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Post by Allen on Oct 12, 2008 17:12:09 GMT
(Garrus senses that the man seems to be speaking the truth. Also, using his bardic knowledge skill, he knows that is isn't fruit that's being stolen, but newly planted saplings. There is something strange about the saplings, but the populace is close-mouthed about them)
"The lord has most likely retired for the night. He is an early riser, however, so you might try early tomorrow morning." He raised his eyebrow toward Wolfgang "I suggest you refrain from antagonizing others. It might make things difficult; not everyone is going to back down when you brandish your weapons at them" to the group at large: "I hope that I'll see you at the keep tomorrow, I have a . . . personal interest in the matter" without waiting for a response, he bowed, and left the tavern.
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Post by Burmecian Soldier Dan on Oct 12, 2008 17:38:20 GMT
Garrus couldn't sense any deception on the mans part. But from what Garrus knew about the local area, particularly this orchard, he found the whole ordeal rather strange, as well as the messangers parting words.
"Expect us to be there." He called after the man as he left through the taverns door.
He cast a quick look over to the feline, a sly smile crossing his face as he turned his back.
Never underestimate humans my friend.
Garrus stood with his hands on his hips, his back to the table and the assembled group for a moment.
"Thats very odd, and yet interesting at the same time. Theres more to this deal then I first thought."
He started over to the bar, making sure to avoid the fellows from earlier. Upon reaching it, he slammed his hand on the bar to attract the bar keeps attention.
"Barkeep. Do you have any rooms or know anywhere that has a cheap room for the night?"
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Post by Allen on Oct 12, 2008 17:49:15 GMT
barkeeper: "Ar, I got rooms. A gold a night per person"
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Post by Burmecian Soldier Dan on Oct 12, 2008 18:15:36 GMT
Garrus fished in his purse and withdrew a gold piece he had obtained earlier that night.
"Consider the room taken."
Garrus said as he leant on the bar, waiting for the barkeep to take his coin.
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Katz
Rookie
Doo~Dee~DOOO!
Posts: 22
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Post by Katz on Oct 13, 2008 0:13:49 GMT
The feline seemed slightly offended by the glance, and had to figure it was from something he said. Seeing the bard walk away, he exhaled deeply as he lifted himself from the seat, walking over to Garrus. Placing money on the counter to signify that he was purchasing a room, Wolfgang looked at Garrus with his eyes fully visible from beneath the hood...
"I'm sorry if I've offended you. It's just..." He looked over at the group at the table, and looked down. "Some people, both human and highly religious... Did some bad things to my family, and I kind of hold their kind accountable. It's not right to hold a grudge; it's something I have to get over."
Suddenly, his face seemed to become sad, from a sudden memory of what had happened to his family. To try to bring himself from his, he let out a short breath.
Looking at Garrus, the feline decided to pull down his hood, to reveal his Feline-nature, if not already guessed. Being revealed on his face, was frazzled gray fur covering his entire face, save for completely over the eyes and mouth. However, on his left cheek, there was a discolored portion of fur that resembled a symbol in Draconic.
"My apologies for my...Sudden burst of ignorance. Just to let you know, my name is Wolfgang Tamos, and, I hope we can just put my prejudice aside.
An expression of deep disappointment in himself overcame his face as he just seemed to look at the floor in front of him.
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Post by Burmecian Soldier Dan on Oct 13, 2008 8:14:33 GMT
Garrus didn't notice the cowled figure approach until the thud of something on the bar. Looking down he saw the coin and then turned to meet it's owner. He listened as the stranger apologised for what had happened earlier. This took Garrus by surprise. He didn't expect an apology.
Maybe I judged this fellow too harshly. He seems to be genueniuely sorry.
He then listened as to the reason. It was a short tale of persecution.
Poor fellow. I can sympathize with you my friend.
When the stranger pulled back his hood thats when Garrus got the second surprise of the evening. Itwasn't the fact that the mage was a feline, it was the symbol on the side of his face. His eyes were full of shame and remorse as he apologised once again and introduced himself.
"A pleasure to meet you Wolfgang. My names Garrus Velandas, Bard, Minstral, Storyteller and , when the situation calls for it, mummer. Your apology is accepted."
He placed a hand on the mages shoulder.
