Play by Post D&D: The New Begining

[Uncle Yuan]

"Naturally," Orloid smiles.  "I for one am doing nothing of import.  I'd be willing to take on this quest.  As for Daniel, I imagine his skills qould be very usefull.  In any case, coming along with us is unlikely to be more dangerous than hanging around here.  Having been traveling for the last several weeks already I will need little in the way of additional supplies beyond more travel food.  Oh, and chirgical supplies."

[BlueBard]

"I don't like it," Whisper asserts.  "Daniel is as much or more a liability than any help.  He remains wanted and a target.  We will be guilty by association.  And, thief though you may be," Whisper adds, looking directly at Daniel, "you are a thief who was caught.  Are your skills up to the task?  And even if they are... how can we trust a thief to protect priceless artifacts if we find any such?  Can we trust you not to betray our cause for your own skin or gain?"

"On one thing I will agree; he cannot stay here and he is not safe in Oakenhold."

Whisper looks at Daniel. "About the only thing I can offer you is this: if you do not travel with us, it may be that I can arrange sanctuary with my people.  You would, in effect, be a prisoner.  But you would be a well-treated and safe prisoner with the freedom to leave the prison and assume the risk if you chose to do so."

[Glitch Girl]

"Well then, it would seem that we should get a good night of rest tonight, and then continue onwards to Oakenhold in the morning.  Though Daniel still needs resolution to his own problems.  Regardless of any trumped-up charges, he will still be wanted for theft, so I can't imagine he'll be wanting to show his face around local authorities even if he were suddenly cleared of all murder charges."

"No kidding," mutters Daniel.

"And I suspect that when Lord Niles discovers that the legitimate authorities failed to locate Daniel, he'll mobilize forces amongst the Cleansing Flame to scour the forest for him."

The young thief slouches a little more against the hearth, looking pretty dejected.

"So, Daniel... since it seems that we are to begin questing after items that Lord Niles desperately seeks, it stands to reason that we are arraying ourselves against Lord Niles' interests.  How would you view the possibility of traveling with us?"

Daniel perks up noticeably.  "With you guys?  Are you sure?"

I have my own skills that can be used to disguise or hide you as necessary, and I suspect that the skills of a... roguish sort would be quite useful.  Plus, you'd be in the company of adventurers strong enough to protect you from thuggish search patrols."

"Yeah, I saw.  That was a neat trick, that vanishing and all."

"Not that I mean to presume to speak for the rest of you.  Such an arrangement would depend on mutual consent, naturally."

"Naturally, I for one am doing nothing of import.  I'd be willing to take on this quest.  As for Daniel, I imagine his skills could be very usefull.

Daniel beams at this.

"In any case, coming along with us is unlikely to be more dangerous than hanging around here.  Having been traveling for the last several weeks already I will need little in the way of additional supplies beyond more travel food.  Oh, and chirgical supplies."

"I don't like it. Daniel is as much or more a liability than any help.

"HEY!"

"He remains wanted and a target.  We will be guilty by association.  And, thief though you may be, you are a thief who was caught.  Are your skills up to the task?  And even if they are... how can we trust a thief to protect priceless artifacts if we find any such?  Can we trust you not to betray our cause for your own skin or gain?

"On one thing I will agree; he cannot stay here and he is not safe in Oakenhold."

About the only thing I can offer you is this: if you do not travel with us, it may be that I can arrange sanctuary with my people.  You would, in effect, be a prisoner.  But you would be a well-treated and safe prisoner with the freedom to leave the prison and assume the risk if you chose to do so."

Daniel stands up and meets Whisper's gaze.

"Look, I am not dead weight.  You guys saved my life, and I owe you.  What happened back at Oakenhold, yeah, I screwed up because I got sloppy, but that's not going to happen again, I'm sure of that. Now, you're going looking for this thing because of something I found, something I remembered," he taps the map for emphasis, "and now I want to see this through.  I swear to you I won't sell you out or try to sell this whatever it is we're looking for out from under you because like I said, I owe you guys big and I can't pay you back by sitting on my butt twiddling my thumbs with a bunch of elven babysitters... er, no offense," he adds, a little of his bravado draining away.

[Panther_Gunn]

Standing up, Og moves towards the group of conversation.

