> CONVERSATION:
>
> Impressed at these desert peoples' knowledge of the hunt and the feast,
> Tak's hostility towards the elves diminishes. Still licking his fingers
> of scrab juice, the halfling nobs his head in agreement as the elves
> highlight their thus far journey to recover their friend.
>
> "These scrabs did not seem to like you long-legged ones much at all,"
> Tak' notes, his tone grave, "and if your friend Aitaa has not been eaten
> already I would fear for her safety."
>
> "Still," Tak' says, tilting his head to get a better view of the two
> elves, "I understand your desire to act, for the faintest glimmer of
> hope is worth death a thousand times over - or at least among my people"
> he adds with a smile, pleased that the messages and lessons of his
> elders are still clear in his mind.
>
> Deliberating for a moment, Tak' slaps both of his small hands on his
> knees and stood up, "it is our duty to assist you. You first involved
> yourself in our skirmish with the scrabs earlier - risking your own life
> for us. We are therefore in your debt."
>
> "If you wish me to come with you I will, for the halfling laws of clan
> and travel are not taken lightly by me. The others," Tak' says, waving
> his hand in the direction of his companions, "I cannot speak for."
>
> "Tommorow - we will hunt scrabs. But tonight - I must rest," gingerly
> sitting himself down near Chit-Zik, careful not to rub his burns into
> the harsh sand Tak' coughs a little to attract the thri-kreen's
> attention.
>
> Bowing his head slightly, in a gesture of respect, Tak' seems somewhat
> embarrassed at what he must ask for, "Chit-Zik, Gaea has blessed you
> with much of her goodness, and it seems now that such goodness is sorely
> needed. I am still aching and sore from the foul fires of the defiler,
> and am afraid that my own talents to heal myself are almost exhausted."
> Looking up at the insect-man towering above him, Tak' asks, "can you
> help me Chit-Zik?"
>
> EVENING: (after a few hours of R&R)
>
> Before laying down beneath his blanket, Tak' stretched his body - skin
> still tender from the fires of the defiler, and bruises still aching on
> his side from the brutal Sand Shark attack.
>
> Reaching into his Mindscape, Tak' retired to his favourite glade.
> Everything was peaceful, and the halfling master let this peace and
> tranquillity work its way into his wounds. While the effort to maintain
> this place was considerable, the rewards were worthwhile.
>
> The burnt skin on Tak's back started to heal - turning from a blistered
> red into a dull pink. Satisfied with his efforts, Tak' lay down to
> sleep - knowing that we was in much better shape than previously.
>
> [Use Cell Adjustment until empty of PSPs - won't take much, but still
> worthwhile]
>
> MORNING:
>
> The sun had not yet risen - but the years of leaving before dawn to hunt
> had attuned Tak' to waking early. Stretching his tired muscles, his
> wiry body contorting through a range of exotic manoeuvres, Tak' found
> peace in activity, warming his body up before the rigours of the day.
>
> Shaking off the chill of the pre-dawn air, Tak' fathered his spear and
> circled the campsite - looking for signs of any disturbances or tracks.
> The halfling was keen to know what, if anything had passed the group by
> in the night.
>
> But also more importantly, Tak' was looking for specific tracks - those
> of multi-legged insects - Scrabs. With a trail, Tak' had a scent. And
> with a scent, Tak' went hunting...
>
> OOC: doesn't it seem strange that almost every combat the party has
> been involved in so far has been not of our volition? I mean we haven't
> yet had a real planned battle yet - perhaps this will be the one.
>
> -Tak'Nak'Raq
> aka Matthew Nippert
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

> Koreth sat away from the two elves, his eyes still occasionally seeking
> out both of them. He had his sword across his lap, sharpening it
> carefully. The claws of the scrabs had left a few nicks in his blade.
> Empty cloth wrappings from his rations lay beside him, he had chosen not
> to partake of the scrab meat or the soup. <How can they stand to eat
> that...> Koreth thinks as they slurp up the soup, grating on his nerves
> and noble upbrining <Scrabs eat elves, elves eat scrabs.
> How ironic.> As Tak' volunteers to help, Koreth's eyes grow grey. He
> stops sharpening his blade, and looks over angrily at the halfling.
> "Who cares if they helped us in battle! The bugs stole their friend,
> probably ate her!" Koreth clenches his hand on his sword hilt "We still
> have our duty, I'll not abandon it just to run off and save some lanky
> legged scrab fodder!"
>
> "The most convincing lie is the truth you never question."
>
> Trevor Sanders, DM of Arcana PBeM
> http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/2488
>
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

> <<As Tak' volunteers to help, Koreth's eyes grow grey. He stops
> sharpening his blade, and looks over angrily at the halfling. "Who
> cares if they helped us in battle! The bugs stole their friend,
> probably ate her!" Koreth clenches his hand on his sword hilt "We still
> have our duty, I'll not abandon it just to run off and save some lanky
> legged scrab fodder!">>
>
> Tak' shrugs - not expecting any others in the party to be quite as
> committed to their principles - "I care Koreth. For better or worse we
> were given assistance by these two, and I am as duty-bound to return
> this aid as you are to continue."
