"Pleased to meet you Patrin," Roxana says initially, before Spira has the opportunity to bombard the tradesman with conversation. As Spira starts to haggle over the price of the man's finest furs, she shakes her head. "That's far richer than anything I could pay for such wares! But I'm sure that you could find some business in Longsaddle with your more typical furs. I'm not exactly in the market at the moment though."
Patrin silently studies both Spira and Katryl for a long time... "Oh, what a disappointment..." he finally mutters "So not even in Longsaddle do I have customers waiting for me who are worthy of my best wares! It seems that I will have to offer a discount to this kind lady..." he finally fixes his eyes on the tiefling.
The dragonborn clears his throat, then continues: "However, I cannot debase the quality of my best pieces too much... my and my clan's pride would receive a worse wound than a sword could inflict on my skin! Your little one will have the protection he needs, my kind lady... I will make and sell you the garment for him for just 10gp - no one will ever say that the Linxakasendalor clan was so ruthless as to let a child in distress freeze for a fistful of coins! And as a sign of good will I will also apply a discount to your dress - I will discount you 10gp - but to anyone who asks you in awe how and where you got it you will have to report that it was sold to you by the Linxakasendalor clan, who is traveling the Long Road to Waterdeep and will be there doing business for some time. Agreed?"
He holds out his hand for a handshake: "It's a total of just 50gp... for two garments of enviable nature, one of which will be custom-tailored... Consider, kind lady, that an occasion like this only comes once in a lifetime! It must have been Lady Tymora who sent me your way... do not despise her gifts, or she will refrain from showing you such kindness in the future..."
Spira smiles much more sincerely and extends her hand to take Patin's proffered one. Somehow, 50 gold have appeared in it. "Of course. Courtesy for courtesy. If you think it improves the standing of the Linxakasendalor clan, who is traveling the Long Road to Waterdeep and will be there doing business for some time., I might even be willing to stretch my vows of truth to Angharradh just a tiny bit and only mention the price you asked at first,"
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Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"But of course, you would not be stretching the truth at all Spira!" Roxana comments with a bit of a smile after the Tiefling's comment. "You would merely be giving the true price that was quoted to you. Clearly you received a discount in consideration of your spreading the fame of the Linxakasendalor clan. That last need not be mentioned."
Patrin laughs heartily at the exchange between the tiefling cleric and the girl from Longsaddle and stops the cart to get to work preparing the custom-made garment for Aedion - to Spira while the adult female dragonborn, Akra, reverently hands over the long and refined dress of glacier snakes fur, looking at her with mild green eyes. It is certainly a very impressive item of clothing, with wide sleeves and long trains which certainly make it unsuitable for adventures, but equally certainly of great effect at any ceremony. And when trying it on to see how it looks on her, the Sergeant of Arvandor actually finds that that type of fur is incredibly effective at preserving body heat.
“You're really taking wedding preparations quite seriously, Quspira!” Gaer exclaims (failing to specify whose wedding) and winks "Have you notified Lord Dagult Neverember of the date yet?"
Meanwhile, the other adult dragonborn, the male, Balasar, sits next to Patrin and with long and nimble fingers begins to help him with the tailoring operations. From how they work quickly and silently, it is clear that there is a strong understanding between the two and that they have been used to collaborating for a long time.
The dragonborn children instead play with Aedion, who never seems to cease to amaze them, with his supernatural abilities and the bright colors of his wings. Since you are forced to take a short break, Anita also allows herself a moment of lightheartedness and gets involved in the children's games. Indeed, at a certain point she also tries to include Rash: "Maybe you could amuse them with some of your magic tricks... Do you know anything that can be useful in this situation? You always say that for a mage it is essential to prepare spells for every circumstance..."
Kunnari in the meantime sits down to rest and shakes his head, amused: "I didn't know this side of you, Anita... But in fact, under Mhurren Flick we didn't have too many opportunities to entertain children".
In just under an hour the custom-tailored dress for Aedion is also ready, obviously complete with openings for the wings, and the baby-couatl appreciates it very much: "it's really warm, mom! Thanks mom! With this I can always fly to you next to me, instead of staying hidden! Except when you tell me to hide, of course..."
