Politics and Triumph

Session Start (moritheil:flay session): Fri Apr 01 20:41:06 2005

[20:41] *** Resdin has been invited to the group chat.

[20:41] *** Gakar has been invited to the group chat.

[20:41] *** Gakar has joined the chat.

[20:41] *** Resdin has been invited to the group chat.

[20:42] Gakar: ooc i really dont expect to have more than 30 minutes free tonight

[20:42] *** Resdin has joined the chat.

[20:42] moritheil: ooc that's all we need

[20:42] Gakar: ooc make that 20

[20:42] Gakar: ooc ok

[20:42] Resdin: ooc quote the Mori, "rar !"

[20:42] moritheil: Gakar, after handling affairs in town and inquiring after Resdin's whereabouts for a day and a half, you are startled to see him late in the next day.

[20:43] moritheil: He's wandering about town, apparently unharmed aside from a puffening out of his lips.

[20:43] Gakar: ooc so, um... what exactly did i do/aquire in said time?

[20:43] Resdin: *Mutters under his breath about sucker punches*

[20:44] moritheil: ooc You delivered the return message, got paid (1 p) and tried to find Resdin.

[20:44] moritheil: ooc Also, if there were any trips to any stores or other errands, you took care of them.

[20:44] Gakar: check for any of his companions in the area before even considering making my presence known

[20:44] moritheil: Spot check!

[20:45] Gakar: 17 (Link: http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Gakar#155947 )http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Gakar#155947

[20:46] moritheil: Though there are townspeople wandering about, you do not see anyone you recognize as being from the old party.

[20:46] Gakar: aproach the mage cautiously

[20:46] moritheil: Resdin, spot check to see Gakar.

[20:47] moritheil: Also, describe yourself in appearance.

[20:47] Resdin: ooc [6] nat 1 feh

[20:47] Gakar: ooc both of us, or just him?

[20:47] moritheil: ooc Both of you, although Resdin won't notice Gakar until he's right next to him.

[20:48] Gakar: Gakar looks almost exactly as he did when Resdin first met him. His clothes are no longer singed, and all wounds have disapeared

[20:48] Resdin: ooc Curly black hair, slightly pointed ears poking out. Medium build, swollen jaw:P

[20:49] Gakar: once i reach him, pull out the message and thrust it into his hands. "this do be for you"

[20:50] Gakar: *glances about nervously, still on the look-out for the rest of the party*

[20:50] Resdin: I turn, startled, backing up defensively and bringing my fists around to strike before I realize it's Gakar.

[20:50] Resdin: "What are....hey, wait...." I peer at Gakar curiously. "Where you been and what the hell is this?"

[20:51] Gakar: "i do only be here to give this to you. will you be takin it?"

[20:51] Gakar: *gestures with the message once more*

[20:52] Resdin: "I want to know why you ran out on us...idiots aside, Gakar."

[20:52] Resdin: I take the tube grudgingly.

[20:52] Gakar: "i do be havin no love of fools nor death. yer bunch was rife with both"

[20:53] Resdin: "And if you've found out something about those missing parents and the attacks on the travelers, it'd be better for all if you spilled it."

[20:53] moritheil: ooc :D

[20:53] Resdin: I shrug. "The few that are still alive are quite adept at staying that way. Some of them are even kind of smart when they've got some orders to follow."

[20:54] moritheil: A few commoners, startled at the outburst, look at the two of you for a moment and then carry on with their affairs.

[20:54] Gakar: "the thing that'd be doin me good is puttin miles under my feet. it'd do ya well not to be attackin the goblins no more though."

[20:54] Gakar: *turns to leave*

[20:54] Resdin: "Gakar.

[20:54] Resdin: "

[20:54] Gakar: "what ya want now?

[20:54] Gakar: "

[20:55] Resdin: "What do you know, you damned fool. You didn't seem the type to let 'fools' kill themselves."

[20:55] Gakar: "i can do no good for those that do no listen"

[20:55] Resdin: "If you've got some information about these attacks or goblins, spit it now, or I'll summon Althen and the local justices to keep you until we know what you know."

[20:56] Resdin: "I don't like threatening people, and I liked you more than many in this party. We're trying to help, and least you can do in parting is let us know what you know."

[20:56] moritheil: ooc Oooh.

[20:56] Gakar: "you do be summonin any you wish. i did break no law, nor do no wrong. i do be leavin now."

[20:56] Resdin: ooc How many hours after my punching bag debut is this Mori?

[20:57] moritheil: ooc This is when you were set to leave town.

[20:57] Resdin: "Gakar, you know something. Do not let any more innocents die in that forest because of your stubborn fool head!"

[20:57] moritheil: At these last words, a few townsfolk appear to stop and listen.

[20:57] Resdin: I follow slowly after Gakar.

[20:57] Gakar: "i do be lettin no one die in a wood that have sense enough to heed warnings not to enter"

[20:58] Resdin: "And I'm sure that girl and her parents were just daring whatever attacked them to do so."

[20:58] Resdin: "Because after all, children 'do be durned fools'" I finish in a mocking imitation.

[20:58] Gakar: *continues walking, angling for the merchant he spoke to originally about employment*

[20:59] Gakar: "yer screamin and ravin do be no way to convince me to be killin myself fer nothin"

[20:59] Resdin: "And I'm not telling you to kill yourself or anything else. Just tell us what in the hell you know."

[21:00] Resdin: I whisper something to Rendan.

[21:00] Gakar: "i did be givin you something to learn from. if ya be wishin information, ya might start by _readin_ it"

[21:00] Resdin: I grumble incoherently (tm).

[21:01] Resdin: And pop open the tube to spill out its contents and read it.

[21:02] moritheil: A man wanders away and is quickly lost in the crowd.

[21:04] Gakar: *continues on his way, eager to be away from here*

[21:05] Resdin: *continues to follow, glancing up from the scroll every once in awhile to keep track of Gakar.*

[21:05] moritheil: Gakar, which way are you headed?

