Throughout the process itself, Doozey had taken to whispering a mantra in draconic. Not really intending to help in the ritual, so much as to keep himself braced for if/when things went wrong. Yet when he felt himself not only breathe easier, but in hearing Graxx' bellowing as well, he couldn't help cracking a bright grin. One that quickly turned into a tired one as a wave of exhaustion practically hits him at once.
Still he resolutely kept to his feet, and eventually joined the others side to make room for Dornal. "You have my thanks as well. All of you. Truly. As prepared as I was for the worse, I..."He trailed off there simply shaking his head, and then bowed his head one more time in thanks. But after which and if allowed as much, he'd wander a little ways off if not back into the main lobby itself to simply rest for a spell.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx re-announces the end of the ritual with a jump and a yelp of relief. Doozey is given some moments to collect himself and come to terms with the spiritual and physical beating his body has taken, which is now manifesting itself in the form of exhaustion. Soon, the stoutling excuses himself as to rest a bit in a less crowded space. Perhaps not taking a hint, Elisande follows the ranger and sits next to him once he finds a spot. If he maintains the silence, so does she.
With two fewer people in the chamber, the collective attention turns to Dornal. Utar describes what he can about the dwarf's affliction and Sister Ahkt, now tired herself, asks Brother Manas to step in. The Brother suggests spending some time studying the effects of Dornal's curse, much like the priests and acolytes had done with Doozey's. They want to make sure they understand it before treating it, and this is also a good learning opportunity for the younger Tormites in training.
After some instructive minutes pass, Brother Manas turns to Utar and explains: "It seems his case is not as bad as your other friend's. If fact, I'd venture saying Dornal here has withstood most of it already. We can perform another ritual if you prefer but, by the time we complete it, the symptoms he is experiencing would most likely have improved on their own." More lucid now than he had been during the ride on the ship, Dornal admits that he can tell he is getting better: "Indeed, the headache is subsiding gradually."Brother Manas responds by offering additional care: "We can find you a cot to lie on and rest. We'll make sure you are fed and hydrated and we'll cool your brow as needed. At this point, you would be better off simply braving through it another hour, certainly not even two." Dornal agrees: "Then, let it be so. If this was a temporary hex and I am close to enduring all of it, there is no need to ask these good folks to spend their time and resources on me."The dwarf leaves little room for argument. He leaves the chamber with some acolytes so he can receive the needed support to see this curse through.
Brother Manas stays behind to answer any questions CRAP has, but is otherwise simply overseeing the cleaning and clearing of the ritual room. Sister Ahkt had already excused herself.
Utar thanks Brother Manas and notes the need to seek out Sister Ahkt in the morning.
"I can show my companions to the cots and can cover our costs in the morning. I'll let you get back to your tasks in a moment but would like a word if I may."
He points over to a secluded corner of the temple away from the rest of CRAP and particularly away from Elisande and Doozey and walks Brother Manas over, in hushed tones, he gives the priest a quick warning.
"Make sure that the others know to be wary of the girl. She seems simple and perhaps a bit touched but she has significant power that I am not entirely convinced she understands. It is a dangerous combination to be sure but her stay here should be brief. I would not want any of our order to come to harm on my account, I trust you can spread the word and remain discrete?"
Assuming that Brother Manas is as content he can be with that warning, Utar will thank his brother again, before leading CRAP below.
Doozey ears perks up at Utar's suggestion. But while not exactly pleased at the idea of overstaying at the temple, his first attempt to rise up in possible protest halts part way with a tired groan, before he then subsequently either sat back down or found himself leaning back heavily against a wall or Graxx.
"Only if its not a bother. I can make it back to the Inn... after a bit." He still asserts, having not forgotten the in part last reason they'd sought out alternate means of housing being the temple cots being needed for others. A thought then occurs to him, leading him to finally looks over to Elisande and says with a weak smile, "Looks like I won't be losing me head after all, little Eli."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Rest easy my friend. I will keep watch until you can make it back to the Inn. Once we get you back safely I will be going to check on Glory." says Graxx.
Graxx will watch over Doozey as he rests. After he is rested Graxx will depart from the others and go to the residence to check on Glory.
