[Game Thread] Interludes and Conversations

[stobco]

Extended Character Chat Thread The extended character chat thread provides the opportunity to have in-character dialogue in a back-and-forth fashion. It is intended to represent all of the moments of game time that would have provided time for characters to talk to each other. Travelling, sitting at a bar, around the campfire, etc. It can also be used to hash out strategies and tactics, as players might in OOC (those conversations tend to be back-and-forth, debating, etc.), but doing so IN-character. It can prevent "collisions" in dialogue in the game thread, and otherwise increase character's knowledge and specific bonds with one another. It is not meant to replace significant conversations in-game, rather to provide a synergy for the conversation making the game posts even more substantive. How TO use the extended In-Character chat * Have a one-on-one conversation between two characters rather than disrupting the flow of the main game thread. You may or may not summarize the conversation in the game thread, depending on the situation. * Take actions that do not impact the arc of the story or otherwise contradict any game posts or character knowledge. * Have a flashback, or even narrate game actions from the past, again provided they are aligned with the entire storyline. This can be used to tie loose ends that can sometimes pop up in a story. "Hey, how did so-and-so end up knowing such-and-such?" * Use is entirely optional. Use when handy! How NOT to use extended In-Character chat * Take any action that changes any part of the story, past, present or future. Significant actions are for the game thread. This is not a substitute for game posts, but to provide support for game posts. * Interact with any significant NPC. (Stobs will tell us whether we can dictate actions for merchants, or other non-significant NPCs, for flavour) * Use responsibly. The rules for this thread were graciously provided by the super creative, and always funny, ItsaVerb (formally known as It's true! Although we don't know why he changed his name, I would be careful around him. Maybe he's in the witness protection program, or something more sinister...MimeRifle)!

[LeoByron]

Zenalia takes a moment to study the menu when Meredith comes around to their table and orders the Seared griffon and pork broth with a glass of Elven Ininyë wine to go with it. She listens attentively while the others speak more freely while nursing her glass of wine and focusing on it with her eyes as though she could, by gazing deeply enough, uncover the secret of the universe within. Her ears, however, are clear and present to all around her and her thoughts actually mull over everything that is being said. She takes note of the moment of great tension in Runa when Logan made his entrance and watches closely to see what will happen. Zen is impressed when Runa shows obvious restraint, delighted that her own first impression of the half-orc was not wrong.

Once everyone has been served and are enjoying the fine offerings of the Bleeding Heart Tavern, she takes a moment to engage Marion in conversation. Although the boisterous human is not often quiet enough for her to get a word in edge-wise, she seizes the initiative when he is busy chewing a particularly fine piece of mutton (or what passingly resembles mutton, one can never be sure.)

"So tell me Mr Torsgaard, why do they call you 'Big Kahuna'? Is it because that big hammer of yours makes big waves, because you are a wise and well-spoken individual, or just because you're the go-to guy in charge?"

Zen takes a sip of her wine when she finishes her question, keeping the mellow golden orbs of her eyes locked on his big baby blues.

[ItsaVerb]

Casual Conversations As the party assembled themselves at the table, then ordering dinners and dining side-by-side, there were opportunities to chat and begin chipping away at some of the strangeness in being among a group of strangers. Seeing the others' reactions to him, and to each other, helped Marion gain some comfort about the band of would-be adventurers that initially gave him pause...

"And you also" the big man replied to Runa. It seemed a sort of blessing, and Marion had learned it was generally polite to respond in kind. Though he wasn't necessarily fond of religious rituals, he held no ill toward those who did. He'd known many who had found great purpose in their commitment to their faith. He'd learned enough to know that if someone says something that starts with 'May the...', the appropriate reply was almost always 'And also with you.'

Runa herself was a vision to behold. Like Zenalia, Runa's posture was proud, her head held up high, her eyes filled with purpose. Her appearance was also very exotic, in a much different way. The woman's smile revealed large, sharp canine teeth, the scariest-looking teeth he'd seen on a woman, and frankly, he didn't find that in the least bit unattractive. Marion presumed it was Orc in her bloodline. The tattoos that covered her, he ventured, must be significant somehow. He'd be interested to learn more about them. She looked at once strong, but feminine--in some ways savage, but with expressive eyes as deeply human as any he'd ever seen. He felt immediately comfortable with her.

###

He realized in the buzz of chatter across the table, he'd failed to address Charlie's introduction, and it seemed the girl might have been miffed about it. He wouldn't lie, though he would withhold sharing any assessments with the others for the time being. He presumed the Sheriff would have the final say on who joined his party of soliders-for-hire. Perhaps they would have to self-select. He didn't want to jump to conclusions, but his first impression was that this girl was too young to take on the sort of work they might be faced with. On the other hand, she might very well also be the bravest among them. Whether it was naiivaty, or just guts, Charlie seemed to have no fear. The quintessential dual-edged sword.

