Jeff
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Post by Jeff on Aug 23, 2018 9:09:17 GMT -4
Brack grumbles at Kurra when she actually marches up to him and opens her palm. "Later," he growls.
Melethos is deposited back on deck, placed there by Kal's telekinetic spell, and water pools on the floorboards—this draws a glare from the dwarf. The tiefling is left coughing for a moments, as he did accidentally swallow a half-mouthful of seawater. But otherwise he fared well enough.
It's when Kal turns and directs his magic at Thul that Brack freezes in place, eyes fixated on that moment—
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Elvis
Thul (Human)
Thul
Posts: 1,139
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Post by Elvis on Aug 23, 2018 9:13:49 GMT -4
Thul is caught by surprise as he is gripped by some invisible force.
As he hears Deneith's voice, Thul decides not to resist, simply fixing Deneith with a glare.
"I wouldn't do that, Deneith." Thul says quietly and calmly.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Aug 23, 2018 9:14:16 GMT -4
Belarin immediately understands what Kal is trying to do. "Kal! Stop it!" he yells. "What did Thul do? I'm not a rabid supporter of him, but all he did was give Streko a kick in the ass, just like Melethos just did, and just like you and I have done at times!"
He looks at Thul and then up at Streko on the mast. "Yes, Streko's behavior can be damnably confusing and irritating at times. You can say that about any of us, including me." He looks back at Thul. "But we never doubt his courage or loyalty." Then he steps forward toward Kalarian. "But we all need to be called out from time to time. Let him go, Kal."
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Aug 23, 2018 9:17:14 GMT -4
Melethos coughs and splutters. Once he's cleared his lungs, he sits up. "Yes, Kal," he says weakly. "Release the captain. He has done nothing to me, and does not deserve this treatment."
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Jeff
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Post by Jeff on Aug 23, 2018 9:28:22 GMT -4
Brack's mouth twitch as he says. "Rule number one," he says and not very loudly, so that only a few of those nearest him can even hear his words. Mostly just Shorak, who moved toward the stern when he was preparing to jump in the water after Melethos. Then the shifter raises his volume, but only just enough that everyone can hear him beneath the slap of the waves on the hull. "I am telling you now that I will not tolerate fights. You want to shout and argue, aye, that's fine. Get it all out during the daytime. You start swinging arms and casting spells at one another, aye, then you're done. And off the ship. And you'd better hope we're in sight of the shoreline or it's in the water you go." Shorak can see the shifter's hair, especially along his neck and arms, seems to have thickened. He is visibly restraining himself from further rage. Swiveling his head over to Shorak, he says quieter, pointing at Kal who stands there with his hand outstreched in the midst of his spell. "Your leader, eh?" Darren: Sorry, I hadn't filled your spell slots back in for having a lost rest. I've done so now. You didn't needed to use sorcery points, just one 5th-level slot. Adjusted now.
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Elvis
Thul (Human)
Thul
Posts: 1,139
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Post by Elvis on Aug 23, 2018 10:14:21 GMT -4
"Deneith is just demonstrating some potential tactics for combat. We're all good."
Thul waits for Deneith to put him back down.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Aug 23, 2018 16:58:26 GMT -4
Thul's heels lift up off the deck, just enough to force him onto his toes, and the pressure on his torso increases slightly. "Just a demonstration," he says, never taking his gaze from Thul. "Streko!" he yells angrily, his eyes still locked with Thul's. "If you don't get down out of that rigging right now, I'll pull you out of it myself. Get. Down. Here."
Kal moves closer to Thul, his face inches away from the other Karrn, so close he can smell Thul's sour breath. His smooth, clean, handsome face is a stark contrast to the older man's cracked and scarred visage. He speaks in a voice so quiet that only Thul can hear. "Enough," he says. "You're not a dumb man. Someone in Karrnath thought enough of you to make you a captain. That means you should know how to lead men." Kal moves in even closer, lowers his voice even further. "But you're not a general, Captain Thul, and that means you should know how to take orders. You take those orders from me. You know that hurling insults and storming off is not the way to inspire your men to follow you. Act like a man, Captain. Show your people some respect and they will return the favor." Thul's heels thump against the deck as the force holding him disappears. He holds out his hand to Thul. "Do we understand each other?"
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Jeff
Administrator
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Post by Jeff on Aug 23, 2018 17:29:43 GMT -4
Everyone except Kal can see Captain Brack hold up both hands, palms open, fingers wide. He begins to curl down one finger at a time, one digit at a time, counting down from ten.
