There is a slight shift in your mind, and suddenly, a sense that you have always had but never paid attention to before becomes clear to you. It is as if you had always had a strong nose, which had up until now always been stiffed up by a cold. The journal in Hemlock's posession has an unmistakeable smell of enchantment magic sickly sweet (not that this is a sense of smell - it is only a metaphor). The collar Saoirse is carrying has that same enchantment feel, plus a whiff of something that you realize Saoirse has always had - something iron and bloody. Even the greataxe on your back carries the scent of an investiture of magic. All of these impressions (and many more, from Hemlock and Sha and even from the stone platform slowly lifting you, which is clearly being moved by evocation magic - though you would be hard pressed to explain how you know that. All of these impressions slowly fade, but now that you have breathed through that sense, you will be able to again.
There is a... it feels like a muscle of some kind... in the part of your body that your rage feels like it comes from, and you have a sense that should you flex that muscle, some energy is bound to spring forth.
You are entering the path of wild magic. (Although over-the-table, wait to use it until after the level-up that the next long rest).
Lam nods in response to Saoirse. Asking Hássan about that sounds like a good plan. Then he looks around fascinated at everything around them and at his friends, as if he is seeing things for the first time. When his mind goes back to their conversation, he watches Sha and Hemlock to see what their opinions are on whether they rest here or not.
"It is also my honour, to have met you and to be able to join you in your plight", Hemlock says to Hamza aloud. "May the stars light all our paths and guide our ways".
With that, and having heard Saoirse and Sha-Graivs' opinions of the best person to hold onto the brilliant blue sapphire, he reaches out and takes.
"I will gladly bear this task, and be our link to Hamza so she may continue to grant us her insight", he says formally.
When talk turns to whether or not to rest here with the kobolds, or travel back Village Tree, he gives his opinion. "My powers are quite depleted. If we come across trouble on our return journey, I will perhaps not be of the greatest help. Having said that, you did not need me in the trial, so perhaps that is of no consequence, especially if we are careful. Let us make haste if we are to return this eve"
- Now that you mention it, Hemlock - Saoirse says looking at her injuries - I may need a little healing before leaving. I hope we don't run into any dangers, but better not risk it. I'll askHássanif he can help with that.
When the elevator stone rises back and takes its place as the center of the disused fountain, your eyes readjust to the slightly dimmer light of the colony's center room, where you just had your so-called "test of battle." A great cheer goes up from the kobolds all around you, who are mostly seated on the floor, tails curled around their backs and commonly tucked under their knees (although everyone has their own slight variation in stance - they are individuals) They also all bow their heads in respect to you for a few moments before returning to conversation with each other. You can see that there are carpets underneath them, and to the northwest there is a thicker and more ornate carpet, on which Hássan, the two kobolds you battled, and a Duergar you don't recognize are seated. This is also the only spot where there aren't two rows of people seated. At first glance, it looks like everyone is male, except for the kobold shieldbearer you fought. Sebastian is seated in a corner of the room, quiet and pointedly not making eye contact with anyone. Some kobolds whisper to each other will glancing his way, but nobody points or stares. He seems like he wishes he had a shell like Tesfaye's. They are all holding bowls of food, and there is a warm, earthy smell coming from them, as well as scents that are clearly meat. After the cheer that goes up when you resurface, most people go back to chattering in draconic. The duergar is talking to the kobolds on either side of him in a language that sounds strangely like common, but not quite. You can probably recognize the sound of some words, but only just (Undercommon).
"Meagol, ge ic pro hwæðre âwênan man fremde ðêah Hamza would sêcan el−ðêodian of m¯ærnes of hê, un−l¯æd ûs of pro ic."
"ðêana {I'm} nâteshwôn ûtan intô with be−frînan hire of hê."
Hássan waves you over to him. "Welcome back! Is she not a wonder to behold! I am glad that she thought you passed the tests, just as I did. I was still a little worried that she might deem you unworthy, and eat you. Ha! A relief to have you back here. I am curious to hear any of what she had to say, if you can share. Did you mention what a good job I had done? Did she mention me? That would be something, to be praised directly by her magnificence! Please, join us for dinner. We are having abyssal chicken with mushroom paté and essence of scorpion venom. The wives have done an excellent job of this, today. It is a feast to celebrate the lives of the warriors we lost today, and to celebrate Hamza's acceptance of you! You may sit with us, in a position of honour!
