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3 Days

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:31 am
by Dave
If anyone is interested in a little out of game RP, here is a shot to earn both inspiration for the next session and maybe a little XP on the side.

What happens in this thread will take place during the 3 down days the party had between arriving at the manor house, and when the party starts the Nine Trials.

You may speak to each other, Tiadora, or any of the White Ravens (Elise- their leader, smoking hot "witch" from the north, Donstan- big ass half elf barbarian, very much dedicated to Elise, Tallus- very mercenary ranger type, twin brother of Titus, and Titus- Cleric of Karamaka, and something of a sociopath based on the one interaction he had with Amadeus).

Arch Bishop Thorn is not available for you to speak with.

You may also interact with any of the slaves in the manor. Keep in mind, that it doesn't take you long to figure out that something is up with them.

Any post here is expected to be in character. If you need to break character, please bracket [ ] off the OOC part so we can tell the difference.

I will monitor the forum regularly. If you post something and I do not reply within a day, don't hesitate to text me, and let me know you need a response.

Remember, this can earn inspiration and XP!

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 11:17 am
by Kyle
Picket spends his days silently watching the others. Learning the mannerisms, quirks, and flaws of all of the recently bound.

He carefully recites the four loyalties in his head until he knows them by heart.

"Amadeus, I have seen your scars, I can not imagine your lifes pains. Though we have lived different lives to this point, fate it seems has brought us together. *Deep breath and a sigh* Who would have thought after leaving our homes in the deep, our paths would meet here of all places. It is good to have a fellow 'Domhain' around for a change."

Picket then hands Amadeus a shot of whiskey. *In gnomish* "To the lost lands, and fallen souls, may they forever bask in hues of ruby." Then raises his glass and does the shot.

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 11:02 am
by rgl2112
Xander takes inventory of his belongings, as he does often, as a value of his worth. He's not used to much finery, the Amulet alone is more precious silver than anything he has touched. Well, other than the vestments and chalices in the Temple back in Xot.

He wanders the house, feeling trapped indoors, but finds a nice quiet corner to pray often during the day. Of all of his newest companions, he's drawn to Valak the most. The Paladin, or should he say former Paladin, has already saved his butt a couple times, all of the companion's butts actually.

Obviously being the newest disciple to Karamaka, Xander's connection to him is even greater. He refuses to call him Oathbreaker, he broke one to take another stronger oath, hopefully Valak realizes that. Xander decides he will still call him Paladin, a Karamaka Paladin, such perfect mockery of those Avenar fools.

He approaches Valak who seems deep in thought, "Do you wish to pray to the Mistress with me, my friend?" He continues without pause, "My journey has been long, and I know you're heart is true, however I know there are questions you may have. You would not be with us if you had not heard Her calling. My allegiance to Her has been sworn to secrecy to outsiders, however I get the feeling you will wear it proudly. Just know, that we are bound by more than the contract when it comes to Her children. Although I hide the Amulet, there is reason, which is also the reason I was captured. My true crime was to be much worse in the end."

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:25 pm
by DalamarD
Valak spends most of his time in the manor training or pacing. Being forced to stay inside is obviously grating to him, as anyone that speaks to him for more than a few minutes will find out. Frustrated at being kept indoors, he takes every opportunity to exercise and practice his swordsmanship. He will happily spar with anyone who agrees to it, especially Donstan or Tallus if they are willing. He will also attempt to engage the White Ravens in conversation about their mercenary work. Tallus in particular seems like he would have good stories to share. Although Valak's past as a mercenary was embarrassing as a Paladin of Avenar, now it feels good to be able to share such tales again.

He will engage the other Forsaken in conversation if approached, but seems somewhat stand-offish if left to his own devices. He seems to find Amadeus particularly off-putting.

When approached by Xander, Valak will respond thusly:

"Xander, it is good to see you well. I can tell that you are enjoying our forced captivity no more than myself. I think some fresh air would do us all...well most of us, some good. I confess that I am conflicted about my new place in life. When I was cast out from the Order of Avenar, I vowed that I would live the rest of my life, short though it seemed to be, beholden to no one. I felt betrayed and let down by my god, and now I find myself sworn to a new one unexpectedly. Don't misunderstand me, I made my vow to Karamaka in good faith, and I will uphold my vow...to her. Despite Thorn's thinly veiled threats, I would not sign such a contract if it were not of my own free will. But so much has changed so quickly, I am having trouble reconciling it all in my head. For so long, Karamaka was my sworn enemy. Now I am her servant. You are right, I believe I have heard her call, perhaps for longer than I realize. Maybe it was through her will that I was led to this point. Or maybe the gods are capricious and care not for the plights of their worshipers at all. (he seems to shake his whole body at this point as if to dislodge these melancholy thoughts) But here I am rambling about myself and my doubts to a cleric. Please forgive me, I mean no disrespect to our goddess. If I may ask, how did you come to be imprisoned with the rest of us? How was your secret faith found out?"

