Post/Author/DateTime	Post
CaptainShar 05-12-07, 04:36 PM	Shar pilots the Noumenal Blade up a narrow river. They pass a few villages which look like they've been burnt out and plundered. (This is a specific combat thread; as always, once this combat is done, others are free to use the thread for appropriate encounters. This particular combat is closed.)
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-14-07, 01:11 AM	Kaer-Thok steps to the rail and looks out at the scorched villages. He makes a thoughtful noise, rubbing his chin beneath the cloth covering. "It would appear that these villages have been raided. By who or what I do not know... but my, perhaps it will prove to be exciting... with a slight hint of violent undertone. Or a large slap in the face with violence... either way I'll be pleased and perhaps plesantly suprised."
CaptainShar 05-14-07, 10:27 AM	Mayhaps...pirates! I know how to deal with those. Shar motions for them to proceed cautiously and slowly up the river. A few miles further in, they see a beautiful dark elven wingship beached on the shore; there are a number of dark figures moving around it. Must be some bad sandbars or rocks in this part of the river. Their ship looks pretty smashed up. I'm going to get as close as I can; hopefully their ship is caught on the worst of it and we can get next to them without trouble. Shar guides the Blade carefully up next to the elven wingship. The drow aboard have noticed them and are drawn up in combat stance. Initiative: 17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1043420) Shar is spending her first turn 'Sailing' to finish bringing the ship up.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-14-07, 01:16 PM	"Ah, interesting. A rather fancy ship it would seem, with... ah, the dark skins... Well, I suppose there might be someone worthy of challenging me on their ship." Kaer-Thok steps forward to the railing. He clears his throat and shouts to the crewmen of the elven ship. "You there! I am Kaer-Thok, master swordsman. I put forth this challenge to you, defeat me and be on your way. However, should I defeat your chosen champion, you will surrender yourselves. Have you the honor? Have you the skill to accept a challenge from an unbeaten swordsman!?" Kaer-Thok draws his rapier and raises it above his head, dripping down and holding it infront of himself facing upward. Initiative: 27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1043820) ((Orcy will need distances and setup and whatnot before he can do anything))
CaptainShar 05-14-07, 01:55 PM	Single combat, eh? A drow woman wearing an elaborate captain's coat and hat, and a shining short sword at her side, comes to the port side of her deck. She looks at the challengers. Ha. An orc and a half-breed. Going to let big and strong do the fighting for you, missy? He enjoys single combat. Shar shrugs. Whatever. But if I win, you give me all the supplies I need to get the Salise back in working order. The ships close, and the woman jumps across to the wider deck of the Blade. I'm Captain Salise, of the Salise. Another two dozen or so drow, wearing newly-plundered clothing and jewelry, come to the deck to watch. (I have to go soon; sorry. I'll finish getting everything up later this afternoon.)
CaptainShar 05-14-07, 03:55 PM	Ships (http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w18/captainshar/?action=view&current=ShipsCU.jpg) Salise is at F7 on the small map. Initiative: 18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1044143) Larger Map (http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w18/captainshar/?action=view&current=Battlegridriver.jpg) Aqua is the Noumenal Blade, brown is the Salise. The Blade is 5 ft. above water level; sections marked with 'X' are 5 ft. below water level (10 ft. drop), and also have rigging all through them. The Salise is 10 ft. above water level and completely decked. Rigging is in sections G8-H10. Tan is the sand, which is at water level. White is the shore, which is 10 ft. higher. So, shall we duel, Mr. Orc? Her crew seems to be eying everything carefully.
turalisj 05-14-07, 08:44 PM	ooc: I hope you don't mind a spectator..... A sphere of psionic energy rose from the ocean, with Zik inside enjoying a cup of tea. Ah, I am not too late for the show. Seeing the barbarians and pirates killing eachother is always enjoyable.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 01:59 AM	Kaer-Thok nods and gives a short bow, waving his hand out and his rapier toward the crew on the ship opposite the blade. A bit of a warning that he is fully prepared to use it on them as well should they interfer. "I greet you Captain Salise. As you have heard, I am Kaer-Thok, master swordsman and undefeated duelist. Should you win I will grant you all you require to bring your ship to working order. Unfortunately, I have never lost, and do not intend to lose. Should you however, defeat me, I will serve you if I live. An added boon to any who can win against my skills. But it is not time for speech, it is time for our duel. Good luck." Kaer-Thok steps forward swiftly, thrusting his rapier toward the elven woman. His bracers crackle with electrical energy, the sparks dancing through his arm and down the blade. After he thrusts, he spins his blade around, slipping back and turning to show a narrow front, hand behind his back. He presents to her his unarmed side, keeping his rapier back and ready to strike at a moment's notice. Attack: 39 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045315) Damage: 21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045336) (and 1 con, 6 of the listed damage is electricity) Kaer-Thok is in F8
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 02:50 AM	He's good, isn't he? Too good. Salise waves toward her crew with her weapon, then brings it down lightning fast on Kaer-Thok. Feint (free action): 26 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045342) Rounds till next free feint: 4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045343) Attack: 15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045348), 22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045351) At her signal, twenty male drow jump lightly onto the deck, brandishing their short swords. Four more females, two in white, two in black, in splendid dress and religious garb stand above on the deck of the Salise. (Readied actions; rogues will come in at Initiative 6, Clerics at 16) Shar at E9 Salise in F7 Kaer-Thok in E7 Clerics at G7 - 10 Rogues in unoccupied squares of rows E and F; also in G11 - 13. Shar's four fighters, sorcerer, and swashbuckler are in that order in C10 - 15 Attacks (three rogues each attack each of them; two are flanking in each attack): Shar's flankers: 23, 11 Kaer-Thok's flankers: 16, 22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045364); vs. Shar 19; vs. Kaer-Thok 14 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045367) One rogue manages to catch Shar in the first wave: 6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045371) Shar chuckles and whips out her rapier, thrusting at each of the enemies before her in quick succession: nat 1, 24, nat 1, 38 (crit threat) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045374) Damage: 3 to F8, 4 to F10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045386) Shar's crew, on her signal, moves to close with the enemy line.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 04:06 AM	Kaer-Thok narrows his eyes and laughs, raising his rapier and parrying the blows that come against him. He counters their attempts to strike him, thrusting the tip of his rapier into each enemy that tries. "Foolish. You could have let this go with simply your own loss. But instead you have pulled your crew into this conflict, and now they must all pay for it with their lives. You however, I believe I will keep." Kaer-Thok stabs forward, thrusting his blade into the drow captain, aiming to incapacitate her and striking with great force. He spins, stabbing at the next of her crewmen with another thrust. With great speed he spins round in a circle, stabbing at each of the enemies that has come within reach. His blade leaves a series of holes in each of the rogues. Counter Attacks (gambit): 43(possible crit), 43, 45(possible crit), 42 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045451) Counter Backups: 26 (auto fail), 36 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045455) Counter Damages: 17(4), 20(3), 36(1), 26(6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045460) (numbers in () are electrical damage, damage to Salise other than electrical is non-lethal) ((All enemeis hit take 1 con damage as well, if these attacks kill any of them, or knock Silase unconcious, ignore the attack to that target below, targets are in the same order as below)) Attacks: 39, 35, 33, 27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045434) (Targets in Order: Salise, Rogue (e7), rogue (e8), rogue (f9), the additional attacks are for the clerics which Orcy didn't realize were ten feet up so they can be ignored, a pity... two were criticals) Critical Confirmation (against Salise): 27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045446) Damage: 30(non-lethal), 14, 16, 22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045449) Each also takes 1 con damage.
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 11:59 AM	(The clerics are only 5 ft. higher than you; the Blade is five ft. tall and the Salise is 10 ft. You can reach them. Please roll damage for them. I need to know whether they get to go or not this turn.) Salise falls with a snarl still fixed on her surprised face; she still looks quite healthy and was probably expecting a stab to the heart rather than the temple. The three rogues around Kaer-Thok all have neat little holes in their hearts as they crumple as well. (I also need to know about the clerics for Shar's turn, so she knows who to attack and who to direct her crew to attack.)
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 04:07 PM	The current order is: Kaer-Thok Shar and crew Clerics Rogues (Just thought I'd post another one so you'd notice the edits to the previous; I need to know how many clerics are still standing; crits might drop them.)