(OOC: Doozey's passive perception is quite high, so he might indeed be still able to hear Utar if all you are doing is moving to a corner. That said, @Ori did say he might have walked back to the main lobby area, so I'll leave it up to the two of you to decide what info was overheard, if any.)
Utar pulls Brother Manas aside and mentions a few cautions regarding their newest companion. Brother Manas thanks Utar for being upfront about his concerns but points out to the half-orc that his companions are seemingly getting ready to depart the House of the Hand, albeit slowly so they can rest a bit first. He then moves on to the next topic: "If you need to speak to Sister Ahkt, you are welcome to return in the morning if you decide to follow your friends. Otherwise, we can spare a cot for you as well. Also..." the priest looks a bit uncomfortable but feels it is his duty to remind Utar of the supplies used in the ritual now that the half-orc brought up the subject of costs: "... the suggested donation for the ritual we performed is 90gp. But don't worry, there is no suggested donation for the services we are providing to your dwarf friend."
Utar's decision on where to sleep tonight is still pending, but Doozey, Neya, and Graxx swiftly choose to return to the Laughing Goblin, with Elisande in tow. Dornal has already decided to spend the night in the temple under the Tormites' care.
The streets of Phlan are not deserted but the number of citizens out and about is only a fraction of its usual daytime flow. The walk to the inn is uneventful, as is Imizael's check in procedure at the Laughing Goblin. The party had already pre-booked some rooms so there is no charge for the night. Elisande asks to sleep in the same room as Doozey, willing to claim a spot on the ground if needed. Neya goes up to her usual room. Once the three of them are settled, Graxx leaves to go check on Glory.
The Leadstopper Residence is looking more and more finished. The guild workers have already left (it is late after all) but the home is not unattended. A familiar kobold can be found sweeping the entrance, which may be a pleasant surprised after Sagin disappeared for a couple of nights. He waves at Graxx as he approaches. In the backyard, where the beginnings of a small stable is being built, Graxx sees Glory tied up to a tree. The horse is sleeping. It does not look like she went wanting for food.
(OOC: We are nearing a spot where I feel comfortable calling for the end of the episode. I invite each of you to make a post detailing what you'd like to do before we wrap up this episode. Unless you have any big plans for this in-game evening or the next day, we'll likely finish this episode in the next IRL day or two. I also invite you to start thinking what to do on your downtime between episodes.)
Utar will stay at the temple and bed down other Tormites. If Dornal is staying too, he'll make sure the dwarf is well looked after, keeping himself awake until the last of dwarf's affliction has left him before turning in himself.
Settling the group's debt in the morning, Utar will look to catch up with the others at some point, either at the Laughing Goblin or at the Leadstopper Residence.
Tired as he was, Eli's suggestion is met with a hard 'no' in the form of a headshake from the stoutling. The bed he'd leave to her upon some further explanation. "Just try to be mindful of the thorns there. Don't want go about tearing up the sheets too bad now." He warn half-jokingly, but otherwise wouldn't broker much counter argument on the subject. Compromises however... would depend.
Regardless, once at the goblin and unless Doozey spots Sagin in passing(not knowing he's at home base), any thought of trying again to check up on the kobold is something he'd leave to the morning. Or so such a thought lazily would drift in mind. Either way, it was unlikely to be more than a passing greeting at best till morning, seeing as rest called for the halfling.
... And yet, rest would not come easily to him. The days to follow promised much needing to be done and with some care and expediency at that. Eli needed a new home -- a proper home and training that... Doozey hadn't the heart to believe anyone outside this order could manage without undoing the miracle they'd manage so far. Nevermind the cryptic and incidental warning from Eli about a certain hag visiting dreams, or the group /still/ needing to visit the archfey, fulfilling one promise and learning what became of the last redfoot to come to town. Then there was still the missing necromancer to somehow seek, the ancient green dragon's ongoing plots to possibly uncover, as well as the pool of 'whatever' to deal with too!
All in all, it was enough to leave him grumbling and turning in his bedding for the night. But sleep would find him eventually, muttering the words "One thing at a time" in the end. Come morning he'd approach the others with both a suggestion and his intentions for the coming days; a temporary departure from town and the group regardless of how the inevitable conversation on Elisande's placement would turn out at the time...
