Explorers of Acacia Reborn - IC thread

[razorback]

As the dragon-man stomps around the room making demands even the normally obtuse Algrith shakes his head with a shudder. <The upside, I suppose, is that if doors need to broken down or water checked for poison, at least this merry group has the man, kind of like Drugo...> Algrith thinks to himself of a former dwarven adventuring companion, audibly letting out a small sigh. He watches with feigned interest in Yrago antics but his real attention is caught on the stars supposed owner.

[Vixsor Lumin]

Arryl watches the dragon man stomp around the room, and jokingly wondered if he could convince Yrago that a muzzle would make him look even scarier.

[Demidos]

"Oh, you're asking a price?" Yrago growled sarcastically. "I'll name my price.

The star. I'll give you what you want, but in return? I'm getting that diamond.

Clear?"

Imaran groans, just barely audibly. He's pretty sure that the brains of everyone in the room die a little more with every hour...no, every moment in the presence of this blockhead.

Then again, I guess he brought it on himself. And its not the worst answer the dragon-creature could have given. At least he merely appeared an idiot, rather than rude. Imaran thought, attempting to massage his forehead subtly.

[qwertyu63]

"Oh, you're asking a price?" Yrago growled sarcastically. "I'll name my price.

The star. I'll give you what you want, but in return? I'm getting that diamond.

Clear?"

With a deadpan voice, "Yeah, no."

[razorback]

Around bites of breakfast that consists of egg with bits of some kind of greasy sausage, and onions atop a corn flat bread topped with some very heavy cream, Algrith smiles at the mans retort to Yrago.
Wiping his mouth, he prepares to move in case the dragon man doesn't take the response well.

[INoKnowNames]

"Pardon my interruption. It might not be any of my business, but given the sensitive subject matter at hand, would it not be best to have any sort of discussion related to this in a slightly more private location?" asks Tarmikos, having decided to throw his two pieces into the conversation, putting away the information he received earlier and leaning on the wall. "With all due respect, your majesty, your entrance was more than a bit conspicuous. Were that not enough, your little toy is certainly capable of causing quite a ruckus; not exactly something one might want to be traceable back to one's self or associates. Who knows who might be watching even as you speak?"

[qwertyu63]

"True... Alright. Follow me." and he starts walking back to his wagon.

[asdflove]

Alia smiles at Tarmikos' sudden interjection, and she nods and follows to the wagon.

[INoKnowNames]

Rather than following, Tarmikos puts a hand on Alia's shoulder before she gets to far, swiftly breathing "Be careful how earnestly you respond to a stranger.", before re-addressing the man. "I'm sure you can forgive me for my rampant paranoia, your highness. But I assume you're not traveling light in there; if the creator of your toy is there as well, then I can easily assume the royal guard would be escorting you as well. Would you care for a conversation in a setting not so cramped? I'm sure the Inn has a conference room inside, and I know somewhere that does if not. There's quite a bit to talk about, so all involved may as well make themselves comfortable, huh?"

After that, he turns his attention back to the rest. "Yragoki, remember that talk we had earlier, about honor and respect? This is a time to act on that; this fellow commands dignity, and you would do wise to heed his words. While your initial price might be a bit more than you should expect, you would be surprised what someone like him could offer you for your assistance."

Though he smiles outwardly, it is only to keep from gritting his teeth in frustration. Tarmikos, what in the world are you getting yourself wrapped into. You don't have time to become this guy's errand boy; you've got your own mistakes to clean up... he thinks to himself behind his grin.

[qwertyu63]

"Perhaps you are correct. I'll just go get my friend, and we can find a good place." he says, before hurrying outside to the wagon. He walks back in a minute later, a man in cerulean robes by his side.

[asdflove]

Alia rolls her eyes at Tarmikos' warning. "I am aware not to blindly trust, Tarmikos', but frankly I myself need to keep on the move, and this seems like a good opportunity to do so. I would have been on my guard at the carriage, just as I will be wherever we do wind up talking, as is."
Aliavius' eyes sweep over the man in the blue robes. "Hello. I presume you are the maker of the star then? It seemed to be quite powerful."

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge scoffs at the last of Tarkimos' words, a brief distasteful sound like the crunching of overloaded steel. Let us find our way to an agreeable meeting chamber, and not teach the dragon bad habits.

[Vixsor Lumin]

Arryl walks past Tarmikos and gives him a sly look. Then he walks in silently listening to the new stranger.

[qwertyu63]

The robed man speaks, saying "I am indeed the creator of the star. I'd rather not say much more until we are in a more private place." Then Karlon says "Well then, let's get somewhere."

A few minutes later, they are in a conference room in the inn.

[razorback]

Irritated that everyone is getting up to meet this star creator, Algrith scowls like a child for a moment and then brightens up as he picks up his plate and follows the group.
The look of irriation crosses his face again as he is walking out the exit of the building and everyone is walking back in. With a shake of his head, he turns around. As everyone enters the private room, he plops himself down in a corner chair, plate still held in case this mad group decides to play musical rooms again, as he sits backs and eats while listening to what the blue robed man has to say.
"Admittedly, you are curious about this star and its functions." those sitting near him can hear him mumble to himself with a half-full mouth of food.

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge stands at the door, with Venn at his side.

Laying down with a huff, Venn plays the role of a disinterested mutt, but truly, is he paying more attention than Drudge is.

So, tell us about the star, it seems the more prudent place to start.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago, eyes popping with barely contained anger at disbelief at his callous treatment, is about to have another outburst when he hears Tarmikos' warning. He swallows slowly, and screams "How DARE you scold me like that! You think I'm a CHILD?"
Well, he does in his mind. In reality, he merely mutters it furiously, but pretty much inaudibly.

He follows them into the room, now more angry with himself than with the others. "The hell am I doing? Backing down to a little ratspawn like that! I'm Yragoki Mourrædor, I don't answer to NOBODY!"
And yet, he finds himself following the others, like a good little boy, and accepting his childish scolding. As they settle into the room, Yrago leans against a wall away from the others, hating himself.

Before this new sullen mood swing can take over, however, he sees an opportunity. He sidles up to this craftsman guy and mutters, "How much, persuasion, shall we say, would you require to make another of these 'stars'?"
On the word persuasion, he pointedly rests one hand on his money belt, and the other on the foot of his axe. Carrot and stick. Let's see how the guy reacts to THAT!

[qwertyu63]

Looking at Yrago, the robed man says "More money then you will ever have." Addressing the room, he continues "Now then, the star has 5 abilities. From what I've heard you've seen 2 of them already. Issuing instructions to a large group and shielding the holder. However, it has three other powers. Creating things, unleashing blasts of fire and turning the holder and their allies invisible. When it breaks, each shard has one of these abilities, and the powers are stronger the more shards are connected."

[INoKnowNames]

Between Alia's pert response, Drudge's admonishment, and Aryll's smug grin, the center of Tarmikos' face has taken on a rather deep shade of scarlet, and his smile remains, if a bit broken, only because no other expression properly fits his current combination of moods: slight shock, even more slightly embarrassed, and ultimately amused and vexed by the situation.

Tarmikos still has half a mind to simply excuse himself and return to his work as the rest get up to speak in private. Yet later still, he finds himself, if out of burning curiosity, joining the others in the conference room, hand on face and looking into the desk as the dragon-man once again opens his maw.

When the man responsible for the creation of the artifact speaks up, Tarmikos straightens himself and attempts to remove some of the crimson from his face, and further tries to speak with what remaining dignity he can muster.

"Hm.... any chance you can explain how and why the star was created? Just the utility of the 5 powers in one convenient package, or was there a purpose behind it? ...And further more, how did the thing get stolen from you in the first place?" he asks.

[qwertyu63]

The robed man says "You'd have to ask Karlon. I made it because he asked me to."

Karlon says "I had it made for my own defense. As for losing it, the story is a bit embarrassing... About a month ago, I was using it to get through some interlopers, but I dropped it and one of them snatched it and vanished. I've been looking for it since."

[razorback]

Around a mouth of food Algrith says "Interlopers? Could you give a little more detail? Because the off-hand way you say that, it makes it sound as if you were at the market and dropped your handkerchief and some street urchin snapped it up before you could bend over to grab it."

[qwertyu63]

"Well, I was trying to get back to the capital after a vacation and this group of guys showed up and tried to stop me. So, I was using the star to fight them off when I dropped it. Before I could pick it back up, one of them grabbed it and vanished, presumably using the invisibility function. Me and my guard couldn't give chase due to being bogged down in the fight, so they got away. I've been trying to get it back since."

[Zolkabro]

Yrago snorted with laughter. "Oh, you dropped it, huh? Real smooth, real smooth."

"Well, I got nothin' else on, and, as we decided I'm in charge, that means we're all in. 'Kay?"

[darklink_shadow]

You're not in charge of me. Nobody is. Drudge said with venom rusting his tone. Venn picked up on anger Drudge was venting and growled momentarily. When his allied stopped, Drudge turned his body to face the nobleman, and addressed him.

Now, it seems apparent you didn't attempt to divine it's location? Or perhaps you did and that is what led you here, only have to smashed? Or more to the point, can you divine its location? If you can, I would wager you are only seeking aid because you fear some challenge you haven't mentioned. If you cannot divine its location, what hope do we have in finding it? You make it sound as if it could be anywhere. While I can search for it endlessly and tirelessly, you could die of old age before I find even one shard if they are anywhere on this plane. So, I guess, what I am saying is "Tell us everything."

[qwertyu63]

"Alright, we had a way of tracking the full star, which we have been using this whole time. As it is, when the star is broken, it tracks all 5 of the shards." He pulls out a compass. Opening it, it has 5 needles pointing in 5 directions. "The problem is they scatter all over the world. Who knows where they could have landed? Or more to the point, who could have found them? That is why I need help."

[Demidos]

Imaran stands with narrowed eyes and crossed arms. He feels many of Drudge's concerns, and after all, if they had access to magic so powerful, surely they could scry each piece and teleport to it to retrieve it.

There was something they weren't being told.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago spluttered incredulously at Drudge. "You ungrateful hunk of tin, we pronounced me leader! Don't you go disputing that now!
"

He turned to the noble-man. "Ignore him, his brain is rusted."

"Although, I gotta say, the suggestion that you might be keeping something from us makes me... uneasy." As he says uneasy, he rests his hand on his axe again, and bares his vile but vicious teeth slightly.

Intimidate: [roll0]

[asdflove]

Alia sighs. "I only agreed to that yesterday because you had just left a drunken rage. It seemed like the only means to keep you calm. I would much sooner think of someone like Tarmikos as a leader, simply because he thinks before he speaks, and is rather level headed, unlike you, clearly."

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge ignored Yrago, but chuckled at Alia comment. Venn would be the leader before Yrago.

Venn growled again. Hey. Don't use me as an example. In response, Drudge scratched Venn's neck. Besides, I would be perfectly good at leading, just not being the ambassador.

[shayanuser]

"First you act surprised when hearing that the star is broken into shards, then you tell us you have been tracking the 5 pieces all this time. You are hiding something from us, if I were a mercenary I would be charging extra on this job."

"But I'm not a mercenary and so I shall be on my way when this conversation is over. That star is too dangerous to be left unattended.", Rhonin announced, accepting the mission regardless of others' decision. Although in the end his objective may very well be different than what the robed man requested.

[Vixsor Lumin]

"I guess im in too. Ive got no reason to stay here and this seems like as good a reason as any to head out." Arryl says pointedly staying out of the Yrago/Alia part of the conversation.

[asdflove]

"As I'm sure I made clear even before we came back here, I am also 'in'."

[Demidos]

"Very well." adds Imaran, upon confirmation from Algrith.

This quest allows him to travel the surface lands anyway, and it lets him keep an eye on the dragon...creature.

Assumed Algrith would agree. Will edit if not the case.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago opens his mouth to argue, feeling a rage coming on, but then hears everybody else agree that they are "in". He smiles slightly, his forked tongue flickering between his jagged teeth. Oh, I'm not the leader, am I? Then why are they all following my instructions? Take that Alia.

He slouches back into a chair, content to rule from the sidelines. He says to Drudge and Alia nothing more than,
"...Very well."

[razorback]

Algrith has one of his last bites of breakfast about halfway to his mouth as he stops when Imaran volunteers to go.
<Wasn't expecting that> he thinks to himself.
Fork still hovering, he weighs what he knows and tries to draw conclusions about success from it. The fork continues to hover for a few moments and, as everyone looks on, he says "Yeah... I'm in, too. Too much of an opportunity not to see what happens, I suppose."
With that he finishes his breakfast and wipes his hands on his napkin.

[Aldurin]

Lerian approaches the Karlon now that the others have quieted down a bit. "I'm with these guys, for better or for worse, so I'll be coming along to help, too."

[INoKnowNames]

The silver-haired soul stayed seated, reading the information he was given earlier, while most of the others gathered around continued talking. And as most of then eagerly expressed conveyance to take up the royal's request, Tarmikos lets out a small sigh, returning the files back to his bag, the information within deemed unsuitable to his needs. "I still have a few more curiosities that would appreciate answering, but I suppose I wouldn't mind pitching in a helping hand myself, for now. I can only hope I'm not weaker than the average citizen, and yet I myself nearly fell victim to the Star's magic; I guess I can't just turn away from that kind of power being left unchecked."

[qwertyu63]

"Very well. Here is the compass. When you find and recover all the shards, I'll be in Belenos." Karlon and his wizard leave.

[Zolkabro]

"I'll take that!" Yrago says eagerly, grabbing the compass. But his greedy grin turns to a snarl as he is confused by the multiple hands. "The hell is this?! What kind of compass shows you five norths - even I know there's only one!"
He chucks for Tarmikos to catch. "Here, you try and make sense of it."

[asdflove]

"Oh, please. They clearly point toward the shards, rather than north. A standard compass would be no help at all." Alai scoffs at Yrago, rolling her eyes.

