Your adoptive parents are Mr. and Mrs. Stonephoenix, and they run the FTA (From The Ashes) orphanage which was their home and has been your home for as long as you can remember.
Mr. Stonephoenix, or Slate Stonephoenix or just Slate to his friends was a life cleric of Torm with a loud laugh, a long brown braided beard, and huge hands and arms that were great for shaking hands and giving powerful hugs. He was always the parent to ask for permission to do things and was much more easy going and relaxed than your mom. He has always been quick to heal scrapes and pains and also always there to listen when you have a problem. When Slate isn't cooking large meals and tending to the garden out behind the house or working with you or your siblings doing other chores around the house, he can be found performing his duties as the local cleric for the nearby town of SleepyTimbers. Any skills you have learned that do not involve combat were likley taught to you by your father Slate Sonephoenix phoenix
Mrs. Stonephoenix, or Ruby Stonephoenix or just Ruby to those closest to her Is a paladin of Tyr and chose to take an Oath of Redemption. She had long curly red hair and piercing green eyes and a bright smile. While not nearly as touchy-feely as her husband, she was the one who chose to start the FTA orphanage and has always been your strongest ally when you and your siblings get into trouble. When you have small problems, you take them up with your dad... but for the serious problems... you bring them to your mother. Ruby has arms that are more powerful than Slate's and while she uses them more often to swing a warhammer than to give hugs... when she does embrace you in her arms it is something special. Although she is much more strict and her punishments are always more harsh than those given by your father, she has been your rock for as long as you remember and you know that no mater what you do you can always count on her to be there for you and to work to bring out the best in you. Mrs. Stonephoenix also taught you how to defend yourselves because although she has believes that everyone is capable of redemption... some people choose to be evil.. and those that refuse to give up their evil ways must be dealt with.
From-The-Ashes is a an old stone and timber monastary build on the top of a large hill outside of Sleepytimbers. The building was converted into an orphanage by the Mr. and Mrs Stonephoenix around 50 years ago and the Stonephoenix's have been respected members of the Sleepytimbers community ever since they arrived. The children they care for and adopt on the other hand are often feared and judged harshly by the townsfolk and it takes quite a bit for the children to overcome their reputations as some of worst kids around. This idea mostly comes form the fact that the kids taken into FTA are children that have been rejected from other orphanages or abandoned for one reason or another.
While all of you have different backgrounds and different circumstances surrounding how you managed to find your way to FTA, you are all family and are used to working together to perform the many tasks given to you by your parents on a daily basis. Mr. and Mrs. Stonepheonix work hard to present their children in a positive light, hoping that some day they will be able to find honest work in Sleepytimbers or some other village and start families and help others. Normally you are all volunteered to help with tasks in town when you are not performing them around your home.
The sun shines up over the trees and rays of multicolored light pierce through the stained glass windows of the orphanage as a new day begins. Before you get the chance to even thing about getting out of bed, A loud ringing can be heard through the surrounding area as your father rings the old church bell signaling it is time to get up and get breakfast. As the oldest children living in the orphanage and currently the only ones that have actually been adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Stonepheonix, you each have your own rooms decorated they way you like. While still rubbing your eyes you can smell a delicious hardy breakfast coming form downstairs and can hear the small rapid footsteps of some of the much younger children running towards the kitchen.
As per the usual, not a sound emanated from Vruuk's room, an off-shoot in the attic, if not the attic itself. None save the old church bells. But this was nothing new to the residents. Even asleep and by bugbear standards, the boy was quiet. It is why some of the younger orphans had even taken to calling him 'church mouse', or 'the ghost of the attic'. Which he encouraged if not through lack of confrontation than by abruptly popping up in odd places, and often scaring visitors. As for Vruuk's room, there is little of note. Aside from his bed, which was a size too small for his nearly eight foot tall frame, nest of haphazardly thrown clothing off in a corner, and armor rack of meticulously kept leather armor set, he didn't keep much in the way of personal touches.
Almost everyone whose been in it has tried to change this of course, judging it generally to be on the depressing side. But always without fail, he either slips personal affects to younger kids to play with, 'loses' it, or breaks it accidentally. Only Pokim knew the truth as far as how they became lost. But whether he told anyone or not is another story. Vruuk never did, though if/when pressed, his habit of rubbing the back of his neck or glancing off to the distance gave away the lie. Yet, even in the face Ma, Vruuk stayed ever tight-lipped.
