Kallista thinks for a bit, "I like flying... but," she stops, "Mr. Grimbuld's been teaching me a lot of stuff, and I like it a lot. So I guess if I hadn't met him I probably would have gone work with them."

((Rangers are very cool, but they've been weaker than all other classes for a very long time. Tasha's improved them a lot. Also, Rangers don't really have to use ranged attacks. A ranger can just as well use a Warhammer. The dual-wielding/longbow Rangers are just the most common tropes that everyone likes to play. As for a flying archer, a Fighter could do that just as well. In terms of multiclassing, it was the biggest problem of the Rangers. For a long time, many people wouldn't play past Ranger level 6-7 and would just start multiclassing once they reached those levels. The class didn't offer anything that interested players beyond that point. Now, the class is better and people have reasons to play it past those levels which is why, if you go to one of the recruitment threads on these forums, you'll see at least 2-3 Rangers (as opposed to the previous 0-1), usually at least two aiming for Gloomstalker, if not all.))

(Echoing the question from last time.) Hyre considers Kallista's words. Mr Grimbuld sure sounded like an interesting man. He wanted to meet him already. Hyre then turns to Barna. "What about you? What would you do if you had wings?"

"I know what I'd do, thats for sure. I'd fly around at night- in my nightshirt. I'd be an avenging vigilante, and they'd call me The Nightshirt...Nobody would know my identity- I'd cleverly disguise myself with a pair of spectacles." Lazlo looks around at the skeptical looks his friends shoot his way.  "I'd have to! To keep the crooks from going after my loved ones."   

((Okay, I'm back, finally ready to post that 'other character intro' to see if it's in line with what you would consider 'good for the game' if we have 6.))

Miles away, in a stinking, humid marsh, buried in a shallow grave, movement begins to disturb the muddy earth. A last, desperate surge of strength sees a hand shoot out from the loose muck and search for something solid to grasp. It finds an old tree root and pulls, revealing the wide-open gasping mouth of a young half-elf. On the verge of death, it takes him more than a few minutes to fully catch his breath and come fully to consciousness. As he does so, his mind is flooded with memories of the past few days, of being captured, processed, stripped, uniformed, and then set to work. He complied with everything, from being poked and prodded like livestock to being fed tasteless gruel to sleeping on the floor in cramped quarters with the rest of the people he'd been caught with, fellow citizens of Hon.
As his vision clears, he sees, too late, the last of a group of people being loaded up onto a carriage, their arms full of bones. They stare blankly forward as the horrible cry of the iron horses rings out and the carriage moves off.
Bones... for the past three days, his captors had him and his fellow prisoners digging up graves and emptying them of bones and fresh corpses. They were gathering bodies, not looking for anything in particular... they were just harvesting them, like some kind of morbid crop.
As the half-elf frees himself from what might have been a permanent grave, he remembers becoming stuck in the mud and all but drowning while the others around him just kept digging mindlessly. He wasn't instructed to free himself, so he would have just let himself die... but as he began to lose consciousness, the spell was broken. He was simply fortunate enough to free himself in the precious few seconds he had before he would have fully succumbed to suffocation. Alone, freezing cold, muddy, and lost in a graveyard without any bodies left in it, he has no choice but to pick a direction and walk, hoping to find a road.
He walks for hours, terrified of the wilds, but fortunately for him, the putrid stench of the mud actually allows him safe passage, as he doesn't smell like anything any creature would want to eat. As he walks, he tries to piece together the memories he has of his time as a prisoner, but he can't recall anything in any real detail besides digging and a very Spartan existence. Without the need to break their prisoners' spirits, the Skell didn't waste resources on security.
Finally, he finds a lonely road as his vision starts to double on him. It's one of the old caravan trading roads, so he reasons that he's not in Skell territory, at least. As he reaches the limits of his endurance, he sees the familiar outline of the walls of Hon. He falls to his knees, seeing lights coming from behind them. He tries to call out, but he only manages a croaking cry.
It seems that was enough, however, as he sees a huge silhouetted figure approach him. He's picked up like a rag doll and hoisted high in the arms of a centaur as Kina carries him in.
"Captain! We have a survivor!"