"Og have soluti.....solu.....", his brows furrow, eyes looking skyward, as if help will descend from the heavens, "...Og think him know what do.  Og need go with hurt man, keep him safe for little while.  Him give Og little kitty."  His eyes start to stray towards his hand again, but it's evident that he's forcing himself to stay on topic. 

"Og not good at tricksy thinkin', but Og think safe bet you little peoples maybe need Og help, if more pig-noses, bugsy-bares, and other things where you go.  That mean hurt man need go with you."  Og's brows furrow again, the strain of concentrating plain to see. 

"Og not like when stealsy peoples take things from Og, or from people stealsers s'posed to help.  If hurt man take something him not supposed to, when Og around, Og make sure him not hurt ever again......once Og done with him!"  :angry:  Og punctuates his last sentence by leaning over him a bit, and fixing him with a stare that would make even a gnome jester wet himself.

[Uncle Yuan]

GM:[spoiler]How long has it been since I cast the truth spell - would it be possible to determine if Daniel is being honest about playing straight with us?[/spoiler]

Even Orloid can't help but grin at this.  "Og's guarantee notwithstanding, there's no reason that Daniel should come out of this empty handed.  If he joins us he would be entitled to his fair portion of any profits the party may earn from the venture.  Double-crossing us would only increase his already significant jeopardy.  And I for one am inclined to blieve his assurances.

"I think we do need to have some serious discussions about how to handle the artifacts, but that can wait until we are underway."

[BentonGrey]

Dakkon had been sitting quietly in a corner of the rough hewn cabin, watching the developing events intently, his cobalt eyes aflame at the mention of the artifacts.  After all of the others had weighed in, the sea-elf stood up, strolling slowly into the firelight.

"I care not over-much for the affairs of this world," he began, his steely gaze taking stock of each of his companions, "but although I was once content to let events of weight pass me by, that life is gone."  His eyes cloud over for a moment, like a storm on the horizon.  "I will not allow a man such as this...Niles...to possess such power as may await in the mountains.  However, I do not march into danger and death lightly, there is a price."  Once again, his eyes swept the room, and his brow furrowed with the effort of speaking the guttural tones of the overworld.  "Some item buried in the earth there may be the key to finding my way back to the Coral City.  If this is so, nothing shall stand between me and the power to repay my exile."  As he finished, his hand dropped once again in its accustomed gesture, gripping the hilt of his sword.

[Uncle Yuan]

"Some item buried in the earth there may be the key to finding my way back to the Coral City.  If this is so, nothing shall stand between me and the power to repay my exile."

"Well,, you are certainly permitted to spend your share however you may wish."  The words may sound a little snarky, but a quick glance at Orloid reveals a broad grin and it's obvious he's teasing.

[Glitch Girl]

Orloid
[spoiler] It wore off a while ago unforunately.  However with your "sense motive" skill, you think he's being honest[/spoiler]

"Og not like when stealsy peoples take things from Og, or from people stealsers s'posed to help.  If hurt man take something him not supposed to, when Og around, Og make sure him not hurt ever again......once Og done with him!"

"Don't worry, me no stealsers from Og," says Daniel quickly, "We like Og.  Og can keep Og's stuff, no problem!"

"Og's guarantee notwithstanding, there's no reason that Daniel should come out of this empty handed.  If he joins us he would be entitled to his fair portion of any profits the party may earn from the venture.  Double-crossing us would only increase his already significant jeopardy.  And I for one am inclined to believe his assurances.

Daniel nods in afirmative.

And then, in truely dramatic (one could even say "cinematic" if there were such a word in this world) fashion, backlit by the flickering firelight, the sea elf speaks.

"I care not over-much for the affairs of this world, but although I was once content to let events of weight pass me by, that life is gone...

I will not allow a man such as this...Niles...to possess such power as may await in the mountains.  However, I do not march into danger and death lightly, there is a price...

Some item buried in the earth there may be the key to finding my way back to the Coral City.  If this is so, nothing shall stand between me and the power to repay my exile."

There is a pause as the words settle in.

"Well,, you are certainly permitted to spend your share however you may wish."

"Aye," Ambrose smiles "He certainly has his priorities in order".

"Ah...one quick question," says Daniel. "Since we've been talking about stuff and all... does anyone know what happened to my clothes?"

