Halfway upon your return to the Ranik village, you are interrupted by the sound of a high-pitched horn sounding keenly from the trees. This call is soon repeated from another tree fifty feet further down the line, and carried by another, and yet another, repeating all the way back to the village proper. In the treeline, you see the forms of dozens of Ranik, the frog-like folk hopping from branch to branch, accompanying your voyage.
You return to a gathering of seemingly every Ranik villager, crowded in the center and fanning out in a V-shape in front of you. In the midst of them all, two Ranik beckon you forward. Gupry, along with a much older Ranik, bow before you, and the villagers let out a raucous cheer.
"Thank you all," Gupry says once the noise settles down. "You have succeeded where our own warriors failed. Your actions will keep us safe for many years to come, and allow a new generation of warriors to train for this very same mission."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aisha had tucked the vials away for now, sticking them into one of the side pockets of her pack, before quite obviously disliking to, but carrying her one egg if no one else had. Eventually coming down the the sound of horns and apparently being tailed from below by the ranik. Tsavi's ears bent back, not in annoyance, but to shield them from the sound of the horns as they were a different pitch than Aisha's who's horn was tuned to a more bearable decibel.
As they eventually made it to the bottom, and she was able to pass off her egg to someone, she would also heal Abraxus since he looked as though he had taken more damage than had been healed as emerald energy ran calmly from her palms as for once she wasn't healing within combat to heal Abraxus for (lvl 2 13).
Once that was done, and Gupry had said his piece, in typical, annoyed fashion, Aisha responded,w while the village was gathered to say much of what she had already said to the others. Aisha is sure we all appreciate your appreciation. she said with honesty But your people need to learn to just fight in general. Aisha does nyot know how many of you are fighters, or wish to, but you rely too much on such things as this to allow your people to live on. Where we come from, such small towns or villages have no such protection. No magical barriers to keep the bad things out, yet they live on.
The only places that have such things are ancient or powerful cities, and even then only rarely. What will your people do should this same thing happen again and some group does nyot come along to save you? What will you do then? You need to learn to protect yourselves without such things as magical barriers. So that if your barrier should fall you don't fall to your knees in despair, and give up without a real fight.
When you rely so heavily on a single thing, it becomes both your greatest strength and your most exploitable weakness. SHould some other intelligent tribe wish to take your people as slaves find out about this, they would simply have to kill the things supplying you these ingredients to maintain your barrier, then take you unawares with your people barely able to defend yourself because they are unused to needing to fight.
Harmony was surprised by the sound of the horns before seeing some of the Ranik accompanying them back to the village. Aw, that is so nice of them. She then heard Gupry as he thanked them, nodding and smiling. "Of course, we're happy to help out." she had said back happily. But now she was hearing what Aisha was saying, understanding what she meant and getting at. "He did say that there would be new warriors to train by the time they have to do this again, so surely they would be able to fight and protect the village if anything bad ever happens with the barrier." Harmony then says back, thinking optimistically.
"Thank you, Aisha," Abraxas will say as he is healed.
He listens to Harmony and Aisha. "I don't know much about this sort of thing, but you might try Small Bladed Units by Nagtak. Translations from the Goblin tongue are not too hard to find. Also, Weapon Training Generally, with an Interest in the Short Sword and Short Bow in Spring-like Conditions by Wellby Brushgather. Perhaps too many puns, but a barbarian in Neverwinter said it was very good."
He enjoys the festivities with the others.
To his companions, he says, "Lyrikav next? The temple of Kayel?"
The air of excitement suddenly grows tense at Aisha's reprimanding. Those gathered here for the excitement of a ritual performed only a few times in their lives grow silent at an unexpected denouncement of the practice. All eyes turn to the older Ranik, included those of Gupry, whose face reflects more sadness than anger.