Brother Geldor is surprised to see Aelar, and is close to finishing up his work in the archives for the day, but he has time to spare for the elf.
"Aye, that I have lad... I proposed allowing ye tae lay hands upon the weapon, but the Hearth didn't think a wee bairn like ye should be makin' off with such a relic... which is why I convinced the ol' greybeards tae forge a new one for ye. It should be done tomorrow. Just so ye understand, it's mostly made o' leftover steel and cobbled parts, but if ye have talent with it, it'll serve ye well enough if ye need tae brave the wilds for a spell." he says.
When Brother Geldor leans Aelar has need for stationary, he laughs heartily and offers him a notebook and writing supplies. In such a place where keeping inventory and records is so important, of course they'd have spares laying around.
"If yer even half the warlock Relnar was, I'd be doin' the whole city a favor helpin' ye." he says.
"Godspeed, lad, come by in the afternoon tomorrow, your Serpent's Tongue will be ready for ye."

Hana smirks as she leans on Leon's shoulder.
"Leon and Lazlo had a bath at the Animist retreat. The ones who use the incense? He must have gone on a 'spirit journey'. Lazlo and Leon came back here that night. They had a right adventure that night, they did. I would have stopped them but... the performance they put on kept the tips flying in. Besides, it seems it all worked out in the end." she says.
Geoffrey hmphs and leans over to Leon.
"Whether you won her over in some smoke dream or not is beside the point. You should figure out if you like her, and if you don't, it's best to end things quickly, when the wound will be the most shallow, rather than just go along with things because you're... curious."

Quote from KinaJardine >>

Brother Geldor is surprised to see Aelar, and is close to finishing up his work in the archives for the day, but he has time to spare for the elf.
"Aye, that I have lad... I proposed allowing ye tae lay hands upon the weapon, but the Hearth didn't think a wee bairn like ye should be makin' off with such a relic... which is why I convinced the ol' greybeards tae forge a new one for ye. It should be done tomorrow. Just so ye understand, it's mostly made o' leftover steel and cobbled parts, but if ye have talent with it, it'll serve ye well enough if ye need tae brave the wilds for a spell." he says.
When Brother Geldor leans Aelar has need for stationary, he laughs heartily and offers him a notebook and writing supplies. In such a place where keeping inventory and records is so important, of course they'd have spares laying around.
"If yer even half the warlock Relnar was, I'd be doin' the whole city a favor helpin' ye." he says.
"Godspeed, lad, come by in the afternoon tomorrow, your Serpent's Tongue will be ready for ye."

Aelar is speechless at the generosity of the dwarfs.  He'd only wanted to practice with the Serpent's Tongue, not 'make off' with it.  And he hadn't expected them to agree to even that.  But this, to make him his own, and so quickly, he didn't know what to say.  Without words to express his gratitude, Aelar bows to Gelnor.

Finally, his mind works again. "Thank you, Brother, thank you.  For the writing supplies, the advice, the weapon.  It will indeed come in handy when we go to help Raia."  Bowing again, he takes the supplies and heads off to the Horseshoe to tell his friends everything that has happened and to ask for their help in getting food to Raia.  As he walks he ponders her words to him.  As she asked, he considers carefully the decision he has to make.  By the time he reaches the inn, he's certain.

Raia, I have considered carefully.  You are right that I have my own life to lead but it's led me here, to this city and to you.  I understand the commitment and the risks and I want to proceed with the ritual.  Now, what do we need to bring you in the way of food and when and how can we do the ritual?

As he enters the inn, Aelar sees his friends sitting at a table with a one-armed man.  That could only be Sir Geoffrey.  As he walks up to the table, he asks Hana to please bring him some food and water.  He needs a clear head.  "Hello, everyone."  He turns to Geoffrey.  "You must be Sir Geoffrey of whom Hyre speaks so well.  My name is Aelar Galanodel and I am very pleased to meet you."  He puts out his hand, the correct one, and shakes hands with the knight.

Sitting down, he lets out a long and tired sigh.  It had been a very long day.  While he waits for his food, he tells them almost everything.  "Ashwa was great, Leon, just great.  I don't knoiw why people have issues with tieflings.  Everyone I know is wonderful," he says, smiling at Kallista.  He only keeps back about casting the spell and his conversations with Raia and her need for food.  He is not sure how far they can trust Sir Geoffrey.  Maybe Raia knows him.  He will ask.  In the meantime, he tries to catch Hyre's eye and get him away to ask about the knight.

Raia, do you know a Sir Geoffrey, a one-armed former knight here in Guiston?  Can I trust him enough to tell him about you?  You seem to know many people here.

ooc: That's a pretty good intro for a new victim!