[21:06] Gakar: im looking for the guy that said he may have a job for me. if he is nowhere to be found, then ill look for some stables or corrals where i can buy a horse

[21:07] Resdin: "Where the hell did you get this, Gakar."

[21:07] Resdin: I catch up to Gakar and step in front of him, attempting to stop him for a moment.

[21:07] Gakar: step around

[21:08] Gakar: "i imagine it do be sayin on it somewhere"

[21:08] Resdin: I throw up my hands like a freak-twinkie(tm) and look around for some sort of support.

[21:09] moritheil: Spot checks, both.

[21:10] Gakar: 24 (Link: http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Gakar#155951)(Link: http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Gakar#155951)http://krisinchico.brinkster.net/searchroll.asp?username=Gakar#155951

[21:10] Resdin: ooc 15

[21:13] Resdin: ooc we must have seen a shatload.

[21:13] Resdin: ooc at least you must have Pat:P

[21:13] Gakar: ooc i think we broke the DM

[21:14] moritheil: ooc error! errror!

[21:14] Gakar: ooc danger will robinson, danger?

[21:15] moritheil: Both of you see a pair of men dressed in clerical gear approaching from down the street.

[21:15] moritheil: Gakar, you recognize one of them as the burly man who warned the party a few days ago.

[21:15] moritheil: Resdin, you can't make out details, but you might be able to guess at their identities.

[21:15] Gakar: continue on, quite certain that i have broken no law and so they cant be here for me

[21:17] Resdin: "So what about that kid, Gakar."

[21:17] Resdin: "One more orphan in the world sitting easy on your mind?"

[21:17] Resdin: "Are you really that damned heartless? That damned self-absorbed that you care for nobody but your damn self?"

[21:17] Gakar: "the child do no be my concern. i do no wish her ill, but i do have no responsibility to her, either"

[21:18] Gakar: "it do her no good to get myself killed, besides"

[21:18] Resdin: "So don't get yourself killed. Sit here on your ass and at least help the few people who DO care."

[21:18] Gakar: "those few people do be half the danger"

[21:19] Resdin: "So help me then, damnit. Here where you're nice and safe."

[21:19] Resdin: ooc ya big pussy:)

[21:19] moritheil: The figures are much closer now. They are easily identifiable as the priest, and one of the bystanders from earlier.

[21:19] Gakar: "i do no have a quarl with you, but i do have no wish to be dealin with you cause o the company you keep"

[21:20] Resdin: "I've got no company now. Quit making excuses for your cowardice."

[21:20] Resdin: "Althen," I call to the pair approaching. "This man has information on the attacks on your townspeople and that childs parents."

[21:22] Gakar: "it do no be helpin you to be lyin like that"

[21:22] moritheil: Althen blinks. "Well, if you do, sir, and you require compensation, I'm sure we could discuss it."

[21:22] Resdin: "Then prove it, you fool. Tell me where you got this message."

[21:23] Gakar: "he do be wishin you to detain me. it do be untrue. fact be that he do likely know more than me, havin been workin on it longer."

[21:24] Resdin: "You disappear on us. Althen, you know about the goblins in the forest. I think this individual do be in cahoots with them."

[21:24] moritheil: "You have a message from the captors? A ransom note, perhaps?"

[21:25] Gakar: "i did no meet kidnappers of any sort in my time here, to my knowledge"

[21:25] moritheil: Althen holds up a hand. "Wait. Resdin, what proof do you have that this man is working with the goblins?"

[21:25] Resdin: I grumble. "This one disappeared on us after finding goblins in an outpost."

[21:26] Gakar: "after your friends did nearly kill me a second time. you do be leavin that out"

[21:26] Resdin: I hand Althen the scroll. "This is from them, and he delivered it. I know few errandboys for goblins."

[21:26] moritheil: Althen reads the scroll carefully, his face darkening. "So."

[21:26] Resdin: "I do believe I was also wounded in that damned explosion."

[21:27] moritheil: "He delivered it, you say? To you?"

[21:27] Gakar: "i did. it did be asked of me"

[21:28] moritheil: "Did you look at this message, or know of its contents?"

[21:28] Gakar: "i do no pry into business that do no be mine"

[21:29] moritheil: "Fair enough. Might I inquire as to who hired you to send this message? I would not ordinarily pry myself, but lives are at stake, and I could not forgive myself if I failed to ask."

[21:29] Gakar: "i did no be hired to take it. i did be asked"

[21:30] Gakar: "his name be Grashak, and he do be seemin a calm and sensable sort. i do no think you be needin to worry bout killin from him, lest ya do be startin it"

[21:33] Resdin: "You typically keep company with goblins, Gakar?"

[21:33] Aerlene: ooc: do you lot ever stop? ;)

[21:33] moritheil: ooc They can rest when they're dead.

[21:33] Aerlene: ooc: :)

[21:33] Gakar: "i do be keepin company with any that do seem they be plesent to be near"

[21:34] Resdin: "Feh."

[21:34] Gakar: "not all o us do be havin the privilage of bein so pretty as you."

[21:35] moritheil: Althen raises an eyebrow. The man next to him moves a hand closer to a mace tucked into his belt, but says nothing.

[21:35] Gakar: *said with a bit of a sarcastic tone*

[21:35] Resdin: I mutter under my breath.

[21:36] Gakar: "i do be hopin yer boy do no want ta be hurtin someone." he says, eyeing the man reaching for his weapon

[21:36] Resdin: "Forget it then, Gakar. May whatever tree spirits you worship find pity on what soul your goblin loving behind has left."

[21:36] Gakar: "i do be glad ya finally did hear me say 'no'"

[21:36] Resdin: "We'll find the childs' parents' killers, and try to make sure theres only a little bit of blood left on your hands when its done."

[21:37] Gakar: "if there do be nothin else..."

[21:37] Resdin: I look to Althen.

[21:38] moritheil: "Druid," says Althen quietly.

[21:38] Gakar: "aye?"

[21:39] moritheil: "I will not attempt to take information from you by force, but if you saw prisoners being kept, I entreat you to at least tell us the numbers, and if they are alive."

