First Night Camp
By: TheGM
Posted: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 12:39:48 PM
Viewable By: Riccoco, Faliol, Nuyok, Handle, Beka, Celeste, Lekchock, TheGM, Vagrant, Cas
PLEASE POST ANY FURTHER RESPONSES OR ACTIONS TO THE SUBSEQUENT THREADS.

The Caravans proceed cautiously onward. A horn call from the front tells them to wait. Dashel comes back and says, "Oi've found us a decent place to camp. There's a big rock off the path a ways. It's low, but wide. Ah, it's easier to show than to tell."
He leads you to an area about twenty yards off the path. The ground is muddy, but the carts and wagons find enough purchase. The Encampment is a wide low platform of rock with many loose rocks strewn over its surface. Some of them are arranged into two concentric circles. Dashel says that he has used this spot before. When the water level is right, it stays dry and well above the muck.When it's too wet, water washes right over it. The rock is roughly rectangular; two sides merge into the muddy forest floor. One side is bordered by a small stream, the otehr hanges over a large pool that the stream empties into. There is room for the wagons near the engaged portion of the rock.
It has good visibility. The inner circle of rocks is a crude firepit; the outer circle makes for excellent low seats. At no point it the rock more than five feet above the water. Fifteen feet and more overhead, tree limbs over hang all but the edge of the rock that in turn hangs over the pond.

MAP
Please post both immediate and planned evening actions/whereabouts.

As per usual with a conversation thread, you may finish any unresolved conversations back there. I am advancing the action a few hours, though.


[EDITED on Tue January 13, 2004 @1:15 PM (PST)]

[EDITED on Thu January 22, 2004 @10:43 PM (PST)]
 
 
 
 
Us vs Them
By: Beka
Posted: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 04:51:28 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I will have Cas put the wagon at about M5ish (if that is the area you meant for such things). We can also picket the animals on that side. I will help Handle get whatever he needs to do the joint meal and go about putting things in order and getting everything put to rights. I intend on eating a lovely meal and bedding down under the wagon for some cover.
 
 
 
 
Ricco's routine
By: Riccoco
Posted: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 07:00:16 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Riccoco follows Beka's lead, pointing with his glistening trident towards Cas. "Be followin' the Vixen, Angilak," he says, glaring at the large Bear. Apparently, his mood towards the Beast hasn't improved since the days hijinks.

He'll follow Angilak over, making a nuisance of himself as he loiters about under the pretense of helping the Bear unhook the beast of burden. Then, he'll eat, trying to get Angilak and Faliol off to the side so they can get past the misunderstanding plaguing them thus far.
 
 
 
 
Teenage Vulpinian Angst
By: Faliol
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 04:07:50 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Faliol stays by himself, very quiet and subdued. When not on watch he works on Betsy, then on his sword.

[EDITED on Thu January 15, 2004 @6:08 AM (CST)]

[EDITED on Thu January 15, 2004 @6:09 AM (CST)]
 
 
 
 
Eventually...
By: Riccoco
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 09:19:00 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Soon, after settling into the camp, Ricco makes strides to gather Angilak and Faliol in a secluded area of the camp. (Presumably over by where the wagons are being staged.)

"Now, we all be knowin' the score an' the worth of one Ol' Coon's hide. There be no need to bein' mouthy wit' it." Pausing he gives Angilak a hard look. "Since that be the price o' failure, an' myJudge be standin' close at hand, Ol' Riccoco would be likin' to do his most to keep the cart o' Nipgin safe. That means, we all be needin' to stick together."

He pauses, taking a nip of his battered wineskin, awaiting the others to speak on their behalf.

OOC: Ricco hoped to be sequestered from the others, but I left visibility open in case someone else wanted to overhear and be involved in the little inrigue.
 
 
 
 
Frankness
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 10:07:10 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Angilak looks hard at the 'coon. Finally, he answers.
"My response was commensurate to, and its form dictated by, your own utterance. If you do not like frank language, refrain from using it in my direction. You two and I both know why I am here. I will not submit to browbeetling. If you find this difficult to manage, you will have to search for your own way to cope.
"I shall endeavor to do my part to keep the cargo intact and saleable."
 
 
 
 
What else is there to say?
By: Faliol
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 02:50:25 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Faliol stays silent. He doesn't appear to react to Angilak's words...
 
 
 
 
No kidding...
By: Riccoco
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 08:15:22 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Riccoco reels back as if slapped by the massive Ursine. He gulps quickly and sputters for words. None come.

.oO(Frank? he be speakin' o' the end o' Ol' Riccico like it be bein' nothin'. Be gettin' calm now, no jingle in the losin' o' it.)

The 'coon steadies, straightening his back on the bit of rock he'd chosen for a seat. He swallows again. "You be havin' the right o' it, Mister Angilak." He raises both paws, palm towards the Bear and lowers his head.

"More arguin' be the last o' the things Ol' Riccoco be wantin," Ricco raises his head and offers Angilak a wan, crooked smile. "Somewhere, betwixt there an' here, somethin' be goin' the wrong-a-way." Here, he pauses and glances at Faliol and back again at the verbose Beast. "What can be done to get it the way it-a-was?"
 
 
 
 
Fixing Things
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:01:22 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"I don't see anything in our relationships that requires 'fixing'," replies the bear, "That was our understanding at the beginning of our arrangement and it remains. My friends are my friends and are deserving of consideration, care and convivial comeraderie. My enemies are my enemies and receive disregard, despair, or death. So long as we remain friends, our interaction will be pleasant and mutually beneficial."
 
 
 
 
Right-o
By: Handle
Posted: Friday, January 16, 2004 12:54:30 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I relish the time working with beka. Seeing her setting up her place to sleep where I usually does, I starts to wonder at her plans for the night.
 
 
 
 
Evening...
By: Beka
Posted: Friday, January 16, 2004 01:44:39 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Beka will enjoy the campfire talks and take her watch and per usual. When she notices Handle looking at where she is setting up her bed she will simply say, "Best place to stay out of the rain!"
 
 
 
 
Ice Breaker
By: Cas
Posted: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 09:22:27 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Cas will bring about the wagon and arrange it so it is secure. She will take a seat at the lower rock at K7. She will carve. After trying to get an idea what the mood for the evening happens to be like, she may break the ice with a story. But she first wants to see how things go.
 
 
 
 
Guarding
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 11:21:05 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Celeste will take up a position in the area of M7 where she can keep an eye on the water (for gators) and most of the camp. She will keep an eye on Arkis if possible , but will not engage him in conversation.
 
