And back I am. Exhausted, certainly, and may need a while for that to wear off, but I'm once more here to read and even write!
2
likes
5 yrs ago
Won't be replying for a while. Am hiking.
2
likes
5 yrs ago
My congratulations to the winners of TI9! Well played gentlemen, well played.
1
like
6 yrs ago
Should have been writing posts. Took part in D&D shenaniganry instead. Got to fix that tomorrow.
6 yrs ago
There's a lot of backlog here on my end. I'm trying my best to lessen it, but replies might be less frequent for a time. A welcome change from the nothing doing I went through though! Thanks partners!
Bio
I suppose it is about time for me to copypaste fill in some information about myself over here just as well. Only took me a few years to getting around to do it.
I am a married individual in my twenties from the country some people dare claim does not exist. The Finland conspiracy is an old joke, you can stop with it now. Not a native speaker of the English language by any means, though I did begin studying it exceptionally early for our country's standards. I suppose it was some sort of a test case. With that out of the way though, what more should I be saying here...
I like being nice to people. If one needs to ask why, well that alone is reason enough.
I play and Dungeon Master Dungeons and Dragons, both offline and in the past also over here.
I enjoy OOC chatter, be it planning the RP or a more casual exchange (not that RP'ing is that serious). I can make do without, but don't be afraid to talk to me.
Whatever the case, I'm here to have fun and hone my writing abilities!
I do think that should about cover it, yes.
Thanks for stopping by I suppose! I do also have a Discord account, but I prefer to start anything RP related on the site. At least with people I don't know from the past, that is! But hey, now if you are a longer time contact of mine and happened to read this, now you know and can ask!
I will see to posting when I'm feeling better just as well. I am glad to hear that you people are still with us despite the elongated and unplanned pseudo-hiatus though!
Monica offered a brief smile to the man who seemed to have imprinted on her. Well, with the amount of social graces the man exhibited, it was probably for the better for him to be around someone with a more refined social arsenal. Speaking of which, he did suggest that this other Master might be one of those with the poorer social skills for themselves, adding a whisper he perhaps thought she would not notice. She did, but amidst all the music and conversation, there was no way she could make that one out of there. Besides, if he really spoke it out loud, it wouldn't be anything too important. Though he was a man of surprises, especially when it had come to unorthodox decisions in sharing knowledge. It was almost refreshing after all the scheming and plotting of the Game.
"Surely you would not suggest it to be Mr. Iron, would you? Granted, we have not seen them speak, but nor have we seen them write. And would Mr. Iron seek a hookah? No, we must consider someone else. Not Hearts or Cups either, to be sure..." she replied with things she was sure both of them were aware by now. Just the kind of non-participation that made the other side feel themselves smart and speak more of it with their suspicions being seemingly confirmed. Yet without playing a single card of her own. But there was something she might in fact add to the discourse.
"But Arthur, you have seen that apart from arriving at a similar time, they seem to prefer to distance one another, have you not? Mr. Wines even avoids the tables close to them", she suggested something that seemed to hold true. At least until now, the two had avoided any and all interaction they could. But who would it be... The poet twirled her parasol absent mindedly, small ribbons at the tips of the metal frame flipping daintily in the air accompanied by an occasional small jingle from a decorative bell. The stone faces of the constables saw no change, but the occasional glance from under their caps told Lady Monica that her interest had been noted. To her, this was almost an invitation. But surely she would not dare? If masters were behind this, her mask would do nothing. They knew already who she was.
Then it struck her. Of course! The hookah, it was something to do with... Mr. Spices! Naturally! ...maybe. She couldn't still be quite sure. But it seemed much more accurate a guess than any of the other Masters. Chimes? No, no. Or could it still be Apples... no. The more she thought, the more sense Mr. Spices as a possibility began to make. But why? The parasol stopped making its circles with her other hand leaving the handle be to raise to her chin. "I have an idea, Arthur dear. How about you? Penny for your thoughts?" she turned back towards her new acquaintance with the barest hint of a smirk.