[21:40] Gakar: "as i did say. i did no see any prisoners of any sort"

[21:40] Gakar: "and i do begin to be insulted that i do be needin to repeat it so often"

Session Start (moritheil:flay session): Fri Apr 01 21:42:09 2005

[21:42] Resdin: ooc i can't invite i'm on trillian

[21:42] Gakar: ooc you can invite with trillian

[21:42] Resdin: ooc i dont know how

[21:42] Gakar: ooc just right click on the chat window and click the "invite" option

[21:42] Aerlene: ooc: i'm on it, because i'm 1337 ;)

[21:42] Resdin: ooc 1,337??

[21:42] Resdin: ooc ;)

[21:42] Gakar: ooc really? that must be one hell of a birthday cake

[21:43] Aerlene: ooc: yep, it's pretty ;)

[21:43] Gakar: ooc so, what was the industrial revolution _really_ like?

[21:43] Aerlene: ooc: not as exciting as everyone makes out

[21:43] moritheil: Althen nods. "I accept your words. If you are indeed on agreeable terms with the goblins, could we ask you to be our delegation and negotiate a peaceful release of prisoners?"

[21:43] Gakar: ooc im so disapointed

[21:44] Gakar: "i do b willing to talk to them again, but i do wonder if you be knowin they have prisoners, or do just assume it cause they be goblins"

[21:45] Resdin: I snort loudly.

[21:45] Gakar: "it do be a bit of an insult to be accusin them of somethin like that, if they do no be guilty

[21:46] *** Your previous message has not been sent. Reason: Maximum length (232) exceeded. You can recall the last message typed with Ctrl-Up or Up, depending on settings.

[21:46] moritheil: "Thank you," says Althen. "I will have a message drawn up for you to take within the hour detailing acceptable terms. If they do not have the prisoners, then we must look for others who might have taken them . . . but the goblins have many eyes, and they may know, even if they took no part."

[21:46] moritheil: ooc again, a max length msg :(

[21:46] moritheil: "Thank you," says Althen. "I will have a message drawn up for you to take within the hour detailing acceptable terms."

[21:46] moritheil: "If they do not have the prisoners, then we must look for others who might have taken them . . . but the goblins have many eyes, and they may know, even if they took no part."

[21:47] moritheil: ooc At least this one didn't crash my client.

[21:47] Resdin: "I don't trust this Druid, Althen."

[21:47] Gakar: "i do be wantin a meal. you be findin me in the tavern when you do be ready"

[21:47] Resdin: "He's shown great disinterest in the outcome of this situation. As he's said, the deaths of the innocent dont' weigh on him."

[21:48] Resdin: "He could care less about anyone but his own damned hide."

[21:48] Gakar: "i did be showin no interest in dyin. there be a difference."

[21:48] Gakar: "you do be needin to watch what facts you leave out, if you do be wishin to be believed later"

[21:49] Resdin: "I'm not leaving any facts out, you oaf. I was in as much danger as you."

[21:49] moritheil: "Again, thank you," says Althen, inclining his head toward the druid. "Resdin, have you a moment? I would like to talk to you, if so."

[21:49] Resdin: "Difference being, I kept up the search and tried even harder, not ran like the dog you are, with the tail between his legs."

[21:49] Resdin: I turn and nod at Althen. "Of course.." and motion for him to lead on.

[21:49] Gakar: nodding, Gakar turns and heads for the inn, seeing no point in continuing to argue with the mage

[21:51] moritheil: Althen, the man from before, and Resdin turn a corner, walking down another street.

[21:51] Gakar: ooc ive got about 10 minutes before i need to go. want to call it for me there and continue with any and everyone else without me?

[21:52] moritheil: ooc Your part is done, thanks.

[21:52] moritheil: ooc I'm glad it worked out :D

[21:52] Gakar: ooc k, just IM me any exp i may have aquired

[21:52] Resdin: ooc bah

[21:53] *** Camthalion has joined the chat.

[21:53] *** Camthalion has left the chat.

[21:53] moritheil: Walking down the street, in the opposite direction, is a familiar-looking woman.

[21:54] Resdin: I tug the leashes of my dogs a little tighter so that they don't adventure off towards her and startle her.

[21:56] Aerlene: ooc: assuming that's me... ;)

[21:57] Aerlene: Aerlene smiles and waves at Resdin and Althen. She doesn't look particularly perturbed by the dogs, though she doesn't look like she's about to pet them.

[22:00] Resdin: "Aerlene!" I smile happily, my mood lightened a bit. "Where you been?"

[22:00] Aerlene: ooc: good question ;)

[22:02] Aerlene: "You're hurt! What happened?" Aerlene's hand moves up towards Resdin's face, but she stops short of actually touching him.

[22:04] Resdin: I flinch back and take a step away. "Nothin. Ran into stable post getting the horse saddled. We were about to leave town for the group but couldn't find you, so we're runnin' late."

[22:05] Resdin: Before Aerlene can say anything, I motion towards Althen, "You remember the priest here from when we first met - we were just about to discuss our next move in the search for the childs parents attackers."

[22:06] Aerlene: She raises one eyebrow, but says nothing.

[22:07] moritheil: ooc . . .

[22:07] Resdin: "What did you want to go over, Althen?"

[22:08] moritheil: ooc Ah okay. I misread that.

[22:08] Aerlene: ooc: it was posted late ;)

[22:09] Aerlene: Aerlene smiles at Althen and waits for his input.

[22:10] moritheil: "About the druid, your enthusiasm is commendable, but I see no alternative. We have no one else here capable of going into that camp without being shot a dozen times."

[22:11] Resdin: "You're forgetting that note, Althen."

[22:11] Aerlene: "What about the druid?"

[22:12] moritheil: "I am not, in fact, forgetting the note. I'm wondering if perhaps you have been confused with a local necromancer."

[22:13] Resdin: I frown. "Perhaps, as I've really not displayed much necromantic powers."

[22:14] Resdin: "However with that note was a token that should give me safe passage into the camp. If I can get past the guards, perhaps I can find out if there are prisoners, parlay for them."

