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| #1shatteredtowerAug 07, 2005 23:09:54 | The GM for this adventure is Ghost Theory. Only the players listed below are permitted to post to this thread: Your Heroes Gilgiga Gilgiga HP: 32/36 (+4 nonlethal) Initiative: +3 AC: 16 (+3 Dex, +1 armor, +1 proficiency, +1 defense), -2 touch/-4 flat-footed (add +2 to AC/touch AC for cat's grace) Damage Conversion: 1 (leather armor) BAB: +5 (apply modifiers of +3 to melee and ranged attacks) Atk: ¤ falchion +8 (2d4+4, 18-20/x2 critical) ¤ handaxe +8 (1d6+3, x2 critical) ¤ dagger +8 (1d4+3, 19-20/x2 critical, 10' range increment)* (add +2 to ranged attacks for cat's grace) ¤ shortspear +8 (1d6+3, x2 critical, 20' range increment)* (add +2 to ranged attacks for cat's grace) ¤ longbow +8 or +6/+6 (1d8, x3 critical, 100' range increment)* (add +2 to ranged attacks for cat's grace) * Add +1 to attack and damage rolls for ranged weapons within 30'. Saves: Fort +7, Ref +7 (add +2 from cat's grace), Will +6 Abilities: Str 16, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 8 Skills: Bluff -1*, Climb +5, Concentration +3, Craft (trapmaking) +5, Hide +9 (add +2 from cat's grace), Jump +5, Knowledge (nature) +14, Listen +9*, Move Silently +9 (add +2 from cat's grace), Sense Motive +2*, Spot +10*, Survival +13* (or +15 above ground), Use Rope +5 (add +2 from cat's grace) * Add +2 vs. humans Feats: Endurance, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Track Languages: Common, Druidic, Dwarven, Orc Special: archery style (Rapid Shot), darkvision 60', favoured enemy (human), spontaneous casting of summon nature's ally spells, trackless step, wild empathy +4, woodland stride |
| #2tensek_vicar_dupAug 07, 2005 23:23:11 | Tensek strides up to the front door and gives a healthy knock. |
| #3hermy_the_hero_dupAug 08, 2005 1:22:04 | Denise provides little conversation as she guides Hermy down the road and across the southern footbridge near the farmer’s field. When they reach the Lawson residence, she quietly unlocks the door and heads inside, leaving the door open for Hermy. Hermy smiles at Denise's mother. "Hey, hi! Ise Hermy Woodhome." "Sorry ta be draggin ya outs so late but as Ise sure Denise mentioned wese gots a bits of a problem." His smile turns towards Denise's father. "Looks likes a nice sword. I don'trs thinks you'll has ta use it, but Ise glads its here just in case, ya knows what I means?" "It never hurts ta has back up. An wese still gots ta go to the Mullers." Hermy smiles at Denise's sister. "Thens wese goes ta thew church." "Theys alot a cats there. Nice ones. That likes to be petted." Hermy checks to make sure his crossbow is loaded and puts his other hand on his sword hilt. "Ifen we hurry, there still mights be some of them delicious eggs left." Hermy heads out the door, scans the sky for signs of Veruca, and then motions for the family to follow him. |
| #4zombiegleemaxAug 08, 2005 1:25:49 | Back in the church, Saul eats lightly from the food left. Minto joins him at the window. "Hopefully just tonight, and tomorrow." "We should find her by then if she's still around." Minto unslings his lute and starts to tune it. "I'll try to make everyones stay as pleasant as possible." |
| #5zombiegleemaxAug 08, 2005 1:57:09 | Making his way up the road, Gilgiga passes a smokehouse to reach the hunter’s abode. The house is average size, with a flatter design than the other houses, like it is hugging the ground to avoid being seen. The rough wood exterior also makes it seem more natural. Gilgiga freezes perfectly still, he hardly moves to breathe. When he talks it's low and forcefully calm. You can hear him straining to not reach for a weapon, as refelx battles rationality. "There is a threat to the children, I have been sent to collect you, Ms. Cynwise, and the Redwalds, and bring them to the church." Gilgiga hopes that is enough to apeal to the hunter, but something tells him that he's a little cold. |
| #6ghost_theoryAug 08, 2005 10:58:29 | Mr. Lawson nods to Hermy, "Better safe than sorry." The family heads outside and Denise locks door behind them. "This is my little sister Arabella," Denise indicates the girl attached to her hand. "Maybe I should go with my family back to the church first so they don't have to make the long walk?" "Is that safe?" Mrs. Lawson voices, looking around the empty sky as Hermy does. --- Tensek's door is answered by the same man as before. The smell of cooking meat floats out. "Oh, you again. What can I do for you?" he says with forced hospitality. -- After a long moment of consideration, in which the man appears to weigh the sincerity of Gilgiga's tone, John lowers the weapon and scratches his grey beard stubble. "That so?" "Well, let's be goin' then," he grabs his brown jacket. "And explain more t'me." |
| #7tensek_vicar_dupAug 08, 2005 15:35:53 | With a slight nod of greeting Tensek greets the not very appreaciative man, "Good day sir. The two halflings you spoke with earlier and Father Saul have decided it best to gather all of the town's residents to teh church until the being that is threatening this place is dealt with. I'm very sorry for this but I've come to accompany you to the church." |
| #8ghost_theoryAug 08, 2005 21:09:12 | Mr. Ashdown crosses his arms as he listens to Tensek. "Bah, Saul always worries too much." The man shakes his head and then scratches at his beard. "Ah, fine," he relents. "Beatrice!" he calls back into the house, "Those bad hats have got the farm stirred up." "Probably for nothing," Mr. Ashdown adds for Tensek's benefit. A long sigh follows. "Get the food covered up, I'll get Eben ready." A minute later, the Ashdowns are at the door. Mrs. Ashdown holds a basket of their dinner in one hand and fixes her hair up in a bonnet with the other. The portly woman speaks up, "We can make it to the church just fine by ourselves, mister...?" "I assume you're bothering all the other folks too?" |
| #9hermy_the_hero_dupAug 09, 2005 1:07:13 | Mr. Muller nods to Hermy, "Better safe than sorry." Hermy shakes his head. "Most likely it's safe, but it's a risk I'ds rather not takes." "Besides, it's a nice night fer a walk dontcha think?" He smiles. "I thinks the Mullers woulds appreciate the company of someones they know anyhow." "Ise a fascinating guy an all, but I is a stranger ta them. An I really don'ts knows enoughs about them ta has a simulating conversation." He shrugs. "Ifen ya wants ta goes back, I'lls has ta go with ya. I don'ts really minds the extra walking myself, but I'ds really rather gets the Mullers ta safety pretty quick too." |
| #10ghost_theoryAug 09, 2005 9:41:40 | Mr. Lawson takes his wife's hand and nods. "We'll go together for the walk," Denise shakes her head slightly as her younger sister yawns and looks around disinterested, but both girls stand by their parents as they follow Hermy. |
| #11tensek_vicar_dupAug 09, 2005 19:27:08 | With a slight sigh Tensek comes up next to the Ashwood family and accompanies them back to the church. |
| #12ghost_theoryAug 09, 2005 19:38:40 | "Hmph.. too good to offer us his name," Beatrice Ashdown comments to her husband. The family walks ahead of Tensek, with Mr. Ashdown carrying their son Eben. The child looks at Tensek, studying quietly him with alert eyes. They reach the church with no problem, and Father Saul welcomes them. "Hello, Thomas," Saul greets. "Father," Mr. Ashdown nods sternly, "Hope you haven't gotten us out for nothing." He puts Eben down, and the boy immediately runs to see the dogs lying near the wall. |
| #13tensek_vicar_dupAug 09, 2005 20:15:03 | Silently Tensek pads off to the Brickenden family and standing on the porch he once again knocks. |
| #14zombiegleemaxAug 09, 2005 20:28:30 |
"If you could lead the way to the Redwalds, I am afraid the child Wolf? may be in danger" Gilgiga say ushering John in the direction in which he remembers the home of the Redwalds on the map, as they move Gilgiga explains. "My companions and I were battleing a fiend in the woods a few hours run from here. She fled claiming that she was intending to kidnap and eat this towns children under the disguise of our leaders wife. You would not have seen any winged women around here, or perhaps just an unknown beautiful maden?" |
| #15hermy_the_hero_dupAug 09, 2005 23:31:49 | Mr. Ashdown takes his wife's hand and nods. Hermy keeps up a stream of patter as he also keeps a watch for Veruca. "Her Arabella. Ya knows what? Ise broughts some dogs with me. Ridin dogs." "Has ya ever ridden a dog? It's fun. It's likes ridin a horse, but with the added benefit that ifen ya falls off ya gets licked better." Hermy walks along, giving Denise a smile. "Wese going the right way still aint we?" "My bards gunna writes a song about this, an I'ds prefer is don'ts include the words 'lost' in referance ta me. Or ta anyone else excewpt the batlady." "He writes a song about just about everything I does." He winks at Arabella. "Maybe he'll sing ya the song about the breakfast I hads two years ago. That was a good one." |
| #16ghost_theoryAug 10, 2005 0:04:35 | John the hunter walks alongside Gilgiga back down the street past the church to the next cottage. This one looks rather well-kept, a simple wood frame house with a gabled roof and shingle siding painted white. An older-looking water reservoir sits in the back. The elder man pats his crossbow. "Haven't seen anythin' of th' sort, but I'll be ready for it when I do." John knows on the door and a man with short, light hair in a shirt and vest appears wiping his spectacles with a cloth. "Hello, John, what-" Mr. Redwald pauses and shrinks back upon seeing the half-orc next to John. "Oh my, what's going on?" "Trouble," John answers quickly, "They think we should all get to th' chapel." "Who is this?" Mr. Redwolf dons his lenses to gaze upon Gilgiga. --- From inside the simple wattle and daub style house, Tensek hears the sounds of an infant wailing. The ranger is greeted by a lady holding a crying baby. She looks quite tired. "Yes?" she says, tilting her head up to see Tensek. --- Arabella shakes her head shyly to most of Hermy's questions. Denise keeps a hold of her sister's hand as their parents follow a few steps behind. "This is the right way," ignoring the rogue's small-talk, Denise points out the large house (actually two smaller ones jointed together). Crossing the front yard, Denise wastes no time knocking loudly on the door. "Evening, Mr. Muller," Denise greets the powerfully built man answering the door. "Father Saul is asking everyone to come ot the church. This gentleman," Denise indicates the smaller halfling, "and his firends have followed some sort of dangerous creature into the farm community." "W-What?" Mr. Muller sputters. "Oh, guess we should go then... Please, come in for a second while we get the children ready." The man steps away form the door and opens it wide. He's wearing a tan shirt and a dark, double wrap belt with attached straps that go over his shoulders. The smell of wood, both fresh cut and burning, permeates the home. "There's some food leftover if any of you are hungry." |
| #17hermy_the_hero_dupAug 10, 2005 0:49:58 | Hermy shakes his head. "It mights nots be a bad idea ta brings the food." "I knows havin ta goes away from home this time a night is a bother, but mights as well try ta makes the bests of a bad situation." "Thinks of this as more of a neighborhood party." He smiles. "Oh, an ifen yas gots a weapon mights want ta brings that too." "Ya won'ts be needin it, but it mights make some of the others people more comfortable knowin their neighbors are there in case me an my friends aints on the level." "We is though." |
| #18zombiegleemaxAug 10, 2005 2:10:02 | John the hunter walks alongside Gilgiga back down the street past the church to the next cottage. This one looks rather well-kept, a simple wood frame house with a gabled roof and shingle siding painted white. An older-looking water reservoir sits in the back. "I am a friend" Gilgiga says raiseing his carving of a set of wooden scales. "Where is your son? He may be in grave danger. A fiend of a woman with enchanting powers is after the children. Everyone is meeting at the chapel, as to make sure no one is lost." .oO(Oh, and if she can call up another fireball) Gilgiga swallows as the horrid thought passes through his mind, of how vulnerable they will be if they're bunched up like that. .oO(It'll just be up to us to make sure that dosen't happen.) |
| #19tensek_vicar_dupAug 10, 2005 11:35:39 | With the warmest smile the tired ranger can muster he bows to the woman at the door, "Good evening ma'am, my name is Tensek Vicar, I apologise for interrupting you. I'm part of a group of men who have found a possible threat to your family as well as all the families of this community, and with the aid of Father Saul our leader believes it would be safer for you at the church with everyone else." Tensek pauses and watches the woman's face, "Again I am very sorry for disturbing you." |
| #20ghost_theoryAug 10, 2005 19:37:24 | The Mullers put on their overcoats and form a human chain between their children, all three of them. They varying in age and height but all of them can walk on their own. Mr. Muller is holding a new-looking pitchfork, the closest weapon at hand in the rush to get going. Mrs. Muller cradles the wrapped up food to her chest, "Oh, a party would be nice." They look to Hermy and the Lawson family to lead the way. --- “Wolf!” the father shouts back into the room. “What?!” a call comes back. “Come here!” “Why!” “We have company!!” “Who?!” “Just- ” Mr. Redwald halts briefly, perceiving how much yelling is flying back and forth. “Excuse me.” The man walks back, leaving the door half-open. The room inside is tidy and warmly lit by table lamps. Mr. Redwald returns with a lean adolescent with shoulder length brown hair in a greenish tunic. “Wow,” Wolf says upon seeing Gilgiga, “Is that a real sword?” He looks to the temple woodsman’s bulky falchion. “We’re going next door, Wolf,” Mr. Redwald puts a light cloak over his shoulders. “Are you coming with us, John? And what’s this story about an enchanter?” John the hunter looks to Gilgiga for the plan. --- “Really?” Mrs. Brickenden smirks wryly. “Well, wait right there,” she closes the door. A minute and a half later, the door opens again and the lady appears again, now with a pale blue shawl. Behind her is a man in a black shirt holding an older child. “What do you mean ‘possible threat’?” Mr. Brickenden asks, not looking impressed by Mr. Vicar’s explanation. |
| #21tensek_vicar_dupAug 10, 2005 21:40:44 | "If I told you now it would only upset your wife and children sir," Tensek says matter of factly, "But I assure you teh threat is very real." |
| #22ghost_theoryAug 10, 2005 23:14:33 | Mr. Brickenden puts down his son and combs back his dark reddish hair with both hands. He glances at Mrs. Brickenden then back to Tensek. "Yeah, we'll go." "But please, go on ahead. We'll be there in a minute." He starts to close the front door. |
| #23hermy_the_hero_dupAug 11, 2005 1:50:21 | The Mullers put on their overcoats and form a human chain between their children, all three of them. They varying in age and height but all of them can walk on their own. "Parties usually is." Hermy starts back towards the church. "We hads a party fer my dad when I broughts him home. It lasted fer days." "There was food an games an singin'" "It looks likes wese gots food, an Minto cin handle the song part." "Da you kids knows any fun games that we cin play?" He keeps alert as he walks and talks. |
| #24zombiegleemaxAug 11, 2005 13:28:05 |
"I would prefer it if we stuck together as a group as we collected Miss Cynwise, in case something happens to you. After that we will head to the church." .oO(As to make everyone easy to capture, guess thats what these are for.) He taps his quiver subconsciously. "As for the enchantress, she's really some form of fiend who has taken the form of my hunting party's leader. She nealy claimed us, but the mothers help brought us to safty. Lets go." Gilgiga looks impatient as he scans the sky, knowing Hermy's wife wouldn't fly, but something tells him that if she came in from the sky throwing fire it would catch them off guard. |
| #25tensek_vicar_dupAug 11, 2005 14:53:58 | Mr. Brickenden puts down his son and combs back his dark reddish hair with both hands. He glances at Mrs. Brickenden then back to Tensek. "I'm afraid you'll have to endure my presence for longer sir. I intend to see you to the church at the least. But if you wish I will wait out here." |
| #26ghost_theoryAug 11, 2005 22:46:05 | Arabella watches Hermy but doesn't reply. "Sir... my sister, she doesn't speak," Denise says quietly. She makes some hand gestures that cause Arabella to smile in an insouciant way, which in turn reflects to a smile on Denise's face. Hermy still finds the evening sky quiet and almost calming in a way. The sun starts to disappear behind the hills, the pink of the sky transitions to twilight blue. They find the church again without incident. --- "A... thing that is hamrammr? A shape-strong?" Mr. Redwald uses some obscure term. "That took the form of your leader??" The two hunters collect Wolf and his father and move down the road to Miss Cynwise's residence. The single-story bungalow displays plants climbing up wooden lattices on either side of the door. --- "Okay," a recusant reply returns. Mr. Brickenden shuts Tensek outside again. The ranger waits the long minutes until the family exits. "We'll follow behind you," Mr. Brickenden says. Carrying their kids, the parents walk somewhat slowly. Tensek can see the church up ahead, as well as the group led by Hermy at the door. |
| #27zombiegleemaxAug 11, 2005 22:59:05 |
"Not our leader, his wife, err, deceased wife." Gilgiga corrects him along the way. When they arrive at their distination, he walks to the door and knocks at the door and calls. "Hello." |
| #28tensek_vicar_dupAug 11, 2005 23:12:08 | Tensekmoves at a slow pace to keep the family close by, .oO(Good, I think I'll be sleeping outside for the night.) |
| #29ghost_theoryAug 11, 2005 23:43:42 | A small-framed, blonde woman of twenty something answers the knock. Dressed in a yellowish gown and robe, she is holding a book in hand and a cup in the other. "Hello," she remarks with surprise. "John? Dalton? Wolf? What are you all doing here?" She raises an eyebrow when she sees Gilgiga. The gesture animates her face in an agreeable way. |
| #30zombiegleemaxAug 12, 2005 0:02:40 | A small-framed, blonde woman of twenty something answers the knock. Dressed in a yellowish gown and robe, she is holding a book in hand and a cup in the other. Gilgiga stands for a moment, scaning his memory to make sure she doesn't look like Hermy's wife. After decideing she dosen't match the description, he speaks fast, to make up for lost time. "A fiendish enchantress has entered the town and we are rounding everyone up to make sure she takes no hostages. Shelter is being taken up at the church please follow." He then gestures hastily to the building. |
| #31hermy_the_hero_dupAug 12, 2005 3:09:42 | Arabella watches Hermy but doesn't reply. Hermy smiles at Arabella, and pantomines putting something in his mouth and rubbing his belly. "You'lls be safe here." "I'ds love ta come in an join yer party but Ise better stays on watch." "Coulds ones of ya send my bard out here with a bit of food? Oh, an request a song for me. 'The Little Brown Puppy'" Hermy glances up towards the top of the church. .o0(Ise coulds oprobably see the whole area froms up there. But gettin down woulds be a problem. An the dark. Maybe after he gets a nap I coulds post Giligans up there.) Hermy starts a patrol around the outside of the building, calling out to Tensek when he sees him. "Theres a party goin on inside, but don'ts stay ups too late Tentsack. You needs some sleep" |
| #32ghost_theoryAug 12, 2005 10:25:52 | The throng Hermy brought together heads into the church to chat with the others aready there about the evenet of the evening and the strangers on the farm. --- "An enchantress here somewhere? That's fascinating." Miss Cynwise looks to her book as if asking permission to leave their quiet time together. She regards Gilgiga's urgency and weighs the options. "Okay, okay, I'll get my things." With a long coat and satchel, she exits the house and locks the door. She joins Gilgiga's band as they return to the church. |
| #33tensek_vicar_dupAug 12, 2005 10:45:11 | (Wasn't planin' on being in the churcxh at all...)Oo. Tensek ponders to himself as he hears Hermy's call. Stoppign Tensek allows the group he's with to pass him and he takes up position behind them to better keep watch. |
| #34zombiegleemaxAug 12, 2005 17:25:01 |
"I would not call it exciteing, she is more irritateing then anything else." Gilgiga tells her as they hurry to the church. |
| #35ghost_theoryAug 12, 2005 21:13:36 | "I've read all the books I could find on the subjects of magic, theurgy, and esotericism, but ones with anything of worth to say are exceedingly rare around these parts," Miss Cynwise articulates as they walk. "Imagine the force of will one must have in order to exert it over others. I've never had much liking for practical magicians who would do such a thing, but the theory is absorbing. There's a line in The Green Language of Birds that suggests certain words trigger automatic responses in our minds, and that learning to speak these words flawlessly would allow you to play upon a weak-willed person's mind as if it were a muscial instrument. In fact, the Nine Keys..." John the hunter seems uninterested in the scholarly talk, preferring to keep scanning the area for threats in the shadows. Mr. Redwald holds a lit lantern and pays great attention to Miss Cynwise's every word. Wolf appears to be thinking his own thoughts as he follows behind his father. Together, the bunch make it back to the church in time to see Tensek and Hermy. Inside, more lights are set and food is spread out on one of the long tables. Mr. Muller leans his pitchfork aainst the wall to produce a small treble flute from his belt. He beings playing a soft, enlivening tune. Mrs. Brickenden finds an empty cylindrical container and keeps a beat by tapping on it. Seeing Minto's instrument, Mr. Muller toots a note of encouragement. |
| #36tensek_vicar_dupAug 12, 2005 22:44:00 | "I'll go get Rolfe," Tensek announces as he turns and walks towards Mr. Rolfe's home. |
| #37ghost_theoryAug 12, 2005 23:42:42 | Tensek arrives at the house just behind the church. He views a spot of light first. It is the silhouette of a man walking forward with a lantern, apparently investigating what the noise and music is about. |
| #38zombiegleemaxAug 13, 2005 5:03:33 |
Minto returns the toot with a strumming of chords. He starts to play along with the song, imrovising often to show off his skill, and adding a bit of loud humming to provide a counter melody. Outside, Hermy smiles as he hears the music. .o0(At leasts they's got somethin ta keeps theys minds off of the batlady.) He continues scanning the skies. |
| #39ghost_theoryAug 13, 2005 22:39:07 | Peering through the twilight sky, the halfling's eyes note the patches of dark cloud against the black-blue. No signs of enemy flyers are present. |
| #40zombiegleemaxAug 13, 2005 23:16:59 | "Hermy," Gilgiga aproaches the halfling. "My body can not chanel much of our mother's power, I shal need rest to recover my strength. Something tells me we will need every little bit we have. Do not hesitate to wake me." Gilgiga feels a little pang of shame as he turns in, giving up the night watch. Yet he knows he is right and he needs rest to be able to handle his more powerful magics. Figureing he can wake early if he sleeps early, he finds a corner and tries to remain out of view as he sleeps. |
| #41hermy_the_hero_dupAug 14, 2005 6:29:42 | Hermy nods. "I won'ts." He glances back towards the church, and sighs as he listens to the music. .o0(I aints gunna be able ta see her coming once its gets darker. An I won'ts be ables ta hears her too well either this close ta the party.) He moves a hundred feet away from the doors and finds a nice hiding place to watch the church from. |
| #42ghost_theoryAug 14, 2005 16:02:32 | There are plenty of bushes and building corners for Hermy to hide behind. The watch is placid except for the last of the evening bird cries and the music coming fomr the church. He spots a gopher scamper by his location. They seem larger here than back near Garic's. The temperature cools slightly but is still noticeably warmer than back home. --- Gilgiga locates an out of the way bench to take his rest. The music played by Minto and the farmers echoes in his ears along with the background of chatter. |
| #43tensek_vicar_dupAug 14, 2005 18:53:33 | Tensek arrives at the house just behind the church. He views a spot of light first. It is the silhouette of a man walking forward with a lantern, apparently investigating what the noise and music is about. "Hello sir," Tensek says as he moves to meet the man with the lantern, "I've come to take you to teh church there's a threat to the people of this town and Father Saul thougth it best to get everyone to the Church for safety." |
| #44ghost_theoryAug 14, 2005 19:19:25 | As the figure moves closer to Tensek, his features become more visible. He is a smaller, handsome man with a patrician face, a wide forehead and light eyes. His medium length ginger hair works well with his reddish outfit. The clothes are in a slightly different style than the ones Tensek has seen around the settlement, with smooth-cut collar and wider sleeves. Very slight points on the man's ears and a lithe build indicate a mixed heritage. "Oh," he replies as he lowers his lantern, "Hello... Is it anything serious?" Without any delay, he walks with Tensek back to the church. |
| #45hermy_the_hero_dupAug 15, 2005 1:23:00 | There are plenty of bushes and building corners for Hermy to hide behind. The watch is placid except for the last of the evening bird cries and the music coming fomr the church. .o0(Where is she? We knows she cames here, an ese gathered everyone she couldsa eaten? An she's gots ta be hungry. An thats a big gopher. Why is there a gopher here? Shouldn'ts it be out raidin the farms that wese lefts unguarded?) Hermy smacks his head. .o0(We lefts the farms unguarded. She'll be searchin them first. I shoulds check there first... But what ifen she attacks here while Ise there?) Hermy shakes his head. .o0(She'll be here eventually.) |
| #46tensek_vicar_dupAug 15, 2005 14:11:02 | "Very serious,' Tensek says grimly, "If you don't mind may I ask where you ail from?" The ranger looks at the man casually. |
| #47ghost_theoryAug 15, 2005 14:33:26 | “Originally? Some ways south of here, a slightly bigger place than this.” “My name is Unduion Rolfe,” Mr. Rolfe greets as he steps into the chapel and is welcomed by the others. --- Hermy’s watch continues unhindered. The night does not chill so much as soothe, and it remains comfortable under the clouds. Some stars are still visible through scattered breaks in nibmus ceiling. Still, there is no sign of the wicked songstress. |
| #48tensek_vicar_dupAug 15, 2005 14:42:59 | Tensek nods as he allows Mr. Rolfe into teh church than turns aroudn and takes a seat on the ground next to the doors. |
| #49ghost_theoryAug 15, 2005 14:57:35 | Tensek finds the air fresh and calming. His muscles are heavy from the long day which is turning into a long night. With the bluish darkness outside contrasting deeply with the orange-tinted light spilling out from the church, the man cannot see much past the road and the edges of illumination. --- Two full hours pass without anything menacing occuring. The farmers have finished eating and most are sitting by the lamps catching up on small talk. The smaller children are asleep on the benches. Arabella is curled up on the spot next to Gilgiga, not put off by the half-orc's appearance. Denise sits on the other side of her sister, watching out the window cautiously. |
| #50tensek_vicar_dupAug 15, 2005 14:59:52 | With a grunt the ranger moves into a less comfortable position and continues to watch. |
| #51zombiegleemaxAug 15, 2005 23:50:08 | In his sleep Gilgiga rolls over and is suprised to find the little girl, a bit off put he reaches out and lightly grabs her face. After feeling the girl Gilgiga curls up into a tighter ball and deeper into the corner. "unng. . . sorry" |
| #52hermy_the_hero_dupAug 16, 2005 0:13:03 | Minto puts away his lute, so as to not awake the sleepers and moves to the door to look out of it. .o0(Where's Hermy? I need to get some sleep too, but if Veruca attacks he'll need me.) Hermy shifts a bit to keep his circulation moving as he keeps watch. |
| #53ghost_theoryAug 16, 2005 9:36:45 | Anther three hours pass quietly and midnight is upon the farm. Hermy, Tensek, and Minto all find the environment free of demonstrable danger. The church is mostly dark now, and most of the residents are sleeping. Only two are awake. One is Miss Cynwise, reading a book by candlelight. The other is the boy Wolf, who is perched on a bench near a front window, watching outside with an unsure look upon his face. |
| #54tensek_vicar_dupAug 16, 2005 14:51:09 | Tensek stands and stretches for a few moments as he looks to teh church door. .oO(She's played you Hermy and now we have nothing to go on, the trail's too far gone to catch up to those hobgoblins, and you've destroyed an entire community's evening.) Leaning against the door frame of the church Tensek looks over to the window before sliding into the building and sitting down near Wolf. "You the boy Eben said saw something earlier this morning?" the ranger asks keepign his voice low and calm. |
| #55ghost_theoryAug 16, 2005 15:31:40 | The youngster is startled by Tensek's sudden appearance. He nods to the ranger, glancing back to the window. Pushing his chestnut hair away, Wolf scratches the shoulders of his emerald overshirt. The boy turns to Tensek with matching green eyes. "She's coming, you know," he says quietly. |
| #56tensek_vicar_dupAug 16, 2005 15:34:40 | "That's why we're here," Tensek responds, "What did you see?" |
| #57ghost_theoryAug 16, 2005 15:40:48 | "I thought it was a bat, that's what I told Eben and Dad... but I think I saw a girl's face, she was pretty." Wolf checks around to Tensek then Minto and Miss Cynwise sitting far back in the church. "Very pretty. She flew west that way, but no one else saw." |
| #58tensek_vicar_dupAug 16, 2005 15:42:23 | "Did you see her land?" |
| #59ghost_theoryAug 16, 2005 15:52:50 | Wolf shakes his head. "Lost her in past the trees over there, she was going real fast." He shivers slightly. "Pretty though." |
| #60tensek_vicar_dupAug 16, 2005 16:01:12 | "Not up close she isn't," Tensek says with a grim look on his face as he stands up and looks towards the trees. "Try to get some rest," he adds before turning away and heading towards Minto kneeling down beside the bard Tensek whispers, "The boy Wolf says he saw her fly away towards those trees, Tensek says as he points out a window. "I'm going to go look around there." |
| #61hermy_the_hero_dupAug 16, 2005 21:41:04 | Minto scratches his head and exhales. "Are you sure that's wise? So far Hermy has been the only one to do more then scratch her. Perhaps he should... No, he'd try to take her on by himself." "You'll just be scouting right? You could still use some sleep before you are in any condition to fight." Minto starts to humm the words to his invisability spell. |
| #62tensek_vicar_dupAug 17, 2005 10:41:28 | "Doesn't matter if I need sleep or not, I'm the only one who's free to go." Tensek pauses as he waits for Minto to finish humming. "This shouldn't take long. If I don't come back in a few hours send Hermy out there." |
| #63zombiegleemaxAug 17, 2005 18:25:55 | Minto calls out the words to his spell and touches Tensek. "This spell will only last for a few minutes. I'll send Hermy out not long afterwards." "If you are gone for hours, odds are you're gone for good." |
| #64ghost_theoryAug 17, 2005 19:03:02 | Tensek's form melds into the air. The ranger finds it dark outside, too dark to see any details on the buildings across the street. --- Arabella doesn't wake when Gilgiga reaches out to feel her face. Shortly after, Gilgiga finds himself dreaming of chasing hobgoblins into the forest, only to find a massive, leafy tree that has its roots into the centre of the world. |
| #65tensek_vicar_dupAug 18, 2005 13:08:13 | "I may be gone but she'll probably be eating by than," Tensek says grimly before stepping outside. Once there he pulls out a vial of teh same liquid he drank the nbight they attacked teh Hobgoblin camp and downs it, silently he waits for the potion to take affect before heading towards the trees Wolf pointed out. OOC Drinking Potion of Darkvision. |
| #66ghost_theoryAug 18, 2005 15:25:47 | The invisible marksman feels the concoction bubble through him as the alchemical ingredients blast his vision into an unnatural range. He makes his way across the near north bridge and into the stand of trees that runs somewhat parallel to the stream. From his point of view, Tensek can see no signs of anything suspicious. A line of animal tracks in a soft muddy area and bird droppings on a bush mark the passage of smaller animals. |
| #67tensek_vicar_dupAug 18, 2005 15:31:04 | Tensek continues on further into the trees keeping a watchful eye on the treetops for any thing suspicious. |
| #68ghost_theoryAug 18, 2005 15:40:13 | It takes Tensek ten minutes to walk the length of trees down to where it turns into the farmer's field. He sees no sign of a lurking attacker. Though at one spot, it appears an unusual number of broken branches and twigs are at the base of the trees but with no indication of what might have caused it. Looking up, the ranger follows the thick trunk of a southern red oak until he spies a line of claw marks about fifteen feet up, too large and deep to be a bird or cat. At this point Tensek realizes he has become visible again as Minto's illusion fizzes out. |
| #69tensek_vicar_dupAug 18, 2005 15:49:11 | Taking a deep breath Tensek reaches up and grasping teh tree he begins to climb as carefully and quietly as he can. OOC Taking 10, Climb: +11 |
| #70ghost_theoryAug 18, 2005 16:05:26 | The first part of the climb is more difficult on the oak because of the lack of branches within reach, but Tensek manages to hug the trunk until he can get ahold of a bough. His weight rustles the branch and leaves slightly, but not enough to attract attention, he figures. The gashes in the bark are about the right size for a taloned foot of his quarry. To his left, the ranger finds another set of claw marks. This leads his trained eyes to an area in the foliage where it seems something burst through, creating a sort of unassuming tunnel in the leaves and twigs. It almost looks like nothing, but Tensek's tracking skills come into play. Peering through the rough hole, Tensek gathers it points west, in line with the Lawson house, the abandoned barn, and the Muller house. |