The older half-orc drummed his fingers against his left bicep as Orchid issued his challenge to him. "It does not a great warrior take ta take down sumbody who's beaten already. I was thar wen boss-ragon took 'im down. Now he's a man ta follow. Not ya, sonny", he retorted disapprovingly, seeming top actually start to influence the opinion of the younger half-orc just as well. The tactic employed by the hero of Greenest didn't exactly seem to work on this man. "If beatin' a beaten man is wha makes ya a hero, ya can forget it."
Though it was at that moment that the other half-orc Orchid had found raised an eyebrow. It was as if he disagreed with something that had been said, but wouldn't quite dare put it into words. However, it was quite a small gesture. Whether Orchid would notice it, let alone be able to capitalise on it, that relied on his skill on reading social cues. And considering his bringing up, that might actually be a challenge.
While Judgement would not notice anything out of the ordinary from its high perch in the sky, Kyra came to realise something. Most of the people of the camp did not seem to mind the group much if at all, but as time progressed the more elaborately dressed ones would begin to take sideways glances at them more and more often. If she shared this with Parum, she could confirm that most of these people were "Dragonclaws", as evidenced by the fact they wore similar clothing to the Stern fellow from earlier who had set acolyte Davis to work with the halfling.
Brannor would also "enjoy" increased safety measures, in the form of one or two additional guards seemingly following him around as reinforcements to the usual assigned to the job. The exact amount shifted depending on the presence of other guards at the time, but luckily enough they weren't exactly trying to keep hidden. Any of his allies could realise this, though as per usual the guards did not seem too interested in looking after something seemingly not problematic.
The older half-orc remains unimpressed, but if Orchid rolls a good enough Insight check he will be able to notice the expression of the younger one and use that to his advantage. After all, it is a clear sign that the young one might be inclined to come with him after all.
The end result came as no surprise to Marcus. Those whose reasons of wielding power were similar to this "Warlord" had the tendency of turning tail and running when they find out that their might did not quite match up to what they had thought it to be. He gave Krusk a few seconds to change his mind and attempt a sneak attack against someone present, but with no signs of the man or his troops returning, the Paladin laid his hand on the hilt of his sword, calling for the weapon to cease its functions. And that it did, the blade winking out of existence with final refractions of the light breaking apart from the formation in a halo of sorts.
Kethan's call for respite was thoughtful to be sure, but there was no time to be wasted here. He raised his sword hand onto his heart and called upon the latent healing power granted to him by his god. A faint, flickering light could be made out even in the sunlight of the day if one looked for it, but the display was neither grandiose or prolonged. In but a few seconds he let the hand fall off to his side and turned to look down at Kethan. This elevated position was not something he was actually used to, but that was not to say he would not have welcomed it in the thick of things, even if it didn't end up being all that useful.
"I am fine. We can, and should, press on. The animal shouldn't need too long either", he stated in an attempt to urge matters onward on their path. The Cleric's mention of Caelmarth reminded him of something this incursion had almost made him forget though, so that was another thing that needed to be addressed. "Yes, Caelmarth. Tyr's wisdom has confirmed that to be our destination. Unless someone has a faster way to offer, we may step into the air as clouds. This ability is granted to me by my prayer beads. As for those heading North..." he shared, looking around for a second before spotting Scrapmouse on top of the archway, "I know not if the lair can be collapsed, but you should indeed head to Vael Turog. Seek knowledge there."
Marcus was not exactly welcoming to the thought of leaving two of the few heroes behind when the whole world was at stake, but he knew he couldn't live with himself if Krusk ended up returning and savaging the walled city in their absence, so he said nothing regarding the plan. Better that way. But standing around got one nowhere. As soon as he would reduce back to his ordinary size, he would head off to fetch Bartimeus. His magic could easily affect the chosen mounts of the ghoul empire topplers, so there was no reason to set things up so that he would need to resummon his mount later.