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 08:33 PM	Attacks against Clerics: 39, 43, 45 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1045434) Backups: 31, 29 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047310) Damages: 18, 41, 31 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047321) Order of Clerics attacked: G7, G8, G9 That should do it, oh, and the one con to all of them.
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 09:18 PM	Kaer-Thok's strike wounds all three clerics. The center black-robed one falls forwards onto the deck. Shar leaps into the rigging next to her and stabs out at each of the rogues before her from her vantage point, working her way towards the dark women on the higher deck. She whips her rapier back and forth between the two sailors in her path. Attacks vs F10: 38 (crit threat) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047389), 29 (crit threat) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047392) Confirm?: 30 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047403), 19 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047406) Damage: 29 total (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047416) Attack vs. F11: nat 1 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1047406) Shar stabs the first through the throat, swings and misses the second, and stabs the same hole in the first again. She glances up to see that they are already winning, and holds up a hand to pause her crew from needless slaughter. Want to surrender now that your fearsome leader is gone? We surrender. The remaining dark-robed cleric leaps down and stops her companion's bleeding.
turalisj 05-15-07, 09:28 PM	Zik flotaed upwards and onto the deck, clapping. Well, that was certainly an interesting fight. I wonder, how would your crew and you fair agaisnt someone with more... supernatural abilities?
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 09:48 PM	Kaer-Thok glances over his shoudler at the elf and goes about tying up Salise. Using rope he can find coiled on the deck or whatnot since he carries none of his own he binds the dark elf woman then drags her to a side of the ship away from her own. He then turns toward the floating elf. "If you wish to fight me in singles combat, blade on blade, then I will accept. But at the moment we are rather busy, and your tone seems to suggest you intend to threaten us with magic. Either keep your threats to yourself, or leave, I've no time for games elf."
turalisj 05-15-07, 09:53 PM	Not magic, but something diffrent. Ah, but I see you have no taste for such a fine craft. Very well. I'll leave you to your chest thumping and waving of point objects. Zik said, bowing to the orc and pirate before dissapearing, along with his tea.
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 09:57 PM	Weapons down, everybody! And I'm taking the spider inscriptions too, healers can keep their magics. Shar has her crew collect the other weapons. Now what have we got here? Shar leaps across to the Salise and goes below deck, and stays down there a while, obviously having found something requiring her attention. Salise had a glowing short sword and a mithral chain shirt on. Shar's crew collected twenty short swords. There are five drow women, Salise unconscious; and sixteen live drow men. The two white-robed women grumble and look darkly at everyone; a dark-robed one moves to her captain.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 10:10 PM	Kaer-Thok takes the captain's shortsword and relieves her of her possessions save her clothing. He watches the cleric that approaches carefully, his hand resting upon the hilt of his sword. "I warn you elf, any sort of treachery and I will not only kill you, but your entire crew. She broke her word to fight an honorable duel, her life belongs to me now. Barring the appearance of any more flaming threat spewing elves... I'll have my eye on you."
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 10:13 PM	Your captain said I could keep healing. And she's the one who's hurt, here. The other dark-robed healer, meanwhile, has healed the two sailors and the white-robed cleric.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 10:31 PM	"I did not say you may not heal her. I said should you try anything funny, that I would strike you down. You may heal her, but try nothing else. You have already proven that you have no honor, it seems threats must be used to keep you in line. Perhaps made more useful by the knowledge that I can carry out the threats I make." Kaer-Thok's eyes flash with amusement for a moment before he waves his hand toward Salise. He then looks toward the ship of the same name and makes a thoughtful grunt. "Also, she is not my captain, I am simply... a passenger. Now what do you suppose it is that she has found over there hm?"
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 10:44 PM	The woman heals Salise. I'm not stupid. And we were on a slaving run; 'the' captain is probably checking our inventory. Salise comes to, leaps to her feet, reaching for her sword with arms that can't move. What are you doing, Multa?
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 10:51 PM	Kaer-Thok reaches out, taking hold of Salise by the front of her shirt. He drags her clost to him and brings his face close to hers. "Captain Salise... you have dishonored yourself and your crew with your actions. Breaking your agreement to an honorable duel, by all rights I should have killed you for such an insult. But instead, I have allowed you to live. You now belong to me, I have spared your life and it is now mine. Your crew has surrendered rather than face my blade... those who did not have died. The captain of this ship is claiming the spoils of battle at this very moment. A pity you had to lose your honor as well as your ship..."
turalisj 05-15-07, 10:55 PM	A winged figure landed upon the mast of the ship, a bastard sword too large for him and a large steel shield out. I am the blade of Lendys! I am the chosen guardian of the....Crap. Is it over?
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 11:07 PM	You gave up so easily, you scum? Well, she looks the orc in the eye - if you claim to have so much honor, kill me after all. Taking pretty prisoners and having a bit of fun with them seems more like my line of work, to me. I'll not belong to an orc, and a male at that. She spits in his face. Shar reemerges from the Salise, trailed by a small mob of newly hopeful prisoners, a mix of humans and halflings. No, Salise, I think that would be highly amusing. But there will be no despoiling of anybody aboard my ship, if that's what you're worried about. I don't see why, though, the little I hear from the prisoners. Healers, you will heal these too. And Kaer-Thok, what say you to returning these people to their homes, with their things and a few new servants? I want the ship; it will require a great deal of repair but the design is superb. You are welcome to anything else you want.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-15-07, 11:17 PM	"Do not flatter yourself Salise, I do not intend to take you for that reason. Despite the believes of some, an Orc's member does not house his brain. You are mine now however. I can think of no better punishment for a drow woman to become the servant of an orc male." Kaer-Thok reaches up and wipes the spit from his face. Looking at his fingers he laughs and flings it to the ground. "You will have to do much better than that as well... Orcs are used to being spit on by elves. But you will learn. As for your crew, they will be used as Shar says, they will serve those they have attacked. They will be put to use helping those they tried to kill and enslave. The priestesses however, are perhaps a bit too dangerous to allow to simply go, perhaps another use for them can be found."
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 11:33 PM	Hmm, yes. Perhaps take them to the Guild of Paladins? The healers can work at the hospital. These...well, they'll be treated fairly but watched. Now, men and women, let's lash the Sally's Slip to the starboard deck and see if we can get her to some decent docks. Shar whistles. Ooh, that is bad. You managed to hit quite a lot of sandbars, former Captain. (The ship will require about 30,000 in repairs, making it worth 10,000 at the moment.) Salise makes a rude gesture at Shar.
turalisj 05-15-07, 11:39 PM	Tibur glided down to the group. Looks like I arrived too late.... I had a scout follow your ship since you left down the river. I had to take care of a few things, then flew over here as soon as I could. Tibur gestured at the damaged ship. Aren't you the captain of the Seafarer's Guild Shar? I'm sure someone from there could help repair this ship.
CaptainShar 05-15-07, 11:49 PM	Yep, glad to see you made it out of that portal, though. We're pretty much done, here. You should really get Kaer-Thok to be an instructor at your school; I'm half tempted to hire him as my personal trainer, except I think he'd be insulted by the offer. And yes, I know people who can repair the ship.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-16-07, 12:10 AM	"I could teach you if you would like, though I do not know what it can do for you. It would depend on what you wish to learn. Perhaps the clerics would be put to use at the healer's but they are likely less interested in helping people and more into harming them." Kaer-Thok turns toward Salise and looks her over. He rubs his chin and nods to himself as he circles her. "You do not appear to have great physical strength, but you are fairly skilled with your sword compared to some it would seem. The slave business... a strange profession, but I suppose not so much for the Drow. On the surface however... that is strange. What brings you to the surface, to the seas?"
CaptainShar 05-16-07, 12:22 AM	Why would you want to know? XP for Shar and Kaer-Thok, vs. 1 Scarlet Corsair, 4 Clerics, and 20 Rogues; Shar 1500, Kaer-Thok 600. They are now sailing back down the river, stopping at each abandoned village to drop off people.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-16-07, 12:33 AM	Kaer-Thok takes his leave of the ship at one of the villages. Bringing with him his prisoner, feeling it better to get the captain away from her crew in case they start plotting. He takes up residence in one of the abandoned houses that is not re-taken by individuals that are returned. Perhaps the home of someone who put up a fight and lost. "Well elf. Now you can tell me about yourself. Defiant, a typical trait amongst your people, but a sea-farer.... that is a bit more rare I must say. So... tell me of yourself, I am interested in a good story."