Saoirse expected to find the colony as empty as they left it when they entered Hamza's lair, and at first is surprised by the welcoming cheers and the offer of dinner. She gives a questioning side look to her to friends. It would probably be rude to leave in a rush to return Village Tree, right? After all that had transpired with Hássanand his people, having dinner with them and staying for the night now seemed like a better idea. They could always return to the Tree after exploring the Artificer's Tower and keep communicating with Tesfayeby using the sending stones meanwhile.
She managed to display a tired smile to the kobolds cheering at them, then thanks Hássanand proceeds to sit in the spots he indicates. As she does that, she catches Sebastian sitting alone in the corner of the room, and her attention shifts from those sitting around her to the wrecked blood hunter. What fine examples of the Blood of the True King they were right now. Both of them lost, for very different reasons, but lost nonetheless. Saoirsewondered if Sebastian knew about the real "Lightbringer" that she had learned about moments ago, or what his reaction would be if he didn't and she broke the news for him. She shook her head while thinking all this, that was definitely not the best topic to speak about right now.
The genasi turns her attention again to Hássan.
- Indeed, Hamza is truly a wonder - she begins, and trails off when the kobold asks if they've mentioned him - ...Hmmm... We spoke more about ... other issues ...- but adds quickly - though I have no doubt Hamza is proud of your job! You are worthy of praise in her eyes, and ours, Hássan. Same as you- she adds with a nod towards the male and female kobolds they fought in the test of battle - , and those who fell defending this colony. Regarding what we've talked about, we shared the knowledge we gained about the Crown of Divine Right and she shared many insights about the Lightbr... - she shuts and frowns. She just doesn't feel that comfortable saying that title anymore. - Anyway, she's asked us to keep fighting mind slavery. And we have commited to that- She doesn't mention anything about the Chainbreakers, as she is not sure how many of the present colony members know about this. And even if whole colony knew about it, it was probably best to exercise the secrecy of that society by not speaking about it, at least not right away.
Looking at the dinner they've been offered, and though she's not used to underdark food, everything seems tasty enough for her. Well, everything except the essence of scorpion venom, which makes her doubt.
- Thank you so much for this dinner. Though I need to ask about this essence of venom ... is this safe for us to eat? - as she asks this, she picks a portion of abbysal chicken, and also mushroom paté, and tries them. Then she leans a little bit closer to Hássan to ask in a quieter tone - Is it okay if I bring a little of this food to Sebastian? I'd like to sit for a moment with him later, if it is not a problem.
She waits for the kobold response and then adds:
- By the way, Hássan, the lack of women at this dinner is very noticeable. Except for you of course - and Saoirse nods again to the Shieldbearer - Why is that? - she asks curiously.
Lam looks around in surprise when they reach the top, not expecting the place to have so many people- or for it to be so loud. He blinks and gathers his bearings just in time to see many of the crowd bow their heads. He bows his head back. When dinner is offered and Saoirse looks at everyone, Lam’s stomach growls rather loudly, answering the unspoken question for him. So when Saoirse heads to sit down, Lam does not hesitate to follow.
Lam glances over at Sebastian, then at Saoirse, then back at Sebastian for a few more moments, before he reaches a spot to sit. He lets Saoirse do all the talking with Hássan, but he nods when she mentions that Hássan is worthy of praise. He seems tuned in to the conversation for the moment, but does not offer his own input, seeming to just agree with Saoirse.
His stomach growls again when he is presented with food. He takes absolutely everything that is offered to him, hopefully getting a large portion of abyssal chicken, and says to Hássan, “Thank you for food.” He turns to the two Kobolds he is seated near that they had battled earlier and addresses them: “Thank you for battle. You both fought well.”After this, he begins to scarf down his food. He continues to, every once in a while, glance over at Sebastian. If he ever receives eye contact, he will wave.
As they rise to the sound of cheers, Hemlock takes in the situation. It had not been that long ago he was living a peaceful life deep in the forest, with only his own kind surrounding him, along with nature of course. Now he has both allies and enemies of many of races and is involved in machinations far beyond anything he could have envisioned before. And all this he had been led to by what he now knows is a Star Map, his Star Map.
He nods to the koblds present as they bow, and makes his way over to Hássan and takes a seat.
"Our visit with Hamza was most enlightening", is all he will say on the matter.
He looks at the food present, and then leans across to whisper to Hássan. "I do not wish to cause offence, but I do not eat flesh. It looks like a pleasant feast, but perhaps some bread to accompany the paté, and some fresh water?".