[Zolkabro]

"Ohhhhhhh, that makes sense."
"Hey, let's follow that one!" Yrago says, pointing at the compass. "It's red, like me. Yeeeeaah."

OOC: If Yrago had cool shades, he would slowly put them on at this point.

[razorback]

Algrith, wanting to take a closer look at the compass, hesitates as he has felt the capricious nature of Yrago.
"Yrago, since I have some skill with magic, could I take a look at this?" he says, more meekly than he wished.

[darklink_shadow]

Too bad there is only one compass. We have half an army of volunteers here. We could easily part into teams, except for the fact each would need the compass of which there is only one. Ah, well. When you're done looking at it, or whenever, I would like to look at it, but only to see it. I have no real knowledge of magic items of which to speak, but I am curious to see it in detail. Possibly tonight when you all sleep would be best.

Looking around at the assorted people, he wondered how many of these people were the type to be ready at the drop of the hat, and how many would need to prepare. Can we all agree to leave this place by noon? Or should we set out tomorrow morning? And either way, can someone point me to a book store?

[razorback]

Seeing Yrago hand the compass to Tarmikos, Algrith asks the warrior "May I have a look? Maybe Imaran and I can divine how this works. By extension, we might be able to amplify its power or replicate it.. on a... small scale?" his statement hesistating into a question as he looks at his friend.

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos says absolutely nothing as the noble and his mage make their hasty exit. He wordlessly takes the compass from Yragoki in one hand without even truly acknowledging him, still somewhat upset at the abruptness of the pair's leaving and the number of lingering questions they left behind.

Sighing, he puts on a slightly more composed visage, and hands the compass over to Algrith. "Feel free, so long as you don't do anything that might break it, though I doubt I needed to clarify that. Making multiple would enable us to cover more ground, though I'd be just as interested in figuring out from the compass alone which shard is closest to us, so we can complete this mission as soon as possible."

He turns and acknowledges Drudge. "To that end, leaving as soon as possible is a move I can agree on. Though maybe we should search for transportation, not literature. If no one has anything they need to do, I'm ready to check out now."

[Vixsor Lumin]

"I'm ready as well, ive got everything I need on me, and the banks can have the rest."

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge shook his head, and ground out a disapproving hiss of steam. Don't be selfish, Tarmikos. I don't expect you to go without sleep, don't expect me to go without literature. You get to sleep 8 hours of the day. With what do you expect me to fill those hours? If not reading, then brooding? And what, if not slow vengeance and wrath, should I brood? If I do nothing, I will lose my mind. I've already spent dozens of your lifespans doing nothing. Do no subject that to me again, if I have a way to avoid it. So, either you stay up with me every night debating philosophy, religion, science and politics with me, or I need books. Or I'll plot your downfall for fun. May set some Machiavellian machines into motion.

[Demidos]

Imaran speaks up, moving near Drudge.

"I have a fair storage of books, but many have to do with the intricacies of arcane magic. If you are interested in that, i'm sure you could find that to your taste. If not, I have a fair knowledge of the libraries in this city, and could guide you there quickly to buy some books, as to not waste more time."

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge nodded, I've an interest in the arcane, among other things. I prefer books that are about philosophy, however. They are the kind that you can read but a little, and then ponder for hours. Whereas arcane books are just so difficult to understand, it takes a long time to read them. Either way, it gives the books a high time-sink versus carry weight ratio. So, I'd prefer we go an find some books, but if not, I could read about arcane theses.

[Demidos]

Imaran waits quietly for the furor to die down and for everyone else to examine it first before he moves to scrutinize it alongside his friend.

Int check [roll0]

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos spends a few moments staring Drudge down with a stern glare.

He then proceeds to double over laughing, actually having to sit down after a moment to keep from falling. "Holy cow, Venn, where ever did you get this guy?!" he manages to ask in between giggling.

Finally managing to make it back to his feet, he wipes away tears from his eyes, and leans on Drudge's shoulder. "Man, I haven't had a laugh that good in a while. The last few months have been nothing but boredom and anxiety; I suppose this job won't be all bad after all, with people like you to travel with. I wouldn't mind losing a few days of sleep talking with you, my friend. I can only wonder at what stories you might be willing to share, and can only hope my own are on par. But if you desire some reading so fiercely, we can make a quick run for something for you to read before we leave, and try to pick up further literature as we move. Heck, Imaran's right; there was a library just near where I work here; let's go there now." he finally responds, his warm smile finally returned.

With that, he turns around. "Anyone else with any further business, either come along with us or go ahead and get it done on your own. Let's get this party started!" he suggests to them, before taping again on Drudge's shoulder before walking out the door. While walking, he speaks to himself. "Heh... Keth, you should have been here for that... all of you should have..."

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge is a bit confused by the actions before him, but makes no response initially. Venn, however, is quick to cough out a wolfish chuckle. Well, the other options were much more bleak. Throw rug, cloak or Drudge. It really seemed like the best option at the time.

After I let you out of the cage, you could have left. You could leave now. Drudge pointed out.

Oh, but my honor compels me to stay with you. Life debts are funny that way. Venn chuckled again and followed Tarmikos out. Drudge watched them walk for a while, thinking, then followed.

I see. Life debts. I wonder if I owe the trees a life debt. Drudge wondered aloud.

[qwertyu63]

A few quick trips to libraries, shops, and wherever else you want to stop before leaving later, you all find the group just outside the cities north gate.

If you wish to make any last purchases before leaving, this is your chance. Just note it down and tell us OOC.

[razorback]

As everyone is making ready to go, Algrith goes upstairs and retrieves his pack and pays for his room.
Ordering a bit of this local dark, bitter drink from ground beans, he looks at the others as he pulls a book from his pack.
"Well, I am ready to go. When the rest of you are ready, if yo want to meet back here, I'll be waiting." with that, he begins to read his book, a history of an ancient magic college that not longer exists.


Once everyone is up and going, he packs his bags and makes his way outside the town, face looking north.

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge walks up to the gate, pleased with his new collection of books, and stares at his companions who arrived before him. Everyone seemed hesitant, so he took initiative. In the direction of the red arrow, correct? Let's move out.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago strolls along with the others, an easy grin gracing his face. "Red it is!" He rumbles, relaxing.
And once again, they do as I say. None of these hopeless fools can resist my devious schemes! And once my machinations are complete, I will have complete control over every one of these rats! And they will never, know, a THING!
HA!

[asdflove]

"Red works..." Alia looks over her shoulder. "I wanna get moving soon as possible."

[Aldurin]

Lerian starts walking past them and towards the outskirts, "Yes, which ever one you think is closest. We'd better hope the shards are somewhere at least somewhat accessible, and not in the bottom of the ocean or the middle of a drow cavern complex."

[Demidos]

Imaran sits near Algrith next to the city gate, poring over his own tome. In contrast to the relatively benevolent book his friend is reading, its surface appears dark and overly shiny, appearing almost as the carapace of a gigantic insect. Spidery runes make their way across the cover, seeming to move when one looks away. The book gives off a general sense of foreboding, but is not magical if scanned with any sensors.

As their party members approach, he stands and folds the book away into a fold in his backpack. By some magic, it vanishes whole until it is needed again. Turning to Algrith, he pokes him delicately with the point of his toe before pointing with his chin towards the approaching group.

"Time to get back on the road."

Shouldering his pack, he waits for his friend to stand, then starts walking out the gate in the direction of the first arrow.

Edited appropriately in italics.

[INoKnowNames]

After getting Drudge some new reading material, Tarmikos splits from Imaran and he, headed back to his work place. "I'll catch you guys in just a bit." he promises.

---------------------------

At the city gate, where the group is gathered, the sounds of agitated horses can be heard. Tarmikos can be seen making his way toward the rest of the group, noticeably covered in hoof prints and bite marks. Trailing behind him is a pair of Clydesdales, towing a Carriage, large enough to accommodate even this party.

"I..." he huffs and weaves. "I figured that... no one probably feels like walking whatever distances will have to be traveled... so I figured it'd... be worth it to call in a favor... and get us all a ride..." The man falls on his face once he has made it back to the group proper, stopping his heaving only to dodge being crushed by another hoof.

"Can't catch a break with animals... Why do all of them hate me... or want me eaten..." he wipes his brow, as he and the horse nearest him trade glares. "I don't know how to control these things... any chance any of you fell like driving us?"

[Vixsor Lumin]

Arryl looks at the horses quizzicly. "Never even thought about riding a horse before, sorry."

[razorback]

Algrith gives a look at the horses, obviously uneasy with them.

"Are they some sort of magically mutated form of horse?"

He doesn't step towards the carriage yet.

[asdflove]

"I don't know what it's worth, but I'm good with animals in general..." She chuckles nervously. "Though I've never actually rode a horse." Alia steps up to a horse, and gently strokes its snout. "Your a good horsey aren't you? Yeah you are." Her gaze flicks to Tarmikos on the ground. "They're not trying to hurt you, Tarmikos. They have no idea what they're doing..." Her tone is annoyed, but she quickly turns her attention back to the horse.

Maple whines a little and sits next to Tarmikos, pouting and trying to get Aliavius' attention.

[darklink_shadow]

Majestic creatures who lives their whole lives either free and nomadic or in the service of others. We should treat them well. They sacrific a grand life to carry our burdens. The trade of absolute freedom for our friendship is sided against them, we should strive to make our friendship worth more to them. Drudge said, a little melancholy. Well, at least they look well fed and properly groomed.

[Vixsor Lumin]

"Well while you guys figure out ehose the best for the job, im gonna make myself comfy." he leaps up, using his wings to aid him and comes down on the roof of the carriage. Closed spaces and I dont get along, so I think this is a good spot for me."

[darklink_shadow]

Hmmmmmm... Drudge's voice was gravel rolling down a hill. I'll just walk. As much as they are carrying, if we push them to move faster than I do, they'll be exerting themselves too much.

I'm at work, taking a short break, but while at work I can't check my sheet. I assume, however, that Drudge moves at a fairly rapid gait. Base movement of 30, I think, is still what I have. But I can use the Run action to move at x4 speed, which is 120 feet per round. I don't get tired, so I can just run the whole time. So, even if the horse have a base speed of 60, you'd be making them hustle to keep up with my top speed. To make them go faster would be making them run. The horses will not run while pulling the carriage, or Drudge will get all upset and stuff. Plus, they can't run for long as it is. Most likely, they will walk the whole way anyways, since they are pulling the cart.

TL;DR, I think Drudge can keep up just fine, unless the horses are running, and Drudge won't stand for making them run while pulling all of you in a carriage. Also, Drudge is heavy, and doesn't want to horses to carry him.

[Demidos]

"If it helps, we can rest in my study. Although there is only room for two, maybe three. I don't think the slight weight change of a couple hundred pounds would mean anything to creatures so large, however."

Imaran looks apprehensively at the horses. Creatures such as these don't exist in the Underdark.

[razorback]

Thinking about Imaran's offer, he, surprisingly, declines.
"I might join you in a bit, friend, but I think I want to see one of these magnificent creatures in action. It is like someone took a stout pony and cast enlarge upon it. Hmmm... I wonder if one could create such a spell."
With that, he climbs onboard the front of the carriage and begins taking notes on the pad of paper he produces, writing out his ideas furiously.

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos attempts to scratch Maple behind the ears, hoping that his horrible encounters with nature will end soon enough. "Honestly, I wouldn't put it past them to know exactly what they're doing, Alia. Most people that try to crush my head do it intentionally... though this is only the third time that a horse has tried it. Maybe I just still smell odd from yesterday." he remarks, throwing a look at Yragoki.

Regardless of Maple's response to him, Tarmikos stands up and looks the carriage over again, stretching. "If you wish to walk, I certainly won't stop you, my friend, but these guys are pretty strong. So long as we give them breaks every now and then and make sure they can eat and drink, they've basically been born and raised for this job, and they should be fine. All I know for a fact, though, is that we should get moving soon. It feels like I've been here for months, despite it only being a day!"

Opening the door to the inside of the vehicle, he calls out. "Anyone else coming in for a ride, come on! It's time we get this party started! Let's make some progress."

[darklink_shadow]

I've ran with wild horses. Those ones are bred for speed. These are bred for power. If they outpace me, you are pushing them too hard. Drudge said firmly, stiffly, robotically. Animals shouldn't be forced to their limits. They are not machines. The last sentence resounded hollowly, tinged with bitterness.

Venn grunted, then looked towards their path. Let's go, we've done enough chit-chatting. We've got some magical doodad to find. With that, Venn walked to Imaran. I can't keep pace with Venn or the horses, and I won't fit well in the carriage. Or rather, I'll be comfortable, but no one else will be. Can I stay in your study?

[asdflove]

Maple barked happily at Tarmikos and licked his face.

Alia smiles at Tarmikos, briefly turning her attention away from the horse. "I know. It's crazy how a short amount of time can feel so long..." At Drudge's speaking, her brow furrows but she doesn't turn to him when she speaks.
"Drudge, I think you're underestimating these beautiful creatures." She gently kisses the horse she was petting on it's nose. "They were trained for this, and I'm sure their quite good at it. I daresay that, if they understood you, it would hurt their feelings to know that someone thinks they can't do their job." Alia finally turns her gaze to Drudge, her eyes shining. "How would you feel if someone said you shouldn't work at your full potential, and therefore not do your job appropriately."

