"Do not worry too hard about me, as far as equipment goes. I should like a sword, and a shield if possible, but if it comes down to it I can wait, should we choose to avoid the clash in the middle. As for armor... I... er, do not worry about that."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
OOC: All of your PCs have some vague inclination of the contests but as opposed to Hunger Games these are not widely viewed but are seen as a private contest between the seven to jockey for favor amongst the council of seven elders. Each of you may roll a history check for more details your PC knows but player knowledge can be asked via PM.
As the party shares strategies and discusses their knowledge of the contests based on rumor or study they edge out the morning and are interrupted hours after waking by the known representative of House Visser, Voshell Madej. The red-skinned tiefling with white hair of ambiguous gender is dressed in fine robes of black, silver, and white representing House Visser but what the party knows about Madej is that they are a Warlock with the same patron as House Visser, the Fathomless.
Voshell Madej
"Greetings friends. I come with news and gifts from High Archon of House Visser," Voshell explains in a whirl of robes as they settle on a large armchair facing the gathered group. "Tonight is the grand ball. You will finally meet your opponents from the other houses and gain perspective on their strengths snd weaknesses. You will also be able to charm some potential aid from the lesser houses vying for the support of the seven. They too can grand you boons whilst in the contest when you most need aid," they explain. "How are the accommodations? Do you have all you require," they ask curiously eyeing the finery around the party.
"Oh, yes," exclaims Erryl, "This is more finery than I have ev-"
He cuts short abruptly, falling instantly silent. He is frozen for a moment, before quietly clearing his throat.
"Ahhrem... er, I mean to say, it is quite sufficient for my needs, and I hope the needs of my allies as well. My compliments to the... er, to whoever prepared all this. And thank you for the information, my allies and I will prepare most eagerly for the ball, and look forwards to the festivities."
He gives a small, halting bow to the tiefling, pausing awkwardly for a moment, then bowing a little deeper.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I think quite the opposite. Let us make an alliance and then we can betray the others. We gain both a temporary boost to our strength and the jump on another team." This sounds like a good plan, though she's not sure how they could convince the others to join them. She knew she was charming enough, but the others weren't particularly inviting in their looks.
When the Tiefling enters, Camellia stops and listens. "All I need, other than freedom." She answers the Tiefling's question. "How about you give me some of that? I promise I'll come back to participate in the games." This is quite obviously a lie, and Camellia doesn't even bother to hide that. There was no way they'll just let her go anyhow unless she wins the games or them. "Guess not, huh? Anyway, during this grand ball, are we allowed to just kill the other contestants already? Perhaps you could ah... smuggle some small weapon for us, or poison, and we'll kill a few contestants before starting?"
History check for information about the games: 13.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Seamus says flatly to Camellia, "As a druid I recognize there is a need for light and dark to balance, for neither good nor evil to hold complete sway. However, betrayal of trust, even to one who seeks balance, is loathsome. I will not participate in any such fiction. And now, we shall have to keep our eyes on you in addition to the enemy, knowing that you have no qualms about betraying us as well if it is to your advantage. You weaken our team's chances before we even begin."
"Gifts?" says Seamus to Voshell. "What gifts? The food is nice, but all I see are stone walls keeping us captive. What else do you offer us? Why do you ask us to be 'festive' with people we are going to kill, and who want to kill us in return? Why the delay? If we are to fight, let us fight and be done with it."
He regards Erryl's words contemplatively, as if turning them over and over in his mind, trying to find a new way to put them together that makes sense.