With that said he looks to Lam and sees him eating hungrily, having heard his belly rumbles earlier. "Feel free to take my share of the meat, my friend".
Lastly, he turns his attention to the Duergar, "Greetings. I am Hemlock. Do you speak common perchance?".
If Hássan is unable to rustle up any more food, he will make do with some paté, water from his waterskin and a goodberry that he has left over.
"Yes, essence of venom is perfectly safe. It gives a special heat to food. Like being pinched on the tongue, in a way that makes food feel alive."
Lam, roll constitution to avoid embarrassing yourself - this food is spicy. Same for everyone when they start eating.
Saoirse, roll persuasion or performance to convince Hâssan of your praise, and to ask about gender in his culture without offense. (Can have advantage from Lam's polite and underspoken support).
Hássan looks surprised and confused when Hemlock asks for a vegetarian meal, but is eager to please your strange customs. He walks up a few steps into the hall on the east side of the big room, and speaks in a tone that is urgent and quick, but not at all unkind, in draconic. A feminine voice answers, a little incredulously, and Hássan reponds briefly. (Roll a pure luck check - d20 no mods - to see what the kitchen can rustle up.)
الكبير يقول انه لا يأكل لحم. هل لدينا أطعمة نباتية وفطر أخرى؟
ألا يحتاج إلى لحم ليحافظ على قوته؟ أين يمكن أن يكون هناك نباتات تكفي لإطعام العمالقة الذين لا يأكلون اللحم ؟!
أنا أيضا لا أفهم. لكنه ضيف شرف!
Hemlock finds that - to his surprise - while holding the sapphire gift from Hamza, and focussing on a single strand of conversation, he can make sense of the draconic words being spoken:
the large one says he does not eat flesh. do we have other plant and mushroom foods?
Doesn't he need meat to maintain his strength? where could there possibly be enough plants to feed giants who don't eat flesh?!
I don't understand either. but he is an honored guest!
When Saoirse praises Hássan and avoids the question of whether Hamza had also done so, at first he looks a little offended, as though he thinks you're being sarcastic. Lam's earnest nod and support makes him realize that you mean it though. "Ah, well. It is a fool who would take the great honor of speaking for Hamza, and focus only on whether she also took the time to say I was good. I will accept the honor and bury my hubris. Thank you for your kind words."
The question about women at the meal has Hássan staring very confusedly across the culture gap, and when you point at the shildbearer there is a momentary frown before he regains composure. "It would be most inappropriate for women to be present for a warrior's feast! They are eating and enjoying things in the women's workspace. Some jobs, like hunting and fighting and teaching and herding livestock, are men's work. Others, like cooking and keeping the home and raising young and making clothes and weapons, are women's work. We honor our women by keeping them away from conversation which would not interest then, as they do with us. Jamíl(he indicates the shieldbearer who appears female) was born in a woman's body, but when he could speak he told us that he is a man. I had assumed the same of you. I apologize for the disrespect! You may go with the women, if that is your place. It's just, you are a warrior, so... are you a man with a woman's body, or a woman in a man's work? Or do women and men not have different work in your culture?"
Lam's fist impression of the food is wonderful. The abyssal chicken is fatty and warm and the meat almost seems to melt in your mouth. It is satisfying and flavorful... and then there is a sharp sensation on your tongue. After that, it comes in waves, a feeling of fire in your mouth and on your lips. Your eyes water and your nose runs. And yet - you are no stranger to pain, and the taste, if anything, is only improved by the sting. Your sinuses will be clear for weeks, and your skin is bright red under your fur, but you do not embarrass yourself.
Saoirse finds that the essence of venom is an excellent addition to the food! She sweats a little, and sure it's fairly strong, but she might consider getting some of this stuff to add to other meals.
Sebastian does make eye contact once, held just long enough for a polite acknowledgement, but turned away clearly enough to indicate that he does not want conversation. He has a full plate of food himself, and you can not tell whether his tears are from spice or from emotion. That's probably for the best.
The female voice calls to Hàssan, and he takes a plate from her before returning to the circle and handing it to Hemlock.
"There! Fish from the deep river, abyssal eggs, and a large serving of mushroom paté, thickened with giant mole's milk. No meat, and surely a delicacy. And it was first wife who thought of it. She is a wonderful cook." Hássan beams with pride as he passes the plate to Hemlock.
