Martin strokes his Mable Macy’s neck and head. “That’s a good ****ing question.”
There were teleportation circles to use in many cities 10 months ago, but I’m not actually certain if I can use those still. For now, Martin will tie the thief across Mable Macy. Then cast longstrider at 2nd level on himself and Mable Macy. Then wildshape into a horse, and get running for Pallaxus
"What else you need, boss?" Tronk says. He gently strokes Macy's mane as Feldus dangles in his grip.
“I need a quick way to Princess Gentoa. The king has died.” Martin says, shifting back to his humanoid form. He doesn’t mince words, and lets it sink in with a nod to the team for taking care of the thief.
"I wondered if that's what this was about. You had said he was ill," says Gileon. "Should we make our way to the capital too or do you want us out on the road still?"
"Maybe summon a giant eagle?" Tronk offers, as if everything could be so easy.
Gileon cannot remove the stupid grin he always gets when Tronk starts brainstorming. "Failing that," he says. "Gods carry you quickly!"
“I think it would be best if you came with me. Once we have a response in action, we’ll be busy. You need to know the bigger picture plan in case we’re out of contact for awhile. And I think a few giant eagles would do nicely, provided they can carry the horse. I don’t want to abandon this one.” Martin’s eyes go distant thinking of all the horses left to die.
OOC: I see how I miscommunicated and of course it makes sense Kyva would go to do the first thing on the list of preparations -- no worries.
What does Dog know about the Lord's Senate at this point? Also could you refresh my memory about whether Gentoa was adopted just by Haddian or also by Duliani?
He gives Nev a deeply empathetic look as she comforts the girl. "He knew what was coming. We all did. Doesn't mean it's easy. Gunnur is off to gather our friends."He pauses and looks around. "Tock, are you here? No?" He looks back to the others. "Soon. For now, let's be patient, and watchful. You've been welcomed with open arms here and people love you both. I've seen it. But if there are problems, we'll deal with it."
Does Dog have any relatively trusted allies of the King he's gained over the last few months? He'd have tried to gain some. Now he'd want to know if it was proper for him to go see the body, or if that was Not Done. Also, we still have the sending stones -- I assume they are still distributed? If he has one connected to Tock, he'd use it to say, "You likely know this already, but Haddian died. I'm with Genny in quarters. Sad but well. Need to know threats troublemakers and helpers. Coming?"
Ronis frowns, once again glancing down. He knew his new friend wasn't a fan of needless bloodshed, so as much as he was feeling that this wasn't going to go very well, he still had to properly establish their aggressive intent. How tedious.
"Listen, if you do intend on pirate-like activities, I'm afraid you wont get very far in such an endeavour. If I were you I'd turn away noDM shieldw, lest a very nasty fate befall you. I promise you, that if it's an easy mark you're after, you wont find one here. Best to move on, and live another day."
(If they're at all able to be persuaded/intimidated by that. It's the same roll either way. - Persuasion/Intimidation: 12)
(Seen but then i saw a squirrel and forgot to come back to it! Tough time with those persuasion rolls. sheesh!)
Perception check: 9
Insight check: 5
The laugh even harder, play fighting as a teasing show for Ronis.
One of the ship's mates comes to the rails and harangues his crew to get back to work. He glares at Ronis, floating in the water as the ship begins to pass him. But Ronis catches his eye nervously flicking to check the side of the ship, where the sorcerer notices fresh paint has covered something...probably the name of the ship. At this point he can tell they have no intention of casting him a line or chatting with him.
Martin strokes his Mable Macy’s neck and head. “That’s a good ****ing question.”
There were teleportation circles to use in many cities 10 months ago, but I’m not actually certain if I can use those still. For now, Martin will tie the thief across Mable Macy. Then cast longstrider at 2nd level on himself and Mable Macy. Then wildshape into a horse, and get running for Pallaxus
"What else you need, boss?" Tronk says. He gently strokes Macy's mane as Feldus dangles in his grip.
