(OOC - Last post for the day, I need sleep for work and thanks to easter family stuff i'm only gonna get about 3 hours ~.~;. Also according to the DM's outcome post, Shiv was never 'dying' the bolt altered what happened and he was slapped with the hilt (not the blade) rendering him unconscious, not dead, or dying))
Zack
Zack's eyes flutter open instantly after being healed , finding himself tied up entirely on the ground, it takes him a few moments to realize what happened, before he scans the area in the darkness, barely lit by the moon. Apparently the entire group was here now, and the Kenku was in fact, not bound as well... or atleast it didn't look that way. Zack heard everything after Nadia began to speak... listening to everything said thusfar before speaking himself. A bit of frustrated anger was welling up in him at this turn of events as his brow furrowed, zack growled just before speaking. The wolf below, it's ears falling back, and it's teeth baring as it senses the tension in the air, especially from the mage, though it didn't move to attack.
RRRah.. still enough wits about him to keep the growl low, so as not to echo in the valley area, and lure out other things So you DO have that spell.... Chad I don't remember what it's called, but I do remember it's effects when it was used on me.. that spell never misses.. it was used to torture me and my commanding officer.. when.... when........ Zack shakes his head as if confused at a memory that should be there.. not being there I can see why your last group kicked you out.. I think I recall you saying something along those lines... a 'disagreement' or something. Back in that cave, with the worg and the wolves... Just imagine how many of us wouldn't have fallen if you'd just used that spell and ran into melee! It seems you suffer from a lack of strategic judgement.. you save your spells that don't miss for allies, instead of enemies.... It's also good to know that some members of our group will let strangers into our midst in the middle of the night, unannounced, and unknown, sneaking up on us,and wont even consider they might be trying to hurt us until after they begin slitting our throats!
I was protecting Lillith and Nadia, because this bird.. thingZack said, clearly having never seen a Kenku before Snuck up on this side of the cave entrance, growling and even admitted he was trying to scare us off so he could search our camp! He then spouts out a name, like it's supposed to mean something.. Lenene Grey... something saying "I was sent to collect something that was lost. And that Goblins Took it." Sure he also said he didn't mean to hurt us, and that he was "Just doing his job" But what theif tells the cop he's intending to burgle the shop? Or admits he did after the deed is done? And who is Lenene? How did she know her stuff was taken by goblins? How did she know it was here? How does she even know if it's her stuff? The birdman is... or atleast.. is Most likely Lying, coming up with a convenient story to hide his real intentions. I repeat, how did He, or Lenene, know anything about this? that makes no sense, we haven't even been gone from the road a full six hours! and Pha... where we're heading is still a day or more away... isn't ANY of that suspicious to you? What if he's working with the Goblins? The one's we've interrogated so far have alluded to some "Boss" what if this is him? or an underling of him? Did any of you who are sitting here judging me for what I did even considering any of this?
This may not be a war, but the army that lets a spy into their midst is dead by dawn, you can't just trust everyone who walks up acting non-threatening, our group is injured, and he could have been trying to take advantage of that! If he wasn't trying anything, why didn't he announce his presence sooner as is customary? He snuck up until he was spotted. I spared the wolf down there because he surrendered. I killed the first pack of wolves that attacked us at camp because we had no choice.
I would rather kill an innocent person sneaking up on our camp, than risk letting someone dangerous in to kill my companions by taking advantage of my Naievete he says, sparing a glance at Chad to emphasize his earlier few points directed at the Mage.
Then looking at Gribz searchingly as he essentially made the same remark about him potentially attacking the group as well Now tell me.. why would I go through all the trouble, and risk my life to save you all just so I could hack you all up later? Seriously? Gribz... I know you're not exactly used to the real world, and I had been hoping to save this for later, but it seems I have to say it now. In the real world, there are several types of people. The people who will Kill you. The people who will kill with you. And the people who are unable to defend themselves from either. If you're not willing to end the life of someone who's threatening your life, or the life of those people you're trying to protect, then they will succeed at ending both. The lion doesn't care that the sheep doesn't want to die, because the lion is hungry.
So let me re-emphasize my point. A random, unknown person walked up to our camp, in the middle of the night, sneaking up as we are recovering from our wounds, claiming to mean us no harm. He says the name of someone I doubt any of us know, to 'find' something. The attempt to scare us by growling at us so they can look around and probably loot our camp while we're gone. This person also somehow knows ... everything that's happened, despite it happening less than six hours ago, when we're a FULL day's ride from the two NEAREST towns. What part of that DOESN'T ring suspicious?
Zack then flexes his muscles, straining them against the rope.
Athletics check to break the ropes: 20
((OOC- Oops.. chance 'cop' to 'guard' but if i alter anythign above my roll it will alter the roll...))
