Play by Post D&D: The New Begining

[Viking]

Starbuck nods with a slight grin.  "Something to announce our presence to local wildlife, without broadcasting to our enemies?  Nothing simpler.  'Tis but a matter of modulating volume appropriately."

He clears his throat and sings softly as the group continues along:

If we could talk to the animals, just imagine it
Chatting to a chimp in chimpanzee
Imagine talking to a tiger, chatting to a cheetah
What a neat achievement that would be.

If we could talk to the animals, learn their languages
Maybe take an animal degree.
We'd study elephant and eagle, buffalo and beagle,
Alligator, guinea pig, and flea.

We would converse in polar bear and python,
And we could curse in fluent kangaroo.
If people asked us, can you speak in rhinoceros,
We'd say, "Of courserous, can't you?"

If we could talk to the animals, learn their languages
Think of all the things we could discuss
If we could walk with the animals, talk with the animals,
Grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals,
And they could squeak and squawk and speak and talk to us.

[Glitch Girl]

Barely through the first verse, Nathan quietly whispers to Orloid "What's a chimpanzee?"

The group continues to tromp through the wet woods with musical accompainment.  Much to your surprise, giant furry creatures completely fail to attack your party. You seem to be fine for the moment.

About now, the man on the travois opens his eyes blearily and blinks a few times.  His eyes focus on the raining sky overhead for a moment and then he starts to look around. 

[Uncle Yuan]

Barely through the first verse, Nathan quietly whispers to Orloid "What's a chimpanzee?"

"I don't know.  I think it must be a large cat, like a tiger"

About now, the man on the travois opens his eyes blearily and blinks a few times.  His eyes focus on the raining sky overhead for a moment and then he starts to look around.

Seeing him stir, I lean over and say quietly, "You are OK and we are transporting you to a location of safety.  Just lie back and rest, we will be there very soon.  Oh, and do not mind the half-ogre.  He seems a good enough sort.

"My name is Orloid.  I'm a priest of Corellon Larethian.  This is Nathan, from the church of Pellar.  The others you will meet anon.  What is your name?"

[Glitch Girl]

Orloid gets as far as "Oh, and do not mind the half-ogre..." when the wounded man's eyes go wide, looks around quickly, spots Og carrying him, and tries to get up very fast.  He can't though becasue he's secured pretty well to the travois but he tries anyway. 

You don't think he was paying attention to the rest of Orloid's speech.

[Uncle Yuan]

I reach over and place a firm hand on the man's chest.  "SAFE!  You.  Are.  Safe."  I say directly into his face.  "All here have agreed to protect you.  Please, lie back and relax.   We will soon reach a place of security, then we will talk.  Until then, rest."

[Glitch Girl]

"SAFE!  You.  Are.  Safe." 

The man's eyes meet Orloids.  His breathing is still nervously ragged, but he stops struggling.

"All here have agreed to protect you.  Please, lie back and relax.   We will soon reach a place of security, then we will talk.  Until then, rest."

The man looks around nervously once more.  "You..." he begins, then stops.  "I... all, right" he finally relents and settles back.

[BlueBard]

Up ahead, Whisper is still leading the party to the druid.

If his face could be seen, one would see his lips moving with a slight smile.

Hearing the small commotion behind, he stops and looks back.  Judging by what he sees, the injured man is finally waking.  Satisfied it is nothing, he continues on his way.  He is keeping his eyes and ears sharp for anything dangerous or out of the ordinary, including possible traps (snares, deadfalls, and the like).

GM: Are we nearing Ambrose's home?  And does it look like it will continue to rain for awhile?

[Uncle Yuan]

The injured man is still on the travois - just relaxed and no longer struggling to get up.

[Glitch Girl]

Whisper:
The storm seems to be letting up a little bit.  You'd guess it's got another hour or two left in it.  Luckily you're not nearly that far from Ambrose's place. 

Orloid:
He's settled down and is just lying there, but he's got the expression of someone waiting for execution. 

[Uncle Yuan]

As long as I don't have to wonk him with some spell to keep him calm, I'm satisfied.

[Glitch Girl]

After quite a bit of walking, you begin to make out a dwelling in among the trees.  It looks like an old hunter's cabin that's been there long enough to start to merge in with the vegetation.  A healthy carpet of moss stretches over much of the slanted roof and vines twine up one of the sides.  Warm light from a fire inside casts a cheery glow. The front door is closed, much to no one's surprise.

What do you all do?

[BlueBard]

I am not so foolish as to shout out, nor to approach without warning.  I attempt to mimic the call of an owl, which the druid knows would not be about at this time of the day.  Then I approach the door and softly call out, "Ambrose?  It is Whisper.  I come with companions and one in need."

[BentonGrey]

Dakkon eyed the ramshackle cabin with mild disdain for a moment before shifting his keen eyed gaze back to the darkened wood surrounding them.  If they had been followed, he'd rather know it now then find out about it as the cabin burned down around their ears.