[darklink_shadow]

Perhaps you under estimate me, or perhaps you overestimate horses. A horse can run faster than me only if it is running as fast as it can. If a horse runs as fast as it can for long, it will die. They won't try to slow, they will run until their heart stops and they die. I've seen it. Drudge paused, mulling over his next words. If the horses move more quickly than I do, then they set a pace they will not survive. They will not willingly enter this pace without provocation. If you provoke them to run at this pace, you are a murderer. If they understand me, they know I am only caring more for them better than they are able to care for themselves. Drudge moved to lock eyes with Alia. His face was steel, expressionless as the day he was made, unable to bend or contort to belay his emotions, but his eyes had a soul to them, and they were stern, serious and sorrowful. If someone said working at my full potential would kill me, and they had spent more time with my kind than ten of my own lifetimes, I would listen to them. If you force or allow these horses to run themselves to death, then you are not who I thought you were, Alia. If such a crime comes to pass, then we are foes. I've seen horses ridden to death too. I asked the men who did it if it was worth their own life, whatever it was that caused them to push the horse so hard. Those who said it was not died. I will not allow anyone to put an animal's life lower than their own. Animals are not your slaves to be used up and discarded. This quest is not worth our lives, or the lives of these horses. I will not be dissauded.

[INoKnowNames]

"Whoah whoah whoah, time out, guys! Let's calm down for just a second, please." Tarmikos calls, moving from the door to inbetween the elf and automaton. Assuming neither continues further, he puts his hand on Drudge's shoulder. "Look, we're not going to beat them to death and demand that they run as if their lives depended on it for days on end and see to it that they wear their horse shoes down to the numbs in the process. And Alia wasn't expecting them to; no one was. We merely intend to have them help us travel."

Tarmikos points to bags on the sides of the carriage while still facing Drudge. "I went ahead and secured a solid week of food for them while working this out with my employers. They'll be fed, and whenever we stop, like for the night to sleep, or if we need to rest and figure out our next move, or even when we need to go indoors (and obviously they can't follow or take us into most places), they'll have time to take a break." he continues, before patting Drudge on the shoulder again. "No one is asking them to work until they physically destroy themselves; just to help us as best as they can. And the best way they can help is through helping us travel. I don't expect anyone to die on this journey, nor will I direct anyone to. We won't make them do anything they can't reasonably handle; you really don't have to worry, okay?"

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge waited for Tarkimos to finish, and then nodded. You're right, you won't. Drudge said, still moody. And I am saying that if they can consistently outpace a tireless machine like me, there is something wrong. I can run flatout without tiring forever at a speed just over half a thoroughbred race horse. These horses are almost certainly not bred for racing, and these horses pull a cart.



Math time.

Drudge's movement is the plain, boring 30 feet. But if he takes the run action, it quadruples to 120 feet. That's per round, or per 6 seconds, so 20 feet per second, which is about 14 miles per hour.

Throughbred (long distance) race horses run at a speed of 25 miles per hour, but typically run 1.5 miles before they are tired out.

That's only running for 3.6 minutes, which means they would get fatigued after 36 rounds.

Which means, after that point they would be unable to run, dropping to half their speed, which would drop it to below my run speed. If they continued to run, it would be automatically failing con checks (See Forced March rules, note rules about mounts) and taking LETHAL damage.

Simple rules answer, see movement speed of a cart or wagon. 2 Miles per hours. I run at 14 miles per hour. I'm 7 times as fast as my top speed.

If the horses are beating me, they will die by the end of the day. 100% Guaranteed, assuming no DM Fiat.

[INoKnowNames]

"Not a single person here claimed that they can outpace you but yourself. No one else but you -cares- to even attempt it. The only thing we acknowledge is that because of how strong even -one- is, it is more than capable of pulling the majority of us and still moving faster than any of us can." he gestures towards himself and the rest of the group and carriage. "We've got -two-. Pulling this thing and making good time isn't even a challenge to them. I'm responsible for them while I've got use of them, so that's all I'm asking for; not to move as fast as they can before they die. Just to help us get to those shards before someone else with nefarious intent does so. Do you have a better idea on how to transport this entire group at a decent pace, given that without some aid, someone else will surely make it to the shards before us, putting our quest and possibly the lives of innocent people in jeopardy? Or does that not at all matter to you, so long as the horses are kept from doing exactly what they've been bred for, raised, conditioned, and trained to do, and nothing further than so? Keep in mind that every minute we spend standing around doing nothing adds up..." Tarmikos remarks, arms crossed and eyebrow raised.

Lets see a little math of my own, though most of it is sorta bs'd, I'll admit. If nothing else, though, I definitely need you to see the bottom part.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The total weight of the party is probably about 2000 lbs., given that 2-3 people can fight inside of Imaran's lab, and the other 5-6 of us (assuming some of us hadn't dropped out already; I think 3 may have already quit without saying anything) contribute anywhere from 200-300 lbs. when you factor in equipment or companions (though since most players, yourself included, didn't even bother checking for item encumbrance, I'm surprised this is a note in the first place). Add another 600-1000 tops for the vehicle, and you've got no more 3k, which isn't near the max weight of a Heavy Warhorse, who can pull up to 4500 lbs. 2 of them means they're pulling 1500 each. Given that you can pull 5x more than you can carry, and that the limit to normal encumbrance for them is 300, they can pull this much together and it still basically count as a light load to them.

So the weight isn't even an issue, just how fast or far we need to go. How far will be up for qwerty to determine, but we still don't require them to Run all the way there. Movement speed of 50 ft. per round means they can hustle (two moves per round) to produce a rate of 100 ft. per round, 16 per second, for a little over 11 miles an hour, without penalty for the first hour, and for some non-lethal damage after the next few hours of hustling. They've got 30 hit points, and heal 1 hit point per hour per character level (I'm assuming that Hit Dice can count for the same, unless qwerty objects), so they rest over night (8 hours) and then they're back at 100% even if we had had them hustle until they collapsed, and even that isn't needed, if we give them time in between a couple of sessions where they can just walk and recover a bit, if not stopping and resting. Or hit them with a Cure Spell and remove the non-lethal damage they took hustling.

So yeah, not seeing an issue myself. Not Sonic the Hedgehog Super Peel-Out Speed. Not even Spin-Dash Speed. Just a decent movement speed. Perfectly manageable.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the important part I need you to make sure you read: As I said in character, no one claimed they're faster than you, given that you operate without the limits they face. We only claimed they're faster than the rest of us, even with the cart being pulled. But does this honestly matter? The game has lost so much momentum already. As rude as this is going to sound, does your nitpicking about horse labor really need to occur, given that it's honestly been too long since something has actually happened in this game, and this argument is only going to stretch that time out even further, possibly for no reason? Do we really need to have this conversation?

I ask because it was an event as mundane as this that lead to a -NASTY- case of Player to Player Conflict that kicked the first version of the game right in the balls, and I'd hate for this game to be hurt the same way over something else that doesn't actually matter. If this is actually important, then by all means continue, but maybe for the good of the game, we can pick our battles wisely and try to continue on to have fun? I can't say arguing over animal rights is as interesting as beating up bad guys, myself.

[darklink_shadow]

You have a lot of trouble listening. I said, if they are pushed to keep up with me, or outpace me, they are going too fast. Everything else is conjecture on your part. I am only being adamant that I am not riding in the cart, and the reason for that being I have no need to, because the horses shouldn't move faster than I do. Drudge sighs heavily. I didn't say anything even remotely similar to you shouldn't use horses. However Alia did say I underestimated them, which to mean, sounds like she disagrees with some statement I made. I only said I was faster than they are, so I must assume she meant I was not. I do not, however, underestimate them. I accurately estimate them. Nothing has changed, in fact you've done nothing but agree with my original point, it seems, and then attack imaginary arguments I never made. You can try to defeat me in this additional argument about whether or not horses should be used when I make some sort of stance on the topic. For now, all I have said is not to push them. You waste our time debating things I refuse to comment on.

Drudge crosses his arms, staring at Tarmikos mildly, too headstrong to back down on a topic he feels so strongly about, despite the fact the argument no longer, if ever, seems to be about what Drudge actually says.




http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2006/06/phoenix-wright_objection.jpg

Wrong on every point!

Facts:
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a heavy horse is up to 200 pounds; a medium load, 201–400 pounds; and a heavy load, 401–600 pounds. A heavy horse can drag 3,000 pounds. [1]

Hustle
A character can hustle for 1 hour without a problem. Hustling for a second hour in between sleep cycles deals 1 point of nonlethal damage, and each additional hour deals twice the damage taken during the previous hour of hustling. A character who takes any nonlethal damage from hustling becomes fatigued.
A fatigued character can’t run or charge and takes a penalty of –2 to Strength and Dexterity. Eliminating the nonlethal damage also eliminates the fatigue. [2]

A mount bearing a rider can move at a hustle. The damage it takes when doing so, however, is lethal damage, not nonlethal damage. The creature can also be ridden in a forced march, but its Constitution checks automatically fail, and, again, the damage it takes is lethal damage. Mounts also become fatigued when they take any damage from hustling or forced marches.[3]

FAQ Information:

[When pulling or dragging] there's no effect on your movement if what you're moving weighs less than your light load rating. You move as though encumbered if you move something that weighs more than your light load rating but no more than your maximum heavy load. If you use the dragging rule (see page 162 in the Player’s Handbook) to move something that exceeds your maximum load, you move at half speed. [4]


Argument:

Firstly, yes, they can drag up to 3000 lbs. But anything over 600 slows them. (See 1, 4)

Weight is an issue. Luckily, between the two of them, they can manage the burden. At half speed. Which is 25ft. For an hour, at which point in time they become fatigued (2) and can no longer hustle without taking damage (2) which would logically be lethal since simply carrying a rider pushes this up to lethal (3), and carrying a single rider is less work than pulling a whole wagon full of dudes. Each hour the damage doubles (2).

They can't even hustle as fast as I can hustle actually, thanks for reminding me to check the rules on speed penalties. If they hustle the whole time, they'll die too. Assume they hustle for 8 hours.


First Hour: 0 Damage (0 Net)
Second Hour: 1 Damage (1 Net)
Third Hour: 4 Damage (5 Net)
Fourth Hour : 8 Damage (13 Net)
Fifth Hour : 16 Damage (29 Net) (Horses are dead (-10 HP) unless healed)
Sixith Hour : 32 Damage (61 Net) (Horses are one shot by this damage)
Seventh Hour : 64 Damage (125 Net)
Final Hour : 128 Damage (253 Net)

They definately do not hustle the whole time. They probably walk about half the time.




Closing Notes
Drudge never said "Don't use horses," he said "Don't try to make them run faster than the pace I set." And everyone lost their minds. Why? Maybe because Drudge was harsh about the way he said it? Maybe. I don't really know. But he does demand, even threaten, for the horses to move at a pace slower than his.


------
Second part:

Actual Conversation
Drudge: I'll just walk. As much as they are carrying, if we push them to move faster than I do, they'll be exerting themselves too much.

Tarmikos: If you wish to walk, I certainly won't stop you, my friend, but these guys are pretty strong. So long as we give them breaks every now and then and make sure they can eat and drink, they've basically been born and raised for this job, and they should be fine

Drudge: I've ran with wild horses. Those ones are bred for speed. These are bred for power. If they outpace me, you are pushing them too hard. ... Animals shouldn't be forced to their limits. They are not machines

Alia: Drudge, I think you're underestimating these beautiful creatures. ... They were trained for this, and I'm sure their quite good at it. I daresay that, if they understood you, it would hurt their feelings to know that someone thinks they can't do their job. ... How would you feel if someone said you shouldn't work at your full potential, and therefore not do your job appropriately

Drudge: Perhaps you under estimate me, or perhaps you overestimate horses. A horse can run faster than me only if it is running as fast as it can. If a horse runs as fast as it can for long, it will die. They won't try to slow, they will run until their heart stops and they die. I've seen it. ... If the horses move more quickly than I do, then they set a pace they will not survive. They will not willingly enter this pace without provocation. If you provoke them to run at this pace, you are a murderer. If they understand me, they know I am only caring more for them better than they are able to care for themselves. ... If someone said working at my full potential would kill me, and they had spent more time with my kind than ten of my own lifetimes, I would listen to them. If you force or allow these horses to run themselves to death, then you are not who I thought you were, Alia. If such a crime comes to pass, then we are foes. I've seen horses ridden to death too. I asked the men who did it if it was worth their own life, whatever it was that caused them to push the horse so hard. Those who said it was not died. I will not allow anyone to put an animal's life lower than their own. Animals are not your slaves to be used up and discarded. This quest is not worth our lives, or the lives of these horses. I will not be dissuaded.

There is more, but not relevant to my point...

All Drudge has said the entire time, is they will not run faster them him, or he will be upset. But the response to him saying they shouldnt run faster than him has only been things like "Their strong and fast, they'll be fine" and "You're just underestimating horses." Or "You're telling them not to do their job." Unless their job is to die, Drudge hasn't said they shouldn't do anything. He has only said they shouldn't be forced to run faster than him, because he believes if they move faster than he does, they will die of exhaustion. Which they will.

Any idea that they shouldn't be used at all was not his idea. He never said that, he never implied that. He said he knew their limits and would not allow them to go beyond or even to them. Because they aren't machines, I believe, was his rational.

[Vixsor Lumin]

Every moment we waste here, i s a moment closer to someone else finding those shards." Arryl says sighing and rupping the bridge of his nose. "Drudge, I promise we wont work the horses too hard. Tarmikos, please get in the cart so we can get this thing moving."

[INoKnowNames]

"My sentiments exactly, as I've tried to convey several times." Tarmikos responds to Arryl, before leading those that would board onto the vehicle. "Let's get going."

[qwertyu63]

1 trip later

After an uneventful carriage ride, you find yourselves in the village of Great Bend. Named after the cliff edge against which it is built, the red needle leads you here.

[Demidos]

"Looks like its here. What do we want to do? I can give limited assistance with magic to increase your respective powers, but most of that is short term.

I'm not sure how long it'll take to find."


Imaran looks at the village, trying to get an idea of its size.

Is it built at the base of the cliff or at the top?

[razorback]

Scratching at his belly, Algrith waits for things to settle down as they pull into Great Bend.
"Ack... my powers are limited to increasing my own abilities. Although, I have some morphic abilities, as you saw earlier, which can help in some situation but I don't know." Scratching at has pate, he thinks for a moment. "Perhaps one of our friends, who is glib of tongue, may be able to just ask, not to overtly, if anyone has seen anything?"

