Urben's SKT

Rollo gives his best polite bow, which isn't very good. "My name is Rollo, son of Ragnar. I'm here to see if the temple in the city needs assistance. I am one man but in times like this extra help is usually welcome." 

Claire grins widely, and almost spooks her horse as she cries happily.  "Splendid!  I knew fate placed you at my side here for a reason.  I shall accompany you, Rollo son of Ragnar, to the temple!  'Tis no better place for a wielder of divine magic to find shelter and direction."  Claire then turns her attention to her horse, stroking its mane tenderly and calming it down.

Zack wouldn't see the smile, as his gaze was directed upwards, fingers laced behind his head like a hammock of support while he stared at the sky and the clouds above. He took in a long, slow breath after she spoke, letting it out in an equally slow, exhallation of air. Yeah. I wish it all could have been done differently, but .. like I said to the old man.. Codes, and Honor are great and all. They're inspiring. And they make you seem like a standup guy. But if we had taken the long route, who knows who else woulda died whether from the plague, or been taken in to be given my treatment. I mean hell, I'mm more powerful than a typical warrior now but.. still. I didn't get a choice. And who knows, maybe only me and Angeal survived. Sorry sweetheart, To answer you properly, Yeah, It wasn't all bad. I should be able to start looking forward soon. Instead of back. Cause I don't need to know everything about my past.  he probably said way more than he should have, but she had also told him 'not to hide anything anymore' so he didn't. 

When she says that Rillex forgives him he grunts in response, shifting to whichever side the Tressym was on. unlacing his fingers as he puts one hand behind the felines head and another just under his chin, in the soft base of the jaw, along the jawline before gently scratching along it, as well as the base of both ears with his other hand, giving the tressym's head a full massage in the spots that most animals liked most as he kept pace with Nadia easily, if only due to his longer legs. At this point, he catches the lingering smile and reflexively smiles back without even trying, though he doesn't say anything, just existing in the moment, and enjoying it, since it may not last forever.

His slightly glowing eyes met with hers, dancing there for a long, long moment as she began to speak the last portion. Smirking with a chuckle at the first bits, but listening to the rest. Hah, well, as long as I breathe... no.. even if I should stop, I'll keep an eye on you. But I have no intention of dying like that.  So you don't have to worry. As for too busy... well, you can just come with me. Just means I'll have to be careful not to get you.... he lets the words trail off for a moment as his eyes sink to her belly, linger momentarily, and smoothly glide back up to her own. And that, I think, will be our greatest personal challenge. he seemed to be half joking, but there wasn't any of his typical jesting, but it wasn't a negative look either. He seemed at relative peace. As she spoke her last words, he once again, looked at the sky, releasing Rillex if the cat hadn't already withdrawn itself. And yeah, my pops seems to know a lot. Makes me wonder if maybe he used to be an adventurer or a knight himself. Though if he was, he never told me, and I never found any evidence either way.  but his usual smile took over, bright, and wide, stretching out the scar on his face.

And I'll try my best not to. he resists bringing up Nadaar, And who'da thought? I thought you were waitin for me to dissappear so you could get with that guy in the stall over there! he says, pointing at a random person, who may or may not actually be in a stall. Or her.  he says, pointing at the first female he saw. I know you've had your eyes on em for a while. 

Rollo gives a wave of acknowledgement to Claire and waits for her to speak to the guards and then speaks for himself. "I am here to speak with the Brother's at the Temple of Tyr. 

You are welcome to come Claire, as I said, these times need more help rather than less. I do not know how the Brother's will react to someone not of our faith but you are more than welcome to try." 

Rollo: The guard looks to you and then to Claire before sighing and looking back at you. Sir you'll have plenty of time to chat with your friend later I'm sure. Please focus. The temple here is dedicated to Lathandar but there are shrines to Tempus and Tymora. I'm sure the priests would welcome any help but plenty of people claim to want to help just to get in. What can you do that makes you special? And more importantly, how long do you plan to stay and where did you come from.

Claire: The guards armor is perfect and clean, it's a little annoying really. The guard finally looks up to you and looks distinctly unimpressed. He gives a curt I see before scribbling something down in his book. And for how long will you grace us with your presence? And where did you come from? As you've heard there has been rumors of a plague, we wouldn't want to accidentally let in a carrier now would we?

