Disent in the party, character sheets
Subject Disent in the party
"Loot." Salix repeats with a derisive snort. "Blood money won through treachery is what it is."
His look softens, "Mund, I have no quarrel with you or your actions back there. Nor indeed with any of my friends. I lay the blame on Kal, solely. That there is "loot" at all at this point is entirely his doing, as far as I'm concerned, and that doing was rash, treacherous, and counter to all that he was ordered to do."
He looks at the others. "Mund is right that I can't force my view of things on others, but I also cannot deny what I believe. I want no part of the plunder because I believe it was stolen through murder, done by Kal, using all the rest of us as tools. Those of you who feel differently will perhaps choose differently. I cannot command you, but I ask that you leave the blood money where it fell. If you feel that is an unfair loss, I will make restitution to you from my own share of legitimately won treasure, from this or any future mission. I ask that my friends stand with me in this as, besides being the right thing to do, it sends a clear message to Kal that his actions are not condoned by his peers."
Salix continues, more quietly, speaking to Mund, but not caring who else hears. "Mund, I have not told you this, but I respect your skills and knowledge. I respect what I know of your integrity. In your own way, you have chosen to live close to the earth. You understand the ways of nature unlike many others here. That you understand the virtues of Harp's wilder lineage shows me that I have much I can learn from you. I hope our contact can be benificial to both of us." He clasps a firm hand on Mund's shoulder, intending camraderie, then returns his gaze to the doorway from which he expects at least one more party member to return.
From: Karl
Subject Disent in the party
(OOC - I don't envy your position in this. Salix believes a fundamental law has been broken. Specifically the implied good will during parley. As a Lawful Neutral character, talk of how evil these creatures are is unlikely to be persuasive since by that token Harp himself should be pretty much irredeemable, what with the evil tainted blood and all. ;) Salix isn't being petty and he isn't using words like "murder" and "treachery" lightly. I'm pretty interested myself in how this is gonna play out. Lord knows Salix is gonna be easier to play than Harp in this little vignette.)
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
I do not if you guys can work this out during the day, but if you do I will write a turn tonight. If not I think I am going to wait until it gets worked out. It seems fairly important. :)
From: Jason
Subject Disent in the party
Ragnar has nothing more to add until Harp and Kal come back into the room with the rest of them. He's not particularly interested in a few coppers or the potion, so he'd be more than willing to leave them behind if it makes Salix happier. Once the others come back Ragnar may have more to say.
From: Karl
Subject Character sheets
I updated Salix (by putting "5" in the Druid slot) and I hit "Update" but I'm not sure what, if anything, changed. Can you check it? I don't know enough about the numbers to tell if they are right or wrong.
From: Mark
Subject Character sheets
I will check but the last I looked it was not keeping the numbers. Mike is going to be working on it today.
From: Ashely
Subject Disent in the party
Surin speaks up at the druid's talk of restitution. "Pshaw. That ain't necessary for me, Salix. If it can help put this nasty business behind us, I'll consider it money well spent. Others might feel diff'rently, but don't be holdin' that against 'em too much." With that Surin helps himself to Mund's proffered bread and cheese and settles down on the floor to munch.
From: Porter
Subject Character sheet
There are some AC modifiers that before were being kept in the AC modifiers comment block. I tried to add them and they didn't stay.
For example, Mund keeps his dex bonus when flat-footed (uncanny dodge).
From: Randy
Subject Character sheet
OOC: I really haven't paid any attention to my character sheet since we started the game. I still am not really familiar with 3rd edition rules enough to know if things look right. I am pretty sure Ran is a 5th level fighter but other than that I am not sure about things. I tried updating the sheet to show that but when I went back to it, the change was gone.
From: Mark
Subject Character sheet
He is still working on the character sheet. He is in CA so has still not gotten up for the day. :)
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: OK I lied, I typed this up so things would keep moving and there would be some fresh stuff for me when I woke up. Hint Hint Kevin. ;-)
"You're too kind, Harp." Kal replies after thinking for a moment. Unsure of whether this is sarcasm or sincerity, Harp remains quiet and allows Kal to continue.
"My Srilari -- my patron and mentor -- gave me a strange piece of advice the day I earned my blade. I had just received my first orders from the Nations. I was preparing to leave, and he came to my home to talk to me.
He stayed with me only for a few minutes, I can hardly remember what we discussed now. But his parting words confused me, I've been trying to decipher them since they day I heard them. 'Do not believe what you yourself have imagined. True sight comes with perspective.' "
Kal shakes his head with a smile, "He would often play these sorts of games. He believed that the search for the meaning was as important as the meaning itself.
I've spent the last year trying to figure out what he was trying to tell me with those words. Finally I know."
Kal's voice changes. It's only now that Harp realizes Kal had been speaking differently the entire time. His voice had been softer and much more like what Harp would expect from an elf.
"I was wrong to decide to go into that room. It may have been the best decision, but I can't act alone. We need to act as a team, or we're doomed to fail. I don't need to pretend to have messed up, I did. I'll admit that freely to anyone you wish."