[Vixsor Lumin]

"Somebody had to have seen a bright light flashing through the sky." Arryl agrees, stretching his wings.

[darklink_shadow]

You could do good adventurer bad adventurer and send in Yrago with someone glib. Drudge suggested.

[INoKnowNames]

"That depends. If Yragoki's going in, who's going to be the bad adventurer?" Tarmikos chirps with a goofy grin as he takes care of making sure the wagon is secure and the animals tended to.

"Imaran, Algrith, do you think you can use the device to further narrow down the direction we could be looking on this side of the city? ... then maybe again on the other side." he asks the two. "Just incase someone found it nearby and brought it somewhere here, we could potentially narrow down searching in the city for it or asking around. Not to mention we would have a jumpstart on which one we should search next, incase the change in location provides a change in perspective on their directions."

Once finished with his work, Tarmikos takes in a proper view of the city. "I'm sure this is rudimentary, but we'll all probably draw too much attention if we move in one large group, and we should avoid revealing the true nature of our quest beyond seeing the falling stars. Maybe we should split into pairs, those of us that wish to look around and ask discretely, and maybe check back in an hour or two? I'm going to head to the authorities first, should someone wish to join me."

After moment of musing, he laughs. "Wouldn't it be fortuitous for it to have imbedded itself somewhere in the cliff." he thinks out-loud.

[darklink_shadow]

Venn will stick out, and so will I. Perhaps it is best we two move elsewhere, and await your return, if stealth is your choice method. However, if the flair of bold and adventurous men would server us better, a four armed glowing chunk of steel and a massive talking wolf would be great for that. Drudge shruged, then added I am not sure anyone who found the shard will know what it is, or even how to use it. I may be best if we make our intentions known widely, and that the shard is dangerous to have and we plan to take it away from here and lock it away where it cannot hurt anyone.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago bursts out of the wagon, and messily unfolds his wings. He shakes the a bit, and hops on the spot to try and get rid of the cramp in his leg. He looks, with lah unfolded wings, a furious expression, and desperately hopping feet, even crazier than usual.
"Can we PLEASE get one with more space next time? I was pressed right up against the side!" he groans, gesturing at some neat round holes his armour spikes and spiny hide had made in the side of the coach.

Yrago grins broadly at Drudge's suggestion. Rather than be offended, he understood exactly what he was suggesting - it was a purpose for which he was used frequently in his old mercenary guild. Although admittedly it had then been presented like a children's game.

"Oooh, pick me, pick me! Sure, I LOVE playing Goody and Baddy. That's a fun game, Ol' Ralphy said I was really good at it. Here here here, I'll show you. I can go in with Tarmi, he'll act all nice, then I'll beg him to let me at them! And then, I do this!"

Yrago spines extract, he brings out his axe, and says in a extra deep harsh voice:
"I am, ever so good at... extracting information..."
He then snarls, licks the dried blood of his axe, then sucked his vile forked tongue in through his mouth, sending quivering droplets of blood fly off through the air.

He hesitates.
"Er, what does extracting mean again? Ol' Ralphy never said."

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge laughed low, hearty, with rumbling. That was perfect, Yrago. You're definitely good at being bad. Extracting is ripping things from other things. Like ore from the earth, or confessions out of sinners. Both, I'd assume, you'd be well suited for.

[Aldurin]

Lerian exits the wagon and gazes out toward the settlement, "Just don't do anything stupid. Our actions will gain the wrong attention far more easily than our presence. Oh and if anyone ends up 'finding' a dead body again, please consult with me before you feed it to the dragon. Such issues should be handled more delicately than he suggests."

[razorback]

Squishing his face in concentration, Algrith thinks on Tarmikos words for a moment before Imaran.
"What do you think? Its not really either of our area of expertise, to say the least. Maybe...? I don't know."


Q, is there some kind of roll we can do to figure out how this thing works and MacGuyver it?

[qwertyu63]

Q, is there some kind of roll we can do to figure out how this thing works and MacGuyver it?



It's a compass. Follow the needle to victory.

[Zolkabro]

Drudge laughed low, hearty, with rumbling. That was perfect, Yrago. You're definitely good at being bad. Extracting is ripping things from other things. Like ore from the earth, or confessions out of sinners. Both, I'd assume, you'd be well suited for.

"Ripping..." Yrago said slowly, savouring the word. Suddenly, he grinned broadly.
"Ripping. I like the sound of that.

Satsified by the compliment, he swung his axe into his holster, and dramatically declared:
"Let's do this."
"LEEEEEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOY JENKIIIIINS!"

[asdflove]

Aliavius steps out of the carriage. "Could we not just follow the arrow on the compass? Must we talk to anyone at all?"

[Demidos]

Aliavius steps out of the carriage. "Could we not just follow the arrow on the compass? Must we talk to anyone at all?"

Imaran nods at Aliavius. "Indeed, that was to be my question. There is no need to bother the townsfolk as of yet."

To Algrith, he shrugs. "If we indeed are going with the split up plan, for whatever reason, between the two of us we should be able to pull off the guise of wandering scholars interested in the movements of stars who have heard tell of a star which has fallen in this vicinity. It shouldn't be overly difficult to impress the folk of such a small town."

[razorback]

Algrith, as always, is impressed by his friends logic.
"But, do we want to split up? It would be a better disguise, I suppose..." he lets the question hang out there as he looks at the others.

[INoKnowNames]

As the rest of the group begins to chat, Tarmikos takes a step back and merely listens. "Hm... I suppose there's no reason to make anything more complicated than it needs to be. Mind if I take a look at the compass? I'm curious to see just how precise it can be." he asks, as he begins to stretch his legs on the ground.

[Demidos]

The compass is handed to Tarmikos. Assuming nothing else notable happens, the group moves into town as one unit.

Tadaaaa. Game may now progress. Any thank-you gifts should be in at least $100 bills and all baked goods should be homemade by someone's mother or grandmother.

[razorback]

As they walk forward after Tarmikos now has the compass in hand, Algrith pull out a babushka and wraps it ungainly around his head as he in convinced this will give him a more scholarly look. "Alright... so, how do we deal with someone who may have already found the shard and has it in their possession? Do we say we are the rightful owners and assume they will just hand it over or are we expected to pay for it?"

[Vixsor Lumin]

Arryl is keeping his eyes on the people around them, watching for trouble. "Seeing as were the rightful owners, f they don't give it back I believe we are within our rights to take it back."

[darklink_shadow]

We are? I believe we are under contract to acquire it for a man who claims it is his. It is not ours, and potentially not even his. Drudge whispers to Arryl, leaning in. Not that I disagree with your conclusion. Whose ever it belongs to, it is surely not in possession of its owner now.

[razorback]

Pondering the legal implication, Algrith looks at Tarmikos and ask him "You have some knowledge of the various legal working in various locals. How will the local constabulary take our situation in for the various means at which we might gain back the shards? Obviously, my first thought is that we ask whoever the current possessor to return it, but in my limited experience, that is rarely fruitful. My best hope is that the current possessor may expect some kind of 'reward' for finding it and at worst we might expect some open hostilities. My preference is not to deal with the local militias or whatever Great Bend has but I do not want to get into an altercation with them, preferring to flee rather than having to put down men trying to do their job."

[INoKnowNames]

"Honestly, my former leader handled most situations with law enforcement whenever we used to get in trouble." Tarmikos replies as he examines the compass. "Since I've been forced to work alone for a while, I've merely made it policy to avoid stirring up too much trouble; between keeping a low profile and being a BHA member, that's been enough to keep me out of jail..." he looks back at the rest of the group, walking backwards for a moment. "... though that luck might be tested now."

He turns back around and continues following the path. "In any case, someone attacking over the shards might be the best thing that could happen. So long as we don't commit any crimes ourselves, the local police should stay out of the way, and between self-defense and citizen's arrest, the shard would practically be ours. I don't think we have to worry about the cops so long as we play nice; The bigger problem would be finding a way to acquire the star if whoever has it won't part with it but isn't a threat. I don't see someone giving up such a trinket so easily..."

Hands behind his head, he finishes his thoughts. "We'll just have to figure something out when the time comes. If only Karlon actually bothered to give a halfway decent briefing, or stayed long enough for me to answer a few questions, maybe even get a proper contract going. No way to verify who we're working for, no confirmation on how subtle or direct we should be, no support beyond the device itself. 5 more minutes of his time, and this would be the easiest assignment ever..."

[Zolkabro]

"I ain't scared of no cops!" Yrago snarled. "And I ain't of no militia neither. Let's just go in there and take the damn thing!"

OOC:
Yrago is acting as expected here. OOC, I'm with Tarmikos (How many times am I going to say that this game?).

[qwertyu63]

A short time later, the compass leads you to a strange building. It appears to be a house built into a tree.

[darklink_shadow]

What a pleasant house. Drudge comments, admiring the outside. And the needle points here? I hope we can do this peacefully.

[Aldurin]

"If not, trees burn and I assume the shard doesn't." Lerian says flatly. "Regardless, you should keep your weapons holstered and hidden at first if possible. The best way out of this is if the residents thank us for taking the shard from them." He then approaches the building and knocks on the front door, making sure his fear aura is suppressed as he waits for a response.

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge stiffens, then forms four fists. We aren't burning down this tree to help some noble brat get some stupid magical trinket. The tree has done nothing wrong at all.

[qwertyu63]

An elven woman opens the door. "Greetings. Who might your be?"

[Aldurin]

"Good afternoon, ma'am." Lerian smoothly says in elven. "I am Lerian, a practitioner of magic working with my traveling companions, and we are here in search of an item of important value to us. There was a mishap a while back that sent it in this direction, which unfortunately I must take responsibility for, and I was hoping you would have any information that could help us find it." His face shows some signs of guilt. "It's a really embarrassing ordeal for me, and I want to make sure that it didn't cause trouble for anyone. But I will respect your intentions if you send me away, this is your home after all."

Bluff: [roll0]

[Vixsor Lumin]

After the knocking on the door Arryl relaxes himself. He tries his best to be unobtrusive, while looking inside of the home for any other enterences they might need later and trying to memorize the layout of the home. "Easy Drudge. Noone's burning anything down." He says in a barely audible voice.

[Vixsor Lumin]

Sorry for the double post, but i forgot to make my rolls :smallannoyed:

Spot: [roll0]

[qwertyu63]

"And this item you seek. What would it be?"

[Aldurin]

"It's a crystal fragment, about this big." Lerian indicates about a fifth of the size of the star with his hands. "It should have an unusual magic aura on it, and if anyone found it then it would have to have been pretty recently."

[INoKnowNames]

While Lerian attempts to talk his way into the tree house (or is it a house tree?), and before anything else occurs, Tarmikos watches to make sure the woman isn't paying attention to his hands, as he attempts to use the compass to further pin-point the location of the shard.

Do I need to roll anything? How precise can this compass be: Yards? Feet? Inches?

[qwertyu63]

"Well, as it happens, I have seen such a thing."

The compass is very precise. According to the compass, the shard is in her direct possession right now. As in, it is in a pocket or something.

[razorback]

Algrith sits back and watch Lerian talk to the elven woman. He looks over at Imaran and, not as stealthily as he thinks in his mind, asks "Should we be so forthcoming?" As he waits for his friend to answer, he ponders the nature of the magic item.

[Aldurin]

Lerian's composure relaxes with relief, and then he quickly tries to readjust, trying to make his body language indicate that he doesn't want his friends to see him act unprofessionally. "That's fantastic! Where did you see it, and how recently?" As he asks this, he makes sure that his familiar is still properly hidden inside of him and ready to act.

[qwertyu63]

"I saw a streak of light through the sky, and it landed across town. So, I went there and found this..." she says, pulling the red shard out of her pocket. She puts the shard back in her pocket, continuing to say "So I picked it up to take it with me. And here we are."

[asdflove]

"Is it particularly important to you, m'am? You see, we were sent to find these shards for the owner...?"

[Aldurin]

Lerian's eyes follow the shard during the time that the woman has it out, but he manages to keep from being sidetracked and continues his inquiry. "Good, I also assume no one was hurt, then? If you would let us have it back, we would be able to get back on our way."

Bluff [roll0]

[INoKnowNames]

"It's not like you need it for anything, right?" Tarmikos chirps in Elven, returning the compass back to his pocket and joining Lerian's side. "I mean, if you only found it a little while ago, anyways, it shouldn't be much to part with, right?"

[roll0]

I spent all day at school and work trying to figure out what to say in character that hadn't already been said. Watch it be worthless because I roll a critical 1.

Edit: The dice hate me, but at least it's not an autofailure. Even if she's hostile, it shouldn't have worsened the situation, at least.

[qwertyu63]

"Well, seeing as I figured out how to use it..."

[darklink_shadow]

Lady, are you implying you plan to remain in possession of an item that we have indicated belongs to us, simply because you are aware of how it works, and it performs a function you find desirable? Surely not. Drudge asks, surprised at her words and their implication. Perhaps we should have been honest with you about the shard in the first place, mine is not to deceive, but I trusted that their methods would have suited the situation as caution was needed. But simply put, and honestly, that shard has a rightful owner, a wealthy man for whom I have no respect, but he is the rightful owner of the object. If you insist on keeping the object, that would make you a thief of sorts. An opportunist and a criminal. This is of course, all hypothetical and assumes you have no desire to return the object to its rightful owner. Drudge maintains a flat voice, without inflection. I would be so disappointed if that were true... you have such a lovely house after all. I'd like to think a lovely person lives in such a lovely house.

After a moment of silence, Drudge straightens However, now that I think of it. You have done us a service in finding the shard for us. You could be compensated with a favor, if you have such a task, in return for the easy transition of the shard. Something reasonable, of course.

[qwertyu63]

"The point of the matter is I don't trust anyone with this thing. I don't intend to use it. I wish to stop others from using it. This thing could reek destruction in the wrong hands."