(It seems Daniel is still dresed in only his pants and boots, as he was when you first found him at the inn.  Up until now, he's been either unconscious or too distracted to deal with that little problem.)

[Viking]

"Regrettably, your clothes were probably left at the inn where we found you," answers Starbuck.  "Perhaps our gracious host could be troubled to provide a spare vestment or two?"

[Glitch Girl]

"Oh," says Daniel at the news.  "All of it, huh."  He sounds kind of dejected.

Ambrose raises an eyebrow at Starbucks suggestion.  He seems to be mulling this over.

[BlueBard]

Whisper removes his cloak and hands it to Daniel.

"You may wear this until we can find you some clothing.  It is an elven cloak and will help you to hide.  That is the best protection I can offer you for now."

He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a shirt.  It has the same patched look as the one he is wearing.  "Here is a spare shirt.  You can return it later."

[Uncle Yuan]

"My, such a generous, if hasty, group." replies Orloid.  As he does so he reaches into his satchel and withdraws a pile of loosely bundled clothes.  "We weren't in such a hurry when we left that I didn't have time to grab the man's clothes."  Orloid passes them to Daniel.  Then with a rather odd expression he dips his hand back into the satchel and withdraws a small amulet.

"I also happened across this.  From what I know of it I thought it best if the Flamer at the public house didn't see it."  I hold it up, and generally in Daniel's direction, but not quite enough to be handing it to him and give him a rather appraising look.

[Glitch Girl]

"You may wear this until we can find you some clothing.  It is an elven cloak and will help you to hide.  That is the best protection I can offer you for now."

Daniel takes the cloak.  He looks susrpised by Whisper's generosity, especially after what he (Daniel) said to him a few moments ago.  "Thank you," he says even as he's handed the shirt.

"My, such a generous, if hasty, group...We weren't in such a hurry when we left that I didn't have time to grab the man's clothes." 

Daniel set Whisper's tunic down and quickly takes the still-damp clothes muttering a quick yest grateful thanks.  He starts going through the pile as if looking for something.

"I also happened across this.  From what I know of it I thought it best if the Flamer at the public house didn't see it."

Daniel looks up and immediately zero's in on the necklace.  He starts to reach over to take it, and hesistates.  He looks at Orloid as if to say "Can I?"

[Lord Elcorion]

annia glances towards the amulet with a curious look, her state of being this entire time has been one of readiness. she is accustomed to needing to move quickly, and this is no exception.

[Glitch Girl]

Annia (and pretty much everyone else)

The amulet Orloid is holding is made up of a small chain with a small circular medallion with a bird (hawk, maybe an eagle) with wings outstretched.  It doesn't look very valuable, in fact it looks pretty cheaply made.  It seems to mean something to Daniel though.

"Please," he quietly says to Orloid.  "It was my father's.  I was starting to think I'd lost it too."

[Uncle Yuan]

Annia (and pretty much everyone else)

The amulet Orloid is holding is made up of a small chain with a small circular medallion with a bird (hawk, maybe an eagle) with wings outstretched.  It doesn't look very valuable, in fact it looks pretty cheaply made.  It seems to mean something to Daniel though.

"Please," he quietly says to Orloid.  "It was my father's.  I was starting to think I'd lost it too."

"Does it have anysignificance beyond its personal value to you?" I ask as I hand it over.

[Glitch Girl]

Daniel takes the necklace from Orloid and immediately puts it on.

"No," he answers, "I mean, I don't think so. It's just something my father used to wear, that's all."

"Good," Ambrose smiles.  "Since that's settled, why don't you all get comfortable.  Only got he one bed, but I don't think I'll be using it tonight.  You all look like you could use some rest," he looks over at Nathan who now that you look at him, looks pretty exausted.  "Me, I'll be making sure no one else comes dropping by."

"Oh and Whisper," he adds in a low voice, almost conspriatorially but with a smile:
[spoiler] "Don't let the ogre get the bed.  I want something besides kindling when I get back."[/spoiler]

Ambrose picks up his weapon and goes to the door.  Outside the rain is barely a drizzle now, but the heavy clouds make the dark of early evening much darker.

[BlueBard]

"I would suggest that Daniel use the bed.  He still needs rest to fully recover from his injuries."

