Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Jul 4, 2015 1:39:37 GMT -4
Kal looks in the direction indicated, then nods. "The first person who speaks to that thing answers to me."
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Jul 4, 2015 7:51:16 GMT -4
Kal looks in the direction indicated, then nods. "The first person who speaks to that thing answers to me." Condign's eyes cut to Kal, and his expression tightens. For a moment, he looks as if he might say something. But then he shrugs and returns to watching the glade and the newly discovered figure. |
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Jeff
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Post by Jeff on Jul 4, 2015 10:03:52 GMT -4
The infant's cries grow quieter but do not abate entirely. "You have a child?" the mysterious woman asks. "Children do not belong in this place." Condign, Belarin, and Kal see her inch forward, and she pulls the veil from her face. It is a woman's face. Human, attractive. But her eyes are dark, so very dark. You can see no reflecting light or glimmer there. She takes a few steps forward. It seems difficult for her. Condign, especially, thinks she may be looking at him. The rest of you can, of course, hear her. |
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Post by Dave B. on Jul 4, 2015 12:49:20 GMT -4
Shorak turns his back on the woman and not liking the focus she is giving Condign, he steps in front of the Tiefling, trying to block his view of the woman. "I hope Histra returns quickly. This place is really getting annoying." Shorak uses the banter to hopefully keep Condign's thoughts occupied and not dwelling on his recent experience.
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Joe
Streko Tavven (halfling)
Streko
Posts: 3,518
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Post by Joe on Jul 4, 2015 12:49:28 GMT -4
Streko places the child quietly into his Handy Haversack. "Just for a short time, gentle one. Until we can set your spirit free," he mutters, fighting desperately to ignore the chilling female voice pointing the child out. He glares back at Kal. "Satisfied? This is a very brief measure. I swore to see this spirit safely delivered and I shall, despite your anger. I do understand the burden I've placed upon myself and, by extension, my friends. It is no small burden I chose to undertake when I began my worship of Olladra. This felt right. To me. And I shall continue to do what I feel is right. And yes, I am purposely talking to you so I won't engage that female creature asking about the child. After all, as you know well, I do like to talk." His smile barely registers, but it does lighten his heart a bit to do so.
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Jul 4, 2015 16:37:28 GMT -4
Belarin turns away and whispers to his companions, "There is a figure watching us. Ignore her. Do NOT interact with her in any way unless she attacks you. I don't care what sort of tear-jerking plea she might make. The only jeopardy I feel like dealing with today is the situation I plan to put Branash in." Adamant nods. "Now that is a pleasant thought. There must be an accounting for his treachery." The grating in his voice could be imagined to be the sound of metal teeth grinding though of course Adamant has no teeth. When the woman and then Shorak and Streko speak, Adamant make his reply, "I think Kal and Belarin are right in this. Nothing good can come from engaging this spirit and I think there is no accusation in that, Streko. We all do what we are constructed to believe is right." The warforged, still standing next to Belarin, glances at the human. |
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Jul 4, 2015 19:59:23 GMT -4
Kal's grip tightens on his Halfling weapon. He offers a small acknowledgement of Streko's statement but keeps his eyes on the approaching spirit, wary of an attack.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Jul 5, 2015 23:26:49 GMT -4
Belarin edges up to Kalarian and whispers, "You're tense. We all are. But this is exactly the wrong place to threaten your friends. Don't sew seeds of doubt and anger when we're already worried about seeds of another sort. You're a good leader, Kal -- you can inspire, not intimidate."
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Jeff
Administrator
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Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on Jul 6, 2015 5:53:41 GMT -4
Shorak and Streko have faced away from the woman, who begins to approach across the lawn, working her way slowly around the tree. "Where did the child go?" she whispers, then a second time. To Kal, Belarin, and Adamant, who are still looking at her, her appearance is beginning to...droop. The black pits that are her eyes are widening, sinking down. Drawing near to Streko, she stops ten feet of him but stares his way. Her mouth opens again, a little too wide than should be physically possible. "WHERE IS SHE?!" she screams. |
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Jul 6, 2015 6:12:36 GMT -4
"Everybody turn away," Condign says evenly, and puts his back to the woman. "Do not face her. Streko, get behind Kal. Shorak, stand next to Kal. I will stand beside you. Let us put a wall between her and that haversack, and hope that Streko's heart has not gotten us into more trouble."