| #71tensek_vicar_dupAug 18, 2005 16:15:38 | "This is not good...' For a moment Tensek looks out into the sky hoping to catch sight of his prey before climbing back down the tree, and heading back towards the town. |
| #72ghost_theoryAug 18, 2005 16:19:28 | The clouded night sky is empty and clear. Tensek quickly returns across the south bridge and up the road to the church. |
| #73tensek_vicar_dupAug 18, 2005 16:21:24 | Quietly Tensek enters the church and after lettign his eyes adjust amoment he moves towards Minto, "Found where she was hiding, but it looks like she's already in the town." |
| #74hermy_the_hero_dupAug 19, 2005 19:29:06 | Hermy watches as Tensek slips back into the church, and sighs. .o0(I nevers saw him leaves. Some watchguy I is.) He shakes his head, and continues his lookout. Inside, Minto also sighs. "Well at least we got all these people in here safely." "She'll figure out where everyone is soon enough, but will she try to get at them, that's the question." Minto looks around the church and shrugs. "Hermy's still on guard. He should be able to spot her if she tries." "Looks like you could use some rest. Try and get some." "Don't worry, I doubt you'll be able to sleep through any action if there is any tonight." |
| #75tensek_vicar_dupAug 20, 2005 18:47:12 | "It may be too dark for him too see her properly though, but you're right I need to rest," Tensek admits before he goes to sit near the door. |
| #76ghost_theoryAug 20, 2005 20:14:16 | The hours pass into that place between yesterday night and tomorrow morning. Tensek sees into the farm with enhanced clarity but finds nothing that would cause alarm. Kiara still sleeps in a huddle near the other dogs just inside the church. Hermy finds nothing while keeping watch as well. Going almost a day without sleep drags on the halfling's eyelids, but the hero stays sharp for the sake of the farmers. Minto watches as Wolf eventually falls asleep near his father. Miss Cynwise is the last of the residents to retire, right after finishing her tome. --- [Gilgiga regains 6 HP and is no longer fatigued. He can prepare his spells whenever his holy time of day is.] Current HP: Gilgiga [32/36] and 1 nonlethal Hermy [56/56] Minto [36/41] Tensek [21/35] and 7 nonlethal fatigued Kiara [15/26] and 3 nonlethal |
| #77zombiegleemaxAug 20, 2005 20:50:26 | Gilgiga awakens early after going to sleep early. He takes a watch outside in the early morning. He sees clearly in the cold hours before sunrise, yet as the sun comes up he has trobles adjusting the light making his superior night vision useless. He turns to the east and prays. Gilgiga will prepare 0th: Guidance, Detect Magic, Resistance, Detect Poison 1st: Entangle x2, CLW 2nd: Cat's Grace, Lesser Restoration. |
| #78hermy_the_hero_dupAug 20, 2005 21:13:50 | Minto watches as Gilgigga prays, and once he is done approaches him. "Seems you've gotten your energy back." "Would you mind taking over guard duties for me and Hermy so we can do the same?" |
| #79zombiegleemaxAug 20, 2005 21:32:10 | "Gladly" Gilgiga says to the halfling. "Something tells me that we will need every ounce of strength we can find." |
| #80hermy_the_hero_dupAug 20, 2005 22:51:27 | Minto nods. "Hopefully that will be all it will take." He looks around for a comfortable place to sleep, pointing out the door as he does. "Hermy's out there. Somewhere." "If you can't find him, call out." |
| #81zombiegleemaxAug 22, 2005 22:44:17 | "If I see him, he will know, but I will not break his cover." Gilgiga says as he heads out to a spot where he can get a good view of anything that could come into the church. As well as keeping his back safe. .oO(If I only had an extra set of eyes) |
| #82ghost_theoryAug 22, 2005 22:53:06 | The street look deserted to Gilgiga. His eyes adjust to the night and yet he still cannot spot any halfling. After glancing more than once at an area of bushes and barrels, Gilgiga spots the tip of Hermy's silhouette as the hero keeps watching the peaceful sky. |
| #83hermy_the_hero_dupAug 22, 2005 22:59:30 | Hermy gives the halforc a wave. "She aint showed yet." "Didja get a nap?" |
| #84zombiegleemaxAug 22, 2005 23:10:56 | "I've had plenty of rest, Tensek is recovering from this afternoon's run right now." Gilgiga hisses back at him. "Let us hope she does not have magic like Minto. But we would still be able to see her open the door if she wanted them." |
| #85hermy_the_hero_dupAug 22, 2005 23:21:25 | Hermy shrugs. "Ifen she cans turns unvisable, then we fills the skies with arrows until we hits somethin." "Being unvisable won't be any advantage when the skies so dark we couldn'ts see her anyhows." Hermy gets up and starts for the church. "Ise gunna hafa get a few minutes of sleep first though. My eyes is too heavy ta aims at the sky right now." "Takes over watchin please?" "An watch out fer the gophers." |
| #86ghost_theoryAug 22, 2005 23:26:17 | About two hours after the three first-watch adventurers have gone to rest, the farmers begin to wake, accustomed to an early start with the rising sun. There is general confusion about what they are expected to do, there are chores to start and repairs to be made. Wolf wanders outside to stand next to Gilgiga, interested in the ranger’s exotic appearance. Gilgiga’s visual inspection of the street outside reveals no signals of danger. But just as the half-orc thinks he might be safe to check another direction, something flutters in the trees across the stream, and the sweet singing starts echoing in. “I’m reaching out, but/ You’re going, you’re going.” The church is absolutely silent for a moment as the congregation listens to the voice in awe. Then chaos erupts as the farmers stand and push toward the exit to follow the song. Father Saul and Miss Cynwise appear to stand their ground for a second but finally succumb along with the others. Only the small mute girl Arabella does not seem affected and tugs on Denise’s arm to attempt to slow her down. The one boy already outside whispers to himself, “Mom?...” Wolf runs ahead of others before anyone can reach him. Others begin to follow, funneling out of the church at varying paces. The racket wakes Tensek, Minto, and Hermy, who pick up on the song as soon as they come to their senses. The halflings feel the temptation to rise and abide by the enchantment’s melody, but both find the strength of will to keep their wits this time. Tensek regrettably falls under the sway of the tune and is drawn toward the sound from his spot near the door. Gilgiga hardens his psyche and controls himself from the attraction, even as a number of farmers walk around him. The ranger spies a dim shape in the distant trees, but he cannot make out exactly what it is. He has a pretty good idea though. |
| #87zombiegleemaxAug 22, 2005 23:48:16 | "BY THE MOTHER WAKE UP" Gilgiga bellows as he runs twards the dim outline of the singer. He dare not try the spider trick with small children present. As he runs he draws and strings his bow, then knocks an arrow. As he gets clsoer he looks for a better shot. All the while he is screaming a prayer in orcish, hopening something, anyththing, will distract them. "Mother, guide my hands, and my arms to protect your youngest children. The children who have done no wrong, who the corrouptor desires more than anything." Cast Guidance in the round after he draws his bow. |
| #88hermy_the_hero_dupAug 23, 2005 0:17:50 | Hermy yells out as he draws his weapons. "You aint Alissa!" Minto grabs his lute and starts playing, singing out the words to his invisability spell before starting to try and counter Veruca's song with one of his own. Once Mintos spell is completed, Hermy stalks out of the church. His bard follows after. "Oh where have they gone? Where are they going? Wandering ahead, Not thinking, not knowing. Oh gather 'round me Gather around me please. For I have the answers, I know what you see."\ OOC Minto will cast invisability on Hermy this round and start trying to countersong on the next. Hermy loads his crossbow and draws his sword in the other hand. Did Minto get enough rest to recover his 4th level spell? |
| #89ghost_theoryAug 23, 2005 0:40:11 | Hermy shimmers out of sight as Minto sings above the ruckus. Switching tunes seamlessly, the bard’s words carry enough weight to knock those in the church back a step. They are torn between the two dueling melodies as magic adheres to Minto’s lyrics. The cloud slowly lifts from the group’s mind, including Tensek. Lamentably, a handful of persons are beyond the range of Minto’s countersong and are now approaching Gilgiga’s position as the ranger shouts at them without effect. Mr. Muller, Mrs. Brickenden, and John the Hunter still walk forward like zombies. Wolf has already run off to the bridge. The awakened farmers run out after the three still under the charm, shouting and pleading and wrestling with their beguiled friends. Only when Minto exits the church behind the once more invisible Hermy does the music reach the two men and the woman that need it. “Wolf!!” Mr. Redwald shouts after the diminishing form. He picks up the pitchfork left on the ground and starts to give chase. Mrs. Cynwise begins to follow with a worried gaze. The others seem confused as to what they should do, or even what they can do. --- [Unfortunately Minto did not get his 8 hours sleep to regain spells not covered by Sustainable Reserves.] Current HP: Gilgiga [32/36] and 1 nonlethal Hermy [56/56] Minto [36/41] Tensek [21/35] and 7 nonlethal fatigued Kiara [15/26] and 3 nonlethal |
| #90tensek_vicar_dupAug 23, 2005 18:30:56 | "Gilgiga! Catch that kid!," Tensek yells as he moves towards Mr Redwald, and steps infront of the man and Mrs. Cynwise, "I can't let you do that." |
| #91zombiegleemaxAug 23, 2005 19:19:09 | "WOLF!" Gilgiga bounds ahead and attempts to catch the child. |
| #92hermy_the_hero_dupAug 23, 2005 19:27:22 | Minto positions himself to get as many as possible within the range of his song. "What tale should I tell? What song do I sing? To keep you away from that Death born on wings. You should pay her no mind, You should listen to me. Her songs are all lies. Mine are about Sir Hermy. Hermy continues forward, trying to figure out the best way to get within striking distance of Veruca. |
| #93ghost_theoryAug 23, 2005 20:10:09 | With Wolf's head start, Gilgiga has trouble reaching the teen. He's young and a fast runner. Wolf hits the south bridge and continues into the trees as Gilgiga tails. Mr. Redwald's face is a mess of terror and rage. "Get out of the way, sir," he yells at Tensek, "That's my son." He struggles against the ranger, pushing him back. "Stop it, we have to go," Miss Cynwise tries to help Mr. Redwald unblock the path. Tensek finds it difficult to hold the incensed father. Pain that is a day old wrenches in the marksman's slender frame. The other farmers watch the singing Minto now, looking for direction. "What do we do?" "Should we hide back inside?" "We have to get Wolf." "What is that thing??" Hermy follows behind Gilgiga, keeping pace with the larger man. As Wolf enters the trees, the shadow drops down low and scoops up the lanky youth, who puts up no resistance. Flying a bit more madly than before, Veruca carries Wolf toward the abandoned barn behind the trees. The structure is two stories with a peeling grey exterior and weather worn doors and mostly boarded up windows. The song echoes on the morning breeze, through the dust kicked up by the sprinters. "What will it be like when I can’t feel you?/ What will it be like when I only think you’re there?/" Memories of childhood runs and hunts stirred up in the first rays of sunlight. The demon's music is powerful, with or without the enchantment. |
| #94zombiegleemaxAug 23, 2005 20:15:47 | .oO(Irritating woman, what's the point of a song about loseing something you never had in the first place.) Gilgiga refelcts on the false wisdom spilled out by the harpy as he runs behind her. .oO(Tune's not bad, but a good songs gotta have exictement.) |
| #95hermy_the_hero_dupAug 23, 2005 21:34:48 | Hermy runs towards the barn, trusting that Veruca's singing will cover up any noise he might make doing so. .o0(Ifen she harms ones hair on that boys head, I'll... I guess I can'ts do more then kill her. But the Moither surely will.) Minto sings more. "Cover your ears, Return in doors. This battle will be fought, But it is not yours. Leave the fight to those who know how to fight. And I promise you all, you'll sleep in your beds tonight" Minto starts to follow after Gilgigga, still playing. |
| #96ghost_theoryAug 23, 2005 23:07:00 | Mr. Redwald calms slightly as Minto sings, sliding down to his knees and clasping Tensek's armor for support. "Just... bring him back," he sobs solemnly. Miss Cynwise is there to comfort the poor man. Gilgiga and Hermy see the gliding form of Veruca go around the left side of the barn and move out of sight. Minto approaches soon after. Passing by the Lawson place, the abandoned barn sits in the middle of a field of green and brown grass. It is roughly L-shaped with two visible doors, one on the near south side and one on the west. Any access to the second story seems to be mostly covered with boards and shows signs of old fire damage. --- |
| #97tensek_vicar_dupAug 23, 2005 23:31:18 | Using what little strength he has left Tensek ushers the towns people to the church, "If anyone can get your son back it'll be Hermy." |
| #98ghost_theoryAug 23, 2005 23:43:09 | The mass of farmers walk back into the church, watching toward the barn where the action seems to be condensing. John keeps his crossbow at the ready as he takes a seat on the front step of the chapel. |
| #99hermy_the_hero_dupAug 24, 2005 2:45:04 | Minto nods at Gilgigga and then switches songs as he continues playing. He however doesn't sing, he just strums out one of the very familiar songs about Hermy on his lute. "First priority is to get the boy out of there safe. She'll be expecting us to come from both doors." With that Minto sings out another invisability spell and places it on Gilgigga. "I'll be the distraction." Hermy pipes in. "An all be the killer." "Let's go." The two halflings move up to the south door and Minto pushes it open. "Let the boy go." "If you really want to get even with Hermy, take me instead." Hermy slips by him, and looks for Wolf. |
| #100tensek_vicar_dupAug 24, 2005 10:28:12 | After making sure everyoen is settled Tensek walks outside and stands with John keeping a watchful eye towards the area of the farm. |
| #101zombiegleemaxAug 24, 2005 18:58:32 | Once again Gilgiga finds himself waiting outside as the Halflings make a mess. They're good at what they do he admits, but they still are rather rough around the edges. An orginized mess, chaos getting something done. Gilgiga takes a postion at the other door, and withdraws his carving of the scales and prays for grace. "Mother" He starts in a low tone, quiet, almost a murmer. "Lend me your grace and guide my hands. This battle is beyond us, as one of your smallest children is in danger, please let me know this fiend is not one of your creations, but a corruption of your plan. Bestow upon me the grace to bring this to a swift end." Cast Cat's Grace on self. |
| mapghost_theoryAug 24, 2005 21:22:58 | The barn smells of long forgotten compost. The floor is covered in a fine layer of silt, and the vertical wall siding is grimy and loosely set, letting lines of sunlight enter the interior space. The air is silent now. Minto feels like he is the first person to step foot in the hallway in quite some time. The corridor leads straight ahead for about forty feet with one door to the left, two to the right, and one at the end. All of the doors are hanging on their hinges, not protecting their rooms well. Hermy skulks onward while still invisible. The first doorway he passes on his right leads to an empty room with a grey mouse scurrying in the corner. The second door, on his left, leads to a room which holds a rickety wooden staircase that turns at a ninety degree angle as it rises to the second floor. Looking into the third right room shows that it is empty as well. The last door ahead is closed, but barely holding together. The wall at the end of the hall has a couple of fist-sized holes through the wood sheet, revealing another hallway and more doors. Hermy and Minto both hear faint squeaks from the floor boards somewhere above. --- The west door shares the side of the barn with a large boarded up entrance once suited for horses or wagons. Gilgiga finds his door already askew, the handle set no longer able to hold the panel shut. Inside, the ranger is treated to a prime view of an open area with no first story ceiling, creating a two-story space which accesses both floors. There are what appear to be equipment storage closets along the far wall as well as half-open doors that lead further into the barn building. The second level is accessible by ladders on either side of the open area that lead to the above layer. From his current elevation, Gilgiga can only see so far into the second level. At first the half-orc thinks it might be a trick of light, but after letting his eyes focus, he is sure there is a large globe of darkness, about forty feet across, sitting in the center of this space. His darkvision helps cut through the shadow that should not be there, giving him an idea of the miscellany of junk lying around the floor: good sized rocks, aged hay, old farm equipment such as a broken plough, worn out saddles, a shovel, a pitchfork, half a wooden bench, and a couple of buckets. --- map |
| #103zombiegleemaxAug 24, 2005 23:26:27 | oO(Well, I seem to have found her, even if I can't see her. This magic reeks of her. I might need something a little more potent here.) Gilgiga thinks as he unwraps his +1 Silvered Arrows, and gets them ready to fire. .oO(Three shots, better make them count) He then creeps into C9, not really takeing his eyes off of the orb of darkness. |
| #104hermy_the_hero_dupAug 25, 2005 0:01:44 | .o0(Somethins movin ups there. An its better be the boy.) Hermy heads towards the stairs whispering at Minto as he passes. "Keeps makin noise. I don'ts wantsher ta hears me. When ya hears her screamin, comes finds me." Minto nods and heads dwn the hall towards the last door. "I know you are here! You know I'm here! Come and get me!" "Time is running out for you! Sir Hermy will be here soon enough, and then there will be a fight you can't hope to win!" "If you want to dine on halfling flesh, nows your only chance!" |
| mapghost_theoryAug 25, 2005 0:30:28 | Gilgiga pads into the room with blessed grace, sticking close to the wall. He hears Minto shouting and sees the bard as the door across the open area capitulates surprisingly easily to the halfling's touch. No sign of Veruca or Wolf still. The noises above stop being noticeable. As Hermy steps foot on the stairs, he stops short of putting his full weight down as soon as he hears the tip of a creaking sound. The old stairs are unsteady and noisy, but the nimble rogue thinks he can edge up along the railing to pick the most stable footfalls. Peeking up, he finds the way leads up into another room which matches the one below. This one has another door which is closed shut. In the corner lies half a hare's body, torn and eaten. --- map |
| #106hermy_the_hero_dupAug 25, 2005 0:47:29 | .o0(She's got to be in there. But something is upstairs.) Minto steps closer to the globe of darkness. "Why so quiet now Veruca! Surely you have a song to taunt me with, don't you?" "I have one for you!" Minto sings out the words to a light spell to see if it will effect the darkness. Hermy carefully makes his way up the stairs. .o0(If she thinks creaky stairs is gunna saves her shes gots another things comin... Me.) |
| #107shatteredtowerAug 25, 2005 7:18:53 | OoC: The first post has been updated, including notes for both Tensek's fatigue and Gilgiga's magically enhanced state. |
| #108ghost_theoryAug 25, 2005 9:59:00 | The stairs barely make a sound as Hermy climbs the rest of the way up. The new room stinks of the small carcass. Checking the single other exit, Hermy finds it in poor condition like the rest. It should open away from the halfling, but Hermy finds it intransigent to a slight test pressure, as if something heavy is blocking it on the other side. --- Still invisible himself, Gilgiga sees through the dark globe in monochromatic acuity, but does not spot and signs of Veruca or Wolf. Minto has more trouble seeing into the shadows, though he dimly spots the other wall of the large room. The magic Minto calls forth seems incapable of brightening the area, creating only a wavering of light in the areas where the light sphere does not intersect the dark one. Still no song or taunt meets their ears. |
| #109zombiegleemaxAug 25, 2005 18:14:14 | Gilgiga moves to the bard, passing through the darkness, when he gets to him he says in a very hushed tone. "She is not in there, she must be on the second level, where is Hermy?" |
| #110hermy_the_hero_dupAug 25, 2005 19:23:11 | Minto blinks at the sound of Gilgigas voice. "Ah! Very tricky! But my magic sees through your distraction Veruca! Why not come down and fight me!" He points towards the second floor. "You really don't want me to have to climb that ladder do you!" The bard frees his hands and moves to the ladder yelling louder then before. "I'm coming up there now! Be ready for the fight of your life!" Meanwhile Hermy places his ear against the door and listens for any sign of life on the otherside. |
| mapghost_theoryAug 25, 2005 22:24:22 | A low, harsh snickering drifts down from the second half-floor. Minto and Gilgiga hear it, and so does Hermy listening at his door. A jagged, rasping version of Veruca’s voice croons. "Lay down your arms, sharp and treacherous\ Or the whelp meets this shadowy precipice..." A figure appears closer to the edge of the second story. The bat-winged woman is covered in a mixture of dried and fresher blood. It makes her crimson hair appear brighter, contrasting with her skin which has taken a greyish tone to its natural violet. The blood gives her a ghoulish appearance, especially the red smeared all around her mouth. She is hunched over, breathing unstably, accompanied by a constant, slight laughter. Minto’s view is obscured somewhat by the darkness, but Veruca’s intentions are clear. Gilgiga can make out the form of Wolf, bound messily with old cord wrapped many times around his chest and arms. The brown-haired boy appears unconscious, but otherwise relatively healthy. He is in a slanted kneeling position, held up be a clawed hand on his trapezius. --- map |
| #112hermy_the_hero_dupAug 27, 2005 0:03:08 | "Ah there you are." Minto drops his sword to the ground, and takes a few steps forward. "Now why don't you just move the boy back away from the edge. Harming him won't do you any good." "There has to be a better way to end this then with death.." Minto starts to sing. On the other side of the door, Hermy clenches his teeth. .o0(I can'ts just bust through the door ifen she's gots the boy in some kinds of danger. Minto betters have something up his sleeve.) Hermy waits.. OOC Minto casts charm person after taking a five foot step. Hermy continues listening. |
| #113ghost_theoryAug 27, 2005 0:45:31 | Minto can feel the numinous barriers between him and his target. The small troubadour pushes his will through his words but cannot find a weak point to touch the mind of his foe. There is something utterly alien in Veruca. Minto cannot tell if it merely insanity that has snapped or something else. "Why not shut up? You will be missed. Why not climb up? Come give us a kiss." Veruca shakes her head acutely while half-talking, half-singing. She edges Wolf closer to the ledge without letting him go just yet, looking down at the first story. |
| #114zombiegleemaxAug 28, 2005 23:15:25 | .oO(Can she really see me, or is she just assumeing I'm by the bard) Gilgiga moves to G9 to see what she does, if she reacts he does nothing. |
| #115ghost_theoryAug 28, 2005 23:45:09 | Veruca keeps focused on Minto. "Now," she commands. |
| #116hermy_the_hero_dupAug 29, 2005 0:22:59 | Minto nods. "Sure, sure." "Just don't do anything rash. There is still a chance to settle this amicably." He moves to the ladder closest to him, and starts up. "You haven't killed anyone except hobgoblins so far, and we were going to do that ourselves. So you've actually helped us." "All this fighting has been a mistake." Hermy shakes his head and gets ready to bust through the door. .o0(As soon as I hears Minto gives somekinda sign, I bust through this door. Or evens the wall, this barn is really fallin apart.) ooc Minto climbs the ladder at K12 |
| #117ghost_theoryAug 29, 2005 20:07:10 | Minto finds the ladder encrusted in grime but ascendable. The bard progresses up to the second story, his greenish cape fluttering. When he reaches the top, Veruca smiles. To his right, Minto sees a hallway turning further right, leading to at least one other room. In front of him, there is a wide window opening nailed and boarded shut. To the halfling’s left, he sees Veruca near the edge of the open floor. Further behind her toward the corner is another opening in the wall, this one busted open, leaving wood splinters on the floorboards and letting sunlight in. As Minto glances to the makeshift entrance, his gaze is drawn to the floor of the second-level open space by an unusual sight. Painted in blood and soot on the floor is a symbol that spans most of the surface area. It is a pure black circle surrounded by a red corona. “You are brave to come alone… Or perhaps there’s more t'be shown.” The blood-covered woman sings and shifts her bat wings while looking around her. “Hidden from sight again? Hmm? Even in this dark den? Hmmm?” “Now…” she twists back to Minto with an insane glimmer in her red eyes. “Jump.” She rests her chin on Wolf’s head in a mockery of a protective gesture. The demon’s wings fold back, and she shifts the boy’s weight toward the ledge a tad as she preens the horned protrusions along her hairline with her other hand. “Clump, clump… jump!” she states. Neither Hermy nor Gilgiga have any trouble hearing the evil songstress’s voice. Minto can see below, it is about a fifteen foot drop into the stagnant shadows. He can vaguely see the assortment of jutting tools and refuse which would make for a very unpleasant landing. |
| #118hermy_the_hero_dupAug 29, 2005 22:32:53 | Minto shakes his head. "Move the boy away from the edge first." "Then I'll jump." .o0(Where is Hermy at?) Still behind the door, Hermy sighs. .o0(What is going on?) |
| #119ghost_theoryAug 29, 2005 23:07:40 | "Little bard, what square are you on? I am the queen, you are the pawn." She sneers, revealing sharp teeth. "But I do like a good joke." Veruca pulls Wolf back slightly so he isn't right next to the edge and hugs an arm around his front. "Heh, now mind the sharp pokes." She taps a taloned foot impatiently, squeezing Wolf on the shoulder more firmly. |
| #120hermy_the_hero_dupAug 30, 2005 1:35:03 | Minto glances down. "You know, a fall like that won't kill me most likely." "I've seen Hermy walk away from things twice as high with little more then a few more tears in his trousers." "And any injury I got I could just heal back up with my magic." "If hurting me is your plan, you'd get better results coming over here and ripping me up a bit before tossing me off." Hermy shakes his head. .o0(What is he doing?) Hermy moves to the stairs and starts down them. |
| #121zombiegleemaxAug 30, 2005 20:31:30 | Gilgiga readies an arrow from his postion. .oO(I could hit her, and now I doubt Wolf would fall, but where is Hermy, just need a signal) |
| mapghost_theoryAug 30, 2005 20:59:53 | Gilgiga remains below, measuring his target. An angry tone melds with the demented curve of Veruca's smile. "No point to it? I must disagree. Stop stalling now. It will amuse me." Meanwhile, Hermy makes in back down the stairs quietly, into the room below, and out into hallway. "Hurry, now. I see no fetter. "One fall won't do it; all the better." She cradles Wolf's limp form with both arms. "Last chance," hummed in cheery, sing-song fashion. --- map |
| #123hermy_the_hero_dupAug 30, 2005 23:41:23 | Minto shrugs. "Fine." "Just means there will be more time for the others to arrive. I'll jump now, heal myself, and then I'm sure you'll have me jump again." "That's fine by me. I'm trying to stall anyhow, glad you are helping me out." Minto steps out to the edge, looks down, shrugs again and jumps. Hermy slips through the door into the open area. ooc Hermy moves to K11. Minto jumps down. +4 to jump for intentional jump, and +5 to tumble to treat as shorter. |
| mapghost_theoryAug 31, 2005 21:34:24 | Minto picks his spot and makes a controlled leap downward, aiming away from the patches of sharp litter. The halfling lands just outside of the sphere of darkness, next to the ladder. The fall itself isn’t so bad. But Minto is unable to avoid one of the splintered wooden handles prodding out at an angle, and it leaves a gash on his side through his shirt without completely puncturing the fabric. Veruca laughs enthusiastically, slapping her knee while hugging Wolf with her other arm. “Ahaha-heehee... Good show! Heh... Got my approval, love. Come back up and let’s see what else we can think of!” Hermy makes his entrance into the room with the murky center just in time to see the dust settling form Minto’s impact. “But first,” Veruca sings, “You are right about the stall, I should finish getting ready.” “Your friends will soon be here… That is, if they aren’t here already.” She fingers the wound at her neck. The avian woman glances about suspiciously as her song turns into a dejected dirge fit for a funeral. The notes she hits melt the air, causing dark beads to form as if the room were crying. Invisible even to each other, Gilgiga and Hermy both see a second bubble of gloom grow around Veruca on the second level. Part of the darkness spills over the edge and hangs in the air above. --- [Minto suffers 5 damage and 5 nonlethal damage] Current HP: Gilgiga [32/36] and 1 nonlethal Hermy [56/56] Minto [31/41] and 5 nonlethal Tensek [21/35] and 7 nonlethal fatigued Kiara [15/26] and 3 nonlethal Initiative: Hermy Minto Veruca Gilgiga map |
| #125hermy_the_hero_dupAug 31, 2005 21:54:01 | Hermy waits until Minto has started back up the ladder, following close behind him. He stands weapons drawn next to his bard. When Minto gets back on top again, he casts a quick healing spell on himself. .o0(That should fix me, but I'm afaraid the shirt is not so lucky.) Minto spreads out his arms, and yawns. "You won't be able to see me properly from in there. And more importantly, I can't see the boy." "How do I know you aren't having a little snack in there?" .o0(Where is Hermy? He'd best make his move soon before I'm reduced to wearing rags.) ooc Minto casts cure light wounds. |
| #126ghost_theorySep 01, 2005 22:22:14 | “The shadows aren’t thick, I’m not one to flaunt. You can come closer to take a look if you want.” The tone in her voice is intimidating, even for the experienced adventurers. “We play until I am bored, then end it with pain. Or I might fly off, and we can start it all again.” Veruca’s eerie laughter emanates from the murk. “Now.. How about a back flip this time? Get it right.” “Maybe I can add some fire to make it bright!?” She waves her hand in a gesture of spellcasting as if asking for permission in a mordant way. --- [Minto is fully healed [41/41]] |
| #127hermy_the_hero_dupSep 02, 2005 18:48:11 | Hermy creeps forward towards the sound of Veruca's voice. Minto looks towards the lower floor again. "I'm a muscian, not an acrobat." He bites his lower kip and then exhales. "Light your fire and then move the boy to somewhere I can see him." "Once I know he is unharmed I'll jump. I'll even belly flop if thats what it takes." "But first, I need to see Wolf." .o0(Hermy, where are you?) |
| mapghost_theorySep 03, 2005 2:36:05 | Hermy moves invisibly through the unnatural darkness. He sees the outline of Veruca holding Wolf, which grows clearer as he gets closer. “Hmm, fire, yes yes.” Veruca momentarily rolls her head from one side to the other as if looking for concealed attackers. The bird-like creature steps past where Hermy lurks and closer to Minto, towing Wolf along. She still does not leave the comfort zone of the shadows, though her appearance becomes slightly more defined to the bard. She crouches down low to pat the limp Wolf on the head. With bat wings twitching, she says, “You see him, I figure. No smaller, no bigger.” A second of silence before she moves again. “Kraitis faitis ignatis!” Veruca cries out the odd string of syllables that rattles the ears. Her forward hand twists into an odd pointing shape as flames breathe forth through the shadows and onto Minto. The minstrel reflexively lurches back and covers his face as the blaze blows past him. The long feather in Minto’s cap burns with a small flame at its tip, resembling a candle wick. A few embers glow on his tunic. The shabby wood wall behind Minto catches fire at some cracked point. “Hee hee! Down show me a shooting star! Burning, flipping, falling far!” Hermy sees she only has Wolf by the wrist with one clawed hand at the moment, though her grip looks tight in the half-shade. Hidden in the shadows below, Gilgiga awaits a sign to alert him to the plan of action. --- [Minto suffer 4 points of damage [37/41]] map |
| #129hermy_the_hero_dupSep 04, 2005 17:10:29 | .o0(Ise gots ta do sumethin, she's gunna throws him down wether Minto jumps or not!) Hermy charges forward, bringing his sword down on Verucas out stretched arm. "Get the boy Minto!" Minto jumps forward, crashing full speed into Wolf. His hands latch onto the boy hoping to move him away from the edge. "Gilgigga! Tensek! Now!" ooc Hermy moves to M7. Attacks with his shortsword. (His crossbow is in his other hand) Minto attempts to bullrush Wolf away from Veruca, moving him to L8 or furthur if possible. |
