I will let this play out before moving any further.SirOwen wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:47 am Jaxsen Reiter
Listening to the Princess attempt to validate the Stoneguts' actions by merely saying that they are different, makes the Monk look to Daisy. "You are my leader. I can hold my tongue. I can hold my hand from violence. But if you agree that I have to accept this because they are different, I should leave. We are not so far from town that I cannot return safely." He then turns to the Princess. "You wish to open diplomatic channels with them, in order to persuade them to change their ways? I can support that. But saying that what they do has to be accepted because they are different is another matter. I do NOT have to accept that difference. I would much rather kill them all."
Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
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Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Daisy
Daisy makes a sour face. Please stay, Jaxsen.
'Member a few things, sugar: We're walkin' into their place. We want to make friends- or at least associates- with these fellas. You don't do that by walkin' in and peeing in their stewpot. Ah hate the way they act, too- but Ah'm gonna bite my tongue and let it pass for the sake of peace. Maybe, after we get some common ground, we kin show them a better way to train their animals. Ah agree with ya'll- those lizards would be great for ridin' and pack animals, and Ah don't think they need beaten to make 'em mind. If ya'll kin, just put it in your pack for later, alright?
And another thing: These boys may be livin' here, but they're far from home. Ah been around enough soldiers to know that young folks act up when they're away from home. It could be that back in the mountains they come from, the elders of their tribe would rake 'em across the firepit for their manners and how they treat those beasts. They say scat flows downhill- and that goes for military units, too. A bad guy- who's still a good leader- will corrupt his whole crew.
Please, stay, ya'll. We need everyone here.
Daisy, unused to such long speeches, blushes slightly as she bends down to pet Sophie and scratch behind her ears.
Daisy makes a sour face. Please stay, Jaxsen.
'Member a few things, sugar: We're walkin' into their place. We want to make friends- or at least associates- with these fellas. You don't do that by walkin' in and peeing in their stewpot. Ah hate the way they act, too- but Ah'm gonna bite my tongue and let it pass for the sake of peace. Maybe, after we get some common ground, we kin show them a better way to train their animals. Ah agree with ya'll- those lizards would be great for ridin' and pack animals, and Ah don't think they need beaten to make 'em mind. If ya'll kin, just put it in your pack for later, alright?
And another thing: These boys may be livin' here, but they're far from home. Ah been around enough soldiers to know that young folks act up when they're away from home. It could be that back in the mountains they come from, the elders of their tribe would rake 'em across the firepit for their manners and how they treat those beasts. They say scat flows downhill- and that goes for military units, too. A bad guy- who's still a good leader- will corrupt his whole crew.
Please, stay, ya'll. We need everyone here.
Daisy, unused to such long speeches, blushes slightly as she bends down to pet Sophie and scratch behind her ears.
FA FO
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Jaxsen Reiter
Jaxsen bows to Daisy. "I failed to make myself understood, I fear." He stands and continues. "Or, perhaps, I have misunderstood the words of others. If your words, Princess, are only intended for the duration of this trip, I stand corrected and apologize. But it seemed to me that you were saying that we need to adopt a permanent position of letting the Stoneguts do as they will just because they are different from us. That is something to which I will never agree." Turning to Daisy once more, he continues. "Of course I will stay. I apologize that my words said otherwise. I spoke before I thought. I could never abandon my swarm."
Jaxsen bows to Daisy. "I failed to make myself understood, I fear." He stands and continues. "Or, perhaps, I have misunderstood the words of others. If your words, Princess, are only intended for the duration of this trip, I stand corrected and apologize. But it seemed to me that you were saying that we need to adopt a permanent position of letting the Stoneguts do as they will just because they are different from us. That is something to which I will never agree." Turning to Daisy once more, he continues. "Of course I will stay. I apologize that my words said otherwise. I spoke before I thought. I could never abandon my swarm."
"There is no spoon."