>
> Tak' looks intently at Koreth, trying to figure out if Koreth is just
> being aggressive towards the elves, or really has conviction in what he
> says. "I will go with the elves, and will make my way to Lost Scale as
> soon as I am able. Unless I die in the attempt," Tak' says, seemingly
> unconcerned at the possibility of dying in the course of duty, "I will
> only be a short time behind you."
>
> -Tak'Nak'Raq
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

> >Tak' shrugs - not expecting any others in the party to be quite as
> >committed to their principles - "I care Koreth. For better or worse we
> >were given assistance by these two, and I am as duty-bound to return
> >this aid as you are to continue."
>
> "They wouldn't have helped us if they weren't out looking for revenge,"
> Koreth snorts, sneering over at the two young elves "you can go on in
> ignorance, but I'll not get knifed in the dark by either of these two
> whelps!"
>
> >Tak' looks intently at Koreth, trying to figure out if Koreth is just
> >being aggressive towards the elves, or really has conviction in what he
> >says. "I will go with the elves, and will make my way to Lost Scale as
> >soon as I am able. Unless I die in the attempt," Tak' says, seemingly
> >unconcerned at the possibility of dying in the course of duty, "I will
> >only be a short time behind you."
>
> "Watch your back and your belongings," Koreth cautions "and perhaps we
> will meet again in lost scale." He turns his attention back to his
> nicked sword and the whetstone in his hand. <Fool halfling! Those two
> are up to no good, I can smell it!> Koreth thinks to himself as he works
> on his blade, the scratches and nicks disappearing slowly <Only a fool
> trusts a Crodlu's health, a whore's promise or an elf's words!
> What proof have they provided? None. Lying, lanky legged thieves!>
> He hand stops. A sudden realization comes to the noble warrior.
>
> "Blood and bloody ashes! If you are so serious about this, I will go."
> Koreth says, his eyes falling on the two elves "if only to watch those
> two. But if anything of mine comes up missing, I'll have their finger
> bones for dice!"
>
> "The most convincing lie is the truth you never question."
>
> Trevor Sanders, DM of Arcana PBeM
> http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/2488
>
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

>
>
>
> >Koreth sat away from the two elves, his eyes still occasionally seeking
> >out both of them. He had his sword across his lap, sharpening it
> >carefully. The claws of the scrabs had left a few nicks in his blade.
> >Empty cloth wrappings from his rations lay beside him, he had chosen not
> >to partake of the scrab meat or the soup. <How can they stand to eat
> >that...> Koreth thinks as they slurp up the soup, grating on his nerves
> >and noble upbrining <Scrabs eat elves, elves eat scrabs.
> >How ironic.> As Tak' volunteers to help, Koreth's eyes grow grey. He
> >stops sharpening his blade, and looks over angrily at the halfling.
> >"Who cares if they helped us in battle! The bugs stole their friend,
> >probably ate her!" Koreth clenches his hand on his sword hilt "We still
> >have our duty, I'll not abandon it just to run off and save some lanky
> >legged scrab fodder!"
>
> The young elven warrior made it clear that there was no lost love between
> the him and Koreth and growled, "How dare you talk about our kin like that.
> Granted, she was not known to you but I wouldn't want to wish that fate upon
> anyone." The elf relaxed a bit and continued in a mocking tone. "Don't come
> with us, maybe the sight of your own blood scares you...who knows? Maybe I
> shall be so lucky so as to see the insectmen feast upon you?"
>
> Lirón combed back his dirty blond mane with both hands and added in a
> haughty tone, "You are not in your city any longer nor are you protected by
> your people here? Here...this is elven country you are in. We, the Bird
> Runner tribe, call this home so you'd do best to not only watch your tongue
> but also your back. I would teach you a thing or two about elven blades but
> I have to save my strength for something worthwhile. When was the last time
> you did something like that?" Lirón made no aggressive movement towards
> anyone but his confidence showed him ready for business should this go any
> further.
>
> Fabian
> Read the Turns!!! DS PbeM "Tyr and Beyond"
> http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/3429/

> > Elric looks to the south where Lost Scale lays over the distant
> >landscape. "Ptellac this is you region how far from here to Lost Scale?"
> >Turning to face the group a shrewd look in his eye the warlock speaks in a
> >tone very similiar to that of Mendi "If we are close enough and if indeed
> >these scrabs propose such a threat to the village, would there be a reward
> >offered by your comunnity for the destruction of the scrab nest?"
