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Post by DM Quietus on May 22, 2010 9:01:19 GMT -5
((Just to get that out of the way; xkcd.com/391/What I'd like from you guys, once you post here, is a list of 10 d20 rolls. I'll use these in any reactive roll; Initiative, opposed attack rolls for disarms, opposed grapple, reactive spot checks, and anything else where I would have to wait for you to give me a die roll before I could describe anything further. By PM is preferable. Heather, I can't remember where you gave me a link to your character sheet; If you have a paper copy, could you scan it and email it to me please?)) The smell of animals surrounds you in the small barn, holed up in what could be generously described as a small village. Two big workhorses shift restlessly in their stalls, ready to get to work despite the steady sound of rain falling against the wooden roof. Hovis, you're awoken with the abrupt feeling of drips of water falling onto your face, apparently the roof has sprung a leak overnight and is now peeing rainwater down onto where the three of you are set up on simple cots. The sound of piglets, squealing over who gets to be first to get their morning's meal, helps to wake Haiwire and Tangent, despite there being only the barest rays of light for the humans to see by. Tangent, your low-light vision lets you see well enough to avoid stumbling on the hay-strewn floor. With such a fine assortment of sights, sounds, and smells to wake to, you begin to realize why Alundra had seemed to amused, when she'd given you your mission. "Head North along the road, to a village called Pethervale. There has been some troubles getting traders further North than that, and we haven't seen any of the sheep herders who would normally come south, either. The rumor is that Cigomenta has attempted to come over the river and placed a settlement there; If that's true, then Vaeles can't take any actions directly to do anything about it without triggering a war. What I need from you folks is to find out what's going on up there, and if you can do so, I need you to fix the problem. You'll be able to rest up in Pethervale, they'll provide you with the finest accomodations they have to offer..." She'd failed to mention, of course, that Pethervale was a village of perhaps twelve families, total, working together on what was essentially one large farm... and that the barn you are currently staying in is the second largest building, next to the water-wheel powered mill. Mr. Petherton certainly did go out of his way to make you as comfortable as he could, but his farmhouse was already full with family, and the cots he had available seemed like they'd been made in haste the night before.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 22, 2010 17:22:38 GMT -5
100d20: 6,7,14,7,15,16,9,3,3,16, 18,18,3,2,18,14,2,17,13,19, 16,3,9,19,8,10,4,7,3,8, 19,18,12,11,12,6,13,12,7,9, 16,11,7,9,4,1,11,10,19,10, 19,15,16,15,12,20,14,10,4,9, 14,10,12,8,2,14,3,12,13,9, 14,6,8,9,10,9,17,18,14,17, 3,3,8,3,15,7,17,5,12,4, 13,17,3,3,11,17,7,9,16,5
Hearing the piglets squealing for breakfast only reminds me that I forgot to eat dinner last night. Shaking my head to clear the tendrils of sleep which cling to my eyes, desperately trying to force them closed again. With consciousness creeping into my head, and my eyes finally forcing themselves open, I set aside my guisarme, and look around the darkness. Removing my gauntlets, I rub my face, gently slapping my cheeks to clear the last of my grogginess.
"Between the storm and the barn walls, I can barely see anything in here. Eh, Tangent, care to throw open the barn doors to let a little fresh air and some light in here?"
Once I can see, either by my own lantern or by the doors being thrown open, I set about strapping on my chain-mail. Once armoured, I slip into farmhand mode and begin tending to the animals (take 1o, 15 handle animal) hoping to garner enough favor with the owners of the farm to earn a home-cooked breakfast, or at least augment my rations for the day.
While looking for some feed for the horses, I notice Hovis and smile, "Your looking a little damp, y'have a bit of a drooling problem when you sleep?" I laugh quietly to myself as I go about the business of tending to the animals.
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Post by Sugarphix on May 24, 2010 10:30:53 GMT -5
Rolls: 15, 17, 8, 15, 14, 20, 1, 5, 14, 3
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Post by Sugarphix on May 24, 2010 11:37:31 GMT -5
Character site link: www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=37750Upon waking in the dim morning light to the sound of a constant drip, drip, drip, on the forehead of Hovis, I get up to survey the scene outside. On my way, one of my companions asks for a little light. I open the doors to find a somewhat secluded spot to relieve myself, and see... (roll 14+4=18) Upon returning, I chuckle as I hear Haiwire joke about Hovis drooling. "Ha ha, I don't know if he has a drooling problem, if so, I think I'll sleep on the other side of the fire once we set out again, that way I can avoid drowning in me sleep! Reminds me of this time that there was a huge bloke at the inn, I thought he might drown from the drool as well. He drank himself so silly that he actually passed out right on the table. Now that in itself isn't quite so remarkable (happens all the time, it does), but on this particular occasion, he knocked over his flaggon of ale. Well didn't his head land right in the beautiful amber river twirling it's way along the table. Unfortunately, he started to drool immediately as his head lulled in the spilled puddle. No one was going to touch it then, all of that beautiful wasted liquid courage. You aren't anywhere near our breakfast are you, because you drooling on breakfast would also be a tragedy."
