Griznuq Gaming

D&D Campaigns => Eberron => In Character Discussions => Topic started by: Johan on November 19, 2008, 01:33:19 PM

Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 19, 2008, 01:33:19 PM
The thunder of the battle wagons was an unwelcome herald for Temmit. He hoped that he would not be participating in these games. He really wasn't the sort of warrior that one would want on the front line. The battle trainers had observed countless times that he was a bit clumsy in the din of battle, and his ability with a sword was sub-par.

Also, his 16th birthday was closing in...less than a fortnight away. It'd be a shame to miss that.

"You're time is going to come sooner or later." Smokey told him. "They looked past you three times now. The law of averages isn't on your side for today."

Temmit knew that his constant companion was right...statistically he'd be called this time. If he wasn't, then someone was preventing his call. He would have to try to find that person and thank him or her.

He forced himself to get out of bed and start the day's dregery. His stomach didn't feel like it could hold much more than toast and coffee today.

He went through his typical morning routine, with one addition: Temmit steeled himself for roll call.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 19, 2008, 10:48:35 PM
While he imagined that the Protectors House was full of students high-fiving, bumping chests and cheering, the actual scene at the Scribes Dormitory was altogether different. Temmit heard anxious whispers of doom and gloom everywhere he went.

In the showers, as he sponged clean at the sink, they spoke of "chem-engines". While brushing his teeth they talked about blood powder and force-injury casts. And later, as he made his way to the Common Room for that toast and coffee, he heard more than a pair speak of Carlson Peaks.

Carlson Peaks. The Scribes member who died in the wargame just this past Fall.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 20, 2008, 01:30:06 PM
By all accounts, this wargame was a rigorous and hazardous game. People died, as Carlson Peaks and Jennifer Connells had. Others came back damaged as Aimily Parks had.

Temmit could see the logic in the games, from a "you will be on the actual lines soon enough" perspective, but his recent learnings suggested pretty strongly that it was all so unnecessary. And the very people who held themselves up as the protectors of the people of Safe Haven were the ones who would throw away lives in these games, which was supposed to ready the students for a Karh'Thul invasion, which was also an unnecessary discard of human lives.

The circuit of thought made him angry, and he forced his logic back into place.

One thing that this might do is to get his clanmates killed. He needed to protect that, so in a way, it might be best if he was picked to participate: if only to keep an eye upon Whisper members and keep them from getting killed.

"And maybe to see that certain other folks *did* get killed." Smokey suggested. Temmit had to agree that suck a happenstance might not be for the worst.

Smokey's comment made Temmit think that it might bear to keep an eye on the Faithborn doppleganger, should he be picked.

Danger at every turn...
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 20, 2008, 05:31:47 PM
Actually, I believe I revised that history and changed him to 15 years old a while back. Remember when we had that discussion? Although admittedly, I did see recently see that it said 13 on his CHARACTER page.

I will review this item when I get home from Calculus, as it bugs me. I really wanted him to be 15 prior to all this Breech craziness, and I don't anyone thinking I revised it JUST to fit into this situation.

Good post though.  =)
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 20, 2008, 05:33:09 PM
...and my apologies for the discrepancy.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 20, 2008, 06:49:41 PM
Edited...thanks for the correction
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 20, 2008, 10:48:22 PM
Oh and it is just so much more delicious this way... don't you think?
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 21, 2008, 05:56:17 AM
After another hand, the time finally came to attend to his station by the door. It was a routine that had become all too familiar since the age of 5, standing and awaiting to be counted by the Resident Student of the House before being dismissed to class, but today, it was different. For the first time, the simple task contained a real element of danger.

A Sergeant in the ranks of the real military entered the hallway as Temmit stood at his door. As expected of him, Temmit stared straight forward at attention and didn't reflect any emotion in his face as a few of the kids in the hall were drafted for duty prior to him.

Finally the sergeant reached his point in the hallway.

He skipped his roommate.

As he walked past, without even pausing or even looking at him, he pointed at his chest.

"Janalinus, to the wagons Private."

Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 21, 2008, 07:09:54 AM
Am I supposed to jump to the wagons NOW, or do I wait to be dismissed from Role Call?
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 21, 2008, 08:43:13 AM
jump, the resident working the roll call will already know your assignment
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 21, 2008, 03:41:34 PM
Temmit moved quickly towards the wagons. His face was stoic and emotionless as he strode along the hallways and outside into the cold morning air.

He looked around as he went, trying to see who he would be out on the field with for this war game.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 08:02:47 AM
As was expected by Temmit, the students that filed out of their dormitories for the blessed event typically went to the closest wagon to join their friends from their own house.

The wagons themselves had always impressed Temmit in their size and engineering. Their was over two dozen wagons, he had learned that each of them was capable of transporting two dozen shoulders. Instead of wooden wagon wheels, like on merchant carts, it had rolling tracks that was made of studded metalic plates (like an army tank). This feature alone made them incredible vehicles for the snow.