Zack says one last thing even as he attempts to snap the ropes that bind him with raw strength.. And I did give him two or three chances to explain himself before I attacked. It can't be helped if he explained it poorly.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gribz
"You're upset that we judged you, but you did the same to the bird. As for the "real world", you go to jail for murder in the real world Zack. This isn't some battlefield where you kill indiscriminately, innocent or not, and tell yourself they deserve to die because they were different. You've known me for less than a ten-day, bud, you know almost nothing about me. But know this, whether we like it or not, we're a team. And Sildar's life depends on us working as a team. So quit making decisions that could put us all in ******* jail. The next time you attack something that isn't a clear threat to us, I won't miss with my crossbow."Gribz will then spit and on the ground and go about disarming the Kenku.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Shiv
Shiv will open his eyes as pain shoots through his body "Why... *******..." The kenku would mutter before choking and coughing up a bit of blood and spitting it on to the ground in front if him. As Shiv tries to place his hands over his wound, he will quickly realize that his wrists are bound and that he is unable to do so. "Are you all jerks...or just him" The kenku would say as he nodded towards Zack, pointing at him with his blood spattered beak. "My name is Shiv... I was hired by Linene Graywind to find stolen goods. She said goblins stole them." The dark gray colored kenku would say as he tries to wriggle his hands free of his bindings.
(OOC slight of hand to wiggle out of rope? 20)
Hanging his head as he realises he is stuck, he will look to the goblin. "My Sword." he would chirp as he spots his weapon. "Give back please" he would ask in the voice of a young child, tilting his head as he examined his captors.
As Lilith is about to heal Zack, I put my hand on her wrist. "If you bring him back, the next blood spilled because of him will be on you. I hope you have thought this through."Chad watches as Zack is brought back. He is obviously not happy about the situation but has made his point clear.
Speaking to Nadia, "you've seen Zack's actions. Is it so unbelievable that he would attack some random creature? He hasn't shown a lot of actions to make me think otherwise."
Chad watches over as Zack comes to and gives his spiel. Chad shakes his head in disgust. Chad's been here before muscled up bullies that rather hit than using their brain. Chad had no time for it. He says nothing to Zack, Gribz has already said what needed to be said. Chad will give a knowing nod to Gribz. Chad just shrugs as Zack breaks the hold of the rope. Zacks sword lays on the ground.
Chad will turn his attention to the kenku. "You're read of the situation is correct. Just him, he is the *******,"motioning to Zack. Chad will untie the bindings of the kenku. "Your sword, we're hanging onto it for the moment."
Lilith approaches the kenku. "I'm so sorry. For both Zack attacking you and the fact that I don't have any spells to heal you with right now."She then turns to Zack. "You speak of the real world and yet you continue to talk about it like it is war. The real world isn't like war and the real world doesn't let you kill people willy nilly. You say to see it from your perspective but did you try to see it from theirs?" She gestures to the kenku. "From what I've heard, if they were telling the truth, I find what they did to be reasonable. They thought us to be threats and tried to scare us off. Honestly, if they were as bad as you think, they would've just tried to kill us all in our sleep. But they didn't. Even if they were a thief, you shouldn't kill them."Lilith shakes her head. "I cannot believe you are willing to end an innocent persons life for your own sake. I'm disappointed in you, Zack. The world isn't just them against us. I understand you've been through a lot with war but that doesn't excuse your lack of empathy for the lives of others. Also, whilst your here saying that we don't know anything and that nothing makes sense, you're right. We don't. So who in the nine hells are you to decide that a possibly innocent person should die simply because YOU DON'T KNOW. Do you feel no guilt when an innocent person dies by your hand? Are you so heartless?"Lilith shakes her head and stays by the kenku, willing to protect them if anyone else feels the need to attack.
Once untied, Shiv will turn his head and nod. "Thanks!" The kenku would exclaim in a voice much more cheerful than his badly bloodied body looked capable of. A moment later, Shiv would work up a smile towards Lilith. "You seem nice" he would claw before making a sound of a kitten purring as she moves next to him. Then, catching sight of the goblin holding his short sword, Shiv would quickly and silently produce a set of daggers and another shortsword almost instantly. "Do you want to hold on to these as well?" He would kaw with a wink before choking a bit on blood once more before spitting onto the dirt. Shiv would then attemot to wipe some of the blood from his beak, smearing it removing some of its mirror finish before flipping the blades around and handing them to the goblin hilt first.
Nadia stays silent throughout Zack's explanation, the birds, and everyone else talking. She was irritated at the fact they were woken up to something like this, but annoyed that everyone had completely disregarded how the soldier was trying to protect them if there were any ill intentions, but clearly, it was a misunderstanding between him and the bird. Zack shouldn't have tried killing the creature, but should have tried knocking him out and tying him up to get the full story so fights would break out and no rifts would be made in the party. (Too late for that I guess) her gaze goes from the ground to the now freed kenku, clenching her teeth at how everyone so readily trusted it. To avoid any further arguments (because Gods knew these people were full of it), she simply rolls her eyes and folds her arms in front of her chest.
"If we're done here then, I'm going back to sleep." She looks over to the soldier with a frown but finds nothing to say to him, at most she shakes her head at the others and turns to head back to her bed roll. "Dioses, ayúdame a no matar a estas personas mientras duermen."
(OOC - Translation from UC: Gods help me not kill these people while they sleep.)
