Quest #15 "Taking Down Captain Bing"

[Bluehorse]

Monocar

There is an idea that flickers into his head. Hey...
didn't the phanaton chief have a magic ball that helped him talk to everyone? What if we got him to be a... what do you call it? The talkie guy between two other guys... monkey in the middle! Why not get all three people on the same page?
Ouch! he holds his head. Headache...
what? What happened? Did someone say something?

[ChubbyPixie]

Monocar

Wakes up feeling great and looks around for food after praying ever devoutly to Pholtus. He looks over to Talaris and scratches his head a little. Do you think we should leave them alone here? I mean... They seem to have their stuff together, but I kind of feel... I dunno... responsible for them? What if we leave and something bad happens?

"I will attempt to 'speak' with the Chief once more before we leave, Monocar, and, using my considerable communication skills, explain to him that we leave, but shall return." says Chauncey looking quite a bit refreshed compared to yesterday, but still somewhat bedraggled. Probably due to huge battles and sleeping in the dirt. "I believe they will be fine when we leave, but that a cooperation between our communities would be... mutually beneficial. Perhaps we can move the village to the next clearing down the path? Our people could help with the farming and ...I could erect a great wizard's tower just there." He gazes thoughtfully for a moment, lost in his dream, then turns to go an conduct his business.

Approaching the Chief, he will cast Comprehend Languages then try to mime that they are leaving today (pointing to the party, fingers walking on palm, then pointing down the path, etc.) but that they will return (point to the sun, describing its arc across the sky three times in succession, then pointing to the party and fingers returning across his palm). He'll pause to hear the Chief's reply, then motion him to follow over to the waterfall. He'll point at the odd stone and look questioningly to the Chief, hoping for some sort of explanation.

Finally, he will seek out Talaris. "I think, for maximum traveling safety, we should, before setting out, ensure our mighty arcane protector is properly healed and vigorous for the trek. Ahem. ...That is me," he says.

[OGRE MAGE]

After Monocar suggests that the tree dwellers could be brought into the equation as mediators, the very same creatures that these native people have been eating for years, Chauncey steps in.

He approaches the chieftain again at daybreak, casting his spell as he approaches. The chief appears a bit more trusting this time.

“The pale one is trying to speak with us again. Why doesn’t he just talk instead of pointing around like a damn monkey? Are you a monkey? Do you want another banana monkey? If you can understand me, scratch yourself like a monkey for me.”

Assuming an adequate performance is attempted.....

“You are leaving today? That is good. You are a strange people, especially the tiny one. He is bad ju-ju.”

“We thank you for everything you’ve done to help us but..... You plan to return? In three days? Why?”

“Oh, it has something to do with the raging water?”

He and his entourage follow the mage to the pool tentatively.

“Yes, the sacrificial pool. You understand it, don’t you? Wait.......are you saying........you would like to be this seasons honored sacrifice?”

Once Talaris is asked for healing, he replies jokingly.

“Though I don’t approve of his running off into the bushes with random women, I believe Luther requires the aid of Pelor’s blessings more than you do. But I will see what I can do after he is feeling better.”

“Though I have enjoyed your comical relief immensely these last few days, I find the front line fighters to be more valuable. Sorry, just being honest, as is Pelor’s way. Tell me, have you ever thought about what some honest faith in the all mighty Pelor could do for you, friend?”

[Urson]

Luther

There has to be a better way to communicate with these folks. I'd love for the people in Beachtown to be allowed to move here- but I don't want anyone just wandering in. These folks could slaughter Beachtown to the last man, easily.
I don't think we need to worry about the bandits coming back, either. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a few bandit heads on posts when we come back.
We have a long trip ahead- let's get on the trail, shall we?

Luther collects his gear and makes ready to leave. At some point, he'll find the tribe's chief and give him a deep bow. Thank you and your people.

[OGRE MAGE]

I just wanted to make it more clear that there is definitely a tension with the natives since the Lightfinger incident.

The free meals seem to be over, as if the natives are ready for you to leave.

