The cleric responds in a nonthreatening gentle tone: My purpose is to heal the hurting and the helpless, not...dispose...of them. Who am I to judge you however, especially in a place that is not what I call my home.
Cresty
The fighter ponders the question asked by the tentacle creator for a while before answering: To be...or not to be...that is the question.
sorry...I couldn't resist
He think for a bit again and then finally says: My purpose is to find out what is my purpose
After the menagerie he has already seen within the tavern and market, that which would cause alarm in this populace must be rather strange, indeed. "I see. Respectfully though, you have not answered my initial question about Bobo. Is he here with you? Most of the children guiding us just frankly ... disappeared. I assumed the little one led us to you for this reason?"
"Aside from directions back to the Three Gnomes tavern, what I need now is an explanation as to why exactly we were led here, although the latter question I assume can only be answered by your ... benefactors." His demeanour softens as he gazes at Bobo, fully aware of the conditions that would force these children to accept this symbiotic arrangement. "I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Bobo." He reaches into a pouch and procures a small gem, handing it to the young man. "If you should ever choose to leave, may the peace of Rao be with you." He then looks down the alley into the darkness, in anticipation of an answer.
Last edited by Quonundrum on Thu Mar 30, 2023 12:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The cleric moves forward to little Bobo and gives a blessing to him as well. When finished she gives him a warm smile. Be safe little one.
Cresty
The fighter listens to the conversation between the alien and the tentacle creature adding nothing to the conversation, but scans the area and checks his meager possessions from time to time.
Alordan leans in towards Andron, "I get the distinct impression that these 'things' can help find things. Maybe they know about the Orb or the wizard?"
Theo suspects that things could have gone very different here, and they were lucky not have to battle the tenacles.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
He nods silently in agreement with Alordan. "Yes. Wendall. The Master of All Things ..." He murmurs this offhandedly, fully expecting they can read his thoughts, yet feigning an attempt at secrecy.
Bobo just gulps at Tlachtga's question and looks up at Aliendron, extremely confused by his sudden unsolicited gift. "I have some bad news about returning to the Tavern. I could escort you back there if you like, but it will cost you 50 gold coins." The young boy sheepishly nods his head in the direction of the dark alleyway and shrugs.
Lerrick gets an honest smile back from the boy, while some of her friends seem eager to depart this area of the Market. Anyone keeping watch around them sees nothing in the way of threats approaching. It is almost as if the local folks don't even come near this area of the streets.
Though there is no sound coming from the darkness, everyone hears the main voice sigh heavily in their heads again.
"Although we can easily sense your thoughts, what makes you think we know or care about any of them. You all realize you are a LONG way away from your Master and your Shiny Island, right? Lifetimes away, in fact. Surely you aren't so closed minded that you think anyone here knows or cares about anything that happens on your plane of existence?"
Lifetimes. The significance of that word was not lost on him. "No. You are aware of any newcomers the children lure here though, but as you are little more than petty thieves and extortionists, I see no reason to continue this discussion." To Bobo, he says, "You may leave here and come with us, if you wish, otherwise I bid you farewell and good luck, young man." He turns about and prepares to leave. "Let's go."
Theo takes his customary spot at the front of the group and tried to follow remembered landmarks back to the market.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
I find these instances where players don't react to their private messages until well after they are sent rather humorous.
The Lost Tavern
The Ethereal Marketplace
Andron catches Alordan and Cresty both mouthing words without actually speaking, Cresty finishing well after the ranger, apparently.
Once the priest of Rao has said his peace to the tentacled creatures, there is a loud gurgling raucous coming from the darkness that might be considered laughter. Bobo just stands there shaking his head. "I would never leave my sister and other friends behind like that. I look out for them, remember?"
The group is about to leave completely when Cresty suddenly shouts into the darkness next, receiving only more of the gurgling laughter from beyond.
He sighs. "Of course, Mr. Bobo, you are quite right. Your loyalty is commendable. It is far too dangerous where we are going for the younger children to join us." He pauses briefly, unsure of what else he can do for these children, before turning to walk away.