That aside, Vruuk doesn't get up to the sound of the bell. Which again, this wasn't unusual. Cooked meat had to either be wafted directly beneath his nose, or someone needed to touch him and call his name. To date, no other method has worked. And there have been some extreme experiments. The black-furred behemoth would just keep on sleeping well until noon if given the chance.
If Vruuk had claimed the attic, Darastrix would have made the basement/cellar his resting place. Whether Ma and Pa would even allow such a thing, the lizardfolk always found a way to sneak down there. There was a cool dampness to the cellar that Darastrix was strangely drawn to. Having never grown up in a swamp or near his people, most of their customs and habits didn't carry on through the adopted lizardfolk. Instead taking many quirks from his dwarven parents. Not all though.
Hearing the bell, Darastrix would stretch out his limbs and open his maw wide allowing a toothy yawn to escape. Claws scraping against his naked scales for a bit before making his way up to the first floor. There wasn't much to his name, as he didn't like to collect anything that wouldn't be of immediate use or have a more practical purpose.
Not wanting to invoke the anger of Ma, not necessarily scared of the dwarf more wary, Darastrix makes a beeline for breakfast. Not paying attention to the other kids running around, even if some were making comments about the lizard not being dressed once again.
As the younger children are rushing towards the kitchen for some of Pa Stonephoenix’s famous pancakes they hear an uplifting tune being played with a great deal of skill from the hill behind the Orphanage.
Not long after the tune finishes, the other members of the Orphanage see a particularly large and solidly built (8 foot tall & 450 lbs) Bugbear walking down the hill. His reddish-brown hair is in dreadlocks which hang to his shoulder. As he walks, he is carefully blowing on the reed from the chanter (the mouth piece of the bag pipes) to make sure it is dry before placing it in his belt pouch. Once he is satisfied with this, he is also carefully unscrews the three smaller pipes as well as the larger pipe attached to the bag. With a great deal of care he checks these as he walks, before wrapping them in the bag. The skill with which he packs up the instrument and with which he had played the tune shows that not only has he been playing the pipes for a long time, but it has been with a great deal of intensity; almost to the exclusion of everything else.
He sees that Pa is cooking his famous pancakes again and says“Pa you like Pok’im’s new song – 'e been practicin!” Pok’im looks over the skillet in which Pa is cooking the pancakes and says “Pok’im luv yuh ‘otcakes Pa but furst ‘e gotta put mah pipes away like yuh tort me!”
I'm trying to portray Pok'im as being almost autistic and speaking with a Caribbean accent so would welcome any suggestions other players may have!
Slate, Standing over the hot stove would would feel a smile spread across his face as he turns and gives the huge bugbear a gentle pat on the shoulder and looking into his eyes. "I can tell ya have been practicing! Your playing sounds wonderful son!" If the dwarf were taller he would have given him a pat on the head but the shoulder was the best Slate could do. As the bugbear moves past the dwarf to head upstairs he will hear the deep and gentle voice if the cleric yell after him "Why don't ya help out yer dad and take your brother his breakfast will ya?" Without looking, Slate would hand a plate back towards Pok'im while remaining focused on cooking breakfast for the others. "I will have a big stack of pancakes ready for you when you get back from taking your Vruuk his food and putting away your instrument... I will even cut them into funny shapes the way you like." The dwarf will say with a smile on his face.
As Darastrix makes his way to the kitchen table and takes a seat, a large plate of sausages and bacon is placed in front of him.The Lizardfolk is aware of a few of the younger children snickering at him being naked again but Slate no longer worries about it. "Darastrix, eat up quickly son.. mom will be back from her morning prayers before long and you know she prefers you to have some clothes on" The dwarf will say shaking his head with a large grin. "As far as im concerned.. ya really only need clothes when yer going out in public but yer mother worries that walking around the house naked may convice the young ones that they don't need to wear clothes eather." The dwarf will say looking back to the stove.
As the bugbear moves past the dwarf to head upstairs he will hear the deep and gentle voice if the cleric yell after him "Why don't ya help out yer dad and take your brother his breakfast will ya?"
“No worries, Pa” Pok’im says taking the plate of pancakes for Vruk. He climbs the stairs to the attic where he and Vruk have adjacent rooms and placing the plate of pancakes carefully on the floor outside his room he opens the door to his room. His room, is both incredibly tidy, the bed is neatly made and the rug is lined up, and also austere. The only decoration is a simplistic childlike drawing on the wall of Ma and Pa Stonephoenix watching Pok’im playing his beloved pipes and clapping. He speaks out loud himself “muh knows Vruk should get ‘is kaan (corn) cakes ‘ot, but Pa alwase tell Pok’im look after yuh pipes."He carefully places his pipes on the shelf above his bed before stepping out of the room.