[INoKnowNames]

After the woman's response to Drudge's attempts at diplomacy, Tarmikos brightens up. Figuring honesty to be the best policy, he clears his throat, one hand in his pocket, still griping the compass, and speaks up. "It appears we've come to an understanding then, miss. The first time my group encountered the completed version of the item you currently possess, it was being used by a troop of thieves to extort money out of the innocent through hypnosis. If it were not for my allies, I myself would have fallen under it's spell. And, as far as we've been told, the rest of its shards hold other powers just as abuse-able. Though our orders were to merely retrieve the shards, to see that they don't end up in the hands of anyone else who might abuse them is the main reason I'm tagging along for this ride. And I believe my allies would all agree that objective to be rather important, too."

After a breath, he continues. "I'm not sure what I could tell you to gain your trust, but I can promise that it would be good for the both of us if you were to relieve us of that shard. I have several unanswered questions concerning the star; questions our benefactor neglected to answer. The more we can collect, the more we can learn. And as for you, while our group has a certain way to find the path we need to, I doubt we're the only ones actively looking for the shards; the one who bode us to search for them claimed he was attacked, which was how he lost possession of it in the first place. His aggressors are probably still seeking it. And any number of people could have potentially seen the light of the shards as they shot through the skies, prompting even more to possibly come looking. I'm not sure how well you can defend yourself, but I question it being worth your trouble to hold into it."

After another breath, he extends his hand. "Would you please reconsider aiding us in our quest?" he politely asks.

[roll0]

Edit: Man, I'm still rolling meh-ly.

[qwertyu63]

After the woman's response to Drudge's attempts at diplomacy, Tarmikos brightens up. Figuring honesty to be the best policy, he clears his throat, one hand in his pocket, still griping the compass, and speaks up. "It appears we've come to an understanding then, miss. The first time my group encountered the completed version of the item you currently possess, it was being used by a troop of thieves to extort money out of the innocent through hypnosis. If it were not for my allies, I myself would have fallen under it's spell. And, as far as we've been told, the rest of its shards hold other powers just as abuse-able. Though our orders were to merely retrieve the shards, to see that they don't end up in the hands of anyone else who might abuse them is the main reason I'm tagging along for this ride. And I believe my allies would all agree that objective to be rather important, too."

After a breath, he continues. "I'm not sure what I could tell you to gain your trust, but I can promise that it would be good for the both of us if you were to relieve us of that shard. I have several unanswered questions concerning the star; questions our benefactor neglected to answer. The more we can collect, the more we can learn. And as for you, while our group has a certain way to find the path we need to, I doubt we're the only ones actively looking for the shards; the one who bode us to search for them claimed he was attacked, which was how he lost possession of it in the first place. His aggressors are probably still seeking it. And any number of people could have potentially seen the light of the shards as they shot through the skies, prompting even more to possibly come looking. I'm not sure how well you can defend yourself, but I question it being worth your trouble to hold into it."

After another breath, he extends his hand. "Would you please reconsider aiding us in our quest?" he politely asks.

[roll0]

Edit: Man, I'm still rolling meh-ly.

"I assure you, I can defend myself. That said, you seem like a trustworthy fellow... Tell you what: Come back here with another one of these shards, and I will give you this one."

[Aldurin]

Lerian tries to contain his anger at his allies' interference but steps aside to let the conversation continue. Making the move to paralyze her and take the shard now would necessitate killing her due to how much information is on the table, and he knows that town residents keep stories far better than the homeless, bandits and other such forgettable wanderers.

[INoKnowNames]

"Hm... to be honest, that was to be my second suggestion, but hold for one moment, please." Tarmikos responds. "We need a quick word."

With that, he attempts to gather everyone together in a huddle to talk. "Sorry for being so wordy, but if she already knows a bit of what these things are and how they work, a little more info couldn't hurt, and maybe she can share what she knows if we do. I'm not sure what to make of her, but if she's commited to the greater good and can keep it safe, I don't see why not to worry about this shard later, myself. Then again, she could be playing us for fools... what do you all think?"he quietly reasons with his allies.

If this was Oots, I'd actively be asking for your Sense Motive checks. The conversation seems like one that could be had in character. You could still break off and charge her or whatever if you want.

[asdflove]

"I say we move on and hold her to her word." Alia whispers in response to Tarmikos.

[Zolkabro]

"I say we move on and hold her to her word." Alia whispers in response to Tarmikos.

"I say we kick her wrinkled ass and then damn well get back to the city!" Yrago snarled, but then hesitated. "Aaaactually, does she, um, do you think she can do magicky things? I think she does magicky things. Yeah, I ain't gettin' into no fights with magicy ****. Let's beat it."

OOC:
Closest Yrago gets to full agreement. My vote is let's leave her.

[Demidos]

"While you seem trustworthy, it would be good to have proof that you can defend it as you claim. You know of the shard's power. you know what it could do in the wrong hands. Give us some proof that you are as powerful as you say, and that you can hold the shard until we return."

Imaran says quietly, from his position near the door, watching the tree-lady's eyes.

[darklink_shadow]

I see no reason not to trust her. Not like we won't be able to find her again if we must. Drudge mutters. But I am inclined to trust her based off a biased opinion.

Drudge realized he had slouched to whisper to Tarkimos and stood straight again before addressing the woman. Miss, would you happen to have some tea? I think it would be foolish for us to rush in here, talk you up, and then rush away the moment you counter propose something. We should get to know each other a little so we can build some mutual trust. In all honesty, you don't know we couldn't be a merry band of theives, and we don't know you aren't an evil sorceress hell-bent on using the power of the crystal to take over the town. It'd be good to disprove both such notions so we can both walk away from this meeting trusting one another.

[qwertyu63]

"Take over the town... I'm already the mayor of this town, what more would I want? Also, as to my power..."

A megaraptor suddenly appears behind her.

"Any further questions?... Wait, did you say tea? Yeah, come on in."

And she steps aside, gesturing at a table.

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge steps in, and inhales, taking in the scent of the room. Mayor, huh? See, it's that kind of little detail that helps put some of us at ease. Hello big guy. He addresses the dinosaur as he slips past him. I appreciate you taking the time to appease my desire to get to know you better before we leave. And I thank you for the tea. It's one of the few things I really enjoy in this body. Fruit as well, and honey round out my top three, along with the tea.

Sitting down at the table, Drudge sighed contently. How long did it take to grow one of these houses? Whenever I settle down, I hope to find myself living in one of these types. They remind me of the forest, obviously, and it fills me with contentment.

[qwertyu63]

She pours out some tea for everyone while talking. "It didn't take that long, on the grand scale of things. With some magic, this thing was done in about 30 years... Yeah, that's a long time to you guys, isn't it?"

[Vixsor Lumin]

Arryl walks into the room and flits his head anout taking in the room. He does his best to keep his distance from the raptor. "Thank you very much." He says with a smile while accepting the tea.

[darklink_shadow]

For them perhaps, but this shell won't die until it's slain. So I can wait 30 years. I spent nearly a thousand years sleeping in a tree as the spirits of the forest taught me my magic. Drudge gestured at his glowing orange arms.

It seems fitting that when I grow tried of adventure I should live in a tree once more. Perhaps next time we are here, I'll see about learning the way of growing such a house. Drudge sipped the tea. And thanks again for the tea.

[asdflove]

"30 years? Eh, that's nothing. A child is kindergarten age at that point. Well, for elves at least." Alia says, looking around.

[Vixsor Lumin]

Nearly choking onbhis tea, Arryl exclaims. "Goodness! 30 years!? Im already 23! Ill be on deaths door by then." he looks around at the others. "I had no idea I was travelling with a bunch of immortals."

[asdflove]

"Arryl, I'm 125. Elves are long lived."

[Vixsor Lumin]

Really? Well you look lovely for your age. Not that im implying your old.... Great tea ma'am." He says in an obvious attempt to change the subject. "As you can probably guess, my name is Arryl. I feel incredibly rude that none of us have asked your name."

[darklink_shadow]

Mm. Arryl is right. Drudge said still enjoying his tea. I am called Drudge. I had no name before, so I gave myself the name Drudge Treeborn. By the by, Arryl, I am about 1093 years old.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago enters warily. As he passes the dinosaur, their eyes meet, and he straightens his back and flexes his muscles just noticably. "'Sup." he grunts, nodding slightly.
He turns to the elven woman, and asks "Got any beer?"
But after seeing the others' expressions at this, he relents, and quietly mutters "Fine then. Just water for me, thanks."

[qwertyu63]

"I myself am Saria, aged 587."

Yeah, she looks to still be in the young adult age category.

[Aldurin]

Lerian follows the others in, mostly because doing otherwise while being held pseudo-hostage by a druid capable of commanding a megaraptor probably wouldn't end well. At the very least, he knew that violent solutions at the other shards could still get the shard here. "Sorry for the deception, it does come across as a bit blunt and odd if a bunch of people appear as thugs looking for magical artifacts for their mysterious employer. Especially with certain people . . ." his glance rests a moment longer on Yrago as he looks around the room, ". . . trying to keep from frightening people is difficult. We do want to make sure that the shards don't come into the hands of people who'll use them for rampant destruction, but everything about you so far has said that you definitely aren't in that category." He takes a sip of tea. "Speaking of which, what are the properties of the shard you hold? I assume that each one has different powers, but their nature and level of power should be the same. With four other shards out there, it's very likely that a bandit or someone else has found it and will use it against anyone they see as a threat, so the knowledge to prepare us would be helpful."

[qwertyu63]

"From what I can tell, this thing sends out destructive blasts of fire. The blasts can be as narrow as one linear blast of fire or as broad as a circular inferno."

[Aldurin]

Lerian's eyes widen, partially with the thought of the power he could acquire with it, and that he now knows what would have happened if he took the violent route for this shard. "Well, hopefully the others have color-coded abilities. Though the shards as a whole can do more than evocation, so I don't think we'll be that lucky. Thank you for sharing that, and may I ask just how easy you think using the shard was? A spellcaster like yourself can pick up on it easily, but would someone who has never even seen a magic aura before be able to figure it out with experimentation?"

[qwertyu63]

"It took a bit of skill to figure out how to activate it, but if you figure that out it's easy."

[INoKnowNames]

"Hm.... In your attempts to ascertain the attributes of this artifact, did you require to use any of your own magic? Or was it only your skill that allowed you to access it's abilities? I've been curious as to the true origins of these shards, and I was hoping that if we left here with it, further experimentation might yield additional results." Tarmikos asks, halfway rambling his thoughts in addition to his question.

[qwertyu63]

"Just how much I know about magic. I tried to use magic to identify it, but that didn't work."

[razorback]

"Perhaps, a few of us delving into it in unison may bring a more positive result?"

[Zolkabro]

"Don't look at me! I don't know jack about this magic crap." Yrago drawled, lounging back on a rickety chair. "See, fightin' should be simple. Ya got a pointy bit of metal, and so does the other guy. Whoever sticks the other wins. All this magic stuff... it complicates the finer things, you know?"
He raises his glass. "To the finer things," he toasts, before tipping his head back and swallowing water, glass and all.

[razorback]

With the left side of lip lifting ever so slightly, Algrith tries to reign in his amusement at the dragon-man.
"My thoughts were on those of us who manipulate magic."

[darklink_shadow]

Hmm. I manipulate a very different sort of magic than you do... I'm not sure if those insights will be helpful or useless. Drudge said, savoring the tea, and, for now, ignoring the dragon man.

[Zolkabro]

"For Vanuas SAKE, people!" Yrago roars suddenly, making the whole room seem to jolt. This fit of rage had appeared entirely out of the blue. He whines in falsetto: "Ooh my, what lovely tea. Isn't this a nice house, what beautiful doilies, ooooh, VERY FREAKIN' NICE."
"Get a GRIP! Come ON now! Am I the only one who is REALLY bored?" He grumbles loudly.
"Okay, you, you, you, and anybody else feeling vaguely mystic," he directs, pointing at Imaran, Algrith and Aliavius, "get your ugly behinds out of those chairs and take a look at this shard! Let's work out whatever magicky mumbo-jumbo we can, and then get the hell out of this dump." he sharply orders, before, with a slight glance at the dinosaur eyeing him in the corner, he mutters "No offence meant, of course..." to his elven host.

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos grins at the outburst of the Dragon. "Yes, oh feerless leader." he responds as he attempts to join the others at examining the shard. "I... honestly don't know what I'm looking at." he remarks. "You seem like you would be as intelligent as you look. What might you think of it?" he asks of Alia, noticing her not joining in.

[asdflove]

At Tarmikos' request she leans forward to help inspect it.

Spellcraft: [roll0]

[INoKnowNames]

"Hm... so, this thing really is too dangerous to fall into the wrong hands. Not only that, but any advantage we had with the compass is negated, since it seems they can be used to find each other..." Tarmikos remarks upon what he and his companions have learned. "Miss Saria, are you positive you won't allow us to leave here today with the Flame Shard?" he asks once again. "In the amount of time it might take for us to claim even one of the others, any of the remaining shards could fall under possession of those who might seek to abuse it's power, and since they can be used to track another, it might not be too long before you have to deal with, say, invisible assassins or a city under mass hypnosis: both applications of two of the other shards. Allow us to leave with the one in your care, however, and such dangers will fall on our shoulders to contend with, not yours. Not to mention we could learn further about why and how they were created in the first place. You're an influential woman in charge of an entire village: there isn't anything we could do to assist one another?"

Do I need to roll another Diplomacy Check? Could another Diplomacy Check actually do anything? If I do, I'd like to claim that a circumstance bonus should apply in light of the information we have gained and that Tarmikos presents.

Also, bloody christ, my eyes hurt from the silver. I might want to consider a new color... Was I seriously going with something so frigging bright all this time? @.@

[qwertyu63]

"I'm fairly certain I can handle myself against threats, but perhaps I could turn it over to your custody. However, I'm going to hold you personally responsible for its misuse." She puts the shard in Tarmikos' pocket. "If I happen to hear about this thing, I will be looking for you. Have a nice day."