Rollo pushes down his anger again. "Ah, I see that I am out of date, not surprising. Yes, I am here to help the temple, no matter it's primary god. I can provide healing and other support as needed. I am a trained cleric from the monastery of Tyr in the forest. I have been tending to the ruins there since it fell, maintaining what I can. I have come to the city because of the threat of the giants. Their appearance demands some consultation among the faithful." 

Claire chuckles.  “Wouldn’t be much of a divine conduit for healing and prosperity if I got sick myself.  I hail from a remote valley far to the east of here, and have been traveling steadily west, going where I feel my abilities are most needed.  I plan to stay for a month or so, and if the plague fails to breech the city walls, I shall be on my way.  In the meantime I intend to travel with this respectable fellow, Rollo, son of Ragnar, to the temple.  I won’t be sitting idle, I assure you.”

Rollo: your guard looks at you a bit suspiciously when you mention having been out of society. You even notice the other guard give you a glance though this is after Claire mentions you. The two guards look at eachother and sigh before asking each of you if you can afford the 250 gold entry fee. 

Feel free to make an insight check DC 8. Read below if successful.

 Zack and Nadia: at this time you reach the gate and beging to wait for Falkas.

Insight: 4

Rollo looks at the man with disgust in his eyes. "Do I look like a man with that kind of coin! I'm a holy brother offering aid and support in a time of need, not a bank for the city! I hope you, personally, get crushed in the next giant attack!" His axe is suddenly off the ground and gripped in both hands.

(Claire’s passive insight is 18, rolled 23 on my character sheet, not sure how to roll here in mobile.)

Claire holds her hand out towards Rollo.  “Hold.  You won’t be able to guide me to the temple if you get carted away by this lot.”  She turns a scornful gaze on the guards.  “While I appreciate your attempt at humor, I don’t happen to find this particular ‘comedy routine’ all that amusing.  Guards should be taking their job seriously, and even joking- and I’m sure you were joking- about such a shakedown is in very poor taste.”  Claire speaks this loudly enough for other nearby citizens waiting in line to hear. (And perhaps some folk on the other side.)

(You have to change it to the desktop version of the site on your phone in order to edit text color or do rolls.)

The guards woman immediately goes for her weapon as well as several other guards in the are when Rollo draws his axe. The guards don't pouncr just yet as Claire intervenes. The guardsman who was interviewing Claire also has his weapon drawn and stares down Claire. I'm not sure what you are insinuating but this is standard procedure. Your friend drawing his weapon is not helping the matter. If you don't wish to pay you can both be on your way. The guard speaks firmly and loudly, several guards have now gathered, ready to jump in should a fight start. 

Nadia and Zack: you both see all this going down of you wiah to intervene feel free.

Claire scoffs. “What I’m insinuating?  I thought I made it clear.  Demanding coin illegally and then brandishing weapons is the motif of bandits and ruffians.  I simply thought you city guards would have more pride than that, especially before a conduit of the divine. Take this chance to let us pass in peace, or would you rather I pay for both of our entry, head straight to the proper authorities, and then return for both my stolen gold and your jobs?  I doubt your administration would appreciate you turning away aid in this time of crisis.  Of course, if you had a written declaration of this tax signed with the seal of this city’s lord, then perhaps you could prove this shakedown to be within the bounds of the law.”  Claire crosses her arms, regarding the guard expectantly.

After listening to any responses Nadia had to what was said, and they finally began to reach the gate, he put his back to the wall. Getting ready to put himself in 'wait mode' as he did so. His sword keeping his back from actually touching the surface of the wall. Sighing as he set in to be bored until who knows when. Only a little time passed before the sound of voices could be heard though most of it was too low to hear much, at-least initially. However as it progressed, the voices raised a little louder, starting with Rollo's who was apparently ready to throw down in the next moment. And not long after, Claire who had made her voice intentionally louder.