[22:14] moritheil: "The token - I assume it came with a token - would let you in, but my question is how you would get out. Once the goblins have no reason to fear you, would they let you escape?"

[22:15] Resdin: "I've a couple tricks of my sleeve, and I'm sure you and I could brainstorm for some other options."

[22:15] moritheil: "Of course, it becomes a question of whether or not you feel up to maintaining a bluff. This Grashak . . . I have heard of him before. He is as crafty as goblins come, they say."

[22:16] Aerlene: Aerlene smiles to herself and folds her arms.

[22:16] Resdin: "I've a mission of my own, Althen, and could use your help.

[22:16] Resdin: "

[22:16] Resdin: "As you see, I've prepared for the road, with a few guard dogs and a horse. I must head to the capital."

[22:17] moritheil: Althen smiles. "But of course."

[22:17] Resdin: "Will take me 3 days to reach it, but I'm sure once I am there, I will be able to find someone to help me with some magical precautions."

[22:18] Resdin: "Add any ideas you might have to keep this cunning goblin on its heels, and we may be able to do this quickly and safely."

[22:18] Resdin: "Not to mention, if you have anyone's name in the capital for me to speak with, I'm sure I could drop a hint that a rather sizeable goblin force is sitting 3 days out from the capital, and but a day from a town of their countrymen."

[22:19] moritheil: The big human stares into the distance. "Really, it's a question of getting the Duke's forces to move, I would think. They would be the closest army that could mobilize."

[22:20] Aerlene: Aerlene suddenly grins. "That's a fantastic idea!"

[22:20] Resdin: I nod. "This camp is large by all accounts, enough to threaten the whole of this peaceful country if the capital were to fall under attack."

[22:21] Resdin: I poke Aerlene roughly in the ribs. "You're causing me a lot of grief with this mission and I'm trying to make the most of the time I'll be away from the area."

[22:21] moritheil: The man sighs. "Ideally all we would have to do would be to tell the Duke's retainers that their master is missing, presumed captured by goblins, and that a goblin army is here."

[22:22] moritheil: "They should then handle things from there. Unfortunately, things are not so simple due to . . ." his face twists. "Politics."

[22:22] Resdin: "Wait..."

[22:22] Aerlene: Aerlene flinches and giggles. "Unless the goblins are planning overrun the town immediately, perhaps a delegation of us all would help persuade the Duke."

[22:22] Resdin: "Are you saying the Duke is the child's father?"

[22:22] Aerlene: ooc: slow typing tonight :(

[22:22] Resdin: Resdin looks a little confused.

[22:22] moritheil: "As such, it might be best to call upon the King's army as well, because there is no way to tell what fraction of the Duke's army will actually take the field."

[22:23] Aerlene: Aerlene looks puzzled, too.

[22:24] Aerlene: "The Duke is missing?"

[22:25] moritheil: Althen nods patiently. "The Duke and Duchess. Their daughter, as you have seen, is safe here in town."

[22:25] Resdin: I nod.

[22:25] Resdin: "Then it's settled. I'll head to the capital, notify the Duke's retainers AND the King.

[22:26] moritheil: "It's very strange, though," he muses. "The Duke was an adventurer himself in his day, and still carries his sword the last I heard. And his wife was reputed to be not a woman to be trifled with on her own account."

[22:26] Aerlene: "Not only that, where were his retainers when he was attacked?"

[22:27] *** Your previous message has not been sent. Reason: Maximum length (232) exceeded. You can recall the last message typed with Ctrl-Up or Up, depending on settings.

[22:27] moritheil: The cleric shakes his head. "There are many such questions. For that matter, where were his guards? Surely he can afford to retain bodyguards, or, being a military man, he would know the value of keeping a detachment of his troops with him."

[22:27] moritheil: The cleric shakes his head. "There are many such questions. For that matter, where were his guards?"

[22:27] moritheil: "Surely he can afford to retain bodyguards, or, being a military man, he would know the value of keeping a detachment of his troops with him."

[22:28] Resdin: "Accidents can happen, Aerlene."

[22:28] Resdin: "What do you think Althen?"

[22:28] Aerlene: "It doesn't make sense."

[22:30] moritheil: "Well, at any rate, the most important thing is to recover the Duke. I almost want to say, at all costs. His death would set off a struggle for succession."

[22:31] Resdin: "Do you know of any names to drop in the capital? Who is to be trusted?

[22:31] Resdin: "

[22:32] Aerlene: "I'm still wondering if more than just yourself should go. It might seem more convincing if a group of us presented the problem to the right people."

[22:32] moritheil: "Archpriest Gradd will assist you as much as possible when he learns of the problem. I would go myself, but I cannot abandon my post. It would only make him angry."

[22:33] Resdin: I nod. "Have you any sort of magical means of travel to get us there? Three days...thats a lot when lives are riding on the line."

[22:33] moritheil: The priest exhales. "I have often had cause to regret that Travel is not under my domain."

[22:34] Resdin: "Surely someone has some means to quickly get to the Capital..."

[22:38] moritheil: The priest is silent for a long time.

[22:38] moritheil: Finally he speaks. "It would have to be a mage, as I know of no more powerful clerics than myself in the nearby area."

[22:38] moritheil: "And I only know of . . . one mage who might have the power."

[22:40] moritheil: "I will commune with Pholtus tonight, and send a message to the capital ahead of time."

[22:40] Aerlene: "You hesitate, Althen. Why?"

[22:40] moritheil: "I hesitate because the most powerful local mage is known to him as well. In fact, I believe that a certain goblin has the two confused."

[22:41] Aerlene: "Ah, I see. Well, I was thinking it might be time to pay this necromancer a visit, anyway."

[22:42] Resdin: "Again."

[22:43] Resdin: Resdin massages his temples as if suffering from a headache.

[22:44] Aerlene: "Yes. What did happen there before?"

[22:44] Resdin: "Nothing of any concern, Aerlene. An errand."

[22:46] Aerlene: Aerlene snorts air out through her nostrils and turns her head aside and down, shaking it slightly.