(OOC: Leaving things off here figure'n the discussion would best be rp'd out more.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
It takes about another hour or so for Dornal to report that his headache has ameliorated. The dwarf still looks quite beat, but he seems to finally be in control of all of his faculties once again: "Thank you, Utar, to you and your fellow Tormites for caring for me. If I ever find myself with another case of hag curse, I know where to go, and I may even accept a ritual or two then instead of braving it." He chuckles a bit before continuing: "I am glad the curse was a temporary one. It never felt like it was, but your Brother's diagonosis helped me calm down and regain the courage needed to see it through. I'll be sure to make a donation to the temple once I regain my composure." With that, Dornal says his good buys to all and leaves the temple on his own.
Utar gets ready to leave as well, making sure to make an appropriate donation for the performed ritual and saying his polite farewells to his fellow Tormites. Before Utar Leaves, Sister Ahkt comes to him: "Brother Manas mentioned you wanted to speak with me. How may I assist you?"
Sagin nods at Graxx: "Sagin takes good care of house and of horse, yes." The kobold smiles and goes back to finish his self-assigned tasks. He volunteers no information about what he has been up to over the last couple of days.
Before Graxx falls asleep next to Glory, Sagin calls it a night and heads back to the Laughing Goblin. Doozey had pre-paid for a room for the kobold for a tenday and, as such, it seems he is going there to rest for the night.
Elisande does not argue about being allowed to sleep on the bed. "I don't remember the last time I slept on a bed," she says with no hint of sadness in her voice. She tries to sleep with her arms hanging by the side of the bed but eventually assumes a more comfortable position that, unfortunately, introduces the thorns in her arms to the bed sheets. That said, it is not like they were going to survive the night unsoiled anyhow: the blind goat's half skull is still looped to the girl's waist. It smears blood and other remains all over the bed. Now in a small and closed space, Doozey cannot help but notice that the girl stinks quite pungently.
Neya calls for a quiet night in her own bedroom.
In the morning, Imizael brings warm water to refill the water basins in each room. After some morning hygiene, those who spent the night here, including Sagin, are welcomed to the breakfast table by Fat Mar, who is happy to see your familiar faces again. Soon, Graxx and Utar also join the group. Markoth serves porridge and tea all around (base breakfast) and asks if anyone wants to place fancier orders. He knows better than to ask about the new girl with thorns and skull on her person, but you can tell that curiosity is nipping at him.
Doozey eventually breaches to topic of what to do with Elisande, hinting at his decision to temporarily leave CRAP and Phlan.
Somewhere in the bay, Peabody hunts for his own breakfast.
Greeting Sister Ahkt, Utar thanks her for her help offered last night. "I should be in position to give a little more of my time to the temple over the next tenday, hopefully I can use that time to help you all here and reconnect with my Tormite brothers and sisters."
Graxx is fine with his porridge and is enjoying the peace.
"Thank you for the fine food." says Graxx.
Graxx stirs his spoon a bit as he thinks before speaking to the group.
"I plan on returning to where we slayed the Hydra. Since I have no proof of deed of the latest battle I want one of our previous battle." says Graxx.
Graxx smiles.
"I have an idea for some armor that is proof of deed. It depends on what kind of bones or claws I can take from the Hydra. If anyone wants to come with me I would welcome it." says Graxx.
Neya takes a sip of morning tea and replies to Graxx, "Depending on what sort of armor you are making, you will need quite a bit. Carrying that much could turn some heads. Considering what we've seen on the road to Derannos' lair before, you will need numbers as well. So, I'll help you out."
Seeing the obvious interest in Fat Mar, Doozey quietly whispers with a sheepish grin, "A story for later. Promise. And uhm... Don't mind her too much." Turning then back to the others, Doozey furrowed his brow in consternation and seemed to consider Elisande a moment, prior to then simply shaking his head. "Much as I be wanting to pay me respects as well, I... I can't. Not yet. And I rather not bring little Eli round there least it somehow brings back odd or bad memories." He admits as much. "But... but if the spirit of that dragon yet lingers there, I... I s'pose he'd want to see and know things are alright -- BUT, if you two and Mr. Utar think you'll be fine enough, or could maybe bring Greeny along for the 'experience', then just as well. Though, I might be gone by the time you both get back, so.. uh.. take care, ya?"
