[Game Thread] Chapter One: The Tests of Legend

[GleefulNihilism]

Well, she wasn't the most active on the courting scene but even she could read the writing on the walls sometimes. A bit of a shock but she tries to keep pushing on into the work.

"There already is automation in the processes, especially with the time pieces. The goal is to make something anyone can use, so it's certainly not done. This is just something that can be built which no magic and at least someone with some training can use.

Incorporating these spells though, interesting." she says simply, considering it.

"I do want these things to eventually be mass produced, which can't be done if magic has to be incorporated - but interesting."

[Mcderth]

Ripaa/Bashaa and Cernunnos/Davin Davin does again miss his mark, his claws scraping against the man’s lion skin. Despite its normal appearance the skin doesn’t seem to be affected at all by his claws. The man takes the opportunity that the Half-Celt has opened and jabs the large club into his opponent’s ribs, then goes to make another full strength swing at him. It’s just then that a man steps up beside Bashaa and calls out. Heracles, enough of this! Just what in Zeus’ name do you think you’re doing anyway? But this creature… I don’t care what your personal feelings are; non-Greeks are equal in these games. Just imagine if Chiron where to see you. Somehow looking thoroughly scolded by this man only half his size Heracles turns back to Davin, taking a steadying breath. Come again lad. Let’s see what else you can do

Ragna and Mihyar Orpheus actually seems touched and embarrassed by Mihyar’s words. I am but a man my friend, though I appreciate your kind words. he smiles at both the cleric and the bard and then continues Your answers are pleasing, and we could use a few more entertainers upon this voyage to keep moral up. But tell me, what other sort of skills would you bring to our crew?

Titus and Scuda The Latin and the Scythian’s arrows find their marks; Scuda’s being so powerful that the apples explode on impact. It’s a very impressive feat; however everyone seems to have more pressing matters on their minds. It doesn’t take the two non-Greeks long after firing their last arrows to realize the crowd around them is booing and hissing. They aren’t the focus of the crowd’s ire however. Philoctetes’ attack was noticed by others, and he is now being forcibly removed from the grounds as cries of Shame! and Cheater! are yelled at him. Atalanta steps over to the remaining two contestants, shaking her head. [b]I must beg your pardons; it seems not all of us can be relied on to be sportsmanly. Still, I see no reason not to recommend you both to the captain, if you’re still willing.

Hypatia and Ahmose Oh you won’t be the only women Hypatia, Atalanta will be coming along, as well as any other women that are accepted. You need not fear us men Aethalides assures her. We are planning on leaving tomorrow actually, as soon as Prince Jason has made the final decisions public. Most likely we won’t be able to get your invention made and running before we leave, though I’m sure we can work on it along the way. Aethalides seems glad to see the two of them begin to work things out between themselves, then looks back to Argo’s table as what sounds like another heated debate breaks out. I have to stay here and help keep things from going to far. He looks over at Hypatia and smiles. Maybe this evening you could join me for dinner, and after words the three of us could think more on this Global Positioning Unit of yours.

[MundayKnight]

Bashaa begins showing his agitation at how long the fight is taking "If you let the man fight again I won't even get a chance. How about I fight you instead? Or I can take on five of these other challengers at the same time? Give me something to do to prove myself."

[unglued128]

Cernunnos scowls looking at the smaller man. Listen to that man-beast. They see you as nothing more than an animal. Turning to Heracles he unleashes another torrent of attacks completely unafraid of the giant man. After the attacks he grins again "Or did you mean my other abilities manling?" With that said he steps back and begins casting "Spirits of nature come to my Aid and Heal these wounds." With a touch his

Dice Cure Light Wounds on Davin:

1d8+2

(6)+2

Total = 8

wounds begins to close.

[Dirk]

Archery Thank you, Atalanta. It would be a great honour to be considered for the crew. To draw bow beside the quick and accurate…Titus the…Samnite, would be a pleasure, as well. Scuda shoulders his bow, and takes up once again the massive bronze axe that suggests his skills may encompass more than archery.

[Javk]

With Atlanta and Scuda Your father's lesson - on the field of battle one must not concern himself with everything, especially not the petty, else his feet go in two directions and his tongue speak only nonsense. refering generically yet intimately to nature, the wild, and the gods and lesser spirits who have dominion there.Mother and her sisters have also trained you - everything must come in its own time. Let the Greek go, his act will bear its own price. Titus let the justice of the masses sate his thoughts of revenge, he had more important things to give his attention to. He turned away from the sight of Philoctetes to the nomad and their judge. "Stealth from among the mighty and Strength from among the swift," the ranger mused to the two. "Surely gods must favor Jason if such misfits as ourselves will be the party that helps him on his quest." The irony of the two men's strengths and heritage distracted him from his anger. Not wanting to offend the Scythian, who might misunderstand his jest, Titus quickly added, "Your bow, my brother, could not be drawn by less than five of the mightiest men of my home." Not forgetting Atlanta, the former Latin soldier faced her and began to salute as he would his commanding officer. Quickly realizing the gesture would mean nothing here to her, he subdued the impulse. It has been some years since that feeling came to me, he thought. "Indeed you honor us sister. I give my bow Jason as well."

[MundayKnight]

Bashaa/Ripaa The crowds gathering around the failed assassin give Bashaa the rush he was needing, he sprints the distance to the man and attempts to put him into a Dice grapple: 1d20+8 (4)+8 Total = 12 chokehold to keep the coward from having a chance of correcting his failure. As he does so Bashaa whispers "You just bought me a few more minutes of control. My thanks to you little greek."

