Chapter 3 (Conversations)

[Jeff]

This is an experimental thread, so let's just see how it goes. Use this for conversations with other characters during "down time," like what's going on right now. The night if passing....so between everyone going to bed at various times and getting up at their designated watches (1st, 2nd, or 3rd), you can grab other party members and say something, if you wish.

If you deem anything to be vital to the main plotline, save it for the main gameplay thread. And most of the time, when the story is moving forward, even simple conversation bits will still go in the main thread. Again, this is just for "downtime" discussions.

Designate in your post specifically who you're intending to talk to at the top of your post, that way those not involved won't feel obligated to read your post (but can certainly opt to, bearing in mind that their characters would not be aware of it). So that if you choose to say something to Streko and Goran, you'd do something like this:

Streko and Grafth

So-and-so pulls both of them aside at the first opportunity and says, "Listen, you two. Why do you, Streko, have to be so short? Why do you, Grafth, have to be so hairy?"

See? Easy.

[Ken]

Belarin and Goran:

As Belarin drinks his tea, he says, "Ahh, warmed to the core! This is very good. I haven't had tea this satisfying in ... what year is this again? Hmph, I've forgotten.

"Anyway, Goran, if you don't mind my asking, how did you get involved? Were you a passenger on this lightning rail that Kalarian mentioned?" He seems genuinely curious about the events that have brought the others together.

[Jeremy]

Goran sips his tea, grateful for its restorative effects, and seems lost in thought for a moment or two.

"Aye, I was on that train. The fireworks started before we even got on board, some aristocratic fellow got hit on the platform, and as we spoke with him on the train (none of us knew each other then), the tragedy occurred.

"We've been continuously on the run as suspects while seeking the reasons for the attack. It's been exhausting, to say the least. I myself and beginning to lose the thread of it, though. I have no mind for such puzzles and my knowledge of these lands and their insanely complex politics...royal houses and blood-soaked histories utterly exhausts me." The half-elf looks up and says with a smile.

"I'm just a simple Reacher, you know."

Goran chuckles softly, swirling the dregs in his cup.

"For me, I guess I feel somewhat obligated to help my new companions, though we often don't see eye-to-eye (as you've already witnessed). We've lost a few people already to the constant attacks from our pursuers."

"I have other business which will wait for a while, but occupies my mind more than this sordid chase."

Goran pours them each another cup.

"If you want a more detailed explanation, you should talk with Kal, the snob, or the shifter Grafth. Kal's alright I guess, and his heart is ultimately in the right place...but he often confuses leadership with dictatorship. Some people believe an unbending will is what being a leader is about. Feh! I'd talk to Grafth, if I were you, if you want an objective opinion."

[Ken]

"I may do that. Thanks." He savors the flavor of the tea. "Another thing... I'm a bit of an admirer of quality woodwork, and I couldn't help but notice the exquisite carvings on your bow when I climbed aboard," he continues, nodding his chin casually in the direction of the bow. "Did you do that yourself?"

[Jeremy]

Goran looks at his bow.

"Not all of it. I had help, from some far more talented than I. But the...wood, has history. And vengeance."

The half-elf falls silent.

[Ken]

"Well said," says Belarin quietly. "And I won't pry." Then, in an eager tone, he continues, "Vengeance is something I appreciate." He smiles. "Should we find those who invaded and defiled our lands, I trust you'll aid me? Perhaps the vengeance embedded within your magnificent bow has been awaiting just this star-crossed series of events!"

[Joe]

Streko and Kalarian

Streko seeks out Kalarian, finding the Deneith heir above decks practicing some type of complex sword combination.

"Kalarian! A word, please. I would like your thoughts on a plan I am considering to further our mutual goals."

[Darren]

We'll just assume this takes place after Kalarian is done being frustrated by Lever.

Kalarian stops practicing with his sharrash, the over-large Halfling weapon looking surprisingly natural in his hands. He places the butt of the weapon on the ground and leans against it as though it were a staff of office. He studies Streko for a moment before answering, deciding to speak in the Halfling tongue. "Alright, my friend, what's on your mind?"

[Ken]

Later, after tea, and during his time on watch, Belarin casually walks over to Grafth's position. He pulls his cloak tightly around him in the dead-of-night chill. "Excuse me, Grafth, may I ask you a question or two? Goran suggested you were the right person to talk to if I needed an 'objective opinion'...." He stifles a giggle. "Heh, excuse me ... You know, that's a silly term, now that I think about it, since opinions by nature are subjective and not restrained by troublesome facts.... Ha! Anyway, as your quest is now wrapped around my cause like a python around a boar, what do you think is this Malov's objective? And is our current path the right way to prevent him from reaching it?"