>
>
> The pterran looked surprised from his scrab meal, he still smacked his lips
> on the insect's meat although the pterran was courteous enough to sit away
> from Chit. He didn't want the kreen watching him eat the insectmen specially
> since he was looking to a long trip alone with the druid. "Elric, my people
> would not pay for this but would actually help you eradicate it. Our contact
> with the scrab's has been with erratic hunting parties not a potential nest
> that could seriously threaten our village. I have heard the ptop worm riders
> tell their tale" His eyes roll towards the twin moons as if remembering;
> they really stood out white and large in the firelight. "I reckon we are
> about three to four days to my village, normal walking time." I could rouse
> a pterran hunting party but that will take a while to actually get to the
> scrab nest."
>
> Migdalia cut in and in a soft whisper added, "Time that we don't have. We
> was surprised yesterday and we have been traveling south ever since. Lirón
> can track the scrabs to their foul nest. We...have seen it." The young elven
> warrior lifted his gaze from his meal, "Aye, I can take us there, it is
> about half a day south of here and then half a day east into the barrens. We
> have watched the nest for some time, that is how we know about the young
> queen and other details."
>
> Ptellac continued, "It is settled then. I will head straight to my village
> with Chit and wait for you there. Just follow the barrens edge straight
> south and I will make sure you are found by our patrols. Does anyone else
> want to come with me?
>
> L8r,
>
> Fabian
> Read the Turns!!! DS PbeM "Tyr and Beyond"
> http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/3429/

> >Tak' shrugs - not expecting any others in the party to be quite as
> >committed to their principles - "I care Koreth. For better or worse we
> >were given assistance by these two, and I am as duty-bound to return
> >this aid as you are to continue."
> >
> >Tak' looks intently at Koreth, trying to figure out if Koreth is just
> >being aggressive towards the elves, or really has conviction in what he
> >says. "I will go with the elves, and will make my way to Lost Scale as
> >soon as I am able. Unless I die in the attempt," Tak' says, seemingly
> >unconcerned at the possibility of dying in the course of duty, "I will
> >only be a short time behind you."
>
>
> Lirón smiles and pats the halfling in the back still not used to the big
> difference in height between the two. He speaks to the whole group but eyes
> Koreth intently, "Here is a man of great stature. He knows what is good to
> eat and has a heart beating loudly in his chest. He is more hurt than some
> of you but still shows no fear. I wish to know your people, Tak'. I am sure
> they prosper at whatever they do if they are as proud and determined as
> you."
>
> The elven sorceress silently bows her head to Tak and announces, "Thank you
> and to make it worth yer while, I am sure that 'e bloated kank-smelling
> queen has taken some treasure with her. The scrab's keep the items from
> their victims in the queen's chambers or so we was told. We could all split
> that evenly after we 'terminate 'em."
>
> L8r,
>
> Fabian
> Read the Turns!!! DS PbeM "Tyr and Beyond"
> http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/3429/

> Gaigin shook his head from where his spot near the fire. A couple of
> days away from their goal, only a few days after nearly losing their
> lives in some ancient ruins, and already they were ready to throw away
> their lives again. Ah well, if they were gonna throw themselves down
> a bug-hole, who was he to interrupt with wisdom. Besides, there was a
> good cause. Looking up, Gaigin grabbed a water-skin, took a sip, and
> nodded.
>
> "We'll go, but not out of friendship or a sense of honor. Way I see
> it, we made it possible fer you two to kill creatures you hate with a
> passion. We did ye a favor, though you both were useful to us as well.
> No debt is owed there, of any kind. We go because it is our job to
> clear a route from Tyr to the Pterran village, and these scrabs
> obstruct that route. We will help each other in this, but know that,
> to us, our job comes before yer friend. It may be cruel, but thats
> the way it is." Gaigin turns to Tak, shrugging slightly.
>
>
> "You may feel ye owe them, and thats yer choice, o' course, but we
> have a mission, which must come before yer honor if need be. If you
> must chose between honor and duty, I'll trust you to make the right
> decision." Gaigin turns back to the elves.
>
>
> "We leave in the morning to save yer friend and kill the scrabs. I
> have only one condition." Gaigin pauses and grins. "I lead. Fer
> whatever bloody reason, I was chosen leader, and I'll not have either
> of you making a choice that endangers the Pack in a crucial situation.
> I'm not asking ye to join he pack, our goals are not the same, but
> when we are together, you defer to me. If this is a problem, yer on
> yer own, and best of luck to ye both. We could as easily go with
> Ptellac, gather his warriors, and attack on our own with a much better
> chance of living, but, fool that I am, I'm gettin' soft hearted."
> Gaigin looks at Tak' and Elric, shaking his head. "Must be the company
> I keep. I want to help ye save yer friend if I can, but until I know
> I kin trust ye, I'll be requirin' yer words of honor." Gaigin pauses
> again, "Elven oaths mind, I'll trust ye with no other, that ye will
> follow us."
>
> Gaigin sips his skin again, sits back, and waits.
>
> AFTER THE CHOICE IS MADE:
>
> Gaigiin nodded and turned to Ptellac.