Picking up the plate of pancakes he goes next door to Vruk’s door and he knocks. When nobody answers he picks up the plate and goes into Vruk’s room. Seeing Vruk sound asleep he goes over to the bed and starts wafting the smell of the hotcakes and fried bacon under Vruk’s nose. He then says “mi fren, yuh kaan cakes is ‘ere!” He then turns to leave and says “I gotta go, cos Da is makin’ muh special cakes for me!” He then heads back down to the Kitchen.
Ash comes into the house from helping Ma Stonephoenix with morning prayers. Ash has a room on the first floor off the kitchens. Ash always finding the stairs a bit tricky for a centuar. His room is full of books and religion items he's created from himself for The Traveler, his constant companion. Ash has long black hair, olive tone skin, and a black body of a horse. He's quite intimidating by all accounts but his jovial demeanor often catches people off guard.
"Morning all," Ash says to his family coming inside.
As the plate of meat is placed in his face, Darastrix wouldn't hesitate digging in. The sound of his eating almost deafening the warnings from Slate about Ruby not going to be thrilled about the lack of clothes. "Clothin be making me itchy." (I imagine he sounds like a lizardfolk raised by dwarves.) But he'd never argue with Ma. It was foolish to anger the woman. "As soon as I be finishin up with breakfast, I will see bout gettin dressed." He'd shove some bacon in his maw just as Ash entered. "Mornin to ya"
Picking up the plate of pancakes he goes next door to Vruk’s door and he knocks. When nobody answers he picks up the plate and goes into Vruk’s room. Seeing Vruk sound asleep he goes over to the bed and starts wafting the smell of the hotcakes and fried bacon under Vruk’s nose. He then says “mi fren, yuh kaan cakes is ‘ere!” He then turns to leave and says “I gotta go, cos Da is makin’ muh special cakes for me!”
Vruuk breathes in deep through his nose. Then, as if pulled by some unseen force at the chest, he rises in bed with the biggest, dopiest smile on his mug, and takes the plate without ever opening his eyes. Not that Pok'im could see even the one until he brushed and held back a part of the thick, unkempt locks that tended to cover them. "Why thank you, brother man." He drones sleepily in a deep, slow, and smooth tone. "Tell'em I'll be down in a tidbit."
On that note, Vruuk sleepily starts slowly downing the meal, savoring every bite as if it might be his last. Afterwards, he'll set aside the plate, chuck aside the blanket that was comically small for his size, and root around for clothing. Whereas the floorboards had creaked when Pok'im had first entered the room, not a peep could be heard as Vruuk had moved about the room himself.
Next thing anyone notices, Vruuk is downstairs by the basin(sink?) with plate licked clean, and dressed in a simple brown pants, suspenders(if allowed? :D) keep his pants up, weathered, brown handmade scarf (the only personal item he kept without complaint or incident thus far) wrapped about his neck, and a bowler hat. Similar to Darastrix and probably Ash, he went without a shirt while indoors, though more so out of laziness. And probably the only reason the inattentive notices is because he abruptly greet all while cleaning the dish with a tired sounding, "Morn'in, er'rebody."