CaptainShar 05-16-07, 12:36 AM	(End of combat.)
CaptainShar 05-18-07, 06:13 PM	After about two weeks... Really, I won't try anything! I'd just like to be able to move my arms when I'm sleeping. Bluff: 21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1054196) (You can give yourself a +6 circumstance bonus on the Sense Motive.) (If she succeeds, Salise is going to try to coup de gras him.) If he sees through or survives that, the next day... A messenger, carrying a heavy trunk and a heavy sack, comes up to the door; it looks like one of Shar's people. He delivers the trunk, the sack, and the note: I hope you're still having fun playing house. Thought you might want some cash, and that dark elf's things. This is what I got for the swords and armor. And, the keys were in the captain's cabin; these are all the ones that don't go to something on the ship itself. --Shar There's 350 gp in the bag. One of the keys goes to the chest, which is marked 'S. L.' Inside is a case full of what looks like half thieves' tools, and half torture devices, and three sets of manacles and leg irons (best quality). That is what the other keys go to. Under that is three clean shirts and one pair of pants, and a brush for the coat and hat. Folded up is a decades-old handkerchief with decades-old blood dried in it. Stuck into it are thick, curved, sail-mending needles and pins. And beneath that is some tissue paper covering a cranberry-colored satin gown; it looks like it wasn't even unfolded. Pinned to it is a paper, describing it as filling the order of S. Lothrall. (Yeah, I got kind of interested in her character and made up some stuff about her. Feel free to play along, or, if you want Kaer-Thok to get back to the main story, that's fine too.)
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-18-07, 11:45 PM	Sense motive: 25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1054928) Kaer-Thok looks Salise in the eyes, shaking his head he tosses her a change of fresh clothes. "You are lying. I had thought perhaps you were going to change a bit by now, but I appear to be wrong. Change your clothes, I am sure you could use it. Your current clothes seem to be a bit stained with blood... of which I had no small part I suppose. But, in my defense, your crew were interrupting a duel and trying to kill me." Kaer-Thok shrugs and leans back in his chair, he digs around through his bag and pulls out an elaborate outfit of black, red, and gold silks. He sets it aside and straightens everything out. "I will need these later, I've decided we are going to a celebration for the rebuilding of the town. It will do you good to get out of this building."
CaptainShar 05-21-07, 07:20 PM	As Kaer-Thok and Salise approach the village again after their walk, the town mayor and two stout-looking citizens, a man and a woman, approach the pair. The mayor addresses Kaer-Thok: My good sir! We had just gone to your current place of residence to look for you, and deliver this message! Seeing as you disarmed this pirate and helped free us, along with the illustrious Shar of the Noumenal Blade, and as you have detained this pirate while our jail, along with all our other buildings, was in shambles, you are invited as the guest of honor to the celebration feast of the rebuilding of Galanth and the destruction of her enemies! Salise makes a move to slip away. Now, now, you are unarmed, and we've got men posted all around you, just in case. Come along quietly, now. The officers move to either side of Salise. As you look toward the center of the village, you can see tables being set up, food being cooked out in the open, and a gallows.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-22-07, 12:28 AM	Kaer-Thok raises an eyebrow and glances towards the two officers. He clears his throat and eyes the mayor running a thumb along the curve of one of his decorated tusks. "I thank you for your hospitality, but it seems we have come to some sort of misunderstanding. You will not be taking this woman away, and I've made no such offer to release her to you. It seems that you have made a mistake. I hope, you do not intend to argue this point with me, but feel free to try and convince me. I assure you however, you will not. As well, I would suggest that you do not try to take her by force."
CaptainShar 05-22-07, 08:04 PM	The mayor starts walking to the center of town, motioning everyone to follow him. The people of Galanth do hereby accuse Salise the Dark Elf of practicing piracy, including, but not limited to, murder, kidnapping with intent of selling into slavery, theft, destruction of public and private property, arson, and torture. Do you find her guilty or innocent? The people call out "Guilty" and "first-hand experience!" one pipes up. We do hereby find you, Salise, guilty of practicing piracy, etc. and do sentence you to be hanged by the neck until dead. Aside to Kaer-Thok, The punishment for death is death. That is justice, no? However, he makes no physical move, not wishing to anger Kaer-Thok.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-22-07, 08:21 PM	"As I have told you, you will not be hanging this woman. Granted, she has performed acts of piracy, but I chose to spare her life. I did not choose to spare it so that you could take it when your whim suited you. We have been here for months with no mention of such a thing. What happens to her now is not for you to decide, and I say she lives."
CaptainShar 05-22-07, 08:31 PM	Seeing the determined look on Kaer-Thok's face, the mayor decides not to press the point. Very well, but the woman is dangerous. You should have seen her, singlehandedly striking down two of our stoutest men at one blow. I must ask that if she stay here, she remain restrained in your quarters or in the jail. And it might be...offensive to some...if she attend the feast tonight? The mayor does, however, motion for the gallows to be moved to a less prominent location in the village.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-23-07, 01:01 AM	"Then neither of us shall attend. Unfortunately during the past few weeks while you have been rebuilding and planning your execution. I have been speaking with Salise. Rather than plotting her publich death, I have been attempting to show her the wrong that she has done. I believe she knows now that she need not do these things. You however, have spent the time not thinking on the issue, but planning to kill another to sate your anger. Tell me, who seems more the monster?" Kaer-Thok bows to the Mayor and turns away, offering his arm to Salise and looking toward the officers as if daring them to stop him.
CaptainShar 05-23-07, 08:12 PM	Monster? Who said anything about monsters? Now, now, we don't want our hero to miss the feast, says the mayor, jogging along beside them, we're just being practical. What if she manages to get hold of one of the carving knives? And, eh, she's an awfully good liar. Told one of our girls if she handed over her baby without a fuss, the baby would get put in a healthier place then the hold. Not to be unpleasant, let's just say that the poor girl won't be seeing that child again. All that to say, I wouldn't trust her supposed reformation. Ever. So, let me state this more clearly: you are welcome to stay in our town, but if you do so, you must abide by our laws. Our laws include such things as "not harboring wanted criminals." The dark elf will not be executed before the feast tonight, since that clearly displeases you. But she must be brought to trial. Nobody is stopping Kaer-Thok and Salise, but the mayor's followers all keep up with the group. Salise is maintaining an outward calm, but you can feel that her arm is tensed, ready for action. Suddenly, she stops and calls out to the whole village: Please have mercy. If you were to kill me now, I am sure my soul would only go to glut the fiends of hell, not to the judgment of your Pelor. By the laws of your and all other lands, I have taken lives and therefore do not deserve to live. So be it; let my life be not mine any more. My life belongs to Kaer-Thok; let that be sufficient. I swear I will do nothing against his will, I swear all this is so, on the blood of my sister. The mayor retreats for a quick whispered conversation. Salise looks at Kaer-Thok. She whispers: You'd better make my life worth that.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-25-07, 03:14 PM	Kaer-Thok nods and looks toward the mayor as he has his hushed converastion. He smiles to Salise and whispers back. "I will try my best." He turns his attention back toward the mayor and raises an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing across his face. "Well, there you have it. From her own words her life belongs to me, she has given it. So, do you intend to make an attempt to take that away from me? If you do not like it, then I shall leave. But you have no right to demand anything from me. You may try and force this 'trial' of yours, but I assure you it will not happen. What shall it be... mayor?"