[22:47] Resdin: "It's really not, Aerlene. I don't even know why it took two of us to deliver it."

[22:48] Aerlene: "Okay. So, it'll have no bearing on anything I might do or say to this necromancer?"

[22:50] Resdin: "I doubt she'll even remember me."

[22:51] Aerlene: Aerlene looks at Resdin and shrugs. "Okay, then."

[22:52] Resdin: I shrug. "Then I guess its decided...again.

[22:52] Resdin: "We will travel to the necromancer and see about magical travel."

[22:52] Aerlene: "Right. Where are the others?"

[22:52] Resdin: "Waiting for me to return tonight."

[22:52] Aerlene: "Althen, you'll come too?"

[22:53] moritheil: "There is much riding on this, and I cannot seem to find Morena."

[22:53] Aerlene: "For how long?" Aerlene frowns, concerned.

[22:54] Resdin: "Morena has been missing for awhile, Althen."

[22:55] moritheil: "Indeed. I saw her once after the graveyard, and not again since then."

[22:56] Resdin: "Well we cannot wait.

[22:56] Resdin: "I will set off with Aerlene back towards the camp. Get the rest of the group, and bring them back to town.

[22:57] Resdin: "By then, Althen your message should be long in waiting for us in the Capital, and we will talk with the necromancer."

[22:57] Resdin: "Once in the Capital, we'll alert the appropriate forces and I will prepare myself for a meeting with the goblin chieftain."

[22:57] Resdin: "If parlay does not go as well, I will make sure I have plans to leave - and if needed, the forces can then rain death on the goblins."

[23:01] moritheil: "You need me to find the rest of your group, then?"

[23:02] Resdin: I shake my head negatively. "I need to go back to them. I told them I would."

[23:02] Resdin: "Rendan will accompany, as will Aerlene."

[23:02] Resdin: "If you locate Morena....keep her here and we'll take her when we go to the necromancer."

[23:03] Resdin: "If the Keels come back...."

[23:03] Resdin: I spit into the dirt.

[23:03] moritheil: "That is understood. You know where to find me."

[23:04] moritheil: Nodding at Aerlene and Rendan, Althen turns and hurries off.

[23:05] Aerlene: "You know," Aerlene smiles at Resdin, cheekily, "I'm really probably pushing my luck with you." Her smile falters a little.

[23:06] Aerlene: "Yes. Really pushing my luck." She scuffs the floor with the toe of one shoe.

[23:07] Resdin: I snort, turn, and walk back towards the main road.

[23:07] Resdin: I turn around, "You comin'?"

[23:08] Aerlene: Shaking her head and sighing deeply, Aerlene follows without hesitation.

[23:08] Aerlene: "Pushing my luck," she mutters.

[23:09] Resdin: I grin wickedly at Aerlene, then wink. "Not so much, Aerlene. Not so much."

[23:16] Resdin: ooc ...

[23:18] Resdin: Obviously not getting a return wink, I shrug and continue walking to the main road.

[23:18] Aerlene: "Listen, you; troublemaker. You're supposed to be repentant. Not tempting me into evil." She returns the poke in the ribs, playfully, and grins again.

[23:19] Resdin: Resdin coughs on something and looks quite shocked. Then embarrassed.

[23:21] Aerlene: Her smile falters. "Sorry." She flushes, and folds her arms. "Maybe I should find someone else to accompany you back to the others." She appears to be addressing her feet, once more.

[23:22] Resdin: "Don't be rediculous Aerlene. Come on, lets head out and get to the rest of the group."

[23:23] Aerlene: "It's just... It's--" She sighs as she breaks off, but she doesn't stop walking.

[23:24] Resdin: "Spill it. We've got a long road."

[23:24] Resdin: I hand Aerlene a long leash, at the end of which is a brown, shaggy haired guard dog.

[23:24] Aerlene: "What's his name? It is a he, right?" Aerlene looks relieved at the distraction.

[23:25] Aerlene: She takes the leash a little too eagerly to be a natural movement.

[23:25] Resdin: "I'm not good with pets." I shrug. "What was on you rmind."

[23:26] Aerlene: "We've been over it, Resdin. We never make any progress." She smiles at him. "It won't make any difference arguing it out again."

[23:27] Resdin: "Aerlene, I'm going to the damned capital. It's on my list of things to do. I'm even finding a quicker way to do it with the necromancer."

[23:27] Resdin: *Resdin begins heading west, out of town, towards the forest.*

[23:28] moritheil: ooc Forest is east, if you're returning to it.

[23:28] Resdin: ooc thats what I meant.

[23:28] moritheil: ooc I guess I really should put up that crude map I made.

[23:28] Aerlene: "I know, I know!" Aerlene keeps pace with him. "It's just that now you've agreed to do it, I should leave you to your own devices."

[23:29] Resdin: "So why don't you?"

[23:29] Aerlene: Aerlene shrugs.

[23:29] moritheil: ooc I expected tears at this point :(

[23:30] Aerlene: ooc: i hate to be predictable ;)

[23:30] moritheil: ooc I was about to send for violinists.

[23:30] Aerlene: ooc: there are birds singing outside my window, i can get them in for a rousing chorus if you like ;)

[23:31] Resdin: Resdin continues on in silence.

[23:31] Resdin: ooc :P

[23:32] Aerlene: Another sigh escapes.

[23:34] Resdin: "You sigh a lot." Resdin mutters. He tugs on his own guard dogs leash, keeping it from making a mess on the road. The horse clip-clops behind.

[23:37] Aerlene: "So it seems." Aerlene intently watches a bird fly overhead. Then she stops walking suddenly. "Stand still a second."

[23:37] Resdin: I raise an eyebrow, turn and look at Aerlene. I stop walking. "Whats wrong?"

[23:40] Resdin: "Aerlene...." I prompt..

[23:46] Aerlene: Aerlene mutters a short prayer and clutches the symbol of a sun which hangs around her neck. She then stares intently at Resdin. This goes on for several long seconds.