((Seems like a good intro. Do you have a player already or is the Half-Elf just an example?))

"Lazlo, a pair of spectacles wouldn't hide your identity. There aren't that many Satyrs in the city and none of them has wings. You'll be quite outstanding - everyone will know exactly who you are. I think, if I had wings, the first thing I'd do is fly as high as I can to see how far I can reach. Then, I'll try to find out how fast I can fly. Then I'll probably dive into the library from the sky. If I'm fast enough no one could stop me and, if they try to get me out, I'll just take whatever books I want and fly out the window. I'd return them the next time I go in, of course." Hyre still waits for Barna's answer but, after a while, he notices Aelar and looks at him for a moment to show that he noticed. After Barna answers him, he'll get up and say: "If you'll excuse me for a moment, nature calls." And walk towards the stair, up to a place where fewer people are at. He wondered what Aelar could want to talk about that will require privacy but trusted his friend's judgement.

"Thank you, Hyre.  I have more to say but I'm not sure how far we can trust Sir Geoffrey.  Raia needs my help, our help.  She's healing but she's also starving.  She needs food but for us to get it to her we need to leave the city.  Do you think we can trust him, to ask for help, advice, whatever?  I know you feel like that's not your thing but I trust you.  Just trust yourself...that'll be enough for me." Aelar looks at his friend calmly, full of trust.

"We've already told him everything, although none of us mentioned Raia. It escaped our minds, I guess. More importantly, what do you mean to leave the city? Do you want his help in delivering food? He has lost one of his arms, you know. I doubt he could fight as well as he used to." Suddenly, thinking over what Aelar said, the way he said it, he dreadful thought passes through his mind.  "Wait, you're... not planning to go out yourself, do you?" Hyre more or less ignored Aelar's question because it seemed very unimportant at the moment. He usually considered Aelar a bit smarter than himself, but leaving town was obviously madness. He hoped Aelar will tell him that he knows someone capable who can deliver the food to Raia - wherever she is - and that Aelar is saying they need money to pay them. Not that he thought it's a good use of their money but it seemed like the only rational way to act if he has to feed her. On the other hand, since when do dragons rely on Elves, Humans or other small creatures to feed them? He was thankful that the dragon saved their lives that night but that would be meaningless if they died trying to feed her. Hyre looks at Aelar inquisitively, waiting for his response.

Aelar nodded.  "Yes, I am.  I have to.  You know what she is to me, and that's not including the debt we owe her,"  He could tell Hyre was surprised, even worried by the idea.  "I need to know if you think he can be trusted with this.  Raia would have a hard time defending herself right now.  So...can we trust him?"

Ooc: nice intro- poor guy! 

Hyre wanted to oppose Aelar but it seems like Aelar is very confident about this. Could Hyre be the one in the wrong? Is he worrying too much? He wanted to ask for someone else's opinion but no one was around. Is that why he pulled Hyre aside and not any of the others? He's sure Geoffrey can be trusted but didn't want to encourage Aelar to leave the town. It seemed like one of the easiest ways to die.  Why doesn't Aelar seem like it bothers him? But Aelar is not dumb, he probably has some plan. Besides, if Aelar goes anyway, he should try to help him in any way possible so that his chances of survival increase. By not helping him, is he sending Aelar to his death? It was a smart move to isolate Hyre from the others. Had the others opposed Aelar, he would as well. Had they supported him, Hyre would try to do so as well. Alone, he doesn't know what to do. When he heard Kallista fought with the ogres, it was too late to try to encourage her not to do it, but she did come back from there without a scratch. Aelar, however, didn't have wings. 'What should I say? What should I do?' Aelar can clearly see Hyre is conflicted in his thoughts

"If I choose not to answer," he finally says, hesitantly, "what will you do?"

 ((Indeed, the half elf in the intro would be the new player, if you folks are willing to give him a try))

Geoffrey and Hana are too busy talking with each other to hear the conversation, and Geoffrey is a bit too tipsy, on top of that. They're unaware of the group debating.

Aelar looks quizzically at Hyre.  "Why wouldn't you answer?  Are you worried about embarrassing him?  That's why I pulled you away...so we could talk privately.   Hyre, I..." he breaks off suddenly, a far-away look on his face.

