination of dwarf and elf chatting so pleasantly. . o O (.. the dwarf from the tavern who offered aid with the murders... so what is he doing with that elf?... ) Strolling nearer, Saera tries to find some merchandise in which to pretend an interest as she attempts to overhear the conversation.
strom griftor 03-11-04, 03:03 PM	uhh...yes alex. I'll take :bump: for 1000
jeajea 03-12-04, 01:47 PM	The elf shakes his head sharply, "Nono, shh! Don't say that! This town *has* no thieve's guild. You must understand this; all the locals know it's there, but the civic guard don't. They'd shut us down if they did. Jeera - that's the local sheriff - knows we're here and approves. But the out-of-towners are lead by an old general who's... ah... yes. I am Marl'ver De'unway. My father was Lord De'unway. I didn't inherit the title - it belongs to my older brother. My father was on the council until recently." He smiles proudly. A feel of teenage pride sits about him. He's not fully mature, this one. He is, however, sharp... turning to Saera, he says, "Ah, m'lady. You are another out-of-towner yourself. It might be wise to get your assistance in these matters, if you are up for a bit of adventuring. I know something about the events through my guild... my... non-existant guild. Won't you come here, m'lady, and introduce yourself?" A self-satisfied smile now permeats his features; he's proud that he noticed Saera's eves-dropping. --- Gaespard makes his way home to the Night Owl's Tavern. It's empty, and upon his arrival, the very worried and angrily demanding tone that only a mother can create greets his ears. "And just where in the name of Pelor do you think you've been? I've been worried sick! I'm very angry with you; two people found dead at Ironfists' forge, and not so much as a peep out of you! The talk in here last night! It scared the life out of me! You are grounded, young man, until further notice!" And with that, she turns and retreats into the kitchen, slamming the door as she goes.
strom griftor 03-13-04, 04:43 PM	Strom chuckles and runs a hand through his beard "Ok Marl. Just keep yer paws offa me stuff." He grins and looks towards Saera and nods, recognizing her from the Tavern "errr, ye be forgivin me....over anxious companion here. Ye may or may not o been over listenin' so if ye wern't then ferget it, and if ye were, yer more than welcome ta join our little group here."
Saera 03-14-04, 03:12 PM	Saera's face flushes slightly at being caught but the elf's words are polite enough that she hides most of her discomfort in a semblance of unconcern. "You're investigating the murders, I take it? I might be interested in helping. There's little enough else to do here while I'm waiting and if it frees up the sheriff's office from this then it may even lessen my wait. " She addresses her initial words more to the dwarf than to the elf, but turns to the latter as she continues. "I'm Saera. I don't bother with a patronymic since I've had no contact with my elven father, and I don't use a matronymic since my mother's family would prefer I didn't exist. And now that's out of the way, right?" She looks at the elf almost challengingly.
strom griftor 03-14-04, 06:07 PM	The dwarf laughs and claps Saera on the arm "Good ta see yer both gettin along so good." he smirks at both of the elves. "Now, lesse bout gettin one o them spell thrower types, and a couple more sword holders, eh?"
jeajea 03-15-04, 09:57 AM	Marl gives Strom a look. With incredulity, he repeats, "Marl? Have trouble with the second part, do you? Well, never mind. Marl will do." He turns to Saera and gives her a momentary confused look, but whisks over it with a bright smile, "Ah, my lady, in case you missed it, I believe he said his name was Strom Griftor. And as for... patrinomins... uhh... that sounds great. Yeah. Nice to meet you." He addresses them both again, "Shall we make our way somewhere more discrete? I believe there are a few shady taverns, or, if you'd prefer, my guildhall. It's all one to me. As for swordsmen and spellthrowers... you're more likely to pick up some of them in the Temple of Pelor, or one of the inns for passers through, like the Bootstrap... He thinks for a moment. "Although... Nigel might know where magic types could be found, come to think of it... Actually, Nigel might know a lot of use... knows a lot about everything, particularly about this area... he's the town's sage. We should pay him a visit at some point. He charges, of course, but I think the information would be worth the coin." He grins before trying to resume his dark and shady look.
Laihndred Evennon 03-16-04, 04:03 PM	Laihndred had insisted upon seeing Jerril first thing. There was no change. Worry knawed at her. Some evil thing was harming him and there was nothing she could do but watch! It was with a heavy heart and distracted air, that she joined Gaespard and the preist for breakfast. She caught a word here and there but somehow the preist's very manner irritated her and the other young man was no better. She was a simple farm girl, she had no use for great long words. The small bites of food she took now and again tastes like ash at best. She looked up at length and discovered she'd been left alone. With a sigh she stared down at her food. Practicality won out. She forced it down and then went back to her room. In a moment her sword was strapped on. Laihndred Evennon left the church to go and find the Sherrif.
strom griftor 03-17-04, 03:04 PM	Strom ponders a moment. "I'd just as soon be leavin out the more shady places, if its all th same to ye. mebbe th' temple, or th Bootstrap would be better"
Saera 03-17-04, 03:23 PM	As Marl'ver blathers on, ignoring her challenge, Saera gives him about the same look that he gave Strom for the abbreviation to his name. A quick internal debate leads to the decision that at the moment it didn't matter whether he was pretending to gloss over her heritage or not. A more important point needed to be made, to both of them. "I am a spell caster. A beginner, it's true and maybe you want someone with more experience. Or just another caster of any type. And since we don't know what type of being or beings are responsible for the murders, another swordsman would also be welcome. Or, rather, another one dedicated to weaponry, since you are an axeman, sirrah." She nods to Strom at the last words, but then looks back to Marl. "I also agree that talking with the local sage sounds a perfect place to start. But I can't help much with expenses."
jeajea 03-18-04, 04:00 AM	As Laihndred approached the sheriff's office, the same sight greets her eyes. The place is overflowing with people, some now panicing, trying to get to Jeera. However, a preist from out of town, and from no faith that Laihndred knows is standing across the road, watching the people. He has a holy symbol of twig on his preistly garments. --- Strom receives a politely confused look from Marl'ver. "Ah... certainly, yes. Avoid the shady areas. You do know that those shady areas belong to the theive's guild, and that we're generally pretty nice people, right? But, as you wish..." He smiles to Saera, "Ah! A magic type! Excellent, you are most useful in combat. All those amazing spell things. You must be awful smart... I don't think I could manage casting even the most pathetic spells... is it true you even have one for opening and closing doors? Because that is style..." He chuckles to himself, a sound that's not far from being a nervous giggle. He quickly stops and pauses to straighten out his robes. "Aha, yes... uhh... yes, to the sage. Will I be having to pay for it, then? I'm probably able to get enough money together, but... well, I dunno, I'd like some recompense for it later on, if we get to finding items and such at some point. For my guild. As it'll be from them that I borrow the money. Which I'll go and do now. Shall we meet at the sage's house? It's not far from here, ask for... uhh... well, ask for the sage. He's called Nigel Velmair. Just close by..." A slightly wild look crosses his face, and he receeds quickly into a nearby shadow. Following his line of sight, a Civic Guard has just entered the top of the road. "Shh, I'm not here! Go, I'll meet you there!" And he vanishes into an alleyway.
Saera 03-18-04, 05:31 PM	. o O (...maybe someone dropped him on his head when he was small?...) Saera makes an effort and pulls her mind off explanations for the elf's behaviour. "Fine, alright, you get the money," she says towards the empty alleyway. She looks back to the dwarf and hesitates, "Unless you have it already? You didn't say. Well, it matters little, as long as someone has it when we find this sage. I suppose we should ask around. But how openly? It may be easier in some ways if not everyone knows we're involved in this." Saera glances towards the Civil Guard that's approaching and inclines her head politely.
strom griftor 03-18-04, 06:10 PM	Strom chuckles at Marl's hasty retreat as he he too inclines his head to the guard types, then looks at Saera. "I dinna think sneakin 'round be needed. Her majesty, th' sherrif set me on this task herself. As fer money, I doubt she be dealin out whatever she has from her coffers, so whatever we find, we keep." He motions his hand towards a row of Taverns "Since we already got a spellthrower, namely yerself, leave us ta find some sword holders, eh?"
Myranthor 03-20-04, 07:40 AM	After the sudden, violent closing of the poor, harmed yet innocent door, I jumped under the slapping effects of the keen surprise. Shrugging my frail shoulders, I wondered what she actually implied by "grounded". Did this mean I couldn't leave house anymore, that I would be prohibited from going on stage, couldn't drink my weight in beer tonight? Shrugging my shoulder, I chose to leave these questions behind myself, walking out in the village to ask questions about the recent murders, trying to learn what the recent impressions were, what was known.
Laihndred Evennon 03-20-04, 08:51 PM	Laihndred stopped a ways from the office. There was no way in by the front door. Hoping no one had taken particular notice of her yet, she walked past the crowd, down the street and turned a corner. On that street she unobtrusively ducked into an alleyway and moved back toward the rear of the sheriff's place. There was no one else around the back ways save a beggar or drunk here and there so she didn't bother with much stealth. When she got close as she could she peered at the building to see if there was a back way in, or at least a window at which she could hear things.
jeajea 03-21-04, 01:45 PM	(( Strom and Saera, feel free to continue without DM involvement until you get to the sage's house, or somewhere where I can give you some more description and stuff. Myranthor, check your emails. )) Laihndred feels as she walks through the alleyways and backstreets that she's being watched, followed even. But every time she looks, there's no one there... The back of the sheriff's office is bare, but has one window into Jeera's office that has been boarded up. Jeera appears to be in the room, having a discussion. Laihndred overhears... "No. We are retracting the trading agreement until you can provide adequate protection for the convoy! My men will not suffer more attacks. You know these bandits are bloodthirsty - they left not a single man alive from my convoy! And you're proposing to leave me with even less guards? Well, you can forget it. The contract has been breached by you, as far as I'm concerned." "But, Han, wai-" A door slams. Jeera sighs. She calls out, "Next..." And the door opens again, allowing another man into the room. Through the shutters, Laihndred can see that it's a tall man with a dark robe. He shuts the door behind himself, and instantly casts a spell. Nothign much about the room seems to change, only that a sudden and unnatural silence comes from the room. Jeera looks momentarily shocked, then reaches for something under her desk. However, Laihndred is distracted by someone tapping on her shoulder. "Excuse me, you're in the way of a murder. Kindly step to one side and wait. I'll be right back to kill you in a moment." The priest in robes with a twig smiles a wicked grin at her. From close up, she can see that his holy symbol of a twig is withered and blackened unnaturally, asif burnt. The holy symbol somehow exerts a fearful presence on her. He starts casting a spell.
