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Post by PallentisLunam on Mar 27, 2020 8:31:42 GMT -8
Conard Marpique, 1st lvl RangerAC: 17 | HP's: 11 of 11 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege Conditions: None. "Perhaps your Order deserves dishonor and scorn heaped at their feet if they train their aspirants to under estimate threats that they encounter and turn a blind eye to the suffering of those they have sworn to protect." He shook his head, "I assume Ser Knight, knows that the Children operate within the borders of Solamnia itself, abduct children, subject them to torture and worse, turning the weakest of them into tools and weapons that they wield with deadly precision against their enemies who are ignorant enough to believe them naught but fractious followers of a dead god." Conard is too shocked and stunned by Caelin's words to respond before the other man stalked away. Once he gathers his wits, Conard's first instinct is to shout his rebuttal into the undergrowth, but that seems like poor tactics if the road they traveled is dangerous as everybody seems to think. Next he resolves to challenge Caelin when he returned, to defend the honor of his order and himself. " I am not a Knight!" Conard growls under his breath, remembering the second use of the title, as he seethes at the spot where Caelin had disappeared. "I am not a knight." Conard repeats to himself, actually hearing the words this time and calming down slightly. It is not up to me to fend off every harsh word directed against the orders. And perhaps there are better retorts than steel and more harsh words. His anger still burns within him but Conard masters it and decides to prove Caelin wrong through actions. First this cult, then I will discover if there is any truth to the man's claim of debasement and complacency.
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Post by Kvard51 on Mar 27, 2020 14:36:00 GMT -8
Listening to the Kagonesti shaman prattle on about the gods was what finally pulled Garald out of his self-imposed isolation. "The gods are a right lot of bastards is what they are. They look after their own interests with little care for their 'worshippers'. Except, of course, for when they can use them for their own ends. The whole lot of 'em can hang in the Abyss, for all of me." He sat up with a look of angry defiance on his face, taking his hat off and slapping it on the side of the wagon. "And more the fool you, looking for 'omens' and 'signs' when anyone born of a woman already knows the worst is the most likely to happen, anyway..."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Mar 27, 2020 16:36:07 GMT -8
Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1 HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None
When Perceval had initially waved her off when she first tested the waters with him a few days ago, Eliana respectfully kept her distance. She figured that the older man probably found her to be annoying and naive. As a result of their previous interaction, Eliana is slightly surprised to see a change in his behavior towards her. "I was hoping that it wasn't too noticeable," she says sheepishly after he points out that she isn't use to traveling. Deciding to take the paladin up on his offer, she takes a seat next to him and looks to him curiously. "Thank you." She knows that he has something he wants to say as she isn't naive enough to believe that he coincidentally decided to take an interest in her, but she is going to let him bring it up.
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Post by Pr0l0t0r on Mar 27, 2020 16:38:31 GMT -8
Listening to the Kagonesti shaman prattle on about the gods was what finally pulled Garald out of his self-imposed isolation. "The gods are a right lot of bastards is what they are. They look after their own interests with little care for their 'worshippers'. Except, of course, for when they can use them for their own ends. The whole lot of 'em can hang in the Abyss, for all of me." He sat up with a look of angry defiance on his face, taking his hat off and slapping it on the side of the wagon. "And more the fool you, looking for 'omens' and 'signs' when anyone born of a woman already knows the worst is the most likely to happen, anyway..." Ironwood "Iro" of the Cragpine Vale -- Druid 1 AC: 12 | HP's: 8/8 | Passive Perception: 13 | Conditions: None.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our cousin has decided to join us with wasps on his tongue. The Kagonesti gestures between Garald's legs with his staff. Anyone born of a man also knows the best is unlikely to happen unless he goes out and makes it happen. We write our destinies but are also bound by fate. The gods are no different. They are born - and die, too, young one. Tucking his staff under the crook of his half arm, he extends his other, only, hand to Garald. But we do not die today. Nor tomorrow, the omens have told me he finishes with a wink.
