Pretty cool and nothing to apologize. As a carpenter's son and aspiring Luthier I loved the woodworking bit.
I've been into woodworking for about 8 or 9 years now; I use hand tools, primarily, but I do have a bandsaw and a drill press in the workshop. I like to make sgian dubh presentation boxes more than anything else, but I dabble in other things every now and then. I do try to maintain a focus on box-type projects, though. You can't try to do EVERYTHING related to woodworking and expect to be good at it; plus, I just like making boxes. Can chat about it more in the OOC thread or via PM, if you're interested.
Once introductions are made and the party moves to the tavern Drudsa excuses himself and goes to his room. If there is enough time he will study Magic Missile, otherwise he will go to bed.
Alethan wrote:Rhys
"When I heard about the ogres north of Threshold, I had to fight the urge to skip delivering this message and look into it myself, daft as it may be..."
"Well, if you mean the ogres that were plaguing the elvish village of Tall Oak, I am happy to report that they are no longer a threat to the villagers, thanks to our efforts. In fact, one of our party decided to remain behind with them to help the elves rebuild and get back on their feet..."
"Anyway, for my part, I would be happy to help you complete your mission to Threshold, if the rest of our party is willing. We know the Baron personally, having recently completed a quest in service to him and to the Town of Threshold. I do not think he would deny our request for an audience with him. Your history is an intriguing one... Perhaps we will get to know one another better on the road to Threshold."
"Now then, let me tell you about our bee-hunting quest today..."
Commence drinking all the elvish wine.
Last edited by frobozz on Tue Aug 20, 2013 12:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Innana listens to Rhys story while drinking a tall mug of cold ale at the Inn. She watches Rhys's mannerisms. Rhys had a calm peaceful air about him that seemed out of place at the rowdy and rough Inn. Still even with the chaos in the background you could hear every word said.
Thordin broke the spell with his gruff comment, and caught Innana while her mouth full of ale. "You talk a lot, human. Bad enough I have the chittering of elves in my ears..." Thordin pauses to take a long draught from his mug.
"Threshold it is, then. After that, who knows? Maybe we can find you a reason to use that skinny blade of yours."
Innana started laughing and choked on her ale. "You will have to understand that what Thordin lacks in social skills, he makes up for with his sword. If you will excuse me, I have a coin that I think I will chance on at the gambling table over there." It seems we may be a little short on funds, and I have to see if I can find my luck in the cards tonight".
Can you set up a table for me to gamble, and roll the dice to see if I win anything for our group? I would hate for us to resort to Thordin selling his body.
Innana Sureblade - level 3 fighter - In Search of Adventure
Raquinel Raialis - level 3 magic-user - War is Hell - Palace of the Silver Princess
A bit later on in the evening, after sobering up a bit, Lanny stops by Bregalad's room.
"Bregalad, I want to thank you again for your efforts in our quest today. Not only maintaining your concentration over the bees while you were suffering the ill effects of the poison, but also your willingness to continue fighting, even at death's door, to try to protect the rest of the party from harm. It truly speaks volumes of your noble character."
Lanny carries a sack with him and removes the prize honeycomb from it and gives it to Bregalad.
"You deserve to carry this on behalf of the group - you have earned it."
Lanny pauses for a moment before leaving the room, then speaks to Bregalad in the elvish tongue.
"All creatures, whether man, elf, or giant bee, have a place in this world to live out their naturally determined purpose in life. I am glad your place and your purpose is here. Good night, brother."
Sorry, Lanny -- my response is a little late.
Bregalad the elf
Bregalad gratefully accepts Lanny's offer to carry the honeycomb.
"Lantharios, my good friend, it is I who should thank you. For it has long been my secret wish to speak with animals. If not for your suggestion, I would most likely not have been the one to drink the potion. For a brief time I was connected to the minds of bees! It felt strange -- but only because it was unlike anything I have ever experienced. The workers' thoughts, although simple, were united and clear, free of the insanity that afflicts all of us self-proclaimed 'intelligent' beings. And the queen, she possessed a care and concern for her hive rivaling that of the best kings of elves and men.
This honeycomb will serve as a reminder of the blessing you bestowed upon me. From the depth of my heart, I thank you."
Alethan wrote:When I heard about the ogres north of Threshold, I had to fight the urge to skip delivering this message and look into it myself, daft as it may be..."
"Well, if you mean the ogres that were plaguing the elvish village of Tall Oak, I am happy to report that they are no longer a threat to the villagers, thanks to our efforts. In fact, one of our party decided to remain behind with them to help the elves rebuild and get back on their feet..."