Myranthor 03-21-04, 02:31 PM	Resolute, having learned much interesting things by idly walking into towns, entertaining old women on the brink of an horrible death, by having spoke with young toddlers with prying eyes and slipipng tongues, I walked straight to the Sherrif's office, my own plan fully drawn, despite my notable inexperience, in my head.
jeajea 03-22-04, 10:47 AM	The same sight greets Gaespard's eyes as has greeted everyone elses. The sheriff's office is innundated with people with complaints and worries. There are a few less now, however - only around thirty. It's still full to overflowing, however, and impossible to enter the door quicky.
Luika 03-22-04, 07:37 PM	-wrong account, sorry-
Myranthor 03-22-04, 07:38 PM	Puzzled at the overly populated crowd stupidly gathered around Jeera, unwishful to fend the mass, to fight to reach a figure of authority, to battle the draconic might of the populace in hope to speak to her privately, I left the place, heading back to the Ireonfist house, where I hoped to discover a few guards, dispatched to keep civilians at bay.
jeajea 03-23-04, 07:38 AM	(( Jeera is female... )) As Gaespard had hoped, there are two Town Guards outside the Ironfists' house. There is also a cluster of Civic Guards, however, a short distance away, clearly there to both keep an eye on the Town Guards, to assist them if necessary, or to intervene if the Town Guards don't do the right thing. It's a common sight nowerdays, the Civic Guards seem very suspicious of the Town Guards.
Myranthor 03-23-04, 06:17 PM	Wonderfully, the classic pair of guards was busy surveying around the murdereds' home, watching with intense suspicion newcomers and passserbys, maybe even imagining devious crimes none of the law abiding citizens walking by them ever viciously thought of comitting. Calmly, without showing any sign nor of senseless agressivity, nor of naive fear, I approached the two men guarding the wooden door, drawing near enough to them to speak without being heard from the civic guards. "I beg your pardon, officers, yet I have a request to ask to you, that will serve both you and I well, I asusme. I am what some wicked tongue would probable dare to call a "first row witness", having been myself in that house after the presumed murder, having even saw things I believe should only be said to the Sherrif herself. I would have liked to exchange words with her, yet the crowd constantly gathered 'round her are forbidding the descriptions of my recent sights to reach her ears. Would you be supportive enough -to me, the guards, and our community as a whole- to help me reaching her, please?" [If the need to mention it is there, I think he had some points in diplomacy.]
Saera 03-23-04, 06:22 PM	Saera looks at Strom. "Swordsman before sage? Do you think that's wise? Maybe it would be better to find out more about this first?" She considers the problem. "On the other hand, it would mean trying to explain the sage's words to someone new. Someone who might have asked a useful question if they'd been there. Alright, certainly, we can try to find a swordsman. And even if no one's around, the tavern would be a good place to ask for directions to this Nigel's house." Privately, it does cross her mind that the dwarf is more likely interested in yet another ale. But if keeps him happy and non-belligerant, it's of no bother to her. She'll go off to whichever tavern the weapons-bearing dwarf thinks would suit the type of person they have in mind.
Laihndred Evennon 03-24-04, 01:37 PM	Stop him! Laihndred screamed. "MURDER!" At least the blackguard might not get away. She reached for her sword while rather desperately trying to step on the man's foot. Thinking in her panic, it might disrupt his concentration on the spell.
strom griftor 03-24-04, 05:12 PM	((are Strom and Saera close enough to hear the scream?))
jeajea 03-24-04, 06:04 PM	(( Certainly. Why not? Adds a little something, don't it? :D )) Gaespard's question gets a quick answer from the guard - "Certainly. Talk to her at the office, if you please. We can't leave our posts, but I'm sure if you took your concerns to officers on their regular rounds, they'd be happy to help." He smiles to Gaespard pleasantly.
strom griftor 03-24-04, 07:01 PM	Strom nods "aye then, lets be off to th' taver...." He trails off as he snaps his head around. "ye hear that? thinkin it came from ov'r there. C'mon!" Unslings his axe and tears off towards the sherrif's office as fast as his stubby legs will carry him
jeajea 03-28-04, 04:35 AM	The priest casting his spell looks non-plussed when she screams, and, blinking, he looses his spell. Further, the wooden shutter over the window smashes as the man attacking the sheriff flies through it- onto the priest. Both are temporarily unable to move, and become easy targets. Laihndred hears heavy footsteps approaching fast.
Myranthor 03-28-04, 07:41 AM	I smiled in return, altough probably mine was far less truthful than his grin. "Yes, that's what I tried to do. However, as I precedently mentionned it, there is a large crew of people gathered there, panicking, most of them having heard rumors and having nothing precise but gossips to relate to the Sheriff. Maybe you could grant me a handwritten note, something very useful that could lend me afast access to Jeera's attentive ears?"
strom griftor 03-28-04, 01:14 PM	((assuming heavy footsteps are Strom's?))
Laihndred Evennon 03-28-04, 11:53 PM	Laihndred had her sword out already. She heard people coming, peoplem with heavy footsteps, probably larger than she. Against the wall she stood, waiting and ready.
jeajea 03-29-04, 11:15 AM	(( They are indeed Strom's footsteps )) "Look, friend," the guard says, "Under normal circumstances there'd be no problem. But the town's just a bit of a mess this week. There will be official proceedings and investigations, and you'll have a chance to speak then. I suggest you just wait for a few days. Jeera's too snowed under at the moment. You know there's something going on the in the eastern forests, and that there's a strange lack of heros around to take a look - it means the town guard have to do things official, like. And that means we're real stretched. So look, just sit tight, because we ain't got a whole lot've time at the moment to do anything. Now, if you please, go home. I hope I hear one of those songs outta you." He grins and flashes Gaespard a wink. Gaespard suddenly recognises the man's face as a regular customer of the Night Owl. --- "Get the HELLS off me, you total fool!" Strom arrives to see a preistly type apparently being crushed by a man in dark robes with a wicked looking pointed dagger, that seems to gleam a slightly green shade. Jeera is in the process of jumping through the shattered shutters that were once in place on her window, her own sword drawn and in one hand. In the office behind her, a small mess has been left by a brief struggle. Jeera doesn't look best pleased. Two two men on the ground struggle to their feet, but Jeera isn't allowing them to get away - the slashes through the leg of the man in dark robes. The priest, however, turns to leg it down an alley. Then the shadows just to the left of Strom shift. --- Laihndred sees the same, but from the shadows. A dwarf comes hurtling into the fray, apparently in responce to her cry a mere moment ago. Also, she notices another form slinking around in the shadows - a form that apears to be armed with a crossbow, but otherwise almost invisible. Then she notices that there are not one, but four of five of these forms... Jeera, meanwhile, is steaming. Neither Strom nor Laihndred have seen a human more outraged, disgusted and furious than her. Her face is the definition of incredulous rage.
strom griftor 03-29-04, 03:56 PM	Strom takes a quick stock in the situation, and takes off after the priestly type, unaware of the shadowy figures lurking. "Quit yer Runnin'!!" Strom bellows as he gives chase.
Laihndred Evennon 03-30-04, 01:13 PM	Laihndred watched the shadowy figures carefully, slipping further back in the shadows, trying to get an idea of who, if anyone, they are aiming at. She carefully and quietly sheathed her sword as it wouldn't help much against crossbows. Her eyes wide focused cleary, she watched waiting for just one of those figures to take aim. She knew what she would do if they did.
jeajea 03-30-04, 05:25 PM	The figures are motioning to one another with their hands, using some form of non-verbal secret thieve's cant. None have taken aim, and after a moment two make their very hasty way after the dwarf and the man. The other three remain, watching Jeera. Jeera herself has begun a fierce battle with the darkly robed man, who is giving no quarter. Her intent is clearly to subdue him, but he's getting the upper hand in the combat for it. People in the office still don't appear to have realised anything is happening.
Laihndred Evennon 03-30-04, 05:57 PM	She began to inch toward the crossbow holders, praying to the gods for sure and silent feet...and making ready to duck back into the shadows anyway. Was there anyway to draw them off without making matters worse? She meant to find out.
jeajea 03-30-04, 06:26 PM	The preist Strom is following is running with awe-inspiring speed. Before three turns have been turned, the priest of gone and out of sight. A curse is emitted behind Strom. "Damn! Got away... quick, back to Jeera." Two thieves behind Strom make their way back to the sheriff, ignoring him more or less totally. --- The thieves with Laihndred now seem to be aiming their crossbows at the sheriff and the robed man. They seem to be trying not to hit one of them, but which is impossibly to tell. One shakes his hand and they all move out of the shadows. "Freeze!" one says, clearly and loudly.
Saera 03-30-04, 09:19 PM	Saera stood irresolute as she watched Strom storm off. She'd been willing to help investigate some static pre-committed murders, but to get killed herself by interfering in a current criminal attempt wasn't on her list of things to do. And yet... She started after Strom only to pull back in surprise as the disarrayed priest come dashing out of the alleyway. She can hear Strom bellowing behind but the words aren't clear enough and the priest's speed is too great to stop him. The best she can manage is to see in which direction the man fled. Besides, those in black that follow Strom seem much more dangerous. As they turn back towards whatever's left in alley, she gathers up her courage to follow.
jeajea 03-31-04, 12:39 PM	The priest pushes his very forceful way past Saera. She notes that he's heading straight down the road for the town's eastern gate, at a speed that defies her senses. He almost blurs, and is gone before she even has time to think about it. As she makes her way into the alleyway, darkness closes around her. After a moment for her eyes to adjust (and her nose to accustom to the smell), she makes her way toward the now relatively loud sounds of fighting.
Laihndred Evennon 03-31-04, 01:06 PM	((Thanks, Jea. Heh this might change something.)) As soon as Laihndred saw that the sherriff was not holding her own, she began to draw her sword, but with a quick glance at the men in the shadows she got a better idea. She quietly removed her stout shoe and hurled it at the dark robed man's head with all the careful aim she'd ever learned lobbing apples at the wild animals that sometimes attacked their stoc
jeajea 03-31-04, 01:53 PM	Laihndred's shoe hits the man sharply. He was totally unaware of Laihndred, it appears. He seems shocked by this fact. Jeera takes the opportunity to dart a swift blow to his side. Her sword makes it's way deep into his midrif, and he stumbles as a result. The man in dark robes now has to fight off multiple attackers from all around, as the people from the shadows appear to be helping Jeera, and indeed, Jeera gives one of them a small nod. The robed man is outnumbered and is level with the attackers, though they outnumber him. He's only being hit by Jeera and one of the thieves, the rest can't seem to land more than the odd blow - and his wicked dagger is making Jeera's life difficult. She's been slashed more than once, and it's evident to Laihndred that Jeera's health is suffering - more than she would think, for the small cuts she's received. Jeera has been poisoned. Clearly, this man's only purpose was to kill Jeera. A dark look crosses his face. He's had enough, it seems. He turns to jump onto a wall, but is grabbed by Jeera. However, he pushes her off easily. Her grip, it seems, isn't too good - though enough to unbalance him. Saera and Strom arrive to this sight almost at the same time.