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Post by Daos on Mar 27, 2020 18:37:10 GMT -8
Conard and Caelin move on ahead of the group, arguing along the way, until they part ways when the latter disappears into the brush. However, Caelin finds no signs of any danger from his hiding spot. The coast appears clear in all directions. Conard continues on, and crests a hill. Upon reaching the top, he sees in the distance a small town--presumably their destination, Greenest. It looks to be maybe another hour away at their current pace. They should arrive just before sundown. From his vantage point, the town looks like a peaceful enough place. Smoke plumes from multiple chimneys fill the air, as people are no doubt preparing supper for the evening. Most of the buildings are made of wood with thatch rooftops, although there is a small, stone keep in the center. Likely, that is where the lord of the town, Sir Tarbaw Nighthill, dwells. Conard's mentor, Sir Ontharr Frume, told the young squire of him. Nighthill is an old Knight of the Rose who was given the town as he was too old to fight any more. However, he should prove a useful ally in finding the information that Frume sent Conard here to look for.
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Post by Yuki.N> on Mar 27, 2020 20:07:47 GMT -8
Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the LegionAC: 16 | HP: 11/11 | Passive Perception: 15 | Spellcasting modifier: +5, DC 13 | Lay on Hands: 5/5 Conditions: None.
As Eliana sits down beside him, Perceval smiles at her and spoke discretely but without guile. "There is no shame in that, we all have to start somewhere. Better to know your limitations and conserve your energies for times of true need than pretend to have strength you don't have." His eyes grow sad for a moment, before his voice drops to a whisper, giving them some privacy from the rest of the group. "I am curious as to what one of your bearing seeks on these travels. I have seen what lies under that hair of yours, but I do not judge you for it. My role as the escort of this caravan is almost over, but I have some future business to attend to in Greenest which might be related. I understand if you are unwilling to share with a man who has is largely a stranger, but that can change as well from where we are." (OOC: Perceval hasn't told the group he has Paladin powers yet. He has been passing himself off as a purely martial fighter.)
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Post by HorizonsDream on Mar 27, 2020 20:41:51 GMT -8
Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1 HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None
As soon as Perceval mentions that he has seen what she has hidden under her hair, one of her gloved hands moves up to her right eye to fix the hair that keeps her eye covered. So far, no one has examined her too closely aside from Perceval it seems. "I...uh," she stammers a bit on her words. "I'm not ashamed if that is what you are thinking," Eliana finally says in a whisper. "I just know how people would react, so it is easier this way." Being a half-elf, she has had her share of bullies even though she has been mostly sheltered and protected most of her life. Adding on to that stigma could very easily make things worse. "I'm surprised that you managed to see it. My own parents haven't even noticed," she mentions in slight amusement. "But to answer your question, I think that I might find some of the answers to my..affliction in Greenest. It's more than just my appearance that leads me here though."
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Post by Yuki.N> on Mar 27, 2020 21:29:48 GMT -8
Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the LegionAC: 16 | HP: 11/11 | Passive Perception: 15 | Spellcasting modifier: +5, DC 13 | Lay on Hands: 5/5 Conditions: None.
Perceval smiles at her response, the feelings behind his expression mixed. "It's my job to pay attention. I could tell you that the squire and the Kagonesti are largely as they appear. The other young man is sweet on you, but he is troubled by his feelings and comes from a checkered background. He certainly liked to steal glances in your direction while you were talking to Marpique. The Draconian, he drew my suspicion but there is more to him. As did you, but your actions since have suggested to me I should be more open." A brief pause fills the space between Perceval and Eliana as he considers how best to proceed. Leaning forward, Percival continues, "I have heard rumours about a cult of Takhisis acting around Greenest; Caelin has just confirmed as much. I am almost certain there is danger ahead for all of us. If you want answers there, the cult will not offer them willingly."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Mar 27, 2020 23:40:52 GMT -8
Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1 HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None
"Then that leaves you," Eliana points out with an purposely innocent smile. It appears that it is hard for her not to have a flirty tone, but for the moment she doesn't mean anything by it. "Are you what you appear to be?" she asks curiously. She takes a moment to consider Perceval's thoughts on the others before she laughs lightly. "Hmm, I'm not so sure Caelin, I believe his name was, is sweet on me. There might be more too it than that, but he does like to get close to me doesn't he?" she asks.