"Actually... I think I do have something for this situation," Rash says with a smile as he creates a harmless shower of sparks. "Oh... and I still happen to have an owl... hey little guy, you want to play with the kids for a bit?"
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
The children's and Aedion's fun is further enhanced by Rash's magic and the intervention of the clever owl.
Akra, the adult female dragonborn with mild eyes, at a certain point discreetly approaches the two dragonborn who are working and points it out...
And so it is that, when, with the business concluded, you are about to say goodbye and each of you go back on your own path, Patrin declares: "You are good-hearted people; I am happy to have offered you a discount on my goods. If one day you are in difficulty and you think that the Linxakasendalor clan can help you, do not hesitate to look for us. Each of us will do our best to help you" he waves, imitated by all the other clan members, as their wagon sets off again. "May Asgorath shape fate in your favor".
The quiet day of travel ends with an equally quiet night, during which Balfby happily comes out from under the awning where she had remained during the daylight hours and, after having expressed great gratitude to Aidwyn for having brought her with her, goes away to to hunt.
The supernatural beast returns just before dawn, satisfied and with its fangs still dripping with blood, and she retreats to the shelter of the wagon awning.
The new day begins under a rain that is not heavy, but annoyingly stubborn, which continues for a good part of the morning. Fortunately, in the afternoon, as you get closer and closer to Grunwald (which you should reach before evening), you seem to emerge from the disturbance, although the gray sky doesn't do much to console you after being soaked for more than half the day. Aedion, fortunately, protected by his tailor-made piece of clothing, does not seem to suffer in the slightest from the bad weather (and the same happens to Spira, if she decides to wear the elegant dress she bought, rather than keep it for the next ceremony) .
During this day there were many fewer encounters... but now an anomalous encounter attracts your attention: a barely adolescent human, who seems to have with him only the clothes he is wearing and a bag in his hand, is traveling in a southerly direction (therefore towards you). The dark expression seems to indicate that his mood is very bad at the moment, and in fact he seems intent on continuing without even saying goodbye...
“He reminds me… of the tiefling I used to be,” Dawnborn murmurs “Solitude”. After that, she tries to greet him: "Hey, boy... Do you want to stop with us for a moment and have a bite to eat? We would be interested in some information on the route that awaits us before arriving in Grunwald..."
“F*ck Toril!” the teenager seems to get even more angry "I don't see what attraction you can find in that cesspool of a place!" but it's clear that the prospect of having a bite to eat tempts him... he has stopped and seems undecided whether to continue or... or to accept the tiefling's invitation "What are you going there for?" he asks you, taking his time.
"Our dear friend is coming home, and we are accompaning him" says Aidwyn suspecting that the boy is suffering from a similar fate that their prisioner is going to endure
"Please, join us for a bite and some wine, we mean you no harm..."
The combined courtesy of the two women overcomes the reluctance of the teenager, who approaches and sits next to them, after having scrutinized the varied group of travelers with curiosity.
"Thank you," he mutters, quickly drinking some of the offered wine - and almost choking in his haste. "Do you have a friend... who comes from Grunwald?" he looks around, as if trying to understand which of the unusual figures it could be "You don't seem like members of the Thunderbeast tribe of Uthgardt barbarians. And in fact I don't remember any of you..."
"Not that it concerns me" he shrugs, disconsolate. "Not anymore".
Roxana watches the boy with interest, joining Dawnborn and Aidwyn in sitting down with him. "Given your dislike, I assume you must be quite famliar with the Thunderbeast tribe?" She leaves his question about who it is returning to their home unanswered.
"Oh, familiar indeed... it was my tribe... until yesterday!" the young newcomer blurts out "F*ck them all! Damn superstitious people! Tainted! They're afraid I've been tainted by the Tunnels! And they chased me away like a goblin! Banished! I'll never be able to come back..."