Irked and insulted, Camellia stands up, and as her wings begin to quiver, she flits forward, stopping close to Seamus' face. "Loathsome? Weaken the team's chances?" She's furious, both visible on her face and audible in her voice. "Light, dark, evil, good. What is all that nonsense? A dead body is a dead body, and I don't want my body to be the dead one. I've been through enough hardships in my life; I don't need to worry myself what the dead think of me. It is as you yourself said: These alliances are temporary, and both sides expect a betrayal. In fact, not turning your back to them at some point is a true betrayal. They expect you to do so. You don't betray anyone's trust. And, if they did trust you, that's their fault for being fools. Erryl, if someone dropped their sword and challenge you to a fistfight, would you drop your sword?" She doesn't even wait for an answer to that question before continuing. "What if they're clearly much stronger than you? They're a fool for dropping the sword, and you'd become the fool if you drop yours. "Now, imagine the following scenario: There are three teams left. Ours, one other that is equal to ours, and a third that is significantly stronger than both other teams. If all fight between themselves, the strong team will win, killing a weak team and then the other. If, however, both weak teams join up to defeat the strong team, they can succeed. Then, knowing only one team can remain, they must fight. Given they are equal, the result is unknown. In that case, yes, I'd rather team up with the other weak team a hundred times, because our team will at least win some of the times, in contrast to a guaranteed loss if we don't." Camellia doesn't stop as the words quickly flow out of her mouth. "So, while I think of the best way for us to win this competition, you're thinking the exact opposite. You'd rather take the loss than put your honour in question. The only one weakening our chances is you. I wish to win this competition. I have my reasons to do so. Meanwhile, I don't know your reasons to compete, if they exist at all. "Lastly, you needn't fear me betraying you. I'm not stupid enough to take an offer of that kind, which will obviously end in my own demise whether or not I manage to kill all of you." She finally stops, and then turns her back to Seamus and flits back to the spot where she's been sitting all this time, sitting with her back to the others. You can see her shoulders rise and fall as she takes deep breaths, trying to calm down.
Voshell sighs loudly yawning and covering his mouth with a bejeweled hand.
"You all seem to be confused. I am a former victor of the games. My team won because we used our talents together and fought until the end. My debts to House Visser were forgiven and now I live a life of ease and acclaim. My patron smiles upon all who fight against mediocre. As for your commit to gaining alliances with other teams or not that's your choice but if you can't agree to watch each other's backs than frankly I'd suggest bowing out now. I'm not your enemy but a guide. You owe House Visser a debt and made the agreement to fulfil it accordingly. I don't know your reasons but maybe you should share them with one another first. It might give your comrades here a reason not to kill you in your sleep," they add to Camilla as they stand. "If nothing else is required of me then I'll take my leave. You'll find wardrobes in your quarters with the finest clothes and accessories to present yourselves as House Visser champions. I advise again you hold up your end of the bargain and play along," they add again only pointedly looking at Camilla before casually looking over the group. "Best get use to playing the game now because you're in it until you win or you die," they add dropping into a bow before exiting the room in a flurry of robes.
Seamus knows little but the structure of the game. It begins with a gauntlet then the remaining teams enter heats pitted against each other. The final teams with all members standing wins. No teams with missing members is allowed to advance beyond a particular even.
Camilla knows that starting with the festivities it's a way to size up the competition and make alliance with other lesser houses to gain boons for later use. She also knows about the principal champions still employed by the seven and which of the lesser houses they should target for aid. (Info TBA).
As Camellia and Seamus begin to argue, Erryl's head moves back and forth, as each speaks. As it gets more heated, he begins to tremble slightly, his fist clenching, and although his face cannot be seen his body language shows signs of stress. He reaches up a hand to the side of his head, massaging it, as bizarrely a quiet, almost inaudible metallic creaking sound can be heard coming from him, not all that unlike the sound a poorly-oiled hinge produces. But as Voshell interrupts the argument, he begins to calm down, and the sound dies away. He looks about, making sure no one noticed his brief panic attack, and places his hands in his lap, keeping his head down.
"Please... listen to Voshell. I assume they know what they are saying. As for the issue with forming teams or not, I would rather avoid it. All it achieves is bringing an enemy close enough to strike, and causing unnecessary stress as we have to watch our backs even more than we would ordinarily have to. This matter of weak teams, strong teams, et cetera makes little sense to me. We cannot simply measure the strength of the teams. Any person will die if a sword is thrust through them, and even brute strength cannot equal strong teamwork and planning. A single team can best two, three, a hundred different teams, regardless of their strength of body, as long as they have strength of mind."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Seamus regards the fairy passively, not speaking. When the tiefling makes his speech and exits, he turns and heads back towards his room. Before entering, he stops, and faces the group.
"I apologize for bringing contention into our group. I am not used to this much social interaction, and probably do not have the skills to know when to speak and when to hold my tongue. I have spoken what I have spoken, and will not retract my words, but I will commit to doing my uttermost to bring victory to our team, but not at the cost of losing all respect for myself. That is all I can offer you.