| mapghost_theorySep 04, 2005 19:17:58 | The flash of Hermy’s blade precedes his appearance in the shadows. Veruca is caught by surprise, turning as the halfling’s short sword passes in front of her arm by mere inches in the darkness. The metal’s green glow reflects in the demon’s eyes. Minto takes the opportunity to dash in toward Wolf. The bard opens himself to an attack from Veruca as he barrels into the boy, but the bird-woman’s claws are misdirected by the conjured shadow. With a smooth maneuver, Minto finds Wolf and the force of the rush pulls him free from Veruca’s grasp. The boy and the halfling roll to a stop fifteen feet away near the ledge. Veruca shouts in resentment and turns to face Hermy. Her breaths fall heavily before she begins giggling to herself again, regaining her lunatic composure. Red eyes radiant, Veruca mutters something. Hermy could almost swear he hears the painted symbol on the shadowed floor whispering back to her. The two combatants exchange shifts in positions and prods before Veruca suddenly flaps her leathery wings to aid a leaping scratch attack that passes under Hermy’s guarding sword. The claws seem to contort and extend as they rip into Hermy’s shoulder, through the leather armoring. The pain is a jolting red shock wave through the halfling’s body, closing in on his heart before he fights off the evil influence. The two disengage from their embrace, moving back to circle each other again. From below, Gilgiga shoots his arrow as his outline becomes visible in darkness. The projectile comes close to Veruca but is deflected off her in a shimmer of ruby sparks. --- [Hermy suffers 12 damage and 1 nonlethal [44/56 an 1 nonlethal]] Current HP: Gilgiga [32/36] and 1 nonlethal Hermy [44/56] and 1 nonlethal Minto [37/41] Tensek [21/35] and 7 nonlethal fatigued Kiara [15/26] and 3 nonlethal Ammunition counts for party: Tensek - 10/80 arrows Gilgiga – 9/80 arrows, 2/10 MW arrows Minto – 3/40 arrows Hermy – 6/40 arrows, 3/20? bolts map |
| #131hermy_the_hero_dupSep 05, 2005 0:35:28 | Hermy gives Minto a quick glance to see if he is allright. The bard gets to his feet pulling Wolf up with him. "Wolf, run back to the church like your life depends on it. Because it does. Tell them to send aid." Minto starts singing. "Oh, now! What's this! A battle to the death! For Hermy it's a breeze, For Veruca a last breath! She can't hope to win, Not this time, not now! Letting her live Sir Hermy won't allow! He's faced better foes Each one now dead. He's never been defeated He'll take Veruca's head!" Hermy strikes out with his sword in a series of quick thrusts, snarling at his foe. "Ya heard my bard. This ends now!" ooc Hermy delays until right after Minto and then does a full attack on Veruca. Minto starts Inspiring Competance on Hermy. |
| #132tensek_vicar_dupSep 05, 2005 13:19:24 | Meanwhile back at the church Tensek hisses as he crouches down, and casting a glance towards thw bridge the ranger whistles for Kiara. .oO(They're taking to long.) |
| #133shatteredtowerSep 05, 2005 15:47:19 | OoC: Initial post has been updated, including ammunition totals. PM me if anything seems amiss. |
| #134ghost_theorySep 05, 2005 16:32:07 | Minto sees Wolf is still unconscious. Even the halfling’s rousing song does not wake the boy. Hermy, on the other hand, is encouraged by the magic song. The tune stirs up his confidence and vigor; the room appears clearer, and the devilish enemy, not so daunting. Fueled by this new aplomb, Hermy becomes a downpour of sword slashes as Veruca strains to avoid the attack. With skillful cuts, Hermy scores through Veruca’s shielding aura, but his small sword leaves only scratches against her rock-like skin. She snarls slightly at the hits, as if insulted. “How brave of you to fight. Sadly, all that counts is\ I’ve seen what you’ve possess, and it measure in ounces…” Finding a break in Hermy’s barrage, Veruca flutters back a step and hunch down. At first, one might think she is taking a breather. But soon the air grows darker and greasier, with violet smog forming around the halflings. Hermy and Minto have felt this power before just yesterday, but that does little to prepare them for the chilling, suffocating feeling again. A low moan erupts through the darkness, and it feels like the shadows have sprouted hands to paw at the hero and his bard. Hermy bears it better, wrestling with the urge to heave. Minto finds the room spinning as the foul vapors stifle his breath. Wolf, either by luck or design, is spared the malicious miasma. The boy lies just outside the radius of the purplish haze, which Veruca seems to enjoy breathing in. She exhales coldly as the fumes dissipate. Gilgiga barely has line of sight to Veruca from his position, but manages to fire off another shot. This one flies true, striking against one of her wings, but the missile only bounces off without piercing. With a sigh, the half-orc makes for a ladder to aid his friends. The wall where Veruca’s fire struck burns slowly, sending smoke into the upper floor. Back outside, Tensek sees a thin trail of smoke coming form the abandoned barn. The building looks painfully far away for the weary ranger. --- [Hermy takes 14 damage, Minto takes 28 damage and is sickened for 1 round. Corrected HP totals for Tensek’s level up and the hourly healing of nonlethal damage.] Current HP: Gilgiga [32/36] Hermy [30/56]=>[43/69] and 1 nonlethal Minto [9/41] Tensek [25/39] fatigued Kiara [15/26] Ammunition counts for party: Tensek - 10/80 arrows Gilgiga – 10/80 arrows, 2/10 MW arrows Minto – 3/40 arrows Hermy – 6/40 arrows, 3/20? bolts |
| #135hermy_the_hero_dupSep 05, 2005 19:24:23 | Minto quickily wipes away a spat of vomit off his mouth and calls out the words to a spell, and struggles to drag Wolf towards the ladder. "Gilgigga, help Hermy!" Hermy moves forward to confront Veruca again. "Is that alls ya gots?" His blade flashes out again. "Cause that wound on yer neck shoulds tell ya I gots more." ooc Hermy takes a five foot step to M8 and attacks. Minto casts Good Hope. |
| #136zombiegleemaxSep 06, 2005 0:45:01 | Gilgiga contues to rush up his ladder then beguins to mutter in druidic followed by a very audiable word "Beorn" action Turn Restoration into Summon Nature's Ally, Black Bear on Vercua's postion. |
| mapghost_theorySep 06, 2005 23:38:14 | In the dark, above the din of clashing talons and swords, another song radiates from Minto, one that inspires hope in his allies. Hermy continues to fight, swinging left and right. Some of his backhand slashes miss because of the distorting darkness, but he pulls back to land a clean strike against Veruca’s arm. The blade gnaws into the hard flesh, drawing blood. Veruca shouts in alarm and steps back. She spits out unintelligible words and scratches the air, sending a bluish, twining ray out at Hermy. The misty beam becomes a hand that grabs through the small rogue's chest, sapping his strength. The bird woman eyes the exit in the far corner, on the opposite flank from Hermy, as if weighing the odds of this fight. The hole in the wall is a muted white shape in the darkness. Gilgiga reaches the second-story and spends hurried moments in completing his ritual of summoning. Back at the church, Tensek stands and begins moving toward the barn. John watches him go silently, understanding the man’s motives. --- [Inspire Greatness bonus lasts 5 more rounds. Hermy suffers a -7 penalty to Strength (-4 to hit/damage)] map |
| #138hermy_the_hero_dupSep 07, 2005 1:14:38 | Minto weaves another spell and works on taking Wolfs bindings off. .o0(Nots again. I hates that spell.) Hermy pants from the exertion but continues pressing his attacks. "Yer gunna runs out of spells pretty soon. Better kill me quick." He smiles before calling back to his bard. "Minto! Gets some lights in here! I wants ta see it when I cuts off her head!" ooc Minto casts haste. Would Hermy's "to hit" be effected? His is based off his Dex not strength? (Weapan Finesse) Hermy moves to F9 |
| #139zombiegleemaxSep 07, 2005 1:27:06 | As Gilgiga's hands stop waving his holy symbol in a very intricate fashion he stops to think. .oO(Hermy can't see her that well at all, let's get her where this fight is a little more fair.) He then safely tucks his symbol away, and draws his big sword. As the Bear arrives from mother knows where, he shouts. "Bear Brother, pull down this child of the corupter, and drag her into the light." action Black Bear will attack try to grapple. |
| #140tensek_vicar_dupSep 07, 2005 12:57:59 | Tensek painstakingly makes his way towards the barn, his breath becoming heavier and more jagged with each step, but none the less, the ranger pushes himself to his limits to get to his comrades and the barn. |
| mapghost_theorySep 07, 2005 21:15:45 | A wooden stud of the burning back wall falls forward as the smell of smoke infuses the barn. Wolf lies unbound but still out at Minto’s feet. A sliver of some focusing reagent in hand, Minto invokes a magic force to quicken himself and his allies. Sparks shoot up their muscles as the battle scene slows to a crawl. Hermy makes use of this new speed to intensify his attacks, sending his sword careening at Veruca again and again. One slash finds only shadow, but the halfling’s follow-ups land against Veruca’s upraised forearms and wings. The steel does not break through the demon’s resistance, however, and she laughs off the efforts of Hermy’s weakened arm. "Your fire is burning low. How much longer can you go?" she sniffs. After a careful backstep, Veruca leaps off the ledge and glides into the shadows below on the first floor. Her voice trails, "I'll keep playing for a little bit, but you really should take the chance to quit." At this instant, Gilgiga’s animal appears as close to Veruca as Gilgiga can throw his summoning. The black bear materializes on the first level and lumbers over to the mocker. The bear attempts to maul the winged foe but tumbles past her in the darkness. On his own, except for his faithful dog, Tensek continues to move toward the smoking building. --- [Inspire Greatness bonus lasts 4 more rounds. Haste 10 more rounds. Hermy’s attack bonus with light weapons isn’t affected by the Str penalty. Unfortunately, the bear doesn’t understand Druidic. Tensek is 6 rounds away from the map area.] map |
| #142hermy_the_hero_dupSep 07, 2005 22:30:28 | "Minto! Light!" The bard nods and digs into his spell repoitaire again, tossing a pinch of powder into the air while shouting out the words to go along with it. He then picks Wolf up and over his shoulder. "Gilgiga! See if you can get that bear of yours to push her against a wall so she doesn't have as much manerability, or do it yourself. We are running out of options here." Hermy glances at the shadows around Veruca. "Ya aint set enough heroes on fire ifen ya thinks Ise even close ta done!" He starts running towards the edge. "It's me toyin with you here!" He leaps off the edge, flipping and turning in the air. Landing with a loud groan, he hurries towards Veruca without waiting for his sense of balance to follow. As he nears her, he nearly topples. "Uh, oh." Hermy throws out his arms to catch himself, and at the last instance pirouettes and thrusts his blade at Veruca. ooc Minto casts Glitterdust on square F10. (Trying to just get Veruca, and not the bear in its radius.) Hermy intentionally jumps (Jump is now +14 do to weakness) and tumbles (+20) to reduce the distance fallen. He bluffs (+19) to make himself seem very unbalanced when attacking. (Hoping glitterdust provides enough lighting to allow sneak attack, not sure if it does though.) He moves to G9. |
| #143zombiegleemaxSep 07, 2005 23:32:48 | .oO(Ung, if she would just stay still.) Gilgiga then leaps down then proceds to rush into her, throwing his whole weight into her, attempting to knock her into the light. All the while the bear contues to attempt to maul her. action Gilgiga jumps down to K2 with a +17 bonus thanks to haste speed, then moves over to F3. He then charges her and attempts to bull rush. The bear will attack. |
| mapghost_theorySep 08, 2005 22:38:56 | A shower of golden particles falls upon Veruca, flashing in her face. She screams and covers her eyes, "Aaahhh!" "I'll pluck out your eyes and chew them up!" She swings wildly in front of her. "I'll… I'll…" For once, she seems lost for a rhyme. The magical dust is not enough to illuminate the darkness, however, and Hermy finds his ruse playing out in the shade. The halfling's graceful leap downward enables him to roll with the landing, averting damage from the fall. The scattered debris on the floor is still a hazard, but Hermy avoids the sharper pieces of timber and metal as he comes up with his swordplay gambit. The bluffing ploy might be lost on the blinded Veruca, but Hermy lands his blade onto her knee. The enervated strike does not have enough power behind it to break the unnatural skin. Stepping back cautiously, Veruca spits out a combination of curses and arcane words which ignite into a spew of flame. Gilgiga’s bear turns just in time to avoid the brunt of the wildly aimed fire. Hermy ducks at the last moment as well, receiving only some negligible singeing. One or two of the flammable items on the floor catch on fire. Gilgiga follows Hermy's lead and hops down from the second story. The half-orc lands sturdily next to a moldering horse saddle and a discarded pitchfork. Without any wasted time, the hasted ranger hurtles his own body toward the debilitated Veruca. With a burst of strength that flaunts his orcish heritage, Gilgiga slam into Veruca, ignoring the confused attempts to push him off. Hooking an arm around each scaly leg, Gilgiga rams Veruca back ten feet, out of the globe of darkness, slamming her into the back wall of the barn. The black bear runs on all fours in pursuit of Veruca. It rears up and swats down with a large paw that slaps the bird woman in the face but does not seem to cause any real injury. Veruca madly scrambles against the wall behind her as the bear snorts against the growing smokiness. With gold glitter in her eyes, the blood-covered Veruca has not yet found the exit door a few feet from her hands. "Hhssss… you will not live… not a single one… to see the rising… the second sun…" --- [Hermy takes 6 nonlethal, Gilgiga takes 3 nonlethal.] Current HP: Gilgiga [32/36] and 4 nonlethal Hermy [30/56]=>[44/69] and 7 nonlethal Minto [9/41] Tensek [25/39] and 7 nonlethal fatigued Kiara [15/26] and 3 nonlethal [Inspire Greatness bonus lasts 3 more rounds. Haste 9 more rounds. Tensek is 5 rounds away from the map area.] map |
| #145hermy_the_hero_dupSep 09, 2005 1:47:22 | Minto starts casting another spell. He gently moves Wolf towards the ladder. "We need to get you out of here." Hermy runs towards Veruca, jamming his sword into her. "I'lls just has to sleep in until noon fer the rests of my life then." "Ise always preferred sunsets anyhow." ooc Minto casts a cure light wound on Wolf. Hermy moves to C12. And should finally be able to get in a sneak attack. |
| #146zombiegleemaxSep 09, 2005 2:27:06 | Gilgiga thinks to himself as Hermy delivers his monolgue .oO(She talks big, but she's just words. Words have strength until you stop and think of them, then they're no longer powerfull. Like that painter by the church, his other work looked real, but it wasn't.) The bear contues to maul away |
| #147tensek_vicar_dupSep 09, 2005 11:44:52 | .oO(Need to get to the barn, but really what good would I do, I'm still weak from yesterday and I can barely pull my bow string anymore...) As Tensek continues his slow movement towards teh bar he halts suddenly, nearly causing kiara to collide with the back of the ranger's legs. With a yelp of annoyance the dog skids around Tensek and sits down beside Tensek as he spins and calls back to John, "HUnter! I need rope and a net do you have any!?" |
| #148ghost_theorySep 09, 2005 12:23:18 | John stands up in the distance, cupping his ear to hear Tensek. After a moment, he shouts back, "Aye! A net, I'll meet you there!" The grizzled man runs off toward his residence. |
| #149tensek_vicar_dupSep 09, 2005 12:37:23 | With a grimace of determination painted on his face Tensek painfully begins his journey to the burning barn moving as fast as his tired state will allow. |
| #150ghost_theorySep 09, 2005 22:44:02 | Wolf stirs blearily as Minto’s mending magic flow into the teen. “What’s going on?” Wolf asks while rubbing his neck, “I think I hit my head.” Hermy zips up close and picks his target as Veruca claws at her eyes. The speedy halfling steel drives home just under Veruca’s ribs, drawing out a precise gush of crimson. The fiendish rhymer staggers, reciting one final, tragic poem for an unlikely audience. “Bathe yourself in blood/ to keep yourself young. Sheathe yourself in coals/ to keep yourself warm.” Veruca spins once. “Disfigure the truth/ Plucked eye and ripped tongue. Betray and return/ back to your true form…” She wheezes and drops to a knee before falling flat on her face. Her large bat wings crumple around her. The black bear takes the chance to latch its jaws around Veruca’s head and shake her about violently before disappearing in a mist that leaves the scent of a forest glade. Dark blood soaks into the wood and hay beneath her, yet Veruca still breathes slightly. --- Less than a minute later, Tensek hears the clip-clop of a horse galloping up behind him. John the hunter is in the saddle, crossbow and net by his side. The chestnut mare slows near Tensek. The barn lies just ahead across the road. “Your feet seem to be failing you,” the older man says tersely. With a straight face, John scratches his beard and offers a hand to Tensek. |
| #151zombiegleemaxSep 10, 2005 1:46:35 | .oO(She is corrupted, the taint of the darker brother runs so strong in her blood. Here she lies as defenceless as any other, a grand child of the mother. She deserives as much mercy as any other) Gilgiga lays one of his large hands on Hermy's shoulder. "That will be enough." .oO(What are we going to do with her) |
| #152hermy_the_hero_dupSep 10, 2005 2:10:09 | Minto gives Wolf a pat on the shoulder. "If you are lucky you won't remember more then hitting your head." "Now be a good lad and run back to the church. I'm sure your parents are worried sick." He glances at the burning wall. "And tell them we'll need a bucket brigade." Minto climbs down the ladder and heads towards where he dropped his sword. Hermy stands over Veruca's body, sword still at the ready in case she is faking. "Sure, she'll probably bleeds ta deaths soon enoughs anyhow." He scratches his head. "Any ideas what she was ramblin ons abouts?" |
| #153zombiegleemaxSep 10, 2005 14:19:35 | "I do not really know, but something tells me we may never know. . . Unless. . ." Gilgiga reaches down, and mutters. "Modor mildheortnes fore lytling, mildheortnes fore feasceafig." Gilgiga places his hands upon her, and her wound beguin to glow with a warm light as the blood coagulates. Action Cast Cure Light Wounds without healing anything just stabelizeing her. If I'm not allowed to do that trick then once she wakes up Gilgiga punches her until she goes out. |
| #154hermy_the_hero_dupSep 10, 2005 14:44:01 | Hermy blinks and quickily puts his sword on her neck ready to thrust it in. "What does ya think yer doin!" "Healin her! Don'tcha members how hard she is ta hurt!" Minto picks up his sword and heads towards his friends. "What? What the... I thought you killed her?" He unslings his lute, ready to start countersiging. |
| #155ghost_theorySep 10, 2005 15:52:43 | Wolf speaks softly as pieces of the ordeal come back to him, “Parents... mother...” The boy follows Minto down the ladder and moves to take a better look at the defeated antagonist. “Gods…” he mutters. After a second of staring, he makes for the door in the corner. “I’ll tell the others to bring water.” He closes the door behind him and dashes back toward the church. Just there, he sways to avoid the horse carrying John and Tensek. “Boy! What happened?” John pulls the mare to a halt. “They... they put down the flying bat-thing... But we need to get water from the stream, the barn is burning down.” --- Veruca’s mismatched frame trembles in a seizure as Gilgiga calls a blessing down to heal her. He can feel her unnatural body rejecting the druidic force; the magic must push hard to squeeze through. She gasps and tries to sit up but finds Hermy’s blade pressed against her. Repealing his aid, Gilgiga pops his heavy fist into Veruca’s skull several times aided by Minto’s speed enchantment, but it only serves to give the ranger a sore knuckle. The diabolic creature raises her bloodied and glitter-covered face, red eyes straining to focus on the group surrounding her. The fire on the second floor catches hold of more wall space, audibly toppling a rafter somewhere in the barn. |
| #156hermy_the_hero_dupSep 10, 2005 16:12:09 | "Don'ts try movin again. I'lls puts ya down faster then I woulds an apple pie." Hermy puts a bit more pressure on his sword. "We just wanna knows a few things, an don'ts try bein mysterios an stuff, you aints gots enough time fer that." "What was ya talkin about? True form, an ripped toungues an all that kinda stuff?" Minto moves to flank Hermy. |
| #157zombiegleemaxSep 10, 2005 18:36:12 | "Those last words she said, I doubt she could lie as she dies. Something tells me that something happened to her, that she changed herself to become like this. Like what Minto did to Red Panther only, not for the name of good. Perhaps she was wiling, if she was I'll take full responsiblity for what happens. But it is a duty of the clerics of the mother to heal, the mind and sprit as much as the body. Even the wicked, the feasceafig, desrive the warm light. If I am proven wrong, I am sorry." Gilgiga says as he hefts her weight onto his shoulder to carry her back. "Minto I believe I left my bow on the top level, would you please retrieve that for me and let us leave before the barn burns to the ground." |
| #158ghost_theorySep 10, 2005 19:01:04 | [OoC: Just to clarify, is Gilgiga trying to pick her up, taking her away from Hermy's sword point? She is in positive HP at the moment and is capable of movement.] |
| #159zombiegleemaxSep 10, 2005 19:46:34 | [ooc:]I take it that my sucker punch was not enough to knock her back out, then I guess I'll hafto hit her twice again, thanks to super haste. Until she goes down, CLW shouldn't be that effective. And yes I am trying to take her away from Hermy's sword point.[/ooc] |
| #160tensek_vicar_dupSep 10, 2005 20:12:02 | Tensek grabs John's hand and hoists himself up onto the back of teh horse, "Well I suppose running here from the river and not sleeping at all will have that effect on you." After a pause Tensek nods, "Thanks for the lift." |
| #161ghost_theorySep 10, 2005 20:43:27 | Veruca stares in Hermy's direction when the halfling asks his question. "The word... the word... is the prayer. The prayer... the guide... to find the way back to him... rules... to abide..." Gilgiga's fists come down again, pummeling at Veruca in an attempt to make her easier to carry. It feels like punching stone to the half-orc. Through a bloody cough, Veruca laughs distantly. Tensek sees the abandoned barn before him. The exterior doesn't look to be on fire, but smoke escapes through the spaces between joints and siding. From the door Wolf just came from, Tensek hears some voices. "What now?" John asks. Wolf looks between the two men. --- [OoC: Gilgiga can tell Veruca's DR is soaking up the damage.] |
| #162zombiegleemaxSep 10, 2005 22:33:25 | Gilgiga sets her down, however ready to move at moments notice. "Why is it?, I ask you, when you know you are to die in his cause. He caries no mercy for anyone, not even his own servants like yourself. What is his lure?" Gilgiga asks in a soft voice. ooc Gilgiga readies a grapple in case she attempts to fly away. |
| #163tensek_vicar_dupSep 11, 2005 12:59:05 | "You're goign to take Wolf back to the church and than you'll organise a bucket chain to help put out whatever's causign that smoke," Tensek says as he slides off of John's horse. "I'll be needing the rope. Tensek says as he helps wolf onto John's horse. Taking the rope he coils it around his shoulders and gripping his bow tight, Tensek pulls two arrows from his quiver and notches them to the heavy bow and pushes his way into the farm through teh door Wolf exited. |
| #164hermy_the_hero_dupSep 11, 2005 14:29:30 | Hermy stares in disbelief as he sword is knocked out of the way and Veruca is picked up. "What da ya think you are doin! She's a dangerous creature, this aint no little giant! Shes a full grown thng that made a choice ta be evil!" Once Gilgiga drops her gain, Hermy lets him bloody his fist on her and then puts his sword at her throat again. "Ifen my magic sword coulds barely scratch her, yer fists aint gunna do nuthin but give her another case of giggles." Hermy presses the tip of his blade harder against her neck. "An I'ds rather she spends her last moments answerin questions as opposed ta laughing at us." "Answer the clerk creature!" Minto glances up at the loft and shrugs. "Sorry Gilgiga, looks like I'm going to be needed down here. Wolf went to get help putting out the fire. I'm sure one of them can get your bow." |
| #165ghost_theorySep 11, 2005 15:17:30 | She sneers at Gilgiga's question, "That's a question you should ask yourself. Isn't that right, little thief?” She looks at Hermy through blinded eyes and starts to stands slowly. "One takes away hope... for a righteous cause/ One denies fairness... in the name of balance. There is no fate, there are only flaws/ So you turn to the one who offers a chance..." "When the truth is turned, you must turn too. Seems I just had a better Teacher than you." The last phrase is directed to Gilgiga as Veruca coughs a trickle of blood. "You're scared because I'm crazy, or maybe more scared because I'm sane..." "Sane?" she asks herself, turning her head. "Sane," she answers herself, looking the other way, "Sane, sane, rain, pain, rain on the brain, path of pain..." She starts singing lowly, though her voice still carries a strangely beautiful pitch. "Your hobgoblin friends couldn't bear/ to look into the black hole sun. Maybe you would try if you dare/ before it burns and is gone." The door behind Veruca opens. Tensek sees the creature’s wings and back as well as his friends. The sound of John and Wolf's horse riding away can be heard. |
| #166zombiegleemaxSep 11, 2005 16:00:56 | "Oh, you are sane enough, just one who is misguided and lost. You see flaws and I see heros. We are all just as lost, you have just decided to take advantage of that, to prey upon others who do not desrive it, and when you do not need it." Gilgiga pauses as he moves a lock of hair out of his face. You were taught your ways so you say, I learned mine, the hard way. If you ask me that is a far better teacher. What did he have? A prety face? Did his false wisdoms make you feel empowered against a big scary world?" Again the irritateing tangle of hair falls down, and again he moves it back to where it belongs. Would you like to know the difference between me and you. I see this hell of a world, a hell that you help create and I say bring it. We are all fated to die, and who knows perhaps Kakodemmion may win, or perhaps Agathalos. What does it matter to me, I am not fighting in their stupid little war. By the time they are done with that I will be long dead, as will you. You are never going to reap the fruits of your labor, why don't you try to do something that matters. For the third time that lock falls down, this time he just leaves it there. You are not insane, you are weak." Gilgiga's tone is bitter and sharp with that last phrase, with an uncanny amount of emotion comming out of the druid for one who usally keeps his thoughts bundled up inside his head under that matted mass of hair. |
| #167tensek_vicar_dupSep 11, 2005 17:05:42 | Calmly and slowly as Gilgigga delivers his speach to Veruca Tensek advances up behind eth winged woman, and as the half-orc finishes belittling their adversary Tensek his arrows into the back of her head. |
| #168hermy_the_hero_dupSep 11, 2005 17:19:07 | Hermy gives Gilgiga a quick look, and then notices Tensek with an arrow against Verucas skull. "Minto you gots anything all bardlike ta say so that ya don'ts get outshined by the clerk?" Minto shrugs. "Ok then." Hermys sword moves to Verucas chest. "Ya hads yer chance ta repents an didn'ts takes it. Giligan may thinks youse sane an week." "I disagrees yer as mad as a cat after Ise drunken the last bit o' milk." "An too strong ta let live." "But maybe there is still a bits of good in ya yet, rights? Ya mentioned the oddgoblins in yer little insane ramblins." "Whats about them, an no rhymes... Ise gettin tired of holdin this sword." "Spells'll do that to ya sometimes." |
| #169ghost_theorySep 11, 2005 18:04:32 | "I am as the Teacher made me." "None of us are getting out alive; I enjoy myself while I survive." "If you could only see... the joke is a killer." Veruca raises a hand to her mouth, covering a giggle as she feels Tensek's arrow point. "Never in my life have I spoken rhyme! Well... perhaps there was that one time..." When pressed about the hobgoblins, she replies in poesy fashion. "That group was moving through/ I thought they might be useful. They also had a poor teacher,/ But their scouts made a nice mouthful." "Now, do I live or do I die? Sugarcoat it with a lie." Her blood-stained, yet shapely form poses alluringly for a moment. Hermy's blade and Tensek's arrows do not seem to concern her. "If I live, well, you tried your best, And if I die, I have a last request." Her wings fold over her shoulders like a grey cape. She fails to hold back another mounting chain of laughter as if it is a compulsion. "Why don't you tell me a joke." "I'd rather die laughing than by sword poke." |
| #170zombiegleemaxSep 11, 2005 18:24:46 | Gilgiga's head droops as he realizes the truth, she has always been this way, always will. It is as he feared, she was not corrupted but is corruption. Not all the speaches or mercy in the world will save her. She is just like the imp that he slew just this winter, not an evil creature just evil. Defeated in the worst way he mutters. "end her. . ." |
| #171tensek_vicar_dupSep 11, 2005 19:16:46 | "I don't think you'll find this joke very funny," Tensek says as he let's the pair of arrows fly into the back of Verucca's head. |
| #172ghost_theorySep 11, 2005 19:40:49 | Tensek's first arrow merely breaks upon impact with Veruca's head. His second one, however, sticks into the skull. Veruca falls to her knees, ruby eyes still open. "I... smell lavender." Though incapacitated once again, her body still heaves with the breath of life. In fact, her shoulders shiver in what may be either tittering or convulsions. |
| #173hermy_the_hero_dupSep 11, 2005 21:40:38 | Hermy smiles. "Two halflings, a haveorc an a man walk into a barn... Ready fer the punch line?" He shoves his sword between her ribs. He shrugs. "Nots exactly a funny joke, but I thinks ya gets the point." He turns to Minto, "Go gets Giligans bow." "Giligan, cin ya gets her body outa here." "Tentsack, don'ts ya gots some magic that cin help put out that fire?" Hermy wipes off his sword on Verucas hair. .o0(She hurts the oddgoblins, that's'll help us. Maybes its'll buy her some balance with the Mother.) |
| #174zombiegleemaxSep 11, 2005 22:25:41 | "I will carry her, but I do not want this corpse anywhere where it could be found. Something tells me a pyre is not going to be enough." Gilgiga wordlessly hefts her weight onto his shoulders. |
| #175hermy_the_hero_dupSep 11, 2005 22:36:57 | Hermy nods. "I thinks taking it with us is the best plan." "Mary Ale shoulds be ables to identify what she is, an help us finds away ta better fights things likes this in the future." "I don'ts likes it when my sword don'ts cuts people likes it should. It aint natural." |
| #176ghost_theorySep 11, 2005 22:43:12 | "Heheh... point... I ... get it..." The fiendish girl laughs one last time as she expires. Gilgiga sees the assorted trinkets Veruca carried: the horn she used to conceal herself earlier, a sling and bullet pouch tied to her waist, a couple of dull-looking rings on her left hand, and a thin chain around her neck bearing a talisman shaped like a turtle shell. Her eyes remain open, and the shine on them has not diminished. The half-orc ranger notes it looks as if her eyes were made of crystal or at least have some sort of lens coverings. Gilgiga's bow is easily found on the second floor near the ladder. Outside the building, a wagon carrying barrels of water pulls up, accompanied by men and women from the farms. Some of the major structural members of the barn have caught fire, and the building may be beyond saving now, but at least they should be able to control the fire. |
| #177zombiegleemaxSep 11, 2005 22:50:40 | "Neither is she; she looked it, that is why I had hope. In the end all she was, was evil forced into a natural form. That I guess is what is so disturbing, we know what is real, and evil is a thought, and idea, not something real. She blurs that line." Gilgiga shifts her weight. "I hope we can use that wagon." |
| #178hermy_the_hero_dupSep 11, 2005 23:20:29 | Minto tries to smack soot off his clothes as he watches the barn burn. "We should be able too." He glances at Verucas horn. "What should we do with her things? No sense letting them go to waste." "I have a spell that will be able to tell if anything besides the horn was magical." Hermy nods. "Casts it." "The rest of us cin help with the fire whiles ya does that." Hermy moves to join the townsfolk. |
| #179zombiegleemaxSep 11, 2005 23:43:36 | Gilgiga follows Hermy out, wondering to himself what's next. .oO(I guess it's back to the gardens with me. It was interesting to get out. Out. Why is the garden in?) "I am going to stay out" He mutters to himself as he lugs the corpse out into the open. |
| #180ghost_theorySep 12, 2005 0:00:37 | Many buckets of water later, the fire is out. The skeleton on the barn remains, but most of it is blackened. The second floor has mostly collapsed into the first floor. Wolf and his father watch on with Miss Cynwise. Father Saul tries a small display of faith by reading from his holy canon a passage of the rain coming to end a drought. He seems somewhat astonished to see a small cascade of water condense from the ceiling and drop to douse the last flame. A cheer rings out from the soot-covered farmers, and John pats Saul on the back. As Minto casts his divination over the items, Miss Cynwise moves to watch on with a scholar's eye. "Oh! Are you using a variant of Saint Ciran’s Scopus? I always thought that saying the words in reverse Draconic to be unnecessarily complicated..." Despite the woman's distraction, Minto completes his incantation and finds that the horn, the amulet, and one of the rings bears an aura, as well as the sparkle coming from Veruca’s eyes. All are of a faint strength. The bard reads the engravings on the horn to see that it focuses on conjuring magic. Next, he sees the shape of the aura on the lusterless ring is meant for protection. "… and the lost spells of the Golden Age magicians…" Minto’s expertise with lore allows him to filter out half of what Miss Cynwise is saying as folk tales and superstition, and the other half to be rudimentary arcane theories common to many schools. |