>
> "Looks like me language lessons'll be cut short. Go to yer village
> with all speed, leave at dawn. Bring as many warriors as ye can
> muster, and as many healers as ye've got. Take Chit', and (whoever
> else wants to go, or any NPC's Fabian want
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

>
> >>Koreth sat away from the two elves, his eyes still occasionally
> seeking
> >>out both of them. He had his sword across his lap, sharpening it
> >>carefully. The claws of the scrabs had left a few nicks in his blade.
> >>Empty cloth wrappings from his rations lay beside him, he had chosen
> not
> >>to partake of the scrab meat or the soup. <How can they stand to eat
> >>that...> Koreth thinks as they slurp up the soup, grating on his
> nerves
> >>and noble upbrining <Scrabs eat elves, elves eat scrabs.
> >>How ironic.> As Tak' volunteers to help, Koreth's eyes grow grey. He
> >>stops sharpening his blade, and looks over angrily at the halfling.
> >>"Who cares if they helped us in battle! The bugs stole their friend,
> >>probably ate her!" Koreth clenches his hand on his sword hilt "We
> still
> >>have our duty, I'll not abandon it just to run off and save some lanky
> >>legged scrab fodder!"
> >
> >The young elven warrior made it clear that there was no lost love
> between
> >the him and Koreth and growled, "How dare you talk about our kin like
> tha=
> >t.
> >Granted, she was not known to you but I wouldn't want to wish that fate
> u=
> >pon
> >anyone." The elf relaxed a bit and continued in a mocking tone. "Don't
> co=
> >me
> >with us, maybe the sight of your own blood scares you...who knows?
> Maybe =
> >I
> >shall be so lucky so as to see the insectmen feast upon you?"
> >
> >Lir=F3n combed back his dirty blond mane with both hands and added in a
> >haughty tone, "You are not in your city any longer nor are you
> protected =
> >by
> >your people here? Here...this is elven country you are in. We, the Bird
> >Runner tribe, call this home so you'd do best to not only watch your
> tong=
> >ue
> >but also your back. I would teach you a thing or two about elven blades
> b=
> >ut
> >I have to save my strength for something worthwhile. When was the last
> ti=
> >me
> >you did something like that?" Lir=F3n made no aggressive movement
> towards
> >anyone but his confidence showed him ready for business should this go
> an=
> >y
> >further.
>
> Koreth snorts, a mocking smile on his lips. He inspects his well
> sharpened blade, satisfied with his work. "I've killed more of your
> kind than I have fingers to count elf, you wouldn't even challenge me."
> he boasts rather loudly "Pah!" he muttered as he eyed both of the elves
> again "I don't see why those scrabs go for elves anyways...."
>
> <Sure of yourself elfling?> Koreth thinks, taking a small swallow from
> his skin <you'd stand less a chance than those bloody scrabs.> He
> mutters a few choice words under his breath, having baited the poor
> elves enough already. Koreth stalks over to where he has arrayed his
> pack and blanket. He tosses his blade on top of his pack, admiring the
> dwarven designs sewn into the red blanket. <You always know were you
> stand with a dwarf> Koreth thinks as he sits down <always>
>
> He sits cross legged upon his blanket, giving one last glance at the
> fire and the two elves. His gaze lingers on the girl, but only briefly.
> Gazing intently at the angular desgin of the blanket, Koreth relaxes his
> sore muscles. His breath slows, and he closes his eyes. He searches
> his mind, trying to remember what Tak' had taught him. Focusing, he
> tries to summon up an image. A vague humanoid shape begins to form,
> very slowly taking on the features of an elf. The shape becomes more
> and more distinct, as Koreth tries to fill it with his will. The elf
> began to glow with his will, but quickly shattered as a bead of sweat
> broke his concentration. <Bloody ashes!> he cursed <I'll never get this
> bloody thing right!> He shrugs, and once again closes his eyes....
>
> "The most convincing lie is the truth you never question."
>
> Trevor Sanders, DM of Arcana PBeM
> http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/2488
>
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

> >"We leave in the morning to save yer friend and kill the scrabs. I
> >have only one condition." Gaigin pauses and grins. "I lead. Fer
> >whatever bloody reason, I was chosen leader, and I'll not have either
> >of you making a choice that endangers the Pack in a crucial situation.
> >I'm not asking ye to join he pack, our goals are not the same, but
> >when we are together, you defer to me. If this is a problem, yer on
> >yer own, and best of luck to ye both. We could as easily go with
> >Ptellac, gather his warriors, and attack on our own with a much better
> >chance of living, but, fool that I am, I'm gettin' soft hearted."
> >Gaigin looks at Tak' and Elric, shaking his head. "Must be the company
> >I keep. I want to help ye save yer friend if I can, but until I know
> >I kin trust ye, I'll be requirin' yer words of honor." Gaigin pauses
> >again, "Elven oaths mind, I'll trust ye with no other, that ye will
> >follow us."