"A-a-and if you need to in the meantime, maybe ask the Harpers or Alliance or even that noble fellow if he could spare a soul in my and Eli's here absence... That is, if the rest of you are yet fond of seeing her in the care of others." He cracks a wiry grin. "Big Mama only knows we can certainly use the bit of help now and then after that last one!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"That would be very welcomed," Sister Ahkt tells Utar. "It is not often we priests and acolytes get to enjoy the company of traveling clerics with field experience."
AT THE LAUGHING GOBLIN
Mar is visibly disappointed that his curiosity is not being sated for the time. He takes orders as needed and goes to check on other tables.
Graxx mentions returning to Derannos' lair to claim a trophy and materials for new gear. Neya considers the logistics of such venture and volunteers to accompany Graxx. Utar had mentioned returning to the islet to hallow the village grounds, so perhaps this trip might interest him as well.
Doozey has other plans. Riding a path for Elisande will take some effort and time, and the ranger is ready to commit some of his to the cause. Aware that his temporary departure will leave a hole in the team's formation, Doozey suggests the other three invite temporary help from the ranks of their acquaintances, or even perhaps others. As if on cue, Thokk and Bigar join CRAP's breakfast table at this point (they had been told to spend the night here). Thokk communicates that he is open to adventuring with the group again. Bigar says he has to check with his mentor, Harper of the Harpers.
Sagin is at the table too. He looks at Doozey when the stoutling mentions leaving town. He seems a bit taken aback by the news and by the possibility of the others also departing shortly, but he quickly recomposes himself and states: "I take care of home while you away."
(OOC: This seems like a good place to end the episode. That said, feel free to post if you'd like to RP any last conversation threads here.)
Doozey grins sheepishly at Sagin, and even if distance wouldn't quite allow for it, he'd hop out of his seat just to go over and pat the Kobold on the shoulder. "So it has been said, and so it shall be... and you have my sincerest thanks for that. But just case, here--"The stoutling offers Sagin a familiar wand, and at that point would switch to Draconic, if able to recall the Kobold being more comfortable with the language.
"Just in case we have some nasty visitors, and you have to make good an escape. For your life is not just important to you, but to this group as well. Even if, uh... even if I at least have a funny way of showing it."He grins awkwardly. "I-I'll be sure to show you how it works 'n all that 'fore I'm off. But stay safe, and watch over the others when you can."
With that said and confident the others would be in good hands with Thokk at least accompanying them for the hydra trip, Doozey found his way back to his seat to enjoy the rest of his meal and wait for Utar's arrival to share all the news and his intended destination. He'd hope as well that the others would see to the hallowing in his absence, and even remind Utar if need be! But beyond that, he was content to enjoy what time he had left with the others before making good on a promise to show Elisande around time... with Biscuit in tow, once they eventually found their way to the dock to perform the switcharoo ritual!
(@Ori: Please transfer the wand from your inventory to Sagin's, if you haven't done so yet. Also, Utar is already there.)
Sagin receives the wand and pays close attention to Doozey's words. A tear forms in one of his eyes as a look of surprise forms on the kobold's face: "Sagin life... important to the group?" The tear falls down his cheek as the kobold confesses: "Sagin run away. Sagin was found by other kobolds. They told Sagin to go back to work. They didn't even miss Sagin. They didn't notice Sagin was gone. Sagin want to be noticed and important. Sagin come back to your group. Sagin take care of your home."
As Doozey continues to share his most immediate plans, CRAP enjoys their breakfast with a few additional companions and prepares for some downtime. Elisande is quite excited about her tour.
Throughout the process itself, Doozey had taken to whispering a mantra in draconic. Not really intending to help in the ritual, so much as to keep himself braced for if/when things went wrong. Yet when he felt himself not only breathe easier, but in hearing Graxx' bellowing as well, he couldn't help cracking a bright grin. One that quickly turned into a tired one as a wave of exhaustion practically hits him at once.