 
 
 
Arkis
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 08:49:49 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Arkis does as asked, but little more. (Remember, he is a passenger or co-traveller, not an employee of Bergen) He does exhibit some skill at handling knots. He occasionally stares deep into the gathering darkness.
 
 
 
 
Position
By: Vagrant
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 05:37:08 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Continuing his quest to be a piece of the woodwork, Vagrant takes up a position around M9. With luck he will have a good position to see Celeste and the snakekiller. He may tinker with his broken watch if there is little action to speak of.
 
 
 
 
Did a bird...
By: Faliol
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 06:23:49 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
...crap on Celeste's forehead while she slept?
 
 
 
 
OOC:???
By: Celeste
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 01:11:55 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Problem?
 
 
 
 
no problem here!
By: Faliol
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 04:19:02 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Uh-uh, nope, nada, nothing, that's a big negatory, no-ski.
 
 
 
 
Problem solved
By: Celeste
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 02:11:04 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
good

: evilgm :
 
 
 
 
Settling in
By: Nuyok
Posted: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 07:17:31 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Nuyok will casually keep an eye on Arkis' doings in the camp, and also scan the pool and surrounding areas for potential dangers from the water. Nuyok will settle in near Cas, and watch to see if her carving bothers Will.
 
 
 
 
Will's interest
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 08:51:52 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
On the contrary, the Wicker man watches her skill with interest.
"Begging your pardon," he says to her, "Your paws seem insufficient for such skilled work. How is it that you manage, and have you similar skill with construction such as mine?" He indicates his body of woven sticks and vines.
 
 
 
 
Carving Skill
By: Cas
Posted: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 07:54:19 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Pulls himself from his gameboy advance and posts.

"Someone taught me how to do it," Cas says, "I can't remember who it was but I learned from them. I can craft with a blade in my claws but it takes a very steady hand to do. I try to use my special carving tool when I can but for fine details it is just about concentration. As for your second question, I have not had much experience with such a thing. Was there something you were in pursuing by any chance?"
 
 
 
 
Explanation
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 07:39:30 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"When in the wilds, I can be easily injured. If the damage is anywhere but my hands, repairs are a simple matter. I can be up and running around in no time; all I need are some twigs and such." He gestures around at the bounty nature has provided.
"But if my hands are lost, so am I if there is no one around to put me together. You're skills with whittling are superb, so I wondered if you could work wicker. All I would need are but the crudest working hands to get me started. Oh-- and the bits in between hands and head, as well."
 
 
 
 
I shall make him Scissor Hands!
By: Cas
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 03:46:14 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"I'm not sure how efficient I would be but I certainly would be willing to try," Cas thinks about this a moment, "You don't need any immediately do you?"
 
 
 
 
Offer
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 09:59:28 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"I seem to be in good shape at present. Later, if time and opportunity permit, I shall show you the basics. I've given this lesson many times before, but unfortunately, my hands are just about the most complex portion of my anatomy."
 
 
 
 
Carving
By: Beka
Posted: Saturday, January 17, 2004 07:48:16 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I'm sure Cas could help you out, she does beautiful work!

OOC: Where is everyone?
 
 
 
 
Faliol at N10
By: Faliol
Posted: Saturday, January 17, 2004 10:23:55 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Unless taken, then N9.
 
 
 
 
OOC:Do you mean...
By: Celeste
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 02:05:20 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: On the map? or postingwise?

M7
 
 
 
 
Setting up watch
By: Nuyok
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 06:57:35 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Once everyone has settled in, Nuyok will coordinate a watch among each group, suggesting one on the pond side and one on the trail side. Any volunteers?
 
 
 
 
Efficiency
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 07:34:44 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: I think it would go quicker if you just assign the shifts. The volunteerings can be assumed, but it'll take another week to get everyone to chime in. : )
 
 
 
 
True Enough
By: Nuyok
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 11:41:08 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Nuyok presses into service Celeste, Vagrant, Faliol, and himself, unless there are any objections. He also seeks a second guard from the other group, as noted.
 
 
 
 
no objection
By: Faliol
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 02:51:29 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Faliol takes his watch at the appointed time
 
 
 
 
Already there
By: Celeste
Posted: Friday, January 16, 2004 12:32:18 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Celeste is watching the camp and the water surface for any telltale signs.
 
 
 
 
watch
By: Vagrant
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 04:20:24 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Vagrant will take on whatever duties assigned.
 
 
 
 
Plans
By: Lekchock
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 06:13:38 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Lekchock will stay on the outskirts of the camp fire listening to the conversation, and staying as far as possible from the wickerman. He will offer his services as watch if the topic comes up, but otherwise, will find a nice comfortable tree to sleep in.
 
 
 
 
OOC:Comfortable Tree??
By: Celeste
Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2004 12:59:39 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Just make sure that tree can't eat you!
 
 
 
 
Places! Places!
By: TheGM
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 12:31:54 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
The map has been updated, showing the positions of all characters. This is assumed to be their area of rest, or where they will sleep.

Characters who are on guard are assumed to be walking about and peering into the darkness a lot. I will assume that they return to their "marker" when they are finished with their shift.

Naturally, during dinner and the early evening, all can be assumed to be about the fire.
Exceptions are:
Will Wickersticks, who never gets within 1 hex of open flame
Lekchock, who seems to be playing hide and... hide from the Manikin
Arkis, who takes his food alone, at a small distance from the circle

There are now two horses and four oxen, who must be allowed some relief from being harnessed all day. They are penned up between three trees with a double length of rope.

The carts are placed across the west end of the rock, to form a rough barrier.

The guards and shifts are as follows:
There is one guard from each group on each of four shifts.

Shift One
Faliol, Konnur

Shift Two
Nuyok, Drummel

Shift Three
Vagrant, Umbra

Shift Four
Celeste, Dashel

Will Wickersticks will be available upon all watches, since he does not sleep.

There are five posts to follow. One for each shift (which are visibility limited), and a Fireside (Dinner) post. Anyone may speak in the Fireside post.
The Fireside post will be ongoing and will take place "before" all of the Watch posts. In reality, the Watch posts will be running sequentially in the background. I'll try and give the watchers a reasonable amount of time to reply without holding up action elsewhere. If they don't reply in time, then either they missed something or they have been attacked and eaten.
: evilgm :
 
 
 
 
Not seeing it
By: Celeste
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 02:14:26 AM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
OOC:Keith, I'm not seeing the visibility limited post for my shift....am I too early?
 