Marcus shuts down his Sun Blade, followed by expending 19 hit points off his Lay On Hands to restore himself to 190/203 HP.
When it comes to travelling to their new destination, Marcus offers to expend the magic of one of his prayer beads to cast Wind Walk on the part of the party heading West. By my calculations, given the spell multiplies the usual speed by a factor of ten, the distance of approximately 200 miles should be traversable in five (5) hours on Fast pace. The spell lasts for eight (8) hours, so it offers additional scouting opportunity once there just as well.
As everyone near Alexis started to rest, she noticed that the beholder decided to return her greeting. She nodded to him and answered after he gave her his name, “Nice to meet you,”
After he commented about her behaving and pointedly implied that two of them failed at it, Alexis chuckled “Well I’m not looking for romance like those two seem to be, so I think I’ll be okay on that end,”
Alexis then leaned against the wall with her hands behind her head and her elbows pointed upwards and she asked, “So...Can I ask how you became an adventurer of sorts? This is the first time I’ve actually met a Beholder,”
She wasn’t going to be rude in saying that beholders usually tried to kill people from what she heard.
"The worlds are vast. Many inferior beings that dare call themselves my kin make their lairs in one locale, thinking that brings them might. No. It is only when the whole world knows your name and either respects you like no other or fears your passing when you truly live the position of power and privilege", Dyn answered to the question regarding his reasons for becoming an adventurer of sorts. Was he being honest? Probably. Depends on how one looks at the subject. After all, he was telling the truth. Just not the whole truth.
"A question for a question. What brings you to the elemental plane of water? You do not have the looks of a local", the floaty would-be captain inquired in return, pleased to note that this one at least knew some manners. One more good head on the crew!
Alexis placed her hand on her chin, and she commented in thought, “Hmm...It’s a long story, but I guess the best way to sum it up would be that I was traveling when I met the ullathai and he asked me for help with the Marid. I couldn’t really say no. So, that’s why I’m here in the Water Plane,”
The left corner of Dyn's mout dipped slightly as he pondered the reply. Travelling. Met the theullai. Got asked for help. Hardly similar to the story of theirs, where the greeting was an attack in frost and salty waves, and the task of fighting the Marid was much less something asked, more demanded. Or that was his understanding anyhow. But now wasn't the time to churn over the detail of him not exactly knowing what their contract included, though he hated it. Thus, he found the answer unlikely, but plausible enough to not press on it. She probably knew better than to lie to him. Time would tell.
"At least our goals align for now. If you are smart, they may align for longer. Pick your sides carefully, including this 'group' of ours, despite her attempts to tell you there would be none to pick", Dyn finally replied, pointing briefly at Jill on the final words.
Alexis raised an eyebrow at the beholder. Was he trying to intimidate her? And why would there be sides to pick in this group? They were friends with each other, right? Alexis answered the beholder with a shrug, “As for right now, I don’t see why our goals wouldn’t align for longer. But, I guess time will tell,”
That was enough of the newcomer, Dyn decided after hearing the last reply. He gave her a closed answer inviting no further discussion in the form of "We'll see", and floated onto his own. Or to his own, if one wanted to look at it like that. After all, the bundle of eyes, tentacles and other assorted fragments of perfection sought company among Jill and Adrevz, the two he knew for sure had some sense in their craniums. Adrevz more certainly, for he had raised her himself. Jill less so, but she was Jill. And that fact did weigh in on its own.
Come the end of their rest, the Beholder unwound his tentacles from his chosen support (that very likely being one of the aforementioned ladies) and prepared to head off. While some might still need to take a moment to gather themselves as sleeping near a Beholder was often a new experience, seeing all of those things just blinking in and out of experience around the dreamer, Dyn moved on to make rudimentary map markings on their progress so far. It would both help them remember where they had already been as well as net them the money they had been promised back in the coral city.