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Charlie" Marion said, minding himself that he should speak to her as though she were a hero, and not a helpless child--for now. "Stealing the treasures of dragons, you say?!? It seems you know no fear, my friend! I have no doubt you are a capable adventurer, in fact I'll bet you possess some talents the rest of us do not. There are many roles to play in jobs like these!"

He chuckled and grinned wide when Charlie asked him if he was a blacksmith. "I've shod a few horses in my day, of course, but the profession I've chosen is more like the one you aim to take up, Charlie." His smile was meant to assure the young lady he took her as seriously as she wanted to be taken. "Perhaps we'll be able to teach each other some new tricks, eh?"

###

Marion was thankful to see Sir Whats-His-Name respond to his invitation. This man's role in the party would likely be similar to his own, and if they were to crawl into some goblin cave, one of the two of them would likely be out near the front and the other near the back, keeping muscle on both sides of the group, protecting casters and ranged fighters.

The holy symbol he wore identified the man as a Paladin of Iomedae. Marion recognized it as he'd worked with a Sir Pembroke, another of her followers, not long ago. They'd cleared a kobold camp together, helping a group of villagers very similar to the ones here at the Bleeding Heart save their crops and farm animals from the invading lizard-folk. Like Pembroke, Marion presumed this Paladin would be a sturdy warrior, honest and honorable. He only hoped that unlike Pembroke, this one didn't fancy himself the judge of everyone else's morality.

Runa's reaction to the knight did not go unnoticed by Marion, and it was very unsettling. For just a moment, he saw murder in her fascinating eyes. She managed to compose herself very quickly, but she had been barely able to contain whatever impulse it was that struck her in that moment. It didn't have to do with the man's race, or he himself might have noticed a similar reaction. Marion guessed it had to do with the same symbol he had recognized. This was the second significant concern he had regarding the party's configuration, and once again he reminded himself not to rush to judgement--but when they learn what the job might be, and who would be joining the team, the situation might merit some questioning.

###

And there was yet another female at the table who might be an adventuring companion, another one who either forgot to give a name, or decided not to reveal it for whatever reason. She had the face of a cherub, as though there was no limit to the joy and fascination that twinkled in her eyes. Obviously an Elf, it would be hard to judge her age. Kahuna's best guess would be somewhere between fifteen and fifty, but he had such little experience with that enchantingly mysterious race he frankly had no idea. What did seem clear is that she lacked experience. Like the others, she didn't seem at all uncomfortable or afraid, but she certainly seemed curious, giving the clue that she might lack a bit of the worldliness typically found in the sort of stout adventurers. Whatever the case, the elf could best be described as adorable--she was cute, cheerful, polite, and very inquisitive.

That inquisitiveness, like bravery, could be both a blessing and a curse. Curiosity can certainly be a utility in a life of adventuring, properly tempered with common-sense judgement. He didn't know yet what to expect from this one, but he liked her instantly and he was anxious... curious, even, to find out.

###

The voice was speaking to him again... the voice that comes from the face, the one he'd been trying not to make much contact with, and hopefully without appearing rude. It was not a typical feeling, but also not unfamiliar. Marion was not the self-conscious type, and over the years had become quite comfortable in the company of attractive females, often making it a high priority to situate himself in such company, in fact. This one was different. He was reminded of what it felt like to be a boy, remembering the first times he'd felt his adult urges at the touch of a girl's skin. The fact was that merely looking at her was enough to make this burly man blush, and he was practically desperate at this point to maintain his composure not only because he held his personal code of conduct sacrosanct, but because he wanted to provide some assurance to her that he respected her as a capable team member, and not just the most exquisite vision of feminine beauty his eyes might ever see.

Though it might have seemed impossible, the gleam in Marion's eyes became even brighter when Zenalia asked about the origin of his nickname, and his grin spread nearly to his ears when he realized she already had some knowledge of the name.

He had a patented response for pretty girls who asked what his nickname meant, and he wouldn't be using it in this case. He would, though, privately enjoy the excuse he had to look into those golden pools and wonder how deep they might be. "Ah! Zenalia, by the way you phrased your question, I think you might have knowledge of the Iiawah? I spent about six months living with one of their tribes some years ago.

I was fascinated by their practice of 'surfing'," Kahuna spoke the word as if those listening might not be familiar with it, though he expected Zenalia was, "these island people make a sort of foot-boat, a plank carved from teak wood, and they use them to ride ocean waves! It's very exhilarating.

But I digress. One of the young men who'd been so kind as to teach me about their custom took a fall from his board one day while riding a particularly large wave, and it hit him in the head. I was able to pull him back to shore and start his breathing again. I was made an honorary member of the tribe that day, and their elders bestowed upon me a tribal name and a title that in their custom is reserved only for the wisest, holiest, and most revered. Truly, anyone in my position would have done the same thing, but I accepted graciously as they were insistent. The called me "Kahuna Aikane", loosely translated it means "Great Friend".

