This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Abigail eyes the sack. (Perception: 24, Insight: 6)
If she does not perceive anything of interest, then she will ask the three loxodon in passing how far we are from the town, and if it would be wise to take shelter in the rest area for the night.
The rucksack clinks and clacks a bit as it's carried over the shoulders. It's likely full of stuff... hard to tell exactly what. Probably camping and survival equipment for three, if you had to guess.
The three talk among each other for a moment as they stand before you. A conversation happening in Loxodon with quite a bit of smirking and some laughter. One gesturing to Tarak's garments and arm, while another seems to be smelling Abigail a bit deeper as they listen to her. There is a small bow of the head to Lafetha, while the rest are met with a cold disinterest. They do have a bravado in their gestures. Quiet words shared, but a big presence.
"Yes, take shelter. Bandits frequent the roads at night, and you still have a day of walking," one with a greatsword strapped across his back says after their -very- public side conversations ends. He gestures over to one of the open houses that isn't too far away. "Any of the public homes are open, just give back since you take." He turns back to the group, as his arms fold across his chest. "Just don't all fall asleep together."
"You guys seem to have a very close knit community, would there perhaps be someone who knows everyone that passes through town, like an aggressive merchant or some sort of gregarious preacher?"
There's some shared Loxodon words back and forth as the three talk again in front of you all.
The one carrying the bag begins to talk to Morgan... "The Supplier," there's a bit of a shake of the bag across his shoulders. "Or any Matron," his trunk gestures around to the towns.
While that small conversation happens, the one with a greatsword speaks over to Tarak.. There's a bit of a deep sigh. The trunk coiling and twirling; not unlike someone forming a thought and showing it through their hands. "Many someones are taking care of it. Does not mean an issue is not an issue." You definitely get the feeling there's some kind of language, or perhaps cultural barrier, in what the Loxodon is trying to say and what is coming out.
The three look at each after Wilson says his remarks. Two chuckle, with one punching the other in the shoulder. Hard. The other returning the punch with just as much force. "Ashgard," one states with the other two following suit stating the same. "If any of you are Kār khukkhām in your hearts, turn back and go home."
The one carrying the bag begins to say something else, it's trunk beginning to point at Tarak... but the one with a greatsword shoots a quick look.. the other seeming to back down in shock from whatever he was going to say. As the Ashgard Warrior with the great sword turns - the crew can see old etches on the cross guard of the blade. Symbols of the Faith - specifically the towers of War and Order- each with notches marking the number of either battles or kills with them. Three against War. Two against Order.
He turns back to look at Tarak first, but then addresses the crowd. "This land is our Phrakan-Dek. Walk and go accordingly."
With a bit of a small nod to acknowledge the conversation is over, they push through you. Each of them giving a more reverent nod to Lafetha as they pass by; "May you go to find your way to Vyr-Salah" all three state in common to her as they pass. Like a prayer, or greeting.
As they get further and further away, their boisterous conversation picks back up. Loud talking. The sound of one punching another periodically, as they continue to walk.
It's a short walk to the open air house. Nets dangle from the ceiling, containing various goods and items; some sealed in baskets while other left out in the open. There are blankets and bedrolls. Sewing threads and needles. Some extra cloth. Salted and stored food. Water. Harder fermented drinks. Kindling, and flint. Despite the ground being made of wood and raised above the ground, a small firepit sits in the center. A ceramic bottom with a few rows of clay and stone creating a circle around it. Its very likely that it was used within the past few days but everything is neat and tidy. Even if you all do see bugs and parasites crawling out from the blankets and bedrolls while you set up your camp for the night.
The hours go by as you all set up a watch; not having true walls and it out in the open making it a rather defenseless position....