> >
> >Gaigin sips his skin again, sits back, and waits.
>
>
> The elven boy smiles, his free spirit soaring the skies when the decision is
> made. "Good, you won't regret this and the way I see it, you will kill two
> birds with one stone. As for oaths..." The elf gets up looking incredibly
> tall and thin in the dark just as Migdalia gathes her robes about her and
> joins him. One hand on their heart and another palm down towards the group.
> "We are elves and by the blood that runs in our veins shall we not betray
> you in any way for as long as our paths go together. This I pledge to all."
> The boy turns to Koreth, "And you, nobleman. We shall call a truce until
> this is over and we again meet up in the wilds."
>
> "We will also do our best to aid you in any way even to the extent of
> introducing you to our tribe. Should you ever go north of here then you can
> count on us for help."
>
> Both youths sit down again elated and excited at the prospect of scrab
> hunting. "And Gaigin you will continue to be leader. I will not question
> your wisdom but perhaps we shall discuss tomorrow when we travel the best
> way to invade the nest. We have fought scrabs before out in the open but
> have never been inside their lair. We will need a plan."
>
> >Gaigiin nodded and turned to Ptellac.
> >
> >"Looks like me language lessons'll be cut short. Go to yer village
> >with all speed, leave at dawn. Bring as many warriors as ye can
> >muster, and as many healers as ye've got. Take Chit', and (whoever
> >else wants to go, or any NPC's Fabian want
>
>
> The pterran smiles at the ex-caravan guard, "Aye it looks like it but you
> have fared well thus far. I take it the group will spend a few days at the
> village. There is no hurry to get back right away. besides, it is part of
> your duty to get to know us since you will advise the traders who will be
> coming over. I will make sure that you all see a good deal of our lives and
> you can continue with your language learning."
>
> "As far as warriors, I can muster up a large force if need be and also
> healers but I do not see the point since that force will take at least four
> to five days to reach you even if I ask the pterran riders to fly over. By
> that time, you will have...succeeded." The pterran swallowed loudly and
> never said what he was thinking <or been killed and eaten>. "Perhaps if
> there was a way that someone can 'tell' me how your outing went and if you
> needed help before I actually send it. I know my village masters of the Way
> can do that." The saurian looks at the group and asks, "Do any of you have
> this potential for communicating over long distances?"
>
>
> OOC
>
> 1) Most of you are still sending Larry email messages and I am not sure he
> appreciates that so please remove him from your list.
> 2) I don't want the party to feel that this choice (rescue attempt of the
> elf) was imposed on you. I will try to "impose" as few things as possible
> since I really want you to feel that this is your game. I will tell you when
> something is critical for the story (such was the temple and Chit leaving
> for example). I do, however, think that this threat should be removed
> somehow (like Gaigin said, the group is to try and clear the future trading
> route) and a great opportunity to make allies in a place that you will need
> them.
>
> Great turn everyone.
>
> L8r,
>
> Fabian
> Read the Turns!!! DS PbeM "Tyr and Beyond"
> http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/3429/

> Gaigin looks over to where Koreth sat glaring at the elves, and shook
> his head. Leaning over, he spoke easily in dwarven.
>
> Gaigin shrugs and grins, "Ye seem to have a tougher hide than mine,
> two battles without a scratch. Either yer lucky, or yer better then
> most. Either way, yer sword'll be needed down that bug hole." Gaigin
> gestures towards the elves. "I don't trust 'em either, elven oath or
> no, but fact is we need them. Without 'em we'd be in the wastes
> forever looking fer the bug-hole. We may have to risk our own necks
> saving theirs, because we need 'em. If you don't think ye can do
> that, act to save their scrawny necks if ye have to, then ye should go
> with Ptellac. I'd rather ye came, though. Tak's bound by honor,
> Elric's far too good-hearted, and Mendi is kin o' their. Fact is, if
> we have to put the mission above their friend, you are the only one I
> can count on completely." Gaigin glances back towards the elves and
> grins widely, "Besides. That young elf lad seems a touch arrogant and
> overconfident. Someone has to teach the young fool how Tyrian's
> fight." Gaigin leans back and gnaws on a piece of
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

> >Gaigin looks over to where Koreth sat glaring at the elves, and shook
> >his head. Leaning over, he spoke easily in dwarven.