Still he resolutely kept to his feet, and eventually joined the others side to make room for Dornal. "You have my thanks as well. All of you. Truly. As prepared as I was for the worse, I..." He trailed off there simply shaking his head, and then bowed his head one more time in thanks. But after which and if allowed as much, he'd wander a little ways off if not back into the main lobby itself to simply rest for a spell.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx re-announces the end of the ritual with a jump and a yelp of relief. Doozey is given some moments to collect himself and come to terms with the spiritual and physical beating his body has taken, which is now manifesting itself in the form of exhaustion. Soon, the stoutling excuses himself as to rest a bit in a less crowded space. Perhaps not taking a hint, Elisande follows the ranger and sits next to him once he finds a spot. If he maintains the silence, so does she.
With two fewer people in the chamber, the collective attention turns to Dornal. Utar describes what he can about the dwarf's affliction and Sister Ahkt, now tired herself, asks Brother Manas to step in. The Brother suggests spending some time studying the effects of Dornal's curse, much like the priests and acolytes had done with Doozey's. They want to make sure they understand it before treating it, and this is also a good learning opportunity for the younger Tormites in training.
After some instructive minutes pass, Brother Manas turns to Utar and explains: "It seems his case is not as bad as your other friend's. If fact, I'd venture saying Dornal here has withstood most of it already. We can perform another ritual if you prefer but, by the time we complete it, the symptoms he is experiencing would most likely have improved on their own." More lucid now than he had been during the ride on the ship, Dornal admits that he can tell he is getting better: "Indeed, the headache is subsiding gradually." Brother Manas responds by offering additional care: "We can find you a cot to lie on and rest. We'll make sure you are fed and hydrated and we'll cool your brow as needed. At this point, you would be better off simply braving through it another hour, certainly not even two." Dornal agrees: "Then, let it be so. If this was a temporary hex and I am close to enduring all of it, there is no need to ask these good folks to spend their time and resources on me." The dwarf leaves little room for argument. He leaves the chamber with some acolytes so he can receive the needed support to see this curse through.
Brother Manas stays behind to answer any questions CRAP has, but is otherwise simply overseeing the cleaning and clearing of the ritual room. Sister Ahkt had already excused herself.
Utar thanks Brother Manas and notes the need to seek out Sister Ahkt in the morning.
"I can show my companions to the cots and can cover our costs in the morning. I'll let you get back to your tasks in a moment but would like a word if I may."
He points over to a secluded corner of the temple away from the rest of CRAP and particularly away from Elisande and Doozey and walks Brother Manas over, in hushed tones, he gives the priest a quick warning.
"Make sure that the others know to be wary of the girl. She seems simple and perhaps a bit touched but she has significant power that I am not entirely convinced she understands. It is a dangerous combination to be sure but her stay here should be brief. I would not want any of our order to come to harm on my account, I trust you can spread the word and remain discrete?"
Assuming that Brother Manas is as content he can be with that warning, Utar will thank his brother again, before leading CRAP below.
Doozey ears perks up at Utar's suggestion. But while not exactly pleased at the idea of overstaying at the temple, his first attempt to rise up in possible protest halts part way with a tired groan, before he then subsequently either sat back down or found himself leaning back heavily against a wall or Graxx.
"Only if its not a bother. I can make it back to the Inn... after a bit." He still asserts, having not forgotten the in part last reason they'd sought out alternate means of housing being the temple cots being needed for others. A thought then occurs to him, leading him to finally looks over to Elisande and says with a weak smile, "Looks like I won't be losing me head after all, little Eli."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I will sleep at the inn, as well. There are people more needing of the cots than I am,." Neya refuses.
Extended Signature
Graxx welcomes Doozey leaning up against him.
"Rest easy my friend. I will keep watch until you can make it back to the Inn. Once we get you back safely I will be going to check on Glory." says Graxx.
Graxx will watch over Doozey as he rests. After he is rested Graxx will depart from the others and go to the residence to check on Glory.
(OOC: Doozey's passive perception is quite high, so he might indeed be still able to hear Utar if all you are doing is moving to a corner. That said, @Ori did say he might have walked back to the main lobby area, so I'll leave it up to the two of you to decide what info was overheard, if any.)