“I need a quick way to Princess Gentoa. The king has died.” Martin says, shifting back to his humanoid form. He doesn’t mince words, and lets it sink in with a nod to the team for taking care of the thief.
"I wondered if that's what this was about. You had said he was ill," says Gileon. "Should we make our way to the capital too or do you want us out on the road still?"
"Maybe summon a giant eagle?" Tronk offers, as if everything could be so easy.
Gileon cannot remove the stupid grin he always gets when Tronk starts brainstorming. "Failing that," he says. "Gods carry you quickly!"
“I think it would be best if you came with me. Once we have a response in action, we’ll be busy. You need to know the bigger picture plan in case we’re out of contact for awhile. And I think a few giant eagles would do nicely, provided they can carry the horse. I don’t want to abandon this one.” Martin’s eyes go distant thinking of all the horses left to die.
"You want to bring this dirtbag with us, then? They don't have a jail in Pallaxus for him. We can meet you a few days behind you or we can bring him all the way to the capital with us," says Gileon.
Tronk lifts Feldus up to look the man in the eye. "Have you been there?" he says. "I haven't. Kinda scary."
Feldus is red in the face from screaming to be put down but Tronk ignores him but drops his arm down.
"We can grab Shaggaustus too if we head to Munon first," Gileon says.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Yeah, those rolls were oof-tastic.)
Ronis growls, before dipping back below the water. He casts an eye around for Verkolax, pointing at himself, then back up at the ship, miming wingbeats with his hands. If the dragon is accommodating, Ronis will have him lift him up and out of the water, to drop him on the deck, fire brimming in the palms of his hands. He is preparing a 4th Level Scorching Ray for if any of them show aggressive action.
"Now," Ronis grinds out, his blood beginning to boil, "One last chance. You can live, or I can leave you and your ship nothing but ash."
(Intimidation. Two rolls for disadvantage in case they just see him as a joke, or advantage for theatrics: 1212)
If the dragon is not accomodating, Ronis will swim back to his ship, and say to the first mate: "It looked like their ship's name had been painted over. I take it that's not a good sign? Get me as close as you can when this kicks off."
OOC: I see how I miscommunicated and of course it makes sense Kyva would go to do the first thing on the list of preparations -- no worries.
What does Dog know about the Lord's Senate at this point? Also could you refresh my memory about whether Gentoa was adopted just by Haddian or also by Duliani?
Gentoa was legally and officially adopted by both Queen Duliani and King Haddian. Neventi is, by all official accounts, her nursemaid. It is no secret, nor even scandalous, that she is Gentoa's biological mother.
The Lord's Senate is the nobility's governing chamber. It is populated only with nobles from all strata in the nobility. They propose laws and manage the budget for the kingdom. Haddian has historically had a very good working relationship with the Lord's Senate, although there are a number of its members that disliked Haddian purely for reasons of being oppositional. The chamber is presided over by Prince Harvell III, Haddian's older brother, or, in his absence, Dux (aka duke) Peritus.
He gives Nev a deeply empathetic look as she comforts the girl. "He knew what was coming. We all did. Doesn't mean it's easy. Gunnur is off to gather our friends."He pauses and looks around. "Tock, are you here? No?" He looks back to the others. "Soon. For now, let's be patient, and watchful. You've been welcomed with open arms here and people love you both. I've seen it. But if there are problems, we'll deal with it."
Does Dog have any relatively trusted allies of the King he's gained over the last few months? He'd have tried to gain some. Now he'd want to know if it was proper for him to go see the body, or if that was Not Done. Also, we still have the sending stones -- I assume they are still distributed? If he has one connected to Tock, he'd use it to say, "You likely know this already, but Haddian died. I'm with Genny in quarters. Sad but well. Need to know threats troublemakers and helpers. Coming?"