He turns to the side, as if to hide his face... and before looking at you again he wipes his eyes: "F*ck the dust this wind blows in my face! As if I need them! I'll be better off without them! I already know what I'll do! I... I... Well, what I'm going to do is only my business. But I'll show them! I'll show the whole f*cking world what Gostar can do".
"But Gostar, what would you have done, exactly, to become 'tainted'?" Gaer asks, seemingly suspicious.
“I knew it” the teenager says. "You have no friend who comes from Grunwald, or you would know it. The Tunnels. The ruins of the dwarfhold upon which Grunwald was built. They are a vast and intricate network of tunnels with multiple entrances, used by us - or rather," he corrects himself with a growl " by them - as cesspits and bonepits. The Tunnels are considered extremely taboo, off-limits to everyone. Grandiose stories are told about it, speculating about what monsters might be down there... and what terrible things they can do to forever taint whoever is so stupid to go down there. I didn't go very far... Just a few steps, enough time to see a heap of old bones to the ground..."
"It was... it was just a bet with my friends" he recalls. "I wanted to show them that I had the courage to go down there. But when I actually did it, instead of impressing them, I scared them... They told everything to the adults. Nobody took pity on me. Whoever enters the Tunnels, gets banished. This is how it has always been, this is how it always will be. My own family chased me away".
Aidwyn shook her head offering the teenager some food while he speaks.
"You see Gostar... perhaps that prohibition was bestowed to the tunnels for a good reason... but it seems that it has been lost now. All things considered it seems too much of a punishment to me. I know that you are angry at them... and for good reason... but please hear me out, and I hope that my words stay with you till it is a better time to ponder them. Try not to judge too harsh the decisions made by fear or ignorance. They cause no less pain, but they do not deserve your rage or vengance... but your pity. "
Aidwyn ponders for a moment, letting her words sink and then asks
"Tell me Gostar... what do you know about horses?"
"I know how to ride, if that's what you mean..." the teenager seems partially appeased by Aidwyn's words, but doesn't understand what the other is aiming for with her last question "...and I know in general what they need... But I'm no great expert at either. You know, my family works with wood - a fairly common job in Grunwald, as there's no shortage of wood in the nearby Lurkwood forest. I've ridden our workhorse a few times - certainly not a beautiful animal like yours - to make deliveries. And of course I contributed by taking care of it. But that's not my specialty".
"Why do you ask me that?" he finally decides to ask directly "Do you know anyone who is looking for a stable boy? I could try... at least to start with".
Dawnborn's lips, meanwhile, are already curling into a smile of anticipation...
Spira sighs happily inside, not allowing any sign of her contentment to show beyond what she's already displayed of course. It was so pleasant to meet a merchant who had mastered his art and settle down for a nice long dicker. She'd laid the initial groundwork quite nicely with that long softening up, though she has to admit to herself she also loves a good natter too. Or else Patrin had recognized a fellow haggler and cut straight to his serious offer ... on this one, so he'd have time to recalibrate his game up a notch for the NEXT session. She smiles again, a finely calibrated smile indicating further interest, and prepares to find a bargain for Darvin. Just as soon as she makes sure Patrin is quite aware that SHE's quite aware that 'mythical' is just merchantspeak for 'there ain't no such a thing.' And that while that didn't necessarily indicate that glacier snakes in fact were unreal, she recognized window dressing, padding, and purple prose when she heard it, thank you very much.
But all rational parents on the scene give up hope of any further productive haggling for the day just at that exact moment, as Kava tries to explain to Aedion ...
or Aedion tries to explain to Kava ..
or ...
"MOMMMMYYYYYYyyyyyyyyyyYYYYY!!!!!!!!! ... ... ... WHY CAN'T COUATLSES AND DRAGONBORNSES BOTH FLY AFTER BEING BORNDED????????????????????!!!" "MOMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmMMMMM!!!!!!!!! ... ... ... WHY CAN'T DRAGONBORNS AND COUATLS BOTH FLY RIGHT AWAY AFTER BEING BORNED????????????????????!!!"