"You asked my reasons for competing in these games. I have been a slave to the magocracy for many years, in the labor camps after they invaded and burned my woodland home. I have been promised my freedom and a safe place to spend my life in solitude. That solitude would be a hell for me if it were earned by sacrificing my integrity. I hope you can understand. I will now prepare for the ball tonight."
And with that, he enters his room and shuts the door quietly.
"I get it, I told you I won't stab this team's backs, didn't I?" Camellia answers Voshell. Her voice sounds calmer already. After Voshell leaves and the others speak, she turns back to face them and answers. "Whatever. If you all unanimously think we shouldn't form temporary alliances, I can't force youto." When Seamus leaves the room, Camellia considers Voshell's words. "Alright, I'll follow the Tiefling's advice and share my own reason as well. I value my personal freedom above all else - above any other morals - and that was taken away from me. I was promised to be released if we win the games. It seemed a better alternative to remaining a captive again."
Changing the subject, Camellia regards Erryl's last sentences. "Strong teamwork and planning? Let's try that. I'd rather do it when we're all here," she glances towards Seamus' closed door, "but we don't have time for that if we need to go to that ball this evening. I think the first question is that of equipment. We'll be at a great disadvantage if we face a well-equipped team when we have nothing but our bare hands. Fighting in the middle is the best way to die too early. I have an idea, but you pure-hearted might not like it. Waiting for the night and ambushing them while they sleep is probably our best course of action if you ask me. We could also just steal their equipment without killing them if your honour dictates we must pass such a valuable opportunity."
Relieved that the tension has dissipated somewhat, Licomments, "I don't believe that Seamus or the rest of us object to killing, if that is what is necessary to win the contest. After all, we are all volunteers, although we definitely have strong reasons to pursue victory. In my opinion, he doesn't want to give his word to someone and then break it, but I don't think it is the fighting that upsets him."
"I am fighting not for myself, but for my parents who were enslaved when I was but a young child. House Visser has generously offered to obtain their freedom if I contribute to their glory by securing victory. "As to your plan, it does have merit. I think we should also consider what Seamus mentioned before about arriving at the middle quickly, securing a few items most needed, and then beating a hasty retreat. We could certainly modify the plan if it seemed that several other teams were likely to arrive before us. Perhaps having a few different scenarios depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in would be wise.
"Perhaps also some of these sponsoring houses we are to woo this evening can provide us with the equipment we need without the danger involved of rushing to the center."
"I didn't think you'd object to killing in general. Rather, your thoughts about killing enemies in their sleep are what I was asking about. I find it merciful to give one a painless death, but some people prefer to slowly have at them until their bodies finally succumb to bloodloss and die, claiming it is better because they have a sword in hand."
She shakes her head, almost in pity. "As for rushing in, I don't think that's a good idea. Even if we manage to escape the middle, there will be others waiting to intercept us. Even if we have weapons, we might be weakened. If we do go that way, though..." she considers her words, and thinks it through. "If we do decide to go in, we should decide what will be of most importance to us. For me, a bow or a crossbow small enough that I can use effectively is all I truly need. Besides, I doubt they'll have armour my size there. If we can settle for just a few things, we might not all need to go in. I could fly in, take what we want and go away. I ah... I could even pass through the Fey world momentarily, gaining some distance in an instant. It's tiresome, though. I could do it only twice or so, and only with things light enough for me to carry."
Seamus busies himself in his room looking for something appropriate to wear to the ball, nothing too fancy, hopefully in earth colors, green or brown.
He also does some soul-searching to try and determine if he was too harsh in his response to Camellia. He decides he will seek some way to mend the relationship with the fairy. Perhaps he will seek her advice on how to behave at the ball, which frankly terrifies him.
Answering Camellia, Lisays "I think we would wish to retrieve two longswords, two shields (one wooden), a quarterstaff for Seamus, some nonmetallic armor, and a crossbow and a longbow, with ammunition for both. Could you carry all that in two trips?"
(I find it kinda stupid that, RAW, Camellia could carry all that in two trips, perhaps even more, when nearly everything on that list is somewhere between her own size and double or more.)