"Er, actually,"Rhys replies,"I'd heard rumor about these ogres, as well, on my way here. A caravan from somewhere up north had been turned away from their normal trade route or something... But I was referring to the ogres who had taken up residence north of the road between Threshold and Penhaligon; I assume they are a different clan of the same species... It is rumored the matriarch of THIS clan is in possession of an amulet which... Ah, but there I go, again, talkin' too much. My apologies, master dwarf." he ends, offering a quick wink to Innana.
frobozz wrote:Lanny the elf
"Anyway, for my part, I would be happy to help you complete your mission to Threshold, if the rest of our party is willing. We know the Baron personally, having recently completed a quest in service to him and to the Town of Threshold. I do not think he would deny our request for an audience with him. Your history is an intriguing one... Perhaps we will get to know one another better on the road to Threshold."
"That would be most helpful! However, I know not what the mission entails, short of delivery of the message. I was instructed not to open it and have done as requested thus far. But should it involve more, then I would be happy to include you all in the adventure!"
Alethan wrote:Rhys
"Actually, I was referring to the ogres who had taken up residence north of the road between Threshold and Penhaligon; I assume they are a different clan of the same species... It is rumored the matriarch of THIS clan is in possession of an amulet which... Ah, but there I go, again, talkin' too much. My apologies, master dwarf." he ends, offering a quick wink to Innana.
Ah, I see. Well, maybe Rhys will share more information about this story as the party travels to Threshold. Lanny would be interested to know the whereabouts of these ogres, especially if an Amulet of Something is involved.
Last edited by frobozz on Tue Aug 20, 2013 12:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
After a long enough pause, Rhys finishes, "It is rumored that the amulet protects the matriarch against fire, of the normal sort and possibly even of the magical sort, master dwarf. The merchant who passed the tale on to me was a bit taken by the drink and slurring his words, so I couldn't make all of it out." Turning to Lanny, he continues, "Unfortunately, all I know of the location is just what I said - north of the road between Threshold and Penhaligon - I'm fairly unfamiliar with this area, so I don't even know where Penhaligon is and I've only a slight notion of where Threshold is. I doubt this man would have been able to draw a straight line in his condition, much less a map, so I didn't bother to ask..."
"Dear lady, I assure you that I am quite pleasant....for a dwarf." Thordin bows low.
"When I had escaped bondage and was fleeing for my life. Nobody would help me, everyone was scared to help me." She looked at Thordin, "Except for a family of dwarfs." They complained the whole time, and called me everything from overgrown mutant girl to the the jolly red giant. Their deeds is what I learned to pay attention to. Never once did I go without a hot meal. Never once was I in need of healing, or bandaging when I was in their care. They took me in and treated me as their own. When I was better, they threw me out, but not without supplies. I did not know if I felt happy or sad about it. Sshhho, I know that you are quite pleasant. . . for a dwarf." Innana hiccuped.
Innana was across the room when she saw Rhy wink at her. He had caught her curiosity to what he was saying, so she continued to read his lips as she was sitting at the card table.
After a long enough pause, Rhys finishes, "It is rumored that the amulet protects the matriarch against fire, of the normal sort and possibly even of the magical sort, master dwarf. The merchant who passed the tale on to me was a bit taken by the drink and slurring his words, so I couldn't make all of it out." Turning to Lanny, he continues, "Unfortunately, all I know of the location is just what I said - north of the road between Threshold and Penhaligon - I'm fairly unfamiliar with this area, so I don't even know where Penhaligon is and I've only a slight notion of where Threshold is. I doubt this man would have been able to draw a straight line in his condition, much less a map, so I didn't bother to ask..."
"Hmmmm." Innana mused, "It looks like our trip to Threshold might take a while. I might want to pack some extra soap." Innana layed down her cards, and smiled. "Sorry boys, looks like lady luck is with me tonight." She gathers up the coins on the table, and walks over to the Inn Keeper. "This should pay for our rooms, and a few drinks for my friends." Innana hiccups again, and staggers off to her room.
Lanny is in Bregalad's doorway talking to Bregalad. "G right boysh. Shweet dreams. Shee you tomorrow." Innana waves as she passes the doorway. "Whatever you do, do not ashk Rhysh about what is on the path to Threshold"
Innana dreams of large amulets.