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Zack was about to retort to some of the comments, but decided there was no point. ("Half of this group is too naieve, and inexperienced for their own good.. ") he said with a sigh. He did however say one thing to Lillith... "You're right. This isn't war, or a warzone. But anything in the world can and will be out to kill you. This isn't paranoia or lack of trust. I like to give *everyone* the benefit of the doubt, until they prove they dont deserve it. I gave the birdman a chance to explain himself atleast twice. His story didn't add up. So let me be clear. I try to give everyone a fair chance *before* I act.
And about this not being a war. Again, you're right. However, every day, villages are razed by raiders, or evil magicians, necromancers and what have you. Every day, people are kidnapped and have horrible, unspeakable things happen to them. Every day, many people are murdered, whether it is on purpose, or they just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time. Every day, people have their possessions or lives turned upside down, or taken, for trusting the wrong people, and giving the bad people out there, a chance to do their evil. It doesn't have to be a warzone for bad things to happen. Just look at what happened to Gundren and Sildar not even a full day after they left.. and the *same* could have happened to us. *That,* is everyday reality, and *this* isn't a warzone. But it's what I had to witness, almost every other tenday, some orcs attacking a defenseless village, to murder the citizens and burn their homes to ash. Raiders killing the men, 'using' the women, and looting what was left, if me and my platoon didn't stop them, *before* they did it" he said hoping it would get across, but somehow ... doubting it. A flash of remorse flitting across his face for those he has been 'too late' for "And I did what I thought would be best to protect the people here, who seem to be completely willing to trust someone they met at midnight, who's story doesn't add up. I'm surprised they didn't give him more weapons, Instead of disarming him at all"
"And just to be clear oh, it's not a lack of empathy. It was that I had *more* empathy for you, Nadia, and our party over this stranger"
("Half these people are going to get themselves killed. And I can no longer justify trying to protect them.They're going to get the rest of us killed too. Would I protect Nadia? Sure. Lillith? Sure. But Chad, Gribz, and this bird? No. Atleast.. it makes my job a little easier.. Chad bumbles around too much, and holds back at the wrong times.. tells *me* to use my brain when he was charging into melee like he's some sort of fighter, and nearly dies for it.. and isn't using his brain right now... *aside* from his seemingly pampered lifestyle....Gribz? He's a capable fighter .... but too naieve to the real world, and the dangers the world holds... the real world isn't like your plays, or acting. The enemy doesn't pull you back up after they kill you to congratulate you on a 'good performance'. Lillith shows some promise but will need to see this all for herself.. but.. atleast she thinks for herself.")
Zack gets back to his position, grabbing his dropped sword.letting whoever go wherever as he intends to finish his watch, hoping to eventually get some rest himself before they go back in. The wolf calming down to rest again, as well.
(Ooc - just remember, this is all in character! :] I'm actually loving all this development, come what may)
"Do you stop being a soldier just because it is dark outside?" The Kenku would ask Zack as he walks away to pick up his weapon and resume his watch. Pausing for a moment, the kenku would rub his head as though trying very hard to piece together what he wanted to say. "I was hired to find some equipment that was stolen... A caravan heading to Phandalin was robbed by bandits...." Shiv would pause and wipe blood from his mouth once more as he tried ti piece together the right words. "I came from Phandalin... I took a job there to find the stolen goods... Would you approach a bandit camp alone in broad daylight Mr. Tactics?" The kenku would kaw before tilting his head and narrowing his eyes. "But.. I don't see any stolen goods here... so I apologize for scaring you". Shiv would say with a nod to zack and then the others surrounding him. Pausing a moment more, Shiv would add "It.. Takes me a bit of time.. to find the words to communicate properly. I tried my best to explain myself quickly... but I guess it wasn't fast enough." As the kenku speaks, you notices that the voices he uses to communicate are almost exclusively that of children or of very gruff, shady, or angry individuals... and there are very few inbetween... Almost as if all the words he has learned were from spending time with lots of kids or in very rough and dangerous taverns and inns.
(OOC - Gah.. it's hard to reply to that since .. timing... but if I don't respond now it'll be 'too late' so to say, or atleast very awkwardly placed since i'll be passing out very soon)
Zack
Confusion warped Zacks features at the very first comment, as atleast to him, it made absolutely no sense. But as the bird continues, Zack would say, without looking at him Perhaps if you had explained it that way, things might have turned out different. Might have. It still doesn't explain how you knew, or your employer knew, when we haven't even been gone a full day, and the delivery wasn't "expected" until tomorrow. And if I was with my old company? yes. We had to fight bandits in the open all the time, of every race. We rarely took losses, though I will admit I probably did the least overall, since my job was to find people who had survived and get them out, only fighting when nessecary.
Your story still has plenty of holes. You should have considered the possibility you might run into the people who the cargo was stolen from, and prepared a proper explanation, in case you didn't run into enemies. I will kill to protect those who fight beside me. As you almost found out tonight.
(ooc - also yeah, I literally havbe no idea what that first comment/analogy/metaphor/question is supposed to mean, can you OOC explain it to me?)