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Post by Grey on May 25, 2010 13:54:21 GMT -5
The abrupt feeling of water drops landing upon his face, Hovis raises a hand to wipe the water from his face. Quietly chuckling at his companions' jests. "A good morning to you too."
Stretching to loosen the muscle and joints to ready for the day ahead. A few *pops* and *groans* accompany the stretch, followed by a *sigh* of relief. When Tangent opens the door, the warrior's hands quickly go to his face to give eyes shade as they adjust to the change in light levels.
Hovis takes Haiwire's cue and begins to strap on armour. When the breastplate is place, it's to work helping tend to the animals. He's poor performance is a quickly reminded why he left the farm life. "It's nice to wake to farm sounds again. However, let's make this a short stay. We would be better use elsewhere."
When the animals have been tended to, he looks for something to catch the water leaking from the roof until repairs can be made.
----------------------------------------------------------------- Active Rolls: Handle Animal (or aid-other) 8, spot 11 Passive Rolls: 20,5,18,1,19,6,6,9,18,1
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Post by DM Quietus on May 26, 2010 7:45:34 GMT -5
Even with the barn doors open wide, the light is still gray, the sound of drizzling rain pelting fields of grain whispering into the barn. The light is enough to see by, at least, though it is by no means bright.
Tangent, when you open the barn doors and look out, you can see the huge grain fields in the distance, enough space left clear between the barn and the crops to let the animals roam, on nicer days. You manage to catch glimpses of movement from a couple of the nearer homes, as they begin setting out to tend to their own animals, and you can see a soft orange light in the window of the Petherton's farmhouse, and the shapes of several people moving about inside, obscured slightly by the falling rain.
With Haiwire's efforts, and some help - mostly fetching things that Haiwire points out - from Hovis, you manage to set about starting the day's chores, though the horses seem skittish at first, shying away from the scent of unfamiliar humans. With a bit of patience and quite a bit more crooning, however, you manage to coax the animals into settling enough for you to give them their morning feed, at which point they happily munch away, and will let any of you stroke their mane if you so choose.
As you're finishing up with that, you can all hear the soft sound of a man's grumbling voice, and glancing toward the open barn doors, you see Mr. Petherton, a middle-aged man with the hard-earned wrinkles of farm life creasing his face, walking quickly into the barn, one hand pressed to the top of his wide-brimmed hat, as if afraid his only protection from the rain would get up and leave him. You can hear him mumbling something in annoyance about how many times he's had to warn his sons about leaving the barn doors open overnight, but when he sees that his day's chores have already been started, his brows arch, and his mumbling is replaced with a surprised smile. "Well well, looks like there's more to you folk than meets the eyes, eh? First time I've seen anyone who needed armor to do farmwork, I tell ya, but it's much appreciated, it is. The wife's got a big pot of oatmeal on the go, if you're hungry, but mind you take your shoes off at the door, or she'll have your head, she will."
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 26, 2010 9:48:54 GMT -5
Spinning to the door as my scant light is blocked out, my hands instinctively reach for my guisarme. I stop short and let my hands drop casually back to my sides, a slightly embarrassed smile on my face. I shrug as if to say, 'it's reflexes like that that keep me alive.' I then finish with the horse I was with, gently stroking its neck with my un-gauntleted hand.
As I exit the stall, careful to keep the horse within contained, I call over to Mr. Petherton, "There are a very few adventurers that were born directly into this line of work." I say tapping my armour, before I continue, "Some of us were content to tend farms in and around Vaeles until life conspires to force you to wield a guisarme." At this my eyes grow distant, and my shoulders sag. Over the next few minutes, I gather my belongings lethargically, clearly lost in thought.
When the party is gathered, I shake my head and smile, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you mention something about breakfast and beheading?" I say quite jovially, which seems at odds with my prior mood just moments before.
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Post by Kosga on May 26, 2010 15:23:50 GMT -5
I start my bright and wonderful day by cursing bout all the bright light that has just been thrust upon my unprepared eyes. Shortly after My retina's are on speaking terms with me again, I will don my leather armor, and reacquire the rest of my gear from the floor near my cot. Looking over at the way to loud pigs, "can't you pigs do anything but squeal over your feed?" sighs and starts heading towards the source of the retina revolt. Seeing Haiwire(hope I got the right person) speaking with Mr. Petherton I carefully approach.
after Haiwire is done speaking
Good morning Mr. Petherton!!! Nice to see that you are awake upon the bright and beautiful morning. I think that everyone will agree when I say Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. I know that us arriving on short notice couldn't have been very easy upon you and your family. If there is anything I can do this morning to help out before we must be on our way, please let me know. I will do my best to make sure it gets done.