 
 
 
Not yet
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:03:33 PM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
I'm handling them sequentially
 
 
 
 
Oh...
By: Celeste
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:19:42 PM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
Nevermind
 
 
 
 
Vagrant and Umbra
By: Nuyok
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 07:50:19 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Uh, I wouldn't have scheduled those two together, they'd only be "watching" one another ; )
 
 
 
 
OOC: V&C
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:04:46 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Besides that one touch, she hasn't really show special preference for our local MCF*


*Mysterious Cloaked Figure
 
 
 
 
Vagrant
By: Nuyok
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 06:53:00 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Yeah, but that doesn't mean I can't razz Vagrant ; )
 
 
 
 
Fireside
By: TheGM
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 12:34:50 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
The camp is set and the meal has been prepared. Handle works alongside Umbra. If she notices him watching her carefully, she does not mention it. She seems to know her way around the culinary arts and begins assembling a stew, careful to contain the aroma as well as possible.
Handle works meal preparation beside her. In truth, the city boy is learning a great deal about camp food. When it becomes apparent that he intends to do a parallel meal preparation, Umbra will finally speak to him.
"If you wish to make additional courses, please feel free. I do hope you will try this, however. I may look bland, but just before serving, I'll pass around these herbs to mix in. Not as good as stewing it altogether, but this way, we attract less attention. It's a blend of spices. If you wish, invite your Master to taste them. I'm sure he will find them possessing of the highest virtue."

Angilak reaches into the recesses of the small cart he has been leading and produces an earthenware jug. "This is Sangiyok's Golden, a private reserve of sweet mead, the very gilt of Adala. I propose a toast to comeraderie and mutual preservation." So saying he takes a deep, but delicate" sip from the jug and hands it to Riccoco, indicating for the 'coon to take his share and pass it along.

Brother Cadbury has evidently noticed the odd behavior of Lekchock and endeavors to catch him in conversation. "Hello, Lekchock," he begins in a gentle voice, "I cannot help but notice you seem to be lacking in some basic tools. I have an extra knife, which you may use for the journey."

Bergen sits next to Beka, once the wagons and beasts have been settled. "I thought I knew the silk merchants of Tallon, yet I've not seen you before. Are you a green shoot like Kent here, or have I somehow missed a jewel of the Jewel?" His eyes twinkle as he says this.

Celeste, you have been surreptitiously watching Arkis for most of the day. Little mannerisms and turns of speech make you believe that he is definitely of the Shattered Isles as he claims, yet you doubt seriously if he is Red Tide. Indeed, the way he handles his eating knife, and the way his cloak is knotted, make you wonder if he might not be Kislan. You know if you could engage im in conversation, you could confirm it. He sits some distance away from the others, hunched in his cloak and looking out across the waters of the pond.
The pond by the way, is still save for the occasional plop of a frog.

Cas, Konnur and Drummel sit near you. They make no mention of the earlier accusations. In fact, Konnur says, "Vixen. Cas. You said you told stories. Well now we area s well-holed as we might be. We are unlikely to be stumbling over any surprises. If you have any stories, tell us one."
Drummel rejoins, "Yeah, a good one."

Vagrant, you sit alone, watching the others talk easily about things that only confuse you. Despite years of travel, none of this world seems real. As if to punctuate this, a bundle of sticks, tied roughly into the shape of a man, walks up to you, and without benefit of lungs or vocal apparatus says, "You seem as out of place as I."

Nuyok, You have made a thorough inspection of the camp. There does not appear to be anything dangerous within or without. The water has some snakes in it, but nothing out of the ordinary. Arkis continues to be withdrawn, and Handle seems to be watching the food preparation carefully. Looking carefully at them, you detect no poison in the food, but Umbra is carrying some nasty substance in a small carved stone bottle upon her person. (So is Handle, for that matter).

Each of you should have at least one thing to respond to or role-play in this sub-thread. Feel free to step into another's conversation, unless they indicate they are seeking privacy.
 
 
 
 
Will
By: Vagrant
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 06:30:32 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Vagrant blows air through his nostils as if he just heard a good joke, "Out of place! you can say that again! Course, it's things like you that set me apart from this world. We called things like you and the things that adepts could do--magic. Magic wasn't real though...or at least that's what I thought."

Vagrant glances at Will and then continues to scan the camp.
 
 
 
 
Insightful pile of sticks
By: TheGM
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 01:35:50 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Magic. That's a word used by ancients and barbarians to describe what they could not, or cannot understand. The ancients had something called fizzics to which they ascribed various powers. Barbarians call adepts witches or sorcerers. Barbarians and Ancients. Hmmm..."
He does his own share of staring at you thoughfully. " 'This world' you say. 'We called' in past tense. You don't speak like a barbarian. Where are you from that you should speak thus of the teachings of Prometheus?"
 
 
 
 
the past
By: Vagrant
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 06:37:25 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
With a sigh Vagrant says, "I suppose I shouldn't have been so forthcoming with those hints as my origin has done nothing but cause me harm but it is too late now. As you can tell from my words I am not from around here. I'm from what my world called the 20th century. Long before demon kings and Prometheus. It was a world of Physics and machinery and not a single talking stick or furry animal. Things have changed and I have stayed the same. I slept for ages and awoke here in this world. A man out of time and place."

Vagrant slumps a little as he recites his plight.
 
 
 
 
Another old-timer
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 12:03:37 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Whether the stick man believes your outrageous story or not, he makes no sign. "I have heard of stranger things, I suppose. And I am no stranger to being out of time and place. This jungle is not what it was when I was... meat."
He sits stiffly next to you. "That was also very long ago. I'm not sure if it wouldn't have been better to sleep in the interim. Sometimes abrupt change is less painful than the slow pace of years, watching all you know wither. The former can lend a comforting dreamlike quality to existence, the latter can be a grind to the spirit. It's all perspective. A quick cut can be less traumatic than a thousand slices."
 
 
 
 
stunned
By: Vagrant
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 04:40:23 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Vagrant looks at Will and stammers, "You mean...you mean you were once human? God..."
 
 
 
 
Explanations
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 08:19:20 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Of course I was! What else could I have been?
"Oh, it's not as bad as all that. My original body was... well let us say that it was unliveable. Now I will not age, be victim to disease, pain or fatigue. There are drawbacks, of course.
"If you truly are of another era, you are probably confused by this. All that you are is comprised of spirit. All that I was, was transmigrated into this construct. " He indicates his body. That force which gae me form keeps this body intact. That impetus which moved my libs animates these sticks. That divine spark of awareness gives me thought and motivation."
He gestures toward the firelit circle. The people who can really explain this, however are the adepts. Borther Cadbury, or your own Master Nuyok. They are the rare and revered ones who can not only see these spirits, but in the latter's case can alter them."
 