| #181tensek_vicar_dupSep 12, 2005 0:08:25 | "I think it would be best to remove her head from her body and burn them seperately, we can scatter teh ashes throughout the country on our way back." Tensek says to Gilgigga as the ranger sits down with a tired sigh. |
| #182hermy_the_hero_dupSep 12, 2005 0:47:19 | An equally tired Hermy collapses next to the two rangers. "I doubt she burns anyways. Ise foughts dragons that was easier ta hurt." "Ifen we cin get the wagon, we shoulds takes all of her back." "Ifen she wasn't born a monster, then she'lls had family somewhere. An no matter how bad family is, ya always feel sumethin for them." "I doubts Mary Ale'll be able ta figure thats out, but I'd at leasts likes ta try." He exhales. "I'ds prefer nots havin ta tell them the whole truth though." He closes his eyes and yawns. Minto nods along as Miss Cynwise talks, not bothering to corect her. Folktales are, afterall, a good part of his buisness. He carefully takes the lens out, and gathers up the ring, horn, and amulet. He continues to study them, and once he is satisfied he's learned all he can, smiles at Miss Cynwise. "You certainly no a lot about magic. Did you train somewhere, or are you self taught?" "No offense, but I didn't think there would be much oppertunity to study things like that so far from civilization. Your library must be very impressive." |
| #183ghost_theorySep 12, 2005 1:04:46 | "Oh, my library is dreadfully inadequate. I've only purchased what I can from traveling caravans and trips to the city." "I've never been trained formally, but someday I'd like to save up enough to go to the Hightower in Garic's City," Miss Cynwise says thoughtfully. "I've never read or heard about anything like that though," she indicates the stiffening corpse of Veruca. Minto find the red lenses to be almost opaque from the one side but actually clear from the other. Looking thorugh one at arm's length magnifies what the minstrel points at, though it does give him a headache to peer through just one of them. Father Saul comes around to shake each of the adventurers' hands, as does Wolf's father. Saul smiles, "I'm glad you appeared when you did. Please, come rest in the church and we'll find you some lunch." |
| #184hermy_the_hero_dupSep 12, 2005 1:26:01 | Minto smiles and enthusiastically shakes Father Sauls hand. "Just doing our job." He looks towards Veruca and then Miss Cynwise again. "We know a wizard in the Hightower who will be very interested in finding out what that is. I'll be sure to mention your name to her." "In fact I might be able to arrange you an apprentiship there." Hermy also shakes Father Sauls hand. "Thanks." "I mights needs ta sleeps through lunch though. But I'd be very grateful fer dinner." Hermy shakes the priests hand once more and goes to join Minto. "I thinks my works here is done fer a bit, an I really needs ta gets some sleep. That spell she hit me with has lefts me very drained." "Its like what that witch from the Travellars gots me with except I aint seen no flyin pur..." He glances towards Verucas corpse. "Ok, I'll sees youse back at the church." Hermy staggers away, Minto watching closely. |
| #185tensek_vicar_dupSep 12, 2005 13:11:46 | "Glad to help," Tensek says as he shakes the priests hand, and gives a breif nod to Wolf's father. After everyone begins to filter back to the church the ranger pushes himself up with a grunt and nods to Gilgigga, "Did you want to help me carry her or are you fine with her being dragged back?" |
| #186zombiegleemaxSep 12, 2005 19:04:28 | "I should be able to get her back to the church fine. If we can not get the wagon, then I will need help. Any ways you still need sleep, you should not be trying to exert yourself." Gilgiga says as he walks with Tensek back to the church. |
| #187tensek_vicar_dupSep 12, 2005 20:45:29 | "There's plenty of time to sleep when you're dead," The ranger says with a sly smile as he crouches down and grabs Veruca's ankles, "Grab he shoulders and we'll carry her back to the cart, not a good idea to leave her out in the open alone." |
| #188zombiegleemaxSep 12, 2005 21:16:14 | "Good point." Gilgiga says as he shifts her down. "Might as well do as much as we can while we are still here." |
| #189tensek_vicar_dupSep 12, 2005 21:39:50 | "I'm just hoping Minto doesn't put me in one of those awful songs of his," Tensek says as he begins walking back to the church with a tight grip on Verucca's ankles. |
| #190zombiegleemaxSep 12, 2005 21:42:03 | Gilgiga alows himself a heartly laugh "Now they are not that bad, much better then her's." Gilgiga says taping the dead head that is slumped over his shoulder. |
| #191tensek_vicar_dupSep 12, 2005 21:47:15 | "At least her's where kinda catchy," Tensek smirks, "I think we'll be ok though, he only seems interested in promoting Hermy." |
| #192zombiegleemaxSep 12, 2005 22:01:14 | "Catchy, perhaps catching. Those halflings are not that bad, they just live in a differnt sort of world." Gilgiga reflects on that. "It is just scarry when their rules work here." |
| #193ghost_theorySep 12, 2005 22:50:40 | “That would be quite interesting,” Miss Cynwise answers Minto’s proposal. Back at the church, John the Hunter finds an old wheelbarrow he offers to the party to move Veruca’s body. Father Saul digs out an old black tablecloth to use as a sort of burial shroud. He insists on covering up the body to not alarm the children. Hermy, Minto, and Tensek are given ample time to sleep before the smells of dinner wake them up. The group finds a miniature feast in preparation, using the best of the summer’s early yield. The main attraction is a couple of roast ducks seasoned heavily with herbs from Jonh’s own garden. This is accompanied by an assortment of colorful fruits and vegetables ripened in the southern sun, quince dumplings, meat in puff pastries, and wildberry pie. There is also some pieces of alligator meat in a lemon-herb stew for them to sample. As the night wears on, the farmers return to their homes, leaving the church to sit in peaceful silence. Father Saul makes the rounds one last time before settling in. “Will you be setting out again soon?” he asks no one in particular. The night is clear and the stars shine brightly. |
| #194hermy_the_hero_dupSep 12, 2005 22:57:27 | Hermy nods and wipes away the last of the wildberry pie from his mouth. "There's still an oddgoblin army out there somewheres." "Yer towns shoulds be safe, but what about the next one." "And wese gots ta takes that body back ta the city." He looks around for any leftover food and sighs. "I wouldn'ts mind stayin fer a couple more days ifen ya eats likes that often, but somethings is more important then pie." |
| #195tensek_vicar_dupSep 13, 2005 1:07:01 | Having slept and eaten his fill, Tensek sits with the dogs and quietly strokes Kiara's fur as he responds more to Hermy than Saul, "What's left of the Hobgoblin regiment will be too far away to catch now. If you want this wizard of yours to have the body as fresh as we can than it would be best to get head out early tomorrow morning." |
| #196hermy_the_hero_dupSep 13, 2005 1:38:50 | "Ifen wese goes back ta Garics first they'lls even be further away." "From us, nots from other towns like this one." "We sents NaShae an Tyros ta gets us help. Ifen theys goes outs an finds we gaves up they won'ts be willin ta helps later." Hermy stands up. "Ifen we don'ts go after them as soon as possible then any deaths thats they cause is on our hands." He moves around the table to grab a leftover pastrie. "An I prefers ta eats with clean hands." Minto supreess the urge to comment on Hermys last statement, instead chiming in support. "Getting the corpse back to Mirrielle isn't a priority. Besides, I saw Father Saul's handiwork back at the barn. He's not just a man of words, he's got some power in him." "Corpses can be preserved." "It's a lot easier then bringing the dead back to life." Minto takes off his hat and examines whats left of his feather. "It might be close to impossible to find their trail." "But I've seen Hermy do the impossible more timesthen I feel like counting." "If you don't feel like coming no ones forcing you. We could use your tracking abilities, and your bow, no question about that." "But if you don't come, Gilgiga has proven himself more then capable." "And if he declines, I'm sure John the Hunter could be hired." "If he can't, well then its up to the Mother to lead us to them. Really that's all we need anyhow. If she wills it, it will be done." "You don't think Hermy could have done half of what he's done without somekind of divine interferance do you?" He glances at Hermy, then quickily adds, "Not to say he hasn't worked to earn that favor." |
| #197tensek_vicar_dupSep 13, 2005 13:22:35 | Tensek looks at the two halflings in disbelief, before shaking his head, "Gilgiga and I will be needing horses than." |
| #198ghost_theorySep 13, 2005 14:18:57 | Saul overhears Minto's praise and walks up to the bard. "I am a simple man of the cloth, not a miracle worker or a temple cleric. There are a few simple tricks I've found faith can work over the physical world, but I- " Saul looks at the group. "What's this army you are talking about? I've heard of an increase in bandits attacking wagon caravans, but... an army?" |
| #199tensek_vicar_dupSep 13, 2005 14:25:51 | "It was a large group of Hobgoblins, that we fought and defeated before we came to this town, we decimated their main force and raided their town killing their leader, corruptign their supplies, and freeing the people they captured as slaves. Even the help of a god it will be nearly impossible to catch what's left of them. Besides teh fact that Verucca burnt up whatever was left of the trail we were following, and even if we could pick it up again, it's been two days since the Hobgoblins left, the trail will be long since cold. And even if we can go on what little would be left of that trail we'll have be no less than two or three days behind them at any given time. If we wanted to catch up to them there will be at least two days hard riding with little rest to catch up with them. And if they're still in the elves lands there won't be much left of them." |
| #200ghost_theorySep 13, 2005 14:45:15 | "Hobgoblins? What was their goal here?" Saul asks. |
| #201hermy_the_hero_dupSep 14, 2005 0:24:15 | "Ta kills people an takes their stuff." Minto shakes his head. "While Hermy may be accurate as to their doings, I think their goal was something else." "To spread their religion I believe. Or the 'Truth' as one of their captains called it." "Killin those weaker then ya aint the truth." "No of course it isn't. But of course it wasn't that simple either." "I believe they were trying to purify themselves. For what I don't know. I didn't get the impression they were Demmonites, if anything they seemed to have a twisted view of balance, and that's the Mothers forte." |
| #202ghost_theorySep 14, 2005 10:22:06 | "A cult perhaps?" the priest asks. "If I could offer my opinion?" "If what he says is true," Saul points to Tensek, "Then the army you’re chasing has a considerable lead on you already. Which sounds like they will be hard to track, and there’s a large area that they could be anywhere in." "So if that’s the case, then does it really matter much if you are some days more in preparation for tracking them down? They will stop somewhere, won’t they? And your time could be spent getting reinforcements. Not to doubt your abilities, but a team of four against an army is not a good gamble. The odds would be against you. And if you fail, that brigand army will not be stopped, and the world will be poorer for the loss of more good men." Saul scratches his dark hair and bends down to pick up one of the cats in the room. "If you had more men, you could search a larger area more effectively, likely even finding them faster than just the four of you could if you went after them right away." Speaking like a man older than he is, Saul advises, "You all must be careful not to become too much like the fanatics you hunt, who double their efforts but lose sight of their goals." |
| #203zombiegleemaxSep 14, 2005 17:44:00 | "We already sent two of our number off for help. Elves both, we have yet to hear from them however." Gilgiga says as he sets down a stine. "If we contue this hunt, we well never become like them if we keep up this pace, of saving every poor setelment from the next new horror that fate can throw at them." |
| #204hermy_the_hero_dupSep 14, 2005 22:31:51 | "Our goal is ta saves lives. Ises already a fanatic abouts that." Hermy sighs. "I knows we can'ts saves them all, but we knows abouts this danger. I can'ts just walks away from it." Minto shakes his head. "Father Saul has a point. Perhaps we should wait for the reinforcements? A squad of elven eyes would really help in tracking them down." "The elves won'ts be comin here. They'll be goin after the oddgoblins too." "Rights nows wese only two days behinds them, ifen that.... Theys gots wagons ta pull, an women an children ta cares for. They can'ts move as fast as us. or as elves." "An we know which way they was going. All we needs is a map or sumethin that shows us whats that way, an we cin figure out where theys gunna be at." He shrugs. "Or at least wether we cin affords ta takes sometime. Ifen theres a town that way..." He lets the sentance hang. |
| #205ghost_theorySep 14, 2005 22:54:52 | "It's commendable," Saul begins, "That you want to help people." "But you must be mindful of the balance as well." He puts down the feline. "You didn't mention anything about women and children.... Were you planning on... destroying them all? |
| #206zombiegleemaxSep 14, 2005 23:10:11 | "Not all, just their relgious leader, and any devoted fanatics he may have. If are lucky the elves handled it all by their lonesome, leaving the question away from us. If the hobgoblins are unlucky the elves used some of their famed cold judgement." |
| #207hermy_the_hero_dupSep 14, 2005 23:34:56 | Hermy shakes his head. "No, just them that don't surrender." "I don'ts think theys evil, at least not completely evil." "Ifen theys willin ta stops killin soes I." |
| #208ghost_theorySep 14, 2005 23:40:18 | The young priest sighs as if he has heard this story before. "I can only wish you luck then." "If you are looking for a cartographer, I don't know of anyone here or in Barleyhorn." After a long pause, the man walks down the aisle. "I'll be off to bed myself. Sleep well." Saul leaves the party ot talk amongst themselves before the morning comes. |
| #209hermy_the_hero_dupSep 15, 2005 0:10:48 | Minto watches as Saul leaves. "I don't think he was too impressed with your plan Hermy." Hermy shrugs. "I aint either, buts its all I gots right now." "We coulds go back ta Garics and musturds the whole guild, but that woulds pretty much guarantee that someones else woulds die. It woulds take too much time." "We coulds try ta catch up with NaShare an Tyros, an goes with the elves. Likes Father Salt said, more eyes an all. Theys gunna take a bit of time ta finds them too, but theys probably gots enough men ta keeps tracks of where thets already looked and..." "I don't think that was the part of the plan that bothered Father Saul." "Yeah, it was all the killin.... Natala gets the sames way. Only louder." "But sometimes ya just gots ta kill things. I think ifen we just got Panty, it mights be enough. Maybe scatter the rest." "Hes whats keepin them tagether. An in smaller groups there things that cin be handled when the happens, but a group trhat size... not much cin handle that." "Us, an maybe the elves." |
| #210tensek_vicar_dupSep 15, 2005 13:57:23 | "A map isn't going to help you Hermy," Tensek says cooly, "It's a two day cold trail, and the longer we wait the harder it will be to catch this group. As well you knew where they were going, they could have gone any number of ways since than, even further out into the country side away from Garic's." "Besides the elves probably caught up to them already." |
| #211ghost_theorySep 15, 2005 23:45:26 | The night wears on as the foursome discuss their plans. The candles and lamps burn low, resulting in a ghostly glow to the chapel. How quickly a hallowed place can become like a haunted house with a simple change of lighting. In the dimness, Hermy and Gilgiga both spot a flash of movement from one of the side windows, and then again at one of the windows on the front face of the church. It is something moving close outside. |
| #212zombiegleemaxSep 16, 2005 0:16:22 | "You see that?" Gilgiga's thoughts go instantly too his sword with his pile of things on the other side of the room. "Perharps our questions are being answered as we speak, that would be our luck." |
| #213tensek_vicar_dupSep 16, 2005 0:20:33 | "See what?" Tensek says as his body tenses and the ranger puts a hand on his kukri. |
| #214zombiegleemaxSep 16, 2005 0:38:11 | "There outside of the window as clear as day, something metal. Someone is out there." Gilgiga says standing up. |
| #215hermy_the_hero_dupSep 16, 2005 0:38:34 | Hermy whispers. "Everyones, just keep talking. Especially you Minto." "Actually youse start singin." Minto nods and unslings his lute, and starts to strum quietly as he checks the tuning. Hermy nods. "Everyones, moves back ta gives him some room. Tries nots ta stare at the window." Hermy backs up a few feet, pulling a chair with him, trying to get out of line of sight of the window. Then he higs the wall and creeps towards the window, his hands ready to draw his brothers knives. |
| #216zombiegleemaxSep 16, 2005 1:03:11 | Gilgiga casually as he can picks up his sword and turns to Tensek and asks. "Do you have a whetstone?" |
| #217ghost_theorySep 16, 2005 9:43:34 | Hermy glances to the window to see the shape moving toward the door. The image through the smoky glass is hard to make out because of the reflection of the half-lighted interior. Gilgiga's eyes cut through the darkness to see the edge of something cloth rather than metal. The locked handle of the front door is tested. |
| #218tensek_vicar_dupSep 16, 2005 12:45:31 | "I left it with my skinning kit," Tensek responds to Gilgiga's query. |
| #219hermy_the_hero_dupSep 16, 2005 22:41:57 | Minto starts singing as Hermy slips up next to the door, blades drawn. He tilts his head towards it and shrugs. .o0(Howevers out there aint as concerned with not being noticeds as I thoughts.) He points at Gilgiga and then the door. |
| #220zombiegleemaxSep 16, 2005 22:46:20 | Gilgiga looks at the door, then back to the halfling and gives him a nod. |
| #221hermy_the_hero_dupSep 16, 2005 23:26:30 | Hermy sheaths a knife, and moves to unlock the door as quietly as possible. |
| #222ghost_theorySep 16, 2005 23:39:00 | There is a long pause as the unlocked door sits still. The handle begins turning again and the door slowly glides open, with Hermy to one side. The other three party members see the scruffy-haired teenager known as Wolf. "Oh, hi, guys. Did I wake you? I'm supposed to ask you something." |
| #223zombiegleemaxSep 16, 2005 23:53:55 | "Naturally. . ." Gilgiga sighs. |
| #224hermy_the_hero_dupSep 17, 2005 0:05:41 | Hermy hurridly puts his weapons away, hoping Wolf doesn't notice. "Nah, we was just plannin our next move." "Whats yer question?" |
| #225ghost_theorySep 17, 2005 0:33:29 | Wolf goes on to explain the situation. It seems while this party was discussing things, another was also holding a late dialogue. After hearing Minto say an apprenticeship at the Hightower is possible, Miss Cynwise has decided on an impulsive resolution to visit Garic’s City, and hopefully stay there if things work out. Wolf’s father and Wolf have agreed to go with her. “What my dad wanted to know is if your group, or any one of you, would be able to travel with us in the morning,” Wolf says somewhat nervously, “If it isn’t too much trouble, and if you’re heading back that way.” “Travel in the countryside seems really unsafe lately. We have a horse-drawn cart to share. We’ll come back for the rest of the things if we need to, though actually there isn’t that much.” “I think my dad really likes Miss Cynwise. Neither of them are farmers. They were ready; they just needed a motive to get going. I get the feeling they’re afraid if they wait, they won’t have the courage to go anymore.” “I’d like to see the city too.” Wolf waits for an answer. |
| #226hermy_the_hero_dupSep 17, 2005 1:20:35 | "Well..." Hermy starts. "Ya see there's a oddgoblin army out there..." .o0(Where? I don'ts know if theres anythings out there fer them ta bother. Theys headins away from here an Barleycorn. The only otherplace I knows about around here is NaShaes moms kingdom. An theys gots a whole army of elves ta protect them.) ".. that needs ta be stopped before they hurts innocent people..." .o0(Likes these guys. They definetly won'ts makes it on their own. A farmer, a girl, an a kid. Withouts any decent weapons.) "...an wese already a little bit undermanned ta do the job..." .o0(Ways under manned. We barely tooks them before, an we hads a wizard then.) "... we shoulds be ables ta handles it though..." .o0(An one less guy really aint gunna makes a differance. It's likes Minto said, its all up ta the Mother really. Even two less guys won'ts makes much of a differance.) "... with sendin a couple of guys with ya. Theys just oddgoblins after all. Nonethin a hero like me can'ts handle." He glances at his companians. "Besides, wese expectin a elvish army ta helps out. Thats shoulds be enough I think." .o0(It betters be.) He smiles at Wolf. "Yas go aheads an tells them, theys gunna has two of Garics best scouts leadin them home." |
| #227tensek_vicar_dupSep 17, 2005 15:01:59 | Tensek raises an eyebrow towards Hermy's directionand slides his blade back into it's sheath with a click. "In my defense I wasn;t expecting to be going anywhere other than the city before we left." |
| #228ghost_theorySep 18, 2005 15:31:34 | Wolf leaves in a hurry. The party has the rest of the night to themselves to rest or discuss the plans, though it does not seem that a consensus will be reached. Several of the residents show up in the morning to see the monster hunters off on their way home. A couple of generous packages of food are bestowed upon them as a parting gift by Denise and her little sister. As promised, Miss Cynwise, Mr. Redwald, and Wolf are waiting with a covered cart pulled by two blackish horses. They look about anixously to see which heroes will be joining them. The crowd shifts between the adventurers and the departing members of the farm community, exchanging questions and goodbyes. |
| #229tensek_vicar_dupSep 18, 2005 17:20:35 | With a quick few quick steps Tensek crosses over to the wagon with Kiara following at a bound. |
| #230zombiegleemaxSep 18, 2005 18:09:57 | Gilgiga follows behind the pure blood human with the corpse bound and wraped in a burlap sack or three. Once to the wagon he moves things about making space for the corpse and rests her inside. "One last voyage before your last riddiles are answered." Gilgiga tells her, not that she can hear him, or cares. |
| #231ghost_theorySep 18, 2005 18:24:37 | "Won't you come with us?" Miss Cynwise asks Minto. "I was actually counting on having your help and references." |
| #232hermy_the_hero_dupSep 18, 2005 19:20:19 | Minto turns to Hermy before ansering, Hermy shrugs. "Goes ahead. Ise sure the elves will have a bard or two." "I need someones in the Guild ta tell Volos whats happenin anyhows." Before Minto can object Hermy cuts him off. "Don'ts worries, ifen I can'ts finds the eves in a day or two I'll heads back too. Ifen I can'ts finds them, it aint the Mothers will thats I find the oddgoblins neither." Minto pauses. "Ok, but if you aren't back within a week, I'm bringing the whole guild to find you." Hermy nods. Minto turns back to Miss Cynwise. "I'ds be honored to accompany you." Hermy finishes packing up his dog, and then mounts up. "I'lls see you guys in a week." He looks around, and shrugs. "Does this road leads ta the elvishlands?" |
| #233ghost_theorySep 18, 2005 19:28:18 | “Thank you,” Miss Cynwise says, “I don’t think we ever introduced ourselves. I’m Avena.” “I’m Anthony,” Mr. Redwald helps Minto up first, “I’ll help your dogs get in the back.” Wolf reaches out to help Gilgiga and Tensek if they wish to sit up front. Pulling on his cap, Saul answers Hermy, “South for a day should take you to the border. Are you really going to Ennorath? I hear they’re getting more closed off lately.” |
| #234hermy_the_hero_dupSep 18, 2005 20:08:20 | "It's allright. I knows their princess." Hermy watches as Minto settles into the wagon. "An Minto taughts me a bits of elvish, so it sholdn'ts be a problem." Minto blushes. "You might want to just stick with common Hermy. Unless they take you to a resteraunt, what I've taught you won't be of much use." "Well most elves speaks commons anyways." He waves at those on the wagon, and starts to ride off. Minto watches as Hermy goes, smiling for the benefit of the others in the wagon. "There goes one of the bravest halflings ever born." "I'll have to teach you a few of the songs about him on the way. It'll be a nice way to fill you in on whats been going on in the city recently." Minto stars to tune his lute. But first a travelling song to get everyone in the proper spirits for a trip like this." "Are you familar with any of the works of Wilhelm Nels the Younger, Avena?" He starts to play a few chords. |
| #235ghost_theorySep 19, 2005 0:05:13 | "Ehrm... no," Avena Cynwise states as the wagon gets moving. "I'm not up to date on my troubadors, I'm afraid." |
| #236tensek_vicar_dupSep 19, 2005 11:20:55 | With a jump and a grunt Tensek pulls himself onto the front seat of the cart, "This doesn't seem right to leave him here on his own." |
| #237ghost_theorySep 19, 2005 19:12:35 | The trail south spreads out before Hermy and his riding dog. The wind whistles behind his ears, gently urging him on. It looks like it will be a nice day. |
| #238zombiegleemaxSep 19, 2005 19:55:54 | "Eh, he is a big halfling, he can handle himself." Gilgiga says watching Tensek jump up onto the wagon. |
| #239zombiegleemaxSep 19, 2005 22:15:50 | "Ehrm... no," Avena Cynwise states as the wagon gets moving. "That's a shame. You can't learn everything from books. But unfortanetly that's what they focus on in the Tower." "I'll have to make sure to rescue you every so often to get a it of additional learning at the inns and taverns." He starts to break into song when he hears the rangers speaking. He nods at Gilgigga's comment. "He'll be fine. He may sound like he doesn't know what he's doing on ocasion, but when it comes to surviving.... there is no one better." He starts singing. "On the road again..." |
| #240hermy_the_hero_dupSep 19, 2005 22:22:45 | The trail south spreads out before Hermy and his riding dog. The wind whistles behind his ears, gently urging him on. It looks like it will be a nice day. "Ya knows Ashiner, Ise always wantededs ta go ta an elvish kingdom. But I hads ta stay behinds an saves the city from shadows an thats kinda stuff when NaShae brought Cogs, an Darkar an them guys ta visit her folks." "Lord Maletfurs allright an stuff likes that, but a real king. Now that's somethin ya donts see everyday." "Even NaShae don'ts an shes a princess." Hermy gives his dog a solid pat on the head. "Keeps yer ears an nose open, ifen ya smells any elves it mights be best ta lets them know wese here. I doubts they'll appreciates bein snuck up on." |
| #241ghost_theorySep 19, 2005 22:40:32 | Anthony and Wolf drive the cart forward quickly, accompanied by Minto's music. Despite the bard's advice, Avena busies herself with some reading as if studying for an exam. The trek back to Garic’s City is long and unremarkable, especially when compared to the odd string of tangents the three men have fallen into over the last few days. The warm, long grass fields give way to more temperate plains and austere trees. With two rangers in the group, they find choice areas to set up camp at night. Eventually, they hit decent horse roads again. After several days of travel, the walls of the city appear on the horizon. --- [OoC: Back to the city but feel free to play out any dialogue you wish on the way.] --- Hermy keeps a good pace on Ashiner, and they reach the river before midday. Ashiner growls lowly and Hermy sees the reason why. On the near bank, there is a single crocodile gnawing on what looks like half a humanoid skeleton. The wild animal gazes at the halfling with cold, reptilian composure. |
| #242hermy_the_hero_dupSep 20, 2005 0:23:54 | Hermy pets Ashiners neck. "Goods spot there girl." He dismounts and glances around to see if there are others hidden nearby. "Its looks kinda likes a dragon don'ts it girl? Don'ts worry it aint. I seen some of these when I tooks Major ta gets smart. The druid there hads one." "Still gunna hafta kill this one though. Its too dangerous ta leaves around on a trail like this." Hermy readies his bow, and puts an arrow to the string. "Ifen it survives this, it'll goes straight backs inta the water. I can'ts fights it there." The halfling sends two arrows into it. |
| #243zombiegleemaxSep 20, 2005 0:28:26 | Minto glances back towards the way they came as he first sees the city. ot seeing his hero, he sighs. "Looks like we are home." "Normally I'd suggest getting a place at the Lich as a first priority, but I think this time it will have to wait until after our visit to the Hightower. That corpse is starting to stink." "I can introduce you while we are there Avena. And maybe get those items we got off Veruca identified." "That should take a bit of time, I'll take them back top the guild afterwards so you can collect your shares, Tesek. Gilgiga." |
| #244ghost_theorySep 20, 2005 9:55:36 | The wide eyes on Anthony and Wolf Redwald, and Avena Cynwise might indicate they haven't been to the city before. "It's big," Avena regains her scholarly air, "It'll be a good change." Wolf and Anthony nod while gazing at the walls and the gate. --- With repeated twangs, Hermy's shortbow spits out its missiles toward the crocodile. Both arrows land along its eleven-foot long scaly back, causing the animal to thrash the shafts off wildly as it retreats toward the water. Hermy notices another pair of yellowish eyes and muddy green nostrils poke up out of the water downstream for a moment before sinking back under the surface. |
| #245tensek_vicar_dupSep 20, 2005 12:59:04 | [i]"That should take a bit of time, I'll take them back top the guild afterwards so you can collect your shares, Tesek. Gilgiga."[/i] "Do you have an idea of how long it will take to get everythign done?" Tensek asks as he hops down and get's Kiara out from teh back of the wagon, "I have someone to go speak to and I won't be in the city for awhile." |
| #246hermy_the_hero_dupSep 21, 2005 2:28:03 |
"Greats, theres more then ones, an theys in the water now." Hermy sighs. "Stays Ashiner." .o0(Nows woulds be a very goods time fer her ta starts listennin ta me.) He keeps an arrow ready to fire as he creeps towards the bank. "Lets see who you was eatin here." |
| #247zombiegleemaxSep 21, 2005 2:36:45 | The wide eyes on Anthony and Wolf Redwald, and Avena Cynwise might indicate they haven't been to the city before. "Once you get used to it, it won't seem so big." "Any plans on how you'll make a living here Anthony? I know what Avena's plans are, but what about yours? You should be able to make due for a few weeks but after that you'll need to find a more permant place to stay then an inn." "And that will require a steady source of income." Minto smiles, before hearing tenseks question. "Do you have an idea of how long it will take to get everythign done?" Tensek asks as he hops down and get's Kiara out from teh back of the wagon, "I have someone to go speak to and I won't be in the city for awhile." Minto pauses to think. "A few days at least. It will depend on how busy my contacts are." "If you need to leave before that, I can make sure your share is kept at the Silver Sword." "Speaking of which, I'll need to find NaShae and see what happened with the salvage we got from the hobgoblins. You'll get a cut of that as well." |
| #248tensek_vicar_dupSep 21, 2005 12:06:53 | Tensek nods as he hefts his gear onto his shoulder, "I'll be at your guild in two days to check, if you need and extra bow when you head back out let me know." With that Tensek turns and strides off backtowards the forest near the city. |
| #249kywynSep 21, 2005 21:36:47 | "Around Barleyhorn, I helped out as a tinker," Anthony says to Minto, "Mostly fixing household utensils." Mr. Redwald cleans his spectacles with his shirt. "I'm not sure if I can do the same here. But whatever it takes to keep us on our feet." He puts his hand over Avena's on the seat of the cart. --- There is not much flesh left on the bones, though the left arm from the elbow down looks more or less intact. A leather glove and scraps of cloth encase the hand. The skull could be mistaken for human except for the goblinoid tusks and slightly animal-like shape. Everything from the pelvis down is absent, probably torn away by a competing crocodile. |
| #250hermy_the_hero_dupSep 21, 2005 22:10:24 | Minto blows out a stream of air. "You might be able to get some work as a tinker." "I know a few boys who are constantly breaking things, having someone around to repair some of that might be useful for the Silver Sword. Aramils time would be better spent working on armor and weapons, then on pots and pans." "It's not much, and I'll have to talk to Volos first, but it should be steady. You'll need to do more then that of course, but I can give you some referances at Nobodys and the Last Lich. It might be enough until Avena proves her worth to the tower." ********************************************* Hermy puts away his bow, and draws a knife in his off hand. He kicks the gloved hand further up the bank, away from the water. He gives Ashiner a shrug. "Its probavly justs another oddgoblin, but ifen it aint, whoever it is mights be ables ta identifies who it was with that glove." Once he gets a away from the rivers head, he prys the glove off the hand. He tucks it into his belt, and looks at the water again, looking for the crocodiles. "Nows wese gots ta finds away to get them outa there." |
| #251ghost_theorySep 21, 2005 22:53:42 | The hand under the glove has red-orange skin, likely confirming Hermy's theory. The halfling does not see any of the crocodiles above water, though he does note a long shadow swimming under the surface that is headed away and downstream. --- "Anything I can find will be a good start. Thank you," Anthony nods to Minto. |