"If you're trying to make fun of me, that won't get you anywhere. Do I look like I could carry more than one or two of these items at once?" She waves her hands down across her body, indicating how small and frail she is. "Tell me what is of most importance. I won't be staying there long enough to searh for more than the bare minimum. Just enough that we're not completely unarmed. I might settle for a small knife and a rope, if nothing else." Of course, she'd want a crossbow, but she won't die to get one.
Li shrugs, "I didn't want to make assumptions. Maybe your fey magic would have helped you? Apologies, no 'making fun' was intended. I would never mock a creature as lovely as you.
"I would say the first importance would be to arm yourself and our masked friend. I am skilled with weapons, but I can also defend myself with my hands and feet. And as our druid friend has stated, he can transform into animals more than capable of combat with their natural gifts.
"So, longsword and small crossbow and ammunition first, if that is reasonable, and then on the second trip, a shield for Erryl and either a longbow and a quiver of arrows or another longsword for me. If this is still too much, forgive my ignorance. I trust you to choose wisely. You have no need to apologize for your capacity; your size and your abilities are perfect, just as they are."
He considers. "I believe I shall follow Seamus' example now, and prepare myself for this ball, and to court potential sponsors. Perhaps after we change you could share with us what you know about this process, and the other houses we will be petitioning."
He leaves for his room to prepare for the evening.
Erryl listens silently to Li's plan, nodding along. When he mentions the ball, he perks up a little, and raises a finger.
"Oh, the ball! Do you know exactly when that is happening tonight? I would like to know just how long it is until we have to meet with the sponsors and other fighters. I think we should also plan just how we will go about doing things at the ball. Despite my title, I am... not the most sociable, and the title is not really good for much of anything anyways. The task of observing the other contestants, however, is one I am more suited for. As for items, a longsword should suffice, yes."
Having said what he needs to say, Erryl retreats to his room as well. Once the door is closed he removes his mask again, and sets about preparing for the ball... which consists of lying around, not really doing much of anything at all.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
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"Do not worry too hard about me, as far as equipment goes. I should like a sword, and a shield if possible, but if it comes down to it I can wait, should we choose to avoid the clash in the middle. As for armor... I... er, do not worry about that."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
OOC: All of your PCs have some vague inclination of the contests but as opposed to Hunger Games these are not widely viewed but are seen as a private contest between the seven to jockey for favor amongst the council of seven elders. Each of you may roll a history check for more details your PC knows but player knowledge can be asked via PM.
As the party shares strategies and discusses their knowledge of the contests based on rumor or study they edge out the morning and are interrupted hours after waking by the known representative of House Visser, Voshell Madej. The red-skinned tiefling with white hair of ambiguous gender is dressed in fine robes of black, silver, and white representing House Visser but what the party knows about Madej is that they are a Warlock with the same patron as House Visser, the Fathomless.
Voshell Madej
"Greetings friends. I come with news and gifts from High Archon of House Visser," Voshell explains in a whirl of robes as they settle on a large armchair facing the gathered group. "Tonight is the grand ball. You will finally meet your opponents from the other houses and gain perspective on their strengths snd weaknesses. You will also be able to charm some potential aid from the lesser houses vying for the support of the seven. They too can grand you boons whilst in the contest when you most need aid," they explain. "How are the accommodations? Do you have all you require," they ask curiously eyeing the finery around the party.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Oh, yes," exclaims Erryl, "This is more finery than I have ev-"
He cuts short abruptly, falling instantly silent. He is frozen for a moment, before quietly clearing his throat.
"Ahhrem... er, I mean to say, it is quite sufficient for my needs, and I hope the needs of my allies as well. My compliments to the... er, to whoever prepared all this. And thank you for the information, my allies and I will prepare most eagerly for the ball, and look forwards to the festivities."
He gives a small, halting bow to the tiefling, pausing awkwardly for a moment, then bowing a little deeper.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"I think quite the opposite. Let us make an alliance and then we can betray the others. We gain both a temporary boost to our strength and the jump on another team." This sounds like a good plan, though she's not sure how they could convince the others to join them. She knew she was charming enough, but the others weren't particularly inviting in their looks.