(OOC: yeah, reading back I guess it was kind of confusing. I asked if you quit being a soldier at night because you were arguing about him appearing at night. Basically I was trying to say that he doesn't care that it is night.. night time is the best time to do his job, kind of like you don't stop being a soldier because it is dark out. Sorry if it wasn't clear :P)
Shiv
"I wasn't looking for you! You are not the only people transporting goods here!... I didn't even know you were making a delivery until now! I don't know anything about who you are or what you are doing....there are many caravans that have been being robbed on their way to Phandalin and I was hired to find and recover the stolen items." The kenku would shout louder, becoming frustrated. "I came to this site to see if you were bandits that had stolen some goods I was paid to recover.... perhaps you were paid to make a delivery because the other caravans... the ones *I* was hired to find... keep coming up missing!"" Shiv would say with an angry kaw before shaking a bit as he tries to smooth his ruffled feathers. Pausing a moment longer he would move to a nearby tree, mostly hidden by shadow and slump down in front of it. "Since you're not bandits..." He would cough up a bit more blood "I am going to rest right here... I would appreciate it if you didn't kill me in my sleep" The kenku would say before making pointing towards Kyle and making the sound of a donkey braying loudly.
"People call me a bird brain.." The bird would mumble to himself with a huff.
Would Chad know kenkus are slow on the uptake with talking?
“You’re going to need to explain yourself a little bit better there bird person. I think you have everyone confused why you’re here, who sent you and how you knew of this place.”
Chad isn’t too concerned with a fight between anyone at this point. The point has been made with Zack. The bird had more weapons he freely gave up. If he wanted to attack us, he had the means. Chads holstered his wand and pulled his cloak over his body before rubbing his temples. He has a look of pure exhaustion.
Shiv would rub his eyes, smearing blood from his hands on to his face... the pain and exhaustion of being almost dead and trying to communicate beginning to weigh on him. "I told you why I was here... I told you who sent me... And as for finding you all.. it isn't like this is some secret magical hiding spot requiring a magic map and a password to find... I wouldn't have been given my job if I wasn't good at finding things" The kenku would say before pulling out his waterskin and emptying the contents on to his face before wiping his eyes and beak with his black shirt.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gribz
Gribz will listen to Shiv say his piece and hold on to Shiv's shortsword until he's done processing the Kenku's story.
Insight check to try and determine if there are any lies or half-truths: 4
"I came to this site to see if you were bandits that had stolen some goods I was paid to recover...." (That makes sense why he didn't just walk up and say hello. See Zack? There's always two sides to a story... Arrogance, impulsiveness, and bloodlust make for a dangerous and unpredictable combination... We need to watch our back around him... At least Chad's level headed enough to realize it. Lovestruck Nadia though... Feel sorry for the girl...)
Gribz's gut feeling is that the Kenku isn't trying to kill them at least. Gribz is confident that the group could handle the little guy should he prove to be hostile in the future. "I know we're kinda being hard-asses Shiv, but we're just trying to protect ourselves here. I'm sorry you were attacked, it's not the course of action I would've taken, but thankfully you survived. Here..." And Gribz will hand Shiv his shortsword back "...In case some one tries to kill you again. Now, I don't totally trust you and I'm sure the same goes for you about us, but it seems we've found ourselves a common enemy: the Goblins in this cave. We're trying to rescue someone that was attacked and taken prisoner by the Goblins. He's a friend of the guy who hired us, who was also taken prisoner during the same attack. We've learned that the man who hired us, Mr. Rockseeker may not be in this cave, but we still intend on saving Sildar, his friend. Would you like to join us and help us rescue Sildar? If we find what you're looking for, you're welcome to take it. We've tried once already to clear out the cave, but we didn't get very far... We could use some help. What do you say?" and Gribz will hold out his hand to the Kenku.
Shiv would take his weapons back and slide them into his belt and inside his shirt before staggering to his feet. "Deal" he would say with his best effort to form a smile.
(OOC: Although the birds facial features are hard to read and you get nothing from any inflections in his voice because his speach is a combination of so many overheard conversations.. you think he is a pretty awesome and trustworthy bird and have no reason not to believe him. )
"Ok, Shiv. Everyone here needs a rest. Especially you." Chad looks over the bird spilling blood. "Tomorrow morning we hit the cave. Hit it hard and take these raiders out. No lone wolf bullshit."
Zack and Shiv begin to come around with their arms bound in some sort of loose fashion.
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
(OOC - Last post for the day, I need sleep for work and thanks to easter family stuff i'm only gonna get about 3 hours ~.~;. Also according to the DM's outcome post, Shiv was never 'dying' the bolt altered what happened and he was slapped with the hilt (not the blade) rendering him unconscious, not dead, or dying))
Zack
Zack's eyes flutter open instantly after being healed , finding himself tied up entirely on the ground, it takes him a few moments to realize what happened, before he scans the area in the darkness, barely lit by the moon. Apparently the entire group was here now, and the Kenku was in fact, not bound as well... or atleast it didn't look that way. Zack heard everything after Nadia began to speak... listening to everything said thusfar before speaking himself. A bit of frustrated anger was welling up in him at this turn of events as his brow furrowed, zack growled just before speaking. The wolf below, it's ears falling back, and it's teeth baring as it senses the tension in the air, especially from the mage, though it didn't move to attack.