| #252hermy_the_hero_dupSep 22, 2005 3:04:27 | Minto gives Anthony a nod. "I'm glad to help." He points towards the Hightower. "And the first thing I can help do, is get us there." "Is it as impressive as you dreamed it would be?" ***************************************************** Hermy tosses the hand to the ground. He looks at the water and the retreating shadow. .o0(Really can'ts let's it gets away. Ifen it can gets itself an oddgoblin, get a regular person won'ts be a problem.) "Any ideas Ashiner?" Hermy says to his dog, as he scratches the top of his head. He looks down at the hand at his feet and smiles. "Comes here Ashiner! Quicks!" Hermy grabs the hand and rushes to where his dog lays, sunning herself. "Goods girl." He reacg=hes into one of the saddle bags and grabs his rope. Tieing it around the hand as tightly as possible while running, Hermy heads back to the river and tosses the bait as close to the fleeing shadow as he can. "Comes on, theres starvin children backs in the Garics." He chuckles. "So eat this so ya don'ts eats them. |
| #253ghost_theorySep 22, 2005 10:55:05 | The dismembered hand plops into the water near the aquatic shadow. There is a moment of stillness and then a large splash as crocodile jaws latch onto the hand and drag it under. The rope begins rapidly retracting into the water, threatening to tow Hermy in, dragging by his heels. The rogue can feel the intense strength of the reptile. --- Avena looks to the looming silhouette and blinks. "It is amazing," she states simply. "Will you be going there right away? Should we try to set up a place for our cart first?" At the gate, other wagons and carts pass by, as well as a few mounted men riding out. Wolf watches them with excitement in his eyes. "You know the city," Anthony says to Minto, "We'll follow your lead." |
| #254hermy_the_hero_dupSep 24, 2005 0:08:29 | The dismembered hand plops into the water near the aquatic shadow. There is a moment of stillness and then a large splash as crocodile jaws latch onto the hand and drag it under. .o0(Greats. nows Ise gunna lose my rope.) Hermy glances about quickily for a tree or some large solid object to wrap the rope around before he is dragged into the water. "Theres more oddgoblin where thats hand came from, why don'ts ya finish what ya started!" ooc Hermy will drop the rope as soon as his toes get wet. |
| #255zombiegleemaxSep 24, 2005 0:15:43 |
"Lets go to the Hightower first. I'm sure Gilgiga is ready to head back to the Temple, and we'll need him to help unload Veruca." "The cart should be safe in front of there for now. Afterwards I'll take you to the Lich." "Or if you'd like to do a bit of exploring while I see about getting Avena an introduction, I can tell you how to get there Anthony. Wolf might enjoy seeing the marketplace before it gets too late. Once through the gate, Minto points out the road to the tower. "Straight that way for now."" |
| #256ghost_theorySep 24, 2005 1:07:18 | "We'll come along," Anthony looks to Wolf, "If they'll allow it." The cart pulls into the city without trouble. --- Hermy pulls hard, but is muscled closer to the stream. Another few moments and he'll be touching the shallow waters. There are no trees nearby enough to give him a mechanical advantage in the tug-of-war. |
| #257hermy_the_hero_dupSep 24, 2005 19:24:02 | "Dammits! This is my goods rope!" Hermy says and tries to dig his feet into the muddy bank to stop himself from getting pulled in. "I aints about ta lets no stupid water lizard take its away. What ifen I needs ta breaks someones out of jail again!" "Why don'ts ya fights me likes..." He pauses, and lets go of the rope, drawing sword and knife and rushes into the bank, kicking at the water. "Helps! Helps! Ise drownding!" ooc Expertise for 5 if attacked. |
| #258ghost_theorySep 24, 2005 21:17:56 | Attracted by the flailing motions, the beast makes a swift turn and lunges at Hermy. Overzealous in its attack, the crocodile glides right past the small target, snapping jaws at empty water. Hermy's rope is now entangled around the reptile's snout. |
| #259hermy_the_hero_dupSep 25, 2005 4:26:06 | Hermy strikes out with his blades. "This'll teach ya ta try an steal another guys rope!" |
| #260ghost_theorySep 25, 2005 14:57:56 | The stream is relatively shallow, rising up to Hermy’s waist. This does not hinder the halfling from lashing out with both blades. His short sword trails a jade glow in the water as it pierces the scales of the crocodile in several places. Hermy’s dagger also scratches the animal across the nose. The larger foe retorts with a swift twist, sending its tail slapping towards Hermy. With his cautious stance, the halfling guides the attack away with his sword. A loud slap is heard as the tail hits the water. The crocodile shakes the rope loose from its jaws. Thin trails of blood start flowing from its wounds. |
| #261hermy_the_hero_dupSep 26, 2005 0:51:15 | Hermy divides his attention on the crocodiles two ends, and on the stream itself as he strikes out again. .o0(Be carefuls. Ya saws another one in here too.) As his sword flies at the creature he whispers. "Shame ya can'ts talks. Killin things aint as fun when they can'ts understands yer insults." |
| #262ghost_theorySep 26, 2005 22:52:38 | Hermy continues sticking the crocodile mercilessly. His small blades cut into the tough hide, and the animal convulses as it tries to defend itself. Unable to catch the dexterous Hermy with its teeth, the crocodile submerges best it can in the shallow water and tries to get away. |
| #263hermy_the_hero_dupSep 26, 2005 23:52:19 | "Oh nos youse don'ts!" Hermy moves after it, sword swinging, carefully watching for the other one, and where he steps. "I didn'ts gets my pants wet nots ta kill you." |
| #264ghost_theorySep 27, 2005 12:36:56 | As the crocodile swishes away, Hermy steps forward to drive his short sword into the base of its tail. This last wound proves too much for the creature and it goes into shock, twitching for a moment before floating upside down in the river. The modest current begins taking the body downstream. There are no further signs of other crocodiles at this crossing. However, now that the water is calming down, Hermy picks up a faint sound coming from over the next line of hillocks south. It could be a whistling or a flute playing. The halfling's ears detect a hint of a melody. |
| #265hermy_the_hero_dupSep 27, 2005 22:05:56 | Hermy watches as the body floats downstream. .o0(I knows I saws another one.) He starts to hum along to the music and coils up his rope as he waits to see if the other crocodile surfaces to make a meal of it's companian. Once the corpse floats out of view he shrugs. .o0(I guess it learneds its lessen abouts attackin people here. An it was justs a big dumb animal. Theres too many of thems in this world to worry about when they aints around.) He whistles to Ashiner. "Comes on girl! Lets go see ifen whoevers playin music knows any songs abouts me!" Hermy waits until he and his dog are away from the streams edge before sheathing his blades. "We'll sneaks up until wese sure it aint another batgirl, so knows barkin until I tells ta too. Allright?" The halfling and his dog head towards the music. |
| #266ghost_theorySep 27, 2005 22:37:26 | Ashiner swims across the river, climbing up the other bank and shaking herself free of the clinging water droplets. The dog and master make their way up the grassy hill. Peeking over the top, Hermy sees the sleepy field where they first caught the trail of the hobgoblins, and more importantly, the place where Alissa fell some time ago. Has it really been that long already? Today’s breeze carries a fresh load of feathery seeds which dance and spin to the music in the air. About fifty yards away down into the meadow, Hermy sees a man sitting atop a large greyish rock playing a small silver flute. Hermy recognizes him as one of the people from the farming community, the half-elf they called Mr. Rolfe. He is dressed in a spacious red coat and his ginger-colored hair blows ahead of his face in the light wind. A russet horse with white markings grazes nearby. The song from the flute is light and airy, reminding Hermy of misty clouds and sleeping in. It fits the wistful scene aptly. The summer sun is still low in the sky, creating a smoldering glow while some clouds are being carried in from the west. |
| #267hermy_the_hero_dupSep 27, 2005 23:16:06 | Hermy places a hand on Ashiners head. "It's all rights, we knows that guy. Ya cin stands down." The dog licks his face. Hermy wipes the dog slobber off and then raise a hand in greetings towards Mr. Rolfe. "Hey! Hi!" He starts walking towards him. "Whater ya doin outs here? There aint no one around ta hear yer flute." "Well excepts me." "An a song likes that desrves an audience." |
| #268ghost_theorySep 27, 2005 23:35:33 | "Ah, Sir Hermy," Mr. Rolfe greets the halfling once they are close enough. "I didn't expect to see you out here. I slipped away early this morning, I'm sorry I wasn't there to see you off. But it seems our paths were meant to cross again." He reaches out to shake Hermy's hand, "Thanks again for what you and your group did. I don't think we ever got to speak. My name is Unduion." He nods to Hermy's observations. "I found this place very serene," Unduion looks about like a lord surveying his land, "I've come here a few times in the past week, and this place is nice and inspiring for my flute." Hermy detects a hint of an accent in Mr. Rolfe's voice, and it some how adds to the welcoming tone of his demeanor. "What brings you out this way? And where is the minstrel of your party? I was hoping to practice a spot with him. I didn't have my instrument with me that first night." The red-haired half-elf picks up his flute and continues his tune, though softer to allow conversation. |
| #269hermy_the_hero_dupSep 28, 2005 1:50:36 | Hermy blushes. "Just doin my job." Hermy shakes Unduions hand. "I thinks Minto would has liked ta have practised a bit with you too." "Ever since Brodda lefts ta be Loremistress he aint really had no one to play with." "But he had ta go back to Garics. Wolf and his parents is movin there an needed some protection.... Well Miss Cynwise aint really his parent. At least not yet." Hermy shrugs. "So I has ta tracks down the oddgoblin army by myself... well, by myself an my dog." "This is where we first found their tracks, so I fig..." Hermy catches hold of a thought and tries not to let it show. "...ured this woulds be a good place ta start." .o0(He's been comin here all week. Why didn't he notice the oddgoblins?) "Da ya knows this area well?" |
| #270ghost_theorySep 28, 2005 10:19:27 | "Not particularly," Unduion lowers his flute and shakes a few seeds from his hair. "I came here once about seven days ago and then again about five days ago. But that's about it." "You're tracking an army here? I've never seen any sign of anything like that here... though there was the gossip about the increase of bandits in the area. But still, I need to get away from the man-made things sometimes." The half-elven man thinks for a moment. "Acutally, there was talk of a couple of large, dark wagons rolling past the farms toward Barleyhorn during the evening... Was that on Adinyan? Three days back, I guess. That seemed odd." |
| #271hermy_the_hero_dupSep 28, 2005 23:41:03 | "Thems wagons was parts of the army. We stoppeds them, an founds out where the rest of the army was." "But they was too big fer just thesix of us ta takes." Hermy shrugs. "I sents our elves ta see ifen the elves that lives around here woulds help. NaShaes a princess there. But I aint heard ifen theys helpin or not?" "An I needs ta finds that out soon." "Ya wouldn'ts know the way there woulds ya?" |
| #272kywynSep 29, 2005 12:17:08 | A raven flaps by overhead due south. |
| #273ghost_theorySep 29, 2005 12:19:46 | “To Ennorath?” Unduion taps his flute agaisnt his chin, “A good day’s ride straight south at least if I remember correctly.” “I have been near there a few times. Not always the best place for someone like me though.” He stands on his rock, coat waving in the wind, and starts humming a melody Hermy thinks he has heard before. “So what are you going to ask them?” To fill a moment of silence, Unduion starts singing softly to own his tune. “The road is splitting, my love/ The burden grows heavy, my love. I’m reaching out, but/ You’re going, you’re going.” Hands behind his back, the half-elf rocks back and forth on his heels, watching the seeds float by. “Take my hand, and the rivers will change direction/ Take my hand, and the sunset will see us home/ I need to believe you can still see me/ If you would only take my hand, no one will be alone...” |
| #274hermy_the_hero_dupSep 30, 2005 1:36:00 | "I was just gunna ask them ifen they was gunna do somethin about the oddgoblins. I wouldn'ts wants a big groups of them roamin about ifen I was them. Cause I don'ts wants that when I'm me, an oddgoblins don'ts seems ta hates halflings as much as they do elves." Hermy quiets as the song starts. .o0(That don'ts sounds likes one of Mintos songs. Or Broddas. An it certainly aint one of Davvos.) Hermy waits until the song ends. .o0(It coulds be one of them Travellar songs. It remindes me of... of Alissa.) He notices where he is at and wipes a tear away from his eye. "That song reminds me of somethin." "Where'd ya learn it?" |
| #275ghost_theorySep 30, 2005 10:20:01 | Mr. Rolfe is looking off toward the sun. "In fact, I think that siren your group killed was singing the song when she appeared. It brought it back to my memory." "It's called "Love Song for Adamet." Some think it's for a maiden from the far south. But others, like myself, think the title has been corrupted over time, and Adamet should actually be Ordemet, Mother-of-All." "I first learned it from a druid that kept a place in the woods near one of my childhood homes." Unduion notices Hermy's reaction and steps off the stone. "I'm sorry, friend. Have I upset you?" |
| #276hermy_the_hero_dupOct 01, 2005 15:55:52 | Hermy shakes his head and wipes away another tear. "Nah. Ya didn'ts upsets me." "A memory did." "This is where my wife died. An that song reminded me of her." Hermy sighs. "That batlady coulds read my minds somehows. She was gunna goes around pretendin ta kill things as Alissa." "A pretty song likes that shouldn'ts be used fer evil. Especially when its about the Mother don'ts ya think?" "I wouldn'ts thinks somethin as evil as that... siren? woulds knows somethin likes that." "How's ya know she was a siren? I aint never heard about one of them things? Are they commons around here?" .o0(If they is I guess I won'ts be goin' home fer awhile.) |
| #277ghost_theoryOct 01, 2005 16:42:31 | Unduion nods with a sorrowful frown at Hermy's news about his wife. "I don't know if that's what the monster is really called or not? I've never seen anything like her. 'Siren' is just an easy way to refer to an attractive but dangerous woman," the half-elf explains as he looks down to Hermy's gaze. "I think the title comes from tales of sea sirens that would lure ships to their doom... Though I'm not sure if those are real or not. It's been along time since I've been on a ship." Unduion kicks a rock into the grass. "I hope I'm not keeping you. It's still a fairly long day you've got planned." |
| #278hermy_the_hero_dupOct 01, 2005 16:52:35 | "Yeah. It is." "An gettin there is the easy part. After that Ise gots ta be diplomatic and stuff like that." "Thats Mintos specialty." Hermy calls Ashiner over and mounts up. "Been nice talkin ta ya.. well kinda." "Maybes I'll see ya on my ways back." "Anythings ya wants me ta picks up while Ise in Elftown? I imagines it cin get pretty lonely bein the only guy likes ya in town. It's always nice ta has things ta reminds ya of home." He glances at his brothers knives and starts to ammend his comment. "Well... nah. its always nice. Even if home aint always been too good to ya." |
| #279ghost_theoryOct 01, 2005 16:58:36 | "No, thank you, Sir Hermy." "Home isn't where you start, it's where you're understood. And you never really leave it." The half-elf smiles and brushes the red hair out of his eyes. "Have a safe journey," Unduion waves with his flute. |
| #280hermy_the_hero_dupOct 01, 2005 17:10:51 | Hermy waves back. "An ya has a safe... fluting?" He spurs his dog forward and continues on his way. He pats Ashiner on the back of the neck as they ride. "The elf saids its a days ride. Hopes you don'ts mind. But I'll be sure ta gets ya some kinda nice elvish snack once wese there." "Elvish snacks has gots to be pretty goods don'ts ya think? Magical even maybe?" |
| #281ghost_theoryOct 01, 2005 19:33:04 | Ashiner makes good time through the windswept grass. The dog pads over hill after hill with Hermy, stopping only briefly when she needs a break. In the distance, jagged silhouettes can be seen on the horizon. Despite the wild appearance of the locale, a rough road is present that guides Ashiner forward. The field gradually becomes trees taller than Hermy has seen. The wide leaves are like beautiful jade jewelry adorning the dark wood. The light of the setting sun sifts through the high canopy, making it seem like the forest is gilded in gold. The birds here do not chirp as much as harmonize as they sing. The ethereal choir echoes above. Passing through alternating areas of trees and clearings, Hermy watches as night comes gently, stealing away the golden trimming and laying a silvery mantle over the shapes Hermy and his canine mount see. Ashiner seems to be tiring now, panting noticeably in the still warm evening. A new set of shapes appears over the next knoll: the contours of buildings. Glowing eerily in places with the reflection of moonlight, the outskirts of Ennorath appear as silver ornaments scattered among the trees. Ashiner barks suddenly when a light sparks up under her nose. She bites at the mote of light, which zigzags upward. Hermy spots more of the tiny lights up ahead, flying in loose formations decipherable only to themselves. One hums close to the halfling’s face, and he sees it is in fact some sort of insect with a glowing abdomen. The fireflies flee when Ashiner and Hermy approach, returning to their space after the two pass. The air feels humid and smells of everlasting flowers that have never known the touch of winter. |
| #282hermy_the_hero_dupOct 01, 2005 21:35:25 | Hermy grins as they ride, at one point reaching out to catch one of the fireflies. "Evens the bugs are magical here Ashiner!" He climbs off his dog, and skips along besides her. "It's a good thing Minto didn'ts come with us. We'ds never gets him home again, everything here seems ta sing." "I can'ts believe NaShae lefts here ta go lives at the Lost Lich." "Then again, she don'ts seem ta be that big of a fan of music. She always complains about Minto's songs. That's probably why." Smiling, Hermy looks about for anyone to direct him to his destination. "Let's see ifen we cin find the king an queen then." |
| #283ghost_theoryOct 02, 2005 16:30:58 | The first wall of white stone Hermy comes to is about one story tall and runs between pillars and wide trees. Wide archways cut through it at various spots, showing that the wall is meant more for aesthetics than protection. Cobbled roads begin appearing beyond the large arch in front of the halfling. He immediately spots two elf maids in flowing long saris and light shawls walking in the distance. They each carry a tall jug or vase. Lines of squarish, light-colored buildings sit further in among other walls and plants. Spots of lights indicate lanterns of some sort. Though seemingly without security, Hermy catches a glimpse of skilled motion in the dimness above. Tree branches cross over the low wall, forming natural catwalks, and the rogue infers there are at least two slim figures prowling them. Despite his practiced detection skills, Hermy cannot hear the footsteps that match the shadows. |
| #284hermy_the_hero_dupOct 03, 2005 0:31:49 | Hermy whispers to his dog. "Don'ts worries, ifen they wanted ta kill us we'd be dodging arrows by now." He waves up at the trees, making sure that both his hands are visable and empty. "Hey! Hi! Don'ts means ta bother ya ifen yer not suppose ta talks ta people an stuff likes that, I coulds go talks ta them pretty women overs there instead." He points a finger in the direction of the elven maids. "Buts Ise hear ta talks ta someones about findin warriors an stuff. An I figures ifen yer guardin the city... ya are guardin the city aren'tcha? Not just followin me cause Ise famous, ... I figured ifen ya were guards, ya'd be warriors as well." "An whats Ise gots ta talks about aint the kinda thing women should here anyhows. Unless theys warriorwomen. Or wizard women, or clerk women, or NaShae... anyhows, I'ds rather nots worry them. " "By the way, Ise Sir Hermy Woodhome from Garics city." |
| #285ghost_theoryOct 03, 2005 12:23:52 | The forms pause, speaking quietly to each other. Hermy can pick out some of their phrases in Elven. "The small one seems friendly." one says to the other. "Best be careful," a feminine voice replies. One figure dashes lightly to a lower branch and then jumps to small platform near the wall where Hermy can see her framed by the foliage. The female elf has long golden hair and cream-colored skin that appears almost blue in the moonlight. Unlike the other maidens Hermy saw, this one wears leather leggings and a dark, sleeveless vest. A quiver of arrows hangs on her back and she grips a shortbow in her rear hand. "You are skilled to have detected us," she speaks in fluent common tongue as she crouches, "You speak of finding warriors? What really brings you here, Caradelle?" Hermy determines the last word might mean either "little red" or "little tooth." |
| #286hermy_the_hero_dupOct 03, 2005 23:19:57 | Hermy points at the road and then his dog, smiling as he does. In badly accented elvish he answers. [elven]"This an that."[/elvish] "But I don'ts thinks thats what ya meant was it?" "Likes I saids earlier. Ise Sir Hermy Woodhome of Garics City." He pauses to see if they seem to recognize the name and then continues. "My wifes was killed coming here with Princess NaShae a few years ago. An I cames ta retreives an items that got lost." "An ta makes sure there weren't no more of the things that killed her around. Ise a hero, see, an I wanteds ta majke sure this road was safe sose no ones elses wife gots killed travellin it." "I founds Alissas knife, but I also founds a oddgoblin army." "Me an my friends hurts them pretty bad, but there was too many fer the six of us ta takes out completely. So I sent NaShae an Tyros here ta see ifen we coulds get help." "An then afters savin a bunch of farms from a siren, I cames ta makes sure they mades it here, an ta makes sure theys gots us help." "Likes I said, Ise a hero an I can'ts lets a bunch of oddgoblins go roamin abouts killin people an talkin nonesense." |
| #287ghost_theoryOct 04, 2005 0:15:01 | If she has heard of Hermy before, she does not let it show in her stern expression. “The truant courtier passed through here a day or two ago,” the woman relates in even Elven, weaving words around a restrained disdain. She switches back to common. “And she brought the same news. You can rest easy and go in peace.” A second elf slides down from the branches and swings to land softly. “Aaye,” he greets Hermy as he walks closer. This second elf is also dressed in camouflaged tones, but with brighter green accents than his counterpart. He brushes a hand through short bronze hair and rummages through his shouldered rucksack. Drawing out a round, reddish vegetable, he offers it to Hermy. "Hey, there. Want an onion?" This gesture draws a baffled look from the female sentry standing above. "What? Halflings love onions,” he answers. “Why do you have an onion?” she rubs her temple with a tired sigh. “From the garden tonight, I was bringing a couple home,” the male elf replies in their native tongue. |
| #288hermy_the_hero_dupOct 04, 2005 0:45:34 | "Actually," Hermy says while taking the vegtable. "halflings love pie." "We just likes onions." He rubs the onion on his shirt before taking a big bite out of it. "Ya know, elvish onions tastes a lots like normal onions, just a bits more oniony." He chews and swallows. "Sose NaShae gots here safe then, thats good." "Dids ya sends out yer army ta stops the oddgoblins? We hads a few good archers with us, buts I imagines you guys woulds has dozens. Thats a lots of arrows ta has flying. I doubts Panty coulds blocks them all." "Probably didn'ts evens gets a chance ta sermonize before he was pincushioned, right?" Hermy shrugs. "Any ideas on what all the salt was fer?" |
| #289ghost_theoryOct 04, 2005 12:58:08 | The elf girl grimaces when Hermy bites into his onion. "Sir Woodhome," she begins, "Rest assured the information has been taken in. But Ennorath is a kingdom; it cannot just send its resources after every trail of conflict. The rulers have to meet with their advisors, and then decide a course of action. This takes time." The other elf kneels down to see Hermy eye-to-eye. A quiver also rests on his back. "Did you say salt? What do you mean?" |
| #290hermy_the_hero_dupOct 04, 2005 22:07:02 | Hermy answers the first elf first. "Yeah, I understands it cin takes a bit. The Silver Swords only gots a few dozen members, but it takes fer ever ta gets organized fer action. A kingdom takes longer I'ds bet." "But its somethin that needs ta be done. Next time they attack someones it mights be... well it don'ts really matter who. Everyones important to someones." He then answers the other. "Yup, I saids salt." "It's a spice humans an halflings an dwarves use. Youse probably gots somethin similiar. It goes on food." "After we killed the witch that was leading the oddgoblns, I snucks back inta theirs camp to try an slows them down a bit by gettin them ta fights themselves over their treasure." "But they didn'ts have treasure. Just a lot a bags of salt." |
| #291ghost_theoryOct 04, 2005 23:13:02 | The bronze-haired elf smiles, "I know salt. It just seems an odd part of the story." The gold-haired elf adds, "The watchmen will be on the lookout for any goblins, though I understand they are moving away from our borders." "Will you be staying here tonight?" the male elf asks. |
| #292hermy_the_hero_dupOct 05, 2005 0:42:06 | "Well I donts know ifen it was any weirder then the ape skeletons, or the lizard that couldn'ts be hurt... hmmmm, ya mights wants ta keeps an eye outs fer it too. I don'ts thinks its too much of a threat, but it coulds cost someone a finger or two. An that aint fun." Hermy flexes his hand and glances down at it. "But yeah, it was weird. Ise always heard goblins don'ts even cook their food, so spicin it up seems even wronger. But then, these were oddgoblins." "Maybe whatever that strange religion they followed was required them ta put salt on their food?" He shrugs. "What ifen they leaves yer area? Dontcha has neighbors ya worry about? An army roamin about mights not be dangerous ta ya, yer elves afterall, but not everyone is that lucky." "An these is oddgoblins, not regular goblins. These are the orange kind thats really hates elves. At least according ta Minto. They did seem ta goes after NaShae an Tyros more then after me. An I looks a lot more dangerous then either of them. Because I is." "Ifen they finds out theres an elvish city around, they'll be sure ta attack it. Maybe nots one as big as this one, but yas gots ta has farms around somewheres ta grow yer onions dontcha?" "Theys not much smarter then their monkeys. Maybe they woulds attack here first. An their new leader is pretty smart. They mights be ables ta gets a few people before ya finished 'em." "Ise always found its better ta attacks them before they attack you. Not ta say I go arounds attacking people, mind yas. I only attack them that attack others, which theys guys did." He gives Ashiner a pat on the neck. "Ifen it's all right I'ds likes ta stays the night here. Ashiner coulds use a rest. An I'ds likes ta finds out ifen theres any news." "Cause ifen ya guys don'ts takes them out Ise gunna hafta." |
| #293ghost_theoryOct 05, 2005 11:55:02 | "He has a point, Quen," the male elf turns up to his partner. He blinks as if remembering something. "By the way, I'm Tathar, that's Quentáriël," he adds. The female elf grabs a branch near her head and swings down to a lower spot before hopping onto the ground. "Things seem simple when you are a single vigilante. But did you ever think of the balance? Don't you think we know there are places controlled by peoples we don't agree with? And wandering bands of barbarians that unite under a banner from time to time," Quentáriël frowns. "But if we kept trying to conquer or destroy every one we heard about, we'd always be at war. The conflict would escalate rather than settle down naturally. Perhaps you need a few centuries of experience before you can appreciate the larger cycles." Tathar shakes his head. "She's a bit of a telcoer," he quietly uses the Elven endearment for "stern one" for Hermy to hear. "But honestly, her opinion or my opinion doesn’t matter much in the choices of the whole of Ennorath. I have a feeling they'll send a group to at least check out the threat, and they probably try to keep it quiet." "There are a few inn houses in this area that you could look for a room with." |
| #294hermy_the_hero_dupOct 05, 2005 23:05:11 | "Ise Hermy." Hermy smiles at Tathar. He gives Quentáriël a nod before responding. "I don'ts thinks it takes hundreds of years ta figures out whats right an what aint right. Theres big circles, an little circles. An Ise a little guy." "I tries ta do whats I can ta helps the other little guys." "It aints abouts people I don'ts agree with. I don'ts agree with people that don'ts likes pie. But I don'ts start fights with them over that. At least not very often. An I nevers kills them fer it." "But ifen one of them pie-haters starts ta go around killin everyone with a pie cooling in the window, Ise sure nots going ta lets them do it." Hermy stops talking momentarily as his stomache rumbles. "That's balance ta me." "If someone wants pie they cin haves it, an ifen they don'ts they don'ts have to. I won'ts go around forcin people ta eat pie. But I aint gunna lets them force people nots to." "The way I sees it, these oddgoblins are goin around stoppin peoples from havin pie. Well, nots pie really. That onion just gots my belly thinking, buts the points still pretty much the same." "You likes pie don'tcha? So do the farmers an travellars an stuff that the oddgoblins are killin. An they deserve ta has pies as much as the next guy does." "An.." the halflings pauses. "Hmmm, I thinks I lost my points somewheres. But ifen ya thinks its gunna be taken care of, I'lls has ta accept that. An gets me some pie." He pauses again, frowning slightly towards Tathar. "Them inns aint too expensive are they? Protectin peoples don'ts exactly keep ya rich." |
| #295ghost_theoryOct 05, 2005 23:28:35 | Quentáriël paces slightly as she appears to take in Hermy’s words. “Your logic is confusing, small one,” says the gold elf. Tathar comments, “There are some fancy taverns for wealthy travelers, but that’s not all of them. Actually, I know the owner of an inn down the road, I could get you a bed for the night if you’d like. My watch is almost over.” “You are brave to chase an army all by yourself.” Tathar pats Ashiner on the head. |
| #296hermy_the_hero_dupOct 05, 2005 23:39:57 | "Ise tryin ta makes up fer years of nots being brave." Hermy smiles. "Oh, an this is Ashiner." He scratches his dog behind the ears. "An I'ds appreciates yer help with the inn. Ise never been ta an elvish inn before an well, I don'ts know how different they is from the ones Ise use to." |
| #297ghost_theoryOct 06, 2005 0:06:54 | Quentáriël waves Tathar off with a heavy sigh. "Go on, Tathar. I can cover the last patrol by myself." "Light laughter and sweet winds, Hermy Woodhome. I hope your path leads you well. Namaarie," Quen bids farewell as she nimbly climbs up to the platform again and further into the trees. The remaining elf salutes her jestingly before pointing to the road to the left, "This way." |
| #298hermy_the_hero_dupOct 06, 2005 0:16:54 | Hermy follows after the elf. "Da ya get a lot of visiters here? I don'ts hear a lots of people talkin about comin here back in Garics. Just NaShae an Kywyn mainly. No halflings that Ise talked to." "Quentáriël didn't seem ta like NaShae much. I think." "My elvish aint to good, my halfling neither, but I don't think what she said was meant to be complimentary." |
| #299ghost_theoryOct 06, 2005 0:38:45 | "Not too many," answers Tathar, "Some people passing through on their way north stop here or in one of the trading communities." The moonlit path is pale, branching off further in many directions to different quarters of the city. In the distance, Hermy sees some even taller buildings and castle-like structures deeper into the settlement. The architecture is open to accomodate the more humid and warmer temperatures but maintains the elegance one would expect of elven design. Plants and trees line the boulevards as the two walk. "Quen has some dislike of people who shirk their duty, and she hasn't liked what she's heard about Lady Ch'radryn. Though I don't though if they've ever met in person." They do not pass many people on the night street. One older elf woman closes her window upon seeing Hermy. Another two elven men in long cloaks walking in the opposite direction nod to Tathar and Hermy as they go. Ashiner follows along happily. The building Tathar approaches is nestled in a cul-de-sac between two closed shops of some kind. "This is the Faradome, named for the Summer Solstice." The face of the two-story inn is flat with a patterned greenish overhang covering the front entry, which appears to be a curtain rather than a door at the moment. Flowers in pots stand on both sides. |
| #300hermy_the_hero_dupOct 06, 2005 0:56:27 | "What kinda duties coulds a princess shirk? Not sleepin on enough peas or somethin likes that? I'd shirk that duty too, an eat the pea." Hermy smiles at the few people they pass, and upon arriving at the inn smells the air. Ashiner does likewise. "Does they lets dogs in here? Or is Ashiner gunna hafta stay in the stable?" "I don'ts really need a bed, some hay woulds do just as well." Hermy fumbles around in his pockets, trying to find his money. He doesn't find much. |