Dog has mainly kept to his job. He has met many, many people in the nobility, as well as their staff and families. But he has had little time to befriend any of them. He HAS met frequently with the King's Advisors, which include Tock (an unofficial advisor but obviously an ally), Spymaster Merro (a cold, calculating man, but more distrustful in personality than anything else, loyal to the king), Archmage La (definitely not trustworthy...disliked by all on the council of advisors), Guildmaster Juiri (she is quite likeable, not a schemer but a social butterfly...likes Dog), General Polatitus (Extremely loyal to the King. Was skeptical of Dog at first but now a close ally), Admiral Kurvo (quiet and unimaginative, not a threat but not really a friend either), and Silverbraid (the tribal Emissary and a goliath. She avoided Dog for the first 6 months but has come to respect him. Not close but more friend than foe.)
Dog's sending stone appears to be one that goes to Neventi?
After about 15 minutes of quiet waiting is interrupted by an officious rap on the door. Cautiously, Dog answers it and sees Prince Harvell III standing their with a small retinue of assistants with him. The prince, in his late 40s, gives Dog a sad smile.
"Mr. Brakespine," he says. "You have no doubt heard the news. I was on my way to the Lord's Senate but wanted to give the young princess my condolences. I hope it will not be too much of an intrusion."
Dog has met Haddian's brother on numerous occasions. He is something of a layabout, in Dog's opinion, and has multiple mistresses and a lavish estate by the sea. He has five official children and probably many more bastard children as well. He has never struck Dog as especially ambitious but the timing of his visit is suspicious.
Ronis growls, before dipping back below the water. He casts an eye around for Verkolax, pointing at himself, then back up at the ship, miming wingbeats with his hands. If the dragon is accommodating, Ronis will have him lift him up and out of the water, to drop him on the deck, fire brimming in the palms of his hands. He is preparing a 4th Level Scorching Ray for if any of them show aggressive action.
"Now," Ronis grinds out, his blood beginning to boil, "One last chance. You can live, or I can leave you and your ship nothing but ash."
(Intimidation. Two rolls for disadvantage in case they just see him as a joke, or advantage for theatrics: 1825)
If the dragon is not accomodating, Ronis will swim back to his ship, and say to the first mate: "It looked like their ship's name had been painted over. I take it that's not a good sign? Get me as close as you can when this kicks off."
Verkolax swims up underneath Ronis and carries him up out of the water. The sorcerer rises high enough on the dragons head to reach the deck. The bronze dragon stretches out his wings and roars at the sky, then dives back underneath the water, deep down until even his shadow is gone.
Nobody even has a weapon in their hands as Ronis alights on the deck but every one of them stares at him with wide eyes and slack jaws.
"Oh shit," says one of the sailors.
Several of the men scramble for weapons but the quartermaster holds up his hand to stop them. "We don't need no trouble," he says. "We ain't pirates."
He hesitates for a moment, then says, "But we ain't precisely legal either. Perhaps we can come to an accord?"
Ronis struggles to quench the flames now that they've sprung to life, but with a breath lets his arms fall, their fire going out.
He quirks an eyebrow in the quartermaster's direction. "What did you have in mind? And if you're not pirates, what exactly are doing that's outside the bounds of the law? I don't particularly care for smuggling or the like. So long as you're not hurting people."
"You want to bring this dirtbag with us, then? They don't have a jail in Pallaxus for him. We can meet you a few days behind you or we can bring him all the way to the capital with us," says Gileon.
Tronk lifts Feldus up to look the man in the eye. "Have you been there?" he says. "I haven't. Kinda scary."
Feldus is red in the face from screaming to be put down but Tronk ignores him but drops his arm down.
"We can grab Shaggaustus too if we head to Munon first," Gileon says.
“Let’s do that. Grab Shaggaustus, and get on our way to the capital. Dirtbag can rest in a prison cell anywhere.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Of course," Tick says and begins gathering up some things. "I've always wanted to see the capital. And it would be good to see Tock and Dog and Gash again."