((Whoever is up at the pre-dawn shift)) with the fire mostly out, in the coldest part of the night you begin to hear footsteps. There's a trio attempting to sneak up to the house rather poorly.. mostly crouched down but still moving rather loud. Two goliath teens and a hobgoblin who might be a little younger. They seem armed; a spear, a handaxe, and some daggers. Nothing more than regular clothing that seems a little damp on their bodies.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Abigail smiles to herself, before starting to sneak out toward them (Stealth: 22), and loudly whisper, "Shouldn't you three be in bed or something? It is a little early to be up sneaking around... Might get hurt if someone thought you were attempting to rob them."
The trio of teens jump, whirling around. One grabs a dagger, but nearly fumbles it before staying calm and looking over at the Tabaxi. They point to the open air house, "We are trying to go to bed. But... don't know what people are inside... so....we're being careful."
The youngest of them, the hobgoblin preteen, looks over Abigail. "Who... are you?"
"My name is Abigail Strangepride, the Wildcat of the Sea; and if you are looking to get some shut eye, then you are more than welcome to join us." She says as she stands up and starts walking back to the hut.
The trio follows closely behind Abigail. The Hobgoblin clearly the inquisitive one as a barrage of questions begins to assault her ears.
"What's a sea?" "Are lions wildcats, or more like tigers?" "Are YOU a Wildcat?" "Are there lots of Wildcats on the sea? In the sea?" "Why....." *GASP* "IS A SEA A BUNCH OF CATS?"
The sounds - easily - wake the sleeping rest of the crew. Especially after they climb the small set of stairs and begin to tear into what supplies are left lingering around. Specifically food - water - and booze. Tossing and sharing. Grabbing under and rolling people over to get at the stored goods.
Abigail... it's entirely possible they would have robbed you all blind in the night if they had successfully gotten inside. Which admittedly, they were very bad at.....
As they chew and cause a commotion, they do talk with their mouths full to each other. It's a bit of a whisper.. but a loud whisper. Seeming to forget that others are around, or too preoccupied by the food. "Weren't we suppose to get stuff and bring it back?" "Shut up and who cares!" "These cakes have turned." "I'll eat em!" *garbled sounds of chewing and talking* "...won't she?" "Eat now and we'll take what we can back!" "Hey look....."
One points over at Tarak, and the three turn with mouths wide open. "It... wasn't a trick..."
They quickly move over to grab at Tarak. Tugging and pulling at him in varied directions. "You here for us right? Right!? You're here to take us away."
Tarak shoves the kids off and stands up. “Ease up. You want to explain why you are pawing at me as I’m trying to rest. What do you mean here for you? What trick?”
"The man... the...." they frantically go through some names, as the trio talks to one another. Switching between common and Loxodon at a high speed.
"Sir Edgewort? Edgewirth? Edge...something! Listen he said if we did a job for him last summer, he'd make sure that a message would be sent. Said he was from the Faith. Said they'd come to take us away..." one of the trio begins to show some signs of becoming more and more emotional.
"..and now you're here. So you must be here to take us away, right?"
"That bad that you would want to join up with the Faith?" Abigail mocks, attempting to get a read on their reactions, but starting to suspect that they are runners (or something similar) for a local gang or organization.
She bends down to tie her boot, stamping it a couple of times before standing up and wiping her mouth, "But... there is always work for those that want it. Right?" She throws that last question at Tarak.
Thieve's Cant:Asking if they are employed as 'runners' or 'scouts' for a 'syndicate'.
“The faith can always find service opportunities.” Tarak agrees.
“But first we must know more about you. Who were you supposed to take supplies back to? What job did you perform for the faith? And what is stopping you from just leaving on your own?”
Morgan looks at Abigail, holding back a laugh "wait, You're a what now? Who Gave you that title? Did you give you that title? Please, regale us with the epic deeds where you earned such a moniker. You know if you put a wild cat in the sea it'll yowel helplessly paddling around and then drown right? that's sad, why do you have such a sad name?... did you drown? are you famous amongst pirate circles for drowning? Also Who are these kids? did you adopt them? Hey, down on your luck teens, are hungry? Also, are you in a gang? If not you want to start one? You'll need tough gang names... You're , you... You're Blood Mangle, and you... you're ::snicker:: wild cat of the land. Seriously though we're looking for a gnome, golden eyes, you know of them?"