Saera 03-31-04, 02:19 PM	The noise of the fight gave some warning but she was still surprised by the number of people collected in the small space. Her attention moves quickly though to the recognizable figure of the sheriff and the man Jeera is trying to stop. The broken window, the tall dark woman with one sturdy shoe, the other figures in black... those will wait for further perusal but this other business seems to require immediate action if possible. It takes barely an instant to review her small store of spells and choose the only one useful. Saera's hand flashes out and a small bolt leaps from her pointing index finger to strike the man. ((magic missile, of course))
Laihndred Evennon 03-31-04, 02:21 PM	Laihndred pulled off her other shoe, and lobbed it at the man's head and then drew her sword. Some blackards never learn! She thought with a scowl.
strom griftor 03-31-04, 02:59 PM	Strom whirls around and gives chase back out the alley and immediatly loses sight of the quick footed priestly fellow. He glances around, and sees Jeera being bested. He starts forward at a full clip (for a dwarf, thats not overly quick, but compared to a turtle, its fast!). His axe is raised, but for any onlookers, it appears that he has something else in mind other than a wicked chop with the bladed weapon. Instead, his stubby legs propel him into the air towards Jeera's opponent for a flying dwarf tackle. "Have at ye!" He bellows as he becomes airborne
jeajea 04-03-04, 07:55 AM	The man is battered. In between being crushed by a flying dwarf, clobbered by solidly made farm boots and magic missiled in the face, he hasn't a chance. He is firmly pinned to the floor by Strom. However, he doesn't intend to go down without a fight, and instantly proceeds to try to push Strom from off of him with sheer strength. (( Strom; grapple check DC 16 ))
strom griftor 04-03-04, 12:09 PM	str check : 13 (+whatever my str bonus is, you gots my sheet)
Myranthor 04-03-04, 04:58 PM	Slowly, my hands tucked inside my pockets, i walked to the Sherriff,s office, kicking innocent rocks along the way. I didn't know how oong it would take to speak to her, but I wanted to, no matter what.
jeajea 04-04-04, 02:34 PM	The black-cloaked man is forced back down by Strom, but only just. He seems to concider this, something that surprises him, and apparently decides to change tack. He attempts to deftly wriggle out from under Strom with bendyness rather than brute strength. (( Strom; another roll, if you please. Everyone else has one more round's worth of actions on him. )) Someone at the end of an alleyway calls out in alarm at the scuffle. The sheriff slams to the floor, unconcious. The helpful thiefly types fire bolts at the robed man. --- As Gaespard approaches, he sees a man in the street looking down an alleyway, screaming, "The sheriff! The sheriff is being attacked! Help! Somebody, help!"
Myranthor 04-04-04, 04:38 PM	"The sheriff! The sheriff is being attacked! Help! Somebody, help!" Alerted, losing my monotous, grave behavior, I ran madly towards the office, forgetting that never in my life did I precedently seriously used the sharp toy kept in a leathery scabbard, hanging at my belt. My dazzling speed drained strength from all the muscles in my feeble body, images of people and building becoming blurred, transformed by the sudden acceleration. I gracefully managed to stop, at last, by knocking myself directly against one of the office's wall, entering the building itself with much more cautiousness and circonspection.
strom griftor 04-04-04, 04:40 PM	not as good. 11+str bonus
jeajea 04-04-04, 05:59 PM	The man shouts at Gaespard impatiently, "No, no! Down that alley there!" He points to an alleyway. --- The man writhes out from under Strom, then makes a stab at the dwarf with his wicked dagger before trying another attempt to run for it. In his haste, his blow goes far, far wide of the dwarf - to Strom's relief - and Strom has an opportunity to strike the man while his guard is down just before he flees. As do the rest - and the thieves take the chance. A few hit, their hits astoundingly well placed as they use their special training to aim their bows. One thief, seemingly the leader, however does not follow suit. Instead, he begins examining Jeera, who is turning a decidely green shade.
strom griftor 04-04-04, 08:06 PM	Having no weapon handy, as he tackled the man instead of attacking with his axe, armin punches at the man, his arm missing wide ((not a 1, but pretty damned close! heh))
Myranthor 04-05-04, 09:25 AM	Turning around, using the alreadygathered speed to jump in another direction, I followed the new direction, cursing under my breath both because of the man's imprecision, and how stupid I probably looked. (OOC: Jea, could you give me what I do see upon arrival? I preferred not to read the precedent posts (as my character wasn't suposed to know what happened), and a new overall view of the battle would be pretty useful, I think. Thanks)
jeajea 04-08-04, 07:17 AM	As Gaespard arrives on the combat, he looks the situation over and makes an assessment. --- For the rest, a man... another man... appears at the end of the alleyway, framed by the light coming from the street. He can't be clearly made out, but he looks like he's in a hurry. The man who shouted may have been calling to this individual. The robed man is completely missed by Strom, and makes for the entrance of the alleyway, straight into and apparently through the man at the end. Gaespard is barged forcibly to one side in the robed man's desperation to get away. Some thieves persue, reloading their crossbows as they go. It also seems that Saera has been left stunned that she's actually used a spell in combat... a look of shock at herself sits on her features. (( Maybe... or feel free to veto that, Saera. ))
Myranthor 04-08-04, 08:02 AM	Panicked, I swiftly unsheathed my thin blade from its leather scabbard, only to find myself pushed aside by a demented, robed man, the one who held in his clenched handa green, sickening dagger. It almost seemed to me that his small weaopn itself was more than it was, a cruel, lethal blade with sharp, pointy teeth on its side, made to thrust the flesh, and to come from it while distorting, tearing the skin of the poor victim. Sent against a nearby wall, noticing how some men were already pursuing him, and recognizing some of these men as people I could get information from, if the need rose in an ulterior day, I decided to let him go, concentrating my attention on those still in front of me. I approached the small battlefield, looking at each of its principal actors : the grappling dwarf, the shoeless lady, the silent other woman. They were a diverse, if not strange group, all standing over Jeera,s lying body. She was resting on the ground, her skin tainted with a greenish, threatening hue. "Huh.....Looks like we should carry her to a temple, hum?"
strom griftor 04-08-04, 03:09 PM	Angered by his missed attack, Strom scrambles to his feet and picks up his battle axe. He glares at the newcomer. "Take 'er to the temple? Moradin help me." Strom shakes his head brandishing his axe, not really in a threatening manner, at the newcomer. "Yer a quick one, ain't ye? Ye let th' attacker walk right by ye, and then ye come up with th' obvious." He slings his axe, and gently checks Jeera. Regardless of her condition, he looks at saera and the newcomer. "Well, don't jus be standin' there. Help me get her to a healer!"
Myranthor 04-08-04, 03:19 PM	Reassured now that the violent fight was done, I put back my sharp sword in its sheath, protecting both it and the surroundings from any unwitted damage. I walked to Jeera's side, ready to lift her body along with the dwarf. "Is it just an impression, or you ain't running after him either, accomplishing only the obvious?"
Saera 04-08-04, 09:41 PM	Saera blinks out of her surprise, looking at Strom and Gaespard. "We didn't stop him? All of the men here and you jumping on him and you being in his way and the wounds the sheriff gave him and my bit of magic and the boot... and... and... and everything!.. and he still got away?!" She starts to stare down the alleyway again in her astonishment but then catches the actual words that the two are exchanging. "Oh none of that!" she says quickly. "She needs help, not bickering!" Saera will aid where she can but knows she's not the strongest one around. And knowing Strom to also be a newcomer, she looks to Gaespard and the now bootless woman. "Do you know this place? Where's the closest healer likely to be found?" (( no problem, Jea... Saera's player is unfortunately often stunned right now by the amount of work for a project that goes live the end of this month... hard to do anything else that actually requires thought :( ))
jeajea 04-09-04, 08:03 AM	(( No worries, Saera. )) The robed man is chased off into the distance. Meanwhile, the rest are busy with Jeera. The leader of the thieve's guild, for those that know him, has remained behind. He's clearly very concerned about Jeera... --- (( Time Lapse )) The group stood outside the room Jeera has been put in for a while. The clerics at the Temple of Pelor say they don't know whether she'll wake up soon - or even whether she'll survive. The head priest then decided to take them to his office off to one side of the temple, and is currently talking to the group. "It's not any kind of poison I've ever encountered before. It looks like it was home-made, and as such, we have no idea how to cure it. What was this unidentified assailant like? Can any of you remember any of his or her features?" The leader of the thieves guild, who has now identified himself as such to the group (calling himself 'Reet') speaks up. "I sent a few people after him. I hope they can catch him - I think he was on his last legs. I can't wait around to talk, either - I must go and wait for word of what's happened. I will be in touch as soon as I can be. Gaespard, can I leave you to explain the special status of my guild to these fine people? It's vital the Civic Guard don't find out about us. We may be your only way of retrieving vital information - meet me at the guildhouse later today, okay?" With which, he turns and almost jogs out of the temple. AS he leaves, a younger thief - Marl'ver - arrives. He takes a seat with the rest, giving Saera and Strom a little nod. He whispers to them, "I went to see Nigel... have some info for you, but let's deal with this first." (( Anyone who wants to do something else, please just do so... I'll edit this appropriately. Thankies. ))
Laihndred Evennon 04-09-04, 03:19 PM	Laihndred memorized the features of the attacker and his mode of dress and then slunk off into the shadows again. She watched the alleyway for a while looking at everyone and commiting their features and dress to memory. There was too much going on, it would have to be sorted out later. She saw the others who had run to the sherriff's aid being escorted inside and looked around for another way in. She did not think anyone had seen her part in this and didn't think anyone would beleive her if she tried to explain, but she had to know what was happening. Slinking around a bit, she collected her shoes and put them back on and then looked for a handy window. ((I am going to just say she found away to be eavesdropping on what was said to the rest about the Sherrif without actually being in the room...or if in the room, concealed. ))
strom griftor 04-11-04, 05:42 PM	::before the pause:: The dwarf looks up at Myranthor with a slight smirk. "d'ye be thinkin' these legs be fer runnin'? I dinna think so. Besides, yerself just stood there when he done ran past ye. But thats done been. gimme a hand" Strom and the others get her to the healer. ::after the pause:: Strom remains quite, mulling the recent events over in his head. He nods absently to Marl. the dwarf's thoughts were on the owner of the shoes. He saw the shoes, but not the barefooted owner. He rubs his chin as he awaits word from the healers
jeajea 04-13-04, 03:52 AM	(( Laihn - it'd be difficult for her to sneak into a temple and into one of the rooms without being noticed, and it's a room somewhere (quite pointedly) where there are no windows, as it's not on any edge of the building, precisely to prevent spying. I doubt she'd have the skill to perform this sort of quality sneaking... )) The priest looks round at them. "Well, can you remember any of his features?"