[Aldurin]

Lerian watches the others as the shard is handed over, the vein on his forehead bulges slightly as he tries to hide his anger at the shard being given to one of his companions instead of in his own grasp. At the very least now he knew how much of an issue the elven druid would be once his plan gained traction.

He speaks up after he finally manages to calm himself, "Well now with two objects capable of locating the other shards, we should also be able to determine the exact distance to them, too. Thank you for trusting us."

[INoKnowNames]

"Lerian's right: we're that much closer to this mission's end." Tarmikos chirps. "Thank you very much for your hospitality, Saria. And I doubt you should worry too much about me; if you hear about the misuse of the shards, there's a good chance I'm probably already dead. Take care!" he replies to their elven host with a smile and a wave, before exiting her home, eager to keep moving.

Once everyone exits, he takes a look at the setting sun. "It's getting pretty late now. We might have time for a bit more activity, but I doubt anything significant can be done as nightfall encroaches. I'll leave it up to you all: should we stay in the city for the night somewhere, or try to travel to the next destination?" he asks the group.

[Zolkabro]

"I say we stay for the night. Find somewhere to kick our feet back, grab some booze, and sleep niiiice and tight."

[Demidos]

If we stay tonight, we should have time to find our distances to the remaining shards more exactly, as well as find a map to find their actual positions. We can check again in the morning to see if they've moved, and if so, in what direction. It might be good to have a better grasp of our opponents. Assuming those who have them are or will soon be of notable power, we should be able to research individuals of such power before encountering them. Imaran adds dispassionately.

Although he does look a tiny bit unhappy at being forced to agree with the dragon.

[razorback]

Once the more chatty members of the group manage to gain access to the shard, Algrith shifts from foot to foot like a little kid in anticipation of having a chance to examine the item.

As they walk out, he visibly cringes at Yrago's idea of going out drinking again.
<Magic defenses may be in order> he thinks to himself as he shakes his head.

"Agreed." he says to Imaran's suggestion. "Some time spent delving into the working may allow us to make a more workable model for tracking down the other items. Maybe, because they are separated, they will create some kind of magic resonance that we can use to detect?..." With that, he pulls out his notepad and stars writing down notes as he walks and mumbles to himself.

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge sat calmly as his allies planned their night. He'd take no part in drinking or studying of magical artifacts as he wasn't properly affected by alcohol and he had no head for magic. So instead he'd just wander the city until Venn was tired.

Once Venn was sleeping, he'd be forced to stay in one spot, so he'd read then. Having his night planned he stood and nodded to his host. Thank you for the tea, Miss Mayor. Do you have a blacksmith in town? While my colleagues are off studying the shard or drinking, I think I'll explore your town. The first thing I'd like to do is visit a blacksmith, and then maybe a tailor. Or maybe do some work around the town. Something to pass the time.

[qwertyu63]

"Yeah." she then gives directions to the blacksmith.

[darklink_shadow]

With another thanks, Drudge turns to his companions. Well, I don't feel like dealing with a drunk dragon again tonight, and I have no mind for studying magic. I leave that to you. If you have any need of me, I'll be happy to help. Here, this is the whistle I use to call Venn. If you blow it, he'll know, and we'll both come see what you need. Drudge handed over a whistle to Arryl and then waited for any response from his party members.

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos closes one eye, and glares at Yragoki with the other, matching the dragon's reptilian gaze with one of his own. "We should be leaving relatively early, so a night of drunken debotchery is probably the last thing that should be on our minds right now." he responds, all but drilling his gaze into the barbarian as he speaks an indirect warning.

After letting his words sink in, he blinks and smiles, his regular expression back in place. "I understand if you aren't interested in spending the night with us, though. Try not to have too much fun, and we'll get you in the morning before we leave, Drudge. Imaran, Algrith, i was actually going to try to map out the next possible set of coordinates once we have room and board. After that, i'll leave the items and information to you two to continue researching."

While speaking, he decides to check the compass for movement and directions, taking account the shard in his possession.

[Zolkabro]

Tarmikos closes one eye, and glares at Yragoki with the other, matching the dragon's reptilian gaze with one of his own. "We should be leaving relatively early, so a night of drunken debotchery is probably the last thing that should be on our minds right now." he responds, all but drilling his gaze into the barbarian as he speaks an indirect warning.

"Woah woah woah, I'm not suggesting nobody's gonna get hammered! But a few beers to help me sleep, ya know?" Yrago protests, smiling relaxedly.

[qwertyu63]

The compass indicates that the Blue shard has just teleported. Based on the movement of the compass, it is somewhere nearby.

[INoKnowNames]

"Hm... that doesn't sound too bad, actually. I... wait." Tarmikos scrutinizes the compass, trying to remember the directions determined earlier. "Might be too early to rest now... It looks like one of the shards is already in someone else's grasp... it's moved recently." he remarks, as he shows the compass to the rest of the group, pointing to the blue arrow. "Think whoever it is is headed toward us?"

[Demidos]

"Well, remember we determined that whoever has the shards can sense the other shards and the compass. Depending on what they know of us, they might think we have two shards already. I suggest we move immediately to return to the mayor's house -- she seemed quite friendly and interested in the safety of the shards as a whole. We could probably enlist her help to encounter whatever is holding this new shard. While we dont know if whatever is holding that shard is friendly or not, if its powerful enough to teleport, i'd rather not face it without some sort of backup." Imaran looks rather worried, to be honest.

[Zolkabro]

"Yeah, I'm with you..." Yrago growls, grabbing his axe for comfort. "Not that I'm scared or nothing! But I gotta say, fightin' with a freaking DINOSAUR on our side (and that weird lady, o' course) would be pretty damn sweet."

OOC: I'm not sure if Yrago realises that the lady summoned the dinosaur...

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge sighed. No doubt the blacksmith will be closed by the time we resolve this discord. Very well.

With a wheezing laugh Venn followed the group. Oh no, we can't visit the dull old blacksmith. Instead we have to deal with the potential threat of the blue shard bearer. How much more boring that sounds.

Drudge didn't respond at first. But after a short while he groaned. At least that'll but us closer to finishing our quest.

[razorback]

Algrith nods in agreement with with the others. "If whatever has this shard and has the powers to teleport and proves to be hostile, we need to be ready to neutralize it. I stand ready with the rest of you." he says in an odd manner, looking at the others.

[Zolkabro]

"Right, well, that settles it, then!" Yrago rumbles.
He strides back towards the mayor's house, and hammers on her door.

"Hullo again!" he exclaims when she answers. "So we were gonna be on our way, but 'pparently this blue person is coming to kill us. 'm a wee fuzzy on the specifics, I gotta say, but summat like that.
Anyway, obviously we're way too super awesome and cool to need your help, but you can still join us if you like, cos, um, Blue Guy can do magicky stuff and I can't. But I'm still super powerful and all that! Just, um, yeah."

Wow, from that crazy plea for help you might almost thing Yrago has crippling self-worth issues...

[qwertyu63]

"Right, well, that settles it, then!" Yrago rumbles.
He strides back towards the mayor's house, and hammers on her door.

"Hullo again!" he exclaims when she answers. "So we were gonna be on our way, but 'pparently this blue person is coming to kill us. 'm a wee fuzzy on the specifics, I gotta say, but summat like that.
Anyway, obviously we're way too super awesome and cool to need your help, but you can still join us if you like, cos, um, Blue Guy can do magicky stuff and I can't. But I'm still super powerful and all that! Just, um, yeah."

Wow, from that crazy plea for help you might almost thing Yrago has crippling self-worth issues...

Yeah, she doesn't answer...

[INoKnowNames]

As the others deliberate for a bit, Tarmikos finally takes a look at the Red Shard, holding it up to the setting sun, trying to figure out a plan. "So, among you, which of you reckon yourselves as both swift and subtle?" he asks after a moment while he scrutinizes the magic item.

Qwerty, you said the shards can be used to locate each other, as well as even the compass. How much effort do I need to be able to do so?

Current plan: Leave the compass with the group so they can find me, go invisible, and then see if I can find the next shard bearers without them finding me, at least immediately.

[Zolkabro]

"Ooh! Ooh! I can do subtle!" Yrago volunteers with a deep, gravelly squeal. "That's when I don't mention who I'm going to kill, right? I can do that!"

[darklink_shadow]

No, Yrago, Drudge begins hoping to prevent the dragon from wanting whatever job was needed. Subtle is when you hide and don't fight, or hide and sneak up on people because you are too much of a coward for a real fight. Not like you at all.

[Aldurin]

Lerian looks up. "I may not be able to go invisible, but I have spells to increase my swiftness and the resources to appear as nonthreatening as I want. And should push come to shove, I have a few unexpected tricks up my sleeves as well as my own immunity to the potential enchantment effects of the shards." Lerian gazes around town, "I do have an idea for more rapidly tracking the shards, but we're going to need a map of the region and a skilled artificer."

[Demidos]

Lerian looks up. "I may not be able to go invisible, but I have spells to increase my swiftness and the resources to appear as nonthreatening as I want. And should push come to shove, I have a few unexpected tricks up my sleeves as well as my own immunity to the potential enchantment effects of the shards." Lerian gazes around town, "I do have an idea for more rapidly tracking the shards, but we're going to need a map of the region and a skilled artificer."

Imaran smiles the ghost of a smile -- he'd forgotten that none of them actually knew anything of his capabilities. "What is this plan of yours? I also have a way keep tabs on your movements that will allow us to see what you see, but it is a somewhat invasive procedure."

[Zolkabro]

"Aw, come on!" Yrago protests, hurt by their lack of faith in his abilities. "I can be subtle. Here, watch this!"

A sudden transformation comes over Yrago, who, now looking relatively benign (if you ignore the still-bloody axe on his back), starts to stroll around casually with his hands clasped behind his back, whistling shrilly. His meandering circles come to a close next to Alia, to whom he asks, in a remarkably suave, refined voice, "Excuse me, could you direct me to the Town Hall? I have an appointment with the Mayor."

He breaks character, and looks at everyone with a huge grin. "What do you think? I learnt that one the time I had to kill the Mayor."
He looks excitedly at Alia. "Would you have guessed?"

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos rolls his eyes at the Dragon's attempt at stealth, and examines the shard they possess closer. After a moment of silence, he speaks up. "The plan in my head is as follows: Alia, Algrith, and Imaran. The three of you are probably the most intelligent in our group. I figured you could work together and use the shard's ability to track the other objects connected to it, and potentially track these potential new foes. Head out of the city first on our ride, so as to avoid anyone being caught in the chaos should any fighting over the shards begin, since that's what they're most likely after. Plus, if need be, you could use it to defend yourselves, and no one else should be harmed. Just in case, Drudge and Yragoki would be with you for protection. Lerian, myself, and Aryll by sky, would go with the compass to find them, and figure out what we are up against, preferably before anything drastic happens."

After his explanation, he faces the group. "Any questions? Concerns? Objections?" he asks.

Pretty sure you were waiting on me, actually.

Qwerty, you mean the dc35 check, right? Can they take 20 on it?

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge nodded. Affirmative. Am I to assume they mean to harm us if they approach swiftly and engage them, or would you prefer we wait for diplomacy and risk allowing them the first move?

Venn growled and laid down. And I'll just do nothing. I'll lay here and think about eating your face, Tarmikos.

[razorback]

Algrith arches an eyebrow at Tarmikos.
"Do you think it wise to split the party? It would see a united group stands a better chance of defeating whatever is upon us rather than dealing with smaller, and weaker, groups."

[Zolkabro]

Yrago frowns.
"Pointy-ears has a point, actually. Hehe, geddit?

Anyways, we need some way to talk to each other 'case one group gets attacked, so we can unite."
He turns to the casters. "Brainy peeps. Any ideas?

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos, watching time seem to fly by, motions for the group to move with him as he returns to their transport, responding to them in turn as they travel, all the while a careful eye mever leaving the blue arrow.

"Drudge, you would be correct. Diplomacy deserves a chance, but should they not attempt it, feel entitled to defend yourself. Venn, i might need my face, so please don't eat it. I assumed you would be helping your best friend."

"And as for spliting the party, i have no intention of facing them alone, nor of letting anyone be harmed while i draw breath. I merely figured that while full power is good, full power and intel on your enemy is better... that, and that time is valuable, so while one group presents us with one shard, we can protect the one we have, and get started on moving to claim the next, while also keeping this town out of crossfire over them. I only suggested 'splitting up' due to a.." appearing lost in his thoughts, he pauses as he tries to find the right word. "a left-behind mannerism... but to be honest, i could probably scout them alone and be back relatively quickly. Anyone object to that?"

[Zolkabro]

"Splitting up sounded like a good plan, nobody should go out on their own." Yrago growled. "Let's stick to the plan we've got.

[razorback]

Algrith looks at Yrago, confused for a moment, at his last statement before shaking his head.

"Tarmikos, I have meet many a brave and doughty warrior who has fallen due to overestimating their abilities or underestimating their opponent. Please do not add yourself to that list."
Looking at the others, eyebrows dipping down with a slight shake of his head, he continues. "Well, if this is our plan, we should get moving."
As begins to move towards the wagon he looks at Alia and Imaran. "Do either of you know how to get this conveyance and the animals to... work?" As he nears the animals, they grow skittish and he backs off a bit. "As you can see, these creatures don't necessarily take a liking to me."

[Aldurin]

"So no one thinks we need a map enchanted and attuned to the compass and shard to track the remaining ones in real time? It already takes enough time to determine the location of one, but we can get an idea of how much the other possessors know if we're able to see the shards' movements. All we need is a map and an artificer skilled in magical affinity. I would much rather see the location of each shard on a map via Silent Image than determining too late that one of the shard holders en route to us because we can only track with time-consuming math." Lerian explains, annoyance heavy in his voice. As he talks he unconsciously lets his personal pride take hold of his demeanor, standing taller and more authoritatively, giving the group serious and direct attention for the first time. "Regardless of which plan we take, I want to be more prepared than our potential enemies. Having the compass and the shard gives us an edge on tracking, but we need to solidify this advantage as quickly as possible if we wish to retain it."