Kal pauses for a moment, and then adds:
"You deserve to know that I intend to challenge Mund to a duel after this quest is over. I cannot allow the honor of the Nations to be smeared. An uncouth man like him does not get speak of the Nations the way he did and then strike one of their chosen warriors without repercussions."
OOC: Maybe you guys will get to kill Kal off after all. :) I kinda wish I didn't decide to make him such a self-righteous prick. I tried for a while to figure out how to not include some sort of confrontation with Mund, but I can't see how Kal would let the two attacks slide.
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
This is assuming, of course that Mund and Kal survive the dungeon. Or that the party survives. :evil grin:
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
I'm glad you've allowed the "action" to stop so that we can role-play this.
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
Hey not a hard decision. Lot's of good RP stuff and I don't have to write it. :)
From: Derek
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Hopefully Kal and Mund won't end up like Sturm Brightblade did in the original Dragonlance. In the story he was a tragic hero, but evidently in the original D&D session the player was being a total prick, so the DM killed him off. :-P Anyway, role-playing some conflict is fun every once in a while, but I'm more interested in seeing what happens when we get through the last door.
IC: Allistair sighs in exasperation as the argument heats up, cools down, and then heats up again. He had tried to keep the argument from flaring up but had failed miserably. Maybe Harp could knock some sense into them. He's the only person that might at least stand a chance. Even so, Allistair is definately going to research a hold person spell given the first opportunity. Allistair goes and gets the key from the corpse-filled room and compares it with the first key they obtained.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: I think it would be a little strange if there wasn't a buncha strife at first as this group got together. It's a pretty disparate party.
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
Actually, my understanding is that nobody got along with the player that played Sturm, and he ended up just leaving on his own, so the DM arranged a death for him, lik happened with T_Smith's character in this campaign.
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
As I was reading all of the archives in preparation for joining this party, I found it pretty bizarre at how little conflict there was.
From: Mark
Subject Disent in the party
Allistair looks over the brass key. It is very similar in design to the copper key they had found in the first room.
From: mark
Subject Disent in the party
Do remember this. The original party was hand picked by Quarion Smith. He had personally worked with every member of the party except Ran and Harp. The party was picked so that it would work well together, or at least that was one part of Quarions goals. He is a very good judge of character. :)
From: Karl
Subject Disent in the party
Quarion worked with Kal? When? I didn't think Kal had history with anyone in the storyline until we picked him up at the werewolf slaying.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
Kal wasn't part of the original party, so Quarion couldn't have picked me.
From: Karl
Subject Disent in the party
Yeah, after I hit "send" I note the word "original". Silly me.
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
Mund is visibly pleased by the praise from Salix. He smiles and hands the elf some bread and cheese. "You know, I've worked with several godfolk over the years, but I've never gotten along with one before. It's as though they think that they *are* gods, and that the rest of them should worship *them*. But you ain't like that."
"I've been commanded to do many things by them, but I ain't never been *asked*. I'll consider your request, Salix." Besides, the Barbarian thinks, those critters probably didn't have much worth taking anyway.
"The gods know that I have had enough reasons to hate the elves throughout my life. I never thought that I'd be friends with one. You're a good guy -- it's like you're normal folk, and not an elf at all. I'm really glad I've gotten to know you."
Uncomfortable at having shared too much, Mund stands up and walks away from Salix. "Surin -- I'm feeling lucky today. Let's see if I can finally beat you at a game of knife-throwing."
OOC: Although Mund has some egalitarian excuses for his opinions, in reality he's just as racist as any elf.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Mund and Kal should have a "Racist-off".
Ok for real, that's the last email. Good night.
From: Kevin
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Thanks for the work below. I will write a response when I get home from work. I have a closing on a deal that is supposed to happen next week that is all of a sudden having serious issues (i.e. incorrect legal description for the location, no signed lease, etc.).
From: Kevin
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Thanks Karl. I am working on a response to Kal's latest oration. I think Harp's and his discussion will come off OK. The rest of the group - lets see.
I think I have a way to get Salix on aboard - at least part of the way. I will see if I can get there this write up.
I should have it done shortly.
From: Kevin
Subject Character sheets
Mark, Pat and I are going to recreate a paper character sheet for Harp tonight. I think I made some mistakes on Harp's skill points at some time or another. I will check what we do with what is in Sakeriver tomorrow.
Thanks
From: Jason
Subject Character sheets
When I changed my class level, the values did correct themselves. Unfortunately I didn't seem to have permission to actually save any changes, so they all disappeared when I left the page. But the character sheet itself seems to be working fine.
From: Kevin
Subject Disent in the party
Harp looks somewhat stunned. He had more than half expected Kal to respond in righteous outrage or right out anger. Instead, he had stepped up and responded like a man (elf, 1/2 orc?). Maybe Hieronious was smiling on his unworthy servant today.