"I never believed I was going to get the answers I seek easily," Eliana admits with a sigh. "But I might not need to confront this cult to get my answers," she says thoughtfully as she looks towards the direction that Caelin disappeared to. "He knows about them, so he might be able to help me. That might be a difficult task considering he doesn't seem to trust anyone, or maybe he is just posturing." Eliana hasn't quite figured out just what Caelin is up to. "In any case, I think I would rather make it to Greenest first before I start really seeking out my answers."
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Post by Yuki.N> on Mar 28, 2020 0:32:01 GMT -8
Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the LegionAC: 16 | HP: 11/11 | Passive Perception: 15 | Spellcasting modifier: +5, DC 13 | Lay on Hands: 5/5 Conditions: None.
Perceval's eyes twinkle in amusement at Eliana's approach and questions. Laying back down against his haversack, he pauses to evaluates how much to leave unsaid. "If you like to hear it in my own words, I'm a traveling mercenary with some business in Greenest. I have heard of a dangerous cult in the area but came anyway. Like Caelin, I see Tarkhisis's minions as a great danger. If you are still interested, you could find me in Greenest later." "As for Caelin himself ... whatever emotions he feels about you, they do not stem from evil. I would also imagine him more likely to reciprocate with honesty if you are honest with him first." As he finishes, Perceval darts his eyes towards Ironwood and the Draconian, now joined by the male half-elf. "There are also others here that might offer you hints if you inquire. Ones you might have trouble finding after we scatter at Greenest."
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Post by PallentisLunam on Mar 28, 2020 5:48:51 GMT -8
Conard Marpique, 1st lvl Ranger AC: 17 | HP's: 11 of 11 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege Conditions: None.
Upon cresting the rise Conard takes a pause to enjoy the view. Caelin's words still knocking around in his head, Conard loosens his shield and finds a convenient spot to take a seat, making sure to keep the road back towards the wagon and the quiet village in sight. The young squire rests his burnished, unadorned kite against his knees and rolls his shoulders. Soon, with the smoke of cook fires on the horizon his thoughts turn to a hot meal, cool wine, and even that warm bed that he discounted earlier.
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Post by Zero Prime on Mar 28, 2020 7:26:17 GMT -8
Caelin Valaerys, pariah of TarkhisisHP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0Conditions: None.Caelin crouched low in the tall grass and sparsely forested hills which overlooked Greenest, he took in the scene, small wooden and thatch roofed houses. Smoke from a score of chimmneys carrying the scent of cooking meals to the young man, sending his empty stomach to grumbles. He looked to his right, about 50 yards he saw the wagon, Conard crouched by the road, stretching his shoulders, a pang of guilt went through him, he had thrown scorn at the young man and his order, to hurt him, to wake him up. In truth, it was because he, himself, had spent his first month with the Children of Takhisis praying for the Crown, the Sword or the Rose to rescue him, to end his suffering, to break his chains. He sighed, perhaps if they had, he too would be like Conard, and have unshakable faith in his order, his honor, his humanity. Days of travel and he had began to open up to those around them, he had been careless with information he had fought for, bleed for, killed for. That information could be used to against him, could incriminate him, and that would prevent him from accomplishing his goals, from ending the threat. And he couldn't allow that. So he remained distant from the wagon, slipping behind and to the left of it, keeping an eye on the bozak, and his belongings, still nestled in the rear of the wagon. He planned to follow his companions to Greenest, then he would need to canvas the villagers, interview them, root out their secrets, discover their allegiences. He waited, quietly, moving with the neidar's merchant wagons, waiting for the opportunity to retreive his belongings and speak to those companions whom he thought would not betray his confidence, at least not so quickly as to reveal him to Frulam or her accomplices.