CaptainShar 05-25-07, 11:05 PM	The mayor turns back, hiding his resentment at Kaer-Thok's disdain for their laws fairly well. The alternate sentence is approved. The pirate Salise, having admitted her guilt, is sentenced to be indentured to one freeman Kaer-Thok for life. Kaer-Thok shall henceforward be held responsible for her actions and her livelihood, and, to the best of his ability, will restrain her from ever being at large again. He turns to the people of the village, some of whom are relieved there isn't going to be a hanging, and some of whom were rather looking forward to it. Everyone is talking to their neighbors. The mayor attempts to nip any trouble in the bud: Citizens of Galanth! The cruel slaver has become a slave. Our enemy has been defeated and brought to justice. Now we may turn from our sorrows instead to the celebration of the rebuilding! We've a ways to go yet, but at least I can tell by the delicious smells that most of you have your kitchens rebuilt. Let us begin! A few people chuckle, and the tension disperses. The feast starts up, a few minstrels are playing, and Kaer-Thok and Salise are escorted to a small table at the very head of all the other tables - a place of honor, and also of not being too close to too many other people. Salise picks at her food, still trying to avoid everyone's glances. This is pretty easy to do, since most of the people have decided the best thing to do for the moment is ignore her. At a moment when everyone is leaving them alone, she whispers to Kaer-Thok: First off, thank you for saving my life. But what were you doing, back there? I'm sorry to break it to you, mister, but you're not powerful enough to defy the law. Sure, you could probably wipe out this village - I did - but what about when you become a wanted criminal throughout this countryside? You're an orc, sir. They're looking for a reason to put you on that list. You want to defy the law? You've got to have a gang and a retreat, a fortress. You took my gang and my fortress away from me, so now I have to play by their rules. And unless you want to spend the rest of your life trekking through the wilderness alone, or you want to get together your own band of outlaws, you do too. I know you don't want to think of me as your slave. But in their eyes, I am. Safer for both of us if you're seen as the master of a former pirate rather than the associate of a notorious one. Moving won't change things either; word of a pirate woman with red eyes tends to get around. And face it: a slave is what you made me. Sure, you'll treat me as more than a slave; that's why I decided that life on your terms was better than death on theirs. But you've still deprived me of my own terms; it's a choice between different authorities. I am not free; for that, you'd have to return my sword and my good chain shirt and give me a head start. So come tomorrow when they want to make everything official on paper and you to put a mark on me, you'd better be able to do it. I prefer a tattoo to a brand, by the way.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-29-07, 07:22 PM	Kaer-Thok sits and eats, he keeps his eyes shifting around the people at the celebration to gauge their responses to Salise being there. Particularly, he watched the mayor and his officers. When she speaks up Kaer-Thok turns his attention toward Salise. "The law is only as powerful as those who choose to defend it. Laws are based around governments and ruling bodies who set them down so the world will work in the way of their choosing. I follow my own code, my own law. If it means standing against the laws of the land, and fighting countries with my blade alone, I will do so. With the skill in my blade and the strength of my arm I will defeat my enemy. Let them try to stop me. I've told you, I will not force you to be a slave. I will not 'brand you' with my mark. I am an Orc, this is true, and my people as well as many others hold slaves. I however do not, nor will I. I have traveled alone for many years, and I have fought alone for many more. Doing so again is no concern to me, and it will bring those who believe that their laws are the word of the gods to challenge me. Let them I say, let any who believe they can force anything upon me give challenge and fail. I will do things as I see them fit to be done, and that is as it should be."
CaptainShar 05-29-07, 07:30 PM	The mayor seems more concerned with maintaining an appropriate festival spirit in the town than in being particularly malicious towards Salise. Most of the people are refusing to look at her, but a few keep staring at the two of them. They look like they'd like to make trouble if they could do it without drawing attention to themselves. If I'm not your slave then let me go. All I need is a decent weapon and I can get through this village just fine, get on to some of my friends. You just said you don't care about the law, so fine. You don't care if a pirate goes free. So let me go.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-30-07, 06:51 PM	"You know I cannot do that. Nor do I believe you really want to leave me behind so readily. But, if you wish to leave, we shall do so tomorrow. I would prefer that you did not fall back into your old ways, for while I do not agree with some laws... killing the innocent is never has good reason. But I suppose we shall see how things go."
CaptainShar 05-30-07, 09:52 PM	Salise shakes her head, not to disagree so much as to try to understand what he wants. Before she can think of anything to say... A young man, in normal dress save for a simple sun pendant hanging around his neck, approaches the table. His young wife trails him. Um, hello. I was going to give this young woman her last rites, but seeing as she's not going to be killed today...I thought I'd come over anyway. I'm Hoff and this is my wife Poli, and I just thought, if you need anything, you can always come over to our house. It's the part-stone one with the big shrine in the front room. Just - Plinth and his gang probably mean trouble. She may have deserved to be hanged, but nobody deserves to die by a poisoned well. Watch out for them. If you want to settle here, I'd suggest mingling more. Get out in the sunshine, work in the garden, invite someone over for supper. If you wouldn't mind teaching our young folk how to handle a sword, that might make the more vicious ones a bit more kindly feeling toward you, and... Poli here tugs on his sleeve. Sorry, that's her favorite. He shrugs and whisks Poli away to the center square, where the minstrels are playing. A few other couples join in until there's a good set of dancers going. But why do you want me around? If you're dragging me all over the place...I'm not a very nice person. At least, nobody ever wanted my company ever before.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-30-07, 10:00 PM	"You have potential. You are not 'nice' in the traditional sense, no. But you do have a heart that you refuse to use. There is much potential within you to care, to be better than what you make yourself now. I see that, though you may not. Besides, as I've said, there is that life debt to be repaid. Now, do you care to dance?" Kaer-Thok stands and offers his arm to Salise.
CaptainShar 05-30-07, 10:29 PM	Don't know how.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-30-07, 10:34 PM	"I could try and teach you if you would like, if not then we can sit and watch the others dance. It is your choice of course."
CaptainShar 05-30-07, 10:45 PM	Let's try. I'm getting fat and lazy being cooped up all day and all night anyway. I guess you can't suspect me of running away if we're holding on to each other.
Orcy The Green Wonder 05-30-07, 10:54 PM	Kaer-Thok nods and takes her hand, bringing her out to the dance floor. After directing her into position for the song, he smiles and begins to show her the steps. Moving along with her and encouraging her while he gracefully guides her in the dance. Perform Check: 37 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1076321)
turalisj 05-31-07, 07:59 PM	ooc: Can I introduce a new character here? He has a +24 to dance.... And can make tornadoes while dancing...
CaptainShar 05-31-07, 08:34 PM	(@ T - it can't be an actual villager; someone that powerful would have been able to stop Salise from pillaging the town in the first place. If you want someone to happen through, I suppose that's possible. But it's just a sleepy little village. Not much in the way of supplies, or an audience, or enemies, or anything like that.) Salise tries to concentrate on the steps at first, and then gets a little more into the rhythm and just follows his lead. She smiles, the first time since he's met her. You're really good at this. I mean, I've never really danced with anyone before. But just moving around feels nice, so I guess that means you're good. The other people have stopped eating and dancing and are watching the pair, mesmerised. (Don't know how much you know about dancing in RL, but in most traditional couple dances, if the man knows what he's doing, all the woman has to do is follow his lead to dance passably well. She doesn't have to know more than the basic timing of the steps; he directs all the turns and movement and special steps and pauses.)
turalisj 05-31-07, 09:18 PM	The attention of the audience shifted, as a pair of identical figures began to dance. They seemed to move about the room in a pattern, thier silvery silken cloaks spinning about them as they vanished with one step, and appeared at another. Then, they took to the air, Dancing in the air and seeming to be merely a pair of spinning cloaks. The two figures ened thier dance with the formation of a pair of dust devils, dancing behind with them. Took a ten on the check, for a total of 34. Orcy got lucky on his rolls...
CaptainShar 05-31-07, 09:40 PM	The villagers clap at the end of the "dance of the cloaks." As the song ends, one of the minstrels strikes up a more formal tune, enjoying the chance to play for someone who knows more than a jig or two. The other chimes in with more common country music, here and there, and more couples rejoin the dance.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-01-07, 02:46 PM	Kaer-Thok spares not even a glance for the dancers. He continues dancing with Salise until the song ends, then he finally looks towards the two. He gives a short nod then turns back to Salise. "Thank you, I've had a bit of practice in such matters. You did well yourself. Care to dance some more or would you prefer to do something else?"
turalisj 06-01-07, 04:49 PM	As soon as the dancers stopped, one of them vanished. The cloaked figure approached Kaer-thok. A black blindfold covered his eyes, with many scars marring his otherwise perfect face, all the scars originating from the eyes. Greetings. I apologise for taking the sene away from your dance. He bowed, producing a card from within his shirt as herose. I am known as Dancer. Adventurer by restless spirit, and amoung other things, performer by heart.