| #301ghost_theoryOct 06, 2005 11:00:35 | "There are duties of rank," the elf says while gazing up at the moon. "And there are obligations of ties, to family or country or whatever else has nourished you. As much as we value freedom, the leaves of the tree don't just fly off and forget about the roots. They return to the earth to nourish them." "Ai, but that is heavy thought for such a nice night," smiles Tathar. "A number of people in this neighbourhood keep elven hounds. Though for the Faradome, it might be best if your dog stayed in the stables. But she can come in first." Seeing Hermy assessing his funds, Tather pats the halfling on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Hermy. I think I can get you the first night on good faith. You're out there keeping the odd-gob- I mean hobgoblins at bay, after all." The bronze-haired elf pushes aside the curtain to enter. The foyer is small but nicely furnished with wooden chairs and tables. Wooden columns rise up like smooth trees from one side of the space, arching over head and flowing back down. A counter is on the left hand side of the room. Stairs with blue rugs draped over them lead ahead to a raised area with doors to more stairwells. There is only a single elf in front of the desk. He wears loose white cloth to match his light hair. Though it is difficult to tell with elves, he appears around the same age as Tathar. The white-haired elf turns and his eyes light up. "Tathar! Nae saian luume'," he clasps Tathar's hand, saying it's been too long. "A guest you've brought?" the elf continues in Elven as he bows slightly to Hermy. |
| #302hermy_the_hero_dupOct 07, 2005 23:27:03 | Hermy gives him a smile and a nod. "Hey! Hi!" "Ise Hermy Woodhome." "From Garics City." He glances around. "This looks likes a nice inn. Kinda classy an stuff likes that." "Ise gunna needs a bed fer tanight, an stablin fer my dog Ashiner." He blushes and looks down slightly. He speaks quietly. "Tathar saids he'ds takes care of the cost fer tanight." |
| #303ghost_theoryOct 08, 2005 0:27:26 | The other elf nods and smiles, glancing at Tathar. "Yes, I do owe him a favor or two. Please, you'll be my guest tonight. Your pup can stay in the stables out back," the light-clad innkeeper says with a marked accent as he points to a side door, "They are empty tonight." "My name is Urandor. Just let me know when you're ready, and I'll find you a room." He walks back to the space behind the counter and looks through the available keys. They are all slim and golden in color, attached to hoops of colored threads. Tathar bends down, "Will you be alright here, Hermy? And will you be returning to the road again tomorrow?" |
| #304hermy_the_hero_dupOct 08, 2005 4:34:03 | "Yeahs, I shoulds be fine here. It seems ta be a friendly place as well as bein classy." Hermy shrugs. "I shoulds probably heads out tomorrow. I promised Minto, my minstrel, thats I'ds try ta gets back to Garics as soon as possible. An it sounds kinda likes ya guys hads the oddgoblin situation unders control." "I'll needs ta checks a bit further on that before I goes minds ya. But unless I finds out yer completely ignorin them whiles theys out lootin an pilgremming an that kinda stuff, I shoulds be ables ta heads home." Hewrmy scratches Ashiners behind the ear, and then heads towards the stables. "Best gets Ashiner settled fer the night. She hads a long day." "Comes on girl." After setting his dog up for the night, the halfling returns. "Nows I shoulds gets myself settled. Is I too late fer dinner? I've always wpndered about elven cooking." |
| #305ghost_theoryOct 08, 2005 12:37:28 | Ashiner finds a neat pile of hay to curl up in and promptly begins snoozing. Urandor hands Hermy a key, “I’ll show you your room.” Tathar waves a farewell, “Perhaps I’ll try to find you before you leave.” The stairs are dimly lit by ornate lamps which look like flower blossoms. Upstairs, a short hallway decorated to match the first floor welcomes them. Urandor escorts Hermy to the second door on the right. “I’ll see if there is any food I can find for you. I’ll be right back,” the elf’s flowing accent doesn’t hinder his speech. Hermy finds the room a comfortable size, large for a halfling really. A window frame constructed of three arches within a larger one grants Hermy a view of the alley and the next few buildings. A knock on the door signifies Urandor’s return with a silvery tray. Atop this tray, there is a plate of food and a carved wooden goblet covered in script-like designs, along with a napkin and long, thin utensils. The portions are small but look superb. Urandor explains the menu of leftovers. Two small, round loaves of acorn bread with fennel butter, a sorrel and herb salad with cider vinaigrette, and thin slices of haran mushroom. “I brought a bit of elven leaf wine. Don’t feel you have to finish it all, it may seem strong to you,” Urandor chuckles. “Oh, Tathar left this for you as well,” he places an onion on the tray. “I’ll try to find some food to place down for your dog as well.” Urandor bows and turns to exit. |
| #306hermy_the_hero_dupOct 08, 2005 17:58:28 | "Thanks you." Hermy pokes at the food as Urandor starts to go, stopping him before he is out of the room. "Ya wouldn'ts happens ta has any milk woulds you? Wines good an all, buts when yer eatin' somethin likes bread, milks better fer dippin in." He smiles. |
| #307ghost_theoryOct 08, 2005 18:12:27 | "Dipping?" the elf raises an eyebrow, "I'll have to try that sometime." "I'll see if we have any downstairs." Five mintues later, Urandor returns with a small mug. "Goat's milk is all we had left. I hope it's satisfactory." He hands the cup to Hermy. |
| #308hermy_the_hero_dupOct 08, 2005 19:13:14 | "Goats milk is what I drinks backs at home. Thank you." Hermy proceeds to devouring his meal. Once the plate is licked clean, Hermy yawns and retires for the night. He unbelts his weapons and places all but the sword at the foot of the bed. Using his sword as a light source, he blows out the rooms candles and lamps, and then buries the green glow under the pillow. He slaps all the days dirt off his clothes and then crawls under the covers. .o0(I wonders how things is going back at the guild.) |
| #309ghost_theoryOct 08, 2005 20:01:35 | There is a brief moment when Hermy thinks he is sitting up in bed, awoken by some noise outside. The leaf wine still warms his chest and encumbers his mind. The rogue feels a breeze on his face before opening his eyes. Was the window opened? When he faces the wind, Hermy finds himself looking at the inauspicious field where his cherished wife was last seen. Under a starry night sky and a near full-moon, the feathered seeds drift by on ephemeral currents. With the moon’s glow, they look more like winged sprites or tiny ghosts. Though it dawns on Hermy that this might not be as it seems, everything feels real enough and quite normal. A pale vision dances in the distance, a white-dressed female with fiery hair, subdued in the night shade. He feels the hazy thought trying to leave his lips even before he realizes it - as if spoken by someone else. A…Alis…? Hermy looks down to see he is dressed in his adventuring gear, armored for battle. His bed has turned into a flat stone. |
| #310hermy_the_hero_dupOct 08, 2005 20:52:49 | .o0(This has gots ta be a dream. I knows elves are all magical an stuff, buts comes on. Who makes a bed into a rock? At an inn, no less.) He wipes at his eye, as he watches the dancing form. .o0(So far it seems ta be a good one though. No sense wastin that.) He starts running towards her. "Hey! Alissa! It's me! Hermykins!" |
| #311ghost_theoryOct 09, 2005 11:59:19 | As he runs forward, the figures somehow always seems the same distance away. The halfling hears voices, some from the previous day and some he cannot place. "And there are obligations of ties, to family or country or whatever else has nourished you." "As much as we value freedom, the leaves of the tree don't just fly off and forget about the roots. They return to the earth to nourish them." "You can't save everyone, Hermy. The world is too big." The voices seems to be coming from the flying seeds, each one giving a piece of advice. "They're coming..." The scene changes from blue to red. In the distance, the shadow of multitude of crimson soldier ranks marching like rolling thunder. Alissa's form stands between Hermy and them. |
| #312hermy_the_hero_dupOct 10, 2005 0:26:34 | The words washing over him give Hermy a slight pause, but the soliders spur him on again. .o0(Can'ts saves everyone, but I can saves someones.) Drawing his blades he yells out. "Alissa! Please! Comes backs ta me! It aints safe here!" He doubles his effort to catch up to her. |
| #313ghost_theoryOct 10, 2005 0:53:48 | Alissa’s white shadow swings back and spins around Hermy once before hiding behind him. A glow emits from her face and her smile conveys an indelible memory. “You found my knife… Silly Hermykins, risking your life for a trinket,” the voice is a soothing caress. The spectre is not fully there, her figure mist-like, but her words offer succor to wounds seeking closure. As Hermy looks more carefully, he sees the red army’s silhouette is actually marching across the field, not toward him. Turning toward their destination, Hermy sees another familiar sight: the walls of Garic’s City. More darkness looms over the city’s outline, highlighted by the glimmering of fire. “They’re here,” the feathery seeds say in unison. |
| #314hermy_the_hero_dupOct 10, 2005 1:40:55 | "No!" Hermy yells and grasps for his wifes hand. "Ise gots ta saves the city now! Comes with me! Once that's done, we'll has time fer..." He shakes his head, and his shoulders slump. "Time fer the next thing that needs a hero." He stops to look at her. "I has ta choose don'ts I? Between you an everyone else. Between bein happy an doin whats right." "What am I suppose ta do? Theys right. I can'ts saves everyone, buts how does I choose who?" "Ifen ya was in danger I'ds know fer sure, but you can'ts be in danger anymore cans ya? So I don'ts needs ta try an saves you. Them backs in the city though..." He stares into Alissa's eyes, not noticing the non-solidity of them. "Yer just a memory now, aintcha?" He does not look away, but his ears strain to hear the sounds from the city. "An a memory aint nuthin ifen there aint no one left ta member it." "An I aint no one ifen I aint who I is." He gives Alissas hand a kiss before running towards the city. "I won'ts forgets you." |
| #315ghost_theoryOct 10, 2005 15:55:17 | Hermy's hand almost seems to pass through Alissa's but lingers in the same space. Lighting flashes in the distance and greasy clouds roll in to block the moon as Hermy runs. "What the Way wills," it is Red Panther's voice from days ago, crackling in the thunder. "Sir Hermy Woodhome... of Garic's City." The glowing seeds trail after Hermy, spiraling in a helix. And he feels something else, something pushing him forward. Alissa's spectral hands are on his shoulders, granting him support to fly toward the coming battle. Her memory hangs on him like a protective shawl. "You're never alone. All our dreams end up in the same place." |
| #316hermy_the_hero_dupOct 10, 2005 18:52:16 | A smile spread across Hermy's face as he rushes into battle. "Must be a big place ifen it cin hold all mine abouts you." As he comes closer, his eyes dart about looking for the hobgoblin..o0(I heards Red Panty's voice. It woulds be just likesa him ta attacks Garics while Ise out lost in the woods tryin' ta attacks him.) |
| #317ghost_theoryOct 10, 2005 19:32:10 | Several huge shadows flit around the city on bat wings. Now war drums begin a heavy staccato beat. Hermy charges forward, already hearing the cries of battle and marching boots. The glow around him builds in brightness as he runs until he has trouble seeing ahead. The small hero flies in like a comet hurtling toward earth... And lands on the floor next to his bed. The drum chants are replaced by the singing of birds outside his room window. Sunlight streams in as yellowed paint strokes across the wall. Hermy finds himself awake, tangled in the bright white sheets. The light warms his face, and the reflected radiance hanging around him makes him feel comforted, touched by something intimate. |
| #318hermy_the_hero_dupOct 10, 2005 20:22:41 | Hermy smiles softly, and whistles what could be "Little Brown Puppy" if from the lips of someone not tonedeaf, as he gathers up his belongings. He continues his musical attempts as he makes his way into the inns mainroom. He nods at Urandor, finally stopping his song. "Hey! Hi. Good mornins." "Ya knows that wine I hads last night? Do ya knows ifen they has that kinda anywhere else but here?" "Cause I'ds likes ta drinks a bit more of it sometime when I don'ts hafta gets up in the mornin." "It gaves me some goods dreams." |
| #319ghost_theoryOct 10, 2005 22:38:30 | "Glad returnings, Hermy. I'm happy you rested well," Urandor adds a smile. He steps to the door behind the counter and returns with a bottle in hand. "I'm afraid there is only a third left here, but consider it a gift." The bottle is slender, tapering to a thin neck and has a sheen like a pearly shell. Strangely, it has both a tiny wine plaque on a chain hanging around its neck and a faded paper label fixed with glue. The plaque worn by the decanter is crafted out of some sort of porcelain and has some runes engraved upon it: "20/25" in Elven numerals. The label displays an ink-drawn forest scene with two elves leaning against a tree. One is wearing some kind of clerical robes and the other is covered by a cloak of leaves. The title reads, “Monk and Druid Winery” in Elven. |
| #320hermy_the_hero_dupOct 10, 2005 23:17:52 | "Thanks." Hermy clutches the bottle carefully. "Monk an Druid Winery? Neither of them sounds likes theys much of a drinker. I'd think bard an ... an another bard winery woulds be more appropriate." He shrugs. "Anyhows. Has Tathar been around? I wanted ta see ifen there was anyword about the oddgoblins befores i start fer home." "See how fast I needs ta hurry." |
| #321ghost_theoryOct 10, 2005 23:40:34 | "Tathar actually stopped by earlier," comments Urandor as he waves to an elven couply crossing the foyer to the exit, "But you were still sleeping. It's already almost noon." "He said you can find him around the same place you met him yesterday. He has the day shift today until three bells after noon." "I can pack you some bread if you are in a hurry." |
| #322hermy_the_hero_dupOct 11, 2005 0:04:17 | "Ise in a hurry ifen it'll get me packed bread." Hermy winks. "I'd best go gets Ashiner ready. Shouldn'ts takes me too long." Hermy heads to the stables and saddles up his dog, placing the bottle of wine in one of the saddle bags by itself, and then stuffing hay around it. "Don'ts wants thios ta break, so ifen ya falls over Ashiner, fall on yer other side." He gives Ashiner a scratch under her chin and then leads her back into the inn with him. He smiles at Urandor, and then digs into his pockets for all the coin he has. "I knows Tathar saids he'ds takes care of the bill fer the night, an that the wine was a gift, an that this won'ts cover anything worth mentionin." Hermy says as he offers a few meager copper coins. "Sose how abouts ya just takes this an saves it fer next time someones comes by who coulds use a bit of charity or somethin likes that." |
| #323ghost_theoryOct 11, 2005 16:42:10 | Urandor cups his hands to accept the coppers. "Thank you, Sir Hermy. I will keep it in readiness." |
| #324hermy_the_hero_dupOct 11, 2005 22:20:35 | Hermy gives him a bigger smile, then a wave. "Hopefully I'lls be backs someday." He skitters out the door, Ashiner on his heels heading towards where he met the guards the night before. He gives everyone he passes a nod and a smile. Once there, he finishes off the onion from the night before. |
| #325ghost_theoryOct 12, 2005 0:03:15 | Most of the elves Hermy passes give him a polite nod in return. One or two simply ignore the small stranger. As Hermy waits by the gate, he sees a human in a green cloak ride by, out into the field. A voice rings from above, "Hello, Hermy." Tathar drops down to sit on the raised platform near the wall. He raises a hand to shade his eyes from the sun as he watches the horseman ride off. "Someone seems in a hurry." He looks down, "Where are you off to today, Hermy?" |
| #326hermy_the_hero_dupOct 12, 2005 0:16:10 | Hermy watches the horseman as well. "Probably home. I hads a dream last night. A good dream." "One of them kinds where ya learns somethin." "Ise pretty sure ifen them oddgoblins cause trouble arounds here, they'll be taken care of. Ise only mets a few of you guys here, but, well, thats enough ta lets me feel like things are in good hands." "An Ise needed back in the city. My city." "I can'ts be everywhere at once, an I can'ts saves everyone. But luckily I aint the only one around who can do that type of thing, right?" "Sose I suspects I shoulds gets back home until theres somethin that I can saves." "I'll pokes around a bits on the way, see ifen I can't do some good on the way, but yeah, I think headin homes wheres Ise goin." He points at the rider. "Wheres he going? He weren't an elf. What was he doin here?" |
| #327ghost_theoryOct 12, 2005 10:28:36 | Tathar nods toward Hermy while balancing an arrow on his fingertip. "It is good to have a home to protect." "If it puts your mind at ease, I spoke to few sentries last night and the rumor is that a scouting group will be looking into your hobgoblins." The bronze-haired elf gazes at the trail of dust marking the horseman's exit. The arrow slips from Tathar's grasp and lands on the grassed ground next to the road. "A woodsman on his way home to a small community to the west. I've seen him from time to time. He comes to trade for different things." "Quen will keep an eye on him for a while until he passes the first tree ring." Ashiner sniffs around the bushes along the road, coming across a surprised skunk digging in the dirt. Rather than the straight striped pattern common further north, this specimen bears a black and white coat of wavy lines, giving it a spotted appearance. "Better get her away from there before she gets an unpleasant surprise," Tathar laughs. |
| #328hermy_the_hero_dupOct 12, 2005 22:39:33 | Hermy moves towards Ashiner and tugs on her reins, pulling her back. "Let's leaves the stinkcat alone Ashiner." Hermy keeps a firm hand on the dog, and checks the straps on the saddle. "What kinda stuff does he trade fer? An ifen he comes here often why da ya needs ta watch him so close?" Hermy mounts up. "Knowins that yer gunna goes after the oddgoblins will makes this a lots nicer trip." "Hopefully I'lls be able ta comes back sometime when Ise gots time, an money, ta treats ya as well as ya treated me." "An ya don't even need ta hope that you'll be treated well ifen ya evers makes its ta Garics city. Just find the Silver Sword Adventurers Guild, an I'll see ta it that Volos bakes the best pie youse ever tasted." He raises his hand in a farewell gesture. In his best elvish, he calls out. "Saesa omentien lle. Aa' lle vasa ar' yulna en i'mereth" His face reddens, nd he whispers. "I said that right, right? I didn'ts insult yer mother or anything like that? Just wished ya good dinner, rights?" |
| #329ghost_theoryOct 12, 2005 23:31:43 | "He's been seen consorting with an elven girl of one of the upper class houses. It's caused some friction, and he's caused one or two fights in the taverns." The elven archer shrugs, "I have no problem with him, but the girl's father put in some coin and called in some favors to have the guard keep an extra eye on him... Basically hinting that we should be looking for any excuse to harrass him. His name is Artur." Tathar cracks a smirk again when Hermy speaks in Elven. "You said it perfectly. Let the wind fill your sails, friend Hermy." |
| #330hermy_the_hero_dupOct 13, 2005 0:44:19 | Hermy smiles. "Thanks. Ise pretty good with things when they deals with food." He reaches under his helmet to scratch his head and readjust his goggles. "Maybes I'll do a little sight seein' on my way home. West looked interestin don't ya think?" "Maybe that Artur coulds guides me for a bit? It wouldn'ts gets you in trouble with the guard would it? Ifen a friend of yers was seen conversin' with him?" "I'ds just likes ta wish him luck." |
| #331ghost_theoryOct 13, 2005 9:54:49 | "It would be fine. I've talked to him a few times myself." Tathar jumps down and retrieves his arrow. "Garic's City is north, correct? If you go west for while, you should be able to find another path going north to lead you back the right way." "Trouble will be catching him now," Tathar scans the glistening forest path ahead. He draws an arrow with a wide, cylinder-like head. Sinew binding surrounds a sharp metal pin on the tip of the arrowhead, and different holes have been drilled through the casing. Tathar takes out a small strip of paper from a pouch in his quiver. With a blacklead stick, he scrawls a short message. Tucking the strip into a side slot in the large arrowhead, he scans the canopy ahead. Nocking the signal arrow, he pulls back the bowstring and aims upward. Hermy spots a shadow moving in the distant leaves as well. When the arrow flies, it whistles at a certain pitch constantly until it disappears into the canopy and stops. Tathar looks back and up to the branch catwalks and signals with his hand to two other silhouettes appearing from behind the cover of the trees. The elf turns to Hermy and speaks quietly, "Just telling them everything is alright." Tathar starts running. "Let's go, Quen will slow him down for a second." |
| #332hermy_the_hero_dupOct 14, 2005 2:34:22 | Hermy kicks Ashiners sides softly, urging her to follow after the elf. "Hows she gunna slow him down?" |
| #333ghost_theoryOct 14, 2005 10:53:36 | "Knowing Quen, it'll probably involve something pointy," Tathar jests as he dashes through the trees. The dog-mounted halfling and his guide come to a clearing in the trees where the path begins to twist more strongly. Beams of afternoon sunlight cut down at similar angles around the figures. Artur is still mounted on his greyish horse but at a halt. Hermy sees the traveler is a tall man, looking well over six feet. A stubbled beard frames his face with his medium length light brown hair. Artur has a square jaw that exudes an aura of grit, which is complimented by the leather plates adorning his outfit under his olive green cloak and the curved blade hanging from his saddle. In front of him, Quentáriël stands with her bow at the ready, an arrow pointed at Artur. Not taking his eyes off her, Artur glances into the reflection in the metal plate sewn to the back of his glove and speaks to Tathar in a calm voice. "Friend, could you tell Miss Ruthaer to clear my path?" Quentáriël narrows her eyes at the insult meaning "angry one." She lowers her bow and tosses Tathar his durable whistling arrow which survived its flight. |
| #334hermy_the_hero_dupOct 16, 2005 23:20:58 | Hermy gives the man a mild wave. "Sorrys about that. I asked Tathar ta slows ya down sose I coulds catch ups ta ya." "I needs a guide, an thoughts ya mights just be perfect fer that." He grins. "Oh yeah, Ise Sir Hermy Woodhome of Garics city." He looks at Quen. "I thinks I gots it unders control." "Thanks ya fer yer help." |
| #335ghost_theoryOct 16, 2005 23:36:28 | "Very well," Quentáriël starts walking back, "Farewell to both of you." There's a feeling she means to say, "And good riddance," but she is already gone. Tathar starts to follow her. "Hermy is looking to take a path home," the elf says to Artur, "Safe journey." He winks at Hermy and waves to Artur before disappearing into the foliage. "It's a free country," Artur shrugs non-committingly while looking down at the mounted halfling. "Can't stop you from using the same road if your pup can keep up." The gruff human adds, "I ain't a guide though." He leans over on his saddle to get a closer look at Hermy. "You smell a bit like onions." |
| #336hermy_the_hero_dupOct 17, 2005 0:23:15 | "Course I do. Ya don'ts smell like apples after ya eats an onion. Even an elven onion." Hermy winks, and straightens up in the saddle, giving Ashiner a pat on the head. "She cin keeps up. As long as you aint in too big of a hurry that is. I aints gunna wear hers out when there aint no reason fer it." "An I don'ts thinks theres a reason is there? It aint like ya really wants to be away from here that bad. At least I wouldn'ts ifen I was in yer boots." His grin fades. "Oh, an I don'ts really needs a guide. Ise already mastered the fallin in love with someone everyone says I shouldna." "I was actually hopin I coulds giudes ya fer a bit." |
| #337ghost_theoryOct 17, 2005 12:53:43 | "Aye," Artur starts riding at a trot. "We'll reach where I'm going by nightfall." The man's face reveals no sign that Hermy's other words have gotten through. "Been talking to the walled elves? Should believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear." Moving past another line of majestic trees, the horse turns left to thinner path. "What are you going to guide me to?" |
| #338hermy_the_hero_dupOct 17, 2005 22:16:31 | Hermy shrugs. "Is there any place ya wants to be?" The halfling gets his dog to match the horses pace. "Walled elves? That's a strange name fer them. They still seemed pretty treish to me. At least compared ta wheres Ise from." "Ya don't catch the elves hanging out in the trees much around Garics. Well, except fer the druids. But yer just as likely ta finds them in an inn, More so in fact." "Them guys seemed pretty elvishy to me." "A bit friendly, a bit grumpy. Ya gots ta expect that though. Elves tends ta gets pretty old without ya noticin." |
| #339ghost_theoryOct 17, 2005 22:52:28 | “Treeish, yeah,” Artur remarks. “But they’re still walled in their cities. I’ve seen other elves before, when I was young. They were wild and painted.” The bearded man’s face grows aloof for a moment as if he is listening for a whisper. His focus comes back in a second or two. “Where I want to be has little to do with where I have to go. And you? You’re following this way for the scenery?” When Hermy mentions elvish aging, Artur turns sharply. “What are you getting at?” the steel in his voice seems like a defense mechanism to Hermy. |
| #340hermy_the_hero_dupOct 17, 2005 23:54:44 | "Mainly that old people tends ta be grumpy." He shrugs. "Aint just old people though I guess." "Ise followin this way cause its the way yer goin. Scenery arounds here aint that different from the way I shouldsa been goin." "What I wants is ta see ifen I cin helps ya out with yer situation. Tathar mentioned it ta me, an Ise been in that kinda thing before. An I has friends whose been in that exact situation. Same city an everything." "Theys gots a son now. He's almost as tall as me." Hermy smiles. "But ifen ya don'ts wanna talks about it, an see ifen theres anything that I cin do to help, thats fine." "We cin talk about wild painted elves instead." Hermy looks around at the foilage. "They sounds a bits likes halftucks. They's the wild halflings. It aint paint on them usually though. It's dirt." "Most of 'em Ise meet has been pretty nice though. Ise even an uncle to a half-halftuck. Baby Kirby. Though he's probably nots a baby anymore." "His mom died while I was helpin her has him. An his dad was in trouble with the law. Half-tucks is really wild sometimes." "I took hims back ta gets raised bt his grandparents in Brannons Run. Took his dad too. arranged fer him ta be in jail there instead of Garics sose he coulds see his son everday." "The Brannons Run jail aint to strick on staying in yer cell." Hermy shrugs. "Yer wild elves anything likes that?" |
| #341ghost_theoryOct 18, 2005 0:08:42 | "No, well, I mean, I don't know. I was young, like I said." After listening to Hermy talk about halftucks for a while, the horseman seems to want to change the subject. "Tathar should keep his mouth shut." Artur's stiff lip softens slightly. "But he probably wasn't lying. He's one of the good ones." He takes a deeper breath. "So tell me what situation you were in?" The path leaves the towering forest for more subtle trees, promising open field in the distance. |
| #342hermy_the_hero_dupOct 18, 2005 0:40:04 | Hermy gets a far away look in his eye and goes quiet. Finally he sighs. "I guess I cin understands why its somethin ya wouldn'ts wants ta talks about." "Ise sure my situation wasn't quite the same as yers. I hads all the Travellars against my marriage, they mades me perform all sorts of tasks before they'ds lets Alissa gets a divorce. An most the hallings in Garics, though they didn'ts really ever say anythin ta me, Minto my bard heards a lots of stuff abouts how humans an halflings shouldn'ts mix likes that. An then there was Alissa's sister, Area Amberhawk. She didn't thinks I was man enough fer her little sister.. That was the roughest one since she was ones of my best friends." Hermy smiles. "An a deadly swordswoman too." The smile quickily dissapears. "I evens had ta kill my own brother ta be with her. Woulda had ta have killed him anyways eventually, but he dids his best ta keeps us apart. An he was very good at bein bad, proffesional even. Better them any of them elves backs there, thats fer sure. I doubts they'ds try ta kill the girl ya loves just ta spites you." "Didn't listen ta a one of them though, an didn'ts lets anything stops us. An we was happily married until the day she died." . .o0(Which was only a few days afters we was married. An I only saw her on one of them.) "Buts I'ds do it all again. Whens yer really in loves, ya don'ts lets anything gets in yer way." Hermy purposelly turns his face towards a very interesting looking rock on the side of the road. |
| #343ghost_theoryOct 18, 2005 10:08:01 | "By the sound of it, you've had a rough go. I'm sorry to hear about your wife." An uncomfortable silence is broken by a whiney from Artur's horse as he bounds over a fallen log that Ashiner also clears with little difficulty. "Damn time..." Artur mutters. "I met her when I was a little boy." "It's like I'm stuck in some insane time slingshot... I could never catch up with her. We met when I was six and she was seventy. I was too young. Now I'm thirty-six and she's a hundred, but in relative age, I'm a middle aged man and she's a young elf." "We never can quite connect." |
| #344hermy_the_hero_dupOct 18, 2005 22:20:38 | Hermy steers Ashiner back to the road when she starts sniffing something off the trail. "What's wrongs with now?" "My friends Kywyn an NaShae don'ts lets that stops them." Once he has his dog under control he matches the mans pace. "Ya can'ts ever catch ups or slows down hows old ya is. Yer choices is basically gets older with her, or gets older withouts her. The first choice is the better one." "It leaves ya good memories. An them never ages." |
| #345ghost_theoryOct 18, 2005 22:27:04 | Artur nods slowly as they ride into the field. He lets the words soak in. "That sounds right... here... now..." "If it were that simple. Not many of the elves around her think would see it that way. 'Perspective' they call it when they have lived so long." "Another way of saying arrogance." "But you're right. It's the right choice." He repeats the word 'right' as if trying to convince himself. The sun is overhead now and heating up the air. |
| #346hermy_the_hero_dupOct 18, 2005 22:50:02 | "Nah, perspective is when yase stood on yer head to long, an all the blood makes yer face turn red. Everything looks a bit silly an wrong fer awhile afterwards. It aint got nothin ta do with livin a long time." "Unless ya spends that long time upside down." Hermy shakes his head sending a few drops of sweat flying. "It aint percpective. What them elves gots is jealousy. Theys jealous youse gots somethin in yer short life that they aint never gunna have in their long ones." "Theys jealous youse lucky, an yer girl is lucky." Hermy grins. "An cause she's so pretty." "Really, whats the worst that cin happen?" |
| #347ghost_theoryOct 18, 2005 23:05:54 | “Jealousy could be it too.” Artur half-chuckles to himself, softening to the halfling, "Actually, if she heard about your two friends, she'd most likely be jealous of their relationship." "She is young, but she has already chosen a path in life and has excelled more than anyone would have thought. Her family wasn't thrilled with the choice, but they accepted it eventually. They won't be as forgiving when it comes to me and her.” Gentle hills lead the pair as they leave the graveled path for a stretch of green. The field bears long grass as expected, tickling the bottom of Ashiner’s stomach. They come to a dirt road that Artur continues on. “When she is working, she is all business. We can be lovers the night before, but in the morning, when she is at her post, she'll act like she doesn't even know me.” “I love her, and I know she loves me. But she talks seriously about responsibility and duty. She has it in her head that it will make more sense when she's older; her elders have told her that as a way of consoling her.” "Even though I'm the one who dries her tears by moonlight. She spends equal time cursing me and adoring me… she must hate me for what I put her through." “The worse that could happen is… she could actually realize she hates me.” |
| #348hermy_the_hero_dupOct 18, 2005 23:40:15 | "At leasts ya'ds know fer sure then though." "My friend Gamis once tolds me that curiosity kills cats or somethin likes that. An elves are a lots likes cats, except not as furry. And they don't eat mice." The halfling shrugs. "Not knowin fer sure will kill the love just as much as knowin fer sure that she hates ya." Hermy leans over in his saddle to reach down and grab a rock. "Duty is pretty important. But not the most important thing. Ifen all youse gots is duty then ya tends ta forgets what your dutying for. Ise done thats a few times. An my heroing tends ta suffer cause of it. An when my heroing suffers sose does the people Ise heroes fors." He starts juggling the rock in one hand. "What is her duty? Is she the magic rope maker? Or the cobbler? What kinda duty does she thinks is worth more then the best part of her life?" |
| #349ghost_theoryOct 18, 2005 23:54:34 | The mare and the dog tramp along the trail, passing through a wide corridor of small-leaved bushes that line either side of this length of road along with the grass. "I thought you knew?" Artur checks Hermy with a gaze, "Aye." "She's... a guard." Artur stops his horse. "You hear that?" Hermy does hear a low buzzing from the thick section of bushes ahead, both left and right. |