Oh did I hear something about breakfast?
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Post by DM Quietus on May 27, 2010 16:50:27 GMT -5
The sight of Haiwire reaching for his guisarme causes Mr. Petherton to take a step back into the drizzling rain, his eyes wide in shock. The apologetic shrug doesn't seem to fully set him at ease, and he stammers, "Y-yes, yes. Breakfast to be had.. but leave your weapons here, please, she'll have a fit if they're brought into the house, she will. Dangerous enough days without risk of the little ones getting hold of a blade, you know.."
The shock is quickly replaced with confusion, however, when Wismer speaks up, talking about the 'bright and beautiful morning'. Blinking several times in rapid succession, he quietly mutters, "Morning people AND adventurers, my word. Strange as a goat that won't eat, he is...", as he places one hand back atop his hat and shuffles quickly in the direction of the farmhouse.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 27, 2010 21:02:44 GMT -5
Stashing my guisarme up high, well out of reach of all but the most adventurous of children. Follow the old farmer out into the rain, keeping my pace quick both to catch up, and to stay as dry as possible. When I reach the house I take the time to carefully remove my thick leather boots, making sure that the rest of my armour is clean before I enter the house proper.
Once inside, I follow Mr. Petherton through the house to meet his family. I strip off my gauntlets and attach them to my belt while introductions are made. As each person is introduced, I offer to shake their hand, and add a pleasantry or two where warranted. As my companions arrive I introduce them each in turn, reciting the names of all present to make sure everyone knows everyone.
Once everyone is assembled I take a seat beside Mr. Petherton, and lean in close to whisper, "Is this a good time to ask about local trading conditions? I've heard some rumors that some of the sheep herders have had trouble getting their flocks south to Vaeles." I watch the man carefully, watching for any sign of recognition. For all I know he might be involved with stopping trading himself I think to myself. If he gives me the go ahead, I repeat myself loud enough that those present can hear and wait for a reaction as before.
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Post by Sugarphix on May 30, 2010 21:06:39 GMT -5
Upon seeing Mr. Petherton, I greet him and compliment him on his hat.
"That looks like a well fitting, sturdy hat. I heard tell of an adventurer who always had his hat on...in fact, he apparently lashed it to his head so it wouldn't come off even when jumping, tumbling and fighting! The tale goes that once, while tumbling through a closing door to avoid a trap, his hat blew off with the sheer force of his awesomeness, but he risked amputation in order to rescue it. He managed to win back his hat, avoid the heavy stone door plummeting toward his outstretched hand, and even escaped with treasure!"
He hears Wismer start talking about the bright and beautiful day, and leans in conspiritorily to whisper to Mr. Petherton and Haiwire, "This reminds me of a sad case I've heard of. Some poor souls have come across an elixer of halucinegetic quality, downing it gustily, and have been convinced that they are seeing or hearing things that aren't there. Like this "bright sunny day", whilst the rest of us are being rained on for certain! This drink be called the Bending Purple Pot, and it's bad news. You wouldn't have a secret stash of it here on the premises would ye sir? I like to know what I'm in for before it becomes an uncomfortable unmentionable at the dinner table!"
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Post by Grey on Jun 1, 2010 16:12:32 GMT -5
Knox's dark blue eyes widen, not at Haiwire's reflexes, but at Mr Petherton's shocked reaction. Quickly stating, "Please forgive my friend's battle-ready instincts. In our line of work, we have to be ready always. It can be dangerous out there. However, as ready as training has made Haiwire with his guisarme, he was also ready to stay his hand so that no harm befell yourself."
Quietly chuckling again at his companions further jest, this time sarcastic jabs at the weather. "The crops will not want for water, that is for sure."
The thought of a warm, home-made breakfast possesses his mind for a time. Stowing his weapons high out of the reach of children, Knox follow Petherton to his farmhouse. Wipping his boots as best he can before entering the house. As introductions are made, "Or simple Knox".
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Post by Kosga on Jun 2, 2010 18:51:30 GMT -5
At Mr. Petherton's request I take a couple moments to stow my sharp instruments in a safe location. Gives one of the workhorses rub one his side, and a boisterous "Good morning, isn't this rain just wonderful?" Takes a quick look about completely disregarding any of the strange looks, and shaking heads. Noticing that everyone is quickly becoming ready to depart for breakfast, I also will Head from the barn over to Mr. Petherton's wonderful home(no sarcasm). As I am passing Tangent, "Hey Tangent do not forget to tell Mr. Petherton about the talking rabbit." Continuing out into the greatness that good ole mother nature has bestowed upon us today. With a spring and bounce in my step as I travel, "Good morning sunshine! Oh how I love you so, please keep yourself about for several more days we can't live without you!!! With that I do the best I can to dry myself off before entering Mr. Petherton's wonderful home, for a well deserved breakfast.