Pok’im comes into the kitchen and grabbing his plate from Pa Stonephoenix takes a deep sniff and says “Pok’im luv’s Pa’s kaan cakes!” He then moves over to the table where Ash and Darastrix and says “mornin’.” He thinks for a minute and continues “Pokim ‘as bin up ‘fore sparrows, practicing! Yuh lik ‘is new song?” He puts his breakfast down on the table and picking up his knife and fork, he carefully cuts the pancakes into small bits; even after over five years of practice he still struggles a bit with this. He then places the knife back on the table make sure it is lined up with the edge of the table and then picking up his fork carefully starts eating the pancakes working around the plate in an inward spiral.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Next thing anyone notices, Vruuk is downstairs by the basin(sink?) with plate licked clean, and dressed in a simple brown pants, suspenders(if allowed? :D)
(Yes... suspenders are OK lol)
Slate continues to make food an alarming rate. He moves quickly and efficiently from pot to pan to bowl as he works to keep the seemingly endless line of children fed. The kitchen and dinning room where you all find yourselves is a large area that was most likely used to hold services when the monastery was first constructed. An enormous long sturdy wooden table in the shape of a large "U" sits in the middle of the room with simple iron chandeliers hanging from the rafters casting light from their candles. Every so often father will make his way from the stove into the center of the U and start dumping more food on plates. "Eat up little ones! I don't want any of my children starting the day on an empty stomach!" The dwarf will let out a hardy laugh and slap some of the children on the shoulder with a heavy hand. As Ash makes it to the table he is ready with a large plate heaped with food the way he likes. "So how did yer prayers go this morning son?" Slate will say locking eyes with the centaur before moving to put some food on some of the plates nearby. Before Ash can respond a gentle yet firm voice will speak up behind him. "She is doing well father." Ruby will say with a nod to Ash. Upon hearing her voice, Slate will turn around and give the paladin a quick kiss on the cheek, to which she responds by trying to hide a small smile while pretending to give him a stern look... before moving to the stove and making herself a plate. As ruby moves through the room she periodically will stop and help a child hold silverware in their claws or bump elbows off the table, sometimes just locking eyes with the children was enough to get them to fix their behavior. Upon looking at Darastrix, Ruby would let out a sigh and rub the bridge of her nose... "You know son.... I only ask for pants around the house..." before taking a bite of pancakes. Slate will look over and shoot the lizardfolk a grin and an "I told ya so" look. A short while later, Ruby will look up to Pokim, Ash, Vruuk, and Drastrix from her plate and clear her throat. As she does, the loud room full of eating and chatter will quiet down considerably... "So, I have a special job I would like the four of you to take care of for me...."
Darastrix keeps his face buried in his empty plate, pretending to eat to avoid looking Ruby in the eyes. The fake chewing sounds becoming obvious as the rest of the room quiets down to listen to Ma speak...
As soon as Vruuk was done cleaning his own plate, he had waited in the wings to start collecting those of the others. He kept a close eye on the little goblins and kobolds of the gaggle of kids. Hun(Kobold) in particular deserved the added attention. The boy girl always found an excuse and means of slyly putting together slings for antagonizing the others. "Oh? Well shucks, Ma. How can we help?"He asks, folding his long, orangutan-like arms, and standing a little straighter on the spot.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Kulsee finally wakes, having been up late the night before. She stretches and climbs out of her little bed in her small dark room. Her room is actually a converted storage room of sorts, with her small size she didn't need a full sized room, but wanted a private space away from all the young ones that bunk together. She enters the room where everyone is dining just as Ma is about to tell them what she need them to do.
Slate notices as the goblin walks into the kitchen and he silently hands her a plate heaped with breakfast. "Ah, you can help too Kulsee now that you are up...." The red haired woman will say giving her quick glance and small smile as she lets the head of her war hammer thud against the cobblestone floor. "As you know, we are constantly trying show the community that which your father and I already know..." The dwarf will pause for a moment to glare at a small kobold holding a fork in a threatening manner towards a kenku that was mimicking him... quickling setting the issue before resuming..."And that is that the children we raise here are all wonderful and good-creatures that deserve a nice furute just as much as any other child"The dwarf will then walk around the table and place her hand on each of the shoulders of the five children she has volunteered as she walks around the U shaped table before returning to the center. "While at prayers this morning, I spoke with Mr. Hagger... he is having problems at his farm and needs help in planting his new set of crops... his horse twisted an ankle and without our help he will not be able to get the crops planted before the rains come." She will pause a moment and lock eyes with each of you to see if there are any signs of opposition before continuing. "His farm is on the eastern outskirts of Sleepytimbers, so it will take you all most the afternoon to get there and I would assume at least the rest of the day if not most of tomorrow to complete your task.... Mr. Hagger said that he will provide you with lodging for the night if needed." Ruby will say looking around the room. "I would like you all to finish breakfast and gather up your things and head out within the next hour so you can get there with plenty of time to get started alright? Slate will move from the stove and step up beside Ruby, wiping his hands on the tabard hanging down acting as an apron. "Ya should all be fine, I know it is the first time yer mom has asked ya to do a task where you will probably be away from home for the night but you all should be fine.... I will uhh... I will pack you all lots of snacks!" The hardy dwarf will try to hide a look of worry as he goes back to the stove and begins shoveling pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, cornbread, fruit, and veggies in different sacks for you to take along. "Your father and I have trained you all well and I know you will make us proud... remember you are there to represent all of us"Ruby will say with a small smile while motioning around the room to all the other children in the large kitchen before turning away and from the table and taking up a position next to Slate at the stove and rubbing her eyes for just bit as she watches him pack enough food for a month into the bags. You notice that she ties up the bags and labels them all as Slate fills them up.