"Here to show theres no hard feelings and to toast our new friendship let me buy you a drink."
He turned to face the bar.
"Barkeep, bring two of your finest as well."
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Katz
Rookie
Doo~Dee~DOOO!
Posts: 22
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Post by Katz on Oct 13, 2008 10:49:56 GMT
The sad visage of Wolfgang seemed to bright up at the Nezumi's offer. He looked at their face, and smiled, some of his teeth showing.
"I'm glad we could put my actions aside. I don't meet many people who are forgiving as you."
It is surprising though, I was always told that Nezumi were very hot-headed... Hmm, now I'm started to wonder if it was that my family who was wrong instead of everybody else...
No, that's can't be true. My family is...right, somewhat. I know there is a religious sect somewhere in the elven nation who captured my grandfather...
As feelings of flashback overcame Wolfgang, his face seemed to just be staring at the wall behind the Nezumi. Blinking and shaking his face a little, he zoned back into reality. "Woah, sorry about that. I tend to zone out sometimes."
Taking a seat at the bar, he motion for the Nezumi to sit down. "So Garrus..." He took a deep breath, knowing what he was going to ask would be as blunt as a great-club. "What made you take up the path of being a minstrel, bard, storyteller, and the like?" He face looked at Garrus, to see his reaction to the sheer bluntness of the comment. Wolfgang's intention was to not scare Garrus, but just to get straight to a point of interest for the mage.
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ornofthetalon
Trident
"World only have two things: Things you can eat and things you no can eat."-Quina
Posts: 103
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Post by ornofthetalon on Oct 13, 2008 14:36:45 GMT
Nin seemed to relax a bit. His muscles were less ten and he rested his glaive against the table again, but a shuriken was still fingered under his shirt. His ears pricked when the feline started to speak, as he tried to overhear what the mage was saying(roll18+ranks4+wis mod3+racial1=26).
I wonder what that mage is up to
He kept an eye on the mage and bard through his peripheral vision, as he sipped his ale. When the mage lowered his hood, revealing his feline visage, Nin was thoroughly surprised. His eyes stared directly for a second. No longer paying attention to his drinking, a little went down his windpipe, causing him to cough for a few moments. He lost the remaining bits of conversation.
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Post by Allen on Oct 13, 2008 14:56:08 GMT
(Nin can overhear the conversation) The barkeep quickly pockets the gold, an unusually bright grin on his face, as if he's won the lottery. "Rooms're upstairs. Take whatever one ye want. Breakfas' at six, 'n ye gotta be out or paid by noon"
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kintarostiger
Cheerful, Slightly Damp Burmecian
Delicious.
Posts: 328
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Post by kintarostiger on Oct 13, 2008 17:11:09 GMT
Amber minded her own business back at the table of the bar. She eventually sighed, and got up. "Good night, y'all", she said to the likes of Garrus, Wolfgang and the others, raising one hand to them. "If'n ya wish for my assistance, I'll be here t'morrow morn."
With that, she simply walked her way out of the bar calmly, keeping to herself, and not wanting to bother the others with her presense any longer. Her action, whether one could call it an outburst or anything less, still scraped away at her inside, etched into her short-term memory. She knew she'd forget about her humiliation it the next morning.
With little to worry, she pulled out her dagger-whip outside and lashed it around a thick tree branch. She then tried to climb up it, hoping she could rest in said branch that night (Climb skill). If not, she'd merely rush off to the woods instead and sleep there.
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Post by Allen on Oct 13, 2008 17:21:29 GMT
Climb success, feel free to sleep in a tree! (lol, I rhymed) Unless everyone wants more character interaction time, I can fast forwards to the next morning?
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Post by Burmecian Soldier Dan on Oct 13, 2008 21:33:50 GMT
Garrus pulled up a stool next to Wolfgang, glad to see the cats face had brightened up. As he watched, the feline seemed to stare right through him. Garrus waved a hand in front of his face but he didn't respond.
Whats up with him?
Garrus wondered with a furrowed brow. Just then the cat snapped back to reality. Garrus let loose a silent sigh as the friendily smile returned to his face and he let loose a light haerated chuckle.
"Your probably tired. I tend to zone out when I'm a bit lathargic myself."