Utar pulls Brother Manas aside and mentions a few cautions regarding their newest companion. Brother Manas thanks Utar for being upfront about his concerns but points out to the half-orc that his companions are seemingly getting ready to depart the House of the Hand, albeit slowly so they can rest a bit first. He then moves on to the next topic: "If you need to speak to Sister Ahkt, you are welcome to return in the morning if you decide to follow your friends. Otherwise, we can spare a cot for you as well. Also..." the priest looks a bit uncomfortable but feels it is his duty to remind Utar of the supplies used in the ritual now that the half-orc brought up the subject of costs: "... the suggested donation for the ritual we performed is 90gp. But don't worry, there is no suggested donation for the services we are providing to your dwarf friend."
Utar's decision on where to sleep tonight is still pending, but Doozey, Neya, and Graxx swiftly choose to return to the Laughing Goblin, with Elisande in tow. Dornal has already decided to spend the night in the temple under the Tormites' care.
The streets of Phlan are not deserted but the number of citizens out and about is only a fraction of its usual daytime flow. The walk to the inn is uneventful, as is Imizael's check in procedure at the Laughing Goblin. The party had already pre-booked some rooms so there is no charge for the night. Elisande asks to sleep in the same room as Doozey, willing to claim a spot on the ground if needed. Neya goes up to her usual room. Once the three of them are settled, Graxx leaves to go check on Glory.
The Leadstopper Residence is looking more and more finished. The guild workers have already left (it is late after all) but the home is not unattended. A familiar kobold can be found sweeping the entrance, which may be a pleasant surprised after Sagin disappeared for a couple of nights. He waves at Graxx as he approaches. In the backyard, where the beginnings of a small stable is being built, Graxx sees Glory tied up to a tree. The horse is sleeping. It does not look like she went wanting for food.
(OOC: We are nearing a spot where I feel comfortable calling for the end of the episode. I invite each of you to make a post detailing what you'd like to do before we wrap up this episode. Unless you have any big plans for this in-game evening or the next day, we'll likely finish this episode in the next IRL day or two. I also invite you to start thinking what to do on your downtime between episodes.)
Utar will stay at the temple and bed down other Tormites. If Dornal is staying too, he'll make sure the dwarf is well looked after, keeping himself awake until the last of dwarf's affliction has left him before turning in himself.
Settling the group's debt in the morning, Utar will look to catch up with the others at some point, either at the Laughing Goblin or at the Leadstopper Residence.
Tired as he was, Eli's suggestion is met with a hard 'no' in the form of a headshake from the stoutling. The bed he'd leave to her upon some further explanation. "Just try to be mindful of the thorns there. Don't want go about tearing up the sheets too bad now." He warn half-jokingly, but otherwise wouldn't broker much counter argument on the subject. Compromises however... would depend.
Regardless, once at the goblin and unless Doozey spots Sagin in passing(not knowing he's at home base), any thought of trying again to check up on the kobold is something he'd leave to the morning. Or so such a thought lazily would drift in mind. Either way, it was unlikely to be more than a passing greeting at best till morning, seeing as rest called for the halfling.
... And yet, rest would not come easily to him. The days to follow promised much needing to be done and with some care and expediency at that. Eli needed a new home -- a proper home and training that... Doozey hadn't the heart to believe anyone outside this order could manage without undoing the miracle they'd manage so far. Nevermind the cryptic and incidental warning from Eli about a certain hag visiting dreams, or the group /still/ needing to visit the archfey, fulfilling one promise and learning what became of the last redfoot to come to town. Then there was still the missing necromancer to somehow seek, the ancient green dragon's ongoing plots to possibly uncover, as well as the pool of 'whatever' to deal with too!
All in all, it was enough to leave him grumbling and turning in his bedding for the night. But sleep would find him eventually, muttering the words "One thing at a time" in the end. Come morning he'd approach the others with both a suggestion and his intentions for the coming days; a temporary departure from town and the group regardless of how the inevitable conversation on Elisande's placement would turn out at the time...
(OOC: Leaving things off here figure'n the discussion would best be rp'd out more.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx smiles and waves to Sagin.
Graxx approaches Sagin while looking at Glory sleeping.
"I'm guessing I have you to thank Sagin for taking care of Glory while I was away?" asks Graxx.
Graxx nods towards Glory.
"I was really worried about her as I was gone longer than I thought I would be. I am very thankful for you." says Graxx.
Graxx will go and lie down next to Glory.
"Now time for some rest." says Graxx.
Graxx will wake up early and meet the group at the Inn for breakfast.