The older Ranik says, "The mouth speaks the surface words that the mind does not fully comprehend, child. You speak not upon a single village, but an entire people. A civilization founded upon the peaceful ideals that we still practice to this very day. Our cycle with the peryton of the mountain is a delicate one, borne upon desperation from our elders and continued upon a mutual respect. The unborn youth of the peryton, traded for our warriors not strong enough to fulfill their duties, ensure that neither we, nor the savage peryton above must leave our ancestral homes.
We bear great shame for the failure of our warriors. Perhaps you are correct in your assertion. We underestimated our predators, and were forced to turn to the outside to avoid becoming the prey. Today marks a point in our history that does not bear repeating. Make no mistake. Our next warriors will be up to the task that their fathers could not achieve.
Caution your words, young one, for they betray the intent in your mind. A soul more delicate and less withered than mine might imbibe such condescension with less fruitful advice."
After collecting the eggs, Gupry lays them out before his elder, who taps his staff upon the ground and says more loudly, "Now...let us never repeat the mistakes of this generation. May those who bear witness to our greatest failure take it upon themselves to fulfill the duties of their forefathers."
The old man chants, holding his staff high, and the eggs lift off of the ground, slowly disintegrating as they rise toward the sky. A shimmer can be seen for a brief moment, high above, extending in an arc around the the small village and its farms.
The ceremony complete, the Ranik village turns to cautious celebration. A Ranik musician plays a large horn rather discordantly against the light voice of a female singer, but the other villagers do not seem to mind, singing and dancing for hours to come.
During the celebration, Gupry brings your reward, a hauntingly sad pall still cast over his face. "Thank you," he says quietly. "I was not supported when I chose to seek help from the Order of Skogyr, but I am glad that I made that choice. The gold is all there, as agreed upon. And you will always have a place to stay, should you return."
OOC: Added 50 gp to each character's inventory, and added two unidentified potions to Aisha's.
Harmony listens to Gupry, nodding as it makes sense that they are a peaceful people and the cycle with the peryton, how they would make sure next time their warriors are ready. She watches the ceremony, surprised and amazed. Then the celebration started as she heard the horn playing and the female singer. Harmony would have happily joined in on the singing and dancing as well before getting the reward from Gupry. "Thank you very much." she would have said back to him, smiling and bowing.
"I am most grateful for the reward," Abraxas says to Gupry. He bows over the gold as he receives it. "Thank you also for your offer of shelter here should we ever need it. That is extremely generous and kind."
"It is good to be back, Garu," Abraxas says. As the celebration winds down, Abraxas wonders if they can walk to the teleportation circle and the panda guards before dark.
OOC: You could travel for a couple of hours before having to camp, but wouldn't be able to make it all the way to the teleportation circle tonight without a forced march.
Abraxas says to the others, "What do you think? Should we rush to the circle tonight or stay here and get an early start? Gupry has just offered us a place to stay . . . but we're worried about the fate of the world." He pauses for a moment, twisting his torso. "Thanks to your healing words, I feel almost completely healthy. How about you?"
Harmony hears Abraxas, thinking about it. "It would probably be a good idea to rest here since now we have a place to stay rather than try to rush. If we go to bed early enough, we can get an early start in the morning to head back to the circle. You're welcome. I'm alright, but we did have to fight those peryton so if you guys would rather rest for now, that's fine." she then said back to him, smiling.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aisha chimes in lightly, still annoyed that they had had to stop to help more people over such frivolous things... and she does say with sincerity to Gupry before he leaves This one thanks you for your hospitality, but this one also pities your way of life. Aisha may not 'understand it' or whatever you would say as your reasoning, but you're all just prisoners here, of your own device. You all check in, whenever you like, but you can never leave...
with a pat on his shoulder she looks to the others, to say if we are to rest, we should do it here, where it's 'safe' and 'comfortable.' No point in heading out needlessly. We should set out in the morning. That is what this one thinks.
Not really trying for anything but just a test to see how persuasive her words were to Gupry: 8
"You are mistaken," Gupry responds with a weariness. "Our way of life may not suit you, but it is what we know, and it is what we enjoy. There is nothing keeping us here but our own desire to continue the work of those who came before us. There are Ranik upon Rikirta. This is not the only home that my people know, but it is our home."