I use the name now because it has some flair... panache, if you will. It sets me apart a bit, I think, and if I'm being totally honest, I never cared much for my given name. Would that I accomplish something truly heroic one day, such that minstrels like that one over there sing songs about me... 'Brave Marion' just won't cut it, I'm afraid!"

Kahuna slapped the table with his big paw and laughed at himself. All of Kahuna's jokes got at least one laugh...

"But it is truly more than just that. Living with the Iiawah taught me about community--a word I understood, but never really knew until then. In their tribe, they are united in everything. If one walks past the hut of another family, and notices a piece of loose thatch that needs fixing, they stop and fix it as though it were their own property, and that is how they see it. Coming from a very competitive society myself, I had never experienced anything like it, and I hold deep respect for them, and I am honored beyond any words that they call me Kahuna."

 

Actions Swift = Nothing Move = Nothing Standard = Nothing Name HP AC Touch Flat Status Fort Ref Will Hero Marion "Big Kahuna" Thorsgaard 13/13 18 12 16 Normal +4 +2 +0 0 Skill/Ability Type Mod Effect Lucerne Hammer Weapon +6 1d12+6 Languages   -- Common, Skald Enforcer Feat - On non-lethal damage, a free action may be used to intimidate target Bully Trait - +1 to Intimidate checks/Class skill Killer Trait - Add'l critical damage on crit hits Intimidate Skill +7   Sense Motive Skill +3   Survival Skill +4

[ManannanMacLir]

As the others talk, Runa eats heartily and hungrily, free from any sense of shame or any need to appear lady-like. She listens to the friendly woman Zen and big Marion talk, finding the story of his nickname fascinating. She looks at him closely, with her eyes squinted before breaking into a sudden grin, "That is a wonderful story. Though I can't seem to wrap my mind around it. 'Kahuna' sounds to me like a giant slab of meat. And does not your given name have meaning Marion Kahuna? But maybe you don't know it, haven't seen." Letting the big man think on her words, she examines the other elf as she examines the girl. She likes them, but lets them be for the time being, her eyes shifting between the pair that she is already comfortable with.

[ItsaVerb]

Runa's comment brought a huge grin to Kahuna's face. He appreciated her candor, and he was getting more comfortable with her by the minute. "Some might describe me as exactly that, Runa!" the big warrior chuckled "myself included! It does sound a bit silly, doesn't it? The Iiawah language is full of "ooh" and "aah" sounds.

As for my birth name... that's a good question. I honestly don't know! I presumed I was named after some ancestor.

And what of your name, Runa? I like the sound of it very much. It resonates with pride and power. Does it have some special meaning among your people?"

[LeoByron]

Zenalia listens to Kahuna's tale about his name and his adventure with the Liawah people with great interest, intrigued by this fascinating man's story as well as his manner of telling it. She is particularly impressed when he recounts how he saved the young 'surfing' man and how he was able to preserve his place among the living with his quick thinking and felicitous actions. This man cared about those around him and thought nothing of risking his own life if it could mean saving another's. When he concluded with his description of his world-changing epiphany about community, Big Kahuna cemented Zenalia's opinion of him. She liked this man.

"I would not say I know about the Liawah, though my time spent learning the ways of Old Dead Eye did include a broader study of many of the worlds religions. I do know that Kahuna is the word the Liawah use to describe their Shamans, or wise men. Erastil acknowledges that other gods and their religions exist, and their study and understanding is paramount to a goal he holds quite dear: The harmony and prosperity only achievable when a society embraces Community. Understanding and tolerance are essential to achieving this ideal and there can be no understanding without some knowledge of that which is different from us. There is much to be learned from those who are not quite like us."

She gives Runa a meaningful look when she says these words, stating in no uncertain terms that her differences are completely accepted as far as she is concerned.

"It seems to me you carry your name well for many reasons, Big Kahuna. You are both large, doubtlessly causing great waves. You are, indeed, a Great Friend to the Liawah peoples, and from all appearances so far, you are also a wise man."

Zenalia raises her glass of Ininyë and offers a toast: "To Great Friends and wise beginnings!" and makes certain to include Runa and Charlie in her toast most especially, though she sets her nervous gaze on the others as well to include them.

[ManannanMacLir]

Runa let's out a laugh at Marion's self deprecating joke, finding the big warrior an easy companion, to which she is thankful. She also appreciates the elven woman's kindness. Runa doesn't think either would agree to the River Freedoms or Hanspur completely, but she doesn't fear persecution at their hands either.