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Post by DM Quietus on Jun 3, 2010 10:27:52 GMT -5
"Bending purple pot? No, no, nothing like that here, we're just a simple lot, can't afford anything like that. Waste of time, too, it is, makes a man mad, and madmen are worthless on a farm, they are. 'sides, I heard it was outlawed in Vaeles after that trollencounter, I did..", Mr. Petherton answers, before he'd headed off to his farmhouse.
The Petherton farmhouse is quite simple, a sprawling one-story building, with the barest curls of smoke fighting their way upward from the chimney among the drizzling rain. It seems almost patchwork, with some walls built from sections of stone mortared together, and some rooms looking to have been added on with wood at a later point as the family had expanded. Currently, the silhouettes of two young men can be seen working atop the roof, balancing precariously as they hammer something down, the dull thudding sound traveling to your ears.
Inside, things are very much the same; The welcome mat in front of the door seems to be hand-woven, the side table just inside appearing like it was carved by someone with just enough skill to make it functional, without any fancy embellishments. Once your group is inside, you can hear heavy footsteps, before a matronly woman of roughly the same age as Mr. Petherton - possibly in their forties, at a guess - appears from a side room, a baby carried in the crook of one arm, and a large ladle in the other, with bits of oatmeal still stuck to it. With a welcoming, jovial voice, she calls, "Welcome, welcome! Make yourselves at home, get comfortable, warm up a bit and HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO SHAKE YOUR HAT OFF BEFORE YOU CAME INSIDE!", she finishes, shouting at Mr. Petherton - who seems to shrink away from his wife for a moment, before ducking outside to do just that, muttering "Yes dear, sorry dear", all the while.
"Now then, sorry about all that fuss, folks", Mrs. Petherton says, apparently ignoring anyone who failed to take their boots off, despite her husband's warning, "Welcome to our humble home. It's not much, but for folk coming up from the city, we offer what we have. There's plenty of oatmeal for everyone, so eat up!", she says, leading the way into the room she'd just left, where the sounds of children giggling and playing can be heard.
When you follow her, you find a rather large living room, as well as a half dozen children, ranging in ages from two to seven - not including the infant who seems to be perfectly happy dozing in Mrs. Petherton's arms. An attractive woman of perhaps twenty is keeping an eye over all of them, while working on stitching together a doll nestled in her hands. A fire crackles under a pot, with several bowls sitting on a stool nearby, which Mrs. Petherton starts spooning oatmeal into and handing out to all of you. When Haiwire whispers to Mr. Petherton, however, the old farmer doesn't give him the chance to repeat, simply answering, "Yes, son, you're right. Haven't seen a group coming south in weeks, we haven't. Haven't heard back from anyone sent up north, either.. my boy John was supposed to go trade some grain for a bit of wool, and there hasn't been hide nor hair of him, he should've been back days ago, he should." When he mentions John's name, only Hovis notices the pained look that streaks across the young woman's face, and the apparently subconscious brush of her hand across one pocket.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 4, 2010 11:18:50 GMT -5
When we reach the living room I accept my bowl of oatmeal and find a place to sit down. Careful not to damage the furniture with my armour, I ease myself down into the seat. Once everyone is settled, and I hear Mr Petherton's response to my whisperings I add, "So the problem lies somewhere to the north of here. I have the starting of a plan, but I would need some supplies from your family Mr Petherton."
Waiting to begin until I have everyone's attention, I start off by outlining my plan, "I propose that my companions and I either join your next trading run, or lead one of our own. We act as a sort of live bait for whoever is stopping the traders. If they attempt to stop us, then we stop them instead." I smile, clearly proud of my idea before adding, "Thoughts?"
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Post by Grey on Jun 11, 2010 12:16:24 GMT -5
Proceeding into the living room, Knox graciously takes a bowl of oatmeal as Mrs. Petherton doles out the meal. Turning to Mr. and Mrs. Petherton, "Your hospitality is most appreciated".
Moving to stand near the young woman while starting to eat the food. "Are you alright? You seemed upset." Slowly sitting down in the closest seat, "Would you care to talk about what's bothering you?"
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Post by DM Quietus on Jun 11, 2010 21:35:38 GMT -5
The looks you get from Mr. and Mrs. Petherton are less than sure, Haiwire - the older man's brow creasing, and her lips turning down thoughtfully. While he appears to consider what you've suggested, Mr Petherton meanders over to where the bowls are stacked, grabbing one, and reaching out for the ladle his wife still carries - only to have her smack him across the back of the hand with it, and shoot him a dirty look. Scowling and muttering something under his breath, he puts the bowl back, finally answering you. "That's a steep order, it is. We already sent a big batch of our grains north with John, any more and our village will be struggling to take care of itself, it will. 'course, if we get the grain back and don't actually trade it off...", he trails off, his eyes wandering toward the roof as he counts off something in his head, with the assistance of his fingers.