"Kal, you have no idea what it means to me to hear you say that. I know it was not easy. I look forward to fighting with you as we defeat this place." With that Harp will clap Kal on the shoulder (hopefully where he is not injured - Mark, is that an accidental after action wound check?).
As far as your challenge to Mund, that will be between the two of you, so long as it is after we leave this place (assuming we all leave this place). I will warn you - when lathered up, he is stronger than he appears. I know this from personal, butt thumping experience. I don't want you calling him out here, if you think you can avoid it. I don't want no death challenges hanging between you two until we are done.
"Kal, when we go back to meet the others, I will stand by your side an vouch for you - there will be some who will be hard pressed to accept this from you. Are you ready for them?" Assuming Kal says yes, Harp will head with him back to the room.
As Harp and Kal re-enter the main room, they are greeted with a wide variety of looks. Ragnar and Surin are pretty neutral, Allistair hard to determine, but Salix, Ran and Mund are obviously angered and out of sorts. Harp says to everyone "Thanks for waiting. That last room did not go as planned. There were two causes of that. Kal rashly decided to open the door, and Mund rashly decided to try and tackle Kal. Both of these were shittly decisions. (if Kal or Mund start to react to this Harp will bellow "HOLD both of you"). If I understand Salix's story right, this arguement was about what type of creatures were on the other side and if they could be trusted. You can have that fight elsewhere. This is not the place. Look around you - does any of this look natural? As Ragnar will attest, and Allistair as well, this place was created for one reason, to test those who would try to get the jewel.
Kal has admitted his mistake to me and I have accepted it. He is willing to admit his mistake to the rest of you, and to apologize for putting you at unneccessary risk. I know that this will not be an easy thing to do - hell, I've wanted to strangle him a few times myself. But, in order to complete this mission, and I will complete this mission, we have to be able to work as a team. You do not have to like each other, but I am asking you to at least work together on this one task."
Harp will listen to the others response.
OOC: Mark, assumign that Harp will now hear from Salix and Ran the concerns they have expressed to each other, Harp will respond to them as follows - you can modify if you need to. Harp will tyr to have these conversations as privately as possible.
To Salix - "Salix, my friend, I don't know what to say. I see this whole place as one big test. I don't know if the creatures we are going to meet are good, bad, devious, lonely, whatever. All I know is that I have to finish this mission or the possible evil to the world is one hell of a lot greater than a few dead bodies here. Who even knows what happens to these creatures when they die. Maybe they are sent to where ever there god resides, all happy in his presence. I dont care about the plunder, though if we were to find a potion of healing or two in this place, that I would take. I cannot force you to continue with us, but I would just ask you one thing - what would Storm Father Acer (OOC: Karl, is that the right name?) counsel you to do?
To Ran - "Ran, if you want to challenge Kal, I would ask that you wait until after this place. I would hate to hve to explain to Anglewing that we failed because two of our elven members killed or maimed each other barley into the challenge. I need both of you. I am not asking you to be his friend, and I will work to keep you (and Mund and Salix) as separated as I can, but we are going to need everyone we have to accomplish this mission. Please do this for me."
OOC: OK, Mark time to let you and the others take it from here.
From: Josh
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: I think i missed the email where Ran said he was pissed off. Can someone forward it to me? (or give me it's subject line)?
From: Porter
Subject Disent in the party
OOC: Harp looks forward to fighting Kal? I thought he was trying to smooth things over. ;)
IC:
"Kal has admitted his mistake to me and I have accepted it. He is willing to admit his mistake to the rest of you, and to apologize for putting you at unneccessary risk."
Mund doesn't even get up off the floor to address Kal. With his mouth half-full he says "So, Harp says that you're going to admit that you were wrong and will apologize to me for what you did. Is this true?"
From: Randy
Subject Disent in the party
"Harp, May I speak with you privately?" Ran queries his leader.
"I have no desire to challenge Kal. I do however hope that you will take into consideration the fact that he acted ruthlessly and with vicious intent. Moments ago, I was ready to call him an outright murderer and I'm still not sure that would be wrong.
I believe that he should be treated as a prisoner and taken into custody of the order when this trial is over. Moreover, I am not convinced that I can continue in this quest if we continue to employ methods that involve killing first and asking questions later. If these creatures are being transported here against their will then I believe we must first give them the opportunity to leave in peace. I don't believe it right of us to strike out at the creatures, no matter how vile, unless we are first attacked. We must parley in good faith.
This move of Kal's was disgraceful and regardless of his apology, there is now blood on the hands of several of the party. That blood may not be entirely innocent but we didn't really give them a choice other than to attack us. I believe that this quest needs to be completed as much as you do, but I will only work with you if we change our tactics appropriately. I believe if we do so we may be able to convince Salix to join with us in our efforts. If you refuse this request then I will be forced to work independently of the party."
Ranthir waits for a response. If Harp agrees then all is well, otherwise Ranthir will approach Salix, and perhaps Mund to discuss heading to some of the other doors while the rest of the party continues seperately.