The duergar shakes his head when Hemlock speaks to him in common, and responds in dwarven. "Kan du tale dværgesprog? Ellers kan jeg ikke sproget fra oververden."
Do you speak Dwarven? Otherwise i dont know languages from the surface world.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Constitution save 5
Sha-gravis is pleasantly surprised by the closeness and camaraderie. Memories of sleeping in a communal way with his family flood back. He accepts the invite to sit and eat. Only sampling the abyssal chicken but passing on the rest. As Saoirse glances at Sebastion, Sha is reminded of the dwarven guard. “Could I see our HMC captive? Perhaps bring her some food.” Sha asks Hassan.
The gray dwarf's eyes widen when Sha-Gravis translates his words. It is momentary, and he does not otherwise display emotion on his face. Still, he is excited. He nods at Hemlock, but speaks more directly to Sha-Gravis. He seems socially awkward - not intentionally rude, but not really aware of the possibility that this behavior is a little rude to the firbolg.
"Nå, du taler fin dværgesprog. Men du er ikke dværg selv. Er der mange på oververden som taler vores sprog og kender til vores race? Vi har aldrig set en som dig før. Du ligner næsten en blændværkskat. Er der mange af jer deroppe? Min brødre og søstre overvejer at tage op til solen, især nu vi har mødt den fri dværgekvinde."
Ah, you speak fine Dwarven. But you are not a dwarf. Are there many on the surface who speak our language and know our race? We have never seen someone like you before. You look almost like a displacer beast. Are there many of you up there? My brothers and sisters are considering journeying up to the sun, especially now that we have met the free dwarf woman.
Hemlock looks down at the plate of food brought to him by Hássan and smiles. "A fine meal, and you must pass on my thanks to your first wife. I am afraid that the flesh of fish is also not something I eat, but I am sure Sha-Gravis will help me out with that".
When the Duergar and Sha-Gravis start chatting separately, he waves away any translation, not wanting to be a burden on the conversation. He does offer Sha-Gravis the fish.
He turns back to Hássan, "Perhaps I could give my own thanks to your first wife? You may consider cooking to be the work of women, but it is a task that I enjoy and undertake myself when the possibility arises".
Saoirsekeeps speaking to Hássan, smiling and nodding when he accepts the compliment, but then showing as much confussion as the kobold when the matter of gender arises.
- I see. Our cultures are very different in this matter. Where I come from people don't take jobs according to their gender. A woman may be a warrior, and a man may be a dancer, or a cook. Raising children is a task equally shared by both parents. Our tools, weapons, clothing and so forth are made by whoever has an special affinity with that task, whatever the gender of the person is. In my case, I was born a woman, have the mind of a woman and was trained to be a warrior by male and female teachers alongside other male and female students.
Saoirse wonders what would happen if a female kobold (both in biology and in identity) showed interested in a work that was categorized by the colony to be a man's work. Would the rest of the community accept it? Would they let her follow her interest? But sensing that this matter could be sensitive and not wanting to offend their hosts, she refrains from asking.
- In any case, I would like to stay here enjoying this dinner with you and my friends, if that is acceptable - The genasi then turns to Jamíland says - I think I may have made you feel unconfortable, Jamíl. I apologize for that. I enjoyed fighting with you and your companion before. As I said to my companions, it's not often that we can experiment fights like the one we had. I hope we can train together once again in the future - she adds, with a smile.
Later, tasting the food, Saoirse exlaims:
- This is delicious! And the venom essence was just as you described, Hássan. It even made me sweat a little, and this is something coming from a fire genasi! - turning to Lam she asks - What about you? Did you like it?
Noticing the bugbear looking at Sebastian and the blood hunter's response, Saoirsedecides against going to talk to him. Though it pains her to not be able to speak to one that she thought dead until today, it seemed to be the best course of action for now. So she turns her attention back to the rest of conversations happening during the dinner, listening to Sha-Gravis speaking to the Duergar (though she doesn't understand much of it) and Hemlockpraising the cooking skills of Hássan's first wife.
Lam listens to the conversation on gender with interest. It hadn’t really occurred to him that there would be cultures where someone’s gender would determine the things they learned how to do, since where he came from, everyone had to learn to fight, and alternate interests were… sparse. He listens, but is too focused on the food to make a comment of his own, mostly nodding along when Saoirse addresses Jamíl.