And when they finally were on the move, they soon ran into a pocket of air. Well, wouldn't it have been handy to rest here instead of back in the water of their actual chosen position. No use crying over spilled milk, but Dyn was quite mad nonetheless. He would have been fine to go on! The weakness of others had led to this once again! When could he trust in things to go well for him if he was beset by novices on all sides? Well, he had an air pocket to record on the map now. "Lets look into that air filled bit first. If it ends soon, all the better. If not, we shall head back into the water. We move faster below the surface", he stated his plan, expecting everyone to agree. He was, after all, the most intelligent one present, no doubt.
Dyn'yer'zhead is ready to roll, preferring to continue on the wet path but brings up the prospect of doing a brief scouting nip on the dry side. If it seems to end soon, explore that more thoroughly before going on. Otherwise, back underwater it is!
I agree. Can Torus be able to find Brannor, @Hekazu?
Torus should be able to find the prisoner, given he is, indeed, a prisoner and being kept where prisoners are kept. While he has not been there yet, it won't take too much effort to find out. Or he can ask, that's also an option.
Yes, that had to confirm it. Lady Monica tilted her head to the side with an amused smile when the man, who now was wearing spectacles on his mask to boot, suggested that he didn't have the power to make his words real. Few had, but if something confirmed the fact that this gentleperson had no idea of what had been spoken between the lines just a bit earlier, this was it. The poet turned continued to judge the movement of the two new arrivals, but just as he followed the brief moment where a constable brought a platter of assorted food to Wines, a name was given and asked for.
To be fair, when she took a half-step back this time, it was genuine. Monica was well and truly surprised, flabbergasted, baffled, astonished and at a loss in general when it came to this request. "You truly are singling a lady out, aren't you?" she asked after a second with a tone that was a mixture of sheer confusion and the barest hint of the teasing her voice had carried when she had put up her act just a moment ago. She stepped closer, tapping the man's mask with her forefinger and bringing her face a bit closer, just to see if it would provoke a reaction. "Well Arthur...", she began, withdrawing and flicking her wrist once after a couple seconds, "you may call me... Isolde." Really now, could he have made the reference to literature any more obvious? It was almost insulting in a way.
She turned about a bit, taking a brief look around. Why, yes, Renee had found herself something to do just as well, though her dance partner had quite probably seen better years. He was no octogenarian at the very least, though speaking of which she couldn't tell right away if there were any of the sort around. It was rather close to none if not that exactly, as far as she could tell. Well, Mr Wines didn't often invite that sort in any case. Well, if she was busy then Monica needn't go looking after her at least!
Returning to following the movements of the Masters proved to show that the one who was expecting less of the party itself had sat down at a hookah. Wait, had that pipe always been there? She hadn't noted it earlier. Mr Wines was being its joyous self and indulging in what the masquerade had to offer. But with that identity clear as day, she couldn't help but wonder who this remaining one was. "But penny for your thoughts Arthur... who do we have the honour of seeing before us? Mr Wines is a given. But the other?" She had her own suspicions of course. But given the man was more eager to share his opinion openly, she wanted to try her luck.
Come morning, Marcus awakened from the bed he had set himself in, though he could not remember at what point he had fallen asleep. What he could tell was that it definitely had not been instant. Nonetheless, he was ready to move on. After all, it was the very world that was at stake here, the civilisation and all of the people. Gods themselves had called upon them. If that was not the sign of things not going too splendidly, what was? The assembled heroes joined each other's company again, the entire cavalcade marching out to the yard. Marcus had sought position by Ada's side as he saw her staggering slightly more than anticipated, wanting to make sure that she wasn't going to fall over of sheer hangover any given moment. After all, as he had already concluded... there was a world to be saved.
The Paladin placed his gauntleted hand gently on the string holding his prayer beads together and the other, shield carrying one on Ada's back. "Favour of the gods, placed upon you", he called out, one of the beads vibrating gently under his armour as magical energy flushed through him into the former Duchess. She would feel the effects of Greater Restoration, her hangover removed. And gods be praised, she needed that. After all, the buffoons in the yard sure required a mind ready to take on colossal amounts of stupidity at once.