While he and his wife are thinking, Hovis, you find a nearby stool and pull it over to sit near to the young woman. When you ask her about what's bothering her, she slowly stops working on the doll sitting on her lap, and brings her eyes up to meet yours, the glimmer of tears starting to well up in them. "I - I'm sorry", she murmurs, placing the half-finished doll into a pocket of her skirts, and piercing the sewing needle through the fabric so as not to lose it. When she speaks again, you can tell that she's on the verge of tears, trying desperately not to let them escape in front of someone she doesn't know, but not doing a particularly good job of it. "I found this letter when I was picking up the morning's milk.. I was going to say something, I swear, I just didn't get the chance! I was so scared, I didn't... didn't want to believe it, but.. well, read it for yourself..", she finishes, her voice cracking as she reaches into the pocket her hand had brushed earlier and produces a folded-over sheet of paper. When you unfold it, you can see a few brief lines of text, written with stiff, inelegant script :
"If you wish to see John again, bring four more bags of grain north along the trade route to Ashcombe. You have three days to make your reply."
Anyone who gets higher than 10 on a Knowledge (local) check, is aware that there should be no village named Ashcombe within three days' travel north of Pethervale.
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Post by Sugarphix on Jun 16, 2010 6:56:10 GMT -5
At Wismer's suggestion, my eyes brighten considerably, it's been a rare thing indeed to get a request for a story since leaving the inn!
I follow the others into the house, preparing to tell them my story about the rabbit, but upon Mrs. Petherton's huge yell of "HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO SHAKE YOUR HAT OFF BEFORE YOU CAME INSIDE!", I scurry outside like a mouse, to shake mine out. "I'm sorry, truly sorry Ma'am to have offended you so! I will take pains in the future to always have a clean hat!"
Upon re-entering, I sheepishly approach Mrs. Petherton, taking her hand in both of mine and bowing low over it as I kiss the back. "Let me introduce myself", I say loudly enough for even the little ones in the next room to hear, "I be Tangent, at your service, and with a clean hat to boot, I checked it myself!"
I listen to Haiwire's idea about posing as a trading expedition, and watch as Mr. Petherton struggles to count at how the cost of any more lost grain might affect them. I think to myself if things are that tight, we may have to come up with another solution. There's no point in saving the farm if we kill the farm we're trying to save. They need to be able to survive past all this. I also watch as Mrs. Petherton slaps Mr. Petherton's hand when he starts to serve himself. I look into the pot to see how much is left, and ask if the children have eaten yet. If it seems that the food is getting low, and the family might not get fed, (including Mr. Petherton), I will accept my bowl with reverence, take more empty bowls, and will portion my bit into enough bowls to feed those who have not eaten.
"I understand all about sharing as a family, and making ends meet", I say "My family are herdsmen, and a family that divides together survives together! I will try not to be too much of an inconvenience to you."
In response to Haiwire's plan and the farmer's counting, I suggest: "Mr. Petherton, we would only need 1 bag of grain. The rest could be simply filled with sand to appear as more grain. should anyone doubt our story, we simply open the true grain bag for them. Perhaps this might help?"
Taking a spoonful of the porridge, I smile appreciatively, nodding at the goodness of it. "Mmm, the only breakfast food better than oatmeal is eggs. There are so many wonderful ways to prepare them! Some days I like a good scrambled egg, with vanilla or syrup added into the mix! Other times a plain old fried egg is good for me, as long as there is warm fresh bread available with which to dip! Omelets are probably my favorite though. Coming from a pig farm, one comes to enjoy ham in his omelets, or even bacon..."
I make myself comfy amongst the children, and proceed to entertain them with a story about the rascally rabbit.
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Post by DM Quietus on Jun 18, 2010 9:14:33 GMT -5
"No need to apologize, dear", Mrs. Petherton tells you, Tangent. "You didn't know the rules, that's understandable SOME people haven't learned to watch their manners in near on twenty years..." She looks over at her husband as she says that, shooting him a glare, but you can tell that beneath the animosity there, she truly does care for him. He, for the most part, seems unaware of the glower, deep in thought working out how much grain they can safely lose while still keeping the village going. Oddly enough, when you peek into the pot, it seems as though there's plenty there for everyone - and given that the children aren't clamoring for food, while you four are being fed, it's a safe bet that they've already eaten. Likely, that light swat was just the way Mr. and Mrs. Petherton interact.