Whisper immediately retreats into a dim corner, curls up as he lays his head on his pack, and goes to sleep.  He trusts Ambrose to keep things secure and he knows that Swift will awaken at any disturbance.  Elven Rangers are notoriously light sleepers anyway, and known for their ability to sleep almost anywhere.

If Whisper gets sufficient rest, he will memorize new spells (TBD) first thing in the morning.

[Viking]

Starbuck calls dibs on another corner, and follows Whisper's example.

(OOC: I don't have to memorize new spells in the morning!  Go bards!)

[Uncle Yuan]

Orloid spends about fifteen minutes in quiet prayer before also turning in.

(OOC: I don'thave to memorize new spells in the morning either!  Go clerics!)

[BlueBard]

To GM: Getting ahead of myself a bit...

[spoiler]These are the spells Whisper will prepare for the day if he gets sufficient time and rest:

Wizard Level 0:  Message, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Mage Hand

Wizard Level 1:  Shield, Magic Missile, True Strike, Magic Weapon

Wizard Level 2:  Web, Sleep (w/Silent Spell feat)

Ranger Level 1:  Pass Without Trace[/spoiler]

[Glitch Girl]

OOG: Okay enough with the "I don't have to memorize spells nyah-nyah"  ;)

Whisper: noted.

So, is anyone doing anything special this night?  Is anyone else jockeying for the bed?  Is anyone not going to sleep?  Speak now or forever hold your peace. 

[BentonGrey]

Without another word Dakkon swept up his meager belongings and headed towards the wooden door.  As he reached the portal, he turned back towards his companions, the action an obvious afterthought.  "I'll sleep outside tonight, the rain is much more to my liking than the dry heat of this place."

[Lord Elcorion]

--giving a nod to dakkon, annia will find a spot with a solid wall to her back, and a clear view of as many openings into the house as possible, i.e. doors, windows, etc., before closeing her eyes and drifting into a light slumber.--

[Panther_Gunn]

Og looks around the cabin.  "ummmm....."  Just before Whisper drifts off, Og walks over to his corner, leans over him, and in his best whisper, "ummm....elfy man?  There some shelter outside near cabin?  Og sleep kinda loud, might wake little peoples.  But Og not want get rain on."

[BlueBard]

Og looks around the cabin.  "ummmm....."  Just before Whisper drifts off, Og walks over to his corner, leans over him, and in his best whisper, "ummm....elfy man?  There some shelter outside near cabin?  Og sleep kinda loud, might wake little peoples.  But Og not want get rain on."

Whisper sits up and whispers back.

"I believe we will have to make the best of it, Friend Og.  Ordinarily I would suggest building a lean-to in the forest... but cutting wood anywhere near a druid's home is not a good idea.  If Ambrose returns soon you might ask him about shelter.  But if we are to be travelling as a party we will have to get used to each other sooner or later.  It may as well start tonight.  Good night, Og."

If Og has nothing more to say, Whisper will lay down again and try to get as much sleep as he can.

[Glitch Girl]

Ambrose turns as Dakkon joins him outside.

"Didn't expect to have company," he remarks.
(the rest of this conversation can be done via PM unless someone else joins them outside)

The door closes behind them leaving you all inside. 

A few hours later that night, there's a horriffic noise.

SNZZXZXZZZZZXXX ......... HHHXXXHHHHXHXXZZXZZZ ........ SNXXXZZSZZZZZXXXXX ......... HHHXXXHHHHXHXXZZXZZZ ........

While the noise is how you might imagine a Tarrasque with a bad head cold to sound, the source seems to be something a lot less legendary.

Apparently Og sleeps on his back.  And has mighty lungs.

[BlueBard]

Time for Whisper to go sleep outside if it's not raining too hard... It is not as if he hasn't done it before.  He'll retrieve his cloak from wherever Daniel may have laid it and wrap up in that.  He'll find a spot under a thick bush or tree.  He'll take Swift out with him.

[Lord Elcorion]

--groans a bit, turning over and trying to ignore the ruckus--

[Uncle Yuan]

Well, at least that was a few hours of sleep. . .

Taking my life firmly in both hands I get up, cross over to Og and poke him gently (hard enough to break a window) and say softly (taking over a full bar crowd voice), "Hey Og, roll over.  C'mon, over."