When the Tiefling enters, Camellia stops and listens. "All I need, other than freedom." She answers the Tiefling's question. "How about you give me some of that? I promise I'll come back to participate in the games." This is quite obviously a lie, and Camellia doesn't even bother to hide that. There was no way they'll just let her go anyhow unless she wins the games or them. "Guess not, huh? Anyway, during this grand ball, are we allowed to just kill the other contestants already? Perhaps you could ah... smuggle some small weapon for us, or poison, and we'll kill a few contestants before starting?"
History check for information about the games: 13.
Varielky
Seamus says flatly to Camellia, "As a druid I recognize there is a need for light and dark to balance, for neither good nor evil to hold complete sway. However, betrayal of trust, even to one who seeks balance, is loathsome. I will not participate in any such fiction. And now, we shall have to keep our eyes on you in addition to the enemy, knowing that you have no qualms about betraying us as well if it is to your advantage. You weaken our team's chances before we even begin."
"Gifts?" says Seamus to Voshell. "What gifts? The food is nice, but all I see are stone walls keeping us captive. What else do you offer us? Why do you ask us to be 'festive' with people we are going to kill, and who want to kill us in return? Why the delay? If we are to fight, let us fight and be done with it."
He regards Erryl's words contemplatively, as if turning them over and over in his mind, trying to find a new way to put them together that makes sense.
History check: 9
Irked and insulted, Camellia stands up, and as her wings begin to quiver, she flits forward, stopping close to Seamus' face. "Loathsome? Weaken the team's chances?" She's furious, both visible on her face and audible in her voice. "Light, dark, evil, good. What is all that nonsense? A dead body is a dead body, and I don't want my body to be the dead one. I've been through enough hardships in my life; I don't need to worry myself what the dead think of me. It is as you yourself said: These alliances are temporary, and both sides expect a betrayal. In fact, not turning your back to them at some point is a true betrayal. They expect you to do so. You don't betray anyone's trust. And, if they did trust you, that's their fault for being fools. Erryl, if someone dropped their sword and challenge you to a fistfight, would you drop your sword?" She doesn't even wait for an answer to that question before continuing. "What if they're clearly much stronger than you? They're a fool for dropping the sword, and you'd become the fool if you drop yours.
"Now, imagine the following scenario: There are three teams left. Ours, one other that is equal to ours, and a third that is significantly stronger than both other teams. If all fight between themselves, the strong team will win, killing a weak team and then the other. If, however, both weak teams join up to defeat the strong team, they can succeed. Then, knowing only one team can remain, they must fight. Given they are equal, the result is unknown. In that case, yes, I'd rather team up with the other weak team a hundred times, because our team will at least win some of the times, in contrast to a guaranteed loss if we don't." Camellia doesn't stop as the words quickly flow out of her mouth. "So, while I think of the best way for us to win this competition, you're thinking the exact opposite. You'd rather take the loss than put your honour in question. The only one weakening our chances is you. I wish to win this competition. I have my reasons to do so. Meanwhile, I don't know your reasons to compete, if they exist at all.
"Lastly, you needn't fear me betraying you. I'm not stupid enough to take an offer of that kind, which will obviously end in my own demise whether or not I manage to kill all of you." She finally stops, and then turns her back to Seamus and flits back to the spot where she's been sitting all this time, sitting with her back to the others. You can see her shoulders rise and fall as she takes deep breaths, trying to calm down.
Varielky
Voshell sighs loudly yawning and covering his mouth with a bejeweled hand.
"You all seem to be confused. I am a former victor of the games. My team won because we used our talents together and fought until the end. My debts to House Visser were forgiven and now I live a life of ease and acclaim. My patron smiles upon all who fight against mediocre. As for your commit to gaining alliances with other teams or not that's your choice but if you can't agree to watch each other's backs than frankly I'd suggest bowing out now. I'm not your enemy but a guide. You owe House Visser a debt and made the agreement to fulfil it accordingly. I don't know your reasons but maybe you should share them with one another first. It might give your comrades here a reason not to kill you in your sleep," they add to Camilla as they stand. "If nothing else is required of me then I'll take my leave. You'll find wardrobes in your quarters with the finest clothes and accessories to present yourselves as House Visser champions. I advise again you hold up your end of the bargain and play along," they add again only pointedly looking at Camilla before casually looking over the group. "Best get use to playing the game now because you're in it until you win or you die," they add dropping into a bow before exiting the room in a flurry of robes.