RRRah.. still enough wits about him to keep the growl low, so as not to echo in the valley area, and lure out other things So you DO have that spell.... Chad I don't remember what it's called, but I do remember it's effects when it was used on me.. that spell never misses.. it was used to torture me and my commanding officer.. when.... when........ Zack shakes his head as if confused at a memory that should be there.. not being there I can see why your last group kicked you out.. I think I recall you saying something along those lines... a 'disagreement' or something. Back in that cave, with the worg and the wolves... Just imagine how many of us wouldn't have fallen if you'd just used that spell and ran into melee! It seems you suffer from a lack of strategic judgement.. you save your spells that don't miss for allies, instead of enemies.... It's also good to know that some members of our group will let strangers into our midst in the middle of the night, unannounced, and unknown, sneaking up on us, and wont even consider they might be trying to hurt us until after they begin slitting our throats!
I was protecting Lillith and Nadia, because this bird.. thing Zack said, clearly having never seen a Kenku before Snuck up on this side of the cave entrance, growling and even admitted he was trying to scare us off so he could search our camp! He then spouts out a name, like it's supposed to mean something.. Lenene Grey... something saying "I was sent to collect something that was lost. And that Goblins Took it." Sure he also said he didn't mean to hurt us, and that he was "Just doing his job" But what theif tells the cop he's intending to burgle the shop? Or admits he did after the deed is done? And who is Lenene? How did she know her stuff was taken by goblins? How did she know it was here? How does she even know if it's her stuff? The birdman is... or atleast.. is Most likely Lying, coming up with a convenient story to hide his real intentions. I repeat, how did He, or Lenene, know anything about this? that makes no sense, we haven't even been gone from the road a full six hours! and Pha... where we're heading is still a day or more away... isn't ANY of that suspicious to you? What if he's working with the Goblins? The one's we've interrogated so far have alluded to some "Boss" what if this is him? or an underling of him? Did any of you who are sitting here judging me for what I did even considering any of this?
This may not be a war, but the army that lets a spy into their midst is dead by dawn, you can't just trust everyone who walks up acting non-threatening, our group is injured, and he could have been trying to take advantage of that! If he wasn't trying anything, why didn't he announce his presence sooner as is customary? He snuck up until he was spotted. I spared the wolf down there because he surrendered. I killed the first pack of wolves that attacked us at camp because we had no choice.
I would rather kill an innocent person sneaking up on our camp, than risk letting someone dangerous in to kill my companions by taking advantage of my Naievete he says, sparing a glance at Chad to emphasize his earlier few points directed at the Mage.
Then looking at Gribz searchingly as he essentially made the same remark about him potentially attacking the group as well Now tell me.. why would I go through all the trouble, and risk my life to save you all just so I could hack you all up later? Seriously? Gribz... I know you're not exactly used to the real world, and I had been hoping to save this for later, but it seems I have to say it now. In the real world, there are several types of people. The people who will Kill you. The people who will kill with you. And the people who are unable to defend themselves from either. If you're not willing to end the life of someone who's threatening your life, or the life of those people you're trying to protect, then they will succeed at ending both. The lion doesn't care that the sheep doesn't want to die, because the lion is hungry.
So let me re-emphasize my point. A random, unknown person walked up to our camp, in the middle of the night, sneaking up as we are recovering from our wounds, claiming to mean us no harm. He says the name of someone I doubt any of us know, to 'find' something. The attempt to scare us by growling at us so they can look around and probably loot our camp while we're gone. This person also somehow knows ... everything that's happened, despite it happening less than six hours ago, when we're a FULL day's ride from the two NEAREST towns. What part of that DOESN'T ring suspicious?
Zack then flexes his muscles, straining them against the rope.
Athletics check to break the ropes: 20
((OOC- Oops.. chance 'cop' to 'guard' but if i alter anythign above my roll it will alter the roll...))
Zack says one last thing even as he attempts to snap the ropes that bind him with raw strength.. And I did give him two or three chances to explain himself before I attacked. It can't be helped if he explained it poorly.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Gribz
"You're upset that we judged you, but you did the same to the bird. As for the "real world", you go to jail for murder in the real world Zack. This isn't some battlefield where you kill indiscriminately, innocent or not, and tell yourself they deserve to die because they were different. You've known me for less than a ten-day, bud, you know almost nothing about me. But know this, whether we like it or not, we're a team. And Sildar's life depends on us working as a team. So quit making decisions that could put us all in ******* jail. The next time you attack something that isn't a clear threat to us, I won't miss with my crossbow." Gribz will then spit and on the ground and go about disarming the Kenku.
Investigation: 15
Zack manages to pull the bindings apart. Gribz takes a shortsword away from Shiv and is pretty certain that that is the only weapon he has on him.