At Marion's question, Runa tilts her head curiously as she considers how to answer. She doesn't want to reveal too much in front of the unjust paladin. Even though she never met the man in the battles several years ago, and the Church had admitted their mistake concerning the Swift-Current Clan, the shaman was leery at making an enemy of the man if Hanspur had a hand in bringing them together. Before she is able to answer, however, Zenalia makes a toast. Raising her glass slowly, carefully imitating the elf in the gesture. When it seems the right time, though, she answers the big man, "It seems to me that many do not know of their name. It seems strange, but I can't say I'm surprised. And yes, among the river people, names are all special. My name especially, considering the oddity of the way I was born and the omens associated with it. But, that is not a story I will tell this day. Among the river people, my name means 'The Grey Lady of the Secret Power'." Her words are carefully spoken, but she I figure y'all might figure out more about her from that statement, from the 'River People' comment. Hers is one of the few, if not the only orc tribe that travels the river exclusively. If they know that, then they might know the history of the religious conflict. I figure Logan and Zen have the best chance of knowing, but I dunno. I'll let you guys or Stobco decide. But there's at least a hint there.wonders if any of these adventurers will know of her clan, their god and the conflict with Iomedae's followers.

[ItsaVerb]

Once again, Runa's candor impressed Kahuna, and the translation of her name's meaning sent the warrior's noodle spinning with possibilities. Secret Power? He had no issue at all that she didn't care to tell her life story. We all decide who we let into our worlds, and especially in a situation like this, the hammer-wielding fighter couldn't fault her in the least for keeping her cards close to the vest, so to speak. Clearly she is the sort who values actions over words.

Zenalia's toast gave Kahuna the excuse to set his gaze on her for a moment, and the opportunity to practice removing it again. This was a skill he'd have to master quickly, in his assessment. It wasn't at all that he found the elf a threat, it was that he needed to be very mindful of his own judgement. If lives were to be risked in any fashion during this mission, he had to keep his head in the game, and if there was one thing that could distract even the most noble warrior from his aim, it was... a word he wasn't even going to speak in his head. He couldn't help being smitten, but he could certainly mind himself, though in this particular regard, he'd never faced a bigger challenge.

"To Great Friends and wise beginnings, indeed!" Kahuna proclaimed, raising his tankard in salute. "A beautiful toast, Zenalia." Why should I be surprised?

[Foxtrot]

The meeting with Sheriff Torek had gone as expected. A meet and greet complete with the finalization of a contract to make it all official. Sure there were a few surprises such as the woman incarcerated for taking what wasn't hers and the lovely young woman who had been assisting Torek, but overall things went fairly smoothly despite a few outbursts from some of the strong willed females of his new companions. Still, Hengistbury was a peaceful village. The cool night air quiet and welcoming even at this late hour. Certainly there were likely a few minor problems that cropped up from time to time in this village like the thief or maybe a brawl between a couple of inebriated patrons at the tavern, but for the most part this village seemed a quiet safe haven from the horrors of the outside world. The dragon always loomed over the land, but even here, the beast seemed to be so far away that it almost felt like a distant memory or even a bad dream. The task ahead seemed simple enough. Aid the community with a few problems that had cropped up as of late. To Logan, that really wasn't an issue. That was why he was here. To Logan, the real issue lay with those he would be traveling with and by extension duty bound to protect. One of whom was nearly to the Bleeding Heart when he noticed him.

"Kahuna!" Logan shouted to get the big man's attention. Surprisingly he used the name the hammer wielding warrior had asked them all to use rather than the man's birth name. It was a step in the right direction when it came to comfort among his new party of adventurers. "I wonder if I might have a word or two with you before you head off for bed tonight?" Logan's tone was calm and casual at the same time belying a sense of confidence and control over the situation. After all, there was no need to stoke the embers of a fire that had yet to begin burning. All he really wanted to was to discuss a few plans, get the man's opinions, and perhaps even learn a little more about the one whom he would be relying on to help him protect the others if things were to ever go poorly.

[ItsaVerb]

Kahuna smiled when he heard the sound of Logan's voice addressing him as such.

"Absolutely, friend." the Ulfen replied, turning to face the Paladin, expressing great interest of his own.

"I'm glad you're here, Logan. I'm sure we both assess the same... concerns about this job of ours, and I'm not necessarily talking about the troll.

I've had my eye on Charlie, and and my input is, we pretty much need the skills that girl has. She's like a ghost for stars sake. I'm not interested in judging her proposed independence. No matter what we think, she already decided she was on her own. You can try to find some family to force her off on, but she won't do it anyway. We can leave her behind if you like, but I'd rather not--and I'd like your help calming her ass down and letting her know we aren't her enemy. You get me, Logan?

The other thing I want to ask you is... what is it between you and Runa? I didn't miss that. I won't judge you either, brother. I promise that. But you should tell me what's on your mind as pertains to that woman. The way I see it, you and I really need to trust each other if we're going to make a success of this situation with the troll, yes?"