Seamus knows little but the structure of the game. It begins with a gauntlet then the remaining teams enter heats pitted against each other. The final teams with all members standing wins. No teams with missing members is allowed to advance beyond a particular even.
Camilla knows that starting with the festivities it's a way to size up the competition and make alliance with other lesser houses to gain boons for later use. She also knows about the principal champions still employed by the seven and which of the lesser houses they should target for aid. (Info TBA).
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
As Camellia and Seamus begin to argue, Erryl's head moves back and forth, as each speaks. As it gets more heated, he begins to tremble slightly, his fist clenching, and although his face cannot be seen his body language shows signs of stress. He reaches up a hand to the side of his head, massaging it, as bizarrely a quiet, almost inaudible metallic creaking sound can be heard coming from him, not all that unlike the sound a poorly-oiled hinge produces. But as Voshell interrupts the argument, he begins to calm down, and the sound dies away. He looks about, making sure no one noticed his brief panic attack, and places his hands in his lap, keeping his head down.
"Please... listen to Voshell. I assume they know what they are saying. As for the issue with forming teams or not, I would rather avoid it. All it achieves is bringing an enemy close enough to strike, and causing unnecessary stress as we have to watch our backs even more than we would ordinarily have to. This matter of weak teams, strong teams, et cetera makes little sense to me. We cannot simply measure the strength of the teams. Any person will die if a sword is thrust through them, and even brute strength cannot equal strong teamwork and planning. A single team can best two, three, a hundred different teams, regardless of their strength of body, as long as they have strength of mind."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Li frowns, and seems at a loss for wise words, here. He hopes that everyone can take a deep breath, and return their focus to winning the games.
Seamus regards the fairy passively, not speaking. When the tiefling makes his speech and exits, he turns and heads back towards his room. Before entering, he stops, and faces the group.
"I apologize for bringing contention into our group. I am not used to this much social interaction, and probably do not have the skills to know when to speak and when to hold my tongue. I have spoken what I have spoken, and will not retract my words, but I will commit to doing my uttermost to bring victory to our team, but not at the cost of losing all respect for myself. That is all I can offer you.
"You asked my reasons for competing in these games. I have been a slave to the magocracy for many years, in the labor camps after they invaded and burned my woodland home. I have been promised my freedom and a safe place to spend my life in solitude. That solitude would be a hell for me if it were earned by sacrificing my integrity. I hope you can understand. I will now prepare for the ball tonight."
And with that, he enters his room and shuts the door quietly.
"I get it, I told you I won't stab this team's backs, didn't I?" Camellia answers Voshell. Her voice sounds calmer already.
After Voshell leaves and the others speak, she turns back to face them and answers. "Whatever. If you all unanimously think we shouldn't form temporary alliances, I can't force you to."
When Seamus leaves the room, Camellia considers Voshell's words. "Alright, I'll follow the Tiefling's advice and share my own reason as well. I value my personal freedom above all else - above any other morals - and that was taken away from me. I was promised to be released if we win the games. It seemed a better alternative to remaining a captive again."
Changing the subject, Camellia regards Erryl's last sentences. "Strong teamwork and planning? Let's try that. I'd rather do it when we're all here," she glances towards Seamus' closed door, "but we don't have time for that if we need to go to that ball this evening. I think the first question is that of equipment. We'll be at a great disadvantage if we face a well-equipped team when we have nothing but our bare hands. Fighting in the middle is the best way to die too early. I have an idea, but you pure-hearted might not like it. Waiting for the night and ambushing them while they sleep is probably our best course of action if you ask me. We could also just steal their equipment without killing them if your honour dictates we must pass such a valuable opportunity."
Varielky
Relieved that the tension has dissipated somewhat, Li comments, "I don't believe that Seamus or the rest of us object to killing, if that is what is necessary to win the contest. After all, we are all volunteers, although we definitely have strong reasons to pursue victory. In my opinion, he doesn't want to give his word to someone and then break it, but I don't think it is the fighting that upsets him."