> >
> >Gaigin shrugs and grins, "Ye seem to have a tougher hide than mine,
> >two battles without a scratch. Either yer lucky, or yer better then
> >most. Either way, yer sword'll be needed down that bug hole." Gaigin
> >gestures towards the elves. "I don't trust 'em either, elven oath or
> >no, but fact is we need them. Without 'em we'd be in the wastes
> >forever looking fer the bug-hole. We may have to risk our own necks
> >saving theirs, because we need 'em. If you don't think ye can do
> >that, act to save their scrawny necks if ye have to, then ye should go
> >with Ptellac. I'd rather ye came, though. Tak's bound by honor,
> >Elric's far too good-hearted, and Mendi is kin o' their. Fact is, if
> >we have to put the mission above their friend, you are the only one I
> >can count on completely." Gaigin glances back towards the elves and
> >grins widely, "Besides. That young elf lad seems a touch arrogant and
> >overconfident. Someone has to teach the young fool how Tyrian's
> >fight." Gaigin leans back and gnaws on a piece of
>
> Koreth smiles at Gaigin's praise, he was wondering himself how he had
> managed to escape two battles in a row without so much as a scratch. It
> made him feel invincible.
>
> "I'll go." Koreth replies in accented dwarven "if only to keep an eye on
> those two. I don't trust either of them. Blood and ashes, I barely
> trust Mendi!" He glances over at the two elves, his eyes still grey.
> Truce or no truce, he would watch them both carefully. "You can trust
> me Gaigin, I'll do what needs to be done to finish our mission."
>
> He takes a small sip from his skin, "Aye, two battles. Crel would be
> proud." He moves his gaze back to Gaigin. "I'd have to agree with you
> about that elf whelp. He's got more bark than he does teeth, and I can
> see him dragging the rest of us into trouble because of it. I'll show
> that lanky legged braggart how a Tyrian fights, elf blades indeed!" He
> lifts his skin and takes a small swallow.
>
> "The most convincing lie is the truth you never question."
>
> Trevor Sanders, DM of Arcana PBeM
> http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/2488
>
>
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> Fabian -
>
> Just to let you know, before the end of the day I will put another post
> out. It will encompass the decision made by the party -as well as a
> reply to Koreth and Elric.
>
> Please don't send the turn out without me! :)
>
> Cheers,
>
> Hope you had a merry xmas,
> Matthew
>
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> OOC: Sorry about the hodge-podge nature of this post - it became a bit
> disjointed trying to reply to 4 separate posts. Oh well - 'ere we go;
> Elric - I added some dialogue to make Tak's spiel a bit more realistic -
> feel free to vet anything he's said if you feel I've made him look the
> fool...
>
> IC:
> <<Lirón smiles and pats the halfling in the back still not used to the
> big difference in height between the two. He speaks to the whole group
> but eyes Koreth intently, "Here is a man of great stature. He knows what
> is good to eat and has a heart beating loudly in his chest. He is more
> hurt than some of you but still shows no fear. I wish to know your
> people, Tak'. I am sure they prosper at whatever they do if they are as
> proud and determined as you.">>
>
> Tak' frowns a bit as Lirón's large hand ruffles his hair. <<I may be
> child-like in the eyes of man and elf, but to be treated like one?>>
> "My people are indeed proud and determined tall one," Tak's says, the
> beginnings of a wicked smile forming on his lips, "and our cooking is
> even more adventurous than yours!"
>
> Koreth:
> <<"Watch your back and your belongings," Koreth cautions "and perhaps we
> will meet again in lost scale." He turns his attention back to his
> nicked sword and the whetstone in his hand. <Fool halfling! Those two
> are up to no good, I can smell it!> Koreth thinks to himself as he works
> on his blade, the scratches and nicks disappearing slowly <Only a fool
> trusts a Crodlu's health, a whore's promise or an elf's words! What
> proof have they provided? None. Lying, lanky legged thieves!> He hand
> stops. A sudden realization comes to the noble warrior.>>
> <<"Blood and bloody ashes! If you are so serious about this, I will
> go." Koreth says, his eyes falling on the two elves "if only to watch
> those two. But if anything of mine comes up missing, I'll have their
> finger bones for dice!">>
>
> Tak' tries in vain to hide a grin, having suspected all along that -
> despite his anger - the noble warrior would not leave the well-being of
> his comrades by the wayside. With a dignified bow, Tak' bites back his
> grin and says curtly, "my thanks to your Koreth, your presence and sword
> are appreciated."
>
> Gaigin:
> <<Gaigin turns to Tak, shrugging slightly. "You may feel ye owe them,
> and thats yer choice, o' course, but we have a mission, which must come
> before yer honor if need be. If you must chose between honor and duty,
> I'll trust you to make the right decision.">>
>
> Tak' frowns, aware that what he deals with is a tricky situation - his
> races' and won beliefs against those of his companions. Thinking for a
> short while - his brow lined with concentration, Tak' looks up at
> Gaigin, speaking slowly - not wanting to be misheard or misunderstood,
> "there is not any choice to be made Gaigin - for honor and duty are
> intertwined. I have given myself to work for the people of Tyr - but I
> cannot forget who I am, and what I am expected by my people to do."
>
> LATER
>
> Tak' sits looking at the stars as they slowly fade into view against the
> darkening blanket of sky. He could see the formations of his far-off
> ancestors, those brave halflings of legend who had ascended into the
> heavens, to look down on Gaea and their kin, keeping them safe with
> their presence and their memory.