[Joe]

I wonder if you would agree to let me work for Malov. Give him information on where we are so that he can direct us to where he wants us to go. It is risky. Can we really trust Malov not to just destroy us? With the book in our hands, I think he would think twice before doing so. He is desperate to know where we are so that he can use me to further his ends. I am not sure why he needs my help so badly, nor do I particularly wish to know. However, if it furthers our goals of finding him and defeating him, then I am willing to do what I have to do. I fear for my sister's life, but I cannot in good conscience go against my dictates for one life...even if it is a sister for whom I have spent more than a score of years searching for. I will submit to your wisdom in this matter, as mine is cloudy at best.

[Darren]

Kalarian sits down, laying his weapon across his legs. He stares at the blade, seeming to consider Streko's proposal. "What, exactly, did that fiend say to you?"

[Joe]

"Specifically, he wanted to know exactly where we were. After I was to tell him our location, he would then direct us to a city where I was to disembark and become one of his henchmen, as it were. He wouldn't tell me what city he wished us to go to until I spoke of our destination. He threatened to torture Varnaleen and I gave my permission to do so, by refusing to give up our location. He wants ME to do something important and Devourer-be-Damned if I know what that might be. Perhaps he only wants me because he has my sister in his clutches. I do not know. But, if we CAN get closer to him...if we can give a little, to get a little, as my kinfolk say, then perhaps it might be worth it. But I am no strategist or tactician. I will do your bidding and trust your judgment, but most importantly, my friend, know that I will not hold you or any of my friends here accountable for a choice that leads to Varnaleen's injury or death. That is Malov's fate and I shall see him in Dolurrh, one way or the other."

He closes his eyes and looks up at the night sky. "Olladra willing."

[Darren]

Kalarian smiles. "I find your faith in Olladra," Kal pauses, looking for the right word, "...inspiring. Despite what you've been through, you still maintain your belief in those guiding principals of your religion." Kalarian laughs. "But then, you halflings are a stubborn people, aren't you?" Kalarian leans forward, placing a hand on Streko's shoulder and looking him straight in the eye. "Listen, Streko. We don't even know for certain that Malov still has your sister, or if he does, that she is still alive. Malov is a villain and a liar, and his word is not to be trusted. Whatever fraction of truth may lie behind his words, I guarantee you it is not the entire truth, but only as much as he needs you to hear in order to get you to do his bidding. I will not see you put yourself in physical jeopardy by going there or spritual jeopardy by having to obey his will. We fight, Streko. We fight because we must. If there's one thing your people taught me out on the Plains it is that giving in to your enemies can never be an option."

Kalarian stands, leaning his sharrash carefully against the railing as he folds his hands behind his back and looks out at the night sky. He breathes deeply, enjoying the fresh air. "Tell me more about your sister, Streko," he says without turning around. "I'd like to hear about her."

[Jeff]

Just to maintain a semblance of order, once we've "moved on" past the night and into the actions of the next day, I'm going to close this thread to posting until the next bit of "downtime." I'd like to maintain this thread as a sort of optional parallel to the main gameplay thread, if that makes sense.

But if Grafth would like to respond to Belarin, or Streko would like to add anything more for Kal, please go ahead. I'll wait before closing this.

[Josh]

Grafth thinks for a moment, then responds, "There are still too many unknowns, I'm afraid. Malov seems to be involved in some complex and dangerous magic. According to Matheu, he has even become something inhuman, a denizen of another plane. What could someone like that want?

"As for our path, I believe we're doing what we should for the moment, following a clue through to its end. I can only hope it will give us some answers."

[Joe]

"Varnaleen was...she has always been a whilrwind of activity. Like many of my people, she could not seem to sit still for even the briefest of moments. I remember a smiling, happy girl, but perhaps those are just wishful memories. I also know, like an afternoon Talenta storm, she could get quite nasty and destructive in her tantrums. As quickly as they came, they vanished. Her and mother clashed often when father was away. When he returned, it seemed as if nothing ever occurred. They were both good at keeping things to themselves if one wasn't looking closely. It led to Varna leaving quite suddenly one night. Truth be told, I remember very little actual time spent with my sister. My life seems more about the search for her than actually being with her. I wish I could tell you more, honestly. I feel as if I am caught in this whirlwind of ours and it is hard to keep my focus. I have lost my temper and I can't seem to stop talking, as you may have noticed. Believe it or not, Kalarian, I'm not nearly as loquacious normally. As to Olladra, I wouldn't be the man I am without her support and blessings. She inspires me and it is my duty to thank her and use her blessings for good. Thank you, for all of your help. You know that I will follow you whereever you need me to go."

[Darren]

Kalarian turns to face Streko. "Ah, but you are not a man at all, Streko." Kal grins. "That's what I love about you, halfling!" Kal places a hand on Streko's back, gently guiding him towards the kitchen. "It is important to remember the good times with your sister, to hold on to them, however brief they may be in your memory. It will give you the power you need to overcome Malov. Now, let's get something to eat, shall we?"

[Joe]

"That is, without doubt, the best idea you've come up with since we've met!" Streko grins up at Kalarian and heads toward the galley.

"While I'm there, perhaps an apology to the chef is in order. I expect it won't be pleasant, but I will remember that I am not the only one who has known suffering." He gives Kal a wink and continues on.