There is no hostility at all, just an obvious decrease in their hospitality.

They still seem appreciative of what you’ve done, but you get the feeling, especially Lightfinger and Chauncey, that you have overstayed your welcome here. Hence the offensive verbal shots from the chief.

Sorry if I didn’t make that clear in my posts.

[kruk]

Lerrick smiles and thanks Pelor for replenishing her powers to heal. She then attempt to find the magic powers of her bracers. She first attempts to
pick up a heavy stone. She then attempts to climb a nearby tree. After doing each tasks she looks around to see if anyone is watching her as she
now realizes that her actions might look odd to those around her who are observing her.

[tkrexx]

Lightfinger finds offense.

Assuming Chauncey relayed the Chief's message:

"Bad Ju-ju?" The Hobbit gasps, "Bad Ju-ju??" There's nothing wrong with my ju-ju. They've never even seen my ju-ju! Tho I was willing to show it to that pretty little... Oh, never mind. I suppose it would be too much to expect these ungrateful oafs to allow us to gather some fruits and nuts to carry back to our village? Seems they have more than they need, while Beachtown has much less. It's entirely possible we might actually receive a little appreciation for our efforts there! He looks up at Monocar. I'm not quite certain what a bad ju-ju is?

[OGRE MAGE]

Luther and Alordan ready themselves to depart the camp.

While Chauncey is being tongue lashed by the chief, Lightfinger waits tentatively to see what will be learned.

In the meantime.....

Lerrick sits alone near the edge of the jungle. After several hours of communing with Pelor, she is ready to experiment with her newfound magic bracers.

She tries all of the normal things she can think of first, flying, turning invisible, lifting heavy objects, etc. but none of that works.

Then, for some reason, she decides to try scampering up a nearby tree, to see if the items augment her climbing skills. (someone has been reading my game notes again) She notices that climbing up the thick trunk is considerably easier, and once she gets up there, she suddenly feels a lot more at home in the branches.

The priestess looks around, seeing that there are indeed a few onlookers watching her strange movements. She knows she is close to making a huge discovery however, so she ignores their uncomfortable stares.

A thick green vine hangs down from another nearby tree about ten feet away. Lerrick has a very serious desire to jump for it, certain she could make it easily.

[kruk]

Lerrick smiles at her new find. She looks at her bracers, and then at the vine in front of her, then leaps...Thank you Pelor! The cleric swings hi on the vine. May these bracers get me out of troubled situations so that I can do you will! Back-in-forth the cleric swings on the vine, sliding slowly until she reaches the ground. Once there, she walks confidently to the others.

[OGRE MAGE]

Lerrick spends a moment or two having fun for the first time since she can remember.

She leaps for the vine and covers the distance easily, knowing full well that she couldn't do anything like that before.

She jumps and swings around through the branches of the trees, just like a monkey would. The native people watching her gasp and point at her wondrous movement.

She soon realizes that if she leaps up off of the ground for a branch or vine, she can elevate much higher than she ever could without the bracers. After a bit more experimentation, she smiles to herself, says a quick prayer to her god, and heads back off to find the others before they leave camp.

[Urson]

Luther

Luther has been standing by, ready to begin the march back to Beachtown. He watches Lerrick experiment, feeling only a moment's envy that she got the bracers.
He's also thinking about the plain woman from earlier- wishing he could ask the tribesmen about her. He shrugs off a tiny, nagging doubt about what happened.

OK, Folks! Like the man said once- Company is like fresh fish: both of them are unpleasant after a few days. Let's get moving, huh?

[tkrexx]

Lightfinger watches.

He smiles, amazed at the sudden talent of the Priestess, swinging thru the trees like a monkoon. Well done, Licorice! He offers applause, You should be able to gather nuts and fruits in abundance. Won't Beachtown have a bounty! And you can be our lookout! You'll be able to spot that nasty Captain Bling before he can spot us.

[ravenn4544]

Alordan is ready to go. He'll huddle with a group of the natives and draw a map of the island and the trail they are taking as well as try and depict the beach town and it's people. He tries to indicate/ask if a native wants to go with him.