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:10 pm
by Dave
DalamarD wrote:
Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:25 pm
He will happily spar with anyone who agrees to it, especially Donstan or Tallus if they are willing. He will also attempt to engage the White Ravens in conversation about their mercenary work. Tallus in particular seems like he would have good stories to share.
Tallus doesnt seem interested in sparring or chatting much. He spends most of his time in the manor sharpening arrow heads or fiddling with his bow. When Elise is around (she spends most of her time in her room, meditating she says), he pays attention to only her. It doesnt take you long to notice that he seems to be smitten by her. This is not at all what it looked like when Tiadora had the Prison sergeant in her thrall. It is obvious that this is condition that Tallus has put on himself...

When you offer to spar with Donstan, the barbarian first asks “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to scuff up your pretty armor or shield.”

After you assure him [I recognize I am taking liberties with your PC Stephan, if you want to retcon your response, thats cool with me] it will be OK, he takes up his greatsword and has at you.

After a few minutes of sparring, you determine a few things about Donstan:

First is he is strong. Very strong. You’ve been hit by many over the years for sure. Donstan rates up there with the strongest of them. You are sore after your matches.

The second thing is that despite his strength, you are fairly sure that you just have more skill than him. He is not a dumb barbarian. His strategies and tactics are solid. You edge him out in raw skill. But not by much. You win the majority of your matches.

The last thing you notice is that he is holding back. A few times when you are getting the better of him, you sense that he is about to get pissed, but he manages the keep himself in check. You think that if he were to cut loose, you might have to reconsider that second thing...

During a break, while you are both having a glass of healing wine, Donstan asks “You have the look of the Silverwood brethren. Have you ever seen an Oracle Elf? I have heard that many retreated there after the fall of the Oracle.”

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 10:00 am
by Jonathan
Amadues responds in Svirfneblin, his accent a bit rusty "To those already at peace, let them smile down on us from beyond as the world burns". Amadeus offers to share the spell-book so that they can spend the time adding the most necessary spells to the new blank spell-books offered by their hosts.

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 11:08 am
by rgl2112
DalamarD wrote:
Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:25 pm
If I may ask, how did you come to be imprisoned with the rest of us? How was your secret faith found out?"
Xander replies, "My secret faith has not been found out, it was my deed under another guise that put me here. I was tasked with stealing a Chalice of Avenar for the Temple priests in Xot, however, I was to pretend to be a Cleric of Vishnu to be able to access the inner chambers on a religious behest."

He looks down, "I failed and was caught with the Chalice, but as far as the Paladins and judge knows, I'm just a lowly Cleric of Vishnu with a proclivity to misplace items. I will remain under that guise as long as I can, I still intend to finish my mission one day and take the chalice to Her temple in Xot."

"I have prayed to Karamaka asking for direction, all signs from Her seem to tell me that I am in the right place right now. I feel as though you are as well... may Karamaka bless us both in our journeys together, and may our companions understand Her power is not to be trifled with, for it is a serious Oath we have just taken, and I intend to follow it to the end."

He reaches out to touch Valak's shoulder, saying a short prayer in his native Halfing, a few mumbles, eyes closed deep in thought. He opens his eyes and smiles at the Paladin, "We are blessed to have each other, I feel it will be a most excellent adventure."

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 5:39 pm
by DalamarD
When you offer to spar with Donstan, the barbarian first asks “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to scuff up your pretty armor or shield.”

After you assure him [I recognize I am taking liberties with your PC Stephan, if you want to retcon your response, thats cool with me]
I respond amiably to his gibes. "This armor is new. My old armor, (he gestures to the chains he wears looped around himself at all times) had plenty of dents and scratches. I would welcome the opportunity to break in that which I must now use. It still feels stiff and like it doesn't belong on me."