 
 
 
costly
By: Vagrant
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 10:13:15 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I haven't seen many like you, "I assume it is a costly process?"
 
 
 
 
Animates
By: Nuyok
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 11:10:48 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Nuyok will move closer, "Interested in becoming an animate? I do not believe you need to go through something so drastic...," Nuyok trails off, not going into Vagrant's particulars.
 
 
 
 
Dissuasion
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 12:13:49 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I wouldn't recommend it, certainly. Enjoy your flesh while it is yours. Besides, it is costly, at least in terms of personal effort. Only a full Grandmaster can do it, and even then usually only once. Some don't handle the transition very well, and use various coping mechanisms.
"Besides, it is mostly performed as a reward for service to a person otherwise in a dire mortal predicament.
Had you nothing to compare in your time?"
 
 
 
 
Of course it is true...
By: Cas
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 05:22:09 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Cas thinks much while this conversation goes on and finally adds in a comment sure that she feels safe to say it, "The Doom and Gloom story is herald as true by those who initially told me of it.* Many may not accept this fact, but this is why many of my kind believe that us Foxes are persecuted. I do not expect others to believe this, but this is what many of our people believe."

* .oO( I wish I could remember who told me this story. I know it is there somewhere. )
 
 
 
 
Non-sequitur, followed by woody advice.
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 11:09:40 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Where you have posted this will make it seem like a non-sequitur, but that's not out-of-character for Cas, so I'll respond to it here.
"You see Vagrant, yours is not the oddest story we have heard tonight."
He stands again. "But many of you are fatigued, and while I can converse all night, this is not true for the rest of you. If I might give you a word of advice in a metaphorical form:
Vagrant, you are a tree with your roots in the past and your branches in the present. The winds of the world blow hard. If you resist, you will uproot or break. Learn to bend and you can retainyour grip and not be broken. Be willow, and not an oak."
 
 
 
 
Staring
By: Vagrant
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 04:16:40 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Vagrant stands staring at the woodman perhaps reflecting on the advice. Finally he says, "...thanks."
 
 
 
 
Vagrant's health
By: Vagrant
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 04:20:22 AM
Viewable By: TheGM, Vagrant
Keith, what is Vagrant's state of health given his healing at Throne's? I was somewhat establishing that he had some radiation sickness. Would that have been healed or would that have to be healed specificly by a master?
 
 
 
 
Health
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 08:27:40 AM
Viewable By: TheGM, Vagrant
Your general state of health remains unchanged. Vagrant has no idea of what could cure it, but on the player level, yes, it would require specific healing.
 
 
 
 
Sangiyok Gold...
By: Riccoco
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 11:58:22 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Sung to the tune of Yukon Jack's Silver and Gold...

Riccoco happily takes the skin from Angilak. With some noticeable twitching of his whiskers and a knowing grin, the 'Coon takes a dip of the Gold. He smacks his lips an passes the bag on, "To friends an' travellers all. Be drinkin' ter yer health."

He grabs up his own skin and takes a nip of that. Eyeing Angilak for a few moments he reaches to offer the Great Bear a drink of it. "Berry ale. It not be yer Master's Gold, but it be doin' the job well enou'."
 
 
 
 
Some subtle passes
By: TheGM
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 01:43:53 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
The bag is passed from person to person. Anyone who makes a PER roll by 2 will realize that neither Konnur nor Drummel actually drink. They lift the jug, but do not press their lips to it. A PER roll by 3 will reveal that both of them glance at Bergen as they do so. A PER roll by 4 will reveal that Arkis doesn't partake either. Make of it what you will.

The rest seem to pass it about and take at least a polite swallow. Will, of course, abstains.
 
 
 
 
Perception Roll
By: Cas
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 08:45:08 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
13-
3d6: 7 Sun January 18, 2004 @11:45 PM (EST)
 
 
 
 
Politeness
By: Cas
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 08:51:45 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Cas takes the bag as it is passed around. Having daftly noticed the acts of those next to her, she asks "I hope you don't mind Drummel if I drink you share?" She will take a longer swallow then the rest and pass it along.

Cas then proceeds to mentally prepare for her story...
 
 
 
 
Per roll
By: Faliol
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:56:11 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Perception - 12-
3d6: 12 Mon January 19, 2004 @5:56 AM (CST)
 
 
 
 
Glug gulp chug
By: Faliol
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:58:23 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Faliol takes a healthy sip and passes it around...

"Ahhhh!"
 
 
 
 
PER
By: Nuyok
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 08:05:05 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Per, 13-
3d6: 1, 2, 2 (STUN: 5, BODY: 2) Mon January 19, 2004 @11:05 AM (EST)

If Nuyok notices, he'll assume it is a matter of beast prejudice, and make no mention of it.

Regardless, he'll take a light sip.
 
 
 
 
PER Roll
By: Riccoco
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:48:54 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Perception 15-
3d6: 9 Mon January 19, 2004 @1:48 PM (CST)
 
 
 
 
The Ever Vigilant 'Coon
By: Riccoco
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:54:15 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Few things slip by the notice of Riccoco. Fewer things does he pay much attention to. The 'coon will happily drink his fill without becoming unable to fight (or cower properly) if need be. Things have certainly been weighing on the Plucksters mind. It may be that the mixed company has forced the Beast to once more become withdrawn as he had been at the start of the adventur FROM Tallon.

To others, though. It may be known that his life hangs more precariously than it previously, did.
 
 
 
 
Further perceptions
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:06:40 PM
Viewable By: Cas, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM
You three also notice that Celeste takes no swallow.
 
 
 
 
No Drinking on Duty
By: Celeste
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:23:24 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Celeste will pass on the offer with thanks, but no wish to have her senses dulled in the least bit.
 
 
 
 
PER roll
By: Vagrant
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 06:40:58 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Need 11-
3d6: 4, 3, 6 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Tue January 20, 2004 @8:40 PM (CST)
 
 
 
 
Perception roll
By: Beka
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 11:13:44 AM
Viewable By: Beka, TheGM
3d6: 5, 2, 5 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Thu January 22, 2004 @11:13 AM (PST)
 
 
 
 
Curiosity killed the....Barbarian
By: Celeste
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 02:25:00 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
It having become apparent that Arkis is not lying about being from the Shattered Isles, and even more apparent that he may be from her late (?) husbands tribe, Celeste's curiosity is piqued. After the meal she will approach the area where he sits. As he broods and stares out at the water, she stands nearby, "It isn't at all like the sea, is it."
 