As Ma walked around, Darastrix kept his face down, still wanting to avoid eye contact as much as possible. "So you be wantin me to eat their horse?" Darastrix says as he licks his maw while finally looking up from his empty plate. "If that's all this be about then I am ready now. Not much to gather." The lizardfolk standing up from the table to take put his plate away.
Slate would let out a large grin while Ruby shot the lizardfolk a serious look "You are not to eat any of his animals unless he gives you permission!" she would say pointing her finger at Darastrix before moving her finger to the others. "that goes for all of you.... got it!" he eyes focused and serious while Slate quickly tries wipe a goin from his face before speaking up... "Yes.. last time you guys ate someones animal, Yer mom and dad had to buy then a new one... so if you di it again we are taking it out of yer allowances understand?" The Male dwarf would say trying his best to keep from laughing before moving to pack more food.
Vruuk -- who at the mention of eating a horse got a far off look in his eyes -- snapped to attention, and pouts. Yet ultimately, he held his tongue for a while. "I said we were sorry." Vruuk mutters while looking at the ground. Then following a sigh, he stands up at proper attention with his hands folded behind his back. "Is'erlight I bring Lucky." A tiefling boy jumps in his seats, and looks up worriedly at Vruuk. "Not you Lucky. Edge Lucky." A pitch black sinned human boy with pupiless eyes narrows said eyes at Vruuk. "Yaw'll know what I mean."Vruuk states, referring to one of his axe. Both tiefling and fallen aasimar boys give him cheeky grin before going back to breakfast.
********** Background*********
Your adoptive parents are Mr. and Mrs. Stonephoenix, and they run the FTA (From The Ashes) orphanage which was their home and has been your home for as long as you can remember.
Mr. Stonephoenix, or Slate Stonephoenix or just Slate to his friends was a life cleric of Torm with a loud laugh, a long brown braided beard, and huge hands and arms that were great for shaking hands and giving powerful hugs. He was always the parent to ask for permission to do things and was much more easy going and relaxed than your mom. He has always been quick to heal scrapes and pains and also always there to listen when you have a problem. When Slate isn't cooking large meals and tending to the garden out behind the house or working with you or your siblings doing other chores around the house, he can be found performing his duties as the local cleric for the nearby town of SleepyTimbers. Any skills you have learned that do not involve combat were likley taught to you by your father Slate Sonephoenix phoenix
Mrs. Stonephoenix, or Ruby Stonephoenix or just Ruby to those closest to her Is a paladin of Tyr and chose to take an Oath of Redemption. She had long curly red hair and piercing green eyes and a bright smile. While not nearly as touchy-feely as her husband, she was the one who chose to start the FTA orphanage and has always been your strongest ally when you and your siblings get into trouble. When you have small problems, you take them up with your dad... but for the serious problems... you bring them to your mother. Ruby has arms that are more powerful than Slate's and while she uses them more often to swing a warhammer than to give hugs... when she does embrace you in her arms it is something special. Although she is much more strict and her punishments are always more harsh than those given by your father, she has been your rock for as long as you remember and you know that no mater what you do you can always count on her to be there for you and to work to bring out the best in you. Mrs. Stonephoenix also taught you how to defend yourselves because although she has believes that everyone is capable of redemption... some people choose to be evil.. and those that refuse to give up their evil ways must be dealt with.
From-The-Ashes is a an old stone and timber monastary build on the top of a large hill outside of Sleepytimbers. The building was converted into an orphanage by the Mr. and Mrs Stonephoenix around 50 years ago and the Stonephoenix's have been respected members of the Sleepytimbers community ever since they arrived. The children they care for and adopt on the other hand are often feared and judged harshly by the townsfolk and it takes quite a bit for the children to overcome their reputations as some of worst kids around. This idea mostly comes form the fact that the kids taken into FTA are children that have been rejected from other orphanages or abandoned for one reason or another.
While all of you have different backgrounds and different circumstances surrounding how you managed to find your way to FTA, you are all family and are used to working together to perform the many tasks given to you by your parents on a daily basis. Mr. and Mrs. Stonepheonix work hard to present their children in a positive light, hoping that some day they will be able to find honest work in Sleepytimbers or some other village and start families and help others. Normally you are all volunteered to help with tasks in town when you are not performing them around your home.