He answers Saoirse’s question with an exclamation that starts in Goblin, which he directs both to her and to Hássan: “Aufgezeichnet! Er… very good!”
“Excellent!”
He gladly accepts the chicken from Hemlock’s plate and thanks the firbolg. He eats this chicken as well, having not had food quite this flavorful in a while. After his shared look with Sebastian, he doesn’t look over that way anymore. He listens to those conversations that he can understand, but is too busy eating to chime in himself.
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Lam:
There is a slight shift in your mind, and suddenly, a sense that you have always had but never paid attention to before becomes clear to you. It is as if you had always had a strong nose, which had up until now always been stiffed up by a cold. The journal in Hemlock's posession has an unmistakeable smell of enchantment magic sickly sweet (not that this is a sense of smell - it is only a metaphor). The collar Saoirse is carrying has that same enchantment feel, plus a whiff of something that you realize Saoirse has always had - something iron and bloody. Even the greataxe on your back carries the scent of an investiture of magic. All of these impressions (and many more, from Hemlock and Sha and even from the stone platform slowly lifting you, which is clearly being moved by evocation magic - though you would be hard pressed to explain how you know that. All of these impressions slowly fade, but now that you have breathed through that sense, you will be able to again.
There is a... it feels like a muscle of some kind... in the part of your body that your rage feels like it comes from, and you have a sense that should you flex that muscle, some energy is bound to spring forth.
You are entering the path of wild magic. (Although over-the-table, wait to use it until after the level-up that the next long rest).
DM: Heavy is the Head
Lam nods in response to Saoirse. Asking Hássan about that sounds like a good plan. Then he looks around fascinated at everything around them and at his friends, as if he is seeing things for the first time. When his mind goes back to their conversation, he watches Sha and Hemlock to see what their opinions are on whether they rest here or not.
"It is also my honour, to have met you and to be able to join you in your plight", Hemlock says to Hamza aloud. "May the stars light all our paths and guide our ways".
With that, and having heard Saoirse and Sha-Graivs' opinions of the best person to hold onto the brilliant blue sapphire, he reaches out and takes.
"I will gladly bear this task, and be our link to Hamza so she may continue to grant us her insight", he says formally.
When talk turns to whether or not to rest here with the kobolds, or travel back Village Tree, he gives his opinion. "My powers are quite depleted. If we come across trouble on our return journey, I will perhaps not be of the greatest help. Having said that, you did not need me in the trial, so perhaps that is of no consequence, especially if we are careful. Let us make haste if we are to return this eve"
- Now that you mention it, Hemlock - Saoirse says looking at her injuries - I may need a little healing before leaving. I hope we don't run into any dangers, but better not risk it. I'll ask Hássan if he can help with that.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
“If we leave soon…” Lam looks at the state of his friends. “I am fine.” Better than fine, actually, thanks to Sha’s magic. “I can fight.”
He turns to Saoirse. “If he cannot heal, resting is good too.”
When the elevator stone rises back and takes its place as the center of the disused fountain, your eyes readjust to the slightly dimmer light of the colony's center room, where you just had your so-called "test of battle." A great cheer goes up from the kobolds all around you, who are mostly seated on the floor, tails curled around their backs and commonly tucked under their knees (although everyone has their own slight variation in stance - they are individuals) They also all bow their heads in respect to you for a few moments before returning to conversation with each other. You can see that there are carpets underneath them, and to the northwest there is a thicker and more ornate carpet, on which Hássan, the two kobolds you battled, and a Duergar you don't recognize are seated. This is also the only spot where there aren't two rows of people seated. At first glance, it looks like everyone is male, except for the kobold shieldbearer you fought. Sebastian is seated in a corner of the room, quiet and pointedly not making eye contact with anyone. Some kobolds whisper to each other will glancing his way, but nobody points or stares. He seems like he wishes he had a shell like Tesfaye's. They are all holding bowls of food, and there is a warm, earthy smell coming from them, as well as scents that are clearly meat. After the cheer that goes up when you resurface, most people go back to chattering in draconic. The duergar is talking to the kobolds on either side of him in a language that sounds strangely like common, but not quite. You can probably recognize the sound of some words, but only just (Undercommon).
"Meagol, ge ic pro hwæðre âwênan man fremde ðêah Hamza would sêcan el−ðêodian of m¯ærnes of hê, un−l¯æd ûs of pro ic."
"ðêana {I'm} nâteshwôn ûtan intô with be−frînan hire of hê."