[23:47] Aerlene: The seconds stretch on into a significant portion of a minute.

[23:48] Aerlene: Half a minute passes, and still Aerlene stares.

[23:49] Aerlene: Eventually, a full two minutes later, her eyes seem to uncloud, and the corners of her mouth twitch.

[23:50] Aerlene: She looks skyward, as if the source of her amusement is up there, then starts to really laugh.

[23:50] Resdin: "What is up with you, Aerlene?"

[23:51] Aerlene: Tasha herself couldn't have dreamed of such an effect. Aerlene is helpless with hysterical laughter. She tries to raise a hand to point at Resdin, but finds this funny, too.

[23:52] Resdin: Resdin thinks you have lost your mind, and in no uncertain terms, lets you know by his hands-on-hips stance and confused frown.

[23:53] Aerlene: Realising she's drawing attention to herself, and despite Resdin's reaction, Aerlene rapidly sobers.

[23:53] Aerlene: "I'm sorry," she gasps, in between giggles.

[23:54] Resdin: Resdin shakes his head in exasperation.

[23:54] Aerlene: She takes a deep breath, then another, giggles a little more, then says, a little breathlessly, "Not evil."

[23:55] Aerlene: "You're not evil, Resdin."

[23:55] Resdin: "I told you that before, Aerlene."

[23:55] Resdin: I grumble.

[23:56] Aerlene: Aerlene works hard to stop herself laughing again.

[23:56] Aerlene: "No, Resdin. You were," she says, firmly.

[23:56] Aerlene: "But, you're not, now."

[23:58] Resdin: "So what does this all mean, what did you do to me Aerlene?"

[23:59] moritheil: ooc FYI my rationale is that Resdin's overall actions throughout this campaign are more "neutral leaning to good" than anything else, so I ruled that he had been evil leaning to neutral.

[00:00] moritheil: ooc He isn't really explicitly lawful, but that's another issue.

[00:01] Resdin: ooc so I'm like, around the 0-150 alignment point range;)

[00:01] moritheil: ooc So yes, at this point, with the outburst earlier and everything, he isn't evil anymore.

[00:01] Aerlene: "I didn't do anything! I just prayed for insight to your character, again, and this time, Pelor judged you to be alright."

[00:02] Resdin: "So, now that I've justified going to this capital to further our mission and not just find atonement.."

[00:02] Resdin: "You're telling me I don't have to go for that."

[00:04] Aerlene: "Oh." She has the grace to look extremely embarrassed. "At least now I can go with you with a clear conscience." She smiles, hopefully.

[00:04] *** Rendan has been invited to the group chat.

[00:04] *** Rendan has joined the chat.

[00:05] Resdin: I chuckle. "Yes. I'd hate to have tainted you." I wink at Aerlene again.

[00:05] Resdin: ooc heya VB

[00:05] Aerlene: ooc: hi :)

[00:05] moritheil: Rendan has been silent all these moments.

[00:05] moritheil: ooc (Forgot he was with you, eh?)

[00:06] Aerlene: ooc: uhh... i clearly didn't read the history properly ;)

[00:06] Resdin: Realizing this, Resdin blushes very red and steps back from Aerlene a bit. He begins to pay attention to his horses hooves.

[00:06] Resdin: "Can we get going to the uh..forest now?"

[00:06] moritheil: ooc [23:02] Resdin: "Rendan will accompany, as will Aerlene."

[00:07] Rendan: nods

[00:07] moritheil: ooc But perhaps Rendan has a habit of being very very inconspicuous :D

[00:07] Rendan: ooc wuts that pose ta mean

[00:07] Aerlene: Aerlene finds the tip of her spear very, very interesting.

[00:07] *** Resdin has left the chat.

[00:08] *** Resdin has joined the chat.

[00:08] Resdin: ooc that was odd

[00:09] Aerlene: "Yes. We should go now." Aerlene clears her throat and then takes a deep breath again.

[00:09] *** Luthor has been invited to the group chat.

[00:10] *** Luthor has joined the chat.

[00:10] moritheil: There appears to be some commotion on the road between the town and the forest.

[00:10] Resdin: I nod, reaching for the other dog that Aerlene held and then continuing towards the forest.

[00:11] moritheil: ooc Prepare for the Mori Show to rock your fragile little minds. :D

[00:11] Aerlene: Aerlene yeilds the leash to Resdin and looks towards the commotion.

[00:12] Rendan: follows resdin in his footsetps towards the forest

[00:12] moritheil: All along the road, the people coming in from the fields seem to be abruptly stopping where they are.

[00:12] *** Camthalion has joined the chat.

[00:12] *** Camthalion has left the chat.

[00:12] *** Camthalion has been invited to the group chat.

[00:12] *** Camthalion has joined the chat.

[00:12] Luthor: ::let the others take the lead::

[00:13] Luthor: OOC: Hey everyone

[00:13] *** quenditar has been invited to the group chat.

[00:13] Aerlene: Aerlene tugs once on Resdin's sleeve, then begins to head towards the commotion.

[00:13] Aerlene: ooc: hi :)

[00:13] *** quenditar has joined the chat.

[00:13] Aerlene: ooc: and hi again :)

[00:13] Resdin: ooc heya Luth

[00:13] quenditar: ooc Hi!

[00:14] moritheil: Some fall to their feet; others scream, and still others dance.

[00:14] *** Asherha has been invited to the group chat.

[00:14] Resdin: Resdin stops his group a bit away from the people. "What the hell is going on?"

[00:14] *** Asherha has left the chat.

[00:15] moritheil: No one answers you, Resdin. One or two members peel away from the crowd and run down the road, yelling, "Your Grace! Your Grace!"

[00:16] moritheil: Caked in dust and mud, wearing torn rags, and looking much the worse for wear, a middle-aged couple strides down the road.

[00:16] Aerlene: Aerlene looks at Resdin. "The Duke? Come on."

[00:16] Luthor: ::open those big lungs to call out to the crowed:: "People of Ferdham, and all over Atric...The prisoners have returned!"

[00:16] *** Asherha has joined the chat.