TEMPLE OF THE HAND
It takes about another hour or so for Dornal to report that his headache has ameliorated. The dwarf still looks quite beat, but he seems to finally be in control of all of his faculties once again: "Thank you, Utar, to you and your fellow Tormites for caring for me. If I ever find myself with another case of hag curse, I know where to go, and I may even accept a ritual or two then instead of braving it." He chuckles a bit before continuing: "I am glad the curse was a temporary one. It never felt like it was, but your Brother's diagonosis helped me calm down and regain the courage needed to see it through. I'll be sure to make a donation to the temple once I regain my composure." With that, Dornal says his good buys to all and leaves the temple on his own.
Utar gets ready to leave as well, making sure to make an appropriate donation for the performed ritual and saying his polite farewells to his fellow Tormites. Before Utar Leaves, Sister Ahkt comes to him: "Brother Manas mentioned you wanted to speak with me. How may I assist you?"
LEADSTOPPER RESIDENCE
Sagin nods at Graxx: "Sagin takes good care of house and of horse, yes." The kobold smiles and goes back to finish his self-assigned tasks. He volunteers no information about what he has been up to over the last couple of days.
Before Graxx falls asleep next to Glory, Sagin calls it a night and heads back to the Laughing Goblin. Doozey had pre-paid for a room for the kobold for a tenday and, as such, it seems he is going there to rest for the night.
LAUGHING GOBLIN
Elisande does not argue about being allowed to sleep on the bed. "I don't remember the last time I slept on a bed," she says with no hint of sadness in her voice. She tries to sleep with her arms hanging by the side of the bed but eventually assumes a more comfortable position that, unfortunately, introduces the thorns in her arms to the bed sheets. That said, it is not like they were going to survive the night unsoiled anyhow: the blind goat's half skull is still looped to the girl's waist. It smears blood and other remains all over the bed. Now in a small and closed space, Doozey cannot help but notice that the girl stinks quite pungently.
Neya calls for a quiet night in her own bedroom.
In the morning, Imizael brings warm water to refill the water basins in each room. After some morning hygiene, those who spent the night here, including Sagin, are welcomed to the breakfast table by Fat Mar, who is happy to see your familiar faces again. Soon, Graxx and Utar also join the group. Markoth serves porridge and tea all around (base breakfast) and asks if anyone wants to place fancier orders. He knows better than to ask about the new girl with thorns and skull on her person, but you can tell that curiosity is nipping at him.
Doozey eventually breaches to topic of what to do with Elisande, hinting at his decision to temporarily leave CRAP and Phlan.
Somewhere in the bay, Peabody hunts for his own breakfast.
(OOC: I am happy to keep the RP going.)
BACK AT THE TEMPLE:
Greeting Sister Ahkt, Utar thanks her for her help offered last night. "I should be in position to give a little more of my time to the temple over the next tenday, hopefully I can use that time to help you all here and reconnect with my Tormite brothers and sisters."
Graxx is fine with his porridge and is enjoying the peace.
"Thank you for the fine food." says Graxx.
Graxx stirs his spoon a bit as he thinks before speaking to the group.
"I plan on returning to where we slayed the Hydra. Since I have no proof of deed of the latest battle I want one of our previous battle." says Graxx.
Graxx smiles.
"I have an idea for some armor that is proof of deed. It depends on what kind of bones or claws I can take from the Hydra. If anyone wants to come with me I would welcome it." says Graxx.
OOC: Graxx wants to see if he can find anything to make shoulderpads like this: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=AwrEwhVCmoViT9UAyoZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZANMT0NVSTAzOEJfMQRzZWMDcGl2cw--?p=Garrosh Hellscream&fr2=piv-web&type=E211US885G0&fr=mcafee#id=4&iurl=https://dotesports-media.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/11204619/garrosh-hellscream-lore-warrior.jpg&action=click
Neya takes a sip of morning tea and replies to Graxx, "Depending on what sort of armor you are making, you will need quite a bit. Carrying that much could turn some heads. Considering what we've seen on the road to Derannos' lair before, you will need numbers as well. So, I'll help you out."