Hássan waves you over to him. "Welcome back! Is she not a wonder to behold! I am glad that she thought you passed the tests, just as I did. I was still a little worried that she might deem you unworthy, and eat you. Ha! A relief to have you back here. I am curious to hear any of what she had to say, if you can share. Did you mention what a good job I had done? Did she mention me? That would be something, to be praised directly by her magnificence! Please, join us for dinner. We are having abyssal chicken with mushroom paté and essence of scorpion venom. The wives have done an excellent job of this, today. It is a feast to celebrate the lives of the warriors we lost today, and to celebrate Hamza's acceptance of you! You may sit with us, in a position of honour!
https://www.owlbear.app/room/5nRs1L_uFdxM/HeavyistheHeadPBP
DM: Heavy is the Head
Saoirse expected to find the colony as empty as they left it when they entered Hamza's lair, and at first is surprised by the welcoming cheers and the offer of dinner. She gives a questioning side look to her to friends. It would probably be rude to leave in a rush to return Village Tree, right? After all that had transpired with Hássan and his people, having dinner with them and staying for the night now seemed like a better idea. They could always return to the Tree after exploring the Artificer's Tower and keep communicating with Tesfaye by using the sending stones meanwhile.
She managed to display a tired smile to the kobolds cheering at them, then thanks Hássan and proceeds to sit in the spots he indicates. As she does that, she catches Sebastian sitting alone in the corner of the room, and her attention shifts from those sitting around her to the wrecked blood hunter. What fine examples of the Blood of the True King they were right now. Both of them lost, for very different reasons, but lost nonetheless. Saoirse wondered if Sebastian knew about the real "Lightbringer" that she had learned about moments ago, or what his reaction would be if he didn't and she broke the news for him. She shook her head while thinking all this, that was definitely not the best topic to speak about right now.
The genasi turns her attention again to Hássan.
- Indeed, Hamza is truly a wonder - she begins, and trails off when the kobold asks if they've mentioned him - ...Hmmm... We spoke more about ... other issues ... - but adds quickly - though I have no doubt Hamza is proud of your job! You are worthy of praise in her eyes, and ours, Hássan. Same as you - she adds with a nod towards the male and female kobolds they fought in the test of battle - , and those who fell defending this colony. Regarding what we've talked about, we shared the knowledge we gained about the Crown of Divine Right and she shared many insights about the Lightbr... - she shuts and frowns. She just doesn't feel that comfortable saying that title anymore. - Anyway, she's asked us to keep fighting mind slavery. And we have commited to that - She doesn't mention anything about the Chainbreakers, as she is not sure how many of the present colony members know about this. And even if whole colony knew about it, it was probably best to exercise the secrecy of that society by not speaking about it, at least not right away.
Looking at the dinner they've been offered, and though she's not used to underdark food, everything seems tasty enough for her. Well, everything except the essence of scorpion venom, which makes her doubt.
- Thank you so much for this dinner. Though I need to ask about this essence of venom ... is this safe for us to eat? - as she asks this, she picks a portion of abbysal chicken, and also mushroom paté, and tries them. Then she leans a little bit closer to Hássan to ask in a quieter tone - Is it okay if I bring a little of this food to Sebastian? I'd like to sit for a moment with him later, if it is not a problem.
She waits for the kobold response and then adds:
- By the way, Hássan, the lack of women at this dinner is very noticeable. Except for you of course - and Saoirse nods again to the Shieldbearer - Why is that? - she asks curiously.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam looks around in surprise when they reach the top, not expecting the place to have so many people- or for it to be so loud. He blinks and gathers his bearings just in time to see many of the crowd bow their heads. He bows his head back. When dinner is offered and Saoirse looks at everyone, Lam’s stomach growls rather loudly, answering the unspoken question for him. So when Saoirse heads to sit down, Lam does not hesitate to follow.
Lam glances over at Sebastian, then at Saoirse, then back at Sebastian for a few more moments, before he reaches a spot to sit. He lets Saoirse do all the talking with Hássan, but he nods when she mentions that Hássan is worthy of praise. He seems tuned in to the conversation for the moment, but does not offer his own input, seeming to just agree with Saoirse.
His stomach growls again when he is presented with food. He takes absolutely everything that is offered to him, hopefully getting a large portion of abyssal chicken, and says to Hássan, “Thank you for food.” He turns to the two Kobolds he is seated near that they had battled earlier and addresses them: “Thank you for battle. You both fought well.” After this, he begins to scarf down his food. He continues to, every once in a while, glance over at Sebastian. If he ever receives eye contact, he will wave.