"Uh...not me," Tyrol says. "I can't start up with the craziness again. I have customers to take care of now. I have...Cortia..."
Tick smiles and punches Tyrol stiffly on his thigh. "I knew it!" he says. The minotaur would be blushing if he could.
"Come home safely, though. And wish Q'wai well. His focus is intense."
"I know it," the gnome says with a chuckle. Tick grasps Tyrol's forearm firmly and they give each other a solid look in the eyes before the turn and depart in separate directions. Tictanus, hustling to catch up to his friend, Q'wai.
On the second day heading to Va, the pair happen upon a wagon overturned on the side of the road. A pair of horses munch on some corn pulled from the adjacent field while a half-elven man and his half-orc wife struggle with one of the rear wheels. A pair of children are stacking up the luggage and goods that have spilled from the cart. A third, older child, steps out into the road, waving her hands.
"Please, help us!" she says.
Tick looks up at Q'wai with a questioning arch of his eyebrow.
Q'wai gives an understanding nod to his gnome companion but remarks, "To lighten the burden of another is a worthwhile endeavor."
Before offering a reply to the child, the monk evaluates her general demeanor, hoping to discern if there might be more here than meets the eye. (Perception: 16)
He then hops off Kazar and says, "We shall do what we can, young one. Is anyone hurt?"
Ronis struggles to quench the flames now that they've sprung to life, but with a breath lets his arms fall, their fire going out.
He quirks an eyebrow in the quartermaster's direction. "What did you have in mind? And if you're not pirates, what exactly are doing that's outside the bounds of the law? I don't particularly care for smuggling or the like. So long as you're not hurting people."
"Smuggling is such a filthy word," the quartermaster says. "We prefer..."
He looks at the sailors around him, One of them chimes in, "Entrepreneurs!"
"Right. One o' them," says the quartermaster. "Like I said, trouble is the opposite o' what we want. We' don't want to hurt anyone."
"Not if we don't have to!"
"Shut up, Grimes. We just want to be left alone to our business ventures."
(Is Martin going with them or are they lagging behind?)
I think lagging behind. I was a bit confused, I thought shaggy was with us, and then it sounded like he wasn’t. I’d like to get everyone to the capitol, Martin fast as possible and with his horse. The others are coming but not if it slows Martin
"Of course," Tick says and begins gathering up some things. "I've always wanted to see the capital. And it would be good to see Tock and Dog and Gash again."
"Uh...not me," Tyrol says. "I can't start up with the craziness again. I have customers to take care of now. I have...Cortia..."
Tick smiles and punches Tyrol stiffly on his thigh. "I knew it!" he says. The minotaur would be blushing if he could.
"Come home safely, though. And wish Q'wai well. His focus is intense."
"I know it," the gnome says with a chuckle. Tick grasps Tyrol's forearm firmly and they give each other a solid look in the eyes before the turn and depart in separate directions. Tictanus, hustling to catch up to his friend, Q'wai.
On the second day heading to Va, the pair happen upon a wagon overturned on the side of the road. A pair of horses munch on some corn pulled from the adjacent field while a half-elven man and his half-orc wife struggle with one of the rear wheels. A pair of children are stacking up the luggage and goods that have spilled from the cart. A third, older child, steps out into the road, waving her hands.
"Please, help us!" she says.
Tick looks up at Q'wai with a questioning arch of his eyebrow.
Q'wai gives an understanding nod to his gnome companion but remarks, "To lighten the burden of another is a worthwhile endeavor."
Before offering a reply to the child, the monk evaluates her general demeanor, hoping to discern if there might be more here than meets the eye. (Perception: 16)
He then hops off Kazar and says, "We shall do what we can, young one. Is anyone hurt?"
As far as Q'wai can tell, this looks to be what it appears, a family cart gone off the rails. Before the oldest daughter even answers, he can tell the half-elf father is injured by the way he favors his wrist and the blackened eye. The children appear to be okay. The half-orc mother is straining to keep the cart steady while her husband works on the wheel.