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Dexter Broadleaf
Dexter listens to the back and forth regarding the Stoneguts and shakes his head. "I dunno," he says. "These Dwarves, from everything you tell me, sound more like Orcs. Torturin' animals, takin' what they want from folks as made it, bullyin' and threatenin'. Who says they're Dwarves, otherin' the way they look? I'm from the Principality of Ulek, an' there ain't no bigger bunch a'Dwarves in one place no where. And these brigands wouldn't last a day under the Prince's rule." He looks to the north and east, "We ain't that far from the Pomarj."
Dexter listens to the back and forth regarding the Stoneguts and shakes his head. "I dunno," he says. "These Dwarves, from everything you tell me, sound more like Orcs. Torturin' animals, takin' what they want from folks as made it, bullyin' and threatenin'. Who says they're Dwarves, otherin' the way they look? I'm from the Principality of Ulek, an' there ain't no bigger bunch a'Dwarves in one place no where. And these brigands wouldn't last a day under the Prince's rule." He looks to the north and east, "We ain't that far from the Pomarj."
"There is no spoon."
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Liam
He finally speaks up. Ladies and Gentlemen. I will be the first to say I don't care for how these dwarves are handling their business. I don't like the mistreating of people or animals. But we must establish some kind of a rapport with these dwarves. Then maybe we can work out some slow and steady changes to take care of both problems. I agree a letter to the prince may well be in order, and I am more than happy to pen it after we get a good look at what is going on there. He counts off on his fingers. What they are up to, how many of them there are, how many of them are armed, which I am sure is all of them, knowing dwarves.... No offense Lady Daisy... how they are armed, and what their layout is. All this will be important to pass on to higher powers of authority that we may be able to rally here for protection. This is more than just a hello, and how do you do... we are doing a real recon mission to gather the much needed information about our friends here.
To Jaxsen: Think of it like the Mantis... right? He stands there in the open, he watches, looks friendly, and then when a fly gets close, he strikes when he is able, right? We need to make sure we are the Mantis and not the fly. I hope that makes sense... truth is I am horrible at analogies... he shrugs apologetically.
He finally speaks up. Ladies and Gentlemen. I will be the first to say I don't care for how these dwarves are handling their business. I don't like the mistreating of people or animals. But we must establish some kind of a rapport with these dwarves. Then maybe we can work out some slow and steady changes to take care of both problems. I agree a letter to the prince may well be in order, and I am more than happy to pen it after we get a good look at what is going on there. He counts off on his fingers. What they are up to, how many of them there are, how many of them are armed, which I am sure is all of them, knowing dwarves.... No offense Lady Daisy... how they are armed, and what their layout is. All this will be important to pass on to higher powers of authority that we may be able to rally here for protection. This is more than just a hello, and how do you do... we are doing a real recon mission to gather the much needed information about our friends here.
To Jaxsen: Think of it like the Mantis... right? He stands there in the open, he watches, looks friendly, and then when a fly gets close, he strikes when he is able, right? We need to make sure we are the Mantis and not the fly. I hope that makes sense... truth is I am horrible at analogies... he shrugs apologetically.
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
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Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
I am going to await the final word from the Princess, since she is herding these cats acting as the groups voice. 
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
The Princess
Her face hardens in a way that only Narramore has seen before, a hint at a simmering rage just beneath the surface. She stares and assesses the monk for a few moments and only relaxes when he speaks once more.
"I accept your apology."
She calms herself and speaks. "Our future hinges on our ability to deal constructively with adversity. I have no sympathy for the Stoneguts or anyone who indulge them." She looks at Jaxsen and continues. "Advocating genocide because you don't approve of the actions or traditions of a group is unacceptable to me. I am in no way suggesting, however, that any group should be allowed to rule over others by force. As the Stoneguts seem to want to do."
"But as myself and others have made very clear, this group and indeed the town, are in no position to demand anything of the Stoneguts and their four hundred strong army. If anyone is unable to compose themselves in a respectful and dignified manner, they will imperil the entire party and town. There may be a time where a fight for every tree is required. Now is not the time."
"Master scout? If you please." She motions for Dexter to lead the way once more.