As they rise to the sound of cheers, Hemlock takes in the situation. It had not been that long ago he was living a peaceful life deep in the forest, with only his own kind surrounding him, along with nature of course. Now he has both allies and enemies of many of races and is involved in machinations far beyond anything he could have envisioned before. And all this he had been led to by what he now knows is a Star Map, his Star Map.
He nods to the koblds present as they bow, and makes his way over to Hássan and takes a seat.
"Our visit with Hamza was most enlightening", is all he will say on the matter.
He looks at the food present, and then leans across to whisper to Hássan. "I do not wish to cause offence, but I do not eat flesh. It looks like a pleasant feast, but perhaps some bread to accompany the paté, and some fresh water?".
With that said he looks to Lam and sees him eating hungrily, having heard his belly rumbles earlier. "Feel free to take my share of the meat, my friend".
Lastly, he turns his attention to the Duergar, "Greetings. I am Hemlock. Do you speak common perchance?".
If Hássan is unable to rustle up any more food, he will make do with some paté, water from his waterskin and a goodberry that he has left over.
"Yes, essence of venom is perfectly safe. It gives a special heat to food. Like being pinched on the tongue, in a way that makes food feel alive."
Lam, roll constitution to avoid embarrassing yourself - this food is spicy. Same for everyone when they start eating.
Saoirse, roll persuasion or performance to convince Hâssan of your praise, and to ask about gender in his culture without offense. (Can have advantage from Lam's polite and underspoken support).
Hássan looks surprised and confused when Hemlock asks for a vegetarian meal, but is eager to please your strange customs. He walks up a few steps into the hall on the east side of the big room, and speaks in a tone that is urgent and quick, but not at all unkind, in draconic. A feminine voice answers, a little incredulously, and Hássan reponds briefly. (Roll a pure luck check - d20 no mods - to see what the kitchen can rustle up.)
الكبير يقول انه لا يأكل لحم. هل لدينا أطعمة نباتية وفطر أخرى؟
ألا يحتاج إلى لحم ليحافظ على قوته؟ أين يمكن أن يكون هناك نباتات تكفي لإطعام العمالقة الذين لا يأكلون اللحم ؟!
أنا أيضا لا أفهم. لكنه ضيف شرف!
Hemlock finds that - to his surprise - while holding the sapphire gift from Hamza, and focussing on a single strand of conversation, he can make sense of the draconic words being spoken:
the large one says he does not eat flesh. do we have other plant and mushroom foods?
Doesn't he need meat to maintain his strength? where could there possibly be enough plants to feed giants who don't eat flesh?!
I don't understand either. but he is an honored guest!
DM: Heavy is the Head
Persuasion = Phew. Thank you for the advantage, because I got a 0. With advantage, a 13.
Constitution for the food = 15
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hemlock Luck: 9
(OOC: Does the Duergar respond?)
When Saoirse praises Hássan and avoids the question of whether Hamza had also done so, at first he looks a little offended, as though he thinks you're being sarcastic. Lam's earnest nod and support makes him realize that you mean it though. "Ah, well. It is a fool who would take the great honor of speaking for Hamza, and focus only on whether she also took the time to say I was good. I will accept the honor and bury my hubris. Thank you for your kind words."
The question about women at the meal has Hássan staring very confusedly across the culture gap, and when you point at the shildbearer there is a momentary frown before he regains composure. "It would be most inappropriate for women to be present for a warrior's feast! They are eating and enjoying things in the women's workspace. Some jobs, like hunting and fighting and teaching and herding livestock, are men's work. Others, like cooking and keeping the home and raising young and making clothes and weapons, are women's work. We honor our women by keeping them away from conversation which would not interest then, as they do with us. Jamíl (he indicates the shieldbearer who appears female) was born in a woman's body, but when he could speak he told us that he is a man. I had assumed the same of you. I apologize for the disrespect! You may go with the women, if that is your place. It's just, you are a warrior, so... are you a man with a woman's body, or a woman in a man's work? Or do women and men not have different work in your culture?"