"Just my dad," the young woman says. "We don't really have the tools to fix the wheel. And one of our horses kicked her shoe."
Dog casts detect thoughts just before he opens the door. He listens to the prince's offer, scanning his surface thoughts. He turns around completely to Nev and mouths, "now or later?"
Verbally, he says, "The condolences are for you, Prince Harvell. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your brother is--was--a giant of a man, whose deep empathy was matched only by his infinite wisdom. You are a giant of a man to be standing tall amid such grief. The princess loved him deeply."He's trying to guide the man's surface thoughts to certain topics, fishing for information about his real intentions.
(Is Martin going with them or are they lagging behind?)
I think lagging behind. I was a bit confused, I thought shaggy was with us, and then it sounded like he wasn’t. I’d like to get everyone to the capitol, Martin fast as possible and with his horse. The others are coming but not if it slows Martin
(Got it!)
Tronk and Gileon head in the opposite direction, expecting to encounter Shaggaustus along the road. Feldus yells at Tronk to not hold him so tight, to which Tronk replies, "Can I pet your beard?"
Macy and Martin run like wild horses. For hours they gallop and then trot along and then gallop again. Night begins to fall and they have managed 25 miles. The next day, they manage another 25, putting them halfway to Pallaxus. On the third day, at about noon, Martin spies a lumbering giant walking dangerously close to the road. This stretch of road has been trampled by giants several times in Martin's time as Emissary of the Road. To date, it is unknown if the giants are just clumsy, uncaring, or intentional in their destruction of Haddian's Road. As they gallop forward, the giant, it is too hard to say which kind yet, looms about a third of a mile north of the road, walking in a southwesterly direction. They arrive in shouting distance of each other after about 20 more minutes of galloping. It appears to be a stone giant.
Ronis spreads his arms wide. "Then it seems our interests align. You continue on your way, we'll continue on ours." He draws his hood up, stepping over to the side of the ship. "Happy sailing. Don't get into trouble." He dives off, beginning the swim back to the Waterwyrm. He gives Verkolax a thumbs up as he goes.
When he climbs back aboard the ship, he waves off the first-mate's concerns. "Trouble's the last thing they want. We should be fine to continue."
Dog casts detect thoughts just before he opens the door. He listens to the prince's offer, scanning his surface thoughts. He turns around completely to Nev and mouths, "now or later?"
Verbally, he says, "The condolences are for you, Prince Harvell. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your brother is--was--a giant of a man, whose deep empathy was matched only by his infinite wisdom. You are a giant of a man to be standing tall amid such grief. The princess loved him deeply."He's trying to guide the man's surface thoughts to certain topics, fishing for information about his real intentions.
Dog listens closely to the prince's thoughts.
Neventi looks ravishing as a grieving ...widow? subject? woman? I should invite her to the estate before the coronation.
Neventi looks at Dog and nods. The prince enters the room with a polite nod to Dog and sits down carefully next to Neventi so that Gentoa can see him. The little princess gives her uncle a smile and a sob.
The poor child. It is only going to get more confusing for her before this is all over.
In the past, Harvell has been nothing but gracious and always good with Gentoa. All of his children are older than the 2 and a half year old princess. But the prince clearly remembers his children at that age and is always ready to pull out a bag of tricks to make Gentoa smile. He produces a little flower, which makes Gentoa's sob turn into a giggle. This in turn makes Neventi smile.
Such a beauty! I can see how she bedded a god. To share such a woman with Milil...
The prince makes no movements to betray the thoughts that Dog can hear as if in conversation with him about the princess' mother.
Ronis spreads his arms wide. "Then it seems our interests align. You continue on your way, we'll continue on ours." He draws his hood up, stepping over to the side of the ship. "Happy sailing. Don't get into trouble." He dives off, beginning the swim back to the Waterwyrm. He gives Verkolax a thumbs up as he goes.