[GleefulNihilism]

Hypatia keeps professional and nods, smirking at the suggestion for dinner.

"Yes, I think that would be an excellent idea. Dinner sounds like a great idea, Aethalides. Then some work on the GPS."

[Solomon777]

Ragna Fau smiled and said calmly nodding her respects to Master Orpheus, “I am trained with the healer's touch and have protective measures versus the twisted creatures that crawl from the depths of those dark places where evil curses the world of mortals. Among a more vocational talent, I am trained as a tailor and mender; perhaps you would be using a vessel equipped with sails for such a heroic journey?”

[dalarangreen]

Ragna and Mihyar "We are all mortals, Master Orpheus, however, some have been touched by the muse more than others." In response to Orpheus' question, Mihyar fell deep into thought. "As the servant of the merchant Rahman Yassar, I have learned my fair share about the art of haggling. I have also learned to defend my master and his merchandise from bandits and ruffians of all varieties." "In truth, Master Orpheus, the life of a slave teaches you many things. I have been asked to do everything from cleaning and organizing a palace, to assisting my Master in assessing his inventory. I have been blessed to serve my Master in both mental and physical capacities. Indeed one might say that I am most skilled at following the orders with fidelity."

[Mcderth]

Jason stayed to watch as Davin attacks again, a slight smile spreading when Rippa jumps in, trying to get the best of Heracles. For his part the big Greek stays on the defensive. He fends of their attacks, though they put on a pretty good show. As Davin begins to heal himself Jason holds up a hand and steps into the ring.

Ladys and Gentlemen, it's time to end these games. First let me thank all the great men and women that have come out this day, a finer group of people has never been assembled since the fall of Troy. I have no doubt Hera has been honored this day and will guide us on our quest. Tonight my officers and I shall debate and tomorrow at dawn we will give our choices. Till then may the gods be with you.

With that the croud begins to dispers, and Jason makes his way out of the field and toward the docks, Heracles and Orpheus close behind him.

******

Dawn finds the field crowded as the day before, if not more so. A stage has been erected where the tests of skill had taken previously taken place. Jason is sitting there alongside his three officers. King Pelias has also come, his long white hair and purple robes a stark contrast to the young prince sitting on the opposite side of the stage. He seems quite at ease and looks every part the old ruler and king that he is.

Eventually Jason rises and moves to the front of the stage. A hush comes over the crowd as he draws a scroll from his belt and slowly unrolls it.

Welcome back everyone. I'm sure it's been a long night for all of us, so I'm not going to bore everyone with the details, I'll just get right to the choices. He then begins reading down the list of names. Some are very famous like Admetus, Bellerophon and Iolaus. Others are not. But among the list of kings and demigods eight names ring out:

Hypatia of Athens. Scuda. Ripaa. Davin. Titus Bar-Fabius Mutilus. Ahmose. Mihyar Sabi. Ragna Fau.

When the last name is read off Jason rerolls the scroll and places it back in his belt.

For those of you that didn't make it I'm sorry, but worry not! I know that your effort wasn't overlooked by the gods, and I know in my heart each and every one of you have brought honor to yourselves. For those of you that where called, we meet aboard the Argo in three hours. Be packed and ready to leave by then. With a smile he puts his right fist up to his chest, then pushes it to the sky in salute

For gods, glory and Greece!

[MundayKnight]

How did I get picked? I just sat around and listened to a bard. Ohh well, I guess this means I will have to learn how to fight, at least a little bit."Well Khandar looks like me and you get to go on another boat trip, hope this one doesn't end as unfortunately." Ripaa gathers his meager belongings and begins his trip to the ship, Khandar close at hand and, if you were one with an imagination, a very smug smile on its face.

[GleefulNihilism]

Well, that was unfortunate. Not the being selected part, that part She liked. The issue was that now she have to move all for supplies and stuff. All of her books, All of her tools, everything. Her reference books alone would take a trip. At least she wouldn't be the only woman on the boat, that crisis was not ideal but was averted. Her initial of yes excitement gives way to a bit of a sigh. She was Greek, the call to adventure was present. It was just a bit inconvenient at the moment. Oh well, nothing to do but get to work. She brought her stuff and multiple trips, each trip with things looking more fantastic than the last.

[Solomon777]

Ragna gives a small smile and nod in respect as Jason reads her name from the scroll. I am honored to be your servant among these heroes of Greece, my Mistress. She mimics Jason’s salute with devotion, though keeping her own voice demanding, yet soft, “For the Gods, glory, and Greece.”

Afterward she walks among those gathered offering her blessing and comfort to those who would allow her close enough. When she encountered Mihyar, she nodded to him saying, “It is good you are coming Mihyar Sabi, your music may prove very useful indeed to the days to come. It has a soothing effect on the soul, yet can spur notions of war within the softest heart. Your Master would be proud of this day and prouder still upon your return.”

She waits for only a moment before adding with a coy smile, “I am off to this mighty ship our lives will be offered to.”

However, should one have paid attention she instead moved to the other woman who would be aboard. She nodded her respects as she stepped to the scholarly human. “Greetings Hypatia of Athens, I am pleased to be in your presence this trip. Would you need help with the tools of your trade?” The half-orc offers.

[GleefulNihilism]

The female half-orc offering to help was a gift from the gods to Hypatia and she gladly takes her up on the offer, even being precise about the tools of her trade. Six very thick books and a map case get loaded into her arms as she thinks she can carry the rest on a pack now, if slowly.

"<Thank you, you're a life saver.>" she replies in Celtish to the Half-Orc, not catching some of the religious symbolism on her right away.