Myranthor 04-13-04, 08:21 AM	What a kind of difficult situation. Easily I could speak of the guild's particular status to those with me, if Reet trustfully asked me to do so. Yet, caught in the hallowed temple, surrounded by clerics composing one of the most gentle, most benigh faith throughout the Realm, I doubted the moment was the best one. A sweet relief came when, from the shy silence that was casted upon us, a strong voice came, interrupting the senseless current of my chaotic thoughts. "Huh? Whose features? The man with the dagger?"
strom griftor 04-13-04, 02:52 PM	Strom groans. "No. The big dragon with th' pointy teeth and wings. o' course the man with th' dagger." The dwarf runs a hand through his beard. "He was human, and a priestly sort. I dinna get a chance ta see a symbol, but his robes be black and th' man hisself was pretty slick, wormin' round and got out from under meself quick like." ((Jea, I would assume, after having tackled the fellow, that Strom would be able to describe his facial features, what with being in such close proximity, and wrestling with him.)) After he finishes describing what he saw, he changes topics. "how be th' sherrif?"
jeajea 04-14-04, 02:18 PM	The elderly priest nods. "Hmm, yes. I shall take note of this... Jeera is unwell. As I said, the poison used is a strange one - we have no idea whether we can help her. She may have to fight it off herself. We'll do what we can, certainly."
strom griftor 04-18-04, 07:39 PM	Strom sighs and stands up, looking at Saera and Marl'vor. "Well, ain't nuthin' we can be doin sittin' here. C'mon Marl. Take us to whoever it be that ye talked ta." Strom nods to the clerical type. "Moradin's strength guide yer spells. Lemme know if her condition changes." then he looks back at the two to see if they are coming along or not
Laihndred Evennon 04-19-04, 01:41 PM	There was no way in. Laihndred sighed. There was only one way she could think of to find out what was going on. She waited for the dwarf and the woman and that Gaespard fellow to make their appearance. They had to leave at some point. She hoped they would welcome her help. Well, they'd probably accept my help faster then the deputies who are going to be suspicious of everyone now. Damn my ill luck in being the only one not seen heloping the sherrif.
jeajea 04-19-04, 05:35 PM	The young thief, Marl'ver, does his best to look utterly cool and nonchalant, but he's plainly got something he very much wants to share. But he's unwilling, it seems, to do so in the temple, for fear of people overhearing. His suggestion is that they all go to the guildhall where Nigel, the town's sage, will meet them.
Saera 04-19-04, 10:10 PM	Saera nods in agreement with the dwarf. "You're right. It's up to the healers and the fates now." She nods with short politeness to the priest, then goes out with the others. At the suggestion of meeting place she looks over at Marl. "Are we allowed? I thought such halls were only for the members? Fine, fine, wherever." She also looks at the dwarf with an air of mild accusation. "You didn't tell him about the woman with the boots. Or rather, the lack of boots now, since she kept throwing them at the robed man. I wonder if she got them back? Or what happened to her at all, she didn't come with the rest of us into the temple." "Though if she wants to keep out of it by now, I understand perfectly. This must be connected to the murders and we're probably now in danger ourselves for getting involved."
jeajea 04-20-04, 08:59 AM	Marl blinks at Saera, "Allowed? Uhh... oh! Oh, ahh... sure..." He's obviously flustered and uncertain.
Laihndred Evennon 04-20-04, 01:15 PM	As soon as she sees the dwarf and the caster, she moves over to them with a slight sigh, absently tugging one of her braids. "How is the sherrif?" She asked concernedly. "She didn't look too well back in that alley." This was bold of her, she knew, approaching these strangers like this. But they had been trying to help the sherrif too...she had to believe they were also on the right side of this conflict.
strom griftor 04-20-04, 03:12 PM	Strom pauses, folding his arms across his barrel shaped chest, looking at Saera. When she finishes talking, he speaks up. "Ye done? good. First, I dinna know what boots yer talkin about. I was a bit busy. Secondly, if there was another one around, they was of no use. at least not that I could see." He looks at Marl "C'mon then." The dwarf takes one step and stops, looking at the braid tugger. "who be ye? and what be yer concern with th' sherrif." Reaches over his shoulder towards the hilt of his axe. "or are ye here ta finish th' job?" Strom's eyes narrow slightly as he looks at her.
jeajea 04-20-04, 03:33 PM	(( Notes as the DM that Laihndred stayed in the shadows and you will not recognise her. Her boots, on the other hand... ))
Laihndred Evennon 04-20-04, 03:46 PM	Laihndred sighs, looking a trifle embarassed and raises her skirt just enough to show off her stout farm shoes. "Maybe had I decided to fight with more then just shoes and aim, I might have stopped that blackguard from getting away. I wanted to see the sheriff about the trouble in this town and help if I could. I only hope what aid we gave did not come too late." She spreads her hands. "I want to see this...menace stopped. Before any more are hurt."
strom griftor 04-20-04, 04:32 PM	((forgets. is she armed or armored in anyway? appearing like a mage or cleric perhaps? or simply a lass in a dress with a set of hurling shoes? heh))
Myranthor 04-20-04, 09:52 PM	Hastily, I reached fr both the antipathic dwarf and the arcane caster, hoping to follow them, as well as Marl. As soon as we got outside of the Great temple, shining altar dedicated to Pelor's radiant glory, the obviously ungifted warrior got by a poor, unfortunate damsel, harrassing her with rude, agressive accusations. A hand fell upon Moradin's son, a voice echoing through his ears: "Couldn't you be gentler in your manners, soldier? You are adressing a woman, and courtesy should be a must to observe and cherish." A brief, quick sign of the head, offered to Laihndred, closed my small intervention.
Myranthor 04-20-04, 09:58 PM	Hastily, I reached fr both the antipathic dwarf and the arcane caster, hoping to follow them, as well as Marl. As soon as we got outside of the Great temple, shining altar dedicated to Pelor's radiant glory, the obviously ungifted warrior got by a poor, unfortunate damsel, harrassing her with rude, agressive accusations. A hand fell upon Moradin's son, a voice echoing through his ears: "Couldn't you be gentler in your manners, soldier? You are adressing a woman, and courtesy should be a must to observe and cherish." A brief, quick sign of the head, offered to Laihndred, closed my small intervention.
strom griftor 04-21-04, 06:20 PM	Strom looks to Laihndred, at the moment ignoring Myranthor. "ye be wantin ta help? fine. ye can help." turns a frown to Myranthor. "look, lad. Yer knowledge o me kin is obviously limited. that was bein curtious. Where I be from, the women folk fight alongside o the men folk, and would be takin offense ifen yer was polite." He looks at the entire group gathered. "Now, we be goin? or we be standin around yammerin 'bout stuff that don't get us nowhere? With Moradin's blessin, we be wrappin this up in no time" With a grin, partially hidden by his beard, he turns and heads towards the direction Marl indicated.
jeajea 04-21-04, 06:39 PM	Marl'ver stares after Strom, somewhat non-plussed. He makes haste to follow, pulling his hood up and not looking anyone in the eye. As he does so, a man comes out from the temple. Jerril. He calls after them, "No, stop! The guildhall isn't safe, there's an infiltrator amongst the rogues there. You have to meet elsewhere. They know you're coming... the rogues that followed the robed man you described, they came back injured. Apprently, someone knew everything about them, and had told the robed man... who could then easily enough handle them. They had to run for their lives..." Marl is standing stockstill, looking back at Jerril. He's staring intently from under his hood. "How do you know this?", he inquires. "Reet told me - he's busy trying to uncover the double crosser now, though it won't do any good. They know the deception has been discovered, and have informed the town guard of the location of the guildhall. It'll be raided in just a moment, and all the rogues officially arested, I don't doubt..." Marl'ver's jaw drops. He looks stunned. Then he take out a dagger and turns away. "No!" The single, solitary cry of a desperate and dessolate man... he's crying. "I'll kill them... I will, I'll... I'll..." Jerril, meanwhile, looks at Laihndred meaningfully. "Why have you gotten involved in this? This will get you all killed. Laihn... I can't..." He shakes his head mournfully, then looks at the rest. "Go away, out of towners. Your deeds are noble, but I suspect this is far over your heads..."
strom griftor 04-21-04, 08:27 PM	Strom blinks. "An infiltrater eh?" He then looks at Marl and reaches up, cuffing him, not to gently upside the shoulder "Grow up boy. ye be cryin like a babe, yer no use t' us. snap out of it." He then looks back at Jerril "I be in this from th' start. th' sherrif tol' me herself ta gather a group and begin me own investigation. a non-biased one at that. so ye be tellin us ta leave all ye want, but it ain't gonna happen. Moradin's hand is in this now, and He will be seein justice done." Strom looks to the group, glaring slightly at the sobbing Marl "Yer all be wantin ta continue, or go home and hope fer a peaceful, dull life?" ((Gone fer 6 days. back tuesday night))
Thogroar 04-21-04, 09:18 PM	A Large, Barrell chested man walks out of the temple doors. He has his black hair cut close, but clearly has a few day's growth of beard on his face. One would say that he looks like he had seen better days, but you're not sure if he has. He looks scarred in many places, and carrys a greatsword on his back with ease. On his chest is the glorious symbol of his GodHe surveys the assembled adventurers with hard eyes. "You people look armed! What are you doing here?"