This piqued Zack's interest, as his eyes shifted to where the conversation was being had. Though he hadn't heard anything about them being here for giants or diseases, he did clearly hear that both were being shaken down, much as him and Nadia had almost been when they had arrived. Zack began brainstorming ways he could interject himself naturally into the situation, if only to further **** with the guards and their extortion. He couldn't bring up the stolen wine bottles, as they would likely be more interested in how he had gotten his hand on them, than partaking of the sweet nectar. He could use his former status to get himself and his own group in and out, easily enough by just pretending to still be what he used to be... Or... Thank you, one last time Happy, for your service... he said, as an idea finally found its way there.  Whispering his plan to Nadia, he then moved away from the gate, where he couldn't easily be seen or heard.

Then, taking in a half-breath, he began to run in place, as fast as he could, without risking slipping, and held his breath as long as that half-breath could last him without suffocating Pah.... he exhaled, before taking in another breath, and this time, intentionally breathing wrong, and not pacing himself in the slightest - something he had to actively lest he fall into trained habits.... and he continued to do so for a short while, long enough that at-least another round of arguments until he was satisfied that he was quite literally nearly out of breath, so as to add atleast some convincing air about what he was about to do.

Running to the gate, out of breath, and just starting to break a sweat, he put a hand on the gate to 'steady-himself' as he said, gasping for air Quickly... you are.. both... direly needed.... at the keep...... *hoo hooo huah..* deciding to leave out the 'Snow White' aspect of the birds and cats as that would only make his story seem less plausible The... the keep.... is under attack. The alligators.... from the sewers.... are in the courtyard.... And there is a massive one among them..... *hoo hha... hoo* All gate guards... have been requested.... to reinforce... immediately.... A private has.. been dispatched... to all gates.... to take over... gate duties... to allow.... their superiors... to assist .. in the defense.... Twenty men have already been eaten.. alive....

Nadia merely nods along with Zack's words as they continue towards the gate, letting him say what he needed to say uninterrupted. Though, when he speaks of her tagging along on his journeys, she likes the sound of that idea, yet when he trails off and she catches his eyes going elsewhere. She tilts her head to the side in confusion as it takes a moment for her brain to connect just what he was referring to. When it clicks finally, heat rises to her cheeks and tips of her ears, the elf sputtering out as she gives him a little shove, "D-don't get so ahead of yourself!" Then quietly, more to herself than anything. "Ni siquiera creo que pueda de todos modos..." 

When he begins to point out random people passing by, she simply scoffs and rolls her eyes, but there's a small smile that manages to be tugged at the corner of her lips, knowing he was only joking with her. At their point of arrival, the ranger does the same as Zack and puts her back against the wall, glad to finally be able to stand there and... rest for a few minutes. Or so she thought.

Upon over hearing shouting, she leans forward a bit to get a view on just what the commotion was about, a brow raising in interest. She glances to Zack briefly, wanting to see if he had also been interested in what was going on, and it doesn't take more than a second to know he was formulating some sort of a plan. Her ears perk up when he shares his plan with her, Nadia nodding along with it. "Be careful, though, okay? I'll... try and help if you need me to."

The ranger remains where they were, hood up now, watching the scene unfold before her.

If the guards look like they're not buying it... Nadia pushes herself off the wall and heads in a direction where she won't be seen, similar to where Zack had gone before. "If I make a fool of myself, Rillex, you better not tell this to your friends." She sets the tressym down and sighs.

She then proceeds to let out a blood curdling scream, panicked, shouting something about an alligator getting too close and begging for help. Then moving from where she was if the guards bought the act so they didn't catch her playing them.

Performance (if need, not sure if this would help Zack at all): 4

 The guard stares down Claire, seemingly debating if this is worth fighting over, when suddenly he hears Zack, and shortly after Nadia, screaming about Animals attacking the keep. Several of the guards look confused, not sure if they should be leaving to check it out or if they are being played, but the main guard doesn't appear to be buying it. The guard looks around at the forming crowd and finally, in a low whisper, says to Claire, You and your savage friend best steer clear of trouble while you're here. Now all of you, get out of my sight! The guards put away their weapons and wave you all off, clearly deciding they did not like the odds of a fight.

Claire prepares to give a snooty response to the guard involving a sarcastic blessing of divine providence, but after a moment of hesitation just nods curtly.  She speaks quietly to her new companion.  “Let’s be along, Rollo.”  Claire nudges her horse forwards.