Lam's fist impression of the food is wonderful. The abyssal chicken is fatty and warm and the meat almost seems to melt in your mouth. It is satisfying and flavorful... and then there is a sharp sensation on your tongue. After that, it comes in waves, a feeling of fire in your mouth and on your lips. Your eyes water and your nose runs. And yet - you are no stranger to pain, and the taste, if anything, is only improved by the sting. Your sinuses will be clear for weeks, and your skin is bright red under your fur, but you do not embarrass yourself.
Saoirse finds that the essence of venom is an excellent addition to the food! She sweats a little, and sure it's fairly strong, but she might consider getting some of this stuff to add to other meals.
Sebastian does make eye contact once, held just long enough for a polite acknowledgement, but turned away clearly enough to indicate that he does not want conversation. He has a full plate of food himself, and you can not tell whether his tears are from spice or from emotion. That's probably for the best.
The female voice calls to Hàssan, and he takes a plate from her before returning to the circle and handing it to Hemlock.
"There! Fish from the deep river, abyssal eggs, and a large serving of mushroom paté, thickened with giant mole's milk. No meat, and surely a delicacy. And it was first wife who thought of it. She is a wonderful cook." Hássan beams with pride as he passes the plate to Hemlock.
The duergar shakes his head when Hemlock speaks to him in common, and responds in dwarven. "Kan du tale dværgesprog? Ellers kan jeg ikke sproget fra oververden."
Do you speak Dwarven? Otherwise i dont know languages from the surface world.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha-gravis is pleasantly surprised by the closeness and camaraderie. Memories of sleeping in a communal way with his family flood back. He accepts the invite to sit and eat. Only sampling the abyssal chicken but passing on the rest. As Saoirse glances at Sebastion, Sha is reminded of the dwarven guard. “Could I see our HMC captive? Perhaps bring her some food.” Sha asks Hassan.
SEA MISTRESS CREW
Shas experience of the food is much the same as Lam's.
"Sure! You may find her where you last saw her. Many of the duergar are speaking to her now, and eating with her."
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha heads off to find the dwarven guard, but first interprets the duergar’s words for Hemlock, offering to interpret more if he wishes.
SEA MISTRESS CREW
The gray dwarf's eyes widen when Sha-Gravis translates his words. It is momentary, and he does not otherwise display emotion on his face. Still, he is excited. He nods at Hemlock, but speaks more directly to Sha-Gravis. He seems socially awkward - not intentionally rude, but not really aware of the possibility that this behavior is a little rude to the firbolg.
"Nå, du taler fin dværgesprog. Men du er ikke dværg selv. Er der mange på oververden som taler vores sprog og kender til vores race? Vi har aldrig set en som dig før. Du ligner næsten en blændværkskat. Er der mange af jer deroppe? Min brødre og søstre overvejer at tage op til solen, især nu vi har mødt den fri dværgekvinde."
Ah, you speak fine Dwarven. But you are not a dwarf. Are there many on the surface who speak our language and know our race? We have never seen someone like you before. You look almost like a displacer beast. Are there many of you up there? My brothers and sisters are considering journeying up to the sun, especially now that we have met the free dwarf woman.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock looks down at the plate of food brought to him by Hássan and smiles. "A fine meal, and you must pass on my thanks to your first wife. I am afraid that the flesh of fish is also not something I eat, but I am sure Sha-Gravis will help me out with that".
When the Duergar and Sha-Gravis start chatting separately, he waves away any translation, not wanting to be a burden on the conversation. He does offer Sha-Gravis the fish.
He turns back to Hássan, "Perhaps I could give my own thanks to your first wife? You may consider cooking to be the work of women, but it is a task that I enjoy and undertake myself when the possibility arises".
Saoirse keeps speaking to Hássan, smiling and nodding when he accepts the compliment, but then showing as much confussion as the kobold when the matter of gender arises.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam listens to the conversation on gender with interest. It hadn’t really occurred to him that there would be cultures where someone’s gender would determine the things they learned how to do, since where he came from, everyone had to learn to fight, and alternate interests were… sparse. He listens, but is too focused on the food to make a comment of his own, mostly nodding along when Saoirse addresses Jamíl.
He answers Saoirse’s question with an exclamation that starts in Goblin, which he directs both to her and to Hássan: “Aufgezeichnet! Er… very good!”
“Excellent!”
He gladly accepts the chicken from Hemlock’s plate and thanks the firbolg. He eats this chicken as well, having not had food quite this flavorful in a while. After his shared look with Sebastian, he doesn’t look over that way anymore. He listens to those conversations that he can understand, but is too busy eating to chime in himself.