A gloriously muddled scene ensues where Spira finds herself at one point on the verge of trying to explain to the serious-eyed and solemnly nodding little dragonborn girl things about her species that she, Spira, has absolutely no possible way of knowing; while on the other side the dragonborn she guessed was Kava's mother was having an even worse time trying to come up with answers for Aedion about couatls without even having a mother of the right species on the other side of the cart that she could yell to for help. The two women's eyes meet and they both burst into peals of warm laughter before drawing their respective children close and holding them as they rock back and forth still laughing.
"Kava, Aedion, sometimes with a why like that, I'm afraid the only answer even the smartest mommy can give you, because that's all she's been given herself by the gods who really do know everything, is nothing better than, 'Because'. 'Cause in this case at least its true: whatever gods made dragonbornses and couatls made them as they are, and though lots of people have asked the gods why since then, THEY're sure not telling. Sometimes I think the real reason is that it would spoil the fun for them if they told all their secrets. But in this case, Kava, all we know is what you just remembered your mommy telling you, and what more I can tell you now to give you some hope. For some reason, most dragonborns' wings aren't strong enough to let them fly; but in my traveling I've learned if they learn certain kinds of magic or practice secret exercises like some orders of monks know, that makes their wing muscles big enough that they can fly. Dragonborn who become that kind of monk or that kind of magic user when they grow up often can, I mean. But both of those kinds of people are real hard to find, and even harder to get to know them well enough that they'll trust you with a big secret like that. You've got a good chance to at least see one or two of them if you traveling with your clan, and get to know what they look like, so I'd suggest staying with your family and growing up into a big wise dragonborn like your mom first. Oh, and we'll let your father know a thing or two too, but that's just because he's a boy and needs us to give him a head start."
She winks at the little dragonborn girl with a sly eye roll over at her brothers who have drifted over by the cart's tail and gotten into a squabble about whose turn it's going to be to clean up the droppings. Patrin has managed to tame a magnificent pair of winter wolves, and he has trained them to draw his wagon with the true merchant's eye for the impressive ... not to mention the walking billboard that had let Spira know what kind of wares he dealt in before he even opened his mouth. The huge beasts seem to make little more of the unaccustomed task than they would bringing down a giant elk, since each stands a good five feet at the shoulder of their massively built forequarters with a corresponding breadth of chest to match. But Spira can only imagine the sum Patrinmust have to shell out for meat every day to feed such massive animals whenever he can't spare the time to let them hunt, and one of the largest sources of the squalling among the dragonborn siblings in general (which Spira had caught the last echoes of being rapidly hushed, courtesy of her rapidly fledging mother's ears, as they'd overtaken the cart) concerned the fairness or unfairness of the boys having to deal with the results thereof while Kavadidn't; and what Kava did or didn't do to make up for the burden of that, which was so vast that it would crush the storm giant that held up the skies if HE had to carry it for one day like the boys had to. And, of course, one's allies not always being trustworthy when one is engaged in high international diplomacy, which boy had to carry more of that burden.
"That all does seem rather harsh Gostar," Roxana adds when he explains how he was cast out from the tribe. She stays quiet as Aidwyn asks her question, not at all certain where she is going with such a topic.
"I tell you what" replies Aidwyn to the bitter teenager "I could use some help taking care of my mount... we all need. If you want, you can come with us, and I can teach you one or two things about horses along the way. Once we've finished our business with my friend's tribe you can come with us where maybe they could use another stable boy, or perhaps a woodcrafter. I know it isn't too much but I guess it is better to wander the woods alone. Or, you can go now and go there. I can write a note for you as a recommendation if you like and do not want to linger around here anymore.
Also, as soon as I can I could go to your tribe and see if there is anything that can be done about this banning thing. I am pretty sure that the decision also hurts your family and friends... at the very least I can give them a message from you and give their reply to you. Knowing that you are sound and safe will give them solace I am sure"
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PbP Character: A few ;)
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"Pleased to meet you Patrin," Roxana says initially, before Spira has the opportunity to bombard the tradesman with conversation. As Spira starts to haggle over the price of the man's finest furs, she shakes her head. "That's far richer than anything I could pay for such wares! But I'm sure that you could find some business in Longsaddle with your more typical furs. I'm not exactly in the market at the moment though."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Patrin silently studies both Spira and Katryl for a long time... "Oh, what a disappointment..." he finally mutters "So not even in Longsaddle do I have customers waiting for me who are worthy of my best wares! It seems that I will have to offer a discount to this kind lady..." he finally fixes his eyes on the tiefling.