Rollo slings his axe once again and follows behind, glaring at the guards who asked for the money. He then turns to the newcomers. "Thank you for your attempt there. I'm afraid I may have lost my temper. My name is Rollo, son of Ragnar. I am a priest of Tyr." 

Zack was disappointed that his ruse didn't work, especially considering he wasn't actually lying about most of it... but a 'wins a win' right? Still catching his breath, a sensation he hadn't experienced like so in a long time, he couldn't help but laugh just a little at the whole scenario. It's fine man hoo... hah... I think the funniest part....  he said as he began to turn around to walk away from the gate so he could find a spot somewhere nearby enough that the Zhent wouldn't have to look overly hard when he did finally return, he made sure to say is that I wasn't lying. Hoo hoo... And when his commander finds out he let the keep be attacked by wild animals.... he let that linger in the air. I heard the guards shouting over the wall, about it... and i... figured I may as well try to send em some help since I wasn't allowed inside but, oh well... finally finishing his passive aggressive words. Name's ... Well I'll tell you later. I'm kinda waiting for someone anyway he said when they were likely out of easy earshot of the guards.  Nice to meet ya. And whoever your friend there is. This here's my ranger friend. he said, pointing to Nadia, but actively not saying the fake names they had given at the other gate.. mainly because he couldn't remember them. 

Unless stopped by the guards for his comments....

Zack would walk over to a nearby building by the gate. As they walked to it, they could see that he was at-least six feet tall, perhaps one or two inches taller. Jet black hair, that seemed somewhat spiked, but natural, with a single, long bang arching up, then down casting a shadow across his right eye. Across his left cheek was a crossed-scar, that looked fairly old, as it had settled into the skin somewhat.  Aside from the scar, he had the typical -pretty-boy, yet still manly- look. Sharp eyes, that if looked at close enough, a glow could be seen even during the day, a soft blue hue that matched the sky on a clear day. His sword was nearly as tall as he was, and almost as wide as his shoulders, as if someone saw a butchers knife or a razor of some kind, and decided to see how well it would perform as a claymore. Zacks armor was partially hidden underneath clothing. His pauldrons were visible, but marred, as if they had protected him from many attacks in the past. Over his chainmail was a very very deep purple over-shirt, that ended in a short-turtle neck at the top.

His leggings were hidden beneath relatively loose pants, held up by a belt made of metal, with a simple design over it, and held up by a pair of thick, leather-strapped suspenders, that crisscrossed over his back, where the sword was held. He had a pair of simple leather gloves over his hands to keep from blistering when wielding the unweildly blade. Thick, hiking-style boots covered his feet, ending just around where his calf would start. The main thing you two would notice is he always seemed to have a little bit of a smile, as if he, for the most part, kept an up-beat attitude to match his clear physical strength.

When and if they did make it to where he intended to un-harassed by the guards, he would finally say in lower tones. Names Zack, This here's Nadia. I don't follow any faiths myself, for my own reasons, but I don't fault those who do. We all walk our own path in life. So, what brings you folks here to be shaken down by town guards eh?

Claire stays perched atop her horse, but pauses to heed the stranger as he engages them in conversation, trotting along and listening quietly until she is referred to as 'whoever your friend is there,' and she introduces herself.

"Claire Arrensfeld, Conduit of the Divine.  I don't often convene with folk who have reason to hesitate offering their name, but you did attempt to assist us.  For that I thank you, and grant upon you the blessings of the divine."

(after Zack offers his introductions)

"The mercy and prosperity of my light touches all, and forsakes none but the wicked.  Your faith, or lack thereof, tis of no consequence to such a design.  ...What brings me here you ask?  Why, the plague, of course.  I bestow with my touch magics of healing, and so among the sick and afflicted i find my purpose... though this disease seems not to have taken root here quite yet."

Rollo raises another eyebrow at Claire before addressing Zack. "My reasons are sort of the same as hers, without all the flowery language. I had been tending to a fallen temple in the woods. With the increase of giant sightings and attacks I thought it best that I make contact with other Brothers to offer my aid. It appears that I have been out of touch to long, or am simply forgetting things. I had thought that there was a temple to Tyr here in town but apparently I am wrong." 

"As for your lack of faith, that is no concern of mine. I have been sustained by faith but I understand that others find their strength in different ways."