OK, Raia.  How long can you last?  I was planning on coming day after tomorrow.  The dwarves are making me a weapon, one I learned in the dream vision thing.  It'll be ready tomorrow.  Can you last until then?  How long will it take?  I think you said about a day, right?

Aelar re-focuses on Hyre.  "She's getting worse, Hyre.  I have to go.  I'm hoping I can leave day after tomorrow.  The dwarves are making me something, a weapon.  It'll be ready tomorrow and that'll give us a day to plan.  If you won't answer me I'll just have to make my own judgment.  One way or the other, I'm going.  I've lost too many people already.  Please, can I trust him?"

(( Now that we're invested in his story- we can't just let him die. Let the half elf LIVE, I say! lol- plus I may know the guy and he is amped to play))

((They're also on the second or third floor now so it's really unlikely anyone can hear them. Also, if it's a H-E, looks like Hyre will be the only one with Cha <16. I expected to be the lowest but not the only one who's not high. Oh well.))

Hyre tries to look for anyone he can ask help from but, as he's the one who went up to where there shouldn't be anyone who can hear them, he realises he has to make the choice himself. "No, that's not it." He starts when Aelar breaks off. "I just don't want you to go. If you die out there, I don't want to be the one who helped you go out. Can't you send someone else instead? Someone more capable?"

After Aelar continues, Hyre understands he won't be able to stop Aelar. "It doesn't matter if the Dwarves are making you a weapon, you've never fought with one. Neither did I. Unless it's some kind of a Labor that can protect you, what good will it do? But... if I can't convince you not to go... at least I can make sure you'll get all the help you can get so your chances to come back increase. I trust Geoffrey. If he meant any harm, I probably wouldn't be here to tell you so. If you trust my judgement, then you're brave and you can trust him." Hyre goes silent for a long moment. "Are you going to tell the others?" He asks eventually.

Aelar smiled at his friend.  "And some fools think you have no emotions...idiots," he said fondly.  "No, I can't send someone else, though there are people more capable.  Yes, I do know how to use a Serpent's Tongue...that's the weapon the dwarves are making for me.  Remember that dream-vision thing I told you about.  I thought I mentioned I learned how to use certain weapons when that happened.  If not...sorry, but I promise I can use one and others besides."

"As for telling the others," he continued and drew Hyre back with him to the others, "of course I will.  The only reason I pulled you aside was to spare the knight's feelings, and yours.  I'm going to tell everyone and ask for everyone's help.  Of course I trust your judgment."

When they return to the table, Aelar sits down and begins eating his food.  Once Hana leaves, he says, "I have something very important to tell you all, including you Sir Geoffrey.  Hyre says I can trust you and that's enough for me."  He then tells them about Raia and her need for food and especially water.  That he'll have to leave the city to get it to her, about the weapon the dwarves are making for him.  He still doesn't reveal to Geoffrey his bond with Raia or that he is planning on making that more formal as soon as possible, but that's about all he holds back.

"I'm sorry to have to do this, but I need your help, all of you.  If you're willing to come, great.  If not, I understand.  Anything you can to help me would be appreciated.  And before anyone asks, I'll have no trouble finding her out there."  He turns to Kallista.  "Raia mentioned needing someone familiar with the outside.  Do you think Grumbold would be willing to help, or at least open to the idea?  He's good with Sister Daar so he's got my vote."

"I wouldn't let any of you go it alone- count me in. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I'm not scared- because I am! But- you all" He gestures at the table "Are family- and I'd risk it for any one of you. Please just allow me one last night in a bed, preferably with the company of my Lady before we go..." Lazlo puts on what he thinks is a brave face.

"Of course I have some emotions. They're the ones causing all the problems."

--

Hyre looks worriedly on Lazlo. Now two of them are going there and Aelar is trying to convince Kallista to go as well. Or, well, he's asking for Grimbuld's help but Hyre imagines that considering their earlier conversation, Kallista would ask to join as well. He imagines Leon will leave too, especially if all the others will already confirm they're going. Will he be the only one staying behind? Should he go with them? It all seemed irrational - he hoped someone will support his thoughts, talk some sense into the others. If they leave, will Barna ask to join them? What if someone dies on the way? He keeps silent, however, holding his thoughts for himself. Anyone can see he's not happy about it though. Everything seemed to be going well, everyone already found something to do that interested them. Even he himself had a few things he knew he wanted to do or learn. He was grateful to Raia for saving them but is she really worth to risk all of this for?