The dragonborn clears his throat, then continues: "However, I cannot debase the quality of my best pieces too much... my and my clan's pride would receive a worse wound than a sword could inflict on my skin! Your little one will have the protection he needs, my kind lady... I will make and sell you the garment for him for just 10gp - no one will ever say that the Linxakasendalor clan was so ruthless as to let a child in distress freeze for a fistful of coins! And as a sign of good will I will also apply a discount to your dress - I will discount you 10gp - but to anyone who asks you in awe how and where you got it you will have to report that it was sold to you by the Linxakasendalor clan, who is traveling the Long Road to Waterdeep and will be there doing business for some time. Agreed?"
He holds out his hand for a handshake: "It's a total of just 50gp... for two garments of enviable nature, one of which will be custom-tailored... Consider, kind lady, that an occasion like this only comes once in a lifetime! It must have been Lady Tymora who sent me your way... do not despise her gifts, or she will refrain from showing you such kindness in the future..."
Spira smiles much more sincerely and extends her hand to take Patin's proffered one. Somehow, 50 gold have appeared in it. "Of course. Courtesy for courtesy. If you think it improves the standing of the Linxakasendalor clan, who is traveling the Long Road to Waterdeep and will be there doing business for some time., I might even be willing to stretch my vows of truth to Angharradh just a tiny bit and only mention the price you asked at first,"
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"But of course, you would not be stretching the truth at all Spira!" Roxana comments with a bit of a smile after the Tiefling's comment. "You would merely be giving the true price that was quoted to you. Clearly you received a discount in consideration of your spreading the fame of the Linxakasendalor clan. That last need not be mentioned."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Patrin laughs heartily at the exchange between the tiefling cleric and the girl from Longsaddle and stops the cart to get to work preparing the custom-made garment for Aedion - to Spira while the adult female dragonborn, Akra, reverently hands over the long and refined dress of glacier snakes fur, looking at her with mild green eyes. It is certainly a very impressive item of clothing, with wide sleeves and long trains which certainly make it unsuitable for adventures, but equally certainly of great effect at any ceremony. And when trying it on to see how it looks on her, the Sergeant of Arvandor actually finds that that type of fur is incredibly effective at preserving body heat.
“You're really taking wedding preparations quite seriously, Quspira!” Gaer exclaims (failing to specify whose wedding) and winks "Have you notified Lord Dagult Neverember of the date yet?"
Meanwhile, the other adult dragonborn, the male, Balasar, sits next to Patrin and with long and nimble fingers begins to help him with the tailoring operations. From how they work quickly and silently, it is clear that there is a strong understanding between the two and that they have been used to collaborating for a long time.
The dragonborn children instead play with Aedion, who never seems to cease to amaze them, with his supernatural abilities and the bright colors of his wings. Since you are forced to take a short break, Anita also allows herself a moment of lightheartedness and gets involved in the children's games. Indeed, at a certain point she also tries to include Rash: "Maybe you could amuse them with some of your magic tricks... Do you know anything that can be useful in this situation? You always say that for a mage it is essential to prepare spells for every circumstance..."
Kunnari in the meantime sits down to rest and shakes his head, amused: "I didn't know this side of you, Anita... But in fact, under Mhurren Flick we didn't have too many opportunities to entertain children".
In just under an hour the custom-tailored dress for Aedion is also ready, obviously complete with openings for the wings, and the baby-couatl appreciates it very much: "it's really warm, mom! Thanks mom! With this I can always fly to you next to me, instead of staying hidden! Except when you tell me to hide, of course..."