| #350hermy_the_hero_dupOct 19, 2005 0:25:44 | Hermy tugs Ashiner's reins, slowing her pace, and continues talking as he scans the area, tossing rock in hand and ready. "Nah, I never heards who she was. Tathar didn'ts tell me anything 'cept that she was from an upper class house. They don't's usually do guard duty." He steers his dog in front of the horse so he'll get a clean line of sight at anything rushing out from the bushes. "It seems she's already goin' against customs already. Marring you wouldn'ts be much more against what her parents wanted fer her I'd think. At least marrying you aint as likely ta gets her killed." "Ifen ya has ta talks ta them, mights want to point that out." Hermy drops the reins and puts his free hand on his sword hilt. "An Quen don'ts just treat you cold when she's on duty. I'd bets she treats everyone that way. Guardins important stuff, can'ts lets yerself get distracted an stuff likes that." "It is Quen? Right? The cold treatment didn't seem as impersonal with ya as it did with me. There was somethin' between youse two." "Besides her arrow." |
| #351ghost_theoryOct 19, 2005 11:07:48 | Artur unsheathes his curved shamshir blade while glancing at the throwing axe he has hanging from his saddle behind his packs. "It's Quen," Artur confirms as the two men look ahead. "It's always been Quen." All Hermy can see from his position so far are a few wasps flying back and forth. |
| #352hermy_the_hero_dupOct 19, 2005 14:25:24 | Noticing that Artur has drawn his blade, Hermy does the same. "What is it you do? I imagine it woulds be tougher ta makes things work when ya lives in differnt cities. Any chance ya coulds move ta Elftown? Or aint that allowed?" He climbs off his dog. "Does ya has a lot of bee problems around here?" |
| #353ghost_theoryOct 19, 2005 21:37:54 | "Sometimes they get bad in the summer," Artur seems to relax his blade slightly. "A nest of them is dangerous." "Think we can make it through? Not many other choices besides going back or trying our luck through the bush. No, that won't work for Elise," he pats his horse down her mane. Artur urges his horse to inch ahead. |
| #354hermy_the_hero_dupOct 19, 2005 21:53:06 | "I only sees a few of them. Nots enough fer a nest." He gives Asiner a reassuring rub on the head. "But theys making enough noise fer more of them. An on both sides of the road." "So roads better then the bushes. Its too bad we didn't bring any honey. We could use it to distract them." Hermy takes a few steps frward. "Funny place ta build a nest though." "Was there one here last time you went through?" |
| #355ghost_theoryOct 19, 2005 22:28:28 | "I don't recall actually. Didn't notice one that last few trips, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there. I don't always take this road." Without any other option, Artur moves up again on horseback. As they take a few tentative steps forward, Hermy spots something in the branches of a camphor tree which is rooted in the bushes to his left some forty feet away. Something shiny chimes in the light wind. The tree has a thin trunk that looks too fragile to bear its mantle of leaves. There are more than a few wasps flying around the tree's area. "There," with a sharp eye, Artur points up to a branch nook where a rounded object is wedged. "That's a nest." "I'm mostly a trader and a furrier," the man answers Hermy's previous question out of nowhere. |
| #356hermy_the_hero_dupOct 19, 2005 23:04:40 | Hermy trains his eyes on the nest, and his ears on the chimes in the wind. "We shoulds be ables ta just walks by it, I'ds think. Unless we does something ta attract their attention." He takes a few more cautious steps forward. "Sose lets just nots do that." He moves further. "Ifen theys attacks run. Yer horse shoulds be ables ta outruns them. Bees is pretty small, a mile fer yer horse is like a hundred to them." He smiles and puts his sword away. "Maybe we coulds stands and fights them though. Theys small, likes I said, but theres probably a lot of them. Bee fur gloves woulds be pretty nifety ifen ya asked me. Has ya ever tried makin any?" He puts the rock in his pocket and draws both knives instead. "Thats what a furrier does aint it? Makes stuff out of fur?" He giggles. "Just gettin pasts good enough though." |
| #357ghost_theoryOct 19, 2005 23:29:44 | Looking up at the tree, Artur eventually catches the gleam of the trinket Hermy spotted first. "Right... Just get past..." Artur whispers, afraid to attract the wasps' attention. "Yeah, I work with pelts and hides often. I'm pretty handy with making rugs, blankets, clothing, even armor lining. Though I don't think bee-fur would work." Artur tightens his grip on the reins and readies for Hermy's lead. "One at a time, or both of us together?" |
| #358hermy_the_hero_dupOct 19, 2005 23:50:31 | Hermy points further down the road, and pulls his goggles over his eyes. "Probably best ifen we both goes together. That way theres four of us ta splits them up instead of just one or two of us." His eyes focus on the trinket, his head tilting towards it. "Seems strange they'ds have somethin likes that, don'ts it? I wouldn'ts think bees woulds collects stuff that aint honey." He tries to figure out what the trinket is, and looks closer at the wasps while doing so. "Are these regular bees? Or are these somekinda special elven bees?" "An ifen they are does they makes special elven honey?" He licks his lips. "Just hows does bee keepers ger honey without getting stung anyhows?" |
| #359ghost_theoryOct 20, 2005 9:49:53 | Observing the tree, Artur nods, "It is a strange thing. It looks metallic to me. I doubt they're the ones who put it there." Hermy cannot make out what the item is from this distance. It appears irregularly shaped as it lounges over the thin branch and dangles slightly, clinking with interesting tones. Artur studies one of the insects buzzing nearby. "These are wasps... not honey-makers, I'm afraid." "I don't know how melittarii honeyers handle their hives, but the wasps can get nasty if we aren't careful," Artur is still whispering. "I think we could sneak past... Though Elise here might not be quiet enough." |
| #360hermy_the_hero_dupOct 20, 2005 12:29:43 | Hermy nods his head in agreement. "Horses aint known fer their stealthy abilities." "It's whys they makes such goods mounts fer paladims an guys likes that who wears alots of clinky armor." "Speakin of which, that thing in the tree that aint suppose ta be there. I can'ts tell whats it is from here, but it coulds be armor. It's shiney an clinky enough." "An ifen it is, it means there mights be a body around too, armor just don't climb trees on theys own ya know." "Da ya gots any fur on ya I coulds use ta covers up my face an hands, an legs? Ya knows, the areas that aint armored? It might be best ifen I checked it outs while ya gots yer horse an my dog safely aways." "In case it aint a dead body." |
| #361ghost_theoryOct 20, 2005 12:44:01 | A stray breeze brings in the thick scent of flowers from the near bushes. Artur squints up at the camphor branches. "It seems a little small to be a full suit of armor. Maybe a torn off piece?" Hermy esitmates it would be about a twenty foot climb, with the most difficult part being getting up the first section of thin, branchless trunk. "Maybe we should wait for you here first if you're thinking of checking the tree," Artur suggests. "Give you a chance to get up quietly. If Elise stirs them up, a straight run might be our best chance to escape. They'll be hard to get rid of," he frowns. "I don't have any fur garments left on me." The man checks through one of his bags. "This maybe?" he quietly shows Hermy a brown scarf, "If you ask me, clothing won't help if they get on to you." |
| #362hermy_the_hero_dupOct 20, 2005 12:58:07 | "Mights keep thems off fers few seconds more though." Hermy takes the scarf and wraps it around his face and neck. "Mights be fairy armor, we is still in elfcountry an theys related." The halfling starts to stalk forward, whispering a muffled suggestion behind him. "Ifen ya see me start wavin my arms likes Ise trtn ta fly. gets moving. It means theys afters me." He creeps forward as quietly as possible. |
| #363ghost_theoryOct 20, 2005 14:31:20 | "Fairies are known for their pranks," Artur adds as an afterthought when Hermy begins stalking. With cap, goggles, and scarf, Hermy looks like some exotic assassin as he enters the bushes. It would be impossible for an ordinary cutpurse to make it past the leaves without rustling, yet the small halfling somehow passes through without a trace. Hermy's boots find softer pads of dirt to cushion any noise, avoiding the tangle of roots and weeds. He adeptly slips around the greenery like a rolling wisp of smoke and reaches the base of the camphor tree. Looking up, he can see there are more wasps circling in various parts of the tree above. |
| #364hermy_the_hero_dupOct 20, 2005 16:44:01 | The halfling waits motionless, watching the wasps circle, trying to see if there is more to it then random buzzing. He mentaly counts the feet up the trunk to where the shiney thing waits. .o0(Allright, Is there a fairy what needs rescuing?) |
| #365ghost_theoryOct 20, 2005 16:51:54 | As far as Hermy can see, only wasps inhabit the tree. The branch with the gleaming object is about twenty five feet up. Artur waits calmly atop his horse as Ashiner sniffs around the larger animal. |
| #366hermy_the_hero_dupOct 21, 2005 2:15:50 | .o0(Don'ts looks likes Ise gunna ba ables ta gets up theres withouts attractin a few wasps. An I don'ts even know ifen it'll be worth gettin stung ta see what that is up there.) He slowly and quietly circles around the tree, and then puts a hand on the trunk to see if the wasps notice. |
| #367ghost_theoryOct 21, 2005 9:35:55 | The minor movement does not attract any ire from the swarm. A few wasps buzz around Hermy, but they seem passive for the time being. |
| #368hermy_the_hero_dupOct 21, 2005 12:53:18 | Hermy glances towards his traveling companians, and points up with a shrug. .o0(This is gunna bese painful.) He wraps his arms as far around the trunk as he can and starts to climb up. |
| #369ghost_theoryOct 21, 2005 15:17:28 | It's not the easiest climb, but luckily, scaling things and moving silently are two of Hermy's best trained talents. After half a minute of climbing slowly, the rogue reaches a branch he can coil himself around. From here, he can see the metal item several branches higher, near the large wasps' nest. The nest looks like it’s made of dirty paper wrapped tightly into a ball. The insects buzzing is getting harder to tune out as some wasps land on Hermy's goggle and armor, exploring the shifting surface but not agitated... yet. Hermy focuses on the object to see it is appears to be a wind chime of some sort. A fine silver chain holds different components together. The main body is a flattened half-sun design. Attached to it by cords of varying length are ornaments that look like stars and crescents. |
| #370hermy_the_hero_dupOct 22, 2005 15:19:50 | .o0(That sure is pretty. It's woulds looks real good over the door ta the guild too. It's been to quiet since the bell got stolen.... Hmmm, still do needs to find out who did that.) Hermy glances at the chimes, then the nest and back towards the chime. He starts inching himself back towards the ground. .o0(Probably shoulds leaves it there though. It's the heroic thing ta do. Minto always says that music cin calm the savage bees, an these is pretty calm bees. Probably cause of the chime. Mights keeps someones else from gettin stung in the future. Course killin the bees woulds makes it even safer, but I aint sure hows ta do that. Fire maybe?) Once on the ground, he start to stalk back towards Artur and the mounts. |
| #371ghost_theoryOct 22, 2005 17:04:10 | Artur is dismounted by the time Hermy creeps away from the tree and bushes. The halflings soft steps are inaudible. The wasps continue buzzing above and nearby. "What is it?" Artur mutters when Hermy gets back to the trail. |
| #372hermy_the_hero_dupOct 22, 2005 17:49:14 | "A wind chime." He smiles. "A pretty one too." He glances back towards the tree. "But ya knows hows I saids elves was likes cats. Well sose halflings, maybe evens more so cause wese smaller an cin grow sideburns." He sighs and looks down the road. "We shoulds leaves it there. Ise curious ta knows why its there, but its doin some good. It seems ta has calmed the bee.. wasps a bit." "Music an that kinda stuff." |
| #373ghost_theoryOct 22, 2005 18:58:31 | Artur gives Hermy a questioning look but decides not to press with any more inqueries about the wind chime. "So getting across without stirring them up. Maybe you should go first with your dog. It will be tougher to get across quietly with my horse, but at least you'll be on the other side already." Artur has sheathed his blade, perhaps realizing it would not be of much use against a swarm of insects. |
| #374hermy_the_hero_dupOct 22, 2005 20:17:21 | "I wouldn'ts worry to much about the noise upsettin them. Likes I said theys is pretty calm wasps." He shrugs. "But ya does has a point. Ifen they does attack, ifen Ise ahead an ya goes don, I'll be ables ta comes backs an gets ya." The halfling mounts back up on his dog and spurs him forward. |
| #375ghost_theoryOct 23, 2005 1:53:35 | Hermy's mount moves a bit more loudly than he would like. The area ahead contains more wasps than there were a moment ago, filling the air with the little amber and black specks. Ashiner starts to get nervous, hesitating to follow Hermy's commands. Artur swears under his breath as he sees the situation, but dares not call out to the halfling. |
| #376hermy_the_hero_dupOct 23, 2005 3:46:15 | Hermy pulls softly on the reins bringing Ashiner to a slow stop. He whispers into her ear. "Sits" .o0(I wish she coulds talks likes Major could. I don'ts thinks she's gunna understands that ifen she don'ts makes no sudden movements the bees'll get bored an leaves her alone.) He places a reassuring hand on the top of her head and sets about waiting out the wasps. |
| #377ghost_theoryOct 23, 2005 13:58:20 | Ashiner sits, nervously panting in the heat. Nothing much seems to happen for a long minute, but the wasps don't seem to be in any hurry to go anywhere just yet. Artur creeps forward skillfully, his horse staying behind. "Hermy..." Artur whispers carefully from fifteen feet away, "I'll makes some noise, light a torch and ride the other way to draw them away from you. I don't think either of our animals can pass without getting them riled up." |
| #378hermy_the_hero_dupOct 23, 2005 17:14:36 | Hermy starts to shake his head, but catches himself first. He whispers. "Then they'll just sting ya. An yer horse." "That's two guys gettin stung. Mights be better ifen I does the gettin stung part an you escape with yer horse an my dog. She aint heavy enough ta slow a horse down much." "An I cin probably fights off the bees better. Theres less of me fer them ta sting. Hows about ya lets me borrow a torch, an I'll distract them fer you." "I gots us inta this mess aftersall, I shoulds gets us out." |
| #379ghost_theoryOct 23, 2005 19:27:05 | Artur seems reluctant for a moment, but something in Hermy's resolve shows the man there is more to the halfling than size would relate. "Okay... if you dismount, I can come and pick her up and bring her back to my horse." "I have four torches and a few tindertwigs here," he holds up a linen sack. He puts two torches and two of the lighting twigs on the ground. Artur pauses as if reconsidering this course of action before sighing. "I'll wait back there. If you need help, just call. I want to keep you within eyesight." |
| #380hermy_the_hero_dupOct 23, 2005 23:54:15 | Hermy nods and climbs off his dog slowly. He makes sure his goggles are pulled down, and his mouth covered and then picks up the torches and twigs. "Ifen ya does lose sights of me, don'ts worry. It's cause I wants to be out of sight. An not from you." "An don'ts waits either. Gets passed. I'll distract them good enoughs that ya could gets a herd of cows passed. Hungry cows even." He waits for Artur to pick up his dog and move away, before lighting the first torch. |
| #381ghost_theoryOct 24, 2005 0:01:39 | Without another word, Artur scoops up the nervous riding dog and backs away from the swarm with noiseless steps. Once away from the danger zone, Artur climbs atop Elise again, laying Ashiner across his lap while stroking her head and muttering softly into Ashiner's ear. |
| #382hermy_the_hero_dupOct 24, 2005 22:06:47 | The halfling picks up both tingertwigs and tucks one into his belt, the other Hermy strikes against one of the studs in his armor and then uses it to light one of the torches. He lights the second torch off the first and takes a few steps closer to the wasps. .o0(Ok's youse gots yer fire now. Where's yer distraction?) "Hey bees! Buzzz! Buzz! Buzz!" |
| #383ghost_theoryOct 24, 2005 22:57:06 | The sudden orange light and rising smoke entice the wasps to gather around Hermy. He can tell in a second the living tornado of tiny wings and bodies will be all over him. Artur backs his horse up slowly as he keeps his eyes on the armored halfling. |
| #384hermy_the_hero_dupOct 24, 2005 23:13:55 | "Fetch!" He tosses the first torch off to the side of the road with a flourish, and then throws the other torch a few feet beyond that. He quickly tucks his hands into his pockets for protection, and starts to back away slowly and quietly. .o0(Maybe I shouldsa lets Artur handle this. He knows more abouts wasps then I does. I don'ts even know much about bees besides that honey is yummy.) |
| #385ghost_theoryOct 24, 2005 23:28:58 | The torches fly into the wasps, causing a terrible smell as a handful of insects burn. The torches remain lit in dirt, flames lapping at the lowest leaves of the bushes. The infuriated wasps begin biting Hermy through the joints of his leather suit even as he tries to sneak away. The pinpricks deliver a numbing venom as Hermy feels a little shaky in his left leg. Artur sits up taller in the saddle, anticipating a signal. --- [Hermy takes 4 damage and 1 nonlethal [52/56 and 1 nonlethal] and 1 Dex damage] |
| #386hermy_the_hero_dupOct 24, 2005 23:55:00 | Hermy calls out. "Looks likes I distracted thems a little much!" His ears pick up the sound of sizzling wasps. He tumbles towards where he threw one of the torches. "Any ideas on hows ta gets away from these guys! I thinks there mights be too manys ta burn!" "An their stingers packs a wallop!" He grabs hold of the torch and tries to fend off the wasps with it. |
| #387ghost_theoryOct 25, 2005 0:19:56 | The feeling of being covered in pests is nauseating, but Hermy shrugs off the urge to retch, having felt worse. Still, the wasp bites through the cloth covering his face hurt. The torch in his hand is successful in driving down another line of smoking wasps, thinning the swarm just slightly enough to offer hope. The second lit torch begins blackening some of the leaves next to it. Silently, Artur dismounts and reaches for his other two torches. --- [Hermy takes 1 point of damage and 1 nonlethal [total 51/56 and 2 nonlethal, Dex -1]] |
| #388hermy_the_hero_dupOct 25, 2005 0:30:58 | .o0(Can'ts lets the forest burn down.) Hermy moves to the second torch, waving the first to ward off the wasps as he does. He hurridily picks up the other torch in his free hand. "Ya know, Ise use ta fightin bad guys an stuff. I don'ts thinks bees really counts in that group." He winces at a wasp crawling across his goggles. "Wasps I aint so sure abouts though." |
| #389ghost_theoryOct 25, 2005 0:35:19 | With a series of swift swings, Hermy swats away more wasps with his burning cudgel. The swarm is thinning noticeably now, but they fight back viciously as Hermy gets needled over his limbs. Hermy gets ahold of the second torch, preventing any more fire spreading for the moment. --- [Hermy takes 4 point of damage and 1 nonlethal [total 47/56 and 2 nonlethal, Dex -1]; he now has two torches in hand.] |
| #390hermy_the_hero_dupOct 25, 2005 0:48:11 | Hermy takes a few steps back towards the trail, swinging the torches around him in a criss-crossing arc of flame. One torch swinging around him, left to right, while the other covers him from ground to head, he spins around trying to keep from getting stung again. "I aint gunna swell up like a pumpkin is I after gettin stung? Once, Vivvo got stung by a bee he was pullin the wings off, an his nose swelled up so much he looked like a gnome. I don't wanna look like a gnome." "Not that theres anything wrong with that." |
| #391ghost_theoryOct 25, 2005 12:46:46 | The wave of insects follow around Hermy, but the hero keeps his resolve not to recoil from the grotesque sensation. More of the swarm is driven away or burned by the glowing pattern Hermy traces through the air with his fire. Through the dots zipping back and forth, the Silver Sword halfling sees a silhouette jumping into the fray. Artur, his face covered by a blood red bandana, brandishes a lit torch with both hands in front of him. He lines up back to back with Hermy. "Keep swinging," the tall man encourages. --- [Hermy take 4 damage and 1 nonlethal [43/56 and 3 nonlethal]] |
| #392hermy_the_hero_dupOct 25, 2005 12:56:46 | Hermy does just that. Concentrating on keeping the insects from biting at the mans lower area, trusting that Artur will keep the ones flying higher at bay. "You'd think these bugs woulda given ups by now." |
| #393ghost_theoryOct 25, 2005 20:46:04 | “They only know how to protect, stubborn that way… reminds me of someone,” Artur grunts. The man utters a long string of swears as the wasps get to him, though he keeps on fighting. It is difficult to tell if Artur’s torch is doing any good. Moving more quickly, Hermy’s rapid low swings have more luck in diminishing the wasps flying in. The trail is becoming visibly littered with damaged and burned insects. The swarm is single-minded in its attack, and it takes knocking down a large fraction of their number before the remainder disperses, seeking safety in the bushes or fleeing through the air. Artur slumps down to sit in the dirt. “Well, that hurt,” he clutches his left elbow. --- [Hermy take 5 damage and 1 nonlethal and 2 damage and 1 nonlethal [36/56 and 5 nonlethal, -1 Dex]] |
| #394hermy_the_hero_dupOct 25, 2005 22:18:07 | Still clutching the torches tightly, Hermy stays alert in case the wasps regroup. "Yeah, it dids. Ifen my bard were here, he could fix us up a bit." "But he aint." Hermy looks towards the nest. "You seems ta knows a lots more about wasps then I does. Ifen I burn out that nest will they just rebuilds it? Or will they moves somewhere further aways from the trail?" "Cause I don't think lettin them rebuild here woulds be a good idea." |
| #395ghost_theoryOct 25, 2005 22:39:16 | "From what I've heard, you should wait until dusk to try to remove a wasp nest, and you shouldn't use fire because that will get them angry. Since we already broke both those rules, I don't think I have any other advice." Artur cringes slightly as he stands. Dead wasps line the trail in a radius. "Burning it would probably stop them from coming back right away, whatever's left of them. Might risk burning the tree though." "It's a shame they're so close to the path. They can actually be helpful little rotters, keep the other insects down." |
| #396hermy_the_hero_dupOct 25, 2005 23:08:49 | "Maybe I cin just moves the nest then. To somewheres they won'ts be in the way." "Wese killed most of them already, there can'ts be that many left ta stops me." Hermy rubs some of his welts. "An I don'ts thinks a few more stings'll hurt more then I already does." |
| #397ghost_theoryOct 25, 2005 23:17:34 | Artur shrugs, "Yeah, you could try knocking it down and moving it. If it's damaged and out of the tree, don't think it's of much use to anyone." Artur pulls away his bandana to reveal several red stings on his chin. |
| #398hermy_the_hero_dupOct 25, 2005 23:29:57 | Hermy grimaces at the sight of Arturs bites, and puts one of the torches down. He reaches into his pocket for the rock he found earlier. "Do youse knows hows ta makes them stings nots stngs as much. Cause ifen I looks anywheres near as bad as youse do, wese in for a very long trip." He moves closer to where the tree holding the nest is. And takes aim with his rock. "Mights wants to gets your torch ready again, just in case." |
| #399ghost_theoryOct 25, 2005 23:48:43 | "No, can't think of anything off the top of my head. Maybe if we had some vinegar, I think that helps take some of the sting out." "Wait a second..." he asks Hermy while checking over his bites. After a while, Artur gingerly holds his burning torch. With a deft toss, Hermy send his rock into the tree. His aim is on target and breaks the paper next in half. The loose half tumbles from the tree, and a dozen insects fly away in to the distance. Hermy begins to feel worse all of a sudden, the build up of venom in his muscles causing numbness in some areas and burning pain in others. --- [Hermy takes 6 Dex secondary poison damage, [36/56 and 5 nonlethal, -7 Dex [Dex: 13]] |
| #400hermy_the_hero_dupOct 26, 2005 0:05:39 | "There we go, another..." Hermy slumps down to the ground. "Do youse has vinegar at yer place? Cause I thinks Ise gunna needs a lot of it. The stings seems ta be spreadin." "I can't feel my toes." He scratches at his hand. "But I thinks they mights be tryin ta move in with my fingers." He does his best to get back to his feet, swaying slightly. "Good thing we saved the animals from gettin stung aint it? Cause I aint sure Ise gunna be walking much fer awhile." "Ya does has vinegar right? Lots?" He points towards the tree, and the chime in it. "Ifen ya don't we might be able ta trades that fer a few gallons of it." The halfling limps towards the tree. "Ya know, Ise's killed dragons without hurtin so bad afterwards." He starts to climb, smiling in spite of the pain. "But the reward from that didn't sound as pretty. Does Quen like wind chimes?" |
| #401ghost_theoryOct 26, 2005 0:11:50 | Pushing through the cold and hot flashes, Hermy still climbs the tree easily and retrieves his prize. Artur is there to help Hermy down the last few feet of the tree trunk. "Yeah, someone should have vinegar in my village. Would it help if you rode with me on the horse?" Artur thinks before answering the question about his elven lover, "She would probably find it useless and call me a trash collector." He chuckles to himself. "Did you say dragon? You'll have to tell me that story. I thought they didn't have real dragons anymore around here." Artur helps Hermy back to Elise and Ashiner. |
| #402hermy_the_hero_dupOct 26, 2005 0:37:28 | Hermy shudders, though that is mainly due to the poison in his system. "Theres plenty of dragons around, even afters I killed the one. I knows theres a least two just a few days ride away from Garics. Big red ones with orc armies ta helps them. An a bloodtroll too." "She might be leading the dragons, or they mights be leadin her, I aint sure what the deal is there other then that wese gunna hafta deal with them sometime soon. As soon as we gets enough Jackals trained ta replace all the ones the dragons killed in the last battle." He leans on Artur until they reach the mounts. "I shoulds be all rights on Ashiner. Ifen I fall off its a lot less far ta fall." "Plus I don'ts wants her ta feel like she aint doin' her job. Sometimes I thinks she thinks I don'ts loves her just cause she aint my last dog." He gives Ashiner a good scratching behind the ears and then pulls himself into the saddle. "But I does." He winces as Ashiner brings her head back to lick his hand. "She's still learnin hows ta be a heros dog though. She shoulds be ables ta gets me ta yer village at least." He gives her another pat on the head and hangs the chime from the side of the saddle. "Whats woulds Quen likes ifen she doesn't like wind chimes? She sounds likes a hard woman to impress." Hermy waits until Artur is mounted and then urges Ashiner to follow after him. It doesn't take long before he has to shift in the saddle to try and find a more comfortable position. He never does. |
| #403ghost_theoryOct 26, 2005 9:40:41 | "The things she likes leave few traces. Moonlight and morning winds," Artur muses. Listening to Hermy's account of dragons and wars, "Sounds like a big problem back where you come from." The bearded man seems too tired to speak much, and the rest of the afternoon passes quietly. The trail breaks free of the bush and deposits the two back onto open plains. By the time sunset comes, they come to a small valley where a dozen houses lie dozing in the shadow of the ridge. "There we go," the horseman says with relief. |
| #404hermy_the_hero_dupOct 26, 2005 12:48:13 | For once, Hermy doesn't try to fill the silence with idle chit-chat. Instead he concentrates on staying mounted, and keeping from swallowing his swollen tongue. He gives a sigh of relief when his guide announces they've arrived. He nods at Artur, and steers his dog in close behind the mans horse. "I thinks the vinegar cin wait. I don'ts knows abouts you, but Ise too exhausted ta be in much pain now." "A nice bed an a few days sleep woulds be likes a dream come true. Is there a inn here?" Hermy adds, "A very cheap one." |
| #405ghost_theoryOct 26, 2005 20:00:43 | "No inns," Artur states, "But you can stay with me if you don't mind sharing the space with a few other people." Artur winces as he shifts in the saddle. With a nudge, he urges Elise to trot down the dirt path into the small grassed ravine. They arrive at the houses, all of similar style with log cabin-like walls and single slant roofs. The smell of meat roasting passes the travelers as the sun sets and casts the meadow in to dusk. |
| #406hermy_the_hero_dupOct 26, 2005 20:48:19 | Hermy forces himself to smile. "I don'ts minds ifen they don'ts." Ashiner trudges after Elise with Hermy hanging on to the saddle. The smell of cooking food rejuvinates his toungue. "Who is they? Yer family? Or a bunch of furriers ikes you? Is it a guild type thig? Ise in a guild, maybe I cin tell ya about it once Ise rested up a bit." |
| #407ghost_theoryOct 26, 2005 21:01:29 | "The valley is home to a small group of hunters and trappers, as well as a few other friends. It makes a good field lodge." Riding into a stable attached to one of the larger hosues, Artur dismounts and leads Elise to an area covering in hay. "You can leave your dog here, or bring her in, it's up to you." Another man's voice breaks in from the side door, "Artur! Back finally, what the 'ell did ya do to yourself?" "Alex," Artur greets the other. "And who's this?" Alex asks. "This is Hermy, he'll be staying for a while to rest up. Ran into a bad swarm of yellowjackets." "Ah," Alex walks up to Hermy and gazes down at the halfling. Hermy sees Alex is a muscular human with long blonde hair. Ales wipes his hand off on his dingy yellowish clothing before offering a handshake. "The others are eating, Mack caught a nice deer." |
| #408hermy_the_hero_dupOct 26, 2005 22:19:03 | "I'll bring her in, ifen that aint no probem." Hermy says as he crawls off his dog. He reaches out ta shake Alex hand, ignoring the throbing sensation in it as he does. "Deer eh? Probably having that back home at Garics too. Unless its pig night." He sniffs the air. "Wese gots some good hunters in the Silver Sword. They gets us our meats there mostly. Saves on havin ta go ta the market ta gets it." Once Alex releases his hand Hermy rubs it. "Hopes ya don'ts minds me joinin ya? I aint in the best of shape fer contineing home." |
| #409ghost_theoryOct 26, 2005 22:27:58 | "Nah, there's room for one more," Alex grins, revealing a few missing teeth. Artur limps after the blonde-haired man into the next room. There is a large space adorned with different hunting trophies: several animal heads mounted on the wall, fur rugs, and teeth, tusks, and horns in various states of being made ornamental. A group of five men and two women sit around a spread of food on the ground; it looks like an indoor picnic. Most nod to Artur, and make passing curious glances at Hermy, but continue eating as if it is a higher priority. Alex hands Hermy a plate with some meat and gravy on it. "Yes, ya have to tell us where ya come from and all that other stuff people ask of strangers," the man says as he sits next to Artur. |
| #410hermy_the_hero_dupOct 26, 2005 23:03:52 | Hermy dips a finger into the gravy, and tastes it. Then he puts another finger in to give Ashiner a lick as he talks. "Well my bard usually does the story tellin thing. I justs lives them, but since he aints here I suppose I coulds gives it a try." Hermy shoves a mouthful of meat into his face and gulps it down. "Ise Sir Hermy Woodhome from Garics City. Yup, Ise a knight." He wipes some gravy off his face with his sleeve. "Nots the clanky shiney armor kind. Though I does has some shiney armor." "I gots knighted alongs with a bunch of other guys in the adventurers guild Ise in after we saved the city from the goblin warlord Cone. The Silver Sword Adventurers Guild. Wese famous back in Garics. Especially me. I'se saved the city a few times." He takes a short speaking break to eat a bit more before continuing. "I evens gots a lots of students thatsa Ise training to be heroes. Ise the guilds Master of Stealth. An Ise been training the city's Jackals scouts. Theys Lord Malletfurs elite bodyguard guys. An basically the citys army too." Hermy rambles on between bites covering all sorts of topics including his martial status, where he got his red pants, spidercrabs and his father. |
| #411ghost_theoryOct 26, 2005 23:15:06 | The audience listens casually to Hermy, half of the hunters with looks of awe, the other half with a doubting slant to their eyebrows. One of the other men, a young fellow with dark-tanned skin, mentions, "Those insect bites don't look so good. Maybe you should seek out the wise-woman in the morning for some help." Artur agrees with a nods, adding to Hermy softly, "There's a druid who lives nearby. She has all sort of salves and medicines. Some sort of offering helps get her attention, though most of our hunting trophies don't impress her." |
| #412hermy_the_hero_dupOct 26, 2005 23:30:33 | "I knows a few druids. Anaya, she's a members of my guild. An Moncha, she's Dumbovens girlfriend. He's one of our best trackers. She lives close to where the orcs, an dragons an bloodtrolls lives. They tends ta leaves her alone cause shes nuetral or somethin likes that. She heals us an them as long as we behave at her house." "She makes good pie too." Hermy pauses and gives Ashiner a pat on the head. "I knows another one who lived out in the swamps. She hads a pet waterlizard, and knew a lots about dogs. I mights wants ta go visit her again ta see ifen she cin helps me train Ashiner here. Not that she aint a fine dog just the way she is." Hermy moves to get the windchime from the dogs saddle. "What kind of trophies does you take her? Any thing likes this one?" |