Marcus followed for a while, giving the bunch the benefit of doubt at first, but as soon as they had given their answer to the pink haired gnome's suggestion, the Paladin knew where this would be going. The leader of this band had no brains and the confidence to match. How very typical of an Orc. As Lonett got on the move on the other end of the spearhead formed by the heroes, so did he start moving forward, gritting his teeth. He allowed the Ranger to have the first word, but after that began a tirade of his own.
"Here you are, in pursuit of power. Why do you seek power? You seek it for the sake of having it, for the sake of wielding it. You want others to see that you wield power. That is all. Your power holds no purpose, other than to spread terror to those that do not align themselves with you. And here you claim that you are above Gruumsh. Are you not following the teachings of the One-Eyed God to the letter when you scour the lands without purpose other than to scour? And your words of slaying more ghouls than we have ever seen only speaks of ignorance on who you speak to. Unless you were summoned like the rest of us, the gods must not have deemed your loud person worthy of their attention. Much less bow to you", he schooled the bag of bricks on the poor animal and took the hilt of the Sun Blade off of his belt and pointed it towards the ground, activating the item to burst forth the sword of sunlight. "Now, make yourselves scarce or useful. I care not which."
Marcus has expended one of the Favour beads from his necklace. It has bestowed the effects of Greater Restoration upon Ada and will recharge on next dawn. At the end of his speech, he brings forth the blade of his Sun Blade.
I suppose it is about time for me to [s]copypaste[/s] fill in some information about myself over here just as well. Only took me a few years to getting around to do it.
I am a married individual in my twenties from the country some people dare claim does not exist. The Finland conspiracy is an old joke, you can stop with it now. Not a native speaker of the English language by any means, though I did begin studying it exceptionally early for our country's standards. I suppose it was some sort of a test case. With that out of the way though, what more should I be saying here...[list][*] I like being nice to people. If one needs to ask why, well that alone is reason enough.
[*] I play and Dungeon Master Dungeons and Dragons, both offline and in the past also over here.
[*] I enjoy OOC chatter, be it planning the RP or a more casual exchange (not that RP'ing is [b]that[/b] serious). I can make do without, but don't be afraid to talk to me.
[*] Whatever the case, I'm here to have fun and hone my writing abilities![/list]I do think that should about cover it, yes.
Thanks for stopping by I suppose! I do also have a Discord account, but I prefer to start anything RP related on the site. At least with people I don't know from the past, that is! But hey, now if you are a longer time contact of mine and happened to read this, now you know and can ask!
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I suppose it is about time for me to <span class="bb-s">copypaste</span> fill in some information about myself over here just as well. Only took me a few years to getting around to do it.<br><br>I am a married individual in my twenties from the country some people dare claim does not exist. The Finland conspiracy is an old joke, you can stop with it now. Not a native speaker of the English language by any means, though I did begin studying it exceptionally early for our country's standards. I suppose it was some sort of a test case. With that out of the way though, what more should I be saying here...<ul class="bb-list" style="white-space: normal;"><li>I like being nice to people. If one needs to ask why, well that alone is reason enough.</li><li>I play and Dungeon Master Dungeons and Dragons, both offline and in the past also over here.</li><li>I enjoy OOC chatter, be it planning the RP or a more casual exchange (not that RP'ing is <span class="bb-b">that</span> serious). I can make do without, but don't be afraid to talk to me.</li><li>Whatever the case, I'm here to have fun and hone my writing abilities!</li></ul>I do think that should about cover it, yes.<br><br>Thanks for stopping by I suppose! I do also have a Discord account, but I prefer to start anything RP related on the site. At least with people I don't know from the past, that is! But hey, now if you are a longer time contact of mine and happened to read this, now you know and can ask!</div>
Lakeltia