Extended Signature
Seeing the obvious interest in Fat Mar, Doozey quietly whispers with a sheepish grin, "A story for later. Promise. And uhm... Don't mind her too much." Turning then back to the others, Doozey furrowed his brow in consternation and seemed to consider Elisande a moment, prior to then simply shaking his head. "Much as I be wanting to pay me respects as well, I... I can't. Not yet. And I rather not bring little Eli round there least it somehow brings back odd or bad memories." He admits as much. "But... but if the spirit of that dragon yet lingers there, I... I s'pose he'd want to see and know things are alright -- BUT, if you two and Mr. Utar think you'll be fine enough, or could maybe bring Greeny along for the 'experience', then just as well. Though, I might be gone by the time you both get back, so.. uh.. take care, ya?"
"A-a-and if you need to in the meantime, maybe ask the Harpers or Alliance or even that noble fellow if he could spare a soul in my and Eli's here absence... That is, if the rest of you are yet fond of seeing her in the care of others." He cracks a wiry grin. "Big Mama only knows we can certainly use the bit of help now and then after that last one!"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
AT THE TEMPLE OF THE HAND:
"That would be very welcomed," Sister Ahkt tells Utar. "It is not often we priests and acolytes get to enjoy the company of traveling clerics with field experience."
AT THE LAUGHING GOBLIN
Mar is visibly disappointed that his curiosity is not being sated for the time. He takes orders as needed and goes to check on other tables.
Graxx mentions returning to Derannos' lair to claim a trophy and materials for new gear. Neya considers the logistics of such venture and volunteers to accompany Graxx. Utar had mentioned returning to the islet to hallow the village grounds, so perhaps this trip might interest him as well.
Doozey has other plans. Riding a path for Elisande will take some effort and time, and the ranger is ready to commit some of his to the cause. Aware that his temporary departure will leave a hole in the team's formation, Doozey suggests the other three invite temporary help from the ranks of their acquaintances, or even perhaps others. As if on cue, Thokk and Bigar join CRAP's breakfast table at this point (they had been told to spend the night here). Thokk communicates that he is open to adventuring with the group again. Bigar says he has to check with his mentor, Harper of the Harpers.
Sagin is at the table too. He looks at Doozey when the stoutling mentions leaving town. He seems a bit taken aback by the news and by the possibility of the others also departing shortly, but he quickly recomposes himself and states: "I take care of home while you away."
(OOC: This seems like a good place to end the episode. That said, feel free to post if you'd like to RP any last conversation threads here.)
Doozey grins sheepishly at Sagin, and even if distance wouldn't quite allow for it, he'd hop out of his seat just to go over and pat the Kobold on the shoulder. "So it has been said, and so it shall be... and you have my sincerest thanks for that. But just case, here--" The stoutling offers Sagin a familiar wand, and at that point would switch to Draconic, if able to recall the Kobold being more comfortable with the language.
"Just in case we have some nasty visitors, and you have to make good an escape. For your life is not just important to you, but to this group as well. Even if, uh... even if I at least have a funny way of showing it." He grins awkwardly. "I-I'll be sure to show you how it works 'n all that 'fore I'm off. But stay safe, and watch over the others when you can."
With that said and confident the others would be in good hands with Thokk at least accompanying them for the hydra trip, Doozey found his way back to his seat to enjoy the rest of his meal and wait for Utar's arrival to share all the news and his intended destination. He'd hope as well that the others would see to the hallowing in his absence, and even remind Utar if need be! But beyond that, he was content to enjoy what time he had left with the others before making good on a promise to show Elisande around time... with Biscuit in tow, once they eventually found their way to the dock to perform the switcharoo ritual!
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Ori: Please transfer the wand from your inventory to Sagin's, if you haven't done so yet. Also, Utar is already there.)
Sagin receives the wand and pays close attention to Doozey's words. A tear forms in one of his eyes as a look of surprise forms on the kobold's face: "Sagin life... important to the group?" The tear falls down his cheek as the kobold confesses: "Sagin run away. Sagin was found by other kobolds. They told Sagin to go back to work. They didn't even miss Sagin. They didn't notice Sagin was gone. Sagin want to be noticed and important. Sagin come back to your group. Sagin take care of your home."
As Doozey continues to share his most immediate plans, CRAP enjoys their breakfast with a few additional companions and prepares for some downtime. Elisande is quite excited about her tour.