"I am fighting not for myself, but for my parents who were enslaved when I was but a young child. House Visser has generously offered to obtain their freedom if I contribute to their glory by securing victory.
"As to your plan, it does have merit. I think we should also consider what Seamus mentioned before about arriving at the middle quickly, securing a few items most needed, and then beating a hasty retreat. We could certainly modify the plan if it seemed that several other teams were likely to arrive before us. Perhaps having a few different scenarios depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in would be wise.
"Perhaps also some of these sponsoring houses we are to woo this evening can provide us with the equipment we need without the danger involved of rushing to the center."
"I didn't think you'd object to killing in general. Rather, your thoughts about killing enemies in their sleep are what I was asking about. I find it merciful to give one a painless death, but some people prefer to slowly have at them until their bodies finally succumb to bloodloss and die, claiming it is better because they have a sword in hand."
She shakes her head, almost in pity. "As for rushing in, I don't think that's a good idea. Even if we manage to escape the middle, there will be others waiting to intercept us. Even if we have weapons, we might be weakened. If we do go that way, though..." she considers her words, and thinks it through. "If we do decide to go in, we should decide what will be of most importance to us. For me, a bow or a crossbow small enough that I can use effectively is all I truly need. Besides, I doubt they'll have armour my size there. If we can settle for just a few things, we might not all need to go in. I could fly in, take what we want and go away. I ah... I could even pass through the Fey world momentarily, gaining some distance in an instant. It's tiresome, though. I could do it only twice or so, and only with things light enough for me to carry."
Varielky
Seamus busies himself in his room looking for something appropriate to wear to the ball, nothing too fancy, hopefully in earth colors, green or brown.
He also does some soul-searching to try and determine if he was too harsh in his response to Camellia. He decides he will seek some way to mend the relationship with the fairy. Perhaps he will seek her advice on how to behave at the ball, which frankly terrifies him.
Answering Camellia, Li says "I think we would wish to retrieve two longswords, two shields (one wooden), a quarterstaff for Seamus, some nonmetallic armor, and a crossbow and a longbow, with ammunition for both. Could you carry all that in two trips?"
(I find it kinda stupid that, RAW, Camellia could carry all that in two trips, perhaps even more, when nearly everything on that list is somewhere between her own size and double or more.)
"If you're trying to make fun of me, that won't get you anywhere. Do I look like I could carry more than one or two of these items at once?" She waves her hands down across her body, indicating how small and frail she is. "Tell me what is of most importance. I won't be staying there long enough to searh for more than the bare minimum. Just enough that we're not completely unarmed. I might settle for a small knife and a rope, if nothing else." Of course, she'd want a crossbow, but she won't die to get one.
Varielky
Li shrugs, "I didn't want to make assumptions. Maybe your fey magic would have helped you? Apologies, no 'making fun' was intended. I would never mock a creature as lovely as you.
"I would say the first importance would be to arm yourself and our masked friend. I am skilled with weapons, but I can also defend myself with my hands and feet. And as our druid friend has stated, he can transform into animals more than capable of combat with their natural gifts.
"So, longsword and small crossbow and ammunition first, if that is reasonable, and then on the second trip, a shield for Erryl and either a longbow and a quiver of arrows or another longsword for me. If this is still too much, forgive my ignorance. I trust you to choose wisely. You have no need to apologize for your capacity; your size and your abilities are perfect, just as they are."
He considers. "I believe I shall follow Seamus' example now, and prepare myself for this ball, and to court potential sponsors. Perhaps after we change you could share with us what you know about this process, and the other houses we will be petitioning."
He leaves for his room to prepare for the evening.
Erryl listens silently to Li's plan, nodding along. When he mentions the ball, he perks up a little, and raises a finger.
"Oh, the ball! Do you know exactly when that is happening tonight? I would like to know just how long it is until we have to meet with the sponsors and other fighters. I think we should also plan just how we will go about doing things at the ball. Despite my title, I am... not the most sociable, and the title is not really good for much of anything anyways. The task of observing the other contestants, however, is one I am more suited for. As for items, a longsword should suffice, yes."
Having said what he needs to say, Erryl retreats to his room as well. Once the door is closed he removes his mask again, and sets about preparing for the ball... which consists of lying around, not really doing much of anything at all.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."