[00:16] Luthor: Antric*

[00:16] moritheil: Immediately behind them are a few younger-looking women, and at the end, a brutish and vaguely familiar looking form can be seen.

[00:17] Resdin: "For the love of..." Resdin again grabs his temples, REALLY KNEEDING into them as if stricken by a migraine. "It's him."

[00:17] Rendan: "who ae you talking about resdin?" looks at him with confusion

[00:17] moritheil: As they proceed down the road, commoners who see them continue to cry out, falling to their knees or jumping in joy.

[00:18] Resdin: "Your fellow priest of Cuthbert. Thats the half-giant I told you about who was captured. or killed. ...or I guess just captured."

[00:19] Aerlene: Aerlene looks between the crowd and the newcomers in confusion.

[00:19] Rendan: "ahh no my comrade has been freed then

[00:19] Rendan: "

[00:19] Rendan: *then not no

[00:20] Luthor: ::make my way to them one last time:: "It has been a pleasure folks. Say hello to your daughter for me. I must retire to the Temple."

[00:20] Resdin: "Luthor" I call loudly to the half-giant.

[00:20] Luthor: ::cast an eye out to the crowed for the speaker::

[00:21] moritheil: Down the road from the trio, some commoners are helping the Duchess up onto a horse.

[00:21] Aerlene: Aerlene waves at Luthor warmly.

[00:21] Resdin: ooc that better not be my horse Mori:P

[00:21] Aerlene: ooc: lol

[00:21] Rendan: stands there awaiting luthor'/s appraoch

[00:22] moritheil: "A moment, good Luthor," the weary noble says. "Meet me when you have recovered. Give your name at the door, and my servants will take you to me."

[00:23] Luthor: ::a slight bow:: "Fair enough. I will be sure to see you again soon."

[00:23] moritheil: A squad of guards rushes out, no doubt notified by one of the earlier running commoners, and surrounds the Duke and Duchess.

[00:23] Resdin: "Luthor" I call again. I tug my accompanying horse and dogs and walk over to him. "Good to see you in good health, priest."

[00:23] moritheil: They form an honor guard, fending off well-wishers that crowd around the group.

[00:23] Aerlene: Aerlene heads towards Luthor, with Resdin.

[00:24] Luthor: ::turn to the speaker again and try to make my way to the familiar voice::

[00:25] Resdin: Resdin finally reaches the priest. "We did fear you dead as we found Camthalion very wounded. We were just heading back to the group, which is outside the goblin camp."

[00:25] Luthor: "I appreciate the words. I do hope Cam is alright."

[00:25] Resdin: "Glad to see that you escaped, and that the Duke and his wife are safe now. Did anyone follow you?"

[00:26] Luthor: "It is likely...but there is a significant amount of damage done in their main camp."

[00:26] Resdin: "I believe so, we were returning to them now. No use for the camp to be outside that camp planning on rescuing you if you've already made it out.

[00:26] Resdin: I nod. "Then let our small group head back in quickly before they regroup - the rest of the group was fairly close and in great danger now."

[00:27] Resdin: "Do well and get some rest in town, Luthor. Perhaps we'll speak soon when we return with Cam and the others. Do me a favor and speak with Althen, the head priest."

[00:27] Resdin: "Let him know that the Kings armies and Dukes armies will not be needed after all. He will welcome you back in grand fashion, no doubt."

[00:27] Luthor: :Nods:: I'll keep it in mind. Take care of yourself."

[00:28] Rendan: "wait luthor"

[00:28] Rendan: steps foward

[00:28] Aerlene: "If you have time when we return, I'd love to hear how you effected the rescue." Aerlene smiles.

[00:28] Resdin: I grin at Aerlene and step back to allow Rendan room.

[00:28] Rendan: "before you go, i would like to introduce myself to you, seeing as we are of the same church i hear"

[00:28] Luthor: :smirks:: "I will some time"

[00:29] Luthor: "Let's just say that to catch a prisoner you sometimes have to become one"

[00:29] *** Camthalion has left the chat.

[00:29] Rendan: "i see, My name is Sir Rendan, it's nice to Fiannly meet you Sir Luthor"

[00:29] Rendan: holds hand hand waiting for luthor to shake it

[00:29] Rendan: *out

[00:30] *** Camthalion has been invited to the group chat.

[00:30] Luthor: ::turn to the cleric and hugs him, avoiding the hand "Well met brother of the cloth"

[00:30] *** Camthalion has joined the chat.

[00:30] *** Camthalion has left the chat.

[00:30] *** Camthalion has left the chat.

[00:30] Luthor: ::slap him on the back in respect and break off grinning::

[00:30] Rendan: "As you brother"

[00:30] Aerlene: Aerlene blinks, smiles once more at Luthor, then turns to whisper in Resdins ear.

[00:30] *** Camthalion has joined the chat.

[00:31] Luthor: "It is good to finally receive aid in our temple. There is much to be done"

[00:31] Rendan: "whatever the situation, im here to represent my church"

[00:32] Resdin: Resdin shrugs at Aerlene and then whispers back.

[00:33] Aerlene: Aerlene sniggers and flushes a little.

[00:33] Rendan: 'So brother, you heading to the temple to freshen up?"

[00:33] Luthor: "Yes. I want to get out of this armor for a little while too"

[00:33] Resdin: Resdin adjusts his pack, and then adjusts the saddlepacks on the horse. He lets the leashes out a little more, and then ties them to one side of the saddle so he doesn't have to carry anything but the horse tether.

[00:34] moritheil: Somewhere overhead, the bell of the town, seldom rung, starts to toll.

[00:34] Luthor: ::look off at the belltower::

[00:34] moritheil: The Duke and Duchess, surrounded by the honor guard, push their way through the rapidly filling streets.

[00:34] Aerlene: Aerlene looks in the direction of the bell. "What does that mean?" she asks.

[00:34] Rendan: "Do what you must in church, and rest all you need brother, for you are always welcome at the church"

[00:34] Resdin: Resdin half turns, "What now?"