The horses which pulled the wagons were a special breed. Massive horses that were 19 to 21 hands tall, each of them a muscular, large-hooved specimen that towered over student and military man alike. And each wagon was pulled by 8 of them.

The wagon itself was a completely enclosed wooden wagon with a fluted chimney at it's center, behind the drivers seat. An open door of the wagon closest to the Scribes door invited Temmit in. But Temmit stopped and looked around for familiar faces, since the few military men posted outside were apparently not assigned to rush them along. (At least not yet anyway).
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 08:10:43 AM
River Quintell of the Clergy House (which is three blocks away) stepped into view from Temmit's left and almost immediately found him. He was making a straight line towards him and Temmit guessed that he was River's quest for that moment.

As River approached, Temmit, whose inadequate uniform was begininng to allow in the dreadful cold, stepped aside from the wagon and out of possible earshot of anyone.

Just before reaching him, River looked about and verified that there wasn't any interested onlookers.

"Somehow I knew that fate would catch up to you this day lieutenant," River said with a serious tone. River was one of the most trusted guardians of the guild, and Temmit had a lot of respect for the quiet soldier of Whisper. Temmit noted that River carried his sword and shield, and that one observance indicated to him that River had been selected for the day.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 10:04:10 AM
Question:

Is Temmit the only idiot who's attire is inadequate? Or are we not allowed to take proper cold-weather gear?

Had River ever been out there (to the games, I mean)?

"I preferr to think that it was statistics that caught up with me this day, Mr. Quintell." Temmit said with a quiet smile. "Seems you've be snared by those same statistics. Anyone else we know?"
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 10:13:19 AM
Nope, all kids are in their "full dress" student uniforms which includes their leather armor, shield, sword, etc. but without the cold weather gear. This is because the wagon ride is a long and very warm one. When all students arrive at the western expanse, the wargame site, they will receive gear.

"I checked, Marcus Faithborn is enjoying the festivities as well," River said knowingly. While they talked River looked away as if disinterested in the actual conversation, a common ploy by the member of the Whisper guild. He rarely looked at a fellow member while in public.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 10:33:06 AM
Temmit yawned grandly...two lousy cups of coffee just wasn't sufficient to jumpstart him sometimes.

He grunted in acknoledgement. "Not sure if it'll make more sense to keep an eye on him, or on our own. Perhaps I'll seek him out later. Anyone else we might care about?"
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 10:50:49 AM
River nodded and looked at the snow on the ground while his left foot played with it, allowing him to reply without looking interested.

"From my house, Private (William) Wheaton and I have been assigned as combat medics, Sergeant (Kristen) Penole and Private (Emma) Keepsake are with the Deaconess contigent," he reported in a military fashion.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 11:14:39 AM
Temmit grunted his acknowledgement again. "Well, I guess we should circulate and see what the other houses produce. It might be interesting to see what our collective groups and roles evolve into today."
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 11:46:06 AM
The military types didn't hinder them as River and Temmit walked alongside the wagons and observed who the latest victims would be. As they walked, the military began loading into the wagons what had quickly become dozens of children.

John Tilverton, a Whisper Guard from the Protectors house pulled his ear at them but stayed with his group of excited House friends as he boarded.

Hayden Voit, the Whisper Shaman seemed miffed at having to wear actual clothing for the event. She gave them the silent guild greeting but didn't smile or walk away from the wagon line to talk to them.

Military men seemed to take interest in River and Temmit so they turned around to head back to the Scribes wagons.

Xavier (last name?) was at the end of the line of the Protectors, bouncing from foot to foot with undisguised excitement.

River smiled as they walked past and he offered quickly, "Try not to actually kill the KT Xavier? You might know one of them."

As they got back to the Scribes wagon Temmit made eye contact with Jena Mistone who was awaiting to board. Temmit had internally marked her as a person of concern,  as she was a person who knew about Whisper, but was not a member. Before he could think upon her however, River had grasped his right arm to get his attention.

He followed River's nod towards a group of younger students standing at attention before a military sergeant near a wall of the Scribes house. The dozen or so students had obviously been grouped together for some unknown purpose. Temmit and River couldn't imagine why, as they were all just little kids and not old enough to participate in the wargame.

A sinking feeling began to form in Temmit's gut.

His little blonde moppet friend, Leslie, was standing amongst the group. And even at this distance, through the blowing snow, he could see that she, along with the other kids, were completely confused and scared as to why they had been gathered.

Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 01:13:00 PM
Temmit didn't allow his gaze to linger on the younger students, nor upon the sergeant. He turned, wondering in a whisper what might be the point of that exercise. To his knowledge there had never been spectators to the war games before.

His cynical, suspicious mind wondered if this wasn't another way for some upper level conspirator to get rid of some unwanted kids.

The final image of his family's death dream flashed in his mind.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 01:18:35 PM
River looked briefly at the distraught children as well. He turned to Temmit, also deciding there was nothing he could do for the situation as it stood.