While the tailors skillfully work in Aedion's dress Aidwyn approaches Spira and says quietly "Would you allow me to pay for nephew's garment?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Actually... I think I do have something for this situation," Rash says with a smile as he creates a harmless shower of sparks. "Oh... and I still happen to have an owl... hey little guy, you want to play with the kids for a bit?"
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
The children's and Aedion's fun is further enhanced by Rash's magic and the intervention of the clever owl.
Akra, the adult female dragonborn with mild eyes, at a certain point discreetly approaches the two dragonborn who are working and points it out...
And so it is that, when, with the business concluded, you are about to say goodbye and each of you go back on your own path, Patrin declares: "You are good-hearted people; I am happy to have offered you a discount on my goods. If one day you are in difficulty and you think that the Linxakasendalor clan can help you, do not hesitate to look for us. Each of us will do our best to help you" he waves, imitated by all the other clan members, as their wagon sets off again. "May Asgorath shape fate in your favor".
The quiet day of travel ends with an equally quiet night, during which Balfby happily comes out from under the awning where she had remained during the daylight hours and, after having expressed great gratitude to Aidwyn for having brought her with her, goes away to to hunt.
The supernatural beast returns just before dawn, satisfied and with its fangs still dripping with blood, and she retreats to the shelter of the wagon awning.
The new day begins under a rain that is not heavy, but annoyingly stubborn, which continues for a good part of the morning. Fortunately, in the afternoon, as you get closer and closer to Grunwald (which you should reach before evening), you seem to emerge from the disturbance, although the gray sky doesn't do much to console you after being soaked for more than half the day. Aedion, fortunately, protected by his tailor-made piece of clothing, does not seem to suffer in the slightest from the bad weather (and the same happens to Spira, if she decides to wear the elegant dress she bought, rather than keep it for the next ceremony) .
During this day there were many fewer encounters... but now an anomalous encounter attracts your attention: a barely adolescent human, who seems to have with him only the clothes he is wearing and a bag in his hand, is traveling in a southerly direction (therefore towards you). The dark expression seems to indicate that his mood is very bad at the moment, and in fact he seems intent on continuing without even saying goodbye...
“He reminds me… of the tiefling I used to be,” Dawnborn murmurs “Solitude”. After that, she tries to greet him: "Hey, boy... Do you want to stop with us for a moment and have a bite to eat? We would be interested in some information on the route that awaits us before arriving in Grunwald..."
“F*ck Toril!” the teenager seems to get even more angry "I don't see what attraction you can find in that cesspool of a place!" but it's clear that the prospect of having a bite to eat tempts him... he has stopped and seems undecided whether to continue or... or to accept the tiefling's invitation "What are you going there for?" he asks you, taking his time.
"Our dear friend is coming home, and we are accompaning him" says Aidwyn suspecting that the boy is suffering from a similar fate that their prisioner is going to endure
"Please, join us for a bite and some wine, we mean you no harm..."
PbP Character: A few ;)
The combined courtesy of the two women overcomes the reluctance of the teenager, who approaches and sits next to them, after having scrutinized the varied group of travelers with curiosity.
"Thank you," he mutters, quickly drinking some of the offered wine - and almost choking in his haste. "Do you have a friend... who comes from Grunwald?" he looks around, as if trying to understand which of the unusual figures it could be "You don't seem like members of the Thunderbeast tribe of Uthgardt barbarians. And in fact I don't remember any of you..."
"Not that it concerns me" he shrugs, disconsolate. "Not anymore".
Roxana watches the boy with interest, joining Dawnborn and Aidwyn in sitting down with him. "Given your dislike, I assume you must be quite famliar with the Thunderbeast tribe?" She leaves his question about who it is returning to their home unanswered.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Oh, familiar indeed... it was my tribe... until yesterday!" the young newcomer blurts out "F*ck them all! Damn superstitious people! Tainted! They're afraid I've been tainted by the Tunnels! And they chased me away like a goblin! Banished! I'll never be able to come back..."