***************Game/character intros*******************
The sun shines up over the trees and rays of multicolored light pierce through the stained glass windows of the orphanage as a new day begins. Before you get the chance to even thing about getting out of bed, A loud ringing can be heard through the surrounding area as your father rings the old church bell signaling it is time to get up and get breakfast. As the oldest children living in the orphanage and currently the only ones that have actually been adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Stonepheonix, you each have your own rooms decorated they way you like. While still rubbing your eyes you can smell a delicious hardy breakfast coming form downstairs and can hear the small rapid footsteps of some of the much younger children running towards the kitchen.
(Post at will!!!)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
If Vruuk had claimed the attic, Darastrix would have made the basement/cellar his resting place. Whether Ma and Pa would even allow such a thing, the lizardfolk always found a way to sneak down there. There was a cool dampness to the cellar that Darastrix was strangely drawn to. Having never grown up in a swamp or near his people, most of their customs and habits didn't carry on through the adopted lizardfolk. Instead taking many quirks from his dwarven parents. Not all though.
Hearing the bell, Darastrix would stretch out his limbs and open his maw wide allowing a toothy yawn to escape. Claws scraping against his naked scales for a bit before making his way up to the first floor. There wasn't much to his name, as he didn't like to collect anything that wouldn't be of immediate use or have a more practical purpose.
Not wanting to invoke the anger of Ma, not necessarily scared of the dwarf more wary, Darastrix makes a beeline for breakfast. Not paying attention to the other kids running around, even if some were making comments about the lizard not being dressed once again.
As the younger children are rushing towards the kitchen for some of Pa Stonephoenix’s famous pancakes they hear an uplifting tune being played with a great deal of skill from the hill behind the Orphanage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V9iXOOrVZs
Not long after the tune finishes, the other members of the Orphanage see a particularly large and solidly built (8 foot tall & 450 lbs) Bugbear walking down the hill. His reddish-brown hair is in dreadlocks which hang to his shoulder. As he walks, he is carefully blowing on the reed from the chanter (the mouth piece of the bag pipes) to make sure it is dry before placing it in his belt pouch. Once he is satisfied with this, he is also carefully unscrews the three smaller pipes as well as the larger pipe attached to the bag. With a great deal of care he checks these as he walks, before wrapping them in the bag. The skill with which he packs up the instrument and with which he had played the tune shows that not only has he been playing the pipes for a long time, but it has been with a great deal of intensity; almost to the exclusion of everything else.
He sees that Pa is cooking his famous pancakes again and says “Pa you like Pok’im’s new song – 'e been practicin!” Pok’im looks over the skillet in which Pa is cooking the pancakes and says “Pok’im luv yuh ‘otcakes Pa but furst ‘e gotta put mah pipes away like yuh tort me!”
I'm trying to portray Pok'im as being almost autistic and speaking with a Caribbean accent so would welcome any suggestions other players may have!
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Slate, Standing over the hot stove would would feel a smile spread across his face as he turns and gives the huge bugbear a gentle pat on the shoulder and looking into his eyes. "I can tell ya have been practicing! Your playing sounds wonderful son!" If the dwarf were taller he would have given him a pat on the head but the shoulder was the best Slate could do. As the bugbear moves past the dwarf to head upstairs he will hear the deep and gentle voice if the cleric yell after him "Why don't ya help out yer dad and take your brother his breakfast will ya?" Without looking, Slate would hand a plate back towards Pok'im while remaining focused on cooking breakfast for the others. "I will have a big stack of pancakes ready for you when you get back from taking your Vruuk his food and putting away your instrument... I will even cut them into funny shapes the way you like." The dwarf will say with a smile on his face.
As Darastrix makes his way to the kitchen table and takes a seat, a large plate of sausages and bacon is placed in front of him.The Lizardfolk is aware of a few of the younger children snickering at him being naked again but Slate no longer worries about it. "Darastrix, eat up quickly son.. mom will be back from her morning prayers before long and you know she prefers you to have some clothes on" The dwarf will say shaking his head with a large grin. "As far as im concerned.. ya really only need clothes when yer going out in public but yer mother worries that walking around the house naked may convice the young ones that they don't need to wear clothes eather." The dwarf will say looking back to the stove.