 
 
 
OOC:Ignored.....
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 10:14:02 AM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
OOC: Arkis doesn't respond to Celeste's statement, so she beats the crap out of him in order to get the GMs attention....No one fireside notices....
: P
 
 
 
 
Not the sea
By: TheGM
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 10:55:58 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
He broods a moment, then answers without turning.
"What, this puddle? No, nothing like the sea at all. Of course, here you don't have to worry about someone sinking your ship underneath you."
 
 
 
 
Right-O
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 04:04:23 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Celeste looks down to where Arkis is sitting, "You have the right of it there. It is dangerous in its own way though." She looks back at the waters surface in meditatively,.oO(This entire Gods forsaken flatland will kill you, at least the sea is quick about it...)
 
 
 
 
Mr. Broody
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 12:18:03 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Arkis continues to brood into the darkness, he still has not turned to face you. Finally, he speaks again.
"There's no danger there; it's just a shallow spot that fills with water." He tosses a stone into the pond. "What are you after?"
 
 
 
 
After??
By: Celeste
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 01:32:42 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Celeste is surprised by Arkis' question. She hunkers down to answer his question. "What am I after? What an odd question you pose. I suppose the same thing as everyone else is after--answers...though not so long ago I would have said 'revenge'. But what of you? You said you were seeking your place in the world. You seem as out of place here as one of your kind would be in the Isles. Is that why you left?"
 
 
 
 
Softening. A little.
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 08:34:39 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Excuse me. Perhaps I'm a little suspicious. Before I answer your personal question, you could explain something. What do you mean you were seeking revenge?"
 
 
 
 
'nother Question
By: Celeste
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 01:29:59 PM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
Does this guy look familiar to Celeste in any way at atll? Like he might be a relative (older brother?) of her husband? Just thinking about the similarity of the name structure....Tjen....Arkis = Rkis?
oh yeah
Perception Roll
3d6: 3, 6, 3 (STUN: 12, BODY: 4) Thu January 22, 2004 @1:29 PM (PST)
 
 
 
 
Mmmmm...suspicious you are.....
By: Celeste
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 02:00:31 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Celeste looks at Arkis for a moment before replying, "You are no more suspicious than I. You cannot have missed the fact that I have avoided you and still kept an eye on you. Your skill with a weapon and your...choice of words confirm that you are what you say. But to answer your question, you must know what I am...what I was... A great wrong was done to someone I cared about. Let me just say this for now, that during my brief time in this land and because of my friends here, I have learned to temper my need for 'revenge' into something less...'savage'. I will avenge the wrong done, but not as a blood-thirsty animal."

'I am not sighted like Master Nuyok or yourself, but you seem to me to be a man in need of friendship." Celeste gestures to the caravan members from Tallon, "These people here are good people, Perhaps you should get to know them. It is a long journey from here to Tallon."
 
 
 
 
Continued...
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 10:15:34 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
 
 
 
 
Drummel
By: Nuyok
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 08:12:16 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Nuyok will take the opportunity to speak at fireside with Drummel, before being on watch together, and say, "I suggest that while we are on watch, that you watch the road, and that I keep a spirit eye out over the water for otherwise unseen threats."
 
 
 
 
Yeah, but...
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:13:41 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"I'm open to suggestions, Master, but the way my brother and I normally operate is for one guard to play anchor, while the other does a long perimeter. Besides, you should stay where it's safer."
 
 
 
 
Watching
By: Nuyok
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 06:54:38 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Your suggestion seems well for a typical setting, but the water disturbs me."
 
 
 
 
First Watch
By: TheGM
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 12:37:08 AM
Viewable By: Faliol, TheGM
Faliol, you have received first watch. Your watch partner is Konnur, the one who spoke ill of Cas earlier. He makes no reference to the discussion and indeed, seems to have forgotten it for all he has mentioned it since.
He briefly meets with you and says, "You worked most of the day going back and forth. Why don't you be the anchor and tend the fire while I slog around in this muck?"

The assumption here is that the dinner did not blow up in a dysfunctional family style. If his has happened, assume all his dialog to be the same, but icy instead of warm.
 
 
 
 
What conversation about Cas?
By: Faliol
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 04:59:31 AM
Viewable By: Faliol, TheGM
OOC: Faliol did not observe that conversation.


Faliol smiles (no teeth) at Konnur, "Thanks. I am pretty tired."

While people are up and moving, he works a little on Betsy, then on his sword. He keeps the fire going low and as smoke free as possible. Once everyone is asleep, he slowly paces with his back to the fire, facing outwards to maintain nightvision as much as possible.
 
 
 
 
Roundabout
By: TheGM
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 02:00:35 PM
Viewable By: Faliol, TheGM
"Right then. I'm going to see if one can get around this pond. Anything on the other side might have a good view of us. If I can find a place to stand over there, I'll flash this." He holds up a small silver mirror.
Konnur goes off into the thick swampy jungle. Despite his large size, he moves with practised care. He quickly disappears. About twenty minutes later, a dim flash is seen from the other side of the lake. Not quite the same amout of time later, he emerges from the other direction, having circumnavigated the large pond. He is muddy from the waist down.
"That's a nasty walk. There's a couple of spots over on the other side that have a great view of this rock. I'm concerned about that footprint you saw. Who made it and why haven't we seen any more? I see two options. Either we keep a guard over there or we booby trap it. You got anyone with skill a that on your train?"
 
 
 
 
No boob trappers
By: Faliol
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 04:05:28 AM
Viewable By: Faliol, TheGM
"I haven't known them that long, but I don't think any of them can set traps. Seems like a lot of bother, Konnur. If they come from that direction, surely we will hear them approach through the muck? If we were staying more than one night, it might make more sense to set traps in various likely spots... Of course our watch is liable to be long and dull, so if setting a trap over yonder helps you pass the time, I am all for it. Be careful, that is far enough away to cause a delay in our response if something should jump you..."

[EDITED on Mon January 19, 2004 @6:07 AM (CST)]
 
 
 
 
Anecdote
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:20:17 PM
Viewable By: Faliol, TheGM
"You're probably right. We stink at trap setting." He grins a big grin. "One time, I had to actually cut my brother down from his own snare. He had been so intent in setting it, he didn't realize he was standing on a carnivorous anthill. He got bit and panicked. It pulled him right off his feet and knocked the hill over. There he is, hanging upside down with his nose about four inches from a boiling mess of hopping mad scissor ants. Took me a good while to figure out how to get him down."
He looks about and sighs. "No. I'll keep moving around. Wave a brand if I'm gone too long and I'll high-tail it back."
 