What finally draws Mr. Petherton from his thoughts, is the suggestion you make about only needing the one bag. His fingers become still, and he looks over toward you, giving a cautious smile. "Mm, I'd heard that you halflings were a clever bunch, I did. No offense meant, of course, just that .. well, I'm sure you know the stories they tell of your folk, you do. Clever indeed, yes. one bag we could part with, we could, without too much trouble. Still be helpful if we got it back, of course, but we'd be able to survive without it, we would."
When you turn to entertain the children, Tangent, you realize that at least one of them is very nearly as tall as you are, though most are shorter. When you begin to tell your story, however, the eldest four gather around you, listening intently - the youngest two are more content playing with their toys, though you catch them listening from time to time. The young woman seems caught up in her conversation with Hovis - which, if you cared to listen in to, you might be able to hear - but you can see at least a little relief showing through her grief-stricken features when she glances over toward the children and sees them safely occupied.
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Post by Grey on Jun 21, 2010 13:56:14 GMT -5
Accepting the sheet of paper, Hovis' dark blue eyes move over the words. When finished reading Knox turns to the woman, "You will see John again". Adding a smile at the end of the statement to offer the young woman comfort.
Standing from the stool, "The grain isn't our only concern. John isn't late. John has be taken captive." Passing the note to Haiwire to allow further the others to read it. "The kidnappers demand four bags of grain within three days. The grain is to be brought north along the trade route to Ashcombe. How many days travel is it to Ashcombe?"
----------------------------------------------------------------- Active Rolls: knowledge (local) 6 Passive Rolls: 4,19,20,20,13,15,20,2,13,11
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Post by Kosga on Jun 21, 2010 15:01:01 GMT -5
Upon hearing all of the fuss about unclean hats I make sure that mine is both off and cleaned, by this most wonderful gift mother nature has given us. Upon entering I give a respectful bow to both Mr. and Mrs. Petherton, "Thank you both for your gracious hospitality." As I quickly move around the table to an empty seat I take extra care not to become in the way of Mrs. Petherton's lethal ladle.
I scoop spoonful after spoonful of Mrs. Peterson's yummy oatmeal up till my bowl is completely empty. "That was some mighty good oatmeal Mrs. Petherton. Thank you for such a great breakfast. It certainly sounds like we needed it." "Haywire your plan sounds like it would work great. I do though have one question about it. What if the people that are causing this disruption in the trading are the traders themselves? Wouldn't they then know the people that should be accompanying the local farmers?"
"Mr. Petherton, how much would one of your bags of grain normally sell for? (pauses to let Mr. Petherton reply) It is a bit confusing that these kidnappers would ask for four bags of grain. To me at least it seems that they are probably desperately Hungary, and the three day time limit that was given was likely to be the amount of time they have left in food. If so why wouldn't they just approach the local farmers here and make some sort of a deal to earn some grain? Tangent has a good point though about using only one bag of grain. If you would kindly show me to where the empty grain bags would be Mr. Petherton I will begin filling them to the appropriate levels. The sooner that we can get heading north to wards Ashcombe the faster we WILL free John! " Looking around the room, "Anyone know how far that Ashcombe is from here? (waits for a reply from someone before heading out to fill the sand bags).
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 22, 2010 4:28:50 GMT -5
[td][/td]Listen: 15+6=21 K.Local: 9+1=10
while I eat my food, I carefully listen to the conversations around me. When Tangent mentions needing only a single bag of grain, it gets me thinking, and I add, "Tangent, we could do without any bags of grain. Anyone that would challenge us about being grain traders would be the people we're after or Vaeles guards. The people we're after, we would deal with, and with the guards we could simply tell them the truth." After my meal is over, I take my dish (and any empty dish I pass along the way) over to the washing basin and begin washing them all. While I take care of the dishes I continue to chip into the various conversations going on around me, "Good sir, although both are shorter than most Humans Gnomes like Tangent and Halflings are in fact different races."
When Hovis stands and makes his announcement, I raise an eyebrow but say nothing. When he tries to hand me the paper, I hold up my wet hands and shrug, "If you could hold it for me for a moment that would be great." As my eyes scan the contents of the letter, a puzzled look comes across my face, "To the best of my knowledge there isn't a village by the name of Ashcombe within three days travel north of here. Unless a village has sprung up, or they're just trying to lure more grain to the northern path..." Trailing off a smile crosses my lips, "This plays well into our existing plan."
Drying my hands, I begin again, "Listen Pethertons, we are going to be leaving within the hour. While Wismer is filling the fake bags, the rest of us should gather all our belongings for the trip." Once everyone is taking action, I head over to the young lady who had the note, "You've done nothing wrong by holding onto the letter. I wouldn't know how to bring that up to my family either. Take comfort however, John will return shortly. My family is used to catching criminals and keeping them under control." Smiling warmly, I nod and take my leave.