He heard a familiar voice from across the room. It was the wolfess who had nearly gotten him and her into trouble.
"Goodnight. See you on the morrow, fair lady."
Garrus called out as he rasied a hand over his head. He lowered it upon hearing the tavern door close. He turned to face Wolfgang when his drinking partner cracked a question.
"So Garrus...What made you take up the path of being a minstrel, bard, storyteller, and the like?"
Garrus licked his lips, distracted by a coughing from behind him. He ignored it.
"Thats a fair question. But if your looking for a tale of a Merchant guild spy or an exhiled prince I'm afraid your out of luck. I'm just a drifter who happens to be good with an instrument. I dungeon raid mostly, heck, what adventurer doesn't. But I found out that by raiding random locations, you might just be walking into danger. I guess I was sitting in a tavern just like this and I saw a Bard there as well, and he had the whole tavern enthralled with his music and stories. And one tale intrigued me. I checked it out and lo and behold, it turned out to be true, somewhat. Besides, I also had an interest in local history and different cultures. Where I came from, it was very isolated. There were tons of ruins and very few people that didn't know about them. I guess you could say it was more of an educated change. That way I could share my knowledge with others while making some extra, honest coin. Thats about the long and short of it my friend."
Garrus ended his tale with a smile.
"I hope you don't mind me asking but, I have been around a bit and I have seen mages but I have never seen one with a symbol like that one before. It intrigues me. Would you mind telling me how you came about it?"
Garrus ased as he leant back on his stool.
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Post by Robshi on Oct 13, 2008 22:12:02 GMT
Having finished his drink, and since he was mostly keeping to himself for the time being, Freyr got up and said a few quiet "good-nights" before giving the barman a gold piece and heading to the rooms to retire for the night.
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Katz
Rookie
Doo~Dee~DOOO!
Posts: 22
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Post by Katz on Oct 13, 2008 23:18:25 GMT
Speaking of the sleep, the specialized mage yawned, his cat-like teeth shining in the oil-light of the tavern. Commenting lightly, mainly to himself before the Bard's tale had begun, "I am a bit tired..."
During the story, the feline seemed to be very attentive, his ears perking in the direction of Garrus as the tale began.
He seemed to have left out a detail on the information he provided. What did intrigue him about the tale... He probably left it out for an important reason; I'll check on it later.
Then, as the last question flew from the Nezumi's lips, the feline's face seemed to darken. "About..." He paused, bringing his paw-like hand up to the mark. "This? This is a mark I gained through my magical training..."
Taking a deep breath, the feline's shoulders raised and slumped during inhale and exhalation. He closed his eyes, as if concentrating, and then opened them. "This is going to be abridged, as the full content is something I...I don't quite feel comfortable revealing yet. I can tell you, though, about why I got this mark and the specialization, just nothing before it..."
As he was about to speak, he decided to take a stretch by standing up and extending his hands upward. As he sat back down, he made a bit of a meow-ing sound. "Oh, sorry."
He began, with his voice in a nonchalant fashion. "I, when I was developing to be a male of the household, was enlisted in the Arcane University to be a learner and to be a researcher there. I was taken against my will, but I was merely 7 at the time." His eyes seemed to squint slightly, as if he was in deep thought. "I've learned a lot at the Academy, to learn of Wizardry, and the power of the Arcane. But..."
The feline's voice seemed to trail off, as his head turned to the side to look at the wall behind the bar. Typically limped over at the ground, his tail was now resting on his lap as he seemed to lean back. He moved so his back was to the bar, and he was looking out at the crowd of mainly humans. Elbows now behind him on the bar, so he could use them for support.
Looking back at the bard, he spoke in a quieter tone of voice so not that many could overhear. "But, I deviated from the standard teachings. My true calling was the art of Transmutation, but, they said I had to learn every art. As punishment..." He moved the one arm to his right to the symbol on his face. "I was banished from the school. And with it, this symbol on my face was burned in. Beneath the fur, is a scar, which is why it is discolored. It also limits my magical abilities, I can't cast all the standard spells the usual arcanic user knows."
His view turned to the ground, and then back up. "I'm here now because I've..." He chuckled lightly, as if he was making a joke. It was obvious there was something more to the statement. "A price to pay to my parents. Nothing evil or harmful, just... They need to understand something they've done."