 
 
 
Doom, Gloom, and the Fire Rapiers
By: Cas
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2004 09:49:52 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Food has been eaten and drinks have been drunk. The fire is burning and Cas is ready. She does not stand from her seat but instead leans forward. Her voice is darker than usual and she seems almost a bit sinister. Her eyes will wander and drift while she talks but only the fire will get a stare from her eyes. And so she begins her story...

"This is a story of two fox pups who are known today as Doom and Gloom. They are called this, not because this was their names, but for this is what they brought upon themselves. Doom and Gloom were never about staying together as with the troupe. They had always been running off and getting into trouble. This is common in fox young, but the elders were growing concerned as their trouble was bringing problems on the troupe.

"Doom and Gloom were pulled aside and told that they needed to stop their acts for it was casting a bad name on everyone else. They, of course, had no intention of stopping. So instead, they stole enough supplies and went off on their own. Now not everyone knows where they went. Some claimed they went east of Karkul where others say they went south of Mingtok. Where is not so important as to what they did.

"One day in their travel, they encountered a band of twelve warriors. The warrior were all cast in the blackest of armor and wielded rapiers that burned cold flames in the night air. They wore helmets of thick cold iron and rarely spoke. Not sure what to make of this band, they followed them. Doom and Gloom were very skilled at sneaking around. This allowed them to follow close for several days.

"The warriors slept in their armor and didn't even take of their helmets. They would place their rapiers beside them and lie down with no watch. On the third night, Gloom had snuck into their camp and moved in close. But he quickly panicked and returned to his brother. The fourth night, Doom wandered into the camp and stood over one of the twelve. It was clear they were asleep.

"On the fifth night of travel, Doom and Gloom had no more answers about these twelve warriors. This time, they decided they wanted to part ways with the warriors but wanted to take something with them. So they snuck into the warrior camp and stole two of their weapons. They fled as far as they could that night and slept in a merky bog.

"In the morning, they crawled out of the bog, carefully hiding the rapiers where no one could find them. They scouted the woods to see if the warriors were searching for them. To their surprise they saw no sign of the warriors. They went to the camp that they had been at and found they had left and continued on.

"Puzzled, Doom and Gloom shrugged it off as good luck. They figured they were to rushed for time to search for their lost weapons. They recovered their weapons and continued on their way. Their troubles did not truly begin until Doom decided he wanted to sell his rapier. He approached a peddler and demonstrated the ability to produce fire. The peddler was impressed and paid the fox a handsome pile of coins. But when he pulled the blade out, it would not produce any flames. Enraged, he called Doom a charleton and ran him through the heart with his own blade.

"Gloom immediately drew his blade and killed the peddler. He turned to his brother Doom and discovered that he still stood. Doom seemed to be unphased by the action. He hurt, and his body trembled, but he was still standing. Not wanted to question his favor, he pulled the sword out of his chest and the two ran away.

"This was when the trouble began to get worse. Doom and Gloom found nothing but despair anytime they tried to interact with others. Even so much as trying to buy an apple will bring ill fortune upon them. In a fit of rage, they tossed their weapons away and hoped that they were the cause but their ill fortune continued.

"Years passed and it was clear of something else. Gloom had been wandering when he was struck by a gator. The blow ripped his neck open and he lost a lot of blood. However, Gloom healed and continued to go on. No matter what they did, they could not die. This drove them both further into isolation, until soon they sought only to live alone away from the world.

"It is said, that one day they encountered the twelve warriors again. The leader of the warriors approached them demanding the rapiers. As Doom and Gloom had long since tossed away the weapons, they could not return them. The leader removed his helmet, revealing a skeleton with fiery eyes. He told them that they had been afflicted with a curse, forever to walk the lands in torment until the day the blades were returned and only then they could die in peace."
 
 
 
 
Ahh, This is the Life!
By: Beka
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 09:06:58 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Good Food," an appreciative nod toward the cooks, "Good wine," another toward the bear and raccoon, "Good story," big smile and nod to Cas, "and good company." smiles all around, "This is the LIFE!"

.oO(Now I know we're going to be attacked tonight!)
 
 
 
 
More ghost stories
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 03:46:04 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
There is a round of low applause after Cas' tale. Drummel asks, "Was that true?" His brother rolls his eyes and clouts him on the back of the head. "Dimwit! 'Course not. Dead don't walk around. That's why they're dead!"
There's a chuckle around the fire. In the lull afterwards, the voice of Wickersticks says, "Unless they are from Mingatok." This is followed by silence. Brother Cadbury at last asks, "What do you know of Mingatok the Wicked? Have you been there?"
Wickersticks approaches a little closer, still not close enough to catch a spark. the wood is damp and sputters and cracks a lot. "I have been a lot of places. Mingatok is different than here. Here the dead stay sensibly encrypted. There, there is no final repose for some. It is said that their Archon, a vile and cruel woman, keeps the release of death from her enemies. They languish in her black pits while their flesh is stripped away inch by inch, but still they do not die. Then she does worse."
The audience is hooked now. "What could be worse than that?" asks Drummel.
"She removes their spirit." replies the mannikin.
Brother Cadbury snorts. How can you remove a spirit? You are a spirit. If you remove a spirit, there is nothing left, neither thought, nor action nor coarse matter."
"There is one thing left," replies the wooden man. "There is the echo, the memory of a spirit. All that is left is a hunger, a desire for that which they once had. They go forth and take the spirits of other things, but they cannot hold them. Victim after victim, they consume. They take on their spirit in its entirety, leaving their donors but drifts of dust. They look, talk act and to a degree even think like their victim. But it never lasts. They go forth from Mingatok the Wicked and work her will on a helpless land. People call them Vampires."
 
 
 
 
Brooding Silence
By: Riccoco
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 10:56:43 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Riccoco hppily joined in on the applause for Cas. She seemd most normal when telling a story and the Raccoon Peddler appreciated that as much as the next Beast. He even enjoyed th banter between the brothers. A certain sort of reality existed about the fire, the dark night a simple shell succoring this wayward band.

Then, the Stick-man began to speak. Riccoco's hide puckered about each piece of hair in his fur. He swallowed exaggeratedly, something sticking in his throat. Finally he responded, much of his pluckiness and visibly missing. "Those jes' be tales o' the Woodkin'. No vampires be walkin' the Lizard. mingatook be a long trek from these folk. Besides, what good would one o' the vampire folk have wit' this lot. Jes' a handul o' honest guards, drivers, and merchant-folk. Nothin' to be had here. Nothin'..."
 