Laihndred Evennon 04-22-04, 01:17 PM	Laihndred moved to embrace Jerril. "The dwarf is right, you know. This menace must be stopped. No one here is safe until we do." She looked up into his face. "I think I am safer among these people trying to stop this then I would be at market in a town with such troubles, or even on the road going home. I swear to you I will take the utmost care." She hugged him. "You should be resting after yesterday, but before that, is there anything more you can tell us? Anything that might help?"
jeajea 04-22-04, 01:32 PM	The barrel chested man who has just walked out from the temple to the party is not a Pelorite - on the contrary, he has the symbol of Kord on his chest. Jerril smiles wanely to Laihndred and shakes his head again. "Laihn... I have something to tell you... you may want to... sit down." He ignores the strange look he gets from her and makes her sit. "You see, while in this temple, visiting my father... I've heard thing. Woodcutters have come back with stories a lot, but a few... Laihn, the outer farms have been raised to the ground. You farm too... I'm so sorry... we'll... we'll get these people, Laihn. We won't let this..." In the meantime, Marl has calmed down and begun listening again. He stands behind Strom and looks at everyone. He then addresses the priest of Kord. His words are uneven and unsure, but very passionate. "Sir, we are a group... we... some of us have just experienced personal insults and losses... there's some evil hanging around... I for one am determined to find it and root it out. And I believe most of the people here share my mind. I think we are a band of adventurers now, setting out... to... do good." Strom ((now being NPC'd for a bit until his player returns...)) narrows his eyes at Marl. "C'mon, lad - Moradin tells me we should find tha' town sage." He nods stoutly to the rest and then departs with Marl.
Laihndred Evennon 04-22-04, 01:41 PM	Something was wrong. Jerril was not himself. She eyed the dwarf and then looked back. "All the more reason for me to go along!" She stood. "You take care of yourself ok?" With that she moved off after the dwarf and Marl. When she catches them up she says, "The sage, hmm? Well I suppose if anyone can shed light on this...." She sounds a trifle angry as she walks along.
jeajea 04-22-04, 01:48 PM	"Laihndred? What are you doing? Where are you going? Laihn...!?"
Laihndred Evennon 04-22-04, 01:49 PM	If Laihndred heard anyone call after her, she made no sign.
Thogroar 04-22-04, 03:59 PM	The Barrell chested man looks surprised. "Evil? Am I so new in town that I haven't heard of this Evil?"
Myranthor 04-22-04, 05:27 PM	Fluently, I spoke back to the uscled man, informing him of my own, personnal eexperiences, lived within the last days. "I guess the deep root, the fire sparkle that ignited the sordid inferno we're caught in is a demonic assassination, the threat to peace this community suffered lately, when respected members of the community, esteemed laborers, were killed, left silent to be found by no other than I, in their own home. There, a breathtaking apparition seized me, when two eerie, translucent apparitions rose in thin air, frightening, ghosts trailing hallucinating auras, spreading a chilling impression to my unbelieving eyes. From this moment, bizarre events appeared in town, the Sheriff got attacked, civic guards came in to strnghten the forces of the local guards, etc. Such a threat is beyond most of those who live here, and never should've fallen such a heavy burden upon their unexercized shoulders. "
Thogroar 04-23-04, 08:59 PM	The tall man smiles grimly. "It would sound as if a war is brewing, then. I thank Kord that I will have the priveledge of witnessing it. All that die will contribute to the greater glory of Kord."
Saera 04-26-04, 09:49 PM	Saera looks over at Thorgroar as if he's missing some vital piece of brain function. "We're not out to kill anyone! We're trying to find out who killed two others. Investigators, not murderers ourselves." She examines Gaespard critically as well. "And you. Did you talk like that before you saw the ghosts? Or are you still in some sort of shock? This isn't some bardic tale, it's just life." Her voice continues but now pitched to herself rather than to the other two: "The elf is surprised to tears because his thieves guild is arrested? What type of town is this?! And the dwarf is off to, to what? are we looking for the sage again? Good! But I'll swear to all, the boot woman seems the only one that talks normal sense around here." And she seems the only one that now has some interest in what originally concerned Saera. At least if what destroyed both farms was the same, which seemed not only possible but almost certain. So best to stick with her and see what information can be gathered through her contacts even if means putting up with the rest of the motley group. Trying not to sigh too deeply, Saera follows the three already on their way to the mage, hurrying to catch up.
jeajea 04-27-04, 06:19 AM	The head Pelorite comes from out the temple and places his hand on Kord's servant's shoulder. He murmers, "I'll be willing to discuss this when the business here is done. I suggest, if you wish us to enter conversation, that you help these people achieve what they're trying to achieve. Now go, there is nothing further for you here until we can take our minds from fighting the effects of these events and talk more of politics and diplomacy once more." He smiles to the Kordite, then turns back to walk into the temple. --- Saera catches up with the rest. The dwarf has a look of determination on his face, which is turning a little red with frustration. Marl'ver straides alongside him, his hood hiding his face for the embarassment he feels.
Laihndred Evennon 04-27-04, 01:32 PM	She glances at Saera when she joins them and then asks in a low voice. "Is the sherrrif allright?" She asks with concern.
Thogroar 04-27-04, 05:27 PM	The man smiles up at the Pelorite. "Of course, of course. My first duty is to do what my church has asked of me, for that will further the glory of Kord all the more."
Myranthor 04-27-04, 06:21 PM	"Much good will it be for the Muscular ruler of Ysgard, but even more will it be if we'd unsettle from here, part from our sedentary position, and reach the remainder of our brave company." I quickly gasped, following these few words with an inviting gesture towards the kordite and a run, as I tried tor each the investigative outsiders.
Saera 04-28-04, 05:01 PM	Saera shrugs as she catches Laihndred's question. "They don't know if she'll be alright or not. They don't know what the poison is, they don't know what to do about it, they don't know if she'll be able to fight it off herself, they don't know much of anything it seems." She looks over at Gaespard as he catches up. "You're coming along too?" She mutters, "Great.. " then briefly tries to make it a more positive statement. "Great news."
Laihndred Evennon 04-28-04, 06:50 PM	Laihndred sighs. "In that case, I hope this next source of information proves more...informative." With that she fell silent as they walked. She had a lot to think about.
jeajea 04-29-04, 03:45 AM	Strom stops walking abruptly. "So, are weh goin' to the sage's house, or the guildhouse?"
strom griftor 04-29-04, 02:31 PM	errr.....yeah. Strom taps his foot impatiantly awaiting an answer. ((read that as: ok, I am back into the swing of things now. thanx jea!))
Saera 04-29-04, 02:52 PM	Saera looks from Strom to Marl in mild confusion. "The sage's house, of course? Why would we go off to what's going to be an empty guildhall? Besides, the guards are likely to keep watching it to try to catch anyone they miss in the first sweep. And we couldn't possibly stop it in time."
jeajea 04-29-04, 03:56 PM	Marl'ver cringes slightly, but steels himself and suggests, "Right, then. Sage's house, it is. Unless he was picked up... he did say he'd meet us at the guildhall. But we can try going to his house." (( Time lapse, in which I am going to assume that Thogroar's character catches up with the ground and follows them, and that they all agree to try the sage's house. )) Nigel's house, the nicest and best kept house on the street it's in, stands empty and forboding. The door is closed, and only silence greets the band of adventurers from inside the house. However, two Civic Guardsmen stand watch outside the house. They are armed with longswords and spears, and are wearing chainmail. This is unusually heavy arms and armour... "Oi, what yer starin' at? Move along." (( Another time lapse. I assume the party will try to engage the guards; this they fail in. The guards are uninterested, and even threatening when the party persists. Hence, the party, not wishing to commit an unlawful act, is forced to give up. One of them has told the party clearly that a state of emergency has been declared, and that all public are to attend a general meeting at ten the following day. I assume that the party does so. We continue at the meeting... if anyone has something else they want to do, either email or post and I'll edit and rearrange appropriately. )) The morning sun is rising in the sky. It's a chilly morning, however, and the remnants of a thick early morning fog still hang in the air, making distant objects grey. The party stands in a field, just outside the front gates of Colmsville, where a hasty stage has been erected, and where the entire city council and the acting sheriff, Field General Elmur Tarsh, who stands on a small podium on the stage. His voice has been magically augmented, and booms out to every citizen, clearly audiable. "A state of emergency has been called upon this town. I have assumed authority over it, as the protected assigned by the land's ruler himself. The council now answer to me, not the Lord Mayor Atar em Teluuving of Greyhawk. I declare martial law onto the town until these problems have been remedied. My garrison is now the town's official law." Behind him, the Children of Colmsville, the council, are talking rapidly. A few have paled, and the whole crowd is restless. A dull anger is very clear, and the Civic Guards circling the citizens all bristle. "You should be informed, the town's sheriff, Jeera Kindling, seems to be afflicted severly. Her life was reportedly saved by some adventurers, but her attacker has not been identified. Nerman Twill, the town's smithy, is, like Jeera, in a critical condition. The priests are not hopeful about their chances." He pauses for effect, then continues with a renewed burst of passionate energy, "I will find the evil-doers. I will root them out, and in the name of great Kord, I will destroy this evil totally. My troops will annihilate it and remove it from the face of the Oerth. Be warned at my vengence! The sheriff and smithy will be avenged!" The crowd takes this in, and seems uncertain for a few moments. Tarsh hammers the point home. "Blood will flow! The banner of justice will fly high! Order will be restored!" The citizens' attitudes seem to have changed. a few start clapping, and as the clapping gathers speed, cheers break out and soon the entire town is applauding Tarsh. His next few words are incomprehensible. It doesn't last long, however. Through the crowd, the party see a soldier onto the stage and whisper something to Tarsh. He nods and makes some gestures, then shouts, cutting across the crowd's cheers, "Inside! Get inside the town walls, there's an army attacking!" Chaos descends... a rush for the gates...
strom griftor 04-29-04, 07:36 PM	Strom mumbles under his breath as the man speaks to the gathered crowd. "this dinna be soundin good. I be gettin a bad feelin' 'bout this whole deal." He listens for a while, occassionally shooting Marl a glare if he thinks the theifly one pays too much attention to an unsuspecting pouch. His eyes widen, however, as the word of the attacking army is given. "Ahh....Moradin be praised. somethin' finally be happenin" He grins at Marl "c'mon then, a battle awaits. Glorious death in the service of good awaits us!" And, without waiting, Strom turns and begins to move, not with the frantic civilians, but towards the direction the soldiers are heading
Thogroar 04-29-04, 08:50 PM	Dessappo, who had been following the party for the duration, nods in approval to the man's speech. However, upon seeing that the popular oppinion is differend, he calms down a bit. He looks to his companions for guidance.
Laihndred Evennon 04-29-04, 11:11 PM	Laihndred make an exasperated noise. "I can use the sword, but I am no soldier." She looked at her companions. "Fight if you like, I am going to stay in the city and...search...as best I can. I need answers." There was a terible determination in her eyes.
jeajea 04-30-04, 06:30 AM	Marl grabs at Strom, "Nono, you don't just march in my dwarvish friend. We don't split up. We die, in my opinion, if we split up. So we must discuss this, right now. I'm for finding out who this atttacking army is, by following the soldiers at a distance. But not getting involved. There's something smelly about this whole thing, I want to know what it is." He glances around. A peasant or two push through the party, and the rush for the gate is becoming violent and frenzied. The guards at the gate are being ignored totally. Then, a figure clad in dark robes approaches the party through the throng. He walks quickly, but Laihndred and Saera notice, with a limp. Strom catches a glimse of the person's face, it's not the assassin of before. All he can tell beyond that is that it's a man. The man reaches the party. "Hail, saviours of Jeera. I am the deputy sheriff, and by rights the acting sheriff of this town. And I have some information for you - because I have no confidence in Field General Tarsh. But first, allow me to introduce myself, I am Deputy Bexwaith, Larn Bexwaith. If you'll trust me, I suggest we move towards that forest over there; it's there that this evil stems from, not from this so-called invading army."