“No worries, Pa” Pok’im says taking the plate of pancakes for Vruk. He climbs the stairs to the attic where he and Vruk have adjacent rooms and placing the plate of pancakes carefully on the floor outside his room he opens the door to his room. His room, is both incredibly tidy, the bed is neatly made and the rug is lined up, and also austere. The only decoration is a simplistic childlike drawing on the wall of Ma and Pa Stonephoenix watching Pok’im playing his beloved pipes and clapping. He speaks out loud himself “muh knows Vruk should get ‘is kaan (corn) cakes ‘ot, but Pa alwase tell Pok’im look after yuh pipes." He carefully places his pipes on the shelf above his bed before stepping out of the room.
Picking up the plate of pancakes he goes next door to Vruk’s door and he knocks. When nobody answers he picks up the plate and goes into Vruk’s room. Seeing Vruk sound asleep he goes over to the bed and starts wafting the smell of the hotcakes and fried bacon under Vruk’s nose. He then says “mi fren, yuh kaan cakes is ‘ere!” He then turns to leave and says “I gotta go, cos Da is makin’ muh special cakes for me!” He then heads back down to the Kitchen.
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Ash comes into the house from helping Ma Stonephoenix with morning prayers. Ash has a room on the first floor off the kitchens. Ash always finding the stairs a bit tricky for a centuar. His room is full of books and religion items he's created from himself for The Traveler, his constant companion. Ash has long black hair, olive tone skin, and a black body of a horse. He's quite intimidating by all accounts but his jovial demeanor often catches people off guard.
"Morning all," Ash says to his family coming inside.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
(Hrm, I know I posted again...)
As the plate of meat is placed in his face, Darastrix wouldn't hesitate digging in. The sound of his eating almost deafening the warnings from Slate about Ruby not going to be thrilled about the lack of clothes. "Clothin be making me itchy." (I imagine he sounds like a lizardfolk raised by dwarves.) But he'd never argue with Ma. It was foolish to anger the woman. "As soon as I be finishin up with breakfast, I will see bout gettin dressed." He'd shove some bacon in his maw just as Ash entered. "Mornin to ya"
Vruuk breathes in deep through his nose. Then, as if pulled by some unseen force at the chest, he rises in bed with the biggest, dopiest smile on his mug, and takes the plate without ever opening his eyes. Not that Pok'im could see even the one until he brushed and held back a part of the thick, unkempt locks that tended to cover them. "Why thank you, brother man." He drones sleepily in a deep, slow, and smooth tone. "Tell'em I'll be down in a tidbit."
On that note, Vruuk sleepily starts slowly downing the meal, savoring every bite as if it might be his last. Afterwards, he'll set aside the plate, chuck aside the blanket that was comically small for his size, and root around for clothing. Whereas the floorboards had creaked when Pok'im had first entered the room, not a peep could be heard as Vruuk had moved about the room himself.
Next thing anyone notices, Vruuk is downstairs by the basin(sink?) with plate licked clean, and dressed in a simple brown pants, suspenders(if allowed? :D) keep his pants up, weathered, brown handmade scarf (the only personal item he kept without complaint or incident thus far) wrapped about his neck, and a bowler hat. Similar to Darastrix and probably Ash, he went without a shirt while indoors, though more so out of laziness. And probably the only reason the inattentive notices is because he abruptly greet all while cleaning the dish with a tired sounding, "Morn'in, er'rebody."
(Think Tilk from Stargate with a southern accent)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Pok’im comes into the kitchen and grabbing his plate from Pa Stonephoenix takes a deep sniff and says “Pok’im luv’s Pa’s kaan cakes!” He then moves over to the table where Ash and Darastrix and says “mornin’.” He thinks for a minute and continues “Pokim ‘as bin up ‘fore sparrows, practicing! Yuh lik ‘is new song?” He puts his breakfast down on the table and picking up his knife and fork, he carefully cuts the pancakes into small bits; even after over five years of practice he still struggles a bit with this. He then places the knife back on the table make sure it is lined up with the edge of the table and then picking up his fork carefully starts eating the pancakes working around the plate in an inward spiral.
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
"Name it," Ash replies to his mother eating his porridge and avoiding the meats.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Darastrix keeps his face buried in his empty plate, pretending to eat to avoid looking Ruby in the eyes. The fake chewing sounds becoming obvious as the rest of the room quiets down to listen to Ma speak...