He turns to the side, as if to hide his face... and before looking at you again he wipes his eyes: "F*ck the dust this wind blows in my face! As if I need them! I'll be better off without them! I already know what I'll do! I... I... Well, what I'm going to do is only my business. But I'll show them! I'll show the whole f*cking world what Gostar can do".
"But Gostar, what would you have done, exactly, to become 'tainted'?" Gaer asks, seemingly suspicious.
“I knew it” the teenager says. "You have no friend who comes from Grunwald, or you would know it. The Tunnels. The ruins of the dwarfhold upon which Grunwald was built. They are a vast and intricate network of tunnels with multiple entrances, used by us - or rather," he corrects himself with a growl " by them - as cesspits and bonepits. The Tunnels are considered extremely taboo, off-limits to everyone. Grandiose stories are told about it, speculating about what monsters might be down there... and what terrible things they can do to forever taint whoever is so stupid to go down there. I didn't go very far... Just a few steps, enough time to see a heap of old bones to the ground..."
"It was... it was just a bet with my friends" he recalls. "I wanted to show them that I had the courage to go down there. But when I actually did it, instead of impressing them, I scared them... They told everything to the adults. Nobody took pity on me. Whoever enters the Tunnels, gets banished. This is how it has always been, this is how it always will be. My own family chased me away".
Aidwyn shook her head offering the teenager some food while he speaks.
"You see Gostar... perhaps that prohibition was bestowed to the tunnels for a good reason... but it seems that it has been lost now. All things considered it seems too much of a punishment to me. I know that you are angry at them... and for good reason... but please hear me out, and I hope that my words stay with you till it is a better time to ponder them. Try not to judge too harsh the decisions made by fear or ignorance. They cause no less pain, but they do not deserve your rage or vengance... but your pity. "
Aidwyn ponders for a moment, letting her words sink and then asks
"Tell me Gostar... what do you know about horses?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
On a scale of 1 to 20, Gostar's knowledge about horses is... 14
"I know how to ride, if that's what you mean..." the teenager seems partially appeased by Aidwyn's words, but doesn't understand what the other is aiming for with her last question "...and I know in general what they need... But I'm no great expert at either. You know, my family works with wood - a fairly common job in Grunwald, as there's no shortage of wood in the nearby Lurkwood forest. I've ridden our workhorse a few times - certainly not a beautiful animal like yours - to make deliveries. And of course I contributed by taking care of it. But that's not my specialty".
"Why do you ask me that?" he finally decides to ask directly "Do you know anyone who is looking for a stable boy? I could try... at least to start with".
Dawnborn's lips, meanwhile, are already curling into a smile of anticipation...
Spira sighs happily inside, not allowing any sign of her contentment to show beyond what she's already displayed of course. It was so pleasant to meet a merchant who had mastered his art and settle down for a nice long dicker. She'd laid the initial groundwork quite nicely with that long softening up, though she has to admit to herself she also loves a good natter too. Or else Patrin had recognized a fellow haggler and cut straight to his serious offer ... on this one, so he'd have time to recalibrate his game up a notch for the NEXT session.
She smiles again, a finely calibrated smile indicating further interest, and prepares to find a bargain for Darvin. Just as soon as she makes sure Patrin is quite aware that SHE's quite aware that 'mythical' is just merchantspeak for 'there ain't no such a thing.' And that while that didn't necessarily indicate that glacier snakes in fact were unreal, she recognized window dressing, padding, and purple prose when she heard it, thank you very much.
But all rational parents on the scene give up hope of any further productive haggling for the day just at that exact moment, as Kava tries to explain to Aedion ...
or Aedion tries to explain to Kava ..
or ...
"MOMMMMYYYYYYyyyyyyyyyyYYYYY!!!!!!!!! ... ... ... WHY CAN'T COUATLSES AND DRAGONBORNSES BOTH FLY AFTER BEING BORNDED????????????????????!!!"
"MOMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmMMMMM!!!!!!!!! ... ... ... WHY CAN'T DRAGONBORNS AND COUATLS BOTH FLY RIGHT AWAY AFTER BEING BORNED????????????????????!!!"