[OGRE MAGE]

Leaving The Natives Camp
Moonday, The 8th of Goodmonth
Morning, Warm, Humid, Buggy

Chauncey continues listening to the chief speak to him through the magic of his spell as the others prepare to depart.
Since this part about Lightfinger's situation is fairly important, I want to wait for CP to finish his conversation with the chief before I move this along much further. Sorry.

In the meantime....
Talaris is also quite impressed with Lerrick's new magic item. He takes the potion from the remainder of the treasure pile, leaving only the short sword and the metal javelin behind for the groups thief to choose from. He proceeds to use his prayers of healing on Luther healed 7 and Lightfinger healed 4, saving one cure for the mage once he is ready. "Perhaps Lerrick could pick up where I've left off?"

The rest of the party readies to depart the camp while they are still on good terms with the natives, but every person in the group notices that not one of the natives gets anywhere near to Lightfinger. Some of them ignore him completely, while others glare at him menacingly from a distance. It appears that he is definitely the cause of the ire you all now face. Nobody else in the group is treated thusly.

The smiling native who called himself Keilifs friend watches as Alordan draws out a map of the known parts of the island, which isn't much. The natives look at his drawing, but cant understand his invitation to join them. Luther bows to his new friends, thanking them for their hospitality before he leaves. He keeps an eye out for his "girl", but again, cant find her anywhere. The normally undaunted ranger starts to worry slightly over his little tryst.

Actions?

Luther R3 15/26
Chauncey MU3 7/16 CL, DM, RM 2/2 first 1/1 second Comp Lang: 14
Monocar F3 19/31
Lerrick C1 8/8 3/3 first
Lightfinger T4 11/19
Alordan R3 10/18
Talaris C1 9/9 1/3 first

[kruk]

As the group huddles over the map Lerrick moves towards Luther and Monocar and heals some of their wounds. She shakes her head in disappointment
at what she could do for Monocar. She save her remaining power to heal for the journey ahead

healing roes for Luther and Monocar respectively: [1d8] = 5, [1d8] = 2

[Bluehorse]

She still gives her a hug. I still feel like I was punched in the nose 2 less times. Thank you!

[Urson]

Luther

Luther smiles as the healing flows through him. Thank you. Pelor and Pholtus have great power, and I am grateful.

He places a large, calloused hand on Lightfinger's shoulder. At first, I was willing to just laugh off your little escapade. But it looks like you may have shat in our stew- at least as far as these folks go. What did you do?

[tkrexx]

Lightfinger sighs.

From Prince to Pauper in a single mouthful, The Halfling throws up his arms, Savior to Sirrah, Monarch to mud. He looks up at the Bear-Man. I said something I obviously shouldn't have. Something as offensive as it was unintentional. Something I daren't say again, as I've a nifty, and painful, scar to remind me. I can only hope you all understand. I do indeed agree with you, I shat in the stew. We had a good thing going on here, full of promise and profit. And I've lost something that's become quite dear to me as a result. Now more than ever, we need Bling's ship!

[Urson]

Luther

I see. Are they likely to want important parts of your anatomy? Otherwise, I think you should just stay away from here in future.

[ChubbyPixie]

Sorry for holding up the game, guys - I'm back. It's been an unusually busy holiday break this year.

Chauncey withstands the withering monologue and bizarre requests of the Chief, growing steadily more apprehensive and bewildered. Finally a light goes on in his head as he mentally puts two and two together. He smiles thinly, declines to "scratch himself like a monkey" and politely backs away, withdrawing from the conversation. He makes his way back to the remainder of his party, his expression one of a man lost in thought.

When he arrives near the others he pauses, taking in Lerrick's treetop antics without the wonder of it seeming to register. After a moment he says, simply, "We must be going. In conversing with the Chief, I have been led to understand that we are no longer welcome here. I will gather my things. I suggest you all finish up any immediate business so we may 'set out.'" He relates the gist of what was said to him while conspicuously avoiding looking in Lightfinger's direction.