Innana Sureblade - level 3 fighter - In Search of Adventure
Raquinel Raialis - level 3 magic-user - War is Hell - Palace of the Silver Princess
Lanny is in Bregalad's doorway talking to Bregalad. "G right boysh. Shweet dreams. Shee you tomorrow." Innana waves as she passes the doorway. "Whatever you do, do not ashk Rhysh about what is on the path to Threshold"
Innana dreams of large amulets.
Hahaha! Innana is wasted!
Actually, I don't believe we'll encounter these ogres on our return to Threshold . We are currently northwest of Threshold, and Penhaligon is a good distance to the east of Threshold. It's possible, though, that we might encounter them when we travel to Penhaligon in pursuit of Elwyn...
I'll be very interested to find out what's in that letter to the Baron (if the Baron so chooses to fill us in on the details).
The new day is overcast and cool; a blessing for those who overindulged the previous night. Farewells are said to those new friends in Jessup, incidental purchases or orders are collected, and the companions head back south, towards Eagle's Nest and Threshold.
The trip is uneventful. The distance between the two villages is slightly more than can be traveled in an eight hour day, so it is near dusk when the adventurer's arrive in the village of Eagle's Nest.
zebediah, I totally missed what spell Drudsa was going to start studying, and I don't think I ever heard from Bouv or Finglas about the their characters.
Lanny is up at dawn, determined as usual to start preparing for the day while most of the village still slumbers. The dull headache from the elven wine makes him smile a bit, as he recalls the stories and laughter shared the night before. The exciting promise of adventure brought by their new companion still hangs fresh in the air like the morning dew.
Lanny prepares his spells and then studies his terrain map of Karameikos. The ranger was interested in all of the places mentioned by the newcomer, and he knew that one day, the group would travel to all these distant lands and beyond.
FYI There is a good map of Karameikos on the "Maps" thread which shows the towns of Threshold, Penhaligon, and Castellan in relation to one another. Rhys has come quite a distance!
As the others begin to stir, Lanny spots Bregalad.
"Good morning, my friend. I wanted you to know that I'm carrying a shield on my back which you may use if you wish... until you get your own repaired, that is. I still wonder about that magical chain mail armor we have... It is incredibly light, though not quite as protective as plate mail, I fear. Still, it would be worthwhile to pay to have it properly identified in Threshold. Perhaps it holds some secrets that would make it even more valuable than it already is."
As the sun begins to rise in the morning sky, Lanny prepares his mount and loads up his gear. He stops inside for one last chat with the innkeeper.
"Your village is at the crossroads of north and south, east and west, and as such I am quite certain that we shall pass through these parts again, perhaps sooner than you think. There is unfinished business here, and the orc threat to the east has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, friend, for your hospitality during our visit, I do hope you enjoyed the celebration."
Lanny turns to go, then pauses, in thought.
"There is a possibility that you may receive some mail here from Threshold with our name on it. If you do, please hold it and keep it safe for us for when we pass through here again. We are becoming more and more well known in these parts, and it is important that those who need to send a message to us can do so, to a place and to a person that we know and trust. You will know the mail is for us if it is addressed to "Aleena's Alliance". Thank you my friend, and farewell."
Lanny leaves the inn and mounts his horse, ready to head out with the party to the next village on the map: Eagle's Nest.
There is a kinda-sorta plot hook in Eagle's Nest (listed on the "Plot Hooks" thread) although it would probably be of interest only to Thordin. (By the way, I will also soon be adding to that thread the ogres plot hook mentioned by Rhys, for our mutual future reference.)
Just FYI, Lanny is willing to train Drudsa (and Tratiln, if he wishes) on Magic Missile. This will not only increase their chances of being able to learn the spell sooner (I believe), but it would also leave Gan the Lonesome's spellbook available to Bregalad (and/or Tratiln, if he doesn't want to learn Magic Missile right now) to be able to study another spell (including any of the 2nd level spells contained therein). Let me know if anyone is interested. Lanny really dislikes magical book study himself (he has only a 9 intelligence, pretty low by elven standards) but he is a great teacher of this particular spell, as Bregalad and Meagnor would certainly attest.
zebediah, I totally missed what spell Drudsa was going to start studying, and I don't think I ever heard from Bouv or Finglas about the their characters.
Bouv wrote:I figured since we didn't have matierals, we couldn't start studying? If that is not true, than Tratiln will try for web
Bouv, I don't think the Web spell is in any of our spell books or scrolls, so I'm not sure that it can be learned (I think a source like another spellbook or a teacher is required, although I may be wrong about that).