Myranthor 04-30-04, 10:38 PM	I jerked off to face the man, confronting him with patient eyes, raising my meger arms upon my chest. Almost comically, I inclined my head, studying him carefully, detailing him under the crutiny of an intense scanning. Few words, rather calm and poised, slipped from my moving lips, new challenge to uphold for the newcomer. "And is your official title accompanied with any official insignia, or proof of the status you claim to have?" (OOC: I think I had sense motive. Would you make the check and PM me the results, Jea?)
strom griftor 05-01-04, 02:58 PM	Strom glares at Marl'vor as he is grabbed, but says nothing, listening to the elfling speak. "Yer thinkin' I be for snoopin' around? do I look like a sneak, Sneak?" Strom glances at the newcomer, and pauses, listening to him speak. He nods with approval at Myranthor's question and looks back to the deputy, awaiting a response.
jeajea 05-02-04, 04:04 PM	"Aha... you haven't taken much note of the town's workings? Just a place to sing and entertain audiences? I've been to many of your performances, and I'm disgusted by your question. Not as much of a bard as I thought. Never the less, here's your proof; I present it for the out of towners, more than for you, Gaespard." And indeed, he pulls out a badge, some papers and an amulet with the town's official emblem on it. "However, all of these things can be forged, so you will have to choose whether to accept my advice or not. I suggest, though, that... well, your options are limited. The sheriff and sage are both under arrest from the Civic guards, and are inaccesible to you. The smithy, Ironfist, is not yet awake. I, myself, have a bounty on my head - they want me behind bars. So choose. Tie me up and deliver me, or listen to me. I pray that you'll make the correct decision." He shrugs some, and awaits their reply.
Laihndred Evennon 05-04-04, 01:03 PM	Laihndred eyed the man warily when he first spoke. Is anyone trustworthy here?! She nodded when Gaespard asked his question and listened carefully to the answer. Well...this gets more difficult by the moment. She studied the man's face, as she studied customers in the market, trying to gauge his mood and sincerity. ((DM sir? Anything she can tell?))
Saera 05-06-04, 12:28 PM	Looking on, and listening closely, Saera shakes her head. "You've given us two choices, Deputy Bexwaith, but we don't have to take either of them. Neither turn you over nor follow you, we could simply ignore you and do what we think is best. "But you're right in one thing. No army is responsible for sneaking into a town and attacking the blacksmith and his sons. And not even likely to be responsible for what's happening to the farms. An army might raze them, yes, but they'd do it openly and claim responsibility to prove their strength and demoralize those around. That hasn't happened. She looks him over again and challenges. "But if you've more information on that, maybe you should tell us now? It might sway others here to your side. I wouldn't turn you over. But they might."
Laihndred Evennon 05-06-04, 05:48 PM	Laihndred couldn't see a lie in the man's eyes, but she was still wary. She grinned inwardly at Saera's question and waited for the answer.
jeajea 05-06-04, 06:17 PM	"I don't know about this 'army'. If you ask me, it's some devilry that Tarsh has come up with. He's making a bid to take over rule of the town, and I think he's just succeeded, right here. All Jeera's men, myself included, are to be involuntarily detained, or killed if they offer resistance. You judge for yourself whether that sounds like the actions of a sane man, to decree that this must be so." He shakes his head. "I didn't ask you to follow me, out of towner. Just to listen to me." Marl'ver, meanwhile, sulks off to one side. There appear to be a few people being crushed in the rushing for the gates, and off in the distance, from the north west, a faint cloud of smoke can be made out. The townsfolk are merely spurred into a greater frenzy by this...
strom griftor 05-06-04, 07:12 PM	Strom nods "Aye. It be makin sense now. Get yerself an army, attack a town, and while th' town is busy savin' its arse, take it over from th' inside." The dwarf unslings his axe and hefts in in readiness. "Ye make sense." He looks to the others. "I be thinkin we best be movin, afor this Tars er his cronies be spottin us. We can be discussin this futher in a more secluded spot." He looks back at Bexwith. "ye stay where I can keep an eye on yerself." Strom motions towards a secluded alley (or someplace secluded) where they can talk safely. He then looks at Marl'vor. "Ey, sneak. quit yer mopin and get over here. I be thinkin I got a job fer yer type."
Thogroar 05-07-04, 10:29 PM	The man looks at the dwarf approvingly, liking his thought patterns. "Aye, we'd best be going. Nothing will be gained by just standing here."
jeajea 05-08-04, 05:49 AM	Strom indicated to a patch of trees that begins to lead into a forest further in. It's to the north of the party, who are to the north of the streams of people themselves. Larn Bexwaith nods and marches over to them. Marl looks at Strom quizically. "Ahh... yes?" (( DM's note: We're close to going from 'The Prequel' to 'Chapter One' ;) ))
Myranthor 05-08-04, 07:57 AM	That whole story, more and more, grew to become surprisingly complicated, if not so unlikely that it dramatically greew absurd, unfeasible. Firstly, two men diedwere deviously, subtly assassinated, coldly murdered in their own home. An impressive link of tragic causes and sad consequences led to the present situation, a problematic, strange one. Why would anyone want desire to take control of a community as simple as ours? Who would open all these efforts, those of hiring sneaky murderers, of sending in fascist civic guards, of carefully removing our one Sherriff, instead of removing her officially. How could someone control the civic guards, hire a whole army, yet not possess the power to harmlessly remove the Sherrif? Nevertheless, I followed ethe others, interested in what could reveal the Deputy.
strom griftor 05-08-04, 07:58 PM	Strom smirks at Marl'vor. "Not yet lad, but soon. If me hunch be right, yerself'll be earnin'y er spot in yer 'guild' soon. The dwarf moves with the deputy, keeping him within arm's reach, or at least within reach of his axe.
jeajea 05-10-04, 09:44 AM	"I will? Ooh! Why Hey, what do you mean?"
Saera 05-10-04, 05:10 PM	Saera looks at the elf and shakes her head in a pitying fashion. Then she looks at Strom as if to say something but stops certain words barely in time. . o O (... doubt if he's going to be good for anything....but maybe the dwarf thinks so too, and is going to send him off where he'll be harmlessly out of the way... ) Instead she says only, "Good to stay out of the town, even if there is an army. Better than being trapped. We're a small enough group to get by them if need be." She looks over at the smoke before they enter the grove of trees, wondering if another farm is lost. And from what cause.
Laihndred Evennon 05-11-04, 11:08 AM	Laihndred followed warily. She wanted answers. Quickly.
Thogroar 05-11-04, 06:34 PM	The man of Kord follows, eager for something to break the slow pace that the negotiations had been going at. ~E
jeajea 05-12-04, 01:53 PM	"Very well. As far as I can tell reguarding these thi-" The Deputy is cut short. The ground has started moving. A light shuddering. "What in the hells!?" The movement increases, growing in force, until the party find themselves unable to stand. Some trees uproot and fall over. An earthquake...
Thogroar 05-12-04, 07:14 PM	Dessapa starts to look around frantically, and his hand clutches over the holy symbol on his chest. ~E
jeajea 05-13-04, 06:04 AM	(( Reflexes save, DC 20, to remain standing. As this is a non-lethal thing, and only reflects poorly on your character (non-coolness of falling over? ;) ) if they fail, you can roll it yourselves and just RP the result. ))
Laihndred Evennon 05-13-04, 02:28 PM	Laihndred tumbles over, trying to catch her self on her hands, but landing painfully on her shoulder instead. ((With your permission DM, sir)) She casts a slighlty beleaguered look at the sky. Anything else?!
strom griftor 05-13-04, 04:32 PM	((just missed, so will take a wee bit o liberty?)) Strom bellows out a curse as the ground begins to shake violently. He falls, but only to one knee, his axe acting as a crutch to prevent his complete bellyflop. his first thought is one of his home and the dangers with tunnelling and mining. . o O(What the? A cave in?) He shakes his head . o O(it canna be) He looks about, still down on one knee, to see what may next rear its ugly head, and keeping an eye on the deputy
Saera 05-13-04, 04:32 PM	"Oh for... " Saera throws herself to the ground intentionally and curls up protectively, trying to provide as small a target as possible for any falling trees. ((my intention before you'd posted about saving throws :) ))
Myranthor 05-17-04, 06:42 PM	"What is it, now?" Shaking, the ground sent on his back the young bard, helpless, awaiting for Erath's solid skin to stop suffering.
jeajea 05-18-04, 02:31 PM	The deputy also, dalls to his knees. After a minute or so, the movement stops. The deputy looks shaken... (( boom boom )) ...and pale. He remains on his knees, and stutters forth, "Go. That way, into the forest... look for a clearing. Follow the stench of death. An abandoned temple that has new residents. The ones you are looking for are preists and monks of a strange God. Go. I will... be in the forest, somewhere, hiding from Tarsh. If you can, find the ranger who's been investigating this group - he's in the forest somewhere, and is the one who alerted Jeera and her deputies to this group. He might be able to help, and explain a little. Here... take this map... and these potions... and go." He hands Strom a map and three potions of transluscent blueish liquid. "Some curative magics from the Pelorites..."