Abigail glares at Morgan. "You can be a real ass sometimes Morgan."
Abigail storms out of the pavilion and into the dark, putting distance between herself and the camp before pulling out her axes and swinging them angrily at any innocent vegetation nearby.
The youngest looks between Morgan and Abigail. Confused. "So... is the sea a big cat...?"
The other two simply shoot off answers and thoughts, talking in tandem. "No no no. You're here to take us. That has to be it...." "Right?" "Right!" "Why else would The Faith be here?"
They look back at Tarak, sizing him up and down. "So is there a boat? Don't worry about the job. We just need to go. That was the deal." "The deal!"
The trio becomes rather silent when they hear the 'why can't you leave.' "How? We barely have food..." their gaze and faces seem to trail off with a sigh.
Wilson lands from the rafters with thud brushes off dust and bugs from his clothes.
"If you need food learn to hunt. If you need money learn to work. If you need faith you are going to die anyway. The God's are real enough but not a one gives a whit about you until the've gotten your soul. And people... care less. If you had a deal with the Faith, go to the Faith, and demand their fulfillment of it. Don't wait for them to come to you."
Shouldering his gear he walks away from the shelter ready to move on towards the next town. But waits for the others within earshot.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tarak listens as the kids talk and then Wilson. Finally he says “The faith has many reasons to be many places. I was not sent here for you but maybe I can be of assistance. Tell me who you work for. We are searching for a gnome with Golden eyes. You seem to visit places like this often. Have you ever come across him? If you are helpful and we achieve our goals I will take you with us when we go.”
Tarak you look over at the figures, but you don't recognize anything about the face paint.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail eyes the sack. (Perception: 24, Insight: 6)
If she does not perceive anything of interest, then she will ask the three loxodon in passing how far we are from the town, and if it would be wise to take shelter in the rest area for the night.
The rucksack clinks and clacks a bit as it's carried over the shoulders. It's likely full of stuff... hard to tell exactly what. Probably camping and survival equipment for three, if you had to guess.
The three talk among each other for a moment as they stand before you. A conversation happening in Loxodon with quite a bit of smirking and some laughter. One gesturing to Tarak's garments and arm, while another seems to be smelling Abigail a bit deeper as they listen to her. There is a small bow of the head to Lafetha, while the rest are met with a cold disinterest. They do have a bravado in their gestures. Quiet words shared, but a big presence.
"Yes, take shelter. Bandits frequent the roads at night, and you still have a day of walking," one with a greatsword strapped across his back says after their -very- public side conversations ends. He gestures over to one of the open houses that isn't too far away. "Any of the public homes are open, just give back since you take." He turns back to the group, as his arms fold across his chest. "Just don't all fall asleep together."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Wilson stands towards the back of the group watching the Loxodon. Feigning indifference with the conversation he scoffs at the idea of taking.
When it becomes apparent that these Loxodon have no interest in being polite. He speaks up
"You have a name or names? I should very much like to share this story of your help with your elders later."
(Space for rolls if needed)
"You guys seem to have a very close knit community, would there perhaps be someone who knows everyone that passes through town, like an aggressive merchant or some sort of gregarious preacher?"
Tarak listening asks. “Why doesn’t someone do something about these bandits?”
Insight 20
There's some shared Loxodon words back and forth as the three talk again in front of you all.
The one carrying the bag begins to talk to Morgan...
"The Supplier," there's a bit of a shake of the bag across his shoulders. "Or any Matron," his trunk gestures around to the towns.
While that small conversation happens, the one with a greatsword speaks over to Tarak..
There's a bit of a deep sigh. The trunk coiling and twirling; not unlike someone forming a thought and showing it through their hands. "Many someones are taking care of it. Does not mean an issue is not an issue." You definitely get the feeling there's some kind of language, or perhaps cultural barrier, in what the Loxodon is trying to say and what is coming out.