A gloriously muddled scene ensues where Spira finds herself at one point on the verge of trying to explain to the serious-eyed and solemnly nodding little dragonborn girl things about her species that she, Spira, has absolutely no possible way of knowing; while on the other side the dragonborn she guessed was Kava's mother was having an even worse time trying to come up with answers for Aedion about couatls without even having a mother of the right species on the other side of the cart that she could yell to for help. The two women's eyes meet and they both burst into peals of warm laughter before drawing their respective children close and holding them as they rock back and forth still laughing.
"Kava, Aedion, sometimes with a why like that, I'm afraid the only answer even the smartest mommy can give you, because that's all she's been given herself by the gods who really do know everything, is nothing better than, 'Because'. 'Cause in this case at least its true: whatever gods made dragonbornses and couatls made them as they are, and though lots of people have asked the gods why since then, THEY're sure not telling. Sometimes I think the real reason is that it would spoil the fun for them if they told all their secrets. But in this case, Kava, all we know is what you just remembered your mommy telling you, and what more I can tell you now to give you some hope. For some reason, most dragonborns' wings aren't strong enough to let them fly; but in my traveling I've learned if they learn certain kinds of magic or practice secret exercises like some orders of monks know, that makes their wing muscles big enough that they can fly. Dragonborn who become that kind of monk or that kind of magic user when they grow up often can, I mean. But both of those kinds of people are real hard to find, and even harder to get to know them well enough that they'll trust you with a big secret like that. You've got a good chance to at least see one or two of them if you traveling with your clan, and get to know what they look like, so I'd suggest staying with your family and growing up into a big wise dragonborn like your mom first. Oh, and we'll let your father know a thing or two too, but that's just because he's a boy and needs us to give him a head start."
She winks at the little dragonborn girl with a sly eye roll over at her brothers who have drifted over by the cart's tail and gotten into a squabble about whose turn it's going to be to clean up the droppings. Patrin has managed to tame a magnificent pair of winter wolves, and he has trained them to draw his wagon with the true merchant's eye for the impressive ... not to mention the walking billboard that had let Spira know what kind of wares he dealt in before he even opened his mouth. The huge beasts seem to make little more of the unaccustomed task than they would bringing down a giant elk, since each stands a good five feet at the shoulder of their massively built forequarters with a corresponding breadth of chest to match. But Spira can only imagine the sum Patrin must have to shell out for meat every day to feed such massive animals whenever he can't spare the time to let them hunt, and one of the largest sources of the squalling among the dragonborn siblings in general (which Spira had caught the last echoes of being rapidly hushed, courtesy of her rapidly fledging mother's ears, as they'd overtaken the cart) concerned the fairness or unfairness of the boys having to deal with the results thereof while Kava didn't; and what Kava did or didn't do to make up for the burden of that, which was so vast that it would crush the storm giant that held up the skies if HE had to carry it for one day like the boys had to. And, of course, one's allies not always being trustworthy when one is engaged in high international diplomacy, which boy had to carry more of that burden.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The memory is still warm for
(WIP)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"That all does seem rather harsh Gostar," Roxana adds when he explains how he was cast out from the tribe. She stays quiet as Aidwyn asks her question, not at all certain where she is going with such a topic.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Lol! Someone got inspiration for writing, ir seems 😀... Since WIP, I'll wait a moment to see how this goes on
"I tell you what" replies Aidwyn to the bitter teenager "I could use some help taking care of my mount... we all need. If you want, you can come with us, and I can teach you one or two things about horses along the way. Once we've finished our business with my friend's tribe you can come with us where maybe they could use another stable boy, or perhaps a woodcrafter. I know it isn't too much but I guess it is better to wander the woods alone. Or, you can go now and go there. I can write a note for you as a recommendation if you like and do not want to linger around here anymore.
Also, as soon as I can I could go to your tribe and see if there is anything that can be done about this banning thing. I am pretty sure that the decision also hurts your family and friends... at the very least I can give them a message from you and give their reply to you. Knowing that you are sound and safe will give them solace I am sure"
PbP Character: A few ;)