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Post by DM Quietus on Jun 22, 2010 12:32:31 GMT -5
The revelation that John is captive, and not simply late, quickly changes the atmosphere in the room. Mrs. Petherton slumps down into a chair, muttering curses against those who would take her boy away under her breath. Mr. Petherton's fists clench so tightly his knuckles turn white, his weathered lips forming into a tight line as he fights not to shake with anger. The young woman seems to shrink into her chair, though she shows some reluctant hope in her eyes. Even the older among the children look up, worried, not really understanding fully what's going on, but sensing the change in the adult's demeanors. Your correction with regard to gnomes versus halflings, Haiwire, seems to get subsumed into this sudden tenseness.
When Mr. Petherton finally speaks, his voice is tight, and clearly either on the edge of breaking into tears or lashing out in anger. "You folks will have anything you need, so long as you bring my boy back, you will. And bring back the rotten cur that tried to take him from us. I'll borrow Dennis' cart, and cart the grain, or sand, whatever you folk use, and lead it myself. Ain't no man that I'll let get away with takin' my boy from me.", he promises. "And no, ain't no place called Ashcombe nowhere, not that I've heard. But I'll make damned sure to find these folk, Laura, I promise you that, and when I do, I'll make'em wish they'd never heard the name Petherton, I will."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 23, 2010 1:27:59 GMT -5
Not wanting to argue with a man that's just found out that his son is a captive of an unknown enemy, I don't challenge his wanting to lead the wagon himself. I do however speak up, "Don't worry folks, we will get John back, and we will make those that took him wish that they were playing claw claw bite with Bannor instead." Shuttering a little as I mention the Troll guards favorite pass time, and the images of it's aftermath that pop into my mind.
To help discourage any thoughts of helplessness, I follow up my consoling with busy work. Anyone that isn't doing something is asked to fetch a tool, ready a horse, or otherwise get to work on farm chores. Mrs. Petherton is the first person I target, "What can these children be doing chore wise?" Pleading with my eyes to get her moving, knowing that she is the force behind this family. If I can get her moving everyone else will fall in line.
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Post by Sugarphix on Jul 10, 2010 9:27:55 GMT -5
Tangent listens to Mr. Petherton's threats against the kidnappers, growing more still as he does so. He remembers a time when a neighbor's daughter went missing when he was a lad. The farmer swore vengeance against the animal who took her. He heard that there was a man that their farm traded with from the next town that had been asking around about his daughter, asking things like when she did her chores, and when she went to market. All of the questions he would need to know to find when she would be alone, without any family members around to protect her. The Father was enraged, and sought out the man who had asked all the questions with one goal in mind, to find out if he had been the one to take her. He banged on the young man's door, and when he answered, the Father asked if he had seen or heard anything about his daughter. (By this point, the Father was so tired from his journey, so desperate to get his daughter back, and so furious that she had been taken, his nerves were ready to be unleashed on the first sign that he was looking for). All the young man got out was "Yes, I know of her, I took her" when SCINTH, the Father without thinking first plunged his untrained dagger straight into the young man's heart. "But..." the young man croaked with confused eyes, on his way folding to the floor, "I took her to meet my parents, we are to be married. She sent a letter to your whole family inviting you to come, and sharing the good news...cough" He winced as the cough racked his body and jiggled the dagger "The messenger must have been waylaid if you have not yet received the news. Oh me, what cruel fate is this?" And with that, the young man died in his father-in-law to be's arms. The Father reeled at the news, and of what he had done. Not only had he just committed murder, he had taken the one thing that could never be given back to his favorite daughter, he had brought shame on his family and become the monster he had feared.
"Mr. Petherton," says Tangent, "I realize how you feel right now, full of anger and hate, with murder in your eyes. But I hope we have also instilled some hope in you too. We will bring John back to you, that is what you should focus on. We can't promise to bring back the evil man who took him, as he may not survive us getting John back. If he is devious enough to kidnap an innocent like that, I will assume he will put up a fight. No one ever knows what to expect as an outcome of such fights, one just hopes that their skills are better and their wits are quicker than their foe's. Rest assured that he will not get off scott free in any outcome, will will ensure you that your mind will be at peace inasmuch as we can. However, don't forget the reason John and your family loves you as they do. You are a strong, loving man that supports his family, you want to continue being the good man you are, don't loose sight of that. Violent vengeance can turn even a great man into a monster. Don't bring death and violence into the lives of your wife and your children, continue to be the kind, generous kindred soul that they can count on, that is what they need you to be. Fear not, the fiend will not go unpunished, take comfort in that. Again, the thing to focus on here is that John will be safe again, and in your arms Mr. Petherton".
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Post by Grey on Jul 12, 2010 18:23:08 GMT -5
Unless the magnitude of people stating the same thing - that John will be returned to the family - is insufficient, Hovis helps getting the chores started. Organizing the children to the assignments given by Mrs Patherton. Moving on to any chores that requires a little more muscle.