After our matches, I will compliment him and offer constructive criticism if it seems well-received. I make no mention of his holding back. I have witnessed barabarians lose control in the past, and have no desire to see it happen during a sparring match.
During a break, while you are both having a glass of healing wine, Donstan asks “You have the look of the Silverwood brethren. Have you ever seen an Oracle Elf? I have heard that many retreated there after the fall of the Oracle.”
Valak seems a bit taken aback by this question, and is on the verge of not answering. But after a moment of reflection, he responds politely. "You are a keen judge of ancestry. I do indeed hail from Silverwood, I spent my childhood there. I have not seen an Oracle Elf myself, at least not that I know of. Tales are told of them throughout the forest; speculation as to their origin and purpose. If they are still around, they make it a point to keep out of sight, which is no mean feat considering the skill of the elven trackers who live there. They are sometimes used to scare unruly children, with threats that Oracle elves will kidnap misbehaving youngsters. I personally think that they are long gone, but the Silverwood is large and has many hidden depths." Valak seems to trail off at this point and stare off, lost in thought.

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 5:51 pm
by DalamarD
Xander replies, "My secret faith has not been found out, it was my deed under another guise that put me here. I was tasked with stealing a Chalice of Avenar for the Temple priests in Xot, however, I was to pretend to be a Cleric of Vishnu to be able to access the inner chambers on a religious behest."

He looks down, "I failed and was caught with the Chalice, but as far as the Paladins and judge knows, I'm just a lowly Cleric of Vishnu with a proclivity to misplace items. I will remain under that guise as long as I can, I still intend to finish my mission one day and take the chalice to Her temple in Xot."
"I see. It is most fortunate that your cover still remains intact, though I suppose we are all fugitives now regardless. Perhaps we can at some point aid in your mission. I imagine theft of valuable Avenar artifacts is something our new master would support. Perhaps Thorn works with the Xot priests."
"I have prayed to Karamaka asking for direction, all signs from Her seem to tell me that I am in the right place right now. I feel as though you are as well... may Karamaka bless us both in our journeys together, and may our companions understand Her power is not to be trifled with, for it is a serious Oath we have just taken, and I intend to follow it to the end."
I find your faith comforting, and somewhat humbling. I used to revel in my certitude worshipping Avenar. Things seemed so clear and easy to understand. Now it all seems muddled and confusing. The world is not how I imagined it, and I must find my footing again. I hope Karamaka will be able to lead me back to some semblance of stability. Our companions seem less concerned about their faith, and more concerned about fulfilling their own personal goals, should they align with that of our new master. Though Karamaka seems to give her worshippers more latitude than I am perhaps used to."
He reaches out to touch Valak's shoulder, saying a short prayer in his native Halfing, a few mumbles, eyes closed deep in thought. He opens his eyes and smiles at the Paladin, "We are blessed to have each other, I feel it will be a most excellent adventure."
Valak seems initially uncomfortable at this, but soon closes his eyes as well. When Xander finishes, Valak says a few words in Elvish, slightly haltingly as he mouths the unfamiliar words of praise to Karamaka. "Indeed. May She guide us in our fledgling steps in Her service as a group." I clap Xander on the back and head upstairs to my room for some private reflection.

Re: 3 Days

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 8:02 pm
by Dave
DalamarD wrote:
Mon Nov 20, 2017 5:39 pm
I personally think that they are long gone, but the Silverwood is large and has many hidden depths." Valak seems to trail off at this point and stare off, lost in thought.
Donstan very flatly says, “They are not gone. When I was a child, a group of them wandered into my people’s lands far to the north of here. They are very strange. Very tall and long limbed. They didn’t talk much while they were with my people. They stayed to themselves in a couple of abandoned huts in the outskirts of my village.

“A few days after they arrived, an aurumvorax wandered close to the village and attacked some of my people. It was a giant of its kind, easily five feet long and each of its eight legs tipped in claws as long as my hands were. It was coming towards me and my sister. Out of nowhere, three of the Oracle elves appeared between the beast and us. The Oracle elves leapt at the creature, and even though it tore them to shreds they killed the beast. With their bare hands.

“My people tried to thank them, but the Oracle elves didn’t even acknowledge them. They didn’t say a word. Our shaman tried to heal the wounded ones, but they refused to be touched. They left our village that very day.”

Donstan finishes his wine and stands up. “Your people are right to paint the Oracle elves as something to be feared. And perhaps your trackers should consider themselves lucky that they never find them.”

With that, Donstan picks up his greatsword and leaves you.