[INoKnowNames]

As Lerian decides to assert himself, Tarmikos sizes him up with a grin, while opening the doors to the carriage for the group to enter. "How long do you think it would take to craft such a device? Because we could have minutes, if not moments, before our potential enemy reaches us, and while the idea of a map sounds lovely, I see no reason to stop now and try to craft one with a potentially invisible, mind-controling, conjuring, or well protected assassin about to bear down on us. At least lay down those plans -after- we start moving, given the protection of mobility and the resources best used when not under fire." he responds, matching one honorable stance with his own, before checking the compass again.

As everyone boards, Tarmikos decides to make a quick quip to Algrith: "That's a lesson I've already learned the hard way. Despite being several times younger than the elders of our circle, I'm confident I've lived just as long as them."With that, Tarmikos assists in directing the horses in exiting the city, before helping the group in deciding their next course of action.

----------------------------------------------

Given he's been checking the arrows a bit, would it be a stretch for Tarmikos to be able to tell if the Blue Shard is getting closer or not? Assuming we don't get attacked in a minute, what about picking out which of the next 3 shards to start heading toward, given that the Blue Shard should be on us in the near future? I figure we can start working on one, and they can bring us another in the mean time.

Also, would Spot/Listen checks be called for soon? I'm really getting paranoid about Spot and Listen checks.

[asdflove]

"Well, if this is our plan, we should get moving."
As begins to move towards the wagon he looks at Alia and Imaran. "Do either of you know how to get this conveyance and the animals to... work?" As he nears the animals, they grow skittish and he backs off a bit. "As you can see, these creatures don't necessarily take a liking to me."
"I-"Alia starts to speak up when Tarmikos handles it.

As Lerian decides to assert himself, Tarmikos sizes him up with a grin, while opening the doors to the carriage for the group to enter.
"-or that. You must be Really bad with animals, Lerian."

[Demidos]

"So no one thinks we need a map enchanted and attuned to the compass and shard to track the remaining ones in real time? It already takes enough time to determine the location of one, but we can get an idea of how much the other possessors know if we're able to see the shards' movements. All we need is a map and an artificer skilled in magical affinity. I would much rather see the location of each shard on a map via Silent Image than determining too late that one of the shard holders en route to us because we can only track with time-consuming math." Lerian explains, annoyance heavy in his voice. As he talks he unconsciously lets his personal pride take hold of his demeanor, standing taller and more authoritatively, giving the group serious and direct attention for the first time. "Regardless of which plan we take, I want to be more prepared than our potential enemies. Having the compass and the shard gives us an edge on tracking, but we need to solidify this advantage as quickly as possible if we wish to retain it."


"If you still wish us to make that map, we can discuss it in the carriage. Till then, perhaps we should depart."

[Zolkabro]

Yrago squeezes his cramped shoulders together, doing his best not to impale everyone on his armour spikes as he squeezes into one corner of the carriage.

"Man, I'm with Greeny. Let's get going before I split this thing open."

"OY! Whoever's at the front, get driving, ya lazy pisspot!"

[INoKnowNames]

"Yes sir!" Tarmikos laughs at Yragoki. After closing the door to the carriage once the last person boards, the man grabs the corner of the roof and swings onto the available front seat, taking the harness in hand. "Let's go! Yah!" he calls out with a whip of the reigns, as the horses and carriage speed off.

[qwertyu63]

The advance of the carriages is halted as a fireball strikes the horses from above. In the sky above is a man in blue robes, his finger emitting a bit of smoke.

Roll for initiative.

Bluerobes: [roll0] (Nerveskitter is in effect)

[asdflove]

[roll0]
"Gah! Uh, Tarmikos, I think the other shard holder found us."

[Aldurin]

Lerian's eyes narrow as he glares at the caster above. "Game on." He mutters under his breath.

[roll0] Wait do we get nerveskitter or does the enemy?

[qwertyu63]

Wait do we get nerveskitter or does the enemy?

Nerveskitter is a +5 bonus to initiative. The enemy got it. The note was for my own reference.

[Demidos]

[roll0] Initiative.

[Zolkabro]

"Ooh, horse barbecue! Who did that?" Yrago asks cheerfully, before realisation strikes. "Whuh- HANG ON A MINUTE! MY horses! Only I get to barbecue my horses!"

OOC: I'm on my phone on holiday, with no access to mythweavers. I'll need my sheet once combat really starts, but while I work on that could somebody else check my INIT bonus and add it to this roll?
[roll0]
EDIT: Uh, in that case don't bother. It's not like it'll do any good...

[razorback]

"Gah! Uh, Tarmikos, I think the other shard holder found us."

"Yes, it would seem so. Time to deal with Mr. Blue."
Algrith says in a very cold and detached manner.


Initiative
[roll0]

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge stiffened at the sight of the fire, then looked up at the caster. Be careful where you fling your fire.

Venn growled angrily. Watch it! I hate fire...


Drudge [roll0]
Venn [roll1]

[razorback]

Algrith shakes his head as he looks at the horse rearing back in pain.
"Buddy, animals might not like me but it doesn't mean you need to hurt innocent creatures." with a look a of disgust, Algrith looks at the man floating above him as his eyes flare green and an audible crackling can be heard as a blast of green energy emanates from the wizards eyes and streaks at the man, as it forces him back.


Energy Push from above the man towards the ground, augmenting with an additional 4pp.
Refex save DC 21, with a success for half damage.
[roll0]

In addition, he must make a fortitude save DC 21 or be pushed towards the ground 5 feet plus another 5 feet for every 5 points of damage taken from above.

Edit: Wow, that damage sucked!

[darklink_shadow]

Venn growled, then inhaled before releasing a jet of icey air.

Venn goes after Algirth.

[roll0] Cold damage. DC 16 reflex for half.

Usable again in [roll1] rounds.

Ugh, half the normal damage. But usable again next round. If he isn't surrounded by melee attackers, at least.

[asdflove]

Alia glares venomously up at blue robes and a green glow surrounds her hands. "You don't hurt animals on my watch." Finishing her spell, lightning shoots down from the sky at blue robes.
Next up is Alia. Call lightning, lasts for 7 minutes. I obviously target blue robes with it.
Damage: [roll0]
It's reflex half, save DC is 17.

[qwertyu63]

After being pushed back by Algrith and blasted by Venn and Alia, Bluerobes mutters "So, they can fight back. Very well." As he mutters a few words of magic and draws a circle around the group, a thin fog appears around you.

Running damage total: 19

Everyone needs to make a DC 20 Will save.
Anyone who fails this save takes a -10 competence penalty on Wisdom checks and Will saves.

[asdflove]

Will save.
[roll0]

[razorback]

Ah, crap, I forgot Algrith's saves suck
[roll0]

[Zolkabro]

Yrago breathes deeply, concentrates on his training, and easily brushes the smoke aside.

[Demidos]

Imaran glares and chokes on the thin mist. A twist of his wrist and a few words sends roiling power spitting back at Blue Robes. Will save here vs mist [roll0] Fails

Burning a charge of turn undead to cast Burning Blood (http://dndtools.eu/spells/complete-arcane--55/burning-blood--522/) augmented with Necrotic Cyst (http://dndtools.eu/spells/libris-mortis-the-book-of-the-dead--71/necrotic-cyst--1488/).

Necrotic Cyst is saved against first.
Fortitude DC 19.
If he fails, he suffers -4 vs (necromancy) saves, AC, and attack rolls.

Burning Blood is saved against second, and is a necromancy spell (so if Necrotic cyst succeeded, the DC is 23)
If he fails, 1d8 acid and 1d8 fire damage per turn, and can only take a move action.


He calls out to his party "Spread out so he can't hit us all at once!" And proceeds to take his own advice, taking a move action (20 ft) away from the center of the mist.

[Aldurin]

Lerian simply smirks as the fog surrounds him, unable to enter his mind as his symbiote holds the effect at bay. A few components vanish in his hands as he creates a storm around the the mysterious caster, but the hail within breaks on impact into a corrosive fluid.

Casting Ice Storm, positioned so that the enemy is on the bottom edge of the cylinder so any flying allies can get adjacent to him without being affected. Using Energy Substitution to replace the cold damage with acid damage. [roll0] bludgeoning damage and [roll1] acid damage, no save ([roll2] caster level check in case of spell resistance).

Also Lerian draws his longsword as a move action.

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge grates his teeth, and then readies himself to charge if the enemy gets within range.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago snorts at the flashes of magic from the others.
"Outta my way, morons! What this jerk needs is some METAL UP HIS UGLY BLUE ASS!" he roars, taking flight on the last few words. He cannons into the air, powerful wing beats buffeting the area with fierce winds. He draws his axe and swings it viciously into the wizard from beneath.

Fighting in my Punishing Stance.
Move action: Flying 40 ft upwards to directly beneath Bluebrobes
Swift Action: Draw my axe
Standard Action: ATTAAAACK! Rolls in OOC thread.

[INoKnowNames]

Feeling his mind weaken, Tarmikos coughs for a moment while escaping the cloud. Shaking his head, he focuses on the discipline he has been taught, and strikes a meditative pose, bypassing the head-smoke on sheer physical determination, before motivating himself to continue further. Grabbing the Red Shard, he attempts to figure out how to use it to produce the flames it was rumored to be able to.


Move Action : Escape Mind Fog.
Standard Action : Iron Heart Surge.
Swift Action: White Raven Tactics.
Next Actions: Attempt to use the Shard to do whatever fire it can do.

... hm ... just out of curiosity: [roll0]

Edit: .... so it's apparently just the OOC that hates me. I so wish you would use this roll instead of the first, but fair is fair. Though at least now I know I should roll here instead of there.

[qwertyu63]

Yrago snorts at the flashes of magic from the others.
"Outta my way, morons! What this jerk needs is some METAL UP HIS UGLY BLUE ASS!" he roars, taking flight on the last few words. He cannons into the air, powerful wing beats buffeting the area with fierce winds. He draws his axe and swings it viciously into the wizard from beneath.

As your blade strikes into him, a bolt of lightning strikes out at you.

Your attack hit.

The lightning bolt deals this damage: [roll0]
You already rolled and failed your save.


Feeling his mind weaken, Tarmikos coughs for a moment while escaping the cloud. Shaking his head, he focuses on the discipline he has been taught, and strikes a meditative pose, bypassing the head-smoke on sheer physical determination, before motivating himself to continue further. Grabbing the Red Shard, he attempts to figure out how to use it to produce the flames it was rumored to be able to.

That is a CL 20 Delayed Blast Fireball with no delay centered on you. Save DC is 25.

The damage: [roll1]

[qwertyu63]

All of the amassed damage triggers a contingent spell, as Bluerobes vanishes.

Good fight. Everyone gets 3500 XP.

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos can only watch in horror as the figure teleports out while the shard begins to emit a furious glow. And in his momentary lapse of focus, he loses control over its magic. He barely has time to mutter a curse under his breath before the space he occupies is shared with a series of intense explosions. After the blasts subside, he tries to climb out of the crater his carelessness created, skin red and sensitive, muscles chared, and hair singed. "Eh... that didn't work out as I had hoped..." he weakly speaks. "Wanted to stop him from escaping... You all okay?"

[darklink_shadow]

I am uninjured. Drudge's hollow voice replied. We should see the mayor, she may be able to treat your wounds. You were injured whilst we drew an enemy away from her city, she may be willing to repair your flesh.

[Zolkabro]

"Oh man Tarmiface! Mah bro!" Yrago wails, and runs over to him and embraces him in a soul crushing, suffocating, contortionating manhug. You know that bit when Jayne hugs Mal in Firefly? Like that, with aaaaall the face smoosh into his chest, the slight rubbing, the squeeze, and yet even more squishing.
"Dude I thought you were a goner for sure!" Yrago growls pathetically into Tarmikos' sizzling chest.

Armour spikes stab Tarmikos for 1d6 damage nah, I'm too nice for that.

[asdflove]

Tarmikos can only watch in horror as the figure teleports out while the shard begins to emit a furious glow. And in his momentary lapse of focus, he loses control over its magic. He barely has time to mutter a curse under his breath before the space he occupies is shared with a series of intense explosions. After the blasts subside, he tries to climb out of the crater his carelessness created, skin red and sensitive, muscles chared, and hair singed. "Eh... that didn't work out as I had hoped..." he weakly speaks. "Wanted to stop him from escaping... You all okay?"


I am uninjured. Drudge's hollow voice replied. We should see the mayor, she may be able to treat your wounds. You were injured whilst we drew an enemy away from her city, she may be willing to repair your flesh.
"Or I can just heal him." She strides over to Tarmikos, and kind of awkwardly places her hands on his shoulder.

Casting Cure Serious Wounds.
[roll0]

[Zolkabro]

"Don't you touch hi-" Yrago starts to roar, before realising she's healing him.
"Oh- er. Carry on then! Heh. Um. Good girl."

[darklink_shadow]

Yes, I suppose knowing that you had healing abilities, I would conclude you can heal him. Drudge replies.

Yrago, you might not want to squeeze quite as hard. Unlike you or I, he is squishy, and meaty.

[Zolkabro]

Yrago gapes at Drudge, shocked enough that he relaxes and allows Tarmikos to drop out of his arms.
"Wh- what? How dare ya! I'm meaty too! Look at dis meat right here!" he declares, lifting his arms and flexing his huge scaly muscles. "Don't compare yo metal ass to mah body. You got nuffin on me, ya hear?"

After a final flex, Yrago nods, satisfied.
"Yeah..." :smallcool:

[darklink_shadow]

Meaty, but not squishy and meaty. Drudge sys simply. Not easy to crush. Or are you telling me you are easy to crush, after all?