When the chores are just about done, Knox proceeds to fill grain bags with earth from any dry locations on the farm. After the bags are full the young fighter collects his equipment & readies his horse, Isis.
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Post by DM Quietus on Jul 13, 2010 13:30:31 GMT -5
"You may be right.. Tangent, was it? Sad fact is, nice words don't put a man's anger at ease, they don't. I'll try and keep your words in mind when I get my hands on these fiends, though. Now, if you all will excuse me, I've got to go borrow a cart, I do.", Mr. Petherton says, going over and putting his hat and shoes back on. "I'll have the boys get the horses ready in the meantime. They should be nearly finished with the roof, they should.", he adds, before heading back out into the drizzling rain.
On being asked about what chores the children could do, Mrs. Petherton heaves a great sigh, then starts to think. "They're all so young.. but I suppose the older ones could help you to fill the bags. Elijah, Geoffrey, would you come here boys? There you are - now, uncle John is in a spot of trouble, and these fine people are going to help him out of it. They need your help, though. Could you help them to fill some grain bags? They'll tell you what they need in them, and your daddy will be along to help soon too.", she says, addressing the two eldest boys. Answering with a chorus of "Yes, Grandma", they go and get ready to head out into the rain themselves. Once they're out of earshot, and Laura has turned her attention to keeping the children that are too young to help occupied, Mrs. Petherton goes on, "I'll stay here, get my bandages and such ready. You folk avoid fighting, if you can, but if it comes to it, I've a little skill with sewing up a wound. You get yourselves hurt, or find John in a bad way, you come right back here and I'll take care of it, alright? Now, the kids will be out in the barn, we keep the grain bags in the hayloft. My boys will be in to set the horses ready to haul shortly." Her voice seems to have gained a level of determination to it, probably from your urgings and assurances that John would be fine, but you can still see the worry in her eyes.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 13, 2010 19:58:27 GMT -5
With the family set to rights for the moment, I set to work helping prepare everything to go. When everything is about ready, I gather my belongings, and then Wismer's since he's busy filling grain bags with sand. Once everything is set, I will give everything a once over, making sure that the wagon looks as much like a farmers wagon as possible. Looking over the party, I make sure we're cloaked or covered enough that we don't scream adventurers to the bad guys we're after.
When everything meets with my approval, I mount up on the cart, "Good-bye, and thank you for breakfast. When all goes well, we'll see you in four days for dinner. Set a plate for John, and the rest of us." I smile warmly, but with no hint of a joke in my eyes. I'm one hundred percent serious that we will be back, with John in the alloted time.
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Post by Kosga on Jul 19, 2010 12:04:11 GMT -5
With a cheerful tone in my voice, "Here are the first couple bags of grain that you requested Haywire. give me a few moments to go and get the rest of it. My isn't it a beautiful day out here, one just has to love the rain!!" With that I turn an head back to where I was getting the grain bags filled. A short time later I return with the last of the bags of grain. "Alright Haywire since you seem to be organizing the loading of this trading expedition how would you like all this grain arranged?" while waiting for Haywire to show me where he wants the stuff, I take a moment to admire the hustle and bustle of everyone in the rain. After making sure all of the bags are placed appropriately and my gear is all loaded I climb into the cart and settle in for a four day rescue voyage....
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Post by Sugarphix on Jul 20, 2010 15:15:23 GMT -5
As the cart, sacks, supplies and costumes are ready, we say our goodbyes to the Petherton family members that come out to see us off, and start to trundle down the road on the way to meet John and our fates.
Tangent is sitting up front, driving if he's able, incessantly asking to drive if someone else has taken the reins. He keeps a special eye out to look for scouts from the baddie's camp, or people hiding/lurking along the way. He also keeps up a bantering jovial conversation with all those involved, to keep the mood on the wagon light and keep up appearances. Finally, he starts to tell a story in the form of a song, those that know it can join in:
"By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
Fisherman, oh fisherman, standing by the sea, Have you a crayfish you would sell to me? By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
Well yes sir, yes sir, that indeed I do, I've a nasty, smelly crayfish I would sell to you, By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
So I took him home and I thought he'd like to swim, So I filed up the chamber pot and threw the bugger in, By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
In the middle of the night I thought I'd have a fit, When my old lady got up to... wash her face By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
Osgood! Osgood! She cried out to me, The Devil's in the chamber pot, and he's got a hold of me! By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
Children, children, bring up the looking glass, Come and see the crayfish that bit your mother's...ear By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
Children, children, did you hear the grunt? Come and see the crayfish that bit your mother's... nose By the wayside dy dittly dy do!
Well that's the end of me song, there isn't any more, I've an apple in me pocket, and you can have the core, By the wayside dy dittly dy do!"
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