[Glitch Girl]

After a few seconds, there's movement at the window and a canine head looks out at you all as if checking you out.  The head drops out of sight, and after a moment, the door opens, revealing a tall lean man dressed in brown leather and green fabric.  He has long salt and pepper hair tied back in a long ponytail and a thick moustache and beard.  His features (what you can see through the facial hair) are very sharp.

"Whisper, it's good to see you," he says,  "But... what's all this?  Is something wrong?  Are these your friends too?"

[Viking]

Starbuck maintains a bright, friendly smile, while doing his best silent impression of "Why yes, we're all friends here!  Pay no attention to the large, menacing half-ogre carrying the wounded scared man."

[Glitch Girl]

The man looks at all of you, especially the half ogre and the blue elf, and then gives Whisper a look that says "this better be one heck of an explanation".

[BlueBard]

"It is.  We all sought shelter in the same tavern.  There was a confrontation with a human and several hobgoblins wearing an odd black and white sigil who were seeking this man," I indicate the fellow on the travois.  "He is wounded and I thought you might provide healing and sanctuary for a short time.  I believe his adversaries are a band of infamous highwaymen.  I intend to go hunting.""

[Glitch Girl]

The man frowns in thought for a momoent, then he steps aside from the door.

"Only because I trust you Whisper," he murmurs before addressing the rest of the group. "You all better come on in.  I've got a fire going.  Just don't break anything.

Inside is a simple stone fireplace with spartan furnishings.  There's a cot, a pair of chairs, a small table, a couple of large trunks probably for storing things, useful items, and a thick woven rug by the fire with a nice thin layer of silver-grey fur.  There's no sign of the wolf though.

"My name is Ambrose," the man introduces himself.  "And mind if I ask who you all are?"

[Viking]

Starbuck doffs his hat in greetings, once again using a Prestidigitation cantrip to help dry himself off.

"Starbuck Rogers, at your service.  Also at the service of our unknown wounded charge, who we are guarding.  And as your friend Whisper should be able to attest, I am more than capable of song, story, or silence, as appropriate."

Donning his hat once more, Starbuck politely allows his companions-in-arms to introduce themselves.

[Uncle Yuan]

"Orloid," I add with a duck of my head.  "Priest of Corellon Larethian.  This is Nathan, of the church of Pellar.  I believe the hardest of the healing is in hand.  At this point this man just needs a little rest and a place of sanctuary to find it in.  Thank you for your hospitality."

[BentonGrey]

"My name," the azure elf began with a low bow, "as near as it can be rendered in this halting, turgid speech, is Dakkon Elsdragon.  I am the Prince of the Coral City, and rightful ruler beneath the 'sky.'"  He gave a fleeting glance at the injured man, and focused his burning cobalt eyes on the thin druid before him.  "I keep company with these," he encompassed his companions with a gesture, "to find an answer to the riddle of my banishment above the waves," those burning eyes hardened with the memory of a lost world, "and to seek my vengeance on those who stood against me."

[Glitch Girl]

"Starbuck Rogers, at your service.  Also at the service of our unknown wounded charge, who we are guarding.  And as your friend Whisper should be able to attest, I am more than capable of song, story, or silence, as appropriate."

"A pleasure,"  says Ambrose and shakes Starbuck's hand.

"My name, as near as it can be rendered in this halting, turgid speech, is Dakkon Elsdragon.  I am the Prince of the Coral City, and rightful ruler beneath the 'sky.'  I keep company with these to find an answer to the riddle of my banishment above the waves, and to seek my vengeance on those who stood against me."

"...Ah," says Ambrose.  "I see.  Um... Forgive my staring, I've just never seen a sea elf so far inland before." 

"Orloid," I add with a duck of my head.  "Priest of Corellon Larethian.  This is Nathan, of the church of Pellar.  I believe the hardest of the healing is in hand.  At this point this man just needs a little rest and a place of sanctuary to find it in.  Thank you for your hospitality."

He gives a short bow as well. "Of course.  Do you need anything?  Bandages, herbs, anything like that?"

"And... who is this... traveler?" he adds, indicating Og.

[BentonGrey]

"Ahh, then today is a day of new sights," Dakkon began, "for I have never before seen a being that is both wolf and man."  He paused for a moment, a far away look creeping into the dark depths of his eyes as he gazed past the druid, almost as if those cobalt orbs could reach the distant sea.  "I am not this far away from the 'world' by choice, you may be sure of that."

At Ambrose's question about the stranger, Dakkon turns to regard him.  "Perhaps it is time that we find out?"

[Panther_Gunn]

"And... who is this... traveler?" he adds, indicating Og.

"Me am Og.  Og am mercen..... mer...."  The eyes roll upward a bit.  "Og am merc.....    Og squish stuff!  You pay Og!"  A satisfied smile plasters itself across his face.  "Elfy-man pay Og carry hurt man out here."  Turning towards Whisper, Og holds his hand out, palm up.  "We here.  You pay Og now."

[BlueBard]

Whisper gives Og a gold piece.

"Thank you, Og.  Please stay.  We may have another job for you."