[Aldurin]

Lerian is surprised when he hears the explosion through the Mind Fog, a moment of horror washing over him as he connects the most likely cause. He exits the cloud to find the others tending to Tarmikos, shard still in hand. The aasimar approaches the group, his majestic celestial features seeming to be suppressed by a cold sternness as he approaches the burned human, hand extended clearly indicating to hand over the shard. "If we didn't disperse then you probably would have killed some of us pulling that horrendously stupid stunt. Leave the shard with someone who actually studies magic full-time, before you end up misusing it again and harming one of us, or worse, the locals. Or do you want to be on the wrong end of that raptor the druid has?"

Using Fear Aura for extra effect, even if it is kinda mean. If you do want to roll it out it's DC 19.

[darklink_shadow]

Drudge connected the dots a little slower, then nodded.I see. So that's what happened. I'm afraid I must agree with the angelkin. I thought you were wiser than that, Tarkimos. Please do not continue to prove me wrong. Drudge's hollow tone lent much to the disappointment in his words.

[INoKnowNames]

Tarmikos nearkly loses conciousness, going from being burned alive, to crushed, to healed, to eating dirt once more. "Ugh... I might skip tonight's training..." he replies, standing back up.

"Let's not go back to Miss Saria. It's best to keep moving unless it is absolutely required. And that man might already be getting ready to attack again. For safety, this town's and our own, I say we get going. Besides, this isn't near the first time I've been nearly killed, and it appears it won't be the last, either. I'll survive, especially with the excellent care I've received." he adds, throwing Alia a smile.

After he stops, he is confronted by Lerian. Tarmikos' eyes widen slightly, as he finds himself rattled by the man's presence. After spending a few moments to catch his breath, Tarmikos stomps onto the ground and flexes, before he matches Lerian's cold glare and Drudge's disappointed glance with a look of determination, his training helping to eliminate his hesitation.

"Your right, my stunt, trying to keep that foe from escaping in the best way I thought possible at the moment, was hastily planned. I should have considered other options, as I normally would have; I'm not disputing that for a second, and I figure being burned alive is punishment enough. A reminder to myself of exactly what it means to be willing to put my life on the line for my allies and my assignments, and a lesson to everyone here of exactly how dangerous this mission could be.

Though quite frankly, I'd sooner now just keep it concealed permanently, having first hand experienced just how dangerous it can be; while my magic is not quite as weak as you would insinuate, I can now tell through experience what we're dealing with: I've encountered dragons whose flames could be considered freezing compared to this gem's fire. This piece alone contains more magic than our entire group put together. While I'm willing to protect it with my life, I suppose if all of you feel me to be ill-suited to the job, then I suppose I have no quarrel with surrendering it to someone else; maybe Imaran and Algrith. The lab they mentioned using before might be more secure a place to keep it and study it." he responds, moving to take the compass from his other pocket and figure out the next path for the group.

"Though that is a secondary concern to me: I still don't see why it was created in the first place. There are so many questions circulating through my head right now... why was something so lethal created at all? How was something so incredibly powerful former by that group? I do not see that wizard being able to craft this and be powerless to retrieve it. What use could that man possibly have for such a collection of dangerous trinkets in the first place? And the troop we first encountered with the star couldn't possibly have over taken a Royal, his Arcanist, and their guard, especially when equipped with something like this. How did they gain it, and how was it taken? And why so little care over something so powerful; there might be few magical items in existence more powerful than this little ruby alone... None of you are as curious about this as I am?" he asks.

Trying to get the plot moving by giving us a direction before Lerian and Drudge get me removed from the party. Are our horses and carriage still capable of transporting us, or were they actually hit, rather than only stopped?

[Aldurin]

The veins in Lerian's head bulge slightly as he takes Tarmikos' response, and he leans in closer, his anger making him. "I agree with your sentiments, this is a dangerous object and there are many questions about it that we want answers for. But blindly using it in the middle of battle, one that didn't put us in a desperate enough of a situation to need it yet, is irresponsible and foolish. If you truly recognize the danger of the shard you hold, you'll give it to someone who at least has an inkling of precaution when dealing with unknown magical items! I can't trust your judgement with it enough for me to safely travel and fight alongside you as long as you hold it, and the others should too as it endangers them just as much!"

Not trying to get Tarmikos removed from the party, just the shard removed from Tarmikos.

[INoKnowNames]

"Did I not just get through saying that I would be more than willing to grant ownership of the shard to a more suitable home? Why are you being so hostile right now? Is it that unnerving to you that I still hold it? While I feel your issues with me might be a tad more serious than is needed, I see no reason for you to be seething with this hatred toward me when I agree to do as I am asked. What is wrong with the idea of granted it to the pair among us most suited to keep it? Imaran is so dedicated to the mystic arts as to have a mobile bastion for the sake of studying it, and Algrith may be the most intelligent of us all; if it's location need be changed, I see no one else more suitable to hold onto it as they. What fault with that do you have?" he calmly yet firmly asks Lerian, neither raising his voice nor modifying his tone, but not backing down from his threats, either.

I dunno, he seems offensive enough for that to be a goal.

We might wanna see what others decide to add before we continue too far, Aldurin.

[Demidos]

Imaran ignores the uproar and walks over to Tarmikos, grabbing/taking the shard from his grasp, and then finding the compass. He then attempts to quickly set up a triangulation on the location of Blue robes, hurrying in an attempt to locate their new enemy's sanctum.

[darklink_shadow]

It was a foolish choice. In a heated moment, it is hard to keep a cool head. There in no purpose in infighting, however. This is no longer a moment in the heat of combat, so you should both be able to cool your heads. Tarkimos will no longer hold onto shards of immense power, and you will no longer display so much aggression towards him. Does this sound fair?

[Zolkabro]

Meaty, but not squishy and meaty. Drudge sys simply. Not easy to crush. Or are you telling me you are easy to crush, after all?
Yrago strolls over to Drudge, his lips curled into a snarl. "Is that a threat, metal man? Because you're just a tin can, and they're made to be squished."
He pauses, and gestures a can shape as he tries to clarify. "You know? They're like, specifically designed to be squishable?"
His voice goes harsh again. "That's you, metal man. That's you."


"Did I not just get through saying that I would be more than willing to grant ownership of the shard to a more suitable home? Why are you being so hostile right now? Is it that unnerving to you that I still hold it? While I feel your issues with me might be a tad more serious than is needed, I see no reason for you to be seething with this hatred toward me when I agree to do as I am asked. What is wrong with the idea of granted it to the pair among us most suited to keep it? Imaran is so dedicated to the mystic arts as to have a mobile bastion for the sake of studying it, and Algrith may be the most intelligent of us all; if it's location need be changed, I see no one else more suitable to hold onto it as they. What fault with that do you have?" he calmly yet firmly asks Lerian, neither raising his voice nor modifying his tone, but not backing down from his threats, either.

I dunno, he seems offensive enough for that to be a goal.

We might wanna see what others decide to add before we continue too far, Aldurin.

"Ah, shaddap ya kiddies." Yrago says. Having walked up to the pair unnoticed, he (relatively) gently knocks their heads together.
"Only I get to fight friendlies, ya hear? Now Tarmikos, give the shard to Imaran. He is going to carry it from now on. Lerian, back down. Tarmiface was only trying to help us, weren't you?" (he simpers slightly on this last phrase.)
Clear?

EDIT: Double ninja'd! I didn't notice there was another page. Ah well, it still kinda makes sense.

[razorback]

Algrith stands to the side, watching the group fight. "But... Welll... You kn..." he says rather quietly as the discussion gets heated. At Tarmikos comment about his intelligence, he smiles a bit and stops trying to interject, as he walks over to Imaran.
"I have no spell or power to track where Mr. Blue went. Perhaps, next time we are in Clevefort we should look into purchasing a scroll of some variety in case we run into this situation again and need to track down a foe?" he says quietly while the others talk behind him.

[Aldurin]

As Imaran takes the shard, Lerian pulls back from his aggressive demeanor. "Finally, now we can focus on the mage who is actively aware of the power of the shards and is violently seeking them out. I need a moment to think about this." He appears to enter a shallow trance while the others continue to talk.

Zombie cancer is retconned.

[INoKnowNames]

This was so much easier when I was just an apprentice...

The silver-haired man releases a held breath after the air has finally calmed, still somewhat light headed from recent events. He takes a long, scrutinizing look at Lerian, before moving to join Imaran and Algrith in figuring out where to go next.

Unless we get attacked again soon, how much talking between us does anyone else still need? It looks like, should everyone have had a chance to speak up again, we should be ready; I think only Alia hasn't yet aired any thoughts so far.

[Zolkabro]

"Well stop just standin' there! Let's get movin', ya lazy rats!" Yrago whines.
He piles back into the carriage, and kicks the front. "Are ye gonna get drivin, or wot?"

[INoKnowNames]

"Just a minute." Tarmikos replies. "We still need to figure out where to go ne-" he pauses mid phrase, seeing the burns on the horses. "These guys carried us around this morning, and now they've had to endure the mage's sneak attack..." he remarks to himself, moving to apply a little of his magic to each animal. "If we go anywhere, maybe our distance should be relatively short; Anyone for camping, or stopping at the next city we do find if it's not too far?"

[roll0] to the -7 horse.

[roll1] to the -2 horse.

Edit: Retroactively adding 10 to each amount healed at the cost of a Bardic Music use. Warrior-Priest Tarmikos can use his magic to heal at just the right spots, even on animals, apparently. Go figure.

[razorback]

"Let us get moving without overburdening them. If we cannot make a town before nightfall, then we should camp. The beasts have served us faithfully, there is no reason to treat them harshly. I guess some walking on our part to lighten the burden while providing the chance for some scouting and lessening the likeliness of all of us being hit with one or two attacks seems to be in order."

[Zolkabro]

"Cool cool cool," Yrago interrupts, not overly concerned about the horses. "So, where're we headed? Let's just follow whichever arrow is closest. Get mathsing! Which diamond is nearest?"

[INoKnowNames]

After a time, the group finds themselves once again on the move (if at a reduced pace for the sake of the poor horses), headed north-east, toward the direction of the Black Shard.

If anyone takes an objection to me doing this, I'll be happy to delete this post. Just felt like cutting the knot, so to speak. We should keep going while we can.

You 6 need to pick one of the remaining 4 colors and we vote OOC on the shard we're to head to. That seems faster than trying to wait for 6 IC Posts on the subject. I'll edit this post based on the shard we choose to go after assuming no one minds it. My vote is Black, since it's the closest, but that's just me.

Looks like no one minds so far, and we've had a majority rule. Black Shard it is. Scotty Qwerty, take us in.

[qwertyu63]

After a time, the group finds themselves once again on the move (if at a reduced pace for the sake of the poor horses), headed north-east, toward the direction of the Black Shard.

That evening, the compass leads you to the border of Mordred. The border wall blocks your path.

[Zolkabro]

"This won't be too 'ard! Y'all look pretty scrawny, I bet I could carry you over easy-peasy. I can't fly with no fatsos, though, so Iron Man's on 'is own." Yrago rumbles smugly.
"Lemme check it's safe first, though."

With that, Yrago jumps into the air, and takes flight. He flies up to just below the wall's summit, and, slowly and carefully, peeks over.

Spot: [roll0]

[qwertyu63]

From the air, you can see that the wall is 5 feet wide. You can also see that there are ladders coming up from the inside.

The noise of your landing brings a few people up from inside the wall. Several of them have bows. They look down to see you. One of them shouts "What's going on out here?"

[Zolkabro]

"...Nope!" Yrago declares, before diving back down to the others.
"We have incoming! It's pretty busy up there, don't look pretty." he whispers urgently, before grinning broadly.
"I bet we can totally take 'em, though. C'mon, let's do this shiz!" he boasts.

[asdflove]

"...Nope!" Yrago declares, before diving back down to the others.
"We have incoming! It's pretty busy up there, don't look pretty." he whispers urgently, before grinning broadly.
"I bet we can totally take 'em, though. C'mon, let's do this shiz!" he boasts.

Alia sighs. "The moment I start to change my mind about you, you remind me why I didn't like you to begin with. Not everything needs to be resolved with violence, perhaps we could try talking to them?" She suggests, her hands on her hips, scowling at Yrago.

[Zolkabro]

"Oh yeah, cos armies always love to talk." Yrago snarks. It's time to join the rest of us in the real world, missy. I'm violent to survive."

"Arright, if you don't want to fight them then we need a way to sneak past. Maybe wait until dark?"

He turns to Tarmikos. "Any ideas from you?

[asdflove]

"Oh yeah, cos armies always love to talk." Yrago snarks. It's time to join the rest of us in the real world, missy. I'm violent to survive."

"Arright, if you don't want to fight them then we need a way to sneak past. Maybe wait until dark?"

He turns to Tarmikos. "Any ideas from you?
Alia rolls her eyes at Yrago. "Join the real world? Said by the guy who thinks we can take a country in battle." She pinches the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. "Honestly, they're probably just border guards. They have no reason to not let us through, it's not like Acacia is currently at war with them, so I repeat, we could try talking to them."

[darklink_shadow]

Alia, why not just talk to them then? There is no purpose in arguing with the dragonkin. Drudge queried, slightly curious about the whole exchange. It's not good to just sit here and ignore their question. We are being suspicious, even though we have no reason to be suspicious.

[asdflove]

Alia, why not just talk to them then? There is no purpose in arguing with the dragonkin. Drudge queried, slightly curious about the whole exchange. It's not good to just sit here and ignore their question. We are being suspicious, even though we have no reason to be suspicious.

Alia sends a scathing glare at Drudge, still annoyed at him. "I was planning on it. Tarmikos, want to help me?" She smiles at Tarmikos, before walking to the base of wall and shouting up at the guards on top of the wall.
"Hey! My companions and I wish to cross your border, we are seeking something for a benefactor of ours. Would it be alright if we did?"

Diplomacy, if necessary:[roll0]