When he climbs back aboard the ship, he waves off the first-mate's concerns. "Trouble's the last thing they want. We should be fine to continue."
As they haul Ronis up to the ship, the entire crew crowds around the sorcerer. He can pick out all sorts of comments in the squabble that ensues.
"...madness to throw your lot in with a dragon!"
"...thought it would eat you."
"You should have burned their..."
"Where did it come from?"
"Where is it now?"
Finally the captain tips back his hat and says, "Who in the hells are you, stranger? A bloody dragon?"
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“I think it would be best if you came with me. Once we have a response in action, we’ll be busy. You need to know the bigger picture plan in case we’re out of contact for awhile. And I think a few giant eagles would do nicely, provided they can carry the horse. I don’t want to abandon this one.” Martin’s eyes go distant thinking of all the horses left to die.
Paladin - warforged - orange
OOC: I see how I miscommunicated and of course it makes sense Kyva would go to do the first thing on the list of preparations -- no worries.
What does Dog know about the Lord's Senate at this point? Also could you refresh my memory about whether Gentoa was adopted just by Haddian or also by Duliani?
He gives Nev a deeply empathetic look as she comforts the girl. "He knew what was coming. We all did. Doesn't mean it's easy. Gunnur is off to gather our friends." He pauses and looks around. "Tock, are you here? No?" He looks back to the others. "Soon. For now, let's be patient, and watchful. You've been welcomed with open arms here and people love you both. I've seen it. But if there are problems, we'll deal with it."
Does Dog have any relatively trusted allies of the King he's gained over the last few months? He'd have tried to gain some. Now he'd want to know if it was proper for him to go see the body, or if that was Not Done. Also, we still have the sending stones -- I assume they are still distributed? If he has one connected to Tock, he'd use it to say, "You likely know this already, but Haddian died. I'm with Genny in quarters. Sad but well. Need to know threats troublemakers and helpers. Coming?"
(Seen but then i saw a squirrel and forgot to come back to it! Tough time with those persuasion rolls. sheesh!)
Perception check: 9
Insight check: 5
The laugh even harder, play fighting as a teasing show for Ronis.
One of the ship's mates comes to the rails and harangues his crew to get back to work. He glares at Ronis, floating in the water as the ship begins to pass him. But Ronis catches his eye nervously flicking to check the side of the ship, where the sorcerer notices fresh paint has covered something...probably the name of the ship. At this point he can tell they have no intention of casting him a line or chatting with him.
"You want to bring this dirtbag with us, then? They don't have a jail in Pallaxus for him. We can meet you a few days behind you or we can bring him all the way to the capital with us," says Gileon.
Tronk lifts Feldus up to look the man in the eye. "Have you been there?" he says. "I haven't. Kinda scary."
Feldus is red in the face from screaming to be put down but Tronk ignores him but drops his arm down.
"We can grab Shaggaustus too if we head to Munon first," Gileon says.
(Yeah, those rolls were oof-tastic.)
Ronis growls, before dipping back below the water. He casts an eye around for Verkolax, pointing at himself, then back up at the ship, miming wingbeats with his hands. If the dragon is accommodating, Ronis will have him lift him up and out of the water, to drop him on the deck, fire brimming in the palms of his hands. He is preparing a 4th Level Scorching Ray for if any of them show aggressive action.
"Now," Ronis grinds out, his blood beginning to boil, "One last chance. You can live, or I can leave you and your ship nothing but ash."
(Intimidation. Two rolls for disadvantage in case they just see him as a joke, or advantage for theatrics: 12 12)
If the dragon is not accomodating, Ronis will swim back to his ship, and say to the first mate: "It looked like their ship's name had been painted over. I take it that's not a good sign? Get me as close as you can when this kicks off."
Gentoa was legally and officially adopted by both Queen Duliani and King Haddian. Neventi is, by all official accounts, her nursemaid. It is no secret, nor even scandalous, that she is Gentoa's biological mother.