The three look at each after Wilson says his remarks. Two chuckle, with one punching the other in the shoulder. Hard. The other returning the punch with just as much force. "Ashgard," one states with the other two following suit stating the same. "If any of you are Kār khukkhām in your hearts, turn back and go home."
The one carrying the bag begins to say something else, it's trunk beginning to point at Tarak... but the one with a greatsword shoots a quick look.. the other seeming to back down in shock from whatever he was going to say. As the Ashgard Warrior with the great sword turns - the crew can see old etches on the cross guard of the blade. Symbols of the Faith - specifically the towers of War and Order- each with notches marking the number of either battles or kills with them. Three against War. Two against Order.
He turns back to look at Tarak first, but then addresses the crowd. "This land is our Phrakan-Dek. Walk and go accordingly."
With a bit of a small nod to acknowledge the conversation is over, they push through you. Each of them giving a more reverent nod to Lafetha as they pass by; "May you go to find your way to Vyr-Salah" all three state in common to her as they pass. Like a prayer, or greeting.
As they get further and further away, their boisterous conversation picks back up. Loud talking. The sound of one punching another periodically, as they continue to walk.
It's a short walk to the open air house. Nets dangle from the ceiling, containing various goods and items; some sealed in baskets while other left out in the open. There are blankets and bedrolls. Sewing threads and needles. Some extra cloth. Salted and stored food. Water. Harder fermented drinks. Kindling, and flint. Despite the ground being made of wood and raised above the ground, a small firepit sits in the center. A ceramic bottom with a few rows of clay and stone creating a circle around it. Its very likely that it was used within the past few days but everything is neat and tidy. Even if you all do see bugs and parasites crawling out from the blankets and bedrolls while you set up your camp for the night.
The hours go by as you all set up a watch; not having true walls and it out in the open making it a rather defenseless position....
((Whoever is up at the pre-dawn shift)) with the fire mostly out, in the coldest part of the night you begin to hear footsteps. There's a trio attempting to sneak up to the house rather poorly.. mostly crouched down but still moving rather loud. Two goliath teens and a hobgoblin who might be a little younger. They seem armed; a spear, a handaxe, and some daggers. Nothing more than regular clothing that seems a little damp on their bodies.
What do you do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail smiles to herself, before starting to sneak out toward them (Stealth: 22), and loudly whisper, "Shouldn't you three be in bed or something? It is a little early to be up sneaking around... Might get hurt if someone thought you were attempting to rob them."
The trio of teens jump, whirling around. One grabs a dagger, but nearly fumbles it before staying calm and looking over at the Tabaxi. They point to the open air house, "We are trying to go to bed. But... don't know what people are inside... so....we're being careful."
The youngest of them, the hobgoblin preteen, looks over Abigail. "Who... are you?"
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
"My name is Abigail Strangepride, the Wildcat of the Sea; and if you are looking to get some shut eye, then you are more than welcome to join us." She says as she stands up and starts walking back to the hut.
The trio follows closely behind Abigail. The Hobgoblin clearly the inquisitive one as a barrage of questions begins to assault her ears.
"What's a sea?"
"Are lions wildcats, or more like tigers?"
"Are YOU a Wildcat?"
"Are there lots of Wildcats on the sea? In the sea?"
"Why....."
*GASP* "IS A SEA A BUNCH OF CATS?"
The sounds - easily - wake the sleeping rest of the crew. Especially after they climb the small set of stairs and begin to tear into what supplies are left lingering around. Specifically food - water - and booze. Tossing and sharing. Grabbing under and rolling people over to get at the stored goods.
Abigail... it's entirely possible they would have robbed you all blind in the night if they had successfully gotten inside. Which admittedly, they were very bad at.....
As they chew and cause a commotion, they do talk with their mouths full to each other. It's a bit of a whisper.. but a loud whisper. Seeming to forget that others are around, or too preoccupied by the food.