Seeing the injured man awake, Whisper turns to him.

"You have reached a place of sanctuary.  Whether you remain safe may depend on the knowledge you may share with us.  Tell how you came to be injured and why a band of hobgoblins wanted you badly enough to brave a fierce storm to seek you?"

[Glitch Girl]

"Me am Og.  Og am mercen..... mer.... Og am merc.....    Og squish stuff!  You pay Og!"  A satisfied smile plasters itself across his face.

"I... see," says Ambrose.  "I would imagine Og is very good at his job too." 

Ahh, then today is a day of new sights, for I have never before seen a being that is both wolf and man." 

Ambrose turns.  "Hmmm... Very astute.  There are certain... advantages to becoming one with nature."  he adds smiling.

"I am not this far away from the 'world' by choice, you may be sure of that."

"Pity.  There is much on the surface to be savored."

Over by the fire, the wounded man is sitting up as Nathan examines him.  He's much calmer now.  He still looks jumpy, but there's also an bit of puzzlement in his expression.

"You have reached a place of sanctuary.  Whether you remain safe may depend on the knowledge you may share with us.  Tell how you came to be injured and why a band of hobgoblins wanted you badly enough to brave a fierce storm to seek you?"

"Why are you helping me?  You planning on selling me to Lord Niles for a reward or something?"

[Viking]

Starbuck has learned enough in his travels to know that it's a bad idea to cluster around a recuperating man, bombarding him with questions.  While Whisper sees to our charge, Starbuck further informs Ambrose of what we've learned:

"This wounded man was being pursued by a large, armored man named Ivar the Axe and his four hobgoblin lackeys," he explains quietly, so as not to disturb Whisper's separate conversation.  "Ivar wore an amulet bearing a white flame over a black field - the mark of a group known as the 'Cleansing Flame.'  They'd seem like a bunch of thugs, except for the fact that they're pretty well-organized and far-flung.  Their exact purpose, however, is a mystery."

[BlueBard]

Over by the fire, the wounded man is sitting up as Nathan examines him.  He's much calmer now.  He still looks jumpy, but there's also an bit of puzzlement in his expression.

"You have reached a place of sanctuary.  Whether you remain safe may depend on the knowledge you may share with us.  Tell how you came to be injured and why a band of hobgoblins wanted you badly enough to brave a fierce storm to seek you?"

"Why are you helping me?  You planning on selling me to Lord Niles for a reward or something?"

Whisper's tone becomes severe.

"I am of the Elven folk, called to be a Ranger, sworn to the defense of the sacred woodland home of the Elves and of all within it.  I would help almost anyone in such a helpless state as yours was when the hobgoblins came for you.  And I would thwart goblinkin and their masters even if you were not injured.  I do not traffic in slaves, nor would I allow a band of slavers to operate here.  Are you then an escaped slave fled from the brigands known as the Cleansing Flame?  And who is this 'Lord Niles' and what has he to do with you? Will you return the debt you owe us for saving your life by telling us what you know?  Answer!"

[Glitch Girl]

"This wounded man was being pursued by a large, armored man named Ivar the Axe and his four hobgoblin lackeys," he explains quietly, so as not to disturb Whisper's separate conversation.  "Ivar wore an amulet bearing a white flame over a black field - the mark of a group known as the 'Cleansing Flame.'  They'd seem like a bunch of thugs, except for the fact that they're pretty well-organized and far-flung.  Their exact purpose, however, is a mystery."

"I've heard of the Cleansing Flame. A secretive sect. More of a disease than anything.  'Cleansing'... hrmph.   Still, that explains why there have been so many people tramping through these woods these last two days."

Meanwhile:

I am of the Elven folk, called to be a Ranger, sworn to the defense of the sacred woodland home of the Elves and of all within it.  I would help almost anyone in such a helpless state as yours was when the hobgoblins came for you.  And I would thwart goblinkin and their masters even if you were not injured.  I do not traffic in slaves, nor would I allow a band of slavers to operate here.  Are you then an escaped slave fled from the brigands known as the Cleansing Flame?  And who is this 'Lord Niles' and what has he to do with you? Will you return the debt you owe us for saving your life by telling us what you know?  Answer!"

"No, I'm just, I mean... I... kinda.. took something from Lord Nile's house," the man explains, cringing.  "Look, it wasn't anything really important, I swear, I did it to show the Guild I could, that's all!   I just... messed up on the way out and now it's like there's this whole army who wants me dead!  That's all, I swear!"

[BlueBard]

"No, I'm just, I mean... I... kinda.. took something from Lord Nile's house," the man explains, cringing.  "Look, it wasn't anything really important, I swear, I did it to show the Guild I could, that's all!   I just... messed up on the way out and now it's like there's this whole army who wants me dead!  That's all, I swear!"

Whisper's tone softens a little.

"It matters little to me whether one thief steals from another.  But now you must tell us the whole story and where we can find this foul company.  I have sworn to quench this so-called flame.  Your best chance of safety is in their downfall."