Caelius nods and walks over to the couple, smiles softly and signs,
"We're sorry you had to see that. He's been dealt with and we're not going to let that happen again. Can we get you anything? Do you need to sit down? Drink some water?"
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Taran follows Mr. Caelius and gives the couple a quick nod.
"Hi, um, Mr. Caelius wanted to- oh, um, he says he's sorry you had to witness... the fight..." Taran trails off for a second before shaking himself and refocusing on the mute sorcerer's hands. "Right, um, he says that we won't let that happen again. Well, by we he probably means everyone else, um, he also wants to know if you need anything? Water? Stuff l-like that?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vishal stares into Dulamul's eyes, letting the shifter see all the emotion in his eyes, and looking at all the emotions in his, Vishal doesn't break eye contact as he tell him, "Don’t be sorry. I don't know what happened to you. And I probably can't begin to understand what happened to you. All I know is that it was bad. However, I can promise you that nothing like that will happen to you again. As long as I draw breath I will protect you. I will make sure you get to safety. Even if it costs me my life. I understand everything is scary right now. You don't really know me. And you're putting a lot of trust in me. And I want you to know that your trust isn't in the wrong place nor is it not appreciated. And I want you to know that when you're nervous, or scared, you can always look at me. And as long as I'm smiling that means everything is going to be okay. Now, what do you say, let's take some big breath's shake away that nervousness, and get you to your new home?"As Vishal finishes his little speech to the shifter he has a giant smile on his face, hoping that Dulamul takes it as meaning everything is alright.
If its needed for convincing and calming him down I'm putting a persuasion down here if it warrants advantage let me know and I'll add a roll:
Aleel and Bhuji squeeze each other's hands, Bhuji smiling a little back at Caelius. "I...think we're all right," Aleel says, biting his lip. "We...kind of just want to get away from...here." He glances at where Jharee's body was.
Dulamul takes a deep breath, nodding. He doesn't drop his eyes. "O...Okay," he says softly. "...Thank you." He seems significantly calmer now, taking a deep breath.
Lanan, talking quietly to Sulaan, glances over at Vishal, giving him a quick nod.
Shiazala has wandered a little off from Sulaan, and is sitting quietly, twisting blades of grass together into a plaited pattern.
Vishal continues to smile, proud that he was able to calm the shifter down, and continues to look and inspect Dulamul a little closer. Vishal has of course heard about shifters but he has never seen one in person before. He was taught that they have some sort of bestial aspect to them. That they normally have fun and eyes like a beast. And that they fight like one as well being able to elongate their fangs and claws. As a Road member Vishal was taught to be careful around them that they are fiercely loyal to their masters. What he was not taught, however, was how much of a cute puppy dog they looked like. Vishal has always had a soft spot for cute animals, especially dogs. With those yellow eyes, russet hair, and those cute soft looking wolf like ears.. Vishal cannot help himself and, without saying a word, he reaches up and starts to softly rub and feel Dulamul's ears.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Dulamul freezes as Vishal starts to touch his ears, and his hand snaps up, grabbing Vishal's arm and moving it away, his grip not painful, but still tight. "No," he says firmly to Vishal, the faintest hint of a growl entering his voice. He abruptly drops Vishal's hand and backs up a little, his gaze falling back to the ground and his voice returning to its previous mumble. "I mean...I...please don't."
"I-yeah... oh, um" Taran watches Caelius's signs, "Mr. Caelius says we'll be leaving soon, we just have some things to do. Like, um, I need to take down the r-ropes, and tear down the cover, and see if Mr. Druhdaar f-filled in his burrow... Ummm, n-n-not that I d-don't have t-time to get you anything, Mr. Aleel, Mrs. Bhuji, if you needed s-something. A-and I...I'm always hap-happy to help you, Mr. Caelius, I j-just d-don't know what you need to do to get ready, so I was just listing my stuff before I headed out to scout the path. Umm. S-sorry."
Bhuji blinks. "It's perfectly all right that you have things to do, you six have the biggest job here, after all." She gives Taran and Caelius a reassuring smile. "Thank you for checking on us, but I think we'll be all right until it's time to leave."
Vishal’s face turns to shock as Dulamul tightly grabs his arm. The look of shock quickly turns into embarrassment, Vishal’s entire face red, as the shifter steps away and returns to his previous demeanor. For the first time in a long time, and definitely for the first time since the group has meant Vishal, the dancer seems to be a little loss with words. “I’m sorry. I didn’t meant too. I mean. I....you’re the first shifter I’ve ever met. And I shouldn’t have done that. I should have asked first. I just. Heard stories. And they never mentioned your ears. And they’re so cute. I’m sorry. I should have known that was a no. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again without permission. Can you forgive me?”