Her face hardens in a way that only Narramore has seen before, a hint at a simmering rage just beneath the surface. She stares and assesses the monk for a few moments and only relaxes when he speaks once more.
"I accept your apology."
She calms herself and speaks. "Our future hinges on our ability to deal constructively with adversity. I have no sympathy for the Stoneguts or anyone who indulge them." She looks at Jaxsen and continues. "Advocating genocide because you don't approve of the actions or traditions of a group is unacceptable to me. I am in no way suggesting, however, that any group should be allowed to rule over others by force. As the Stoneguts seem to want to do."
"But as myself and others have made very clear, this group and indeed the town, are in no position to demand anything of the Stoneguts and their four hundred strong army. If anyone is unable to compose themselves in a respectful and dignified manner, they will imperil the entire party and town. There may be a time where a fight for every tree is required. Now is not the time."
"Master scout? If you please." She motions for Dexter to lead the way once more.
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Daisy
Daisy visibly relaxes as the crisis appears to pass. She glances up at Liam and giggles at his 'no offense' comment. Are ya'll sayin' all us short people look alike? she says with a clear note of gentle mockery in her voice.
Daisy visibly relaxes as the crisis appears to pass. She glances up at Liam and giggles at his 'no offense' comment. Are ya'll sayin' all us short people look alike? she says with a clear note of gentle mockery in her voice.
FA FO
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Jaxsen Reiter
Jaxsen holds the Princess' gaze for a moment longer. "Truly, genocide, or the intent of genocide, is one of the most common things in nature," Jaxsen says without emotion. "From one ant nest wiping out another ant nest, to the desire of lions to kill all hyaenas, not being able to live with one's neighbors to the point of extermination is hardly a rare or hateful thing. Among higher creatures, most Humans would practice it against Orcs, who most assuredly would practice it against them. Only the strength of the opponent prevents it."
"That being said, I have already assured our leader," he says with an indication to Daisy. "That I can hold my tongue and my hands in check, as long as is needed to accomplish our goal. But if the Stoneguts do not change their ways, we should not allow 'civility', 'decorum', or 'goodwill' to prevent us from planning their eventual demise." There is something in the way he pronounces those words that sounds distinctly like he means "Lies", "Lies" and "Lies" when he says them.
Jaxsen holds the Princess' gaze for a moment longer. "Truly, genocide, or the intent of genocide, is one of the most common things in nature," Jaxsen says without emotion. "From one ant nest wiping out another ant nest, to the desire of lions to kill all hyaenas, not being able to live with one's neighbors to the point of extermination is hardly a rare or hateful thing. Among higher creatures, most Humans would practice it against Orcs, who most assuredly would practice it against them. Only the strength of the opponent prevents it."
"That being said, I have already assured our leader," he says with an indication to Daisy. "That I can hold my tongue and my hands in check, as long as is needed to accomplish our goal. But if the Stoneguts do not change their ways, we should not allow 'civility', 'decorum', or 'goodwill' to prevent us from planning their eventual demise." There is something in the way he pronounces those words that sounds distinctly like he means "Lies", "Lies" and "Lies" when he says them.
"There is no spoon."
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Jaxsen Reiter
To Liam:
"No indeed, Master Liam! It is the perfect analogy, right down to us being the fewer in number, but with a considerable ability to surprise."
To Liam:
"No indeed, Master Liam! It is the perfect analogy, right down to us being the fewer in number, but with a considerable ability to surprise."
"There is no spoon."
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Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Stonegut Meet And Greet
Godsday, 23rd of Goodmonth
Mid Morning, Rainy, Warm, Humid
Moving back to his position out in front of the group, Dexter has to stop a couple more times along the way whenever an extra large bug comes crawling around or when strange growls emanate from the jungle, but the group otherwise makes good progress along the open trail, despite the less than favorable rainy conditions.
After about 3 hours of travel, the halfling scout spots the standing stones up ahead that mark the trail leading in a westerly direction into the jungle. The same trail that the group has heard leads to the mine where the majority of the Stonegut dwarf clan lives. Stopping the others before they get too close, anyone who has been in this area before notices one major change in the scenery. Besides the 4 standing stones that mark the trail, there is a huge pile of large black rocks along the edge of the jungle that definitely wasn't there before.