(OOC - Getting a few hours sleep in. Continue with the conversations, I just won’t be able to confirm or deny rolls)
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
Shiv
Shiv will open his eyes as pain shoots through his body "Why... *******..." The kenku would mutter before choking and coughing up a bit of blood and spitting it on to the ground in front if him. As Shiv tries to place his hands over his wound, he will quickly realize that his wrists are bound and that he is unable to do so. "Are you all jerks...or just him" The kenku would say as he nodded towards Zack, pointing at him with his blood spattered beak. "My name is Shiv... I was hired by Linene Graywind to find stolen goods. She said goblins stole them." The dark gray colored kenku would say as he tries to wriggle his hands free of his bindings.
(OOC slight of hand to wiggle out of rope? 20)
Hanging his head as he realises he is stuck, he will look to the goblin. "My Sword." he would chirp as he spots his weapon. "Give back please" he would ask in the voice of a young child, tilting his head as he examined his captors.
(OOC sorry, posting on phone)
As Lilith is about to heal Zack, I put my hand on her wrist. "If you bring him back, the next blood spilled because of him will be on you. I hope you have thought this through." Chad watches as Zack is brought back. He is obviously not happy about the situation but has made his point clear.
Speaking to Nadia, "you've seen Zack's actions. Is it so unbelievable that he would attack some random creature? He hasn't shown a lot of actions to make me think otherwise."
Chad watches over as Zack comes to and gives his spiel. Chad shakes his head in disgust. Chad's been here before muscled up bullies that rather hit than using their brain. Chad had no time for it. He says nothing to Zack, Gribz has already said what needed to be said. Chad will give a knowing nod to Gribz. Chad just shrugs as Zack breaks the hold of the rope. Zacks sword lays on the ground.
Chad will turn his attention to the kenku. "You're read of the situation is correct. Just him, he is the *******," motioning to Zack. Chad will untie the bindings of the kenku. "Your sword, we're hanging onto it for the moment."
PC: Fitzroy Hammerstone - The Mad Empiricist of Corinth
DM:
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Lilith
Lilith approaches the kenku. "I'm so sorry. For both Zack attacking you and the fact that I don't have any spells to heal you with right now." She then turns to Zack. "You speak of the real world and yet you continue to talk about it like it is war. The real world isn't like war and the real world doesn't let you kill people willy nilly. You say to see it from your perspective but did you try to see it from theirs?" She gestures to the kenku. "From what I've heard, if they were telling the truth, I find what they did to be reasonable. They thought us to be threats and tried to scare us off. Honestly, if they were as bad as you think, they would've just tried to kill us all in our sleep. But they didn't. Even if they were a thief, you shouldn't kill them." Lilith shakes her head. "I cannot believe you are willing to end an innocent persons life for your own sake. I'm disappointed in you, Zack. The world isn't just them against us. I understand you've been through a lot with war but that doesn't excuse your lack of empathy for the lives of others. Also, whilst your here saying that we don't know anything and that nothing makes sense, you're right. We don't. So who in the nine hells are you to decide that a possibly innocent person should die simply because YOU DON'T KNOW. Do you feel no guilt when an innocent person dies by your hand? Are you so heartless?" Lilith shakes her head and stays by the kenku, willing to protect them if anyone else feels the need to attack.
Shiv
Once untied, Shiv will turn his head and nod. "Thanks!" The kenku would exclaim in a voice much more cheerful than his badly bloodied body looked capable of. A moment later, Shiv would work up a smile towards Lilith. "You seem nice" he would claw before making a sound of a kitten purring as she moves next to him. Then, catching sight of the goblin holding his short sword, Shiv would quickly and silently produce a set of daggers and another shortsword almost instantly. "Do you want to hold on to these as well?" He would kaw with a wink before choking a bit on blood once more before spitting onto the dirt. Shiv would then attemot to wipe some of the blood from his beak, smearing it removing some of its mirror finish before flipping the blades around and handing them to the goblin hilt first.
Nadia stays silent throughout Zack's explanation, the birds, and everyone else talking. She was irritated at the fact they were woken up to something like this, but annoyed that everyone had completely disregarded how the soldier was trying to protect them if there were any ill intentions, but clearly, it was a misunderstanding between him and the bird. Zack shouldn't have tried killing the creature, but should have tried knocking him out and tying him up to get the full story so fights would break out and no rifts would be made in the party. (Too late for that I guess) her gaze goes from the ground to the now freed kenku, clenching her teeth at how everyone so readily trusted it. To avoid any further arguments (because Gods knew these people were full of it), she simply rolls her eyes and folds her arms in front of her chest.
"If we're done here then, I'm going back to sleep." She looks over to the soldier with a frown but finds nothing to say to him, at most she shakes her head at the others and turns to head back to her bed roll. "Dioses, ayúdame a no matar a estas personas mientras duermen."
(OOC - Translation from UC: Gods help me not kill these people while they sleep.)