"My deaconess friends are riding in a special carriage, you Scribes want some company?" he asked.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 01:43:43 PM
"Your company is always welcome, River." Temmit said seriously. "It's a long ride the west expanse. I'll be better able to keep my eye on you." He smiled slightly. It was more the case that River would be able to keep an eye on Temmit.

"You know, if we can board one of these tanks and set ourselves down, I might be able to gleen what's going on with all the younger students there." He suggested quietly. "You'll have to provide some cover for me...just keep telling people I'm meditating. You interested?"
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 01:48:01 PM
"That works," he replied with a smirk. "But lets hurry, it looks like they are being approached right now by someone with details."

River was correct.  An older looking soldier had just dismounted from his own war horse and was heading towards them.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 02:12:00 PM
Temmit glanced again to where the younger student were lined up. He hoped that they would be there still when he finally got situated and was able to look in on them.

He headed for the entrance to the closest wagon, trusting that River would be right on his heels. The interior had been described to him by other students before, and he found that they were pretty well spot on.

The warmth in the wagon was welcome to Temmit and he was grateful that the wagon was mostly empty. Seemed that most folks didn't get in untill they were forced.

The interior was 12 feet by 6 feet and had two levels. There were seats on each level for 12 kids, thus each wagon would transport 24 students.

He made his way to the upper tier, as there was nothing  but a few planks separating the top from the bottom, and he could foresee snow, water, and mud dripping down from those students above onto those students below. He'd rather be one of the students above.

He claimed a seat that would ensure that there was only one neighbor, and that neighbor would be River. Once settled in, he closed his eyes and relaxed.

Blow Psionic Focus to suppress any display, use Clairvoyant Sense to see and hear what's going on near the younger students....what's being said by that sergent? The kids? What's going on. TELL ME NOW!!
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 02:44:35 PM
Temmit was amazed how quickly he could focus in the given situation, his mind flew from the wagon and hovered over the intended children. Although he felt blind without being able to read emotion, he was thankful he could hear what was being said apparently by the soldier new to the scene. In his mind's eye, he thought of himself as if he was merely another child standing there with his eyes closed in fright.

"...frightened children, there has been no mistake in our selection process this evening and in fact the military does require your services," the man was saying. His voice was baritone and head a very pleasant quality to it. Temmit immediately sensed that this man was a father himself.

"We have devised another test for your older classmates. I can't tell you in too much detail what we have planned for you in this regard, as we don't want to give your elders an unfair advantage. But let me assure you that if we were able to perform this test without your help we would have, as we do not enjoy putting younger ones in harms way."

Temmit heard an intake of breath and recognized it as Leslie's. She was standing right next to his sensor. She had understood, as Temmit did, the deeper meaning behind the soldiers words. There was to be danger.

"But fear not little ones, and, have pride that you have been selected. For you will be earning victory points this day, just like your elder classmates. This in itself is an honor as you will be the youngest ones in Safe-Haven history to be allowed the chance at rank. Perhaps one of you may even make Corporal like me, before even becoming 18!"

"Will we be riding with our classmates?" Leslie asked out of turn. In this formal situation, soldiers weren't supposed to ask questions of commanding officers. Her voice surprised Temmit and almost made him jump out of his seat back at the wagon.

The corporal's voice didn't indicate he was phased or angered by it though.

"No miss, we actually have made special arrangements for you, a bit more comfortable and private accommodations," he said with a pleasant voice.

"ok" Leslie said quietly.

"With that children, I am hoping you realize that we in the military along with your teachers and public representatives only have what best in mind for you and your fellow class mates."

There was a pause. Temmit wondered if the man stopped to see if there would be any more questions or perhaps even a tirade of complaints. Nothing was offered.

The Corporal continued. "Please follow Sergeant Smeeks to your wagon."

Temmit could almost hear the snap of the Corporals salute, and then definitively heard his greaves crunch snow underfoot as he walked off.

"This way children," said a meek voice, then it was quiet as the kids walked away.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 03:05:34 PM
Although Temmit's vantage was rooted in place, he could rotate its view, much like he would rotate his own head, except that the sensor could rotate all the way around.

He turned to watch the young student follow Sergeant Smeeks.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 03:16:56 PM
The students walked around the wagons and departed from Temmit's view.
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 22, 2008, 03:33:11 PM
Fin
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 03:35:03 PM
Continued on 01.02.2133 - Game Session 4 (link forthcoming)
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Griznuq on November 27, 2011, 08:49:36 PM
I thought Harrison was lieutenant? Are there multiple?
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Johan on November 27, 2011, 09:40:59 PM
Temmit WAS lieutenant (or shortly will no longer be); Harrison IS lieutenant (or will be shortly).
Title: 01.02.2133 - Temmit Wakes To The Game
Post by: Griznuq on November 27, 2011, 09:43:21 PM
Gotcha. Timeline is all skewed to me.