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Taran gives a quick nod to the couple and waits for Mr. Caelius to indicate he was done for now before scurrying off to his other tasks. Stripping the rope harnesses he'd strung up out of the trees and breaking down the grass and leaves they'd formed into camouflage. He wasn't concerned about footprints or the like, this area probably had people visit occassionally, but suspicious construction in the area would be a far different story.
If no one had done so, he also grabbed the box that the poison smoke had come out of, and took grass clippings from the area the smoke had engulfed. It was a small possibility, but he might be able to figure out what it had been from any residue left behind.
He wanted to pull out his kit and start the process now, but it would take far too long. They needed to get moving, already they were unlikely to hit the Adar border before nightfall.
Taran looked around the clearing, seeing if there was anyone or anything else that he could do.
A small smile appears on Vishal's face as he is forgiven. "Don't be sorry for grabbing me. You didn't want to be touched. You have every right to defend yourself. I crossed a line and you defended yourself. Never be sorry that."
Taran collects his camouflage and other constructions, and is able to get his grass samples and the box without incident-it would appear the box does not have the same fail-safe that both Jharee and Jharee's armor had on it.
Dulamul nods mutely in response to Vishal's words, looking unconvinced.
Lanan finishes talking to Sulaan and crosses his arms, keeping an eye on Shiazala, who is still plaiting grass underneath a tree about fifteen feet away from Sulaan. Aleel and Bhuji walk hesitantly over to Sulaan and start talking to him softly, glancing at Shiazala every now and then.
"No thanks River I'm good." Vishal then looks to the shifter and says, "I'm serious. If you don't ever want to be touched by someone, and they touch you anyways, you have the right to do what you just did. Stop them from touching you and backing away. Using more force if they don't listen. I cannot fault you for doing the right thing. Only myself for doing the wrong thing."
Dulamul shrugs. "I wasn't supposed to use any force unless approved...before," he says quietly. "Definitely not for myself. I'm...still getting used to this." He lifts his eyes from the ground though, although he still doesn't look directly at Vishal.
"Sorry," Dulamul mumbles, raising his eyes to look at Vishal.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Caelius nods and walks over to the couple, smiles softly and signs,
"We're sorry you had to see that. He's been dealt with and we're not going to let that happen again. Can we get you anything? Do you need to sit down? Drink some water?"
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Taran follows Mr. Caelius and gives the couple a quick nod.
"Hi, um, Mr. Caelius wanted to- oh, um, he says he's sorry you had to witness... the fight..." Taran trails off for a second before shaking himself and refocusing on the mute sorcerer's hands. "Right, um, he says that we won't let that happen again. Well, by we he probably means everyone else, um, he also wants to know if you need anything? Water? Stuff l-like that?"
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Vishal stares into Dulamul's eyes, letting the shifter see all the emotion in his eyes, and looking at all the emotions in his, Vishal doesn't break eye contact as he tell him, "Don’t be sorry. I don't know what happened to you. And I probably can't begin to understand what happened to you. All I know is that it was bad. However, I can promise you that nothing like that will happen to you again. As long as I draw breath I will protect you. I will make sure you get to safety. Even if it costs me my life. I understand everything is scary right now. You don't really know me. And you're putting a lot of trust in me. And I want you to know that your trust isn't in the wrong place nor is it not appreciated. And I want you to know that when you're nervous, or scared, you can always look at me. And as long as I'm smiling that means everything is going to be okay. Now, what do you say, let's take some big breath's shake away that nervousness, and get you to your new home?" As Vishal finishes his little speech to the shifter he has a giant smile on his face, hoping that Dulamul takes it as meaning everything is alright.
If its needed for convincing and calming him down I'm putting a persuasion down here if it warrants advantage let me know and I'll add a roll:
Persuasion: 18
Aleel and Bhuji squeeze each other's hands, Bhuji smiling a little back at Caelius. "I...think we're all right," Aleel says, biting his lip. "We...kind of just want to get away from...here." He glances at where Jharee's body was.
Dulamul takes a deep breath, nodding. He doesn't drop his eyes. "O...Okay," he says softly. "...Thank you." He seems significantly calmer now, taking a deep breath.
Lanan, talking quietly to Sulaan, glances over at Vishal, giving him a quick nod.
Shiazala has wandered a little off from Sulaan, and is sitting quietly, twisting blades of grass together into a plaited pattern.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Vishal continues to smile, proud that he was able to calm the shifter down, and continues to look and inspect Dulamul a little closer. Vishal has of course heard about shifters but he has never seen one in person before. He was taught that they have some sort of bestial aspect to them. That they normally have fun and eyes like a beast. And that they fight like one as well being able to elongate their fangs and claws. As a Road member Vishal was taught to be careful around them that they are fiercely loyal to their masters. What he was not taught, however, was how much of a cute puppy dog they looked like. Vishal has always had a soft spot for cute animals, especially dogs. With those yellow eyes, russet hair, and those cute soft looking wolf like ears.. Vishal cannot help himself and, without saying a word, he reaches up and starts to softly rub and feel Dulamul's ears.