Thogroar 05-18-04, 04:09 PM	The priest had miraculously stayed standing, though he had to use a tree for support. He loosens the peace-ties on his greatsword, and then looks to Strom. "Should we divide up the potions? Kord teaches that it is Better to have them split up, unless one of us is.... lost" ~E
strom griftor 05-19-04, 04:58 PM	Strom uses his axe to push himself to his feet. he slings it and takes the items, handing them to the priest. He looks back at the Deputy and grabs ahold of his jerkin, and brings him close, so their faces are scant inches apart. "I dinna be likin' this, or be trustin' ye one bit. Ye prove ta be lyin' or sendin' us to a trap, ye best make yerself scarce." He releases the deputy and looks to the assembled group. He grips his axe a few times, looking at them, then nods "Moradin speaks in strange ways, but we take what we can from his words. We best be gittin' afore that army gets closer." With that, he turns and heads towards the direction pointed out by the deputy. He glances over his shoulder at the deputy briefly, then looks away in the direction he is heading, not bothering to look to see if the others are following or not
Saera 05-23-04, 11:31 AM	"Wait!" Saera calls after the dwarf as she gets back up to her feet, then she looks around at the others in bewilderment. "We're just going to believe this? Take his word that the potions are for healing? Join this ranger, if we can even find him? And what are we actually supposed to do about these priests and monks?" But if Strom keeps going off, she'll follow, even if reluctantly. . o O (Alright, I want answers! and though I'd rather get them from someone else, it looks like that's not going to work... so off on this, well, not wild-goose chase... mad-monk chase?)
strom griftor 05-23-04, 02:46 PM	The headstrong dwarf pauses and looks back at her and the others. "look, first I was gonna stay and fight th' attackin' army. no one liked that idea. Then I was gonna go find this temple. ye dinna like that idea either, it seems." He looks at the deputy. "Ok. Ye hold him down, and i'll smash him with me axe. then we have him drink a potion ta see if it be a healin' potion. How be that soundin'?" He looks at the others. "None o ye seem ta be wantin to do anythin's so I decided ta do somethin'. If'n ye gets yerself a better idea, I be willin ta listen, but fer right now, stayin put is a bad idea. Now, are ye a comin' or stayin'?"
Saera 05-23-04, 04:31 PM	. o O (Sure!) "No! Don't hit him!" Saera said quickly. "If it works, it's a waste of the potion and if it doesn't, well, he's not done us any harm... directly... yet." She didn't add the notion that a blow from the dwarf's axe might need more than one potion to fix fully, even if the potions did work. "I'll come, though I'm not sure how much help I'll be. But all I really want to do is find out what's been destroying the farms, and it seems that path leads in this direction."
Myranthor 05-23-04, 05:11 PM	A raised eyebrow disguising my features, I gazed at the deputy, intrigued. "Hum.. if you're going into the same forest as us, needing protection, a safe haven, while we earch a friend of yours, I think it would be simpler for all of us to remain grouped, you included. We could still watch pver you,and you could guide us directly to this ranger, as wellas this temple you spoke of. Wouldn,t that be simpler, for all of us? Furthermore, your help might be needed. You know more than any of us about what happens here, and your advices might save the day more than once, as well as your knowledge of the city itself."
Myranthor 05-23-04, 05:16 PM	double post
jeajea 05-23-04, 09:17 PM	Bexwaith frowns worriedly. Under his breath he mutters, "Oh lords... what am I depending on?" He clears his throat in an attempt to mask that and speaks up some to address them. "As you like; I shall take you to the ranger's place of residence as best I can. He moves around a lot, so don't let the dwarf hit me with that axe if I don't find it immediately." He cringes as he starts walking into the forest.
strom griftor 05-26-04, 06:22 PM	Strom rests the axe over his shoulder and starts off after Bexwaith. "dinna be throwin' woes at us. ye done brung this on yerself. Can ye blame us fer not trustin ye? after all, ye said yerself that you was wanted." He glances over his shoulder at the others, hoping they are following as well, then looks forward again. "Moradin dinna be fergettin yer actions. Lead us t'yer ranger, and yerself can be leavin' "
strom griftor 06-01-04, 02:54 PM	umm....das bump?
jeajea 06-02-04, 03:52 PM	(( Okay, time out for a bit. Or, at least, this thread will go slow. I have exams just around the corner, and I can't afford to waste a whole lotta my time - just for the moment. So I'll resume at the end of the month, but we're taking a month's break... or, just taking it slow for a while. k? ))
jeajea 06-24-04, 04:48 PM	(( Periodic lil' :bump: ))
jeajea 06-28-04, 01:10 PM	(( Okay, I'd like to slowly get this running again? So, to get us going: )) THE PARTY travel for an hour or so, walking through the dense undergrowth. At no point does Bexwaith's pace or direction faulter, though he does take the party on a fair few turns. It becomes very difficult to discern which direction the party has gone in overall, and where they are now. The trees have long since reduced the sun's light to a mere dim, dark green glow in the forest. Time seems to stagnate somehow. What must have been only an hour seems to have drawn out somehow, feeling more like days. Repetative trees, foliage, bushes... crunching leaves underfoot and sounds of insects and birds fill the silence left by this thrown-together bunch of misadventurers. No one feels the need to talk; no one feels the need to seek eye contact. The oppresive presence of hanging evil was almost tangible, growning stronger even as the bird sounds faded and the number of dead leaves underfoot grew. The sudden sounds of animals growling nearby made the party snap to their senses for a moment or two until it was clear that the wolves had no interest in you, but were fighting over a corpse. They display strange behaviour, somehow. Something... too aggressive about them. The party move past swiftly, probably forcing the dwarf to follow. A short distance further, the party comes accross a wooden shack. It is little more than a hut thrown together from bits of scrap firewood - it's not clear that it should, by rights, stay standing. Yet it stands. A cheery light comes from one window. A sudden lift is felt by each person in turn, like weights have just been removed from their hands and feet. With a soft smile contrasting starkly with his previous frown, Bexwaith steps up to the door and turns. "Here it is. Shall we? His name is Belt'wair, the last light in this forest, and it's last defender. Oh, apart from his apprentice, Kortan."
strom griftor 06-28-04, 03:30 PM	The dwarf, having been shuffled to the back of the group due to his shorter stature, plods to keep up. Under his breath he grumbles and growls, shooting glares at any animal that happens to look his way. When the party stops as they arrive at the hut, Strom runs into the back of whoever was in front of him. "Make me run......huffin and puffin ta keep up......no good in a fight......Wha?" He peers around the group at the hut and blinks. "THIS? This be a shack!" He groans and looks at Bex. "This do keep gettin better an better. what next? Yer pal is blind and his apprentice is a cat, right?"
jeajea 07-14-04, 04:57 AM	Bexwaith frowns at Strom. "Are you an adventurer or a mouse? Are you complaining? Come on, all of you. Lets go on in. Yes?"
Myranthor 07-15-04, 09:02 PM	A large grin over his comely figure, the young bard looked mockingly at the complaining dwarf, wondering if all the fanatically spread tales were true, if this stout, robust brethren was the ultimate stade of foolish plaints, of great happinnesses ruined by tragic pessimism. "Will you close it, master dwarf? Not only were we threading, imprudent, maybe lost, throughout a threatening forest, in which growled agressive beasts and were silenced the lively hummingbirds, in which nature itself failed to radiate, now that we indeed have found secure sanctuary, you wonder about his apprentice's nature. Well, I tell you, would it be an enchanted dryad or a grayish orc that I wouldn't mind, as long as we are offered a sturdy roof and wooden walls to keep away from our immediate surroundings' strangeness. Would you not agree with me - which I dop not doubt youa re perfectly able to do - youa re welcome to stay here, as we devise together, maybe around pieces of meat or large kegs of ale." Hoping the last words would make the dwarf,s resistance falter, I advanced towards the house, looking around in case the ranger would have set any traps around his attracting refuge.
strom griftor 07-21-04, 02:54 PM	Strom opens his mouth to speak, but Myranthor beats him too it. The dwarf clamps his mouth shut and waits patiently for him to finish before replying. "ahh--ye talk too much" He then looks to Bexwaith. "Ye keep yer quips t'yerself, or ye be eatin me axe, now lets git us in yer....fort" With a grunt and a few dwarven curses, he hefts his axe and clomps towards the hut/fort/shack thing.
jeajea 07-21-04, 04:26 PM	Bexwaith clearly restrains himself from some further quip or insult he had and instead grimly turns and knocks on the door of the shack-like hut. A moment or two later, the from the other side of the door, a timid voice asks, "Hello? Master? Oh Gods, please say it's you, master Belt'wair. Please..."
Saera 07-24-04, 11:40 PM	Saera sighs in frustration as she tries to detach an errant twig from her hair. "Great. So he's out? Missing? Dead? Are we really sure what those wolves were eating?" Her face shows her weariness, not only from the walking but also from the amount that's happened since she came here, since she started with no more in mind than gaining what information she could in town. . o O (What I need is a good night's sleep and a chance to check over my spell book again! I didn't expect to be chasing down evil-whatevers in this spell-blighted forest. And what I'll get?... at this rate I'll be lucky to get a drink of cold water and a chance to sit for minute or two before we're off chasing this Belt'wair instead.)
jeajea 07-25-04, 05:02 AM	Bexwaith glances back at Saera, frowns, takes a deep breath and replies. "No. I'm Deputy Bexwaith. ...A friend of Belt'wair, yes?" The reply comes quickly, and with an unmistakeable hint of relief. "Oh, sir! Please, come in, come in. I'm not meant to open the door to any but Belt'wair, but... I can't stand this silence any more. Come in." The door opens, and framed by it stands a man not much older than any of the party. He is dressed in simple studded leather mail that has somehow been dyed green, has a short sword and a long sword on either hip, and horribly messy medium length brown hair. With piercing light green eyes, he looks around at the bunch. "Oh... you bring... other people. Uhh... come in, I guess. There's just enough space for you, though some will have to sit on the floor. Are you hungry? I can fetch you some food. If you like, I mean... sirs and madams." He stands to one side of the door to allow people in. Bexwaith enters. Marl'ver leans down a little... well, okay, a lot, and whispers to Strom. "Does he seem... I don't know. Sort of... pathetic to you?" The young ranger gives Marl'ver a glance but portrays no signs of having heard what was said.
Thogroar 07-25-04, 09:14 PM	The priest snorts something about how a wayward bird landing will bring the whole shack down, but follows the group inside nonetheless. He makes sure to be gentle with everything he touches, so as to not destroy anything. "Although we are dressed for battle, we mean you no harm."
Saera 07-30-04, 05:46 PM	Saera ignores Bexwaith's look. She goes in with the others and once in front of Kortan seems to make some attempt at politeness. She even smiles at him. "Thank you, um, Kortan isn't it? I'd love a cup of water if you have some around." She looks around at the small hut and manages not to sigh out loud. . o O (So not even seating for all. Well, I won't fight for it.) Saera finds a clear space next to a wall and drops down to sit, leaning her back against the wall and putting the staff across her raised knees, then looks at the others as she waits to hear about what may or may not have happened to Belt'wair, her mind drifting occasionally to other things. . o O (Does that boy even have a comb?)