And it's their fault I was sent there...Their fault that I have no family left. Why I got this mark, and why I can do Arcane. Every last thing was their fault...
Was it really so bad to tell him about my past? He seems reputable, but he is a teller of tales... Has my tale become a collection in the archive of his mind? Does it really matter if it is or not, though... Gah, I am too tired to ponder on it; I'll do so in the morning.
To recollect himself from both the story and the anger in his heart while also feeling the daily fatigue overcoming him, he stood up in front of the Nezumi, with a grin on his face. "I think I'm going to head to bed now, Garrus. It's been a deep pleasure talking to another being. I tend not to talk to many people, as...Well, you know." He held his furry paw-like hand out, his left one, and looked at Garrus' face.
He quickly commented, "We can always talk on our travels, since it seems like we'll be together for a while. And at some point, I would be most intrigued to learn about that tale you found interesting. When your ready and we have time, of course."
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Post by Burmecian Soldier Dan on Oct 14, 2008 0:22:10 GMT
Garrus noticed the felines face grow quite dark at the mention of the symbol and his smile dropped a tad.
Uh oh. Looks like I hit a soft spot.
But Garrus was relieved to see the felines face brighten up again. He had to quickly hide a smirk as Wolfgang mewed as he streched. Garrus shifted on his stool as he listened to Wolfgangs story. It made for interesting listening. As the feline lowered his voice Garrus leant in slightly.
How can the people that taught him all those spells limit them. Seems a waste of time. I need to ask him more about this transmutation later on.
Garrus leant back as the felines voice picked up. It was then that the feline seemed to break his tale. Like he was hiding something, or there was more to tell. Garrus listened intently to see if he could fathom if what the feline didn't want to say might be hurtful or be distressing to him. (Sense motive)
Garrus stood up and took Wolfgangs left paw in his left hand and shook it firmly but warmly.
"It was a pleasure speaking to you too. I can understand why you wouldn't want to speak to others and as such, we'll just keep this story between us. I too have many questions about your choosen art. And I would be happy to tell you about the tale and more during our travels. Hope you sleep well for we have an early start tomorrow."
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Post by Allen on Oct 14, 2008 0:58:55 GMT
Garrus doesn't sense anything unusual about the tale.
I'll fast forward to the next morning shortly, I have some paperwork to look through
After a restful night (all spells memorized, abilities recharged, etc), the party gathered in the tavern for breakfast; which consisted of sandy-tasting oatmeal, and scraps of bread toasted to the consistency of tree bark. The maid serving the food chattered incessantly about meaningless drivel, making conversation all but impossible. Checking their belongings out of their respective rooms (and trees!), the new companions made the short walk to the keep at the edge of town.
Calling the building a keep would be definitely generous; in lieu of a fortress, the lord ran the area out of his house, a two-storey stone manor, with a four storey tower built next door. There was a single guard, but he seemed to be more of a porter than anything else. He happily pointed the party toward the day-library where Lord Leng held audience. Finding their way without difficulty, the group entered the library to find an ageing human sitting behind a desk, reading through a stack of records. Upon hearing the group's arival, he looked up.
"Ah, you must be the adventurers that Ruric told be about!" he spoke cheerfully "I assume that he told you about our goblin problem?"
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Katz
Rookie
Doo~Dee~DOOO!
Posts: 22
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Post by Katz on Oct 14, 2008 9:57:52 GMT
((Current Spells Prepared 0: Stick Prestidigitation Detect Magic 1: Guiding Light Orb of Fire, Lesser))
Wolfgang made sure that nobody the night before saw him without the black robe on, and made sure on the way to the fortress to keep his hood up as to merely hide his racial identity, and his background.
Upon arriving to the fortress, and going by the guards into the library, the feline's jaundiced behavior towards humans seemed to vanish, similar to a cleric purifying water. Beneath the surface, though, thoughts were conjured...
What is this, a single guard in this area of 'protection'? How could a person spend all of this money for walls and such, but only have a single guard?
Baffled by the lack of security, on the way through the entire fortress, Wolfgang found himself looking at Garrus more and more often, as he wondered about the tale in which he mentioned. He knew, however, he wasn't going to bring it up in front of the others.