[00:35] moritheil: A passing commoner grins. "Celebration! Don't you know? The Duke has returned!"

[00:35] Luthor: "The Duke returned...."

[00:35] Aerlene: Looking relieved, and a bit sheepish, Aerlene says, "Thank goodness! I thought we were under attack!"

[00:36] Resdin: I nod in agreement. "That was my guest."

[00:36] Resdin: I motion for Rendan to wrap things up and turn to guide the horse and dogs in tow to the forest.

[00:37] Rendan: "well shall we be off?"

[00:37] Rendan: looks to resdin

[00:37] Luthor: ::casts a look towards the small leaving party:: "You folks need help?"

[00:37] Aerlene: "Good idea." Aerlene begins to head towards the forest too.

[00:37] Resdin: I chuckle and look back. "Depends, how pissed off are they?"

[00:37] Aerlene: "You don't need to rest?" she asks Luthor.

[00:37] moritheil: ooc :D

[00:38] Luthor: "I could use it but if you need help I am offering it"

[00:38] Aerlene: Casting her gaze over Luthor, Aerlene checks for any obvious sign of injury.

[00:38] Rendan: "are you positive you need not rest brother?"

[00:39] Resdin: I consider my packs and options. "Let me do this." I untether and hand both leashes to Aerlene. I remove a few potions and some water and dog food and put them in my backpack, and hand the reins to Luthor."

[00:39] moritheil: A few passing merchants draw close. "Well, I'll be, that's our priest! Luthor!" Another one yells "To Luthor!"

[00:39] Aerlene: Aerlene takes the leashes.

[00:39] Resdin: "Luthor, you've been through a lot and have a bit of a procession to lead. Take my horse and get some rest. We will be fine. I'll bring the rest of the group back to hear of your story."

[00:40] Resdin: "Rendan, you ready?"

[00:40] Rendan: "as always"

[00:40] Luthor: :::Nods and take the reins::

[00:40] Rendan: nods

[00:40] Luthor: "Till we meet again then..."

[00:40] Resdin: I nod. "Indeed. Good job Luthor."

[00:41] Aerlene: "Bye, Luthor. Well done!"

[00:41] moritheil: Further in town, a few enterprising minstrels strike up a merry tune.

[00:41] Resdin: I bow slightly, then turn and lead on towards the forest.

[00:41] Luthor: ::mount the horse and wave towards those who were speaking my name prior::

[00:41] Rendan: tunrs back to Resdin and follows him in to the forest

[00:42] Aerlene: Aerlene also follows into the forest.

[00:44] Luthor: ::make my way to the Temple::

[00:44] moritheil: OOC At this point I will officially confirm that the Duke's escape was carried out in a lengthy sidequest. I have been sitting on this secretly for some time now.

[00:44] Resdin: Resdin whistles loudly, calling the long missing raven Tik to his shoulder.

[00:45] Resdin: ooc quote the mori: "pwnevermori!"

[00:45] moritheil: A tiny black shape wheels overhead, becoming larger and larger.

[00:46] moritheil: OOC The depth of this campaign amazes me. Even with this out, there are still many details lost to subplots and side quests. Give yourselves a round of applause, for creating a complex world.

[00:46] Rendan: ooc *applause*

[00:47] Resdin: ooc otherwise known as "Making this harder than it had to be..." :)

[00:47] Luthor: OOC: *Clap clap clap*

[00:47] Resdin: ooc Am i going to get to get to our camping companions in peace so they can add their two cents, and probably a couple more knuckle sandwiches, tonight?

[00:47] quenditar: ooc Are we all here?

[00:48] moritheil: ooc Oh no, that's another spectacular view. We don't want to spoil all our surprises at once, do we?

[00:48] quenditar: ooc Still working on a supply of nasty things to say.

[00:48] Resdin: ooc Tere/Ash/Cam everyone is here

[00:48] Resdin: ooc the Keels went back to town and are presumably still in bed together

[00:48] Resdin: ooc honeymoon, etc.

[00:48] Resdin: ooc and Morena is still MIA in town. I think she fell down the well.

[00:49] Camthalion: ooc lol

[00:49] moritheil: ooc I'm not really up for running anything atm, I just wanted to let people sit in on this, because it's a significant moment of development.

[00:50] Aerlene: ooc: but i'm not sleepy anymore! ;)

[00:51] moritheil: ooc Tomorrow, I'll try to have everyone watch the sights as the intrepid trio takes the stage.

[00:51] Asherha: ooc: Yay us!

[00:51] Resdin: ooc fyi

[00:52] Resdin: ooc i had to cancel the volleyball tournament tomorrow

[00:52] Resdin: ooc due to nasty weather today ruining the courts

[00:52] Resdin: ooc and its gonna be buggerish cold and windy

[00:52] Resdin: ooc so i will be here on time for tomorrow @ 5

[00:52] Asherha: ooc: I will be here all day.

[00:52] quenditar: ooc Me too.

[00:52] moritheil: ooc Tell you what, if you three want me to run the cinematics, I can now, but I'm not set up to run an actual game because I'll collapse :P

[00:52] quenditar: ooc It's supposed to rain all day.

[00:53] Luthor: OOC: I'll be around all day too

[00:53] Asherha: ooc: Save it for tomorrow to help start the mood.

[00:53] Resdin: ooc I tink as long as we get at least one kobold to smite on the way back, we'll actually get more done if we get my three with dem three together tonight

[00:53] Aerlene: ooc: i might be a little late

[00:53] Aerlene: ooc: i'm going to need to snatch some sleep sometime this afternoon/early evening

[00:53] moritheil: ooc Save it for tomorrow! The halfling hath spoken!

[00:54] quenditar: ooc I 'm afraid Mori's got something special planned; we might want to wait.

[00:54] moritheil: ooc Thus, a merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

[00:54] Aerlene: ooc: i'll set an alarm ;)

[00:54] Resdin: ooc rokie doke. tomorrow it be!

[00:55] Resdin: ooc any updates needed Mori-san?

Session Close (flay session): Sat Apr 02 00:56:21 2005