The Ranik man bows as he steps away for the evening and says, "I greatly appreciate your assistance."
The night passes by peacefully, but not quietly, as the Ranik village's celebration continues for some into the morning. The thin atmosphere of Galasir is still uncomfortable for some, but the weather remains pleasant throughout the morning and afternoon. Before long, you have reached the pleasant garden that holds the teleportation circle to Rikirta, where the Varin guards offer a polite greeting.
Harmony woke up that morning, refreshed and ready to go in a simple green and white dress with white flowers and a brown belt, having been inspired by the Ranik. She says goodbye and wishes them well before the group headed out, arriving at the garden with the teleportation circle. Harmony happily greets the guards before gesturing to the others, making their way to the teleportation circle. Once everyone was ready to go, they would take the teleportation circle back to Rikirta.
Aisha yawns as she approaches with whoever had joined somewhere behind just before the greeting is offered and raises a hand in acknowledgement, with a nod that really meant or was in response to nothing. We are ready to rreturn to Riki. Have you heard any news from that side?
Abraxas wakes and moves the book he had fallen asleep reading from his chest. After breakfast, he joins the others in traveling to the circle. "Yes," he says when he hears Aisha's question. "What rumors have you heard?" he asks the panda guards.
"Hmm?" The Varin guard responds slowly, as if the question was unexpected. "Oh, no news. Quiet day. Boss is still concerned with the bugbears. The ones at the statues. Thinks the Order of Astar has something to do with it. Don't know why they would though. The orks they need help with are the good ones, they say. Not the kind what speak to bugbears."
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Halfway upon your return to the Ranik village, you are interrupted by the sound of a high-pitched horn sounding keenly from the trees. This call is soon repeated from another tree fifty feet further down the line, and carried by another, and yet another, repeating all the way back to the village proper. In the treeline, you see the forms of dozens of Ranik, the frog-like folk hopping from branch to branch, accompanying your voyage.
You return to a gathering of seemingly every Ranik villager, crowded in the center and fanning out in a V-shape in front of you. In the midst of them all, two Ranik beckon you forward. Gupry, along with a much older Ranik, bow before you, and the villagers let out a raucous cheer.
"Thank you all," Gupry says once the noise settles down. "You have succeeded where our own warriors failed. Your actions will keep us safe for many years to come, and allow a new generation of warriors to train for this very same mission."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Aisha had tucked the vials away for now, sticking them into one of the side pockets of her pack, before quite obviously disliking to, but carrying her one egg if no one else had. Eventually coming down the the sound of horns and apparently being tailed from below by the ranik. Tsavi's ears bent back, not in annoyance, but to shield them from the sound of the horns as they were a different pitch than Aisha's who's horn was tuned to a more bearable decibel.
As they eventually made it to the bottom, and she was able to pass off her egg to someone, she would also heal Abraxus since he looked as though he had taken more damage than had been healed as emerald energy ran calmly from her palms as for once she wasn't healing within combat to heal Abraxus for (lvl 2 13).
Once that was done, and Gupry had said his piece, in typical, annoyed fashion, Aisha responded,w while the village was gathered to say much of what she had already said to the others. Aisha is sure we all appreciate your appreciation. she said with honesty But your people need to learn to just fight in general. Aisha does nyot know how many of you are fighters, or wish to, but you rely too much on such things as this to allow your people to live on. Where we come from, such small towns or villages have no such protection. No magical barriers to keep the bad things out, yet they live on.
The only places that have such things are ancient or powerful cities, and even then only rarely. What will your people do should this same thing happen again and some group does nyot come along to save you? What will you do then? You need to learn to protect yourselves without such things as magical barriers. So that if your barrier should fall you don't fall to your knees in despair, and give up without a real fight.