Caelius nods,
I believe we're moving soon. We're collecting our barrings after ...the fight.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Dulamul freezes as Vishal starts to touch his ears, and his hand snaps up, grabbing Vishal's arm and moving it away, his grip not painful, but still tight. "No," he says firmly to Vishal, the faintest hint of a growl entering his voice. He abruptly drops Vishal's hand and backs up a little, his gaze falling back to the ground and his voice returning to its previous mumble. "I mean...I...please don't."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"I-yeah... oh, um" Taran watches Caelius's signs, "Mr. Caelius says we'll be leaving soon, we just have some things to do. Like, um, I need to take down the r-ropes, and tear down the cover, and see if Mr. Druhdaar f-filled in his burrow... Ummm, n-n-not that I d-don't have t-time to get you anything, Mr. Aleel, Mrs. Bhuji, if you needed s-something. A-and I...I'm always hap-happy to help you, Mr. Caelius, I j-just d-don't know what you need to do to get ready, so I was just listing my stuff before I headed out to scout the path. Umm. S-sorry."
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
Bhuji blinks. "It's perfectly all right that you have things to do, you six have the biggest job here, after all." She gives Taran and Caelius a reassuring smile. "Thank you for checking on us, but I think we'll be all right until it's time to leave."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Vishal’s face turns to shock as Dulamul tightly grabs his arm. The look of shock quickly turns into embarrassment, Vishal’s entire face red, as the shifter steps away and returns to his previous demeanor. For the first time in a long time, and definitely for the first time since the group has meant Vishal, the dancer seems to be a little loss with words. “I’m sorry. I didn’t meant too. I mean. I....you’re the first shifter I’ve ever met. And I shouldn’t have done that. I should have asked first. I just. Heard stories. And they never mentioned your ears. And they’re so cute. I’m sorry. I should have known that was a no. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again without permission. Can you forgive me?”
Dulamul hesitates, then nods. "I forgive you," he says quietly. "...Sorry for grabbing you."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Caelius nods, and bows slightly to the couple, before moving away and waiting for everyone else to be ready to go.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Taran gives a quick nod to the couple and waits for Mr. Caelius to indicate he was done for now before scurrying off to his other tasks. Stripping the rope harnesses he'd strung up out of the trees and breaking down the grass and leaves they'd formed into camouflage. He wasn't concerned about footprints or the like, this area probably had people visit occassionally, but suspicious construction in the area would be a far different story.
If no one had done so, he also grabbed the box that the poison smoke had come out of, and took grass clippings from the area the smoke had engulfed. It was a small possibility, but he might be able to figure out what it had been from any residue left behind.
He wanted to pull out his kit and start the process now, but it would take far too long. They needed to get moving, already they were unlikely to hit the Adar border before nightfall.
Taran looked around the clearing, seeing if there was anyone or anything else that he could do.
Taran Cragshollow (Summit Road)
A small smile appears on Vishal's face as he is forgiven. "Don't be sorry for grabbing me. You didn't want to be touched. You have every right to defend yourself. I crossed a line and you defended yourself. Never be sorry that."
Taran collects his camouflage and other constructions, and is able to get his grass samples and the box without incident-it would appear the box does not have the same fail-safe that both Jharee and Jharee's armor had on it.
Dulamul nods mutely in response to Vishal's words, looking unconvinced.
Lanan finishes talking to Sulaan and crosses his arms, keeping an eye on Shiazala, who is still plaiting grass underneath a tree about fifteen feet away from Sulaan. Aleel and Bhuji walk hesitantly over to Sulaan and start talking to him softly, glancing at Shiazala every now and then.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
River finishes preening her feathers and hops over to Vishal, cooing in his own voice.
"Want to be touched~ *coo*"
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
"No thanks River I'm good." Vishal then looks to the shifter and says, "I'm serious. If you don't ever want to be touched by someone, and they touch you anyways, you have the right to do what you just did. Stop them from touching you and backing away. Using more force if they don't listen. I cannot fault you for doing the right thing. Only myself for doing the wrong thing."
Dulamul shrugs. "I wasn't supposed to use any force unless approved...before," he says quietly. "Definitely not for myself. I'm...still getting used to this." He lifts his eyes from the ground though, although he still doesn't look directly at Vishal.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Myself *coo* Want to be touched *coo*" She tries to get her head under Vishal's hand
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS