Getting Started, Tavern, Rennik Description
Subject: RE: getting started!
The city hall of Overlook is a warm and inviting structure. It was clearly built to encourage the citizenry to take an active interest in local government. One end of the hall is the long table at which the invited sit, but the rest of the hall is a large visitor's gallery with comfortable benches and easy access to the lavatory.
The Alderman leads the ferocious looking Halfling into this hall, and asks him to sit at the table. Within moments, the other seats and the table are taken by local functionaries, and not long after the visitor's gallery is filled to bursting with curious townsfolk.
The Alderman begins banging his gavel, and once the excited buzz dies down, turns with stiff formality to the Halfling. "Good sir, we are indeed greatly concerned over the recent attacks on our people. If you have information that would aid us, I ask that you please give it now so that we may decide on our course."
The Halfling looks at those seated around the table. He notes their soft clothes, and softer hands. Their waists going gently to rotund, and he knows that his real audience is in the gallery. He leaps onto the table, and turning to the crowded townspeople he thumps the handle of his axe on the table once then says, "I know what stalks your farms. I know what kills your people. I have seen the beasts, and I have dedicated my life to killing them.
"Three years ago, I was to be married to Lorria, daughter of my village shaman, the most beautiful mate a Halfling could ever ask for. We were young. We were in love. The entire village gathered to watch her father join our hands before Yondalla in the center of our village.
"That is when I first saw the beast. It came out of the wilderness, a black blur charging at the gathering. We were unprepared, having no weapons, and ran to arm ourselves. Lorria hurried the women and children to shelter. I ran for my bow and arrows along with several of the warriors of the village.
"When I returned to the clearing, there was chaos. Children were screaming. Spears flew through the air. The beast was at bay, surrounded by warriors with pikes and spears, with the body of my Lorria hanging limp in its jaws. It was a massive black boar, slavering at the mouth with red eyes. And it was cornered.
"The battle was fierce. Spears were thrown, arrows loosed, but our weapons had little effect. The beast snapped its jaws and broke Lorria's body in two before rounding on us. Through tears of anger and sadness, I flew into a rage and fired several arrows into its flank, but there was no effect. It tore through our ranks, cutting down our best fighters with its claws and tusks before disappearing into the wilderness.
"My friend, Horan, the chief's son, survived. The other wounded could not be saved.
"I know this one thing - the boy who took his life spared himself and you untold agony. Horan wasted away with fever for weeks as our healers tended his wounds, but his eyes grew red and voice weak. We thought he would surely die, and I now wish that he had.
"When the moon was next full, Horan, my friend, son of our village chief, transformed into a black devil-boar, destroyed the hut he was recovering in, and carried the limp body of one of the healers into the wilderness in his jaws.
"The beast that attacked my village was a devil-boar - a lycanthrope. One who can change from man to beast, and back again. One cursed to consume flesh, cursed to hate life and all that is good.
"I searched for a way to cure my friend but learned that we missed our opportunity through ignorance. Since that time I have spent my life learning about these creatures and how to kill them, all the while tracking Horan through the wilds.
"He has joined the larger devil-boar, and they have traveled both as beast and man, crossing the wilderness and feeding on families and wanderers. For three years I followed, and they have led me here.
"And now, I hear stories of death. Of black beasts that steal away families. Of a survivor who went mad and took his life. Horan has come to your town. He and his companion see it as a grand feast table laid out before them.
"I am not foolish enough to think I can stop them alone. It is my hope that some of your number are willing to join me in my fight, and I humbly ask of you, Alderman, and any brave warriors among your people, for aid in ridding your city of this evil."
After he speaks, he turns back to face the Alderman, who is visibly shaken. "Well, certainly we must act quickly against such a threat." He mops his brow with a kerchief, "Indeed. We must act quickly."
He looks around the room for a moment, with obvious fear at being the one to make the decision on what to do. Eventually, his eyes land on Captain Bragga, the head of the Nesalin garrison here in Overlook. Relief is visible in his eyes when he says, "Captain. You seem the logical choice to make a plan of action against this terrible threat. I turn the meeting over to you."
The Captain nods once as if expecting this, and scratches his grizzled and mostly gray beard. "Aye. But I have not the men nor the weapons to hunt such a beast, much less two or more o' them. Perhaps it would be best if I sent word to the commander at Nesalin and asked for help." When he says this, many around the room nod in agreement. Whispers of "yes, ask Nesalin for help" are heard everywhere.
But as the Alderman is raising his gavel to declare that the official plan of action, a young man in a Lieutenants uniform pushes his way to the front of the room. "Please, people, wait! We can't afford to stand idly by while Nesalin decides whether or not to aid us! Even if they do, at best no troops would arrive for three or four days. Who knows how many would be carried off in the meantime."
The young officer turns to Captain Bragga. "Sir, please let me take a small group to aid the Halfling in tracking these beasts. It may be that if we could catch them in their lair, we could end this threat before more people are lost."
The Captain nods once, "Garyth, if you choose to do this, I will not stop you, but I will force no man to accompany you."
Garyth accepts eagerly, "I would force no one either, who knows what dangers we would face tracking such creatures." He turns to look at the collected townspeople. "Who would go with me to face these beasts before more of our people are killed?"
Immediately a pale young man in dark robes steps forward. "Many of you know me. I am Farron Uphill. I was raised on one of the farms nearby, and my aunt and uncle live there still. I will risk no hurt to them, so I will go and help you stop these things."
Captain Bragga says to the Alderman, "This is the one that graduated from the wizards school in Nesalin. Magic would be useful."
"Then more magic would be twice as useful," declares a dark young man with an odd nasal accent and dressed in strange foreign clothing. He bows deeply and says, "I am Sa'id ibn Shukri, formerly of Jaffa, and late of Nesalin and the Wizards school there. I see many inconsistencies in the stories here. For example, the claw marks on the unfortunate boy who died (Gods grant him rest). A wereboar of the type the Halfling describes would leave no claw marks. Hoof or tusk marks, for a certainty, but not claws. And what purpose would such creatures have in carrying off the dead? To devour on the spot, I could understand, but not to carry off." At this point he seems to realize that everyone is staring at him with a blank expression. "Forgive my prattling. I find this puzzle most curious. I will help you find it's answer."
Another young man steps forward. "My name is Mission. I am a follower of the Path of Blood and Stone. I seek someone on this island, but my order would not allow me to turn aside from such obvious need. I will aid you until this threat is removed." He then bows slightly from the waist and steps back.
The room is silent for a moment. When no more step forward, Garyth turns back to the Captain and the Alderman. "I will take these three with me. With the Halfling that gives us five. I feel this number is adequate."
"Then go with our good wishes, Lieutenant." Says the Alderman, "We will support you in any way we can. Captain, see to it that these men are given any equipment they need from the town stores. We can provide you with food, travel gear, and what weapons we have. I will see to it that the herbalist gives you what aid he can. When do you leave?"
Garyth replies, "We leave at first light. We will finish our preparations tonight."
After a few more moments, the meeting begins to break up. The five gather together around the table at the head of the room, and discuss what supplies they will need for the morning. Just as they are about to disband for their respective accommodations, a large dark haired man equipped with a breastplate carved with religious icons approaches and says, "I too will go. I am Cadfael, a servant of Pelor, and wield some small power by his graces." He wears heavy fighting gloves, but you notice that as he speaks, his is constantly rubbing his hand.
Garyth says, "You are welcome, noble cleric. We will appreciate any assistance the Gods can offer."
Cadfael nods and turns to leave.
Ok, guys, here is the deal.
You are taking over from here. Please feel free to add equipment to your character sheets. This equipment can include any food, travel and survival gear, ammunition, or mundane weapons you need. Email me your updated character sheets when you are done.
The next turn will begin with the group gathering at first light. Any actions you wish to take before then will need to be emailed to me before that turn. Also, spellcasters, remember to email me an updated spell list.
We are ready to go!
From: Daniel
Subject: RE: getting started!
After taking a step Cadfael pauses as if in thought. After a moment he turns quickly he looks Rennik in the eye, "Good sir Halfling, I have, in my time, come across many ailments and maladies. And yet I have never had the... opportunity to tend to those afflicted with the curse of lycanthropy. Tell me, good sir, what do you know of it? You have said that you lost your friends due to your own ignorance of their condition. What, may I ask, could you have done? And what can we do to protect ourselves from falling victim to their madness? I shall, of course, pray to Pelor for guidance in the morrow, but I would have you tell me what you can now."
From: Ty
Subject: RE: getting started
I would like to thank Daniel for making the first true role playing move here.
I encourage everyone to do this sort of thing. If you do it often or well enough, you get free bonus goodies from the DM! Yay!
From: Matt
Subject: Re: getting started!
Rennik glances down at his feet and grits his teeth.
"We were too late. We were ignorant. We did not know of devil-boars, or the evils of their blood. We thought Horan was in shock, that he had an infection. We treated him with poultices and small magic. Useless."
The halfling takes a few steps towards a nearby tavern, but pauses and turns and stares into a sort of middle distance.
"We were twenty feet from saving him, you know that? Twenty feet!" There is almost a growl beneath his words, but he calms himeself. "There is an herb, a poison. Devil's Herb, Dwayberry, Belladonna, Dwale, Nightshade... it causes sleep without waking. It grows near my village, and we know to avoid it.
"But, if you are bitten, your only chance is to eat a sprig of it as soon as possible. After an hour, there is no hope, and even within minutes there is only a small chance it will be a cure. It is said that within three days, a powerful enough cleric can also heal the afflicted. Had we known, we could have sent for one... but we did not know.
"Rumor has it that on the three days of a full moon the curse can be lifted, but I don't know how, nor has any cleric or sorcerer I've spoken to. Rumors also tell of good lycanthropes - but I don't believe them. The devil-beasts are evil, and since I have no proof of their redemption, I have dedicated my life to ending my friend's curse."
He finally looks up into Cadfael's eyes, and looks across the faces of the others who offered to help. "I wish to thank you before we set out, for the road is dangerous. You have brave and good hearts. I just hope they continue beating."
Finally, he sets off toward the tavern.
"Come, let us all share drinks and good times before the hunt."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: getting started!
Sa'id's expression is thoughtful, and he does not follow Rennik out of the hall immediately. You can almost see the gears turning behind his eyes, grinding away at each new piece of information that has been gleaned tonight. He begins to murmur, half to himself and half to anyone who happens to be listening:
"Belladonna... Hm. But are all varieties of lycanthropy cured by this herb, or only the wereboar's bite? Lycanthropy is as good an assumption as any right now... But what other kinds of lycanthropes are there? If only I could examine the bodies... There is much to be learned about how these people died."
He smiles wryly to himself.
"Not to mention the horse. I only hope they have not already been buried."
Shaking his head, Sa'id rises and begins to make his way toward the exit.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: getting started!
I received a message from Dan about acquiring belladonna before you leave. I will allow anyone who wants to to search for it in the immediate area. You can use either a wilderness check, or a knowledge (nature) check to do so.
Let me know if you want to search, and what your rank is in the appropriate skill. I'll let you know if you find any.
From: Raja
Subject: Tavern
Before joining the group on the main floor of the tavern, Sa'id goes up to his room and retrieves paper and writing materials. Winding his way back to the group's table amid the bustle of the tavern, he sits, orders a glass of wine, and begins writing in a curt hand. By the time he has emptied his glass, the page is covered in neat, readable prose, written in the language of Huss. He pushes the paper out into the middle of the table and begins to speak:
"Before we leave Overlook, I want to see if we can examine the dead horse. The body of the horse is the only body available to us. While I am not experienced in equine autopsy, I think that Rennik and I may be able to learn something from it." Sa'id's accent becomes more pronounced as he accelerates his speech, "In order to solidify my own thoughts I have made some notes. I wrote in the common tongue of Huss if you wish to read them." He pauses for a moment, musing. "Also, I think that Brother Cadfael's suggestion of acquiring belladonna is a wise and prudent one, but I know little of such things. What knowledge I do have comes through alchemy."
Sa'id's notes read as follows:
________________________________________________________________________________
1) The first series of attacks:
- First family vanishes. Their farm is one of the furthest from Overlook and we don't know how long they had been gone before the disappearance was discovered.
- The farm is untouched, with no valuables taken. Untouched means no signs of struggle, either. Only a few traces of blood. Implication: taken in their sleep. If they were killed it was probably not done at the farm.
- Second family vanishes several nights later. Oldest son escapes on horseback; horse dies outside city gates and son is wounded (deep claw marks, powerful creature). "Black monsters that attacked in the night," and swiftly. His sister was taken.
- Boy's wounds fester; four nights later, he commits suicide by throwing himself off the cliffs. Driven mad either by infection or pain.
2) Rennik's info:
- His hometown was attacked by a massive black wereboar. He says that it fought with "claws and tusks" (as opposed to "hooves and tusks"). Do wereboars have hooved forelegs?
- Injured Horan also became feverish. Next full moon, Horan turned into a boar and fled, killing a healer on his way and taking the body. Assumption: he was afflicted with lycanthropy by the wereboar.
- Lycanthropy of boar-type can potentially be cured by nightshade administered very soon after being injured by a wereboar.
- Rennik has tracked Horan and the other wereboar for three years and the trail has led them to Overlook.
3) Questions and Conjecture:
- Do wereboars have claws, or not? Could "claw marks" on bodies have been made by tusks? (Check corpses if possible; tusks would leave gashes in pairs while claws would leave nail-like trails.)
- Have the areas surrounding the attacks been checked for prints/trails? Rennik should examine them to see if they match up with Horan's trail.
- Two vanished families, but we don't know how far apart the attacks were (since we don't know exactly when the first attack occurred).
- If it is not Horan, it may still be another kind of lycanthrope. Is lycanthropy consistent with the injured boy's fever symptoms? If so lycanthropy is as good an assumption as any.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: Tavern
That is great stuff!
I really like this group so far.
Game Stuff:
The horse was burned.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: getting started!
Farron listens carefully to this exchange and decides that belladonna would be a good thing to have on hand. He knows of a rather neglected meadow near a small grove of trees on the edge of the town where such an herb might be found and decides to stop there before joining the group at the tavern.
From: Ty
Subject: time and temperature
Karl reminded me that I have not sent some vital information... soooo...
It is the beginning of summer on the isle of Huss. The trees are covered in fruit that is almost ripe. It is very close to harvest time for many of the farmers, which makes the current troubles even more inconvenient.
When you exited the town meeting, it was early evening
The temperature on the island during this time of year with be between 60 and 80 degrees, cooler on the coast and in the forests.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: getting started!
After listening to Sa'id's words, Rennik nods for a while and then speaks.
"It is good to find the Devil's Herb, but it is perishable and needs to be eaten within a week of its harvest to be effective. It is unfortunate that the body of the horse was burned. There may have been clues or evidence.
"You are experienced with words and thoughts, spellweaver, though I fear for your safety in battle. I will do what I can to keep you from harm."
Rennik looks at the lettering on the paper and furrows his brow.
"I'm afraid I cannot read this language. If you could read it to me or write in Common or Elven, perhaps?"
The halfling listens to Sa'id's words as he reads his itemized list, nodding at points and interrupting at others.
"I must have misspoke when I said claws. Hooves, yes. The beast most often uses its tusks to tear at legs to drop its opponent, then gores the body and throws it into the air. It can bite, and I have heard tales that they eat human flesh - which I assume is why the bodies are being taken - and it can deal great blows with its powerful limbs. A hooved kick to the head can crush a skull, and a flat hoof to the chest can break ribs and damage the heart.
"Also, the herb is not a cure-all. It is said that it can cure lycanthropy if taken immediately after being bitten - but it is often difficult to know that you have been bitten by a devil beast. There is sometimes infection and fever, but not always - and the devil-beast form doesn't emerge until the next full moon. The herb is said to work for all forms of lycanthropy, but even then it only saves the truly strong of will and strong of heart. Many survive the curse, but then die from the poison.
The halfling thanks Sa'id for taking the time to explain his words, finishes a dwarvish ale and orders another. The lamb supper he bought arrives at the table carried by a barmaid, and he digs in with both hands, ignoring the knife and two-pronged fork on the table beside his plate. Between bites, he continues to speak.
"You have thought this out well, spellweaver. We will go to the farm where the boy and horse were hurt. There we should find clues about exactly what happened, and there will be enough of a trail for me to track our quarry."
From: Karl
Subject: RE: Tavern
Farron enters the tavern a bit more than an hour after the meeting and greets the group. He walks to the bar and asks Pete, the old barkeep, to send over some food and a round of pints for the group, dropping a few coins into his hand quietly.
Returning to the table, he announces, "We're in luck. I took a little walk near the edge of town and was able to locate a few sprigs of belladonna. It's not very pleasant smelling, so I'll just leave it in the pack for now. The smell dissipates as it dries, but hopefully we won't need to find out how it tastes."
When Pete brings the food, (a cutting board with a generous slab of meat, some cheese and plenty of bread along with several tankards of ale,) Farron motions for the group to help themselves as he reaches for a small loaf of the bread and some meat and cheese. As he joins in on conversation with the group, he periodically drops a small hunk of bread or meat or cheese into a pocket of his robes.
When Said starts writing his message, he takes the cue and pulls out a scrap of paper and a sharpened piece of charcoal from his own pocket and jots a quick note. This done, he looks down into a pocket on his robes and appears to speak, but what the group hears sounds more like a series of whispery, chattering noises. At this, a small weasel scurries onto the table, takes the note and disappears out an open window. "Just wanted to let my folks know what's going on. They're quite old and I wouldn't want them to worry."
"So, I image we should start at the site of the most recent attack. Shall we meet in front of the tavern at dawn?"
From: Karl
Subject: RE: getting started!
"This time of year it shouldn't be too hard to find as we need it." Farron replies. "I'm curious, though, if the root is as effective as the plant for treating lycanthropy. Does your lore tell? If not, and the preserved herb is no good then pity the poor fellow bitten in winter."
From: Daniel
Subject: RE: Tavern
Cadfael looks sadly at the door that has closed behind Rennik. "Vengeance will not bring him back, brother, vengeance will not bring him back." His face hardens slightly and he strides toward the exit muttering under his breath, "But then, the Gods help those who help themselves, don't they?"
Pausing at the door he looks back at you, "May Pelor light your path, brothers, I shall see you in the tavern at nightfall before retiring for the evening." And with that he throws open the door and heads out into the failing light of the evening.
True to his word he is in the tavern waiting for you, a goblet of water in hand and bread on his plate. He smiles warmly at you and blesses you as you take your seats. When all are assembled he listens quietly to Sa'id, Rennik and Farron's exchange. Not speaking until it is clear that they have finished.
"I too bring good news, brothers! It is clear Pelor smiles on our quest and has seen fit to bless us with his aid before our journey has even begun in full! The good priests of this city were kind enough to give me 3 vials of an antitoxin. Sadly they will not cure a poison if you are already afflicted, but it does work to counter any agent that would otherwise do you harm. It lasts for roughly an hour in your blood before degrading and becoming useless, so I suggest it be taken before entering combat."
He passes a vial each to Rennik, Garyth and Mission. "I fear you three will be putting your bodies at risk more than the rest of us. For your sacrifice I will offer what little aid I can. On top of these (he pulls a box from his pack) I have more gifts to impart on you. Once again, you that willingly face the greatest danger shall receive the greatest blessings." He slides two pewter flasks to Mission, Rennik and Garyth, "And here, one a piece for our mages, should they find themselves in need of aid and I am unable to reach them in time. In these flasks is water sanctified with the blood of Pelor that those that drink it may be strong (Potions of Moderate
Healing [cures 2d8+10 damage]) and continue to fight in his name."
"Worry not for me, I leave nothing for myself as I have my faith to protect me. Pelor's hand shields me from harm, his eyes guide my eyes and his heart beats in my heart."
With that he leans back contentedly. Seeing that everyone has served themselves he helps himself to the remains of the meat and cheese that Ferrol provided. Quietly, he listens to the rest of the evening's exchange, although he offers no advice of his own. However, when it is suggested that the party meet at first light he speaks again.
"I am afraid I cannot make that meeting. The sunrise is a holy time, and I intend to use it as it was meant to be used, as it is best used. But I understand your desire to begin your work, and do not fault you for neglecting this holy time. Your hearts are guided by good, and Pelor will smile on you all the same. I am certain that I can get instructions on how to get to the farm and surely you'll not run across anything foul while you are there. I shall meet you an hour after the sun begins to rise."
From: Ty
Subject: a brief synopsis
Karl asked for this too. J
The players:
Matt (flyingcow) : Matt is playing Rennik, a wild Halfling barbarian/ranger who hunts the werecreatures who killed his fiance.
Karl (KarlEd): Karl is playing Farron, a Human Diviner who has an aunt and uncle in overlook.
Dan (bobthelawyer): Dan is playing Cadfael, a Human Cleric of Pelor, who's reasons for joining this quest are unclear.
Scott (ScottR): Scott is playing Mission, a Human Monk of the Path of Blood and Stone. He seeks a woman from his past on the island, and joins the quest out of a duty to help others.
Mike (saxon): Mike is playing Garyth, a Human Fighter and Lieutenant of the Overlook town guard. He leads the quest to protect his town.
Raja (Twinky): Raja is playing Sa'id, a Human Necromancer who happens to be traveling through town, and joins the quest out of an insatiable and somewhat morbid curiousity.
From: Ty
Subject: The role playing goodness
Ok, I have to admit that I have been blown away by how good this is starting. Everyone is playing their character to a T, and things are heading toward an excellent game over all (if I don't suck!).
In that spirit, I am awarding every member of the party 1 fate point to take on their travels with them. Pelor does indeed look on you with fondness, and will grant you aid at your time of greatest need.
Keep it up guys.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: The role playing goodness
Raja asked me what a fate point is.
It is a marker you can trade in with the DM to buy a singular and ass saving event. Common uses are: getting a max roll on the next skill check, dodging an instantly lethal blow, getting a bonus to an important saving throw, etc...
Save them, as they are hard to come by, but don't hesitate to use it if your ass is on the line.
From: Karl
Subject: a brief synopsis
Thanks Ty,
And thanks to everyone else. Looks like it's gonna be a good group to work with. I just hope I can keep up.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: Tavern
"Thank you, brother", Farron replies as he stows the potion in an inner pocket of his robes.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: Tavern
Sa'id turns to Rennik with a smile, and begins speaking to him in his own tongue. "I know both the common tongue of Huss and your own tongue in addition to the tongue of my native Ammar, friend Rennik," he says, "and I give you thanks for your kind words." Then, switching back to common, he contiues: "It seems, as my colleauge of esteem Farron has said, that we must learn more of the specific properties of this cure. Although Brother Cadfael - is that the honourific you use? - has been generous with his preventatives, I think it is still in our interests to study the belladona. Perhaps with the proper alchemy a cure for even progressed lycanthropy could be found. However, more pressing is the investigation of the deserted farms. It is good that we carry the belladonna with us so that we do not forget it, but I agree that we must make our way to the closer of the two farms as quickly as possible. From Rennik's informations, I think our most reasonable course is for the time being to assume that Horan and his wereboar kin are behind these attacks. We must scour the two farms for any evidence of that kind." As before, Sa'id's accent grows more pronounced the faster he speaks.
Sa'id pauses, then gasps. "I... I must apologize. I have wholly neglected to properly introduce myself. As I said at the hall of meeting, I am Sa'id ibn Shukri and my home is in Jaffa, on the isle of Ammar far to the east of here. I have lived on Huss, attending the wizards's school in Nesalin, for three years past. It was there I met my colleague of esteem, Farron. And here I have been blurting my ideas and rambling on while giving you no reason to listen to or trust me... again, I must apologize. I thank all of you for listening to my musings."
Sa'id orders a third glass of wine, and sits back to sip it while munching on some of the bread and cheese.
(Raja is going to bed now. ;)
From: Dan
Subject: RE: Tavern
No thanks are needed, brother Farron. I would have no harm come to you or your family.
Yes, Sa'id, please call me Brother Cadfael. We have no friends, but are all family under the loving gaze of the Father. I would be known to you as nothing else.