(NOM NOM NOM SLURP NOM CHEW CHEW GULP) :D
As soon as Vruuk was done cleaning his own plate, he had waited in the wings to start collecting those of the others. He kept a close eye on the little goblins and kobolds of the gaggle of kids. Hun(Kobold) in particular deserved the added attention. The boy girl always found an excuse and means of slyly putting together slings for antagonizing the others. "Oh? Well shucks, Ma. How can we help?" He asks, folding his long, orangutan-like arms, and standing a little straighter on the spot.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Kulsee finally wakes, having been up late the night before. She stretches and climbs out of her little bed in her small dark room. Her room is actually a converted storage room of sorts, with her small size she didn't need a full sized room, but wanted a private space away from all the young ones that bunk together. She enters the room where everyone is dining just as Ma is about to tell them what she need them to do.
Slate notices as the goblin walks into the kitchen and he silently hands her a plate heaped with breakfast. "Ah, you can help too Kulsee now that you are up...." The red haired woman will say giving her quick glance and small smile as she lets the head of her war hammer thud against the cobblestone floor. "As you know, we are constantly trying show the community that which your father and I already know..." The dwarf will pause for a moment to glare at a small kobold holding a fork in a threatening manner towards a kenku that was mimicking him... quickling setting the issue before resuming..."And that is that the children we raise here are all wonderful and good-creatures that deserve a nice furute just as much as any other child" The dwarf will then walk around the table and place her hand on each of the shoulders of the five children she has volunteered as she walks around the U shaped table before returning to the center. "While at prayers this morning, I spoke with Mr. Hagger... he is having problems at his farm and needs help in planting his new set of crops... his horse twisted an ankle and without our help he will not be able to get the crops planted before the rains come." She will pause a moment and lock eyes with each of you to see if there are any signs of opposition before continuing. "His farm is on the eastern outskirts of Sleepytimbers, so it will take you all most the afternoon to get there and I would assume at least the rest of the day if not most of tomorrow to complete your task.... Mr. Hagger said that he will provide you with lodging for the night if needed." Ruby will say looking around the room. "I would like you all to finish breakfast and gather up your things and head out within the next hour so you can get there with plenty of time to get started alright? Slate will move from the stove and step up beside Ruby, wiping his hands on the tabard hanging down acting as an apron. "Ya should all be fine, I know it is the first time yer mom has asked ya to do a task where you will probably be away from home for the night but you all should be fine.... I will uhh... I will pack you all lots of snacks!" The hardy dwarf will try to hide a look of worry as he goes back to the stove and begins shoveling pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, cornbread, fruit, and veggies in different sacks for you to take along. "Your father and I have trained you all well and I know you will make us proud... remember you are there to represent all of us" Ruby will say with a small smile while motioning around the room to all the other children in the large kitchen before turning away and from the table and taking up a position next to Slate at the stove and rubbing her eyes for just bit as she watches him pack enough food for a month into the bags. You notice that she ties up the bags and labels them all as Slate fills them up.
As Ma walked around, Darastrix kept his face down, still wanting to avoid eye contact as much as possible. "So you be wantin me to eat their horse?" Darastrix says as he licks his maw while finally looking up from his empty plate. "If that's all this be about then I am ready now. Not much to gather." The lizardfolk standing up from the table to take put his plate away.
Slate would let out a large grin while Ruby shot the lizardfolk a serious look "You are not to eat any of his animals unless he gives you permission!" she would say pointing her finger at Darastrix before moving her finger to the others. "that goes for all of you.... got it!" he eyes focused and serious while Slate quickly tries wipe a goin from his face before speaking up... "Yes.. last time you guys ate someones animal, Yer mom and dad had to buy then a new one... so if you di it again we are taking it out of yer allowances understand?" The Male dwarf would say trying his best to keep from laughing before moving to pack more food.
Vruuk -- who at the mention of eating a horse got a far off look in his eyes -- snapped to attention, and pouts. Yet ultimately, he held his tongue for a while. "I said we were sorry." Vruuk mutters while looking at the ground. Then following a sigh, he stands up at proper attention with his hands folded behind his back. "Is'erlight I bring Lucky." A tiefling boy jumps in his seats, and looks up worriedly at Vruuk. "Not you Lucky. Edge Lucky." A pitch black sinned human boy with pupiless eyes narrows said eyes at Vruuk. "Yaw'll know what I mean." Vruuk states, referring to one of his axe. Both tiefling and fallen aasimar boys give him cheeky grin before going back to breakfast.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.