When you rely so heavily on a single thing, it becomes both your greatest strength and your most exploitable weakness. SHould some other intelligent tribe wish to take your people as slaves find out about this, they would simply have to kill the things supplying you these ingredients to maintain your barrier, then take you unawares with your people barely able to defend yourself because they are unused to needing to fight.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Harmony was surprised by the sound of the horns before seeing some of the Ranik accompanying them back to the village. Aw, that is so nice of them. She then heard Gupry as he thanked them, nodding and smiling. "Of course, we're happy to help out." she had said back happily. But now she was hearing what Aisha was saying, understanding what she meant and getting at. "He did say that there would be new warriors to train by the time they have to do this again, so surely they would be able to fight and protect the village if anything bad ever happens with the barrier." Harmony then says back, thinking optimistically.
Garu stands with her arms crossed hearing Aisha echoing her stance from before they began the quest and nodding in agreement.
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"Thank you, Aisha," Abraxas will say as he is healed.
He listens to Harmony and Aisha. "I don't know much about this sort of thing, but you might try Small Bladed Units by Nagtak. Translations from the Goblin tongue are not too hard to find. Also, Weapon Training Generally, with an Interest in the Short Sword and Short Bow in Spring-like Conditions by Wellby Brushgather. Perhaps too many puns, but a barbarian in Neverwinter said it was very good."
He enjoys the festivities with the others.
To his companions, he says, "Lyrikav next? The temple of Kayel?"
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
"Good to have you safely with us again Abraxas", Garu smiles. "Lyrikav it is."
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
The air of excitement suddenly grows tense at Aisha's reprimanding. Those gathered here for the excitement of a ritual performed only a few times in their lives grow silent at an unexpected denouncement of the practice. All eyes turn to the older Ranik, included those of Gupry, whose face reflects more sadness than anger.
The older Ranik says, "The mouth speaks the surface words that the mind does not fully comprehend, child. You speak not upon a single village, but an entire people. A civilization founded upon the peaceful ideals that we still practice to this very day. Our cycle with the peryton of the mountain is a delicate one, borne upon desperation from our elders and continued upon a mutual respect. The unborn youth of the peryton, traded for our warriors not strong enough to fulfill their duties, ensure that neither we, nor the savage peryton above must leave our ancestral homes.
We bear great shame for the failure of our warriors. Perhaps you are correct in your assertion. We underestimated our predators, and were forced to turn to the outside to avoid becoming the prey. Today marks a point in our history that does not bear repeating. Make no mistake. Our next warriors will be up to the task that their fathers could not achieve.
Caution your words, young one, for they betray the intent in your mind. A soul more delicate and less withered than mine might imbibe such condescension with less fruitful advice."
After collecting the eggs, Gupry lays them out before his elder, who taps his staff upon the ground and says more loudly, "Now...let us never repeat the mistakes of this generation. May those who bear witness to our greatest failure take it upon themselves to fulfill the duties of their forefathers."
The old man chants, holding his staff high, and the eggs lift off of the ground, slowly disintegrating as they rise toward the sky. A shimmer can be seen for a brief moment, high above, extending in an arc around the the small village and its farms.
The ceremony complete, the Ranik village turns to cautious celebration. A Ranik musician plays a large horn rather discordantly against the light voice of a female singer, but the other villagers do not seem to mind, singing and dancing for hours to come.
During the celebration, Gupry brings your reward, a hauntingly sad pall still cast over his face. "Thank you," he says quietly. "I was not supported when I chose to seek help from the Order of Skogyr, but I am glad that I made that choice. The gold is all there, as agreed upon. And you will always have a place to stay, should you return."
OOC: Added 50 gp to each character's inventory, and added two unidentified potions to Aisha's.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Harmony listens to Gupry, nodding as it makes sense that they are a peaceful people and the cycle with the peryton, how they would make sure next time their warriors are ready. She watches the ceremony, surprised and amazed. Then the celebration started as she heard the horn playing and the female singer. Harmony would have happily joined in on the singing and dancing as well before getting the reward from Gupry. "Thank you very much." she would have said back to him, smiling and bowing.