>
> There was Tic'a'Wek the Green, the Druid of the entire Forest Ridge. He
> alone kept the verdant and lush rainforest safe from the reign of the
> Dragons champions. His star burned bright this season.
>
> There was Gwi'Ti'Rek the Wise, the chieftain who led her tribe across
> the mountains and then back again - declaring the Tyrian basin to be
> wasteland, desecrated by the tall people and their leeching magicks.
> She then led her tribe for one hundred uninterrupted years, dispensing
> wise judgements for all that sought them.
>
> Koreth:
> <<He sits cross legged upon his blanket, giving one last glance at the
> fire and the two elves. His gaze lingers on the girl, but only briefly.
> Gazing intently at the angular design of the blanket, Koreth relaxes his
> sore muscles. His breath slows, and he closes his eyes. He searches
> his mind, trying to remember what Tak' had taught him. Focusing, he
> tries to summon up an image. A vague humanoid shape begins to form,
> very slowly taking on the features of an elf. The shape becomes more
> and more distinct, as Koreth tries to fill it with his will. The elf
> began to glow with his will, but quickly shattered as a bead of sweat
> broke his concentration. <Bloody ashes!> he cursed <I'll never get this
> bloody thing right!> He shrugs, and once again closes his eyes....>>
>
> Looking down from the stars - he saw Koreth struggling. Looking a bit
> harder, he figured out what he was trying to do - shape his Will. But
> presently it was a futile task, with emotion clouding his concentration.
> While anger could be directed in the mindscape to create powerful
> harbingers - for the unschooled it was a distraction. Still - Tak'
> would not offer assistance unless it was asked for. The student learns
> best when seeking knowledge for themselves...
>
> ELRIC - Tempest
>
> <<Elric looks down at the meditating halfling. - Hmm, This is an
> unexpected delay. Kneeling across from Tak' the warlock draws forth
> Tempest. The sword exits the scabbard smoothly, the light of the fire
> dancing along its blade. Placing the sword between himself and Tak,
> Elric seeks his focus and waits.>>
>
> ----
> Tak' Meditates and heals himself
> ----
>
> <<As Tak' begins to stir from his meditation Elric straightens and takes
> on a very serious contingency. Tak' opens his eyes to see Elric kneeling
> before him formally. From his kneeling position the warlock bows fully
> before Tak' Returning to a kneeling position, back rigid, hands upon
> thighs. "Tak'Nak'Raq I bow before your wisdom. I seek the knowledge of
> your people. The sword Tempest has long defied my attempts to learn its
> secrets. Through long meditation I found what I believed to be the
> answer. I was wrong, though now I see again through open eyes. I was
> wrong in part but not the whole. The Rune I based my command on was from
> my knowledge, but the Sigil was only a newer manifestation of an ancient
> Rune. This ancient Rune comes from the same place the sword has come,
> Halfling History. The Connecting Rune, the one which will release the
> hidden strength of Tempest must be the original, not the derived." Elric
> bends forward drawing in the sand a large circular Rune, with markings
> in its centre. "This is the Rune as I know it, the derived. I inquire
> onto you any knowledge you may have of the original Halfling Rune." The
> young warlock again bows fully before Tak. Returning to his kneeling
> position, "I humbly await your leisure.">>
>
> Tak' smiles a little at Elrics' bowing and gesturing. <The intent was
> right> Tak' thought, <and with time he could learn the proper
> etiquette>.
>
> "I am pleased you have come to me Elric," Tak's says, "knowledge should
> always be sought, and given freely. Now we have both of those
> conditions fulfilled. I have a few thought of my own regarding Tempest
> and I will share them with you now." Tak' signals for Elric to sit next
> to him.
>
> "How to tell this to you?" Tak' says, one of his small hands rubbing
> his chin in thought, "Perhaps it would be best to let you understand by
> yourself. Place Tempest on the earth and tell me what you see."
>
> Elric thinks for a moment, knowing that Tak' was testing him in some
> way, "I see a sword," he says slowly, unsure of what the halfling is
> after.
>
> Tak' nods to continue, and Elric thinks again, "the sword was forged
> long ago, imbued with magic."
>
> Again Tak' nods, smiling. Elric continues, getting into things. Laying
> out his hypothesis, Elric states "I see a sword, made of steel and
> power. The power of halflings long ago flows through the runes upon
> it."
>
> Tak' raises his hand for Elric to stop, and then places the Life Dagger
> next to Tempest. The organic dagger, pummel made of stone, blade made
> of horn, lay next to the metal sword, its blade reflective as a mirror,
> the blue jewel centrepiece sparkling in the firelight. The difference
> was striking.
>
> "Tempest is not living!" Elric cried out, realising now that what he
> dealt with was either dead simple - a plain metal sword - or unusual in
> the extreme.