Out of everybody here, we have myself, a storyteller, and a... Ninja? He looks weird, but maybe a thief or something like that... A holy-man, an outspoken being who has a club, and that's about it?
I think we can handle difficult situations. Atleast, I hope we can...
As the human spoke, the feline decided to just stand there with his arms crossed; his weaponry on his back consisting of his staff, a crossbow, and a dagger in a pocket of his boot. His face was not able to be seen beneath the shadow of the hood, but his eyes were clearly visible. They seemed to be squinting slightly, as if waiting for the human to say something dangerous about the mission. (Sense Motive)
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Post by Burmecian Soldier Dan on Oct 14, 2008 15:51:49 GMT
Garrus ate the rather paltry breakfast, chewing it several times. He was glad to finally be out of that tavern. The maids constant, inane talk had flooded Garrus mind with dark thoughts. But he guessed anyone would think the same things. He travelled with the rest of the group in silence, casting a quick eye over the group.
Well, my friend Wolfgangs here as well as that Wolfess. Lets hope she doesn't do anything that might get us killed. Where'd that elf and that ninjaery bloke come from? Ah, well. The more the merrier, just need to keep and eye on my things.
Garrus thought as they approached the keep which just happened to be a large house with a tower glued on the side.
Some castle. Looks more like a demented attempt at building a castle. and whats with the guard, if it even is one? He doesn't look like he's ready for combat. Looks more like a Fartcatcher to me.
Walking toward where the Lord held audience Garrus was impressed with the decour.
He's got taste. This Leng must be a very cultured person.
They were lead into a library and behind a desk said a wizended old man.
This is Sir Leng? I wasn't expecting this. He looks more like a scholar then a lord. But he must hold something powerful if he rules over this region
Knowing that, from the incident in the tavern the night before, if the Wolfess spoke she might make a hash of it or Wolfgang might unintentionally insult Leng. Taking the iniative Garrus stepped forward, sweeping his hat off and bowing his head to the small wrinkled figure, before placing the hat back over his pointed ears.
"A pleasure to meet you my lord. Yes, your represenative said you had trouble with those odious beings. But where are my manners? I'm Garrus Velandas and party. At your service. Your representative told us to deliever ourselves to your esteemed repose for for further details of your problem. Would you please care to elaborate?"
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Post by Allen on Oct 14, 2008 18:02:08 GMT
"Ooh, aren't you the charmer!" the lord spoke, obviously tickled at Garrus' formality. "I assume he told you that goblins have been raiding our orchards. What he probably didn't tell you is that they're stealing out enchanted saplings!" seeing the confused looks on the party's faces, he regressed his tale
"Once a year, the goblins bring us an enchanted apple that has the power to cure all sickness. We pay them for it, and they mostly leave us alone. For the last two years, we've planted the seeds from these apples, and every year, when the saplings grow to about four feet, they are stolen overnight! I'm certain it's those damned goblins! We've already sent a group of adventurers, but we haven't heard from them for the last month. I'm asking you to find out what happened to them, and to deal with the goblin thieves"
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Post by Burmecian Soldier Dan on Oct 14, 2008 21:21:01 GMT
Garrus smiled a little at the response he got.
Now Sir Leng is in a good mood, he might tell us more about these plants.
Garrus cast a quick look over his shoulder at the bemused looks on the faces of the party behind him.
If only they knew what I knew.
Garrus listened to the story, wondering if the Lord was being truthful about these wonderful apples. He seemed so open about them that Garrus wondered if maybe there was more to this. (Sense Motive)
"Your lordship is most kind. I'm certain we can handle a few goblins my lord. We'll try to find the adventurers if we can. I have a few questions though. How many Goblins are there and how many of your saplings did they take? I'm asking so then we can make sure that they don't trouble you again and that you get all your saplings back." Also, would your Lord mind if we kept the goblins spoils? In us keeping the spoils means more money in your coffers. (Diplomacy)
Garrus awaited Lengs reply.
(OOC: The part in italic is supposed to be a part of the main speech. I wanted to take it out but I left it in to see if I could use diplomacy. So it's an optional piece that i wanted to experiment with, if thats ok. If I can't use Diplomacy here, could you remove the italiced parts please Allen as I don't want it to upset the story if it is useless. Thanks..)
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