There are no signs of anyone around this area at the moment, but the ground here is so trampled and heavily trodden that it is obvious there were huge numbers of heavy footed folks here at one time.
Actions?
Dexter 23/23
120 feet in between
Daisy 16/16 3/3 first 2/2 second
Jaxsen 19/19
Narramore 12/12 LOH
Princess 5/5 CL, DM, RM 1/1 first
Liam 9/9
overall map:
viewtopic.php?p=366477#p366477
Godsday, 23rd of Goodmonth
Mid Morning, Rainy, Warm, Humid
Moving back to his position out in front of the group, Dexter has to stop a couple more times along the way whenever an extra large bug comes crawling around or when strange growls emanate from the jungle, but the group otherwise makes good progress along the open trail, despite the less than favorable rainy conditions.
After about 3 hours of travel, the halfling scout spots the standing stones up ahead that mark the trail leading in a westerly direction into the jungle. The same trail that the group has heard leads to the mine where the majority of the Stonegut dwarf clan lives. Stopping the others before they get too close, anyone who has been in this area before notices one major change in the scenery. Besides the 4 standing stones that mark the trail, there is a huge pile of large black rocks along the edge of the jungle that definitely wasn't there before.
There are no signs of anyone around this area at the moment, but the ground here is so trampled and heavily trodden that it is obvious there were huge numbers of heavy footed folks here at one time.
Actions?
Dexter 23/23
120 feet in between
Daisy 16/16 3/3 first 2/2 second
Jaxsen 19/19
Narramore 12/12 LOH
Princess 5/5 CL, DM, RM 1/1 first
Liam 9/9
overall map:
viewtopic.php?p=366477#p366477
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
The Princess
She has an entire discussion ready about how many beings would not consider orcs or humans to be higher creatures, but in the spirit of diplomacy, she keeps it to herself.
"This is the entrance, if you will, to their kingdom? And we have more of those rocks, which caused so much trouble before." She gets a curious look in her eyes. "I wonder. I didn't get a good look at them earlier..."
She moves closer to the pile to examine some.
She has an entire discussion ready about how many beings would not consider orcs or humans to be higher creatures, but in the spirit of diplomacy, she keeps it to herself.
"This is the entrance, if you will, to their kingdom? And we have more of those rocks, which caused so much trouble before." She gets a curious look in her eyes. "I wonder. I didn't get a good look at them earlier..."
She moves closer to the pile to examine some.
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Daisy
Ah wouldn't, Princess- apparently, they're pretty touchy about those things.
Daisy steps up even with the "gatepost' stones. We're from the village of Beachtown, here to parley with your leaders.
Ah wouldn't, Princess- apparently, they're pretty touchy about those things.
Daisy steps up even with the "gatepost' stones. We're from the village of Beachtown, here to parley with your leaders.
FA FO
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Dexter Broadleaf
Dexter starts pulling and peeling the large leaves and fronds he was wearing. "I s'pose that since this is a diplomatic mission, it wouldn't look good if we had a hidden scout along. I'll just go the rest of the way with you out in the open." He'll drop back in line between Jaxsen and Sir William. "If word gets back to them that I wasn't along earlier, we'll just say they must've missed me in yer shadow, Sir William."
Dexter starts pulling and peeling the large leaves and fronds he was wearing. "I s'pose that since this is a diplomatic mission, it wouldn't look good if we had a hidden scout along. I'll just go the rest of the way with you out in the open." He'll drop back in line between Jaxsen and Sir William. "If word gets back to them that I wasn't along earlier, we'll just say they must've missed me in yer shadow, Sir William."
"There is no spoon."
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Jaxsen Reiter
The Monk hums to himself in a low tone as he waits patiently with the others.
The Monk hums to himself in a low tone as he waits patiently with the others.
"There is no spoon."
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
The Princess
She stops short, clearly longing to investigate the unknown rocks.