>
> Tak' nods, pleased that Elric had picked up on his exact thoughts,
> "halflings have never toiled in the mountains for iron. All our tools
> and weapons are made of what we find in the forests. Our ancestors were
> able to much such things much better than we can do now. They shaped
> life, while we merely shape dead things - like wood and bone."
>
> "Tempest was not forged by halfling hands. This is the first mystery -
> which I shall return to after speaking of the runes," Tak' says,
> pointing to the elaborate etching on the swords handle.
>
> "The runes on it are similar to those I have seen our village elders
> use. We are primarily an oral people - relying on our voices to carry
> our thoughts and history. As such," Tak' says with a disappointed
> shrug, "I have not been schooled in reading them."
>
> "But from what I have summarised, our ancestors used runes - mainly as
> pictures of what they represented. Over time they became more abstract.
> To understand Tempest, a blade of some age," Tak' says, raising his
> finger before his face and lightly shaking it for emphasis, "it might be
> best to look for literal meaning - What does the Rune look like?"
>
> "Steel - our next question. Who then would forge a blade from steel,
> and also work with halflings to imbue it with power? I know of no
> precedents among the history my tribe." Tak' says honestly - and a bit
> too brutally. Elric slumps a bit, brought down after the progress the
> two had been making.
>
> Tak' smiles and adds, "do not be disheartened Elric - for the rarity of
> this blades' construction will be a boon in researching it. Find an
> outsider with the knowledge of metal-working who worked with halflings
> in ancient history, and you will have found Tempests' maker."
>
> "Any thought to add Elric?" Tak' askes, interested in what the young
> half-elf had to say after their discussion.
>
> -Tak'Nak'Raq
> aka Matthew Nippert
>
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> Fabian, please forward this to Mendi's comrades in arms.
>
>
> After Koreth's heated discussion with Liron:
>
> Mendi approached the youg elven warrior, and signalled him to walk with
> him. when they were some paces from the camp, the older elf spoke (in
> his native elven tongue):
> "Liron, once again, I must warn you. Koreth has his own reasons to
> distrust elves, so don't try his temper. Nothing will stop his quick
> blades if you go beyond what he can take. He is a couragous warrior, and
> a loyal companion: don't waste your life, for you would learn the hard
> way how good a warrior he is. Besides, I respect him, and I'm not happy
> seing my kin chiding him, so please don't offend him any more. Should
> you know him better, you would learn why he distrust us, and this is a
> sad tale. But please don't push him to far !"
>
> Mendi then left the younger elf alone to ponder what he had said, and
> went back to the camp. There, he tried to speak to Koreth, but the young
> noble was obviously not in any mood to speak, so he left him alone.
>
> When Elric emulates him:
> Hearing the young warrior imitating him, Mendi couldn' help but chuckle
> softly. Once Ptellac had answered, Mendi went to Elric side, and patted
> him on the shoulder, smiling fondly, and, while winking: "You are true
> to our kin blood, friend Elric ! I know I could make a trader out of you
> !"
>
> When Ptellac leaves:
> "See you soon in Lost Scale ! The call of the blood and our debt towards
> these two ask me to go, but I'm looking forward for the moment we
> discover your home town ! I may even miss Chit ! Travel well and
> swiftly, and may you always find shade and water !"
>
> Note: Fabian, are we before or after camp ? One of the first things
> Mendi wants to do is to meditate to recover some psychic power, so, as
> soon as possible:
>
> Despite the exhaustion, Mendi managed to recreate a small, shady garden
> in the Mindscape. His dulled pshychic image laid in the shade of the
> trees, Mendi rested, and recovered his lost strength. Soon, or so it
> seemed, his mind was once again filled with the glorious power of the
> Way. (Mendi rejuvenates until he recovers all of his power points).
>
>
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> As before, please send this to Aryus' companions.
>
>
> The half-elves listened to the discussioned with casual indifference.
> The prospect were once more of violence and fight... he wondered what to
> do, go to Lost Scale or go with those new friends. He decided to
> meditate on the subject later, while praying for his spells and
> communing with the winds.
> The air cleric looked his companions, and he saw that more than one had
> suffered in the last fight. He was weak himself, but he was soon able to
> call on the force of the wind. A small breeze envelopped him, and his
> wounds were soon lessened (Aryus casts a cure light wound on himself).
> The half-elf then went to Elric, and touched the warlock's bloodied arm.
> As before, a small breeze blew over the wound, which soon looked nicer
> than before. The warlock felt better, but he was still weak. (Aryus
> casts a cure light wounds on Elric).
>
> "I'll follow Gaigin's decision," said Aryus to the group, "but for now,
> I must meditate and search wisdom with the winds..." The windmage then
> found a quiet place, and prayed the winds, happy to feel the soft caress
> of the winds. (Aryus will pray for his spell, learning one more cure
> light wound. I'll tell you as soon as possible which spell he
> discarded). Aryus then re learns his wizards spells.
>
>
>
>
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