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Elvis
Thul (Human)
Thul
Posts: 1,139
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Post by Elvis on Aug 23, 2018 17:32:22 GMT -4
Thul looks at Deneith's offered hand.
"Aye." he nods and takes the hand, "Whatever you say, general."
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Aug 23, 2018 18:25:05 GMT -4
"Good," Kal says with a smile, slapping Thul on the shoulder with his free hand. He turns back to the others, waiting for Streko to re-join them, clearly having something on his mind.
______________________ I don't want to make an assumption for Joe that Streko is actually going to come down, so I will again pause here to allow others to react.
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Joe
Streko Tavven (halfling)
Streko
Posts: 3,518
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Post by Joe on Aug 23, 2018 21:01:36 GMT -4
Streko races down the rigging and makes his way over to Melethos. "You damned, insufferable...no, I've already said that...you red-skinned, overbearing...GAH!"
He leans in and gives Melethos a hug. "Why would you do something like that?" He steps back and slaps Melethos sharply on the chest. "WHY WOULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?"
He watches, out of the corner of his eye, as Kal lifts Thul and then lectures him, finally setting him back down. The Captain seems oddly...calm.
"I said my real family is back in Sharn and it is. My mother, father and sister. You people are my chosen family and I love you as much as I love my real family! So, don't you EVER think you have to test that love. Besides, water makes you smell like wet ash. Are you okay? Do you need any healing? Now you have me at wits end and I think Kal wants to teach me a lesson as well. I can't stand any more lesson for the day? Can't we all just get along?"
He waits until Melethos reacts, then walks over to Thul. "I dislike you, Karnnathi, and, at the same time, you have helped my chosen family on several occasions. I can't say I agree with you on, well, pretty much anything, but you are more a fighter than I and, despite my ill-advised words from a few moments ago, I will listen and do as tasked. If you didn't understand my capabilities from when I recited them, perhaps it is because I did not explain them to the best of my abilities. They are Olladra's gifts and I often only think of them in those terms, not as weapons of faith. I will...I will work on that."
He turns back and points at Melethos. "And don't you EVER do that again! Tiefling!"
He remains near Thul, awaiting his and Kal's inevitable response.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Aug 23, 2018 21:56:31 GMT -4
Kal nods approval as Streko tends to Melethos, but a frown darkens his normally light complexion. "Listen," he says to everyone assembled, "I'm tired of this. The Captain," he says, gesturing over everyone's heads to the shifter, "is tired of this. It's enough. You want to be a part of this expedition? We move forward as one unit." Kal closes a fist. "As one, understand? No more storming off," Kal looks at Streko and Adamant and his hand opens, "because your feelings are hurt. No more running to do your own thing without listening," here Kal looks at Thul. "We are one unit," again Kal closes his fist. "Anyone who has a problem with that can take the Captain's offer and get off the ship the next time we pass near the land." Kal stands and listens to the call of a bird flying over the ship, dipping into its wake and flying off again. "If anyone has anything else to say about it, this is your chance. Otherwise, this matter is at an end and we return to figuring out our tactics. Without insults," a look at Thul, "without anger," a look at Adamant, "without retreating when it gets difficult," to Streko. "We respect each other, we defend each other, and we survive together." Kal folds his hands behind his back and waits.
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Post by Dave B. on Aug 24, 2018 0:07:57 GMT -4
As Kal brings Melethos back to the ship, Shorak calls out for everyone's benefit, but especially for Melethos', "I advise everyone to not go jumping overboard. I saw a creature earlier, that would be quite happy to have one of us as its next meal. It could swallow Sem or Streko whole!" Shorak, about to elaborate, stops in mid breath when he sees Kal turn his attention towards Thul.
Shorak nods to Brack, somewhat sheepishly, not kowing how else to respond.
Watching things come to a more calmer conclusion, Shorak steps forward and continues his explanation/warning to everybody. "Kal is correct. While trying to drive home a point, Melethos you very likely risked your life to more than just drowning. There is at least one fintail out there foraging. A large lizard-like carnivore, not as big as the fearsome dragonturtle we just met, but big enough. You are all moving towards my home now. The dangers here are numerous and taking any foolish risk could very well send you to your death. All of you seem to be more concerned about who's in charge than your own skins for some silly reason. If you want to survive the Xen'drik jungle, you need to be more aware of your surroundings and not be so quick to react to these petty squabbles. I know how to survive and it sure isn't constant bickering." Shorak finishes his little speech and just crosses his arms and leans back against the railing.