"Weren't we suppose to get stuff and bring it back?"
"Shut up and who cares!"
"These cakes have turned."
"I'll eat em!" *garbled sounds of chewing and talking* "...won't she?"
"Eat now and we'll take what we can back!"
"Hey look....."
One points over at Tarak, and the three turn with mouths wide open.
"It... wasn't a trick..."
They quickly move over to grab at Tarak. Tugging and pulling at him in varied directions.
"You here for us right? Right!? You're here to take us away."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Tarak shoves the kids off and stands up. “Ease up. You want to explain why you are pawing at me as I’m trying to rest. What do you mean here for you? What trick?”
"The man... the...." they frantically go through some names, as the trio talks to one another. Switching between common and Loxodon at a high speed.
"Sir Edgewort? Edgewirth? Edge...something! Listen he said if we did a job for him last summer, he'd make sure that a message would be sent. Said he was from the Faith. Said they'd come to take us away..." one of the trio begins to show some signs of becoming more and more emotional.
"..and now you're here. So you must be here to take us away, right?"
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
"That bad that you would want to join up with the Faith?" Abigail mocks, attempting to get a read on their reactions, but starting to suspect that they are runners (or something similar) for a local gang or organization.
She bends down to tie her boot, stamping it a couple of times before standing up and wiping her mouth, "But... there is always work for those that want it. Right?" She throws that last question at Tarak.
Thieve's Cant: Asking if they are employed as 'runners' or 'scouts' for a 'syndicate'.
“The faith can always find service opportunities.” Tarak agrees.
“But first we must know more about you. Who were you supposed to take supplies back to? What job did you perform for the faith? And what is stopping you from just leaving on your own?”
Morgan looks at Abigail, holding back a laugh "wait, You're a what now? Who Gave you that title? Did you give you that title? Please, regale us with the epic deeds where you earned such a moniker. You know if you put a wild cat in the sea it'll yowel helplessly paddling around and then drown right? that's sad, why do you have such a sad name?... did you drown? are you famous amongst pirate circles for drowning? Also Who are these kids? did you adopt them? Hey, down on your luck teens, are hungry? Also, are you in a gang? If not you want to start one? You'll need tough gang names... You're , you... You're Blood Mangle, and you... you're ::snicker:: wild cat of the land. Seriously though we're looking for a gnome, golden eyes, you know of them?"
Abigail glares at Morgan. "You can be a real ass sometimes Morgan."
Abigail storms out of the pavilion and into the dark, putting distance between herself and the camp before pulling out her axes and swinging them angrily at any innocent vegetation nearby.
The youngest looks between Morgan and Abigail. Confused. "So... is the sea a big cat...?"
The other two simply shoot off answers and thoughts, talking in tandem. "No no no. You're here to take us. That has to be it...."
"Right?"
"Right!"
"Why else would The Faith be here?"
They look back at Tarak, sizing him up and down. "So is there a boat? Don't worry about the job. We just need to go. That was the deal."
"The deal!"
The trio becomes rather silent when they hear the 'why can't you leave.'
"How? We barely have food..." their gaze and faces seem to trail off with a sigh.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Wilson lands from the rafters with thud brushes off dust and bugs from his clothes.
"If you need food learn to hunt. If you need money learn to work. If you need faith you are going to die anyway. The God's are real enough but not a one gives a whit about you until the've gotten your soul. And people... care less. If you had a deal with the Faith, go to the Faith, and demand their fulfillment of it. Don't wait for them to come to you."
Shouldering his gear he walks away from the shelter ready to move on towards the next town. But waits for the others within earshot.
Tarak listens as the kids talk and then Wilson. Finally he says “The faith has many reasons to be many places. I was not sent here for you but maybe I can be of assistance. Tell me who you work for. We are searching for a gnome with Golden eyes. You seem to visit places like this often. Have you ever come across him? If you are helpful and we achieve our goals I will take you with us when we go.”
persuasion 21