 
 
 
Song
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:53:32 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
There is thoughtful silence after Riccoco's uncertain denials. The silence is broken by a quiet tenor voice, sounding clear and firm, like a rock against which waves batter in vain. Those not sitting next to him turn to see the singer as Brother Cadbury. The tune he sings is very old, and all city folk recognize the Hymn of Deliverance*. Bit by bit, a few uncertain voices join in. Umbra does not sing, but pulls a very tiny flute from her clothing and accompanies softly.



"From the Reaving of Spirit,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From the Demon King servants,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From the Hundred Undying,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From the Raging Chimera,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From the Sea-dwelling Kraken,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From the Barbarous Wilds,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From Fear, Fire, and Famine,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From the Earth become Savage,
Prometheus, deliver us!

From all Worldly Destruction,
Prometheus, deliver us!"


He finishes, and takes a small sip of mead offered to him by the silent bear. "The tune is old beyond memory, but the words live in the Stones. The verse about Hundred Undying seemed a little appropriate."



OOC: This hymn is based on a Gregorian Chant, "Deliver Us". For those curious, an excerpt of the tune is here.

[EDITED on Mon January 19, 2004 @11:55 PM (PST)]
 
 
 
 
Coombaya, my love...
By: Riccoco
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 11:58:20 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Ricco tentatively joins in, his confidence building as many others of the Caravan join in. It turns something within himm. This companionship, a group against the Savage Earth beyond their firelight. It is a good, warm feeling. One of belonging, a thing he's long yearned for. As the song ends, he stands walking over to clap the good Brother Cadbury on the back. "Well done, Hooman. Nothin' be fightin' the spooks like the Hymn o' the Deliverance. Well sung." He bobs his head again, as if the Man was unable to understand plain talk.

Humming softly, the 'Coon takes the opportunity to slip away from the fire and to his bedroll. His belly full, his head a tad fuzzy with Sangiyok Gold, and the fellowship he'd always longed for warming his heart.

It was a good night.
 
 
 
 
Sweet
By: TheGM
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 02:35:59 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Geez, that sounds so nice and peaceful I'd hav to be a heel to attack you.
: evilgm :

 
 
 
 
OOC: Gee, Thanks!
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 04:11:31 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Thanks a lot Ricco! You had to go and be happy. Now we are really in for it. GMs have special built in 'happy' sensors.....(he'll probably go for you first.) It was nice knowing you....
: evilgm :

 
 
 
 
Heel Away
By: Beka
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 11:17:35 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: We know you...
 
 
 
 
Lekchock's Mischief
By: Lekchock
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 03:53:38 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
While a lot of the people were huddled around the campfire, Lekchock was rumaging and exploring. Picking at the wagons, poking and prodding different things that might be common to most, are obviously totally foreign to the Forest-Man. He sometimes gets his hands swatted by one of the brothers, and moves away for a time when he notices how irritated they are getting, but quickly forgets their disapproval when something else catches his eye. Sometimes his curiousity has casued him to venture close to the wicker man. When he realizes where he is, he scurries away all the while trying to pretend he isn't scurrying.
 
 
 
 
Fair question
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 12:11:47 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Hey, Forest-Man, keep your hands to yourse'f. You got questions, just ask, awrigh'?" The porcupine doesn't truly look annoyed, just overcome with a need to assert some personal space. "'ey now, don't run away like 'at. Oi got a couple o' questions meself."
He sits down on one of the larger rocks. "Firs' thing, you want to come down 'ere? I'm gettin' a crick lookin' up into the trees like 'at. Second fing is, if you can move like 'at, ow come you ain't a scout? I heard your folk was like all woodcrafty, you know?"
 
 
 
 
Scout
By: Lekchock
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 07:56:52 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Don' know why I'm not a scout? Guess no one asked. I'm new ta da caravan dough, so maybe dey jus' 'aven't gotten ta askin' me yet.

"Woodcrafty? We move true da trees and know our way 'round if dats what choo mean."
 
 
 
 
Career opportunities
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 11:16:13 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Well I don' fink they're usin' you to proper advantage, eh? Your folk live out here; you got to be worth somefin' as a Scout. If you're lookin' for a place to fit in, there's plenty o' barbarian scouts in the Cities. Hang aroun' the Upland Cities, an' you won hafta explain bein' a mutant, neither.
"I mean look a'me. Porcupines are rare beasts enuff, but I got employment. I'm even in demand after a fashion. Skill is worth sumfin'."
 
 
 
 
Excuse Me
By: Beka
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 11:15:53 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I think he's right. It looks as if you would make a grest scout for our travels. Would you mind sitting down and telling me how you came to be in that "fix" with Nuyok? I'd like to know more about you.
 
 
 
 
Continued...
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 10:26:03 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
 
 
 
 
Da fix
By: Lekchock
Posted: Saturday, January 24, 2004 05:01:47 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Well, it all started wit Throne. He sellin' his weapons to some 'o da udder tribes, 'an he wanted us ta help him. My pa was da chief an' he say no. Throne not one ta take no so good, went to my father's brother, an' started fillin' 'is head wit ideas. Took 'im to da city, showed 'im all da tings dat could be his. My uncle went back to talk to my pa, but my pa still said no. My uncle started bringing others to da city to show 'em, an' the group of dem when to talk to pa, pa still said no, so dey kill him, an' try to kill me but I got away yeah.

"I started tinkin' dat Thorne was da cause o' alla dis, he's da one dat has ta pay. I went to da city to find 'em an' make him pay. I started following one o' Thorne's ami when I saw da big guy, Rath, go chargin' after him. Thorne's ami, lead da big guy in ta a trap wit a lot of Thorne's men. I help da big guy out, an' he take off after 'em again. Before I can follow, one o' guys I must no' hit so hard took me down from behind. Das how I meet True Eyes in da cell."
 
 
 
 
Sniff
By: Beka
Posted: Saturday, January 24, 2004 08:11:00 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Beka's eyes mist as she hears of Rath again. "Atta boy Rath!" she whispers. She shakes her head. "So, I gues that means you're not going home? You're welcome to stay with my caravan for the next trip after Tallon."
.oO(If there is such a thing)
"I hired you to go to Tallon as a guard but it does seem like you'd be a better scout. What do you think?"
 