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
(OOC - back in the seat again now)
Dungeon Master - PBP Lost Mine Of Phandelver (Closed)
Dungeon Master - PBP Out Of The Abyss (Closed)
Dungeon Master - The Chronicles Of Dantia (Home Game)
Forbi & Dorbi - Deep Gnome - Fighter/Rogue - PBP Into The Fire
Vosdred Ironeye - Hill Dwarf - Fighter/Wizard - PBP Game of the Last Chance
(Ooc - attempting to post soon. At work, on phone.)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Zack
Zack was about to retort to some of the comments, but decided there was no point. ("Half of this group is too naieve, and inexperienced for their own good.. ") he said with a sigh. He did however say one thing to Lillith... "You're right. This isn't war, or a warzone. But anything in the world can and will be out to kill you. This isn't paranoia or lack of trust. I like to give *everyone* the benefit of the doubt, until they prove they dont deserve it. I gave the birdman a chance to explain himself atleast twice. His story didn't add up. So let me be clear. I try to give everyone a fair chance *before* I act.
And about this not being a war. Again, you're right. However, every day, villages are razed by raiders, or evil magicians, necromancers and what have you. Every day, people are kidnapped and have horrible, unspeakable things happen to them. Every day, many people are murdered, whether it is on purpose, or they just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time. Every day, people have their possessions or lives turned upside down, or taken, for trusting the wrong people, and giving the bad people out there, a chance to do their evil. It doesn't have to be a warzone for bad things to happen. Just look at what happened to Gundren and Sildar not even a full day after they left.. and the *same* could have happened to us. *That,* is everyday reality, and *this* isn't a warzone. But it's what I had to witness, almost every other tenday, some orcs attacking a defenseless village, to murder the citizens and burn their homes to ash. Raiders killing the men, 'using' the women, and looting what was left, if me and my platoon didn't stop them, *before* they did it" he said hoping it would get across, but somehow ... doubting it. A flash of remorse flitting across his face for those he has been 'too late' for "And I did what I thought would be best to protect the people here, who seem to be completely willing to trust someone they met at midnight, who's story doesn't add up. I'm surprised they didn't give him more weapons, Instead of disarming him at all"
"And just to be clear oh, it's not a lack of empathy. It was that I had *more* empathy for you, Nadia, and our party over this stranger"
("Half these people are going to get themselves killed. And I can no longer justify trying to protect them.They're going to get the rest of us killed too. Would I protect Nadia? Sure. Lillith? Sure. But Chad, Gribz, and this bird? No. Atleast.. it makes my job a little easier.. Chad bumbles around too much, and holds back at the wrong times.. tells *me* to use my brain when he was charging into melee like he's some sort of fighter, and nearly dies for it.. and isn't using his brain right now... *aside* from his seemingly pampered lifestyle....Gribz? He's a capable fighter .... but too naieve to the real world, and the dangers the world holds... the real world isn't like your plays, or acting. The enemy doesn't pull you back up after they kill you to congratulate you on a 'good performance'. Lillith shows some promise but will need to see this all for herself.. but.. atleast she thinks for herself.")
Zack gets back to his position, grabbing his dropped sword.letting whoever go wherever as he intends to finish his watch, hoping to eventually get some rest himself before they go back in. The wolf calming down to rest again, as well.
(Ooc - just remember, this is all in character! :] I'm actually loving all this development, come what may)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Shiv
"Do you stop being a soldier just because it is dark outside?" The Kenku would ask Zack as he walks away to pick up his weapon and resume his watch. Pausing for a moment, the kenku would rub his head as though trying very hard to piece together what he wanted to say. "I was hired to find some equipment that was stolen... A caravan heading to Phandalin was robbed by bandits...." Shiv would pause and wipe blood from his mouth once more as he tried ti piece together the right words. "I came from Phandalin... I took a job there to find the stolen goods... Would you approach a bandit camp alone in broad daylight Mr. Tactics?" The kenku would kaw before tilting his head and narrowing his eyes. "But.. I don't see any stolen goods here... so I apologize for scaring you". Shiv would say with a nod to zack and then the others surrounding him. Pausing a moment more, Shiv would add "It.. Takes me a bit of time.. to find the words to communicate properly. I tried my best to explain myself quickly... but I guess it wasn't fast enough." As the kenku speaks, you notices that the voices he uses to communicate are almost exclusively that of children or of very gruff, shady, or angry individuals... and there are very few inbetween... Almost as if all the words he has learned were from spending time with lots of kids or in very rough and dangerous taverns and inns.
(OOC - Gah.. it's hard to reply to that since .. timing... but if I don't respond now it'll be 'too late' so to say, or atleast very awkwardly placed since i'll be passing out very soon)
Zack
Confusion warped Zacks features at the very first comment, as atleast to him, it made absolutely no sense. But as the bird continues, Zack would say, without looking at him Perhaps if you had explained it that way, things might have turned out different. Might have. It still doesn't explain how you knew, or your employer knew, when we haven't even been gone a full day, and the delivery wasn't "expected" until tomorrow. And if I was with my old company? yes. We had to fight bandits in the open all the time, of every race. We rarely took losses, though I will admit I probably did the least overall, since my job was to find people who had survived and get them out, only fighting when nessecary.