The Lord's Senate is the nobility's governing chamber. It is populated only with nobles from all strata in the nobility. They propose laws and manage the budget for the kingdom. Haddian has historically had a very good working relationship with the Lord's Senate, although there are a number of its members that disliked Haddian purely for reasons of being oppositional. The chamber is presided over by Prince Harvell III, Haddian's older brother, or, in his absence, Dux (aka duke) Peritus.
Dog has mainly kept to his job. He has met many, many people in the nobility, as well as their staff and families. But he has had little time to befriend any of them. He HAS met frequently with the King's Advisors, which include Tock (an unofficial advisor but obviously an ally), Spymaster Merro (a cold, calculating man, but more distrustful in personality than anything else, loyal to the king), Archmage La (definitely not trustworthy...disliked by all on the council of advisors), Guildmaster Juiri (she is quite likeable, not a schemer but a social butterfly...likes Dog), General Polatitus (Extremely loyal to the King. Was skeptical of Dog at first but now a close ally), Admiral Kurvo (quiet and unimaginative, not a threat but not really a friend either), and Silverbraid (the tribal Emissary and a goliath. She avoided Dog for the first 6 months but has come to respect him. Not close but more friend than foe.)
Dog's sending stone appears to be one that goes to Neventi?
After about 15 minutes of quiet waiting is interrupted by an officious rap on the door. Cautiously, Dog answers it and sees Prince Harvell III standing their with a small retinue of assistants with him. The prince, in his late 40s, gives Dog a sad smile.
"Mr. Brakespine," he says. "You have no doubt heard the news. I was on my way to the Lord's Senate but wanted to give the young princess my condolences. I hope it will not be too much of an intrusion."
Dog has met Haddian's brother on numerous occasions. He is something of a layabout, in Dog's opinion, and has multiple mistresses and a lavish estate by the sea. He has five official children and probably many more bastard children as well. He has never struck Dog as especially ambitious but the timing of his visit is suspicious.
Verkolax swims up underneath Ronis and carries him up out of the water. The sorcerer rises high enough on the dragons head to reach the deck. The bronze dragon stretches out his wings and roars at the sky, then dives back underneath the water, deep down until even his shadow is gone.
Nobody even has a weapon in their hands as Ronis alights on the deck but every one of them stares at him with wide eyes and slack jaws.
"Oh shit," says one of the sailors.
Several of the men scramble for weapons but the quartermaster holds up his hand to stop them. "We don't need no trouble," he says. "We ain't pirates."
He hesitates for a moment, then says, "But we ain't precisely legal either. Perhaps we can come to an accord?"
Ronis struggles to quench the flames now that they've sprung to life, but with a breath lets his arms fall, their fire going out.
He quirks an eyebrow in the quartermaster's direction. "What did you have in mind? And if you're not pirates, what exactly are doing that's outside the bounds of the law? I don't particularly care for smuggling or the like. So long as you're not hurting people."
“Let’s do that. Grab Shaggaustus, and get on our way to the capital. Dirtbag can rest in a prison cell anywhere.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Q'wai gives an understanding nod to his gnome companion but remarks, "To lighten the burden of another is a worthwhile endeavor."
Before offering a reply to the child, the monk evaluates her general demeanor, hoping to discern if there might be more here than meets the eye. (Perception: 16)
He then hops off Kazar and says, "We shall do what we can, young one. Is anyone hurt?"
"Smuggling is such a filthy word," the quartermaster says. "We prefer..."
He looks at the sailors around him, One of them chimes in, "Entrepreneurs!"
"Right. One o' them," says the quartermaster. "Like I said, trouble is the opposite o' what we want. We' don't want to hurt anyone."
"Not if we don't have to!"
"Shut up, Grimes. We just want to be left alone to our business ventures."
(Is Martin going with them or are they lagging behind?)