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Aug 24, 2018 6:30:22 GMT -4
Wiping the rest of the water from his face, Melethos stands. Although he wears pants, he feels naked without his armor. He bends and picks up his gauntlets. As he places them on his wrist, he says to Streko, quite calmly, "Do you see now how silly drama is? Do not make me do something that drastic again." Next he picks up his chest armor, heaves it over his head, and turns to Thul. "I have no issue with you confronting the company. In fact, we could use a good dose of reality. We have worked together to long, and have become too comfortable. But outright attacks, verbal or otherwise, will not be tolerated. Now, can you fasten these buckles?" He turns to allow Thul access to his armor. As he waits for the captain, his eyes lock on Brack. The ship's captain holds his hands up, with several fingers sticking up in the air. "I did not forget your rule, my lord Captain. What I did is stop this ridiculousness. Sometimes it takes something dramatic to get everyone's attention. I apologize for the disruption." He breaks eye contact after a few moments. He wants to make sure Captain Brack understand he is being serious. " My lord Kalarian, what are your orders?"
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Jeff
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Post by Jeff on Aug 24, 2018 9:28:36 GMT -4
Brack just drops his arms and grabs the helm again, steering the ship and simply staring into the eastern horizon—he looks quite finished with any of you for a while.
Kurra looks back and forth between Kal and Thul. "If you don't get yourself killed in a few days time, I just might have your warknife ready." She rolls her eyes and goes belowdeck to her cabin.
The daylight is waning now.
Ready to move on to Belarin's scrying attempt, unless anyone else has anything they wish to do?
Assuming there are no fisticuffs, outbursts, or storming out, I'm fine with you guys talking mechanics and strategies more freely in the Q&A/discussions thread. And if the party keeps to a cooperative spirit for a few solid days of travel, then I'll even be okay with mid-battle strategizing and meta-speak, to represent these discussions and practices. Granted, the Dragonfly's deck isn't spacious enough for party-size drills, but basic formations and individual sparring is absolutely reasonable.
It might even be good if the hand-to-hand combat types in the group test their skills against each other. Some Thul vs. Melethos or Thul vs. Adamant or Melethos vs. Adamant sparring could be cool. Though, let's save that to another day.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Aug 24, 2018 9:43:33 GMT -4
Still standing near Kalarian, Belarin looks back at Histra. "And I thought our relationship was complicated," he says with a smile.
He faces Kal again. "If I may, Kal, while we're on the topic of unproductive habits, you may want to work on your habit of..." he waggles his fingers, "...'sparking' whenever someone says something you don't like. You have a magnificent voice, Kal -- as you've just proven." He playfully punches Kal's arm. "Use it."
Simul-post. Ready to move on to the scrying.
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Aug 24, 2018 10:47:08 GMT -4
Adamant stands quietly during Kal's reproach. "I apologize, I should set a better example." is all he says about it.
When the discussion of tactics comes around again he will detail his abilities*. When the mention of sparing comes he will nod, "I would be pleased to spar with anyone."
Otherwise he is mostly quiet through the meeting and the rest of the day.
* I'll take that to the discussion thread since Jeff suggested it.
Feel free to move on to scrying.
Jeff, I might do a bit more in the Adamant thread; it won't affect anything else. Probably not today though... still in work hell (we're hoping that will end before Christmas...)
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Aug 24, 2018 16:21:32 GMT -4
Kal smiles at Belarin. "Thank you, brother," he says quietly.
When the suggestion to spar is made, Kal nods in agreement. "A perfect idea," he says. "Thul and Melethos first?"
Kal next makes his way to where Belarin sits in concentration, waiting quietly for the warlock to conjure his mystic vision.