Laihndred Evennon 08-01-04, 09:56 PM	Laihndred didn't like the situation at all. There was something wrong, something horribly wrong, and something over which she had no control. That rankled. She didn't like how the forest felt. She didn't like their guide, or trust him farther then she could throw him...and she doubted she could even lift him. The unfortunate truth was, following was probably the only way to figure out what was going on. Well...can't go over it, can't go under it, can't go around it...gotta go through it.... She mused as she walked unobtrusively along with them. Whatever it was she was walking into however, she was determined to do so with open eyes. The guide impressed her no better at his so called master's door. She looked carefully around for a clue even a hint as to what lay inside. She looked up when someone within opened the door to them. For a moment she considered refusing to go in. What purpose would it serve! I'll learn no more and perhaps worse... She followed them in, glancing around very carefully.
Myranthor 08-02-04, 04:51 PM	Upon my arrival at the little shack's porch, I warmly smiled at Beltwair's apprentice, content that he found enough courage, or was thoroughly scared enough, to forget his own master's last orders. "Hello there. It is but a pleasure to meet you. The last of your timid words, murmurred through that wooden door, made me wonder why did your Master, Beltwair, did leave his home. Is there a long time since his departure?"
jeajea 08-04-04, 05:47 PM	(( I... don't know what happened there. I posted a while ago, but I've just realized that it never made it to the board! Never mind, I'll pretend I didn't and just re-write it in light of subsequent posts that have been put on here. :) )) "Wolves?", Kortan recalls the word from a few moments ago, "He'd never be... beaten by mere wolves. He's too tough for that. Hmm... Ahh, water? Certainly." He moves off to get Saera a glass, returning a moment later. To Gaespard's question he replies, "Belt'wair? He's been gone a while, now. Couple weeks or so. Trying to find out more about what's troubling the forest. It's so eerie here now, so... quiet. Nature has been driven out of this place by something... I'm amazed you saw anything alive, in fact, other than plants... let alone wolves. I haven't seen so much as an ant of late. It's... it sets my hairs on end. I try not to think about it. But there's this dreadful... hollow feeling inside, you know? I'm grateful for your company. Though, ahh, sorry about this place. It wasn't really made with visitors in mind..." Bexwaith cringes a little, then makes his way for the door. "Well, I must be off. I have pleanty to do, believe me, without having to sit on your shackles all day. Just do the job and find me for payment afterwards. Remember that... well, frankly, that possibly the whole of the truth of Colmsville and whatever evil is... well, look. I'm counting on you. You are adventurers, I know, and I don't expect you to have any allegiance to my home town, so I'll save you the speech - just get the job done, and I will make sure you are paid well your worth."
jeajea 08-18-04, 08:22 AM	(( Guys... we all loose interest, or what? You all still checking this? Still subscribed to it? Can we get posting? Am I abandoning it? What? ))
strom griftor 08-18-04, 02:53 PM	((urk! fergot about it! hehe. here I go a postin)) Strom clomps into the shack and finds something to sit on. He rests his axe blade down on the floor and folds his hands across the other end, resting his bearded chin upon his hands. "ok junior, what are ye gonna do ta help us?" he says, and follows up in dwarven, "Ewn mint ok hin andis." He sighs and leans back against the wall, awaiting a response. ((for any char that speaks dwarven, he said "no coin for this either"))
Laihndred Evennon 09-13-04, 12:52 PM	She listened to the "deputy" with a slight frown. "Now just a moment! The dwarf's right, you promised us some help or at least an explaination of sorts when we got here. Now you're just telling us to go and solve your problem?" She paused a moment, studying the fellow. "Granted we've heard enough bits and pieces to guess, but a guess is not nearly enough to travel on, especially if all this is as dangerous as it seems."
jeajea 09-16-04, 04:29 PM	Bexwaith blinks and glances from Strom to Laihndred. After a moment, he replies smoothly, "Excuse me? I believe I did tell you everything I know. And I really do have to go now. I want to see whether Jeera is still alive and whether the priests have been able to do anything for her with their magics. I also want to try to make contact with the Knife and Cloak, to see whether they have been able to evade Tarsh. Anything I find out, I'll let you know about through a runner, however... I cannot give or do anything more for you now. I cannot go with you, I am not skilled at combat other than street fighting, and besides - I feel that my presence is required elsewhere. Geaspard, do you know the warehouse on the south side of town? It houses the Knife and Cloak Thieve's Guild? I'll be there." He glances around at them before adding, with a tint of sarcasm, "May I now go, yes? Or do you want a moral-bolstering speech?"
Saera 09-21-04, 08:59 AM	Saera stares at Kortan. "Belt'wair's been gone for weeks? And you have no idea where? Were you just going to stay in the hut till you starved to death?" She listens, frowning lightly, to Bexwaith's little list of his oh-so-important obligations, and flushes at the ending snippy remark. "As if you could give one! In case you haven't noticed, not all of us have much reason to help you. But we will." She looks around at the others and sighs. "And we should go now. The meeting was at ten, so it's what? mid-day already at least. The forest is black enough without wandering about in it too late in the afternoon. Kortan, I assume you have some idea where the worst of this blight seems to be? At least a direction?" . o O (Nothing to eat for midday meal... let's hope we're alive enough to worry about supper when the time comes.)
jeajea 09-21-04, 10:38 AM	Kortan blinks back to Saera, surprised or even shocked by her outburst. "I'm sorry? Did you say, 'starve to death'? Good snakes, no! I can create food with spells. Not the most sumptuous meals ever, but..." He trails off. Bexwaith fills the space by giving Saera a derisive snort. However, a return comment from him is interrupted by Kortan's hasty interjection, "Ah, yes, the way. I could take you to the ruined temple hereabouts, certainly. It is without doubt the strangest place in these forests, and where, I think, this trouble is coming from."
Laihndred Evennon 09-22-04, 04:04 PM	"And supplies?" She looked at the would be guide. Her expression was less then friendly.
strom griftor 09-22-04, 04:29 PM	"I dinna be likin' sittin 'round here doin nothin. Git us goin to this temple or whatever." Strom grumbles as he folds his arms across his chest.
Saera 09-22-04, 04:54 PM	Saera blinks. "Supplies? Why do we need supplies? Or what do you mean by them? It's not going to take us that long to get there, is it? And we're just going to reconnoiter, not set up a camp. Or a seige." She pushes herself up off the floor and grabs her staff. "If we're going to do this, let's just get it over with. Kortan, if you've got some food to throw in a sack, then do so. But we should get going, as Strom says."
Laihndred Evennon 09-22-04, 05:57 PM	"I see you've begun by securing us food," she continued undaunted, in the condescending tone so neccessary between farmmaids and hired hands. "Very good. Water is also helpfull. Oh, and if we mean to traipsing around some ruin, I'd like a good knife, a whetstone, flint and tinder, a candle and a rope." Gestures to Strom's armor and then to her own attire, her now dusty blue farmdress. "Unlike some of you, when I set out this morning I was not expecting to do this."
jeajea 09-22-04, 06:38 PM	Kortan gapes a little at Laihndred, slightly affronted, "I have supplies. I probably have a few things to spare. You want to take a look?" Without a pause, he goes on to talking to the rest, "Okay, I would like to know all the things you've been doing so far if I'm to lead you all, if that would be an acceptable payment to you all. We don't exactly get bards up this way with regularity, and I'd love a tale. I used to love them when I was younger... in any case. Also, I would suggest that a nice, hearty meal would do you all good before we set out anywhere. Evil temples don't vanish overnight, and it's getting late, and I don't know about you but I don't think this sort of thing a good idea to do in night time. So I suggest we eat and sleep, and set out early tomorrow. The Deputy is welcome to stay for the meal, though from the sounds of it he won't want to, but I feel a certain tension between the employer and his employees. I certainly know a few of you... not our Kordite here, but certainly Geaspard, and I think I recall you, Laihndred, from my visits to a certain farm with my father years ago. So that is my suggestion. You can set out now if you prefer, and I will guide you, but I cannot vouch for as much in that case." He passes a bright and knowing smile around the room. Marl'ver nods by way of agreement.
strom griftor 09-22-04, 08:06 PM	Strom ponders a moment, then shrugs. "Any ale? Ale gets ye me story, short an sweet. Ale and good food gets ye the longer version. No ale, no story." He leans his axe against the wall and begins unfastening the clasps of his armor
jeajea 09-23-04, 10:23 AM	"Ah. Ale. Unfortunately, we don't tend to stock any ale. My master has a supply of some mean whiskey and brandy, but ale isn't drunk in this house, I'm afraid. I can only appologise for this gross oversight." Kortan flashes Strom a pleasant, reproachful smile.
Saera 09-24-04, 03:15 PM	. o O (so it's later than I thought.. all turned around by too much happening and none of it what I really want to deal with... ) "No wine? Then just more water for me. Do you need help setting out food? I can do that much. But don't expect stories from me, I'm no bard, and the rest I can tell you quickly enough. My name is Saera, no other parts to my name needed or accepted, I'm apprentice to a wizard, and I came here to find out about a farm nearby that's been destroyed since I last was there. Apparently, not the only one that was." . o O (overnight... and no change of clothes, nor beds enough... at least I have my spell book with me)
strom griftor 09-27-04, 03:44 PM	"whiskey?" Strom shrugs as he shucks his armor and finds a seat. "a couple o bottles oughta do." The burly dwarf takes a bottle and opens it, drinking deeply from it. He wipes his chin with his arm and looks about the shack at the others. "I be Strom Griftor, Hammer o Moradin." I come from a village o me kin 2 weeks south o here. Me Pap be a priest o Moradin, an wanted me ta do th' same. But I'd rather be bashin heads than fixin em, so's I struck out on me own." He takes another long pull from the bottle and lets out a good dwarven belch.
Laihndred Evennon 09-27-04, 04:06 PM	Laihndred moves forward to join the others, though still with a slightly sour expression. "You want a story? I came into Colmsville with a cart full of grain to sell at Market. My man comes to find me to tell me his father's been hurt. His house is full of spirits what only got driven away by some tight mouthed priests. "Next morning the Sherrif is attacked in her own office, the town goes mad and my man with them, telling me my folks have been killed and my farm razed which I will believe when I see. "Then the city is undersiege and now you have us haring off to some ruined temple! My name is Laihndred Evennnon. I'm here for one reason alone and that is to get to the bottom of this nonsense." She takes a seat, moving the sword strapped to her back to an angle that does not conflict with the chair back and smoothing her blue skirts.
jeajea 09-28-04, 02:59 PM	Kortan nods, expressing some mild shock as Strom downs large quantities of precious whiskey as if it were water. He nods to each as they speak of themselves, and smiles. "I hope we will get to the bottom of this. There's something wrong, terrible wrong here. I for one want to know what it is."
kheldon storm 10-06-04, 03:09 PM	((tis Strom, just too lazy to change sn! heh. anyway, shall we move on to the following morning and continue from there? hmmm? master DM? hmmm? players? hmmm?))