I think lagging behind. I was a bit confused, I thought shaggy was with us, and then it sounded like he wasn’t. I’d like to get everyone to the capitol, Martin fast as possible and with his horse. The others are coming but not if it slows Martin
Paladin - warforged - orange
As far as Q'wai can tell, this looks to be what it appears, a family cart gone off the rails. Before the oldest daughter even answers, he can tell the half-elf father is injured by the way he favors his wrist and the blackened eye. The children appear to be okay. The half-orc mother is straining to keep the cart steady while her husband works on the wheel.
"Just my dad," the young woman says. "We don't really have the tools to fix the wheel. And one of our horses kicked her shoe."
Dog casts detect thoughts just before he opens the door. He listens to the prince's offer, scanning his surface thoughts. He turns around completely to Nev and mouths, "now or later?"
Verbally, he says, "The condolences are for you, Prince Harvell. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your brother is--was--a giant of a man, whose deep empathy was matched only by his infinite wisdom. You are a giant of a man to be standing tall amid such grief. The princess loved him deeply." He's trying to guide the man's surface thoughts to certain topics, fishing for information about his real intentions.
(Got it!)
Tronk and Gileon head in the opposite direction, expecting to encounter Shaggaustus along the road. Feldus yells at Tronk to not hold him so tight, to which Tronk replies, "Can I pet your beard?"
Macy and Martin run like wild horses. For hours they gallop and then trot along and then gallop again. Night begins to fall and they have managed 25 miles. The next day, they manage another 25, putting them halfway to Pallaxus. On the third day, at about noon, Martin spies a lumbering giant walking dangerously close to the road. This stretch of road has been trampled by giants several times in Martin's time as Emissary of the Road. To date, it is unknown if the giants are just clumsy, uncaring, or intentional in their destruction of Haddian's Road. As they gallop forward, the giant, it is too hard to say which kind yet, looms about a third of a mile north of the road, walking in a southwesterly direction. They arrive in shouting distance of each other after about 20 more minutes of galloping. It appears to be a stone giant.
Ronis spreads his arms wide. "Then it seems our interests align. You continue on your way, we'll continue on ours." He draws his hood up, stepping over to the side of the ship. "Happy sailing. Don't get into trouble." He dives off, beginning the swim back to the Waterwyrm. He gives Verkolax a thumbs up as he goes.
When he climbs back aboard the ship, he waves off the first-mate's concerns. "Trouble's the last thing they want. We should be fine to continue."
Martin glares up at the stone giant. “Oy! You there! Stay off the road!” what do I know about giants generally and stone giants in particular?
All my intelligence checks are +0
13
Paladin - warforged - orange
Dog listens closely to the prince's thoughts.
Neventi looks ravishing as a grieving ...widow? subject? woman? I should invite her to the estate before the coronation.
Neventi looks at Dog and nods. The prince enters the room with a polite nod to Dog and sits down carefully next to Neventi so that Gentoa can see him. The little princess gives her uncle a smile and a sob.
The poor child. It is only going to get more confusing for her before this is all over.
In the past, Harvell has been nothing but gracious and always good with Gentoa. All of his children are older than the 2 and a half year old princess. But the prince clearly remembers his children at that age and is always ready to pull out a bag of tricks to make Gentoa smile. He produces a little flower, which makes Gentoa's sob turn into a giggle. This in turn makes Neventi smile.
Such a beauty! I can see how she bedded a god. To share such a woman with Milil...
The prince makes no movements to betray the thoughts that Dog can hear as if in conversation with him about the princess' mother.
As they haul Ronis up to the ship, the entire crew crowds around the sorcerer. He can pick out all sorts of comments in the squabble that ensues.
"...madness to throw your lot in with a dragon!"
"...thought it would eat you."
"You should have burned their..."
"Where did it come from?"
"Where is it now?"
Finally the captain tips back his hat and says, "Who in the hells are you, stranger? A bloody dragon?"