"I am most grateful for the reward," Abraxas says to Gupry. He bows over the gold as he receives it. "Thank you also for your offer of shelter here should we ever need it. That is extremely generous and kind."
"It is good to be back, Garu," Abraxas says. As the celebration winds down, Abraxas wonders if they can walk to the teleportation circle and the panda guards before dark.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
OOC: You could travel for a couple of hours before having to camp, but wouldn't be able to make it all the way to the teleportation circle tonight without a forced march.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Abraxas says to the others, "What do you think? Should we rush to the circle tonight or stay here and get an early start? Gupry has just offered us a place to stay . . . but we're worried about the fate of the world." He pauses for a moment, twisting his torso. "Thanks to your healing words, I feel almost completely healthy. How about you?"
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Harmony hears Abraxas, thinking about it. "It would probably be a good idea to rest here since now we have a place to stay rather than try to rush. If we go to bed early enough, we can get an early start in the morning to head back to the circle. You're welcome. I'm alright, but we did have to fight those peryton so if you guys would rather rest for now, that's fine." she then said back to him, smiling.
Aisha chimes in lightly, still annoyed that they had had to stop to help more people over such frivolous things... and she does say with sincerity to Gupry before he leaves This one thanks you for your hospitality, but this one also pities your way of life. Aisha may not 'understand it' or whatever you would say as your reasoning, but you're all just prisoners here, of your own device. You all check in, whenever you like, but you can never leave...
with a pat on his shoulder she looks to the others, to say if we are to rest, we should do it here, where it's 'safe' and 'comfortable.' No point in heading out needlessly. We should set out in the morning. That is what this one thinks.
Not really trying for anything but just a test to see how persuasive her words were to Gupry: 8
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Abraxas says, "Yes. The morning. We are almost certainly safe from any steely knives here. And any beasts."
Abraxas will move toward the house Gupry has prepared for them. He'll study his books late into the night.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
"You are mistaken," Gupry responds with a weariness. "Our way of life may not suit you, but it is what we know, and it is what we enjoy. There is nothing keeping us here but our own desire to continue the work of those who came before us. There are Ranik upon Rikirta. This is not the only home that my people know, but it is our home."
The Ranik man bows as he steps away for the evening and says, "I greatly appreciate your assistance."
The night passes by peacefully, but not quietly, as the Ranik village's celebration continues for some into the morning. The thin atmosphere of Galasir is still uncomfortable for some, but the weather remains pleasant throughout the morning and afternoon. Before long, you have reached the pleasant garden that holds the teleportation circle to Rikirta, where the Varin guards offer a polite greeting.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
OOC: Ready to advance once the next action is taken.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Harmony woke up that morning, refreshed and ready to go in a simple green and white dress with white flowers and a brown belt, having been inspired by the Ranik. She says goodbye and wishes them well before the group headed out, arriving at the garden with the teleportation circle. Harmony happily greets the guards before gesturing to the others, making their way to the teleportation circle. Once everyone was ready to go, they would take the teleportation circle back to Rikirta.
Aisha yawns as she approaches with whoever had joined somewhere behind just before the greeting is offered and raises a hand in acknowledgement, with a nod that really meant or was in response to nothing. We are ready to rreturn to Riki. Have you heard any news from that side?
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Abraxas wakes and moves the book he had fallen asleep reading from his chest. After breakfast, he joins the others in traveling to the circle. "Yes," he says when he hears Aisha's question. "What rumors have you heard?" he asks the panda guards.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
"Hmm?" The Varin guard responds slowly, as if the question was unexpected. "Oh, no news. Quiet day. Boss is still concerned with the bugbears. The ones at the statues. Thinks the Order of Astar has something to do with it. Don't know why they would though. The orks they need help with are the good ones, they say. Not the kind what speak to bugbears."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!