CaptainShar 06-01-07, 10:24 PM	I think I'd be happy with whatever you want to do. She continues holding his arm; she's watching him with her bright red eyes just as much as before, but instead of looking for an opening or a weakness she seems to be devouring all the attention he's giving her. During the pause, a group dance begins, the kind where a line is formed and couples go down the center, and partners switch, etc. The villagers are waiting to see whether "Dancer" is going to do anything odd or magical that affects them more than a good performance; every once in a while you get the odd travelling magician or lost fairy. Better to ignore or placate them if possible. Most of them are hoping he'll just go away without causing any trouble. Salise's head snaps forward, and she utters a short cry. A stone clatters to the ground, and she reaches behind her head, bringing back a hand red-smeared with blood.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-01-07, 11:03 PM	Kaer-Thok's eyes flash red as he realises what has just happened. His sword is in his hand in an instant and he turns looking for the culprit. The blade shines and pulses with a blood red light, as if anticipating and looking forward to it's use. He looks now, more like an orc than ever since his first appearance in the village. "I come here offering no violence, indeed I come here to prevent it. Yet at a time of merriment, when we can forget about our troubles... you bring violence against us. If it is violence you wish then so be it, come and stand like a man instead of throwing rocks from a distance!"
turalisj 06-01-07, 11:20 PM	Calm there friend. We will hunt out this foe together. If he does not reveal himself, then we will find him. Dancer said, turning to one of the towns people. Patch the lady up. Then, post guards at every exit from the village. I want to personaly interrogate everyone here. He pulled down the black cloth around his eyes a bit, revealing milky-white iris. No man's lies can escape these eyes that peer into the soul. We will find him, and you good fellow, will have the honor of executioner.
CaptainShar 06-02-07, 09:29 AM	The townspeople begin to melt away, none of them wanting any part of the trouble that seems imminent. Whoever threw the rock is doing a good job of blending in. Hoff steps forward for a moment. Please don't hold all of us responsible for the actions of one person. I saw who it was; if you still need to know who it was in the morning, please come by my house and I will tell you. Good night. He and Poli go to his house; he nods back at Kaer-Thok to show them which one it is, then goes inside. Salise still looks a bit dazed. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are starting to become too bright. She groans a little. Oh, I'm too tired to be angry right now. I think I'm getting sick. As if to confirm this, she sneezes.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-02-07, 02:24 PM	Kaer-Thok puts an arm around her to support her and begins to head back toward the house they have been using. He sheaths his sword with his free arm and watches anyone in the streets carefully, the hand resting upon the hilt of his sword, as if daring them to try something. "I will handle my own affairs 'dancer' and for now I must return to my current residence. These people take poorly to newcomers, I would suggest somewhere else than this backward bloodthirsty town. It may not be standing much longer should any more violence be brought upon us. Should any attempt to strike me or her down, then I will slay the agressors to the man." Kaer-Thok sends one last glare across those still brave enough to be in the streets and heads for home.
CaptainShar 06-02-07, 10:00 PM	Back at the house, Salise crumples against a wall and makes odd gargling noises at the back of her throat. Ohhhh....I hate being on land, it makes me so sick it's so still... She rocks back and forth, and, thankfully, she didn't eat all that much at the feast...but she makes an effort to keep the dress clean, still. She staggers upstairs. There is a soft knock at the door.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-02-07, 10:45 PM	Kaer-Thok looks towards the stairs and sighs. Turning back to the door he opens it, hand on the hilt of his sword he presents a somewhat angry stance to whomever is on the other side.
CaptainShar 06-02-07, 10:56 PM	It is the mayor. He coughs and looks a bit sheepish. May I come in?
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-02-07, 11:02 PM	Kaer-Thok glares at the mayor but steps to the side to allow him to pass. Closing the door behind him he waves a hand toward one of the chairs in the room, and takes a seat across from the one indicated.
CaptainShar 06-02-07, 11:07 PM	The mayor takes a seat. I ah, perhaps did not read the situation correctly before. We have all heard how you defeated the pirate woman in a matter of seconds; we were not aware that you had taken a, um, special interest in her. I shall warn everyone that she is to be treated with all care. I offer my most humble apologies for the disturbance earlier. The mayor smiles, having delivered his message.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-03-07, 01:46 AM	"I have given my warning... Mr. Mayor. I appoligize if I have frightened the people of the city, but I will not sit back and allow these things to happen. Should anything happen to any I set under my protection, nothing will stop me. I do not mean to threaten or set you running frightful, I would just like to let you know where I stand. I accept your appology, and I would still like to know who it was that did that, I do not intend to punish them should Salise recieve and appology. Now, if business is out of the way, would you care for a drink? Perhaps some wine, or would you like to try something orcish from my homelands?"
CaptainShar 06-03-07, 11:12 AM	The mayor lets out a sigh of relief. Yes, a little wine would be most pleasant. And you may call me Godfrey. I will investigate the matter of the rock-thrower and suggest that an apology would be acceptable. I, eh, rather think I should warn you, though, that most of the folks here are still a bit sore at the pirate. You can't tell, because those clerics healed us, but a lot of us had bloody rings around our ankles and wrists, or worse. He rubs his wrists at the memory, and shivers. There's not a family in the village but what has a fresh plot or two in their part of the graveyard, as well. He sits up straighter again. But I'll try to keep a lid on it. We don't want a repetition of tonight's performance, any of us. Meaning the rock, not the dancing, of course. He sniffs. What is that smell? The village has about 500 inhabitants. The house Kaer-Thok has taken is a large one for the village, built of stone. It has three rooms downstairs; a large one with a table and a stove, and two smaller ones. There is a single inhabitable room upstairs, due to the steepness of the roof, and long rooms on either side of it which are suitable for storage. I'm assuming he's taken all the furnishings out of the upper room so that Salise has no tools to aid her escape.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-03-07, 10:49 PM	"Smell?" Kaer-Thok sniffs and looks around, attempting to figure out what it is exactly Godfrey has smelled. Standing and heading to take a bottle of wine while he attempts to locate the source.
CaptainShar 06-04-07, 07:16 PM	It smelled like someone's been sick, to me, but perhaps I am mistaken. Godfrey smiles weakly. (Remember Salise threw up before going upstairs.) I take it you are planning to reside here in Galanth, then? I can bring you a copy of the deed to this house and the land that goes with it - the Marchers were farmers - along with the papers for indenturement, tomorrow.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-05-07, 02:44 AM	"Reside here? That is unlikely. I believe we will be leaving before long. I have never been one to stay in one place for long, and so far this has been quite a while. At least in terms of my usual time in one place. I feel it might be best for all parties were we to leave before long. It would seem the people much prefer it that way." Kaer-Thok hands Godfrey a glass of wine, taking up a rag and heading to the corner. He crouches down and goes about cleaning up after Salise's bout of sickness.
CaptainShar 06-05-07, 10:24 PM	Ah. Godfrey sips the wine, and seems about to speak several times. Do you, by any chance, need a doctor here? Hoff is the one to call, I could fetch him...
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-06-07, 12:09 AM	"At the moment I do not believe so, I will be checking on her soon. I believe I should do so, which I would suppose means that I must be saying good night for now." Kaer-Thok bows and stands up after he finishes cleaning, heading toward the stairs and looking back.
CaptainShar 06-06-07, 10:09 PM	Godfrey stands and bows in return, sets the glass on the table, and heads for the door. Yes, good night, and good luck on your travels. Galanth is ever in your debt. He nods his head once more and goes out the door, closing it behind him. Almost as soon as the door closes, Salise calls out, K-Kaer, can I have a b-blanket? I'm c-cold. Her voice still sounds like she's feeling pretty miserable, and is shivering as well.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-07-07, 01:24 PM	Kaer-Thok nods to Godfrey as he leaves. He picks up a blanket before heading upstairs to Salise. Laying the blanket over her once he is close enough. He sits down beside her and smiles.
CaptainShar 06-07-07, 06:43 PM	Salise tucks the blanket over herself; she is lying against the wall in the corner of the empty room, shivering. The window is open. She is wearing her normal clothes and the red satin dress is lying on the floor, neatly. The window is open, allowing a breeze into the room. Th-thanks. I'm s-sorry. I w-wasn't going to try to b-be a nuisance tonight, y-you've been so nice t-today. But I am a-anyway. She sits and shivers, holding the blanket closer.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-07-07, 06:56 PM	Kaer-Thok heads over and closes the window. After, he walks back and takes a seat beside Salise, putting an arm around her and rubbing her opposite arm. "It is no trouble. If you are up to it, we will stay here for the night and see about purchasing a ship tomorrow. If we can find nothing here, then we may have to travel overland to Tyrannor, I am sure there we can find whatever it is we might be seeking. But first, we need to make sure you are alright. Traveling will be better and safer I would imagine if you are feeling well."