"I suppose you are right, Mayor. Very well. I'll just have to ask through the proper channels."
She moves back with Daisy and the standing stones. "Ah. Someone said something about these being guards. Interesting."
She stops short, clearly longing to investigate the unknown rocks.
"I suppose you are right, Mayor. Very well. I'll just have to ask through the proper channels."
She moves back with Daisy and the standing stones. "Ah. Someone said something about these being guards. Interesting."
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Liam
Notices the changes and whistles to himself softly. My, they have been busy... Between what they are doing here and the building at the bottom of the trail by the town, I would almost think they are building up fortifications. I suppose it is a practical a use as any for the stone they are surely carving out of their mine. You have to admire the practicality in that. Still, seem like a long way to stretch resources. But then again we are a good long walk from water, so who are we to judge. Speaking of which... where do you think they get theirs? Could there be another fresh water source up this way we don't know about yet?
Notices the changes and whistles to himself softly. My, they have been busy... Between what they are doing here and the building at the bottom of the trail by the town, I would almost think they are building up fortifications. I suppose it is a practical a use as any for the stone they are surely carving out of their mine. You have to admire the practicality in that. Still, seem like a long way to stretch resources. But then again we are a good long walk from water, so who are we to judge. Speaking of which... where do you think they get theirs? Could there be another fresh water source up this way we don't know about yet?
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Sir William Narramore
The knight chuckles at his diminutive companion and looks at the great pile of black stone. "I have the distinct feeling I'll be biting my tongue frequently during this mission," he mutters. The stone conjures memories of his first encounter with the dwarves and leaves a sour taste in his mouth.
"But I suppose you can't try to convert someone if you know so little of them." He shrugs. "Might be a waste of time, but we'll see." He falls silent and looks to the Princess to follow her lead.
The knight chuckles at his diminutive companion and looks at the great pile of black stone. "I have the distinct feeling I'll be biting my tongue frequently during this mission," he mutters. The stone conjures memories of his first encounter with the dwarves and leaves a sour taste in his mouth.
"But I suppose you can't try to convert someone if you know so little of them." He shrugs. "Might be a waste of time, but we'll see." He falls silent and looks to the Princess to follow her lead.
Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Dexter Broadleaf
Dexter looks a bit confused. "I thought the black rocks were some kind of ore. And the fact that people around town were taking them and moving them around is part of what started the disagreements. Isn't that the case?"
Dexter looks a bit confused. "I thought the black rocks were some kind of ore. And the fact that people around town were taking them and moving them around is part of what started the disagreements. Isn't that the case?"
"There is no spoon."
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Re: Quest #32 "Visiting With The Neighbors"
Stonegut Meet And Greet
Godsday, 23rd of Goodmonth
Mid Morning, Rainy, Warm, Humid
Stopping the Princess before she touches the black rocks, the Mayor and her entourage notice that the dwarven trail leading west into the jungle is much larger than any of them who have been here before remembers, and also heavily trampled.
After much discussion, Daisy moves in front of the standing stones to announce their desire to meet with the leaders. Nothing happens.
Actions?
Dexter 23/23
Daisy 16/16 3/3 first 2/2 second
Jaxsen 19/19
Narramore 12/12 LOH
Princess 5/5 CL, DM, RM 1/1 first
Liam 9/9
overall map:
viewtopic.php?p=366477#p366477
Godsday, 23rd of Goodmonth
Mid Morning, Rainy, Warm, Humid
Stopping the Princess before she touches the black rocks, the Mayor and her entourage notice that the dwarven trail leading west into the jungle is much larger than any of them who have been here before remembers, and also heavily trampled.
After much discussion, Daisy moves in front of the standing stones to announce their desire to meet with the leaders. Nothing happens.
Actions?
Dexter 23/23
Daisy 16/16 3/3 first 2/2 second
Jaxsen 19/19
Narramore 12/12 LOH
Princess 5/5 CL, DM, RM 1/1 first
Liam 9/9
overall map:
viewtopic.php?p=366477#p366477