| #413ghost_theoryOct 26, 2005 23:45:00 | A few of the hunters look confused as they try to keep up with Hermy's stories. "That could work. But I don't know if she'll have much use for it," Artur replies. "Heh, you should just find some strong ale to bring her. Loosen her up before asking a favor," one of the men says, drawing a round of laughter. |
| #414hermy_the_hero_dupOct 27, 2005 0:26:43 | Hermy looks around, trying to figure out what they find so funny. "Ise gots some elven wine. ill thats work?" |
| #415ghost_theoryOct 27, 2005 10:22:57 | The laughter gradually subsides. Artur rubs his beard stubble, "That might be a good gift. She likes elven things." Registering Hermy's puzzlement, the man mutters, "The wise-woman has been known to out-drink anyone in the valley when she comes to visit." The short haired lady in the corner says, "We normally only see her during special occasions, when we celebrate the winter solstice or things like that." "She only speaks in whistles and odd noises," Alex tells Hermy, "Some think she's taken a vow, others say she had her tongue cut out." Another hunter lends to the tale, "She keeps this straaange raven. It seems to understand her and can speak in the common tongue. It's the weirdest thing I've seen." Artur waves them off, "Alright, enough gossiping like hens." He looks to Hermy, "I don't know about you, but I'm ready to collapse. You can stay in the same room as me and Alex, there's an extra bunk." |
| #416hermy_the_hero_dupOct 27, 2005 12:46:51 | "My friend Casius has a raven likes that. He's a wizard. Of course he cin talk fer himself. And he does. A lot. But likes I said, he's a wizard. They likes to hear themselves talk almost as much as clerks do. Which of course aint even close ta a bard. They don'ts likes hearin themselves as much as they does havin someone else hear them. Always. Minto, my bard, rarely ever aint talkin. Only time he aint is when he's singin', or doing somethin dangerous. Or sleepin. Speakin of which I shoulds probably do that cause Ise startin to feel likes a bard with all this ramblin Ise doin. An I don'ts thinks I coulds handle changin clothes as often as that woulds take. Anyways, yeah, Ise abouts to collapse too." He gets to his feet, and gathers his belongings. "Leads the way." |
| #417ghost_theoryOct 27, 2005 16:32:48 | Artur shows Hermy the way down the hall. There are a line of doors to almost identical rooms, each with a few bunk beds against the wall. Next, Artur points Hermy to a place where he can wash up. Ashiner curls up on the hardwood floor near the bed. As soon as Hermy gets settled, sleep comes almost too easily. In the morning, sunlight fills the room from a high window. --- [Hermy heals 11 HP [47/56, -7 Dex]] |
| #418hermy_the_hero_dupOct 28, 2005 2:41:19 | Hermy sits up in his bunk and groans. The nights rest has made the swelling go down some, but the stiffness in his muscles has not lessened. He looks down at Ashiner and smiles, giving her a "Good dog" scratch behind the ears. He sits on the edge of the bunk to get his bearings and then follows his nose to find some breakfast before going to seek out the druid. |
| #419ghost_theoryOct 28, 2005 20:30:57 | Alex and Artur are already gone form their beds. The lack of aroma gets Hermy worried that there might not be a breakfast at all. But when he reaches the common room, he sees that Alex, Artur, and two other men are eating some sor tof flat bread with olive oil and vinegar for dipping. "Hallo," Alex greets Hermy cheerfully. Artur and the other men nod. Artur passes Hermy a plate so he can help himself from the pile of bread in the center. The tall furrier still looks rather sore. "We'll go see the wise-woman after. She lives in a burrow in a hill. About fifteen minutes walk." |
| #420hermy_the_hero_dupOct 28, 2005 23:54:22 | Hermy nods and stuffs his face. "It'lls be a long walks there even if it was only a minute walk." Once he's had his fill, Hermy gathers up the chimes and his dog for the long jorney ahead. He gives Artur a sigh. "It aint fair fer me ta ride an you nots too, buts I wants ta lets Ashiner see the druid. Ya never knows, maybe shee likes dogs." |
| #421ghost_theoryOct 29, 2005 15:58:50 | “It’s not too far,” Artur tells himself as he tightens his boot laces. Together with Hermy, the furrier leads down past another few log houses to a path that leads out of the small valley. After walking through an area of bushes, they come to a burrow big enough for a small man. Artur must duck to get into the hole. “No door,” Artur points out, “I always wondred how she keeps the place secure.” About fifteen feet into the tunnel, there is a curtain of hides concealing the rest of the dwelling. The smell of odd herbs and incense drift through. “But she always knows when there’s someone coming. Go ahead and introduce yourself when we get in, but talk to her, not the raven, even if that’s where the voice is.” |
| #422hermy_the_hero_dupOct 29, 2005 20:23:34 | "I'll makes sure ta talks ta both." Hermy says. "Ise known a fews talkin' animals, an theys deserves respects too." Hermy taps on the curtain. "Hello? Cin I comes in?" "It's me, Sir Hermy Woodhome from Garics City with his dog Ashiner. An Ise with Artur... from here." The halfling pushes the curtain aside a pokes his head through. "Buts Ise been tolds ya already knows that. An thats we coulds use some healin an stuff likes that." "I accidently made some wasps mad. An as Ise sure you know, that aint the wisest thing ta do." |
| #423ghost_theoryOct 29, 2005 22:53:48 | The next room is cylindrical in shape with approximately a fifteen foot radius. In the center is a circular table with a lit lantern, the room's only light source. On the left side, there is a cabinet and a longer table with chairs. On the right, there is a red and brown colored woven rug on the dirt floor. On the far side of the space, there is another hole covered by a hide cover. "We seek your aid, Wise-Woman Agatha Rootspeaker," Artur stands to his full height in the room with a foot or two to spare. A series of low clicks and whistles can be heard from the other side of the far curtain. A fat raven hops into the room. With an indeterminate accent, it voices, "C-caw, Artur of the Valley and Sir Hermy of Garic's City, wha't do you offer t' the scales for this aid?" |
| #424hermy_the_hero_dupOct 30, 2005 2:03:44 | Hermy gives the raven a nod. "Hello there Mister Bird." He turns his attention to the curtain, and beyond it. "Well since we seems to needs somethin froms our blood that makes us feel bad taken outs, it only seems proper we gives ya somethin ta makes ya feel good in exchange." "I has some elven wine fer ya, if you'll accepts it." |
| #425ghost_theoryOct 30, 2005 17:40:03 | Some more noises translated by the pudgy bird, "Aw, tha't might do, let me come take a look." A few clinking noises are heard, and then the far certain is pushed aside as a tiny elderly woman steps into the room. "Ah, one of the smallfolk," she says through the raven, "May I see what you have brought?" She is taller than Hermy, but not by that much. Her brown robes brush the floor as she glides forward. The lantern light glints off her grey hair tied up in a bun. "Wasps, wasps," the raven mutters after Agatha whistles, "Yes, I think there's something I can do about the venom. Please have a seat." She points to the rug insistently. |
| #426hermy_the_hero_dupOct 30, 2005 18:36:20 | Hermy gets the bottle of wine out of Ashiners saddlebag and then moves over to the rug. He sits down. "It's really goods wine." "I gots this after I hads some really good dreams. I was pretty sure the wine gaves me the good dreams. But maybe its was the other way. The dreams mades me gets the wine." "Thats just the kinda thing that people in dreams would do, aint it? Prepares ya fer somethin that aint happened?" "Ya knows hows when ya thinks yer been sneaky an that no one cin see ya? But they can? It's cause when yer lookin at somethin' from bein in it, it always looks different. So it only makes sense ifen anyone knows the future it's people that aint gots one. Likes my wife. She's dead." Hermy sighs. "Anyways, thats why I has the wine. I thoughts it helped me ta dream abouts my wife." |
| #427ghost_theoryOct 30, 2005 20:51:32 | Agatha takes the bottle and inspects the label and tag, making some warbling sounds. "Aw, looks good... though less tha'n half-full," says the ebony bird. The little woman uncorks the bottle and sniffs the wine. "Will do, C-caw." Agatha disappears behind the curtain again and rummages audibly through some things. "Ah, your loved one passed on," the raven continues as it hops forward. "But you are still not alone." Joining the halfling on the rug, Artur asks Hermy quietly, "You think you had a prophetic dream?" The man runs both hands through his longish autumn-brown hair to comb it down. The raven tilts its head to observe the two. |
| #428hermy_the_hero_dupOct 31, 2005 16:28:07 | Hermy whispers towards Artur. "Nah, it weren'ts a prophetic dream. It was a real one. Ise talked to Allissa before since she died. Maybe. She was reincarnated, but I thinks it may has been as a dream person." He turns his attention back towards the druidess. "Nope, Ise nots alones ever." |
| #429ghost_theoryOct 31, 2005 23:40:15 | "Hmm," Artur doesn't say much else. The wise-woman returns with a kettle and two earthenware mugs. She moves smoothly to sit on the rug, facing the two visitors. Up close, Hermy can see her face is decorated with fine blue lines of ink, forming floral patterns along her jawline and brow. The design compliments the perfect oval of the woman's wrinkled face. She mutters something as she pours steaming liquid into the cups. "Tea. Vision tea. It will help clear the thoughts so we can start the ritual of cleansing," the raven speaks with little emotion in its voice. "Drink." |
| #430hermy_the_hero_dupNov 01, 2005 19:17:23 | Hermy takes the cup, and sniffs it. "By clearin' thoughts, youse don'ts means makes me forgets everything does ya? Cause ifen ya does, I can'ts drinks it." "Ise promised ta nots ever forget a few things." |
| #431ghost_theoryNov 01, 2005 19:32:21 | An uneven laugh comes from the old lady. The raven translates, "No, no. Not to forget, just t' loosen the thoughts." The tea smells of exotic herbs and smoked wood. "We trust in your abilties," Artur speaks softly. Artur raises the cup to his lips. "Imbibe and let your mind go where it wishes. Tell me wha't you see..." the black bird flaps over to the edge of the rug. |
| #432hermy_the_hero_dupNov 01, 2005 20:41:23 | Hermy smiles. "Loose thoughts I cin do." He sips from the mug, licks his lips and takes a deep swallow. He closes his eyes, and then reopens them. .o0(Well I see a raven rights now. I'll try harder to loosen my thoughts.) Hermy concentrates on not concentrating. |
| #433ghost_theoryNov 01, 2005 21:42:30 | Agatha is chanting lowly in a continuous exchange of mangled vowels. The raven speaks at intervals, "Think of some place tha't is soft in your memory. Move through it as if it were you natural elemen't. Tell me." "The woods," Artur remarks with closed eyes and a whisper. "Long-limbed trees as far as the land goes. A place where I grew up." Hermy finds his focus drifting, letting him find time for daydreaming. A swirl of shapes float in his mind, awaiting a command from his imagination. |
| #434hermy_the_hero_dupNov 02, 2005 7:35:51 | Hermy closes his eyes and licks his lips. "The kitchen of the Silver Sword." "Volos is bakin' a pie fer me an Alissa. An Mintos singing a song abouts me. An Durin an my dad is there too." "That's kinda weird aint it? I don'ts thinks theys ever actually met." The hero shrugs. "I guess thats why it's just in my mind aint it? Cause lotsa stuff cin happen." He sniffs at the air. "Mmmmm... Cherry pie. An goats milk ta drink." |
| #435ghost_theoryNov 02, 2005 9:55:31 | "Good," the large bird hops to a spot in front of Artur and Hermy. The intonation from Agatha fades into the background as the visitors drift further into the demesne of their mental imagery. Hermy feels a warming effect from the tea that clouds away the other sounds until he can only hear the strange voice of the raven. The smells and noises of his fantasy become more vivid. It seems keeping his eyes closed enables him to suspend his disbelief more easily. Through his shut eyelids, he can almost see the fluttering of translucent red light marking the motions of people around him. "Stand from your imagined spot, move forward toward the strongest smell or sound," the raven seems to be speaking into Hermy's ear, "Move without restrain't." "There will be something or someone blocking your path. Tell me." |
| #436hermy_the_hero_dupNov 02, 2005 12:46:53 | Hermy gets out of the chair seated next to the kitchen door and moves towards the oven, licking his lips and rubbing his belly. Volos props open the oven door and fans the aroma of the baking pie towards the halfling. Alissa takes the pie out and holds it for her husband. He sees Kirby entering the room and rushing towards him. Minto trips his ghoulish brother. And a horde of halflings descend on him, soon covering Kirby in a tangle of red legs and green arms. "Looks likes nothings gunna be in my ways." Hermy states as he moves towards the oven and his wife. The room gets bigger as he walks. He walks faster. The room grows faster, his goal shifting further away. "Oks, maybe the rooms itself mights be tryin' ta stops me." "It won'ts stay put." |
| #437ghost_theoryNov 02, 2005 13:15:26 | Hermy sees the fat raven in his vision now, perched atop a cupboard. "The goal is feasible and obvious, but the steps to achieve it are t' large." "The kitchen speaks of a need for spiritual nourishment... readying for a depressing storm coming." The raven yaps from its perch, "C-caw, but you see the pie. Tha't means reward for your hard work. If it is unreachable, you are reaching beyond your abilities." "Stop running, your muscles are drained. You mus't find another route. Think of another way t’ move, more basic to your goal." The raven flies over effortlessly to the halfling pile to perch on Minto's hat, causing it to sag with the added weight. "Imagine you are an animal instead, trying t’ reach the pie." "Tell me." |
| #438hermy_the_hero_dupNov 02, 2005 23:44:18 | "Hmmmm... an animal?" Hermy scratches his scalp. "An animal that cin get ta the pie in a ways I can'ts." He looks at the raven and smiles. "I can'ts fly, but a floor gettin' bigger wouldn'ts be a problem ifen I coulds." "Maybes I shoulds be a bird. Or a bat." He spreads out his arms. "Yeah, a bat. They cin see in the dark too. So ifen I close my eyes," he does so, "Ifen I close my eyes an fly towards where Ise goin it won'ts be able ta looks likes its gettin further away." |
| #439ghost_theoryNov 03, 2005 9:52:36 | With a sleight of mind, Hermy is a bat. Fingers lengthen until they form the framework for the wings, body shrinks and becomes dark, and ears sprout from his red-dragon skin cap. The Bat-Hermy is in the air. "The nightflyer can mean many things because it is so misunderstood," the pudgy raven squawks. "T' see one here can symbolize uncleanliness, demons, and annoyances. But by becoming one, perhaps it represen'ts the need t' let go of old habits in you current way of life that no longer suit your new growth and outlook. The bat is symbolic of rebirth, despite wha't many would think." "You go blindly, you need t' evaluate the situation with other senses." Hermy feels the floor swish by as he flaps forward. The geometry of the kitchen comes alive in his mind through the sound of his own voice reflecting off the shapes. Ripples of flashing outlines, like seeing stars after a knock to the head, guide Bat-Hermy to his goal. He lands on the pie, which feels like the whole surface of a floating island, and is warmed by the radiating heat. |
| #440hermy_the_hero_dupNov 04, 2005 1:59:23 | Hermy nods. "Other senses? Rights. Likes tastes an smells an feels. I cin do that." He sniffs at the pie, feels the heat coming off it, hears the crunch as his teeth rip into it. He thginks about the ravens other words as he tastes the pie. "Rebirth? I aint sure I understands. I cin understands lettins go of olds habits an stuff likes that. Ise dones some of thats before. I aints the same guy I was when... oh, I guess that woulds be rebirth sorta. Its a figure of speech right?" "An I shoulds do its again. Buts hows? An whats?" |
| #441ghost_theoryNov 04, 2005 10:01:55 | "I am only a distraction, I cann't tell you anything about the future you don't already know." The raven falls into a pile of black feathers, and Hermy feels himself back in his normal body. He hears Agatha's gibberish chanting come to a gradual end. Hermy finds himself covered in sweat as if from an intense dream. However, the numbness in his joints has lessened. Somehow, the transition from halfling to bat and back has made his body forget about its troubles. The decorated wise-woman slows her sounds and slumps back exhausted. She mutters some quiet noises. The raven speaks up, "Tha't is all I can do t'day. You may return t'morrow morning if you wan't t' continue the treatment." Artur looks surprised to be in the burrow. The long-legged man turns his head to Hermy. "Have a good vision?" he asks earnestly. He gazes toward the flickering lantern flame. "I'd almost forgotten how fast the panther runs," says Artur to himself. --- [Hermy recovers 3 points of Dex damage [still -4 Dex]] |
| #442hermy_the_hero_dupNov 06, 2005 14:24:26 | Hermy smiles at Artur. "I'ds forgotten how fun flying was. I aint done that since Hent Manvellas." "An how goods pie cin be. I aint done that since, well nots that long ago. But still, pies always good." He turns towards the druid and stretches his shoulders. "I'lls be backs tomorrows ifen ya don'ts minds. Youse helped alots already. My shoulders an arms aint as stiff as they was. I cin reach arounds and rubs my bottom now." "An I'll needs to do that a lots cause its still sore an its a longs ride back ta Garics. My arms'll get sore again wih all the rubbin ifen I don'ts get that fixed befores I goes." He sighs. "Thats was all the wine I hads though." |
| #443ghost_theoryNov 06, 2005 14:45:38 | Agatha gets up deliberately despite her aged frame. She makes a waving off gesture with some clicking and whistling sounds. The raven flaps up to the central table with light and says, "I will finish wha't I've started. Be back tomorrow morning." Artur nods and stands, nudging for Hermy to follow him. "We'll be back then, Wise-woman," the bearded man bows. Agatha walks back over to the back curtain and disappears. The raven eyes the two patients as if expecting them to leave. "Come on," Artur whispers to Hermy. He holds the exit hide curtain up for Hermy. The light of a maturing dawn glows at the end of the tunnel like a beacon. "Did you say fly??" Artur asks. "We should take it easy today. Maybe you can help me clean up some things at the lodge." |
| #444hermy_the_hero_dupNov 06, 2005 19:08:28 | The halfling whispers to Artur as they go. "Yup. I said fly." "I dids it once with a clerk. It was neat." He smiles. "It was pretty neats doin it in the kitchen that was in that cave too, but that weren't real. It seemed likes it was, buts so much stuff that aint does ifen ya knows what I means." Once outside he nods. "Sure, I don'ts mind doin some cleanin. As long as it aint dishes." "Or clothes." "I aint too good at neither of them." |
| #445ghost_theoryNov 06, 2005 20:06:59 | The day and evening is passed quietly by organizing tools and boxes around the house as well as arranging stretched hides on square frames to ready them for smoking. None of it is strenuous work, and Hermy and Artur have the luxury of letting their bodies recover. Everyone seems busy during the time, running back and forth between different errands. Day old bread, some fresh fruits, and spiced sausages are available for when the hunters pause for breaks at various times. Soon enough, the sun is setting again. "We will head to the burrow first thing tomorrow morning," Artur tells Hermy from his bunk. "You could still get a full day's ride in if you wanted afterward," the man says with no inclination of pressing Hermy to stay or leave, "There is a path that goes back toward the northeast I can show you." --- [Hermy is back to full HP and heals another point of Dex damage [still -3 Dex]] |
| #446hermy_the_hero_dupNov 06, 2005 21:32:53 | "I probably shoulds go rights after. I tolds Minto I'ds heads backs in two days. An thats abouts tomorrows anyhows." Hermy pulls the blanket over his head. "But ifen somethin comes up, he'll understands ifen Ise late." "An ifen nothin does I'll appreciates the tips on hows ta gets home. I'se gots a little turned arounds by the wasps." |
| #447ghost_theoryNov 06, 2005 23:11:24 | The next morning, the two roommates venture back to the burrow just outside the settlement. Artur hunches over once more to descend into the cool, damp darkness of the hole. He hold the flap open for Hermy as well. The raven is there to greet them again. This time, the treatment is less elaborate. Agatha brings in a small bowl containing a black powder. She light a spark with flint and steel and the powder burns slowly, releasing a wispy, purplish-black smoke. "Inhale," the raven commands. "The tea you drank contained the infusion of the tereva root. As a liquid, it loosens the mind in small doses, but it can be poisonous if t' much is consumed. As incense, it will help your body accept the healing flow of the earth t' draw off the last of the venom," the large bird explains for Agatha, "Without building up t' much more in your blood." Agatha begins her droning of unknown sounds. The smoke smells of freshly split wood and a hint of peppermint. Before Hermy or Artur have time to do much besides get settled into their seated positions on the rug, they feel a tingling sensation in their sore muscles. A faint white glow emits from Agatha's hand as she throws a lid over the powder bowl. Just like that, the ritual is over. "C-caw, it is good," the raven quips. --- [Hermy recovers 3 Dex [no more penalty]] |
| #448hermy_the_hero_dupNov 07, 2005 8:37:39 | Hermy reaches over his shoulder to scratch at his back. "Yup." "It's good." He jumps up to his feet and faces the druid. "Thanks ya very much. It wouldsa be a long ride back to Garics without yer help." He turns towards the raven. "And yers." He offers a hand to help Artur up. "Ifen theres anything I cin do fer any of ya before I goes, or ons the ways, don'ts hesitates ta asks." 'Helpin peoples what I does." "When I aint bein helped instead." |
| #449ghost_theoryNov 07, 2005 22:22:34 | "You've already helped, Hermy," the tall man takes the halfling's hand and stands. Agatha scratches her thinning hair and then waves to the two. "Good luck," the raven says for her. Artur bows back to her and then heads out of the burrow. Outside, he remarks, "Let's saddle up, I'll take you to the path that will lead you back in the direction you're going." "You can pack some bread for the road as well." |
| #450hermy_the_hero_dupNov 07, 2005 22:48:58 | "Id's appreciates the bread. It travels somewhats well, an I lets Minto takes the magic sammich bag back with him." Hermy heads back to the hut with Artur and prepares for his journey. As Hermy saddles up Ashiner he pauses and turns to Artur. "When we lefts the druid ya saids I'ds already helped ya. As far as I cin tell all I dids was get ya stung by wasps." "An Ise pretty sure that didn't do much fer yer situation. Did you has a good vision too? One involving Quen maybe?" |
| #451ghost_theoryNov 07, 2005 23:21:43 | "Not quite," Artur smirks, "In my vision, I felt like a hunting cat, like the ones I've seen in the thick woods." "But you helped just by giving me someone to talk to about Quen. I will have more to say to her next time I visit." After a twenty minute ride away from the valley, Artur points ahead to a thin gravel path. "That road joins up with the larger north-south route from Ennorath. Stick to it and you should be able to find your way north. If you have to take a detour for some reason, try to go west. I've heard there is a bad place to avoid further northeast." |
| #452hermy_the_hero_dupNov 08, 2005 0:03:39 | Hermys eyes open wider. "What kinda bad place? Somethin I mights needs ta brings a few of my friends backs ta takes care of?" |
| #453ghost_theoryNov 08, 2005 0:23:13 | "I don't know for certain, I've never been up that way. Just heard vague stories from people." Ashiner sniffs at the ground as Artur speaks. "I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's most likely some bard's tale anyway. And it sounded like you have people waiting on you back home." After gazing down the path under the morning sun, Artur turns his horse around. "It's been a good meeting you," he waves. "Take care." |
| #454hermy_the_hero_dupNov 08, 2005 1:06:01 | "Considerin hows many bards tales Ise in, Ise gunna hafta looks into it." He grins, and steers Ashiner down the path. "Actually I'll has Minto look into it, he's the bard. And one of the guys waitin on me." He waves back. "It's was nice meetin you as well. Next time we see each other lets skip the wasps though." "Lets just leaves it at a wedding or somethings likes that." He gives Ashiner a pat on the neck. "Ready to heads home girl?" Ashiner starts down the path. |
| #455ghost_theoryNov 08, 2005 9:54:24 | The warm wind traveling across the grassland grants Hermy a respite from the sun's heat. The trail is more or less straight and easy to follow. By the end of the day, he finds the path ends at the top of some gentle hills. Looking ahead, he finds himself back at the field with the floating seeds, south of Barleyhorn. In the moonlit darkness, the field has an eerie glow. There are not too many fluffy seeds floating about tonight. All roads seem to lead here. |
| #456hermy_the_hero_dupNov 08, 2005 22:04:29 | Hermy climbs off his dog. "Ya dones good todays." "We aint thats far from town, ya wants ta camps out here or try ta finds a roon there?" He peers around. "Looks differents at nights. Not as.... musical fer starters. I guess Unduion aints here rights now." He starts to whistle and starts walking towards Barleyhorn. |
| #457ghost_theoryNov 08, 2005 22:18:23 | The small farm community where the party defeated Veruca is still and peaceful. Hermy and Ashiner stroll through the paths quietly as they pass the old farm houses and the chapel. The buildings of Barleyhorn lie up ahead. Ashiner barks once when she sees a pair of cats walking along the street in front of them. This causes the felines to dash away to watch from the shadow of the bushes. |
| #458hermy_the_hero_dupNov 08, 2005 22:36:01 | "Easy girl. Theys just normal cats. Nothing ta bother a pair of heroes likes us." Hermy gives the dog a comforting pat on the back and then pulls her to a halt. "Ya knows, there shoulds be an empty house arounds here we coulds stay in. I don'ts thinks Wolf's dad woulds minds ifen we stayed there." He looks down at his pockets. "An its woulds be a lots cheaper." He steers Ashiner towards the abandoned house. |
| #459ghost_theoryNov 08, 2005 22:42:01 | The pair backtrack down the street to the house they are looking for. As expected, the doors are locked and windows are dark. |
| #460hermy_the_hero_dupNov 08, 2005 22:45:47 | "Smarts move, locking the house up." Hermy says to Ashiner as he takes out his lockpicking wires. "They couldn'ts takes everything with them, an thieves comes through towns likes this sometimes too." He sets to opening the lock. |
| #461ghost_theoryNov 08, 2005 22:58:31 | It takes Hermy a few minutes, but he finds the lock is a simple pin tumbler device. With his tools, the rogue feels around in the slot until he senses the slight relief of tension in the right places. Holding the pressure with the other pick, Hermy finds the clicks he is waiting for. The door is opened with a soft creak. Inside, the home is furnished modestly, with tables, chaiars, and drawers standing about like frozen sentries in the blue hues of night time. |
| #462hermy_the_hero_dupNov 08, 2005 23:22:14 | Hermy steps inside, Ashiner trailing after him. He looks for a light source before shutting the door. "Let's see ifen they lefts anything eadible behind. Theys coming backs ta gets the rest of their stuff, an I'd hates fer them ta comes back ta a house full of flies or rats." Hermy moves about looking for food, then looks for ink and paper. "Ise bettin theres some at Miss Cynwises, ifen we don'ts find anyhere we'll get some there in the morning." He looks at Ashiner and answers her unthought question. "Ta leaves a note lettin them knows it was me in the house nots a thief." He shrugs. "I suposse I coulds lets Father Saul knows instead ifen wese waitin until mornin ta writes the note. I'ds have tolds him tonight but I don'ts wants to wakes him." Once his looting is done, Hermy and Ashiner find the softest bed in the house and climb in. "Night Ashiner." |
| #463ghost_theoryNov 08, 2005 23:33:36 | Hermy finds no food in the house. Perhaps Anthony and Wolf were wise enough to give away anything they did not take with them before it went bad. Sir Woodhome does, however, discover an ink pen and vial in one of the drawers, along with some sheets of greyish paper. The rest of the night goes on without much happening. In the morning, Hermy can hear some of the farmers hard at work in the field already when he wakes. |
| #464hermy_the_hero_dupNov 08, 2005 23:46:30 | Hermy writes out a quick note before retiring.Deer Wulf and Anthine. In the morning, Hermy strectches and rolls out of bed, pushing Ashiner out ahead of him. "Sounds likes the farmers is already awake. Hopefully theys been awakes longs enough ta has cooked some breakfast too." He gathers his belongings and straightens the blankets on the bed as well as he can, and then steps outside. Hermy locks back up the door and then heads for the church. |
| #465ghost_theoryNov 08, 2005 23:52:42 | There seems to be no one around to notice Hermy slip out of the abandoned house. Down the street, Hermy find Father Saul working on the garden in front of the church. The young priest looks up with a surprised blink. "Oh, you're back. Did you find your way alright?" |
| #466hermy_the_hero_dupNov 09, 2005 0:44:13 | Hermy nods. "Yup, an the elves says theys gunna takes care of things." "Sose there aint no need fer ya ta worry about being attacked by monkeys anymore." "An I killed one of them waterlizards, so crossing the river shoulds be a little safer. Mights still want to be careful though, there more of them out there." Hermy sits down on the ground next to the garden. "Interesting place that elf town is. Good food too. Nots as good as the kind of food you have here though. It's spiier an that kinda stuff but it don'ts leaves you filling as full." "I'll be going back there someday. I made a few friends." |
| #467ghost_theoryNov 09, 2005 9:30:34 | Saul takes a break and stretches out his arms. "That's good to hear. I was worried you might have trouble finding out anything there." The man takes off his dark cap and places it in his pocket. "Where will you go now?" |
| #468hermy_the_hero_dupNov 09, 2005 16:12:40 | "Home." "Ise going home." The halfling shrugs. "Ise pretty sure ifen I tries I coulds finds more heroing to do around heres. But I don'ts even needs ta tries back at home. Heroings will finds me." "Plus Ise promised I woulds." |
| #469kywynNov 09, 2005 16:50:44 | A lone blackbird flies in to sit atop a fence post across the street. It gives Hermy a leering look. |
| #470ghost_theoryNov 09, 2005 16:52:43 | "It's good to keep your word," Saul agrees with Hermy. "Do you need anything for your trip? I think I have some dried meat and some apples inside." Saul walks over to open the door, letting a brown tabby come stalking out. The priest returns with a basket containing apples and some pieces of dried meat wrapped in thin cloth. "Go ahead, you've earned it." |
| #471hermy_the_hero_dupNov 10, 2005 1:13:29 | "Thanks you." Hermy takes the basket. "I aint sure I has earned it, but I promise you I will ifen ya ever need me to. Or one of my friends will ifen Ise outs helpin someone else." "I knows it won'ts be of much use fer real emergancys, Garics a bit far away fer that, but ifen theres somethin ya needs done that cin wait until ya cin send someone ta Garics don'ts hestitate." "Just tell Volos at the Silver Sword Adventurers guild yer a friend of mine an he'll getcha all the help ya needs." Hermy puts the basket down and shakes Sauls hand. "Course I'se sure we'ds both prefer its ifen next time we saws each other it weren't cause either of us needed help, but eithers way, its was a pleasure ta meets you." Hermy gives him a wave and mounts up for the ride back home. |
| #472ghost_theoryNov 10, 2005 10:19:42 | Saul waves to Hermy in the distance as the halfing rides off into the sunrise. Along with Ashiner, Hermy passes the settlement of Barleyhorn and gets back onto the road leading north. It is a long ride that day, and the following few days as well, but Hermy finds adequate sites to camp for the nights. The food from Artur’s place and the basket Saul gave the small knight lasts a good portion of the trip when rationed. There is a time or two Hermy when might wish for a ranger to help set up a better fire and trap or hunt some game, but for the most part, he survives satisfactorily. The weather holds up nicely, providing a mixture of sun and cloud so that the trek is not as taxing as it could have been. Nearing more familiar territory, the air is not quite so humid, and the flora takes a shift toward more hardy species. By the end of the trek, Hermy and Ashiner are exhausted but healthy and feeling in good form. The traffic on the road increases slightly as they near Garic’s City. They see a handful of wagons and horsemen going both directions. By the time Hermy sees the walls of the city, it almost feels like the past couple of weeks have been a fevered dream, full of heroic deeds and emotional fits. But the weight of Alissa’s dagger on his belt and the reassuring sentiment stowed safely somewhere inside remind the rogue of the verity of the excursion. Riding up on his dog, the large forms of the other travelers drift by without blocking Hermy’s path. There is something peaceful in the air, like the residue of a pleasant dream or the smooth flight of a lofty bird. The shapes around seem dormant; the shadows flicker as they pass. --- [The city awaits whenever Hermy wants to return.] |
| #473hermy_the_hero_dupNov 12, 2005 18:13:45 | "Lets gets homes girl." Hermy pets his dogs neck. "Lets gets homes." Ashiner bounds down the road, Hermy tugging on the reins to steer her towards the Silver Sword Guild House. |