CaptainShar 06-09-07, 11:48 AM	After recovering for two days... The boats will be on the river; the best ones will belong to those who actually use them regularly, I'm sure.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-09-07, 11:48 PM	Kaer-Thok nods and after packing things and preparing for the past few days readies to go shopping. He heads to the door and waits for Salise before going to the docks to see what ships might be for sale.
CaptainShar 06-10-07, 02:58 PM	Salise follows, walking slowly. She seems excited at the thought of leaving, showing far more energy than she has for the time of her sickness. Down at the river, they can see a number of villagers fishing. (I seem to have misplaced my 'Stormwrack' in the process of moving out of my dorm room. I only have the rowboat stats at the moment; if you have more options, feel free to add them.)
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-10-07, 03:44 PM	Kaer-Thok looks the ships over as the approach, looking around for a dockmaster or whatnot whom he can speak to about purchasing a ship. "Hmm... mostly some smaller ships it would seem. But perhaps we will find something good..."
CaptainShar 06-10-07, 04:37 PM	Unless you want to hire a crew, we'll have to get a small one. There is no dockmaster. It looks like several families have small personal docks along the river. There are no large sailing vessels available; it is a selection of rowboats and coracles. At the rate Salise is going, she will probably wear herself out before noon.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-10-07, 10:37 PM	"I believe we should get a wagon and make our way to Tyrannor. There will be far more to choose from there I believe, and it will give you some time to rest. What do you think?"
CaptainShar 06-10-07, 10:41 PM	No... Salise's exclamation draws the notice of the surrounding villagers. She shrinks back. Being on the water will make me feel better, I told you. One of the village women approaches. You interested in buying a wagon, mister? I've been wondering what to do with my sister-in-law's, rest her soul. You can have the wagon and the donkey to go with it for forty pieces of gold.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 05:36 PM	Kaer-Thok takes Salise by the arm and shakes his head. "We will be on the water when we can find a ship. Rowing a small boat through the river and following the shore with it does not seem like a good idea to me. At least, not in the condition you are in Salise. We should buy a wagon and be on our way on land until we can find an appropriate ship, and perhaps some crew to assist if the need should arise."
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 07:45 PM	If you were just going to get a smelly wagon, why did you drag me out here in the first place? Salise's eyes are starting to look too-bright again, and her arm is over-warm. The lack of fluids, her fright that morning, and the exertion are making her feverish again. Can't vouch for the donkey, but the wagon isn't smelly. The woman pipes up again.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 08:00 PM	"Salise, calm down. This is not good for you, now calm down! So it will take a little longer, but obviously you still need rest. We will be taking the wagon, then we will go to the city, from there we will get a ship and go out to sea. You just need to wait a little longer, rest... and do not get worked up like this, it is not good for you."
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 08:06 PM	Why shouldn't I get worked up? You took everything from me, everything, and now you won't even get me a little tiny stupid boat! As if that could possibly make up for my ship, and now you take away even that. I'm going. Salise pulls away from him and starts walking downstream.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 08:49 PM	Kaer-Thok stands still and watches her walk away, shaking his head. "We will have a boat... once we get to Tyrannor. If you cannot wait, then good luck to you. How many times must I try to convince you before you accept that I am not out to get you?"
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 09:00 PM	You'd better be out to get her if you want her to stay out of trouble. The woman attracts the attention of more villagers, who start talking among themselves and looking at Salise walking free.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 09:20 PM	Kaer-Thok sighs and follows after Salise. He moves quick and attempts to catch up with her and stop her. "Salise... stop. This is not going to do anything..."
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 09:34 PM	Salise looks back at him and notices the mob that is forming, looking at them all with a face of despair. She waits for him to catch up to her, looking very faint. She sways and catches onto him before she falls all the way to the ground.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 09:41 PM	Kaer-Thok picks her up and turns, heading back toward the woman that offered the wagon. He hands her fourty gold and motions toward the town. "Bring it to the house we're staying at if you wouldn't mind. I should be getting her back to get some rest."
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 09:45 PM	The mob disperses, seeing that Kaer-Thok still has control of Salise. A few minutes after Kaer-Thok returns to the house, the sound of creaking and braying outside signals the arrival of the wagon and donkey. Salise comes to in a few minutes.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 09:52 PM	Kaer-Thok prepares things to get ready to go. Stacking the chest and a few of their other belongings by the door to bring out to the wagon. When she wakes up, Kaer-Thok turns back toward Salise. "Are you alright?"
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 10:00 PM	No. I'm miserable, I'm sick, and everyone but an orc wants to kill me.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 10:06 PM	"All the more reason to get out of here. We'll take the wagon, and once we reach the city we will be able to get a ship that is more than a canoe. We'll just need to take some time traveling overland, you'll be better by the time we reach the city."
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 10:10 PM	Oh, fine. You can put me in the stupid wagon if it means we can leave this place. Salise struggles out of bed.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 10:17 PM	Kaer-Thok stops her before she gets out of bed. "Rest. I'll load the wagon first and get everything ready. Then we'll get you into the wagon. Don't worry, just rest for a bit."
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 10:22 PM	There are plenty of furnishings in the house he can take if he wants: for example, kitchen utensils, bedding, gardening tools. Hitched up to a weathered gray but sturdy-looking little wagon is a fat gray donkey. It does not object to the wagon being loaded. By the time he comes back for her, Salise has fallen asleep.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 10:31 PM	Kaer-Thok takes one of the matresses for use in the wagon, setting it in the back with the chest and a few other things holding their gear and clothing. When he is done, he heads back in and, carefully and as gently as possible, picks Salise up and carries her out to the wagon.
CaptainShar 06-11-07, 10:35 PM	She stirs but stays asleep, turning her head away from the bright light when he reaches the sunlight.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-11-07, 10:49 PM	Kaer-Thok sets her down on the matress in the back of the wagon and closes it up. He climbs up into the driver's seat and urges the donkey forward at a slow pace, as casually as he can get it to move so as not to jar Salise, and then starts on their way toward the city.
CaptainShar 06-12-07, 05:15 PM	The people watch Kaer-Thok driving away; a few wave and wish him good luck, Hoff and Poli among them. A path follows the river downstream, through the sparse forest. Salise stays asleep for a long time; it seems that the violent illness is past, but she is now exhausted, dehydrated, and very pale.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-12-07, 05:23 PM	Kaer-Thok goes for a while then calls the donkey to a stop. He gets out of the wagon and gets some water from the river for Salise. Waking her for just a bit to give her some water since she has not had much in the past few days. "I don't want to interrupt your rest but, I would like you to drink something. You have not had much to drink in a few days and it is not good for you."
CaptainShar 06-12-07, 05:29 PM	Where are we? Salise drinks a little of the water and closes her eyes again.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-12-07, 05:34 PM	"You will need more than a sip..." Kaer-Thok attempts to give her some more water before continuing on their trip toward the city. Heal check: 14 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1098590)
CaptainShar 06-12-07, 05:39 PM	As more water slides down her throat, Salise coughs and splutters but then sits up and manages to drink all of it. She sits for a few minutes, leaning against the front-board of the wagon, then announces: I'm hungry.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-12-07, 05:42 PM	Kaer-Thok digs through the things people had been brining them throughout their stay in the city and pulls out some food, bread or something easier to eat than meat. "Well, we have some food left over from our stay in the town. So I do not beleive that will be too much of a problem."
CaptainShar 06-12-07, 05:47 PM	Salise breaks off a piece of bread and eats it slowly. Her skin is starting to look more gray than white, again. Can I have another drink too?
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-13-07, 03:26 AM	Kaer-Thok gives her a smile, happy to see that shes at least regained a bit of her strength and sanity. He heads over and refills the bowl, bringing it back full of water. "Here you are. Good to see that you are feeling better."
CaptainShar 06-13-07, 04:53 PM	She smiles back at him. Why are you being so nice to me? I've been nothing but a bother to you, intentionally and unintentionally, and here you are being nicer to me than even my parents were, when I had them. She dips more of the bread in the water and eats it, then drinks the rest of the water.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-13-07, 06:06 PM	"I know what it is like to be an 'outcast' and everyone deserves a second chance, perhaps a third or fourth in this case." Kaer-Thok grins and shrugs his large shoulders. "I suppose as well, you are a very interesting woman. You are a pirate, but there is more to you than simply that, I can see that. There are things that you do not wish to speak of to others that you have to me. I am interested in you because of this hidden side that you do not show to others, because there is more to you beneath the rough and tough exterior you show to most."