But as for the curative properties of Belladonna, I assure you that there is little you could do to study it further. Better healers and greater men than you or I have studied it, to be sure. If they could devise no greater a cure than no greater a cure can exist. But if you do wish to learn more than we currently know I suggest you journey back to Nesalin. Go to the Church of Pelor there and ask for Father Belstaff. He is a great man, blessed under the light of the Lord and more skilled in the arts of healing than you or I could dare to dream. And what's more, he's always willing to share his knowledge with those that are eagre to use it in Pelor's name. If you do go, I ask you to send him my regards. I fear it could be a long time before I see him again.
And now friends, I must leave you. It has been a long walk and a long day. I wish to get some sleep while I can so that I may be clear sighted at daybreak. Good evening, and God bless.
And with that, Cadfael heads slowly up the stairs to his room.
(Dan goes to bed)
From: Mike
Subject: RE: Tavern
Garyth frowns as Rennik and Sa'id continue enjoying their beverages. But, no, this is not the time; voicing his concerns would only serve to divide the group before they even set out. He hides his disapproval by taking another bite of the meat, washing it down with the cool water in his tankard. The concern for the others' readiness is soon replaced with a tingle of excitement and not a little fear. But Overlook depends on what he and these men will do, there is no time for anxiety.
As Cadfael passes over the vial, he smiles and nods. "Thank you, good sir. And as you lend me your skills, my steel will protect you, as I hope it may protect Overlook." He slips the vial into his pack.
After Cadfael leaves, Garyth, too, stands. "Gentlemen, I believe we are agreed. I suggest we catch what sleep we may; we will have an early start tomorrow." With that, he turns and climbs the stairs.
From: Matt
Subject: Group photo!
So what do y'all look like, anyway? Your characters, I mean. I've been pondering doing some sketches of the party, possibly one or two chars in a shot, possibly a group shot or two, maybe some action shots once we get into a sticky situation or two.
The thing is, while I may have creative interpretations of what your characters look like (Sa'id, I did a rough sketch, and you came out ridiculously skinny, bald-headed with a goatee, in a long robe with a long, dark crooked staff.... this is probably way off base, but that's the image I have right now), I don't have any definite images other than fleeting glances. For example, I know Cadfael has a shield with a symbol of Pelor on it, and I know that Farron has a ferret type creature with him. But what else?
Here's my word-painted picture of Rennik:
Rennik comes off as rather imposing for having such a small frame. He is tall for a halfling (about 3' 6") and very brawny and muscled, especially in the upper body and shoulders. He has long, black tangled hair that falls down past his shoulders, and he is possibly the only halfling any of you have seen that has what looks to be the start of facial hair (just around his chin and longish sideburns). He has copper/orange colored eyes and a darker shade to his skin.
His eyes are wild and someone intimidating, and it seems as though he often has to contain himself in an effort to act civilized. He is trained to speak well, and his Common has a touch of Elven accent to it, but his words often seems forced. The air of civility is obviously a mask, though one he has trained himself to wear. At times, it seems as though the mask will crack and he will let loose upon those around him.
He wears studded leather armor grudgingly, sacrificing the comfort of loose fitting clothing for its protection. Over his armor he wears the skin of a large, spotted cat that was obviously larger than he was in life. The skin of the head is fashioned into a hood that he sometimes wears for stealth and/or intimidation purposes. He carries a very large dwarven war axe with him at all times that is almost as large as he is. When the blade end is resting at his feet, the axe haft comes to just below his chin... and when anxious or attempting to control his anger, he has a habit of chewing on the leather straps wrapped around its end.
His voice is raspy and carries a bit of a throaty growl when he's angered, though he can project it quite well when he needs to. Among friends his voice is generally calm and restrained, even somewhat placid in demeanor, but any challenge to his abilities, his village, his family or his friends will be met with great intensity and an urge to beat something bloody first and ask questions later, if at all.
He is not gentle. He is not often subtle. If he doesn't like you, you'll know... if by nothing less than the cuts and bruises. If he does like you, he'll be a staunch defender and zealously leap to your aid... especially if it means beating some hapless defender into a senseless pulp.
That's Rennik.
Who are you?