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Joe
Streko Tavven (halfling)
Streko
Posts: 3,518
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Post by Joe on Aug 24, 2018 20:58:42 GMT -4
"Belarin, a word?" He steps over to the Warlock. "Not at this time, because I am unprepared, spiritually speaking, but if need be, I can create a zone of truth, an area or space wherein only the truth may be spoken. I was wondering..." He glances over at Histra, eyes darting back toward Belarin. "...would such a zone of truth be useful when speaking to a corpse that might not otherwise be predisposed to telling such truth? Also, with the proper preparation , my skills are such that I may even be able to protect a corpse from decay or...worse, should such a situation occur. And..." Streko just looks utterly uncomfortable, but continues, "I, too, can speak with the dead and scry, but also, I would need preparation. Usually, I ask Olladra for healing spells primarily, and a few attack spells to balance them so I am not completely useless in a fight. I am just...unsettled...when discussing my necromantic abilities. With Lady Histra's offer, I may become more comfortable, knowing someone of her skills understands what I would be attempting and would be nearby for spiritual support."
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Jeff
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Post by Jeff on Aug 25, 2018 22:46:29 GMT -4
Waiting for you guys. Where is Belarin setting up for scrying, etc.? And who chooses to be present? Dave W, I'll get to your private thread soon. Been a full weekend so far.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Aug 26, 2018 1:14:54 GMT -4
Belarin replied to Streko, "That's an interesting idea. Could your zone actually impact a dead mind?" He looks at Histra for her thoughts. "I have my doubts. But yes, let's talk about this later."
About an hour after sunset, Belarin finds a quiet spot on the deck and sits down. He places the obsidian mirror and his pact dagger in front of him. He invites Histra to sit next to him. "Anyone else who wants to listen, feel free. I'll describe what I'm seeing as I see it."
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Jeff
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Post by Jeff on Aug 26, 2018 8:19:06 GMT -4
Histra listens to Streko, then Belarin. She shakes her head. "Many have tried to make the dead guileless. This spell, at least, cannot do so. The necromancy gives voice to the corpse, but it cannot make the body recognizable as a being to be coerced into truth. It is neither living nor undead. Merely dead."
And with that, the sun sinks down behind the jungle to the west, twilight nearly become night.
Basically, Zone of Truth works on creatures. Even a talking ghoul would qualify, but not a corpse. A dead creature isn't a creature, for purposes of spells.
If the wording of the spell was such that any voice heard allowed was required to speak truth or be revealed as a lie, then that would be something. But this is a spell that is meant to affect creatures, creatures with a saving throw (a corpse has no saving throws). It was a good idea, though!
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Aug 26, 2018 16:49:59 GMT -4
Adamant softly adds, having overheard, “I can also create a zone where only truth can be told. It is one of the powers in my Lady’s domain.* However, though no one can lie in the area, it does not compel anyone to say anything at all; one could just ignore the question or artfully dodge it.”
* it’s a domain spell, he always has it prepped without using a slot
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Post by Dave B. on Aug 26, 2018 20:28:07 GMT -4
Shorak just shrugs, when his warnings are seemingly ignored. "Don't come crying to me if you get eaten." He says and waits near Belarin, ready to watch and listen in on the scrying.
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Aug 27, 2018 5:19:12 GMT -4
Melethos nods. "I did hear you," Melethos tells Shorak. "Beware the water. I appreciate the warning. We will heed your words. As for the sparing, I prefer to wait until I am drier." He grabs his long hair and wrings out sea water. "Perhaps tomorrow morning. Right now, I am more interested in his scrying attempt. I will join him and listen."
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Jeff
Administrator
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Post by Jeff on Aug 27, 2018 11:59:21 GMT -4
Histra takes a seat in front of Belarin so she can watch his face. Standing over her is her bugbear-skeleton guardian, who wields a dagger (as she has no other weapons to give it at this time).
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Aug 27, 2018 13:15:22 GMT -4
Adamant moves to stand near to Belarin for the scrying. He remains quiet unless addressed.
like within 10' if you know what I mean.
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Elvis
Thul (Human)
Thul
Posts: 1,139
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Post by Elvis on Aug 28, 2018 11:07:30 GMT -4
Thul cracks a half grin at the Redman, "I'm not your squire." They walks over to watch the Warlock.
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Aug 28, 2018 14:42:31 GMT -4
Thul cracks a half grin at the Redman, "I'm not your squire." They walks over to watch the Warlock. Melethos returns the grin. "You cannot blame a man for trying," he says, then joins the others near Belarin.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Aug 28, 2018 22:56:37 GMT -4
Satisfied that everything is in place, Belarin waves his pact dagger over the obsidian mirror and speaks a series of arcane syllables. As he finishes, he envisions the vampire: his face, his sneer, his arrogance.
He points the dagger at the mirror and says firmly, "Show me Major Krez."
___________________
Belarin casts scrying.
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