CaptainShar 06-14-07, 05:13 PM	You pretty much forced me to tell you about how I became a pirate. I haven't said or done anything else but argue with you. Despite her tough words, she settles back more comfortably against her makeshift seat and looks like she very much wishes him to keep talking to her.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-14-07, 10:35 PM	"You've said more than you care to admit I'd imagine. But it is nothing I intend to weild against you, that wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me would it? Well, we are away from that town now, and will be on our way to Tyrannor so that we might aquire a ship."
CaptainShar 06-14-07, 10:47 PM	Good, good. Let's keep going. She pauses a moment, as if unsure how to ask for something like this... Can you move me to the front? I'd like to see where we're headed, and, and I'd like to be able to see you. I might have to lean against you, though, I don't know if that would interfere with the driving... Throughout, the donkey has only required to be facing the right direction.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-14-07, 11:21 PM	Kaer-Thok smiles and nods. He lifts Salise off of the matress in the back of the wagon and sits her in the seat up front. Climbing in himself, he rests her head against him, putting an arm around her to take hold of the ropes and whatnot, urging the donkey forward.
CaptainShar 06-15-07, 10:03 PM	She takes the proximity calmly; perhaps too tired to tense up, or perhaps becoming more used to it. You tell me some stories now. They can be about you or anybody, but I want them to have a happy ending. If you can't think of one, tell me why you wore that mask.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-15-07, 11:58 PM	"While I think of a story, I suppose I shall tell you why I wear the mask. It is part of a deal, or rather, to hide the part of the deal I do not like. This I suppose... is a story in itself, I shall begin. I was a very skilled swordsman and knew much in the way of the sword when I was younger. My skill was superior to many of those I fought in duels, and my wit outdid my opponents who's strength I did not overcome with my sword arm alone. One day, I came up against an opponent who was renowned around the world for his skills. A man with many legends surrounding him, one who is said to be ancient beyond the years men are given to live. Emeraude Moonlight Demarcus, General of the Almatir Kingdom. We met in a duel at a royal function thrown by the King himself. The battle was long and hard fought, but in the end I was the loser. I was stunned, amazed that I could be defeated in battle, I had grown too cocky and sure of my skill. After my loss, I saught more power, more skill in combat. In my studies of ancient arts and swordsmen I came upon the story of Paimon, the dancer. He was said to be an extraordinary swordsman who's skill was greater than that of any of his competitors. He won women from suitors in duels and was very well known for his 'one night stands' with various women of the court. Never settling for any one for long after he had impressed and won their hand... for the night at least. One of his rivals grew angry at him for this, and one night he cut off his hand. Paimon returned to court for the next event, there he revealed a golden hand, which he could remove and replace with a sword. He defeated his rival again... and this time, he and others whom had been defeated by Paimon banded together, they cut off his limbs and replaced them with blades. Again, the next day a figure appeared at the court, he was extremely large and began a whirrling dance. A spectator noticed naked steel beneath the robes... as the nobles fled the court, Paimon's rival grew angry and ripped the robe from the figures body... there beneath it... was paimon. Spinning on the blade where his leg had been, with the scream of a woman... he vanished. After learning of this dancer, I studied him more. He had become what is known as a Vestige. These are beings that are outside of time and most normal existance. They are outside the reach of the gods, but a practice known as binding can call them forth to make pacts. These pacts grant power in return for carrying a bit of their soul bound to the binder's own. Paimon grants greater skill with the rapier and some various other blades such as the short sword. I learned this... and I persude this knowledge. I learned to call on Paimon and bind his power into myself, but there is always a cost. Should I fail to make a... good enough pact, I bear his mark. My face twists and my mouth is pulled upward, twisting the right side of my face into something... not plesant to look on. So I wear the mask. But this power has come with some great good. I again fought Emeraude in battle, this time however... I was victorious. As you have seen... my skill has increased greatly since then, and I become better as I learn. I do not give in to overconfidence, but instead take every battle seriously. A lesson well learned."
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 12:06 AM	Fail to make a good enough pact? What does that mean? And Paimon sounds awful. Salise twists her head away from him to study his face more closely.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 12:15 AM	"The vestiges agree to a pact if they appear, however their influence is hard to resist. If one is successful in resisting them then one acts as they normall do and there is no effect on their body. However, should one not word a pact correctly and fail to win their influence over the Vestige, then their attitude is changed slightly. Paimon causes me to become bold and a bit reckless, as well as the physical effect on my face. I have not bound him while we have been staying at the town. It would not help us much I would say."
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 12:25 AM	Are you going to try it now that we're gone? Salise shrinks away from him, afraid.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 12:30 AM	"At the moment I do not see a reason to do so. Does it make you uncomfortbale to know that I have used such methods to attain greater skill? It was, perhaps, not the best of choices, but it has worked well for me since I have learned to do so."
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 12:37 AM	She shakes her head. Not the methods, but what you have described. I would hate to be so helpless with you being seized with a fit from a murderous womanizer.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 12:44 AM	"Ah, he is not in control of me. I am always in control of myself, I am simply a bit more... bold than usual. It has little effect anymore these days as I've become a bit bolder because of my constant interaction with Paimon. He was not a murderer, the duels he fought were not to the death. But I can see your concern. Do not worry, I am still me when I am under his influence."
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 12:54 AM	She hesitates, holding herself stiffly, and struggling with herself. Caution, fear, and past experience win out. All the same, I'd rather sit in the back again.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 01:00 AM	Kaer-Thok sighs and brings the wagon to a stop. "Very well... if my methods are so disturbing to you. This is... I suppose, one of the reasons I do not tell people this story. They always see it in the wrong light, as if I am giving my body to some other being. But, you asked the question, and I felt to trust you with the truth would be the best." When the donkey has stopped he steps out of the wagon and waits for her to slide over so he can pick her up.
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 01:04 AM	I know how to inflict pain at close proximity too well to lightly ignore another's threat. Having said this, she sits uncomfortably, not wanting to then have him lift her again.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 01:11 AM	"Inflict pain? WHY would I... what reason do I have to..." Kaer-Thok shakes his head and walks away from the wagon, settling down by the river side. "If you think I am some sort of possessed madman who is going to hurt you than you have learned nothing of me in our time together. I see no way I can convince you otherwise if that is the case."
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 01:17 AM	All I know is that every time I think you might be different from everyone else, you do or say something that makes you dangerous again... Salise breaks down and cries, tears coming from seemingly much more than this particular story of his.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 01:22 AM	"You see something dangerous in what I do and say because you are so determined not to trust me. If you are convinced that I am going to turn and betray you at the first opprotunity then you will never see anything else but that. No matter what, I cannot seem to be trusted by you."
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 01:36 AM	She stares at him for a long time with her tear-stained face. She whispers hoarsely: I can't. If I could trust anyone, it would be you. But I can't. I, I don't know. As I keep telling myself, you've only been nice to me. You must have moved me when I was asleep or sick...you did tell me the truth...come back over here.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 01:42 AM	Kaer-Thok stands slowly and sighs. He turns back toward Salise and after a moment heads back over to the wagon. "I do not know what more I can do to convince you."
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 01:48 AM	Salise reaches out a hand, slowly, tentatively, and places it in his, watching him all the while.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 01:57 AM	Kaer-Thok takes her hand and looks up at her. He smiles slightly, but still seems somewhat sad. Looking down at her hand then back up at her.
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 02:03 AM	Salise slides over to him and wraps her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder, hugging him as if she hasn't felt a kind touch in years.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 02:15 AM	Kaer-Thok puts his arms around her and holds her close to him. He closes his eyes and says nothing, just holds her for the time being.
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 02:19 AM	After a while, Salise whispers in his ear, choking over the words: I will try to trust you.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 02:24 AM	Kaer-Thok nods slowly, sighing and looking up he clears his throat. "Should we... keep going then?"
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 02:26 AM	Yes. I can stay up here. She pushes back onto the center of the seat, wiping the tears out of her eyes.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-16-07, 02:30 AM	Kaer-Thok climbs back into the seat, letting her rest her head against him if she wants, if not he just takes up the reigns and starts on the path again.