Your story still has plenty of holes. You should have considered the possibility you might run into the people who the cargo was stolen from, and prepared a proper explanation, in case you didn't run into enemies. I will kill to protect those who fight beside me. As you almost found out tonight.
(ooc - also yeah, I literally havbe no idea what that first comment/analogy/metaphor/question is supposed to mean, can you OOC explain it to me?)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(OOC: yeah, reading back I guess it was kind of confusing. I asked if you quit being a soldier at night because you were arguing about him appearing at night. Basically I was trying to say that he doesn't care that it is night.. night time is the best time to do his job, kind of like you don't stop being a soldier because it is dark out. Sorry if it wasn't clear :P)
Shiv
"I wasn't looking for you! You are not the only people transporting goods here!... I didn't even know you were making a delivery until now! I don't know anything about who you are or what you are doing....there are many caravans that have been being robbed on their way to Phandalin and I was hired to find and recover the stolen items." The kenku would shout louder, becoming frustrated. "I came to this site to see if you were bandits that had stolen some goods I was paid to recover.... perhaps you were paid to make a delivery because the other caravans... the ones *I* was hired to find... keep coming up missing!"" Shiv would say with an angry kaw before shaking a bit as he tries to smooth his ruffled feathers. Pausing a moment longer he would move to a nearby tree, mostly hidden by shadow and slump down in front of it. "Since you're not bandits..." He would cough up a bit more blood "I am going to rest right here... I would appreciate it if you didn't kill me in my sleep" The kenku would say before making pointing towards Kyle and making the sound of a donkey braying loudly.
"People call me a bird brain.." The bird would mumble to himself with a huff.
OOC: I am having fun :D
Would Chad know kenkus are slow on the uptake with talking?
“You’re going to need to explain yourself a little bit better there bird person. I think you have everyone confused why you’re here, who sent you and how you knew of this place.”
Chad isn’t too concerned with a fight between anyone at this point. The point has been made with Zack. The bird had more weapons he freely gave up. If he wanted to attack us, he had the means. Chads holstered his wand and pulled his cloak over his body before rubbing his temples. He has a look of pure exhaustion.
“You have anything to add Gribz?”
PC: Fitzroy Hammerstone - The Mad Empiricist of Corinth
DM:
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Shiv
Shiv would rub his eyes, smearing blood from his hands on to his face... the pain and exhaustion of being almost dead and trying to communicate beginning to weigh on him. "I told you why I was here... I told you who sent me... And as for finding you all.. it isn't like this is some secret magical hiding spot requiring a magic map and a password to find... I wouldn't have been given my job if I wasn't good at finding things" The kenku would say before pulling out his waterskin and emptying the contents on to his face before wiping his eyes and beak with his black shirt.
Gribz
Gribz will listen to Shiv say his piece and hold on to Shiv's shortsword until he's done processing the Kenku's story.
Insight check to try and determine if there are any lies or half-truths: 4
"I came to this site to see if you were bandits that had stolen some goods I was paid to recover...." (That makes sense why he didn't just walk up and say hello. See Zack? There's always two sides to a story... Arrogance, impulsiveness, and bloodlust make for a dangerous and unpredictable combination... We need to watch our back around him... At least Chad's level headed enough to realize it. Lovestruck Nadia though... Feel sorry for the girl...)
Gribz's gut feeling is that the Kenku isn't trying to kill them at least. Gribz is confident that the group could handle the little guy should he prove to be hostile in the future. "I know we're kinda being hard-asses Shiv, but we're just trying to protect ourselves here. I'm sorry you were attacked, it's not the course of action I would've taken, but thankfully you survived. Here..." And Gribz will hand Shiv his shortsword back "...In case some one tries to kill you again. Now, I don't totally trust you and I'm sure the same goes for you about us, but it seems we've found ourselves a common enemy: the Goblins in this cave. We're trying to rescue someone that was attacked and taken prisoner by the Goblins. He's a friend of the guy who hired us, who was also taken prisoner during the same attack. We've learned that the man who hired us, Mr. Rockseeker may not be in this cave, but we still intend on saving Sildar, his friend. Would you like to join us and help us rescue Sildar? If we find what you're looking for, you're welcome to take it. We've tried once already to clear out the cave, but we didn't get very far... We could use some help. What do you say?" and Gribz will hold out his hand to the Kenku.
Shiv
Shiv would take his weapons back and slide them into his belt and inside his shirt before staggering to his feet. "Deal" he would say with his best effort to form a smile.
(OOC: Although the birds facial features are hard to read and you get nothing from any inflections in his voice because his speach is a combination of so many overheard conversations.. you think he is a pretty awesome and trustworthy bird and have no reason not to believe him. )
"Ok, Shiv. Everyone here needs a rest. Especially you." Chad looks over the bird spilling blood. "Tomorrow morning we hit the cave. Hit it hard and take these raiders out. No lone wolf bullshit."
PC: Fitzroy Hammerstone - The Mad Empiricist of Corinth
DM:
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