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Post by Dave B. on Jul 6, 2015 9:51:51 GMT -4
Shorak nods in agreement with Condign's strategy and the half-drow moves to Kal's side, motioning for him to do as Condign asks. He does not glance back at the spirit, but his hand never leaves the hilt of his sword.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Jul 6, 2015 10:16:55 GMT -4
Kal scowls at the approaching spirit. "It's not an illusion," he says to his companions. "Denying its existence won't make it go away." Still, Kal turns away from it, keeping alert for any movement he hears behind him. "Where in all of the hells is Histra?"
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Jul 6, 2015 13:16:53 GMT -4
Adamant remains close to Belarin but speaks to Condign, "You have had some insight, my friend? I suppose it's worth a try."
He turns his back to the spirit, "Dol Arrah, my Lady of Light, if I am still in your favor, bless this action and my friends as well. We thank You always for Your most worthy Judgement."
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Jul 6, 2015 16:52:55 GMT -4
Adamant remains close to Belarin but speaks to Condign, "You have had some insight, my friend? I suppose it's worth a try."Condign hesitates a moment, then shakes his head. "I have no insight. At least, none more than you and the others. It is just...I have had my fill of spirits, and I do not wish to behold them further. Also, to deny is to not interact, as the lady Histra suggested." Condign straightens his broad shoulders and, for the first time since he woke, a hint of a smile creases his face. "Nonetheless, be on guard, my friend. Battle may still be unavoidable." |
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Joe
Streko Tavven (halfling)
Streko
Posts: 3,518
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Post by Joe on Jul 6, 2015 20:39:02 GMT -4
With every ounce of effort he can muster, Streko steps further away from the spirit, moving around Kalarian and stopping just short of the wall. He does so quietly and intently.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Jul 7, 2015 9:07:31 GMT -4
"She's trying to provoke a response," Belarin says softly to his friends. "These trapped souls, like those Adamant and I encountered, end up reliving - bad choice of words - traumatic events from their past. They feed off it. It's the only relief they have."
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Jeff
Administrator
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Post by Jeff on Jul 7, 2015 9:09:46 GMT -4
"WHERE IS THE CHILD?" the woman screams again. Out of the corner of the eye, for those who are not looking at her but have not entirely turned their backs, they can tell her mouth keeps widening horrifically. "WHERE IS SHE? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THE CHILD?" Streko feels putrid breath on the back of his neck, and a swirl of motes that look like flies and other insects surround him. For a moment it feels to Streko like this insides are liquefying. The woman's rage and...fear...are projected into him. But he pushes it away, holding to Condign's suggestion of turning away from her. Then, after another few seconds of the horrid sound, the woman stops. "Gone," she mutters. "Gone, I guess. I hope she comes back." Whimpering, she begins to slowly walk away down the path by which you came to this clearing.
Streko's Wisdom saving throw (1d20+7=14) |
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Jul 7, 2015 13:01:23 GMT -4
"Did that just work?" Adamant asks incredulously as the spirit moves off.
"I sincerely hope that I am not still dead and will be able to leave with you all... I've come to dislike this place rather passionately."
He turns his head to a questioning pose, "And the Fey realm would have been worse?"
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Jul 7, 2015 14:20:47 GMT -4
Belarin shrugs and smiles slightly. "Well, you'd still be facing possible death there, only it wouldn't be so depressing. Maybe next time, Adamant? Ha!"
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Post by Dave B. on Jul 7, 2015 19:02:23 GMT -4
"If there is any truth to the Fey tales I heard as a child, then the threat of death in that realm would be...entertaining, at least." Shorak looks around, keeping alert for any more roaming denizens of this realm in the immediate area.