CaptainShar 06-16-07, 03:02 PM	Salise rides along in the wagon quietly, alternating between watching the path ahead and looking at him. After a while she speaks again: So did you think of any happy stories?
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-17-07, 01:16 AM	"At the moment I am still thinking. I have been many places, but happy stories... for some reason I cannot recall one at the moment. I'll have to keep thinking about it I suppose."
CaptainShar 06-17-07, 03:58 PM	I do not see how you can be so kind if you have had only sad things happen to you. She thinks back over her life, for a while, then concludes: The best thing that ever happened to me was when I managed to kill the former captain of that wingship - an elf - and enough of his ranking crew to become the captain myself, my own master at last. And as you might have noticed, most people don't consider that to be much of a happy thing.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-19-07, 03:51 PM	"This is... perhaps not the happiest of stories. But, it is one that I enjoy, perhaps you will as well.." "In times now past there lived a soldier, a man who's strength of sword and heart were equal. He was an example of honor and justice to all who fought beside him. It came to pass that this man met a woman, not some princess or noble woman who was pampered and given everything she had ever wanted. No, this woman was a commoner, a peasant girl who had never truely known wealth. The two fell in love and their union produced a child. Their son was a bright lad, he had wit and cunning, strength and a sense of honor from his father. He had his mother's looks and her calm and gentle demeanor. However, fate is often fickle and cruel. Fate had plans for the young man, and so on his tenth birthday fate robbed him of his family. The raiders came unseen and unnoticed, descending upon the village where his family lived and protected the people. The flames were the first sign of something wrong, spreading throughout the village before anyone could rouse the alarm. His father took up his sword and went into battle, armored only with faith in his blade and the love of his family. Love conquers all some say, and this may be true. However, that day hatred won out and the raiders took his father's life. They pillaged the homes of his friends and came upon his own. He prayed for the screams to end, so that he would not have to listen to anymore. After hours, they finally did end, and he was left alone, hidden from the enemy beneath the floorboards where his father kept valuables. Days passed and he could not bring himself to move, he grew hungry and thirsty, finally emerging from his hiding place when he could take the hunger and thirst no longer. After he ate what he could find, that was not taken by the raiders, he left his home. With his father's sword strapped to his back he walked away from his life as a simple farmer. It was not until ten years later the boy's story would continue. Appearing again from nothing and returning to his home town. There he learned that the raiders whom had destroyed his home were members of the current king's army. Their attack had been meant to convince the people that the time had come for a change in the land, and that their homes were not safe. With the overthrow of the king, the scoundrel took command of the empire. The boy who had become a man took up his father's sword and made his way to the castle. There, armored only with faith, vengence, and honor he assailed the palace. He cut his way through soldier after soldier, striking down his foes with expert skill. The boy had indeed become a man, fighting as his father had before him. After a day of furious battle the boy came upon the throne room, breaking through the door and walking calmy. No fatigue showed in his movements, not even sweat played upon his brow. His wounds were many but they seemed to have no effect on him as he approached the king. Raising his blade he leveled it, the point inches from the terrified king's throat. "You killed my father. You killed my mother. You took from me the life I had, and took from me all that I knew. My father taught honor, my mother taught forvigeness. Before death, one's sins must be forgiven or they shall live forever in sadness. We must accomplish our goals, and seek our forgiveness, we must forgive great sins because they are the things that hold us and bind us to this world. It is because of this, I come to you. I forgive you." Thrusting his sword into the stone beneath his feet, the boy who had become a man turned and walked away. He left the palace as the rebellion's forces entered. He walked unseen, un-noticed by the others who found the hallways strangely empty. In the throne room they found the king, kneeling before an old, rusted blade, tears fell from his eyes, weeping for the death he knew was coming. The boy who had become a man, who had become justice... left this world. In the next, he would re-join his family and live forever with them in the life he had once known."
CaptainShar 06-19-07, 06:19 PM	He went all that way and didn't kill the guy after all? Just his followers?
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-19-07, 07:04 PM	"Thats right, he went all the way there, and instead of killing him he forgave him. You see, the boy was consumed by hatred all his life, looking to kill the man that had slain his father and mother. Looking to avenge their deaths with more death. He had intended to kill him when he found him, he was going to kill the man on his throne. But he knew as well that he would get what he deserved, and instead of killing him out of vengence, he let him live to face judgement from others he had wronged."
CaptainShar 06-19-07, 07:13 PM	And forgiving the guy actually made him feel better than killing him? Salise, during the story, has started resting against him again.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-19-07, 07:17 PM	"Yes, it made him feel much better. It set him free from the vengence that he had saught his entire life. For the first time since he began seeking his revenge, he was free from it, the hatred he felt no longer crushed down upon his heart with it's weight."
CaptainShar 06-19-07, 07:19 PM	Is this a true story, or are you just making it up to moralize to me?
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-19-07, 07:30 PM	"It is a true story. In truth, the boy never made it to manhood. It was not his body that returned to bring tidings of the king's doom. Rather, it was his spirit that could not rest with the hatred within it. Had he struck down the king, he would have given into his hatred and walked the world forever. He chose however to forgive the man who had wronged his family, gaining peace at last for his spirit. Some say that through his the sword, his father guided his son so that he would be with them in the end. But others still say that it was his own heart that told him what to do, so that he would not suffer and walk the world alone."
CaptainShar 06-19-07, 09:25 PM	Salise thinks for a bit. Well, even if I wanted to do something different, everyone I wanted to kill I already did.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-19-07, 09:55 PM	"The story was not to say you should do something different. You asked for one and it is one I enjoyed. Of course, I suppose there are some parallels, but oh well. In every story one can find some sort of connection, that is what makes us enjoy them."
CaptainShar 06-19-07, 09:59 PM	Salise naps again for a bit, resting. She speaks again suddenly; she must have woken and kept her eyes closed to think. What would a noblewoman do if she wanted to do something nice for someone?
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-20-07, 08:30 PM	"It would depend upon the noblewoman. A deal of them are more self centered than most and would likely not do many nice things. However there are others who would grant things to their noble lord. Some cook for their lord since it is usually their servants that do such. It is more a question of what a person wishes to do as something nice I suppose. Since nobles are people, they simply have more money than most. It depends on the individual."
CaptainShar 06-20-07, 09:46 PM	Oh. Salise seems vaguely disappointed. It is approaching sunset. (Also - when you picked a village, did you go to one of the first ones Shar stopped at - further upstream - or one of the later ones?)
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-22-07, 02:28 AM	"I wish I could tell you more, but what happens in noble homes is often kept more private than one might think. I have never really settled down for the lifestyle, so while I have met them, I do not know well all their workings." Kaer-Thok smiles toward Salise and looks up towards the sky. He thinks for a moment and nods. "Perhaps we should rest for the night? I am sure the donkey could use it as well as we could, a few more hours and then sleep? Or shall we stop now? (One of the later ones at random)
CaptainShar 06-22-07, 01:11 PM	I've been sleeping all day. I'm not sleepy just now. But I'd rather stop before we get to the next village. Salise settles back to think again. The trees are starting to give way to cultivated fields, ahead.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-23-07, 11:51 PM	Kaer-Thok guides the wagon off the path before they reach the fields, heading into the forest to set up camp. He sets everything up and brings the matress inside so that theres something nice to lie down on. "Well, if you are not sleepy, then what would you like to do?"
CaptainShar 06-24-07, 07:59 PM	Salise ponders for a while. When I was in training with the other girls, we used to play silly games sometimes when we didn't need to do anything else. But I am too old, and you wouldn't like them anyway. I like to watch the sea now, but there's no sea here. Salise frowns. I guess I don't know what to do when there isn't anything required. Except torture people, but you definitely wouldn't like that. She thinks again. We could fish. That's useful and doesn't require much energy.
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-26-07, 04:02 PM	After a bit more rest and another day or two of traveling, Kaer-Thok brings the wagon up toward the city. He looks over at Salise in the seat next to him and smiles. "Here she is... Tryannor herself."
CaptainShar 06-26-07, 06:41 PM	We shouldn't go near the authorities. I always try not to do anything too close to a big city, but I may be wanted already. I did sail through here on the way up. (Want to move this to the Merchants thread? We're back where others could very easily pop in to the plot.)
Orcy The Green Wonder 06-26-07, 07:41 PM	(sure, Orcy will head on over and post it up)