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Post by Igordragonian on Mar 28, 2020 15:32:34 GMT -8
Zakkoth Mystic Lvl 1 Hp 9/9, passive perception 12 --------------
"I was not born of woman." Zakkoth said with a cold smile. "But yes. I share this pain, young one. Once, I have put my love and faith to the gods. But yes, Master Ironwood. Let the gods be gods. Just like us, they lie and die. I have found a new faith- at myself." He said quitly. "I don't hold grudge. As Master Ironwood say, gods are just... are. I should be the greatest and godliest I can be.'
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Post by Daos on Mar 28, 2020 16:33:33 GMT -8
After another hour, the wagon arrives at its destination, Greenest. They come in from the west, through the center of town, right toward the town square. The sun has finished setting at this point, so there aren't many people about. Some lamplighters are at work, making sure the town isn't plunged into total darkness. The stars are beginning to appear, and only one moon is visible right now--the blood red Lunitari*, which is a waxing crescent. The white moon, Solinari*, is nowhere to be seen and the black moon, Nuitari*, is invisible most nights even when it is full. What few people are on the street are closing up shops and heading home for dinner. A gaggle of children come to check out the wagon, curious about the strangers it brings, but their parents call them in to eat, so they disperse fairly quickly. On their way to the town square, they pass by a few homes where elderly folk sit on porches, offering friendly waves as they pass by. Overall, it seems like a rather pleasant place to live, with good and kindly people. The wagon finally comes to a halt in the town square, in front of a building on the north end. It's a large wooden structure with two floors. Light shines from the windows, giving the place a warm and safe feeling, and the party can hear the sound of laughter, conversation and the clatter of cutlery coming from inside, as well as smell pleasant culinary odors, like beef and fish. A sign hangs over the door that reads, "The Silver Tear Inn" and there is a picture of the profile of an elf, a tear running down her cheek (or perhaps his? It's sometimes difficult to tell with elves) as she gazes upward at a shining star. "Ah, here we go," Lilly says, grinning. "You all can go on ahead inside, while I see to the horses. I'm sure you're all eager for something good to eat and drink." =============== It is now Twelfth Watch. {*Lore Dump (Moons)} Krynn has three moons, which are also the three gods of magic. Solinari is the largest of the moons, and is the patron of the White Robes. Lunitari is the middle child and is matron of the Red Robes. Nuitari is the smallest of the moons, and is patron of the Black Robes. Nuitari is invisible most of the time, unless it passes in front of another moon in an eclipse. However, it is said that Black Robed Wizards are able to see it easily at any time. On rare occasions, all three moons eclipse together. This is known as the Night of the Eye, and all wizardry is greatly increased on those nights.
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Post by Zero Prime on Mar 28, 2020 17:42:19 GMT -8
Caelin Valaerys, pariah of TarkhisisHP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0Conditions: None.As the wagon rolled through town Caelin crept from the scrub, followed the wagon at a distance, trying carefully to avoid Conard's gaze. As soon as the children ran towards the wagon, he immediately checked his belt pouch, having run the streets with urchins in his own youth. However, unlike his own childhood, these children seemed genuinely cheerful and curious, their parents and elders seemed to welcome the merchant and her companions with hospitality. Caelin needed to remind himself that behind the curious eyes and welcoming smiles, could lurk a heart as cold as his, this small village had earned enmity of the Children and it was entirely possible that informants for the cult lurked amongst those that now greeted them. As the neidar merchant expertly guided the wagon into the coach house Caelin followed her, "May I be of service Master Lilly?" He sighed, "I would care to avoid our companions presence for the moment, as I may have offended some of my comrades with a cock-headed comments." He moved towards the gear that he'd seen Lilly stow in the rear of the wagon, equipment, brushes and knives to clean coats and hooves. He bent his back to it, whispering softly to the horses as he unhooked them from the wagon and to the hitch.
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