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Joe
Streko Tavven (halfling)
Streko
Posts: 3,518
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Post by Joe on Jul 7, 2015 23:26:23 GMT -4
Streko shudders. "I wasn't sure I could feel any worse. I was wrong. That..that was horrible. We must leave here quickly. Sooner, if possible. Also, I want to throw up." Streko breathes deeply, trying to remember the ways to keep nausea from overcoming someone and implements the suggestions he knows he would give to them. Fortunately, they help. Somewhat.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Jul 8, 2015 8:25:17 GMT -4
Kal watches the apparition depart, then his eyes grow distant, watching a scene from long ago. When he speaks, his voice is quiet but steady. "I was on the Talentan Plains during the War. I saw many Halflings fight and die during that time. Did you know that when things are darkest, they sing?" Kal begins a soft melody: "Fear not, my brothers,
We'll feast again soon." The skeleton soldier wields a spear made of sharpened bone. As it impales the young Halfling, the point penetrates through the Halfling's back, piercing the heart of the girl who rushes up behind him."Fear not, my sisters,
The plates are all full." The massive blade held by the warforged tears through the family of Halflings as easily as carving the NameDay roast."Our blades may be broken
But our backs are unbent." The Karrnathi soldier stalks between the tents. His armor is slick with blood, none of it his. The light of the torch in his left hand glints off the steel of the longsword in his right. He laughs as he presses the torch against the tent where the family is sheltered."And the wine is still flowing
At the feast where we'll meet" Kal draws a deep, unsteady breath, then stands straight and watches for further danger. __________________________ My lyrics are lame. Sorry. It started out okay in my head... |
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Jeff
Administrator
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Post by Jeff on Jul 8, 2015 11:58:55 GMT -4
When Kal’s voice trails off, there is a silence, and then a very faint voice:
“Kalarian?”
It’s hard to place where it’s coming from, but it’s a deep voice, and could almost be considered gruff. But not unfriendly.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Jul 8, 2015 12:40:29 GMT -4
Kal looks around. "Did everyone else hear that?"
_______________
I assume Kal doesn't recognize the voice?
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Jul 8, 2015 13:39:09 GMT -4
"Yes..." says Belarin, looking around for the source.
"It seems someone likes your singing."
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Jul 8, 2015 13:46:13 GMT -4
"That was very pretty, Kal," Adamant responds to the human's song, "I didn't understand a bit of it, but it was very pleasant."
And then a voice calls to Kal. "I also heard a voice. I want to suggest we all sing something to test if we all would get voices in reply, but perhaps we should see how Kal's voice turns out first."
After a pause to think, Adamant rescinds that thought, "No, on second thought, it might be wiser to not interact at all with this voice. Can we ignore it as we did with the spirit just now? Turn our backs to it, so to speak? I don't think anything has been in our favor here."
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Jul 8, 2015 14:07:43 GMT -4
"That was very pretty, Kal," Adamant responds to the human's song, "I didn't understand a bit of it, but it was very pleasant."And then a voice calls to Kal. "I also heard a voice. I want to suggest we all sing something to test if we all would get voices in reply, but perhaps we should see how Kal's voice turns out first."After a pause to think, Adamant rescinds that thought, "No, on second thought, it might be wiser to not interact at all with this voice. Can we ignore it as we did with the spirit just now? Turn our backs to it, so to speak? I don't think anything has been in our favor here." "Adamant is correct," Condign says softly. "Do not reply to the voice, or any voice we may hear short of the lady Histra's. And that is only if we see her first." His gold eyes wander to the Keep's doors. "I hope she returns soon." |
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Jeff
Administrator
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Post by Jeff on Jul 8, 2015 14:11:46 GMT -4
The voice is familiar, but it sounds rather distant that it's hard to place. It seems to be coming from the tiny little pond not ten feet away from where Adamant stands. There is a slight ripple in the water.
Then it registers. The voice is Starg's.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Jul 8, 2015 15:19:09 GMT -4
"Starg?" Kal asks, more to his companions than the voice in the water. "Was that Starg?" Kal takes a few steps towards the pond. "It could actually be him. With his powers...he could be trying to communicate with us. It's not beyond reason." He turns back to Belarin, in particular, looking for support.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Jul 8, 2015 15:49:34 GMT -4
Belarin raises an eyebrow. "Could he be... yes, he could be scrying! Using the water as a medium." He looks reassuringly at the others. "Let's face it, if a spirit were trying to tempt us, a pacifist minotaur would be a terrible choice."
His dagger at the ready, he takes several steps forward and - waiting for Adamant - crouches several feet away from the small pool's edge. "Starg?" he says.
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