 
 
 
Well
By: Lekchock
Posted: Sunday, January 25, 2004 05:25:25 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Makes sense to me, I know da jungle, but city life don' make sense ta me. Don' really 'ave much plan for da future so if you'll 'ave me, I'll go wit you."
 
 
 
 
Hmm
By: Lekchock
Posted: Saturday, January 24, 2004 04:45:50 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Tanks fer da lesson. My people always took care 'o der own, yeah. But Thorne changed all dat. Don' know I much like da city, saw the greed der, an' it killed a lot 'o my people."
 
 
 
 
Second Watch
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2004 09:06:06 PM
Viewable By: Faliol, Nuyok, TheGM
The time for first watch has ended. (Faliol, if you want to make a final entry in that sub-thread, feel free). The Red-Tailed One figures that it is time to wake the Adept. Konnur nudges his brother with his toe. "Wakey-Wakey," he whispers. He indicates for Faliol to fill in the new shift on the events of the last shift and turns in.* Drummel rubs the sleep out of his eyes, mumbling, "One day I won't draw a split shift..."

Faliol and Nuyok, discuss anything that needs discussing. Once Faliol turns in, we'll cut him out of the visibility.


* Faliol gets this honor, being the PC.
 
 
 
 
Shift Change
By: Nuyok
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 06:56:16 AM
Viewable By: Faliol, Nuyok, TheGM
"Anything amiss?"
 
 
 
 
Konnur says
By: Faliol
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 09:43:20 AM
Viewable By: Faliol, Nuyok, TheGM
"Nope, all is quiet. Konnur is worried about that area over yonder (points across the water). He checked it out, then told me that it gives a perfect view of the camp and wanted to set traps over there. We agreed that might be a little extreme."

If the nine-toenailed Adept has nothing further to add, Faliol goes to his spot and sleeps...
 
 
 
 
Area over the water
By: Nuyok
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 12:34:27 PM
Viewable By: Faliol, Nuyok, TheGM
Nuyok nods, "I will keep an eye on it," and makes sure Drummel understands the area of concern.
 
 
 
 
Drummel's suggestion
By: TheGM
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 02:34:57 PM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
After the others have drifted off, Dremmel says, "I can't see in this pitch blackness. My brother has eyes like an owl, but I rely more upon my ears in this inkiness. If you want to watch the water, that's good. You can see below the surface. I'm going to head out towards the road a bit, away from all the snoring and fire crackling, and open up my ears. If that's all right with you."

OOC: After your next post, give me a PER roll. Also let me know if you are going to use your lumina.

[EDITED on Tue January 20, 2004 @2:37 PM (PST)]
 
 
 
 
On watch
By: Nuyok
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 08:20:22 AM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
"That will work." Nuyok moves into position, ideally with a tree to his back to watch this section of the camp.

OOC: Funny you should mention the lumina, as I meant to say in the previous post that Nuyok would not have it visible.
 
 
 
 
PER Roll
By: Nuyok
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 01:56:03 PM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
OOC: Ack, forgot to make my roll.

PER, 13-
3d6: 1, 5, 3 (STUN: 9, BODY: 2) Wed January 21, 2004 @4:56 PM (EST)
 
 
 
 
Perception
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 10:50:26 PM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
Nuyok, you settle down around O11, with your back to the tree. (About where Dashel was most of the evening.) This gives you an excellent view of the surrounding territory. Relaxing your nearly-useless sight, you concentrate on hearing, and most-importantly, spirit sight.

The jungle is alive with all manner of plants and animals. Clouds of insects swarm and shift, obscuring perception. Things slither in trees or squirm underground. Water, mud, stone, foliage, and small animals form a tapestry of ever-overlapping substance and motion. Nevertheless, throwing out a quick probe for hostile intent leaves you reasonably confident you won't be surprised.
It comes as a great surprise to you then when you are, in fact, surprised. Around 3/4 of the way through your watch (some time after midnight), you are startled to see a human form across the pond. (About 25 hexes to the east). It is moving with near-normal speed. Only Leckchock moves so easily through the thick vegetation. You detect no immediate hostile intent,in fact, the psyche of the intruder must be dampened somehow, perhaps by rigorous training. Only the movement and shape betray it.
Just like that, it is gone again. It poised in a relatively "homogenous" area, where there were few alterations of substance to confuse your Sight. Then as quickly as that, it dives into the surrounding jungle and is gone again.

Things you feel fairly certain of:
Morphia
1. It was human. Riven or not, you could not tell.
2. It was clothed in light leather armor and bits of plant material.

Anima
1. It moved with little hinderance or sound.
2. It moved with skill, implying athleticism to some degree.

Psyche
1. No immediate hostile intent.
2. Possible spirit defensive training.
 
 
 
 
Staying still
By: Nuyok
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 06:34:49 AM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
Nuyok will remain still, but will be on the lookout for additional sightings.

Was this human in the area Faliol referred to, or elsewhere? Across the pond, or actually walking on water? Could Lekchock get over there relatively easily, from what Nuyok has seen?
 
 
 
 
Answers
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 08:24:17 AM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
Same general area, across the pond. It was walking on solid ground, a flattish rock at the edge of the water, lightly screened by bushes. Leckchock should be able to get there easily.
 
 
 
 
Shift nearly over
By: Nuyok
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 08:57:05 AM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
When Nuyok's shift is nearly over, he will first go to where Lekchock was sleeping in the tree, and throw a rock up at him to wake him. Once he gets his attention, hopefully quietly, he will ask him whether he has seen any signs of other forest folk, and if he can check out the area where the person was spotted.
 
 
 
 
Post actions
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 10:38:26 PM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
Go ahead and post those actions in the new thread entitled Night Watch
 
 
 
 
Sleepy Beast
By: Riccoco
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 05:43:19 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Riccoco rolls over in his sleep, oilskin cloak crinkling, the sound lost in the crackling fire and low conversations of the caravan. The plucky 'coon has shifted onto his back, his muzzle falling open. Tongue lolling to one side of his mouth, a loud snore step noisily from his throat.
 
 
 
 
Carnabrocs!
By: Beka
Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2004 08:21:27 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
"Aaugh!" Beka starts awake at the sound. She looks over at our loud furball and gently pokes him in the ribs. "Turn over," she whispers.
 
 
 
 
OOC: Lost Horn
By: Celeste
Posted: Sunday, January 25, 2004 01:58:45 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Lekchock, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Hey, one of the oxen lost his horn at N7. Unless that's Porky's horn or Faliol's noisemaker....
: D
Cripes! The boss is coming!