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Messages - Phineas

#31
In Character Discussions / The Summoning of Sayer
December 26, 2006, 10:10:58 AM
Sayer surveyed his room with satisfaction.  He had been away for several weeks, but it felt so much longer.  He turned slowly, looking at the items that he kept in his sleeping chambers: the sturdy bookcase jammed with worn books and scrolls, the maps on the walls detailing the subdivisions of Kurr and its neighboring kingdoms, the oversized painted porcelain vase given as a gift by a female patron, and lastly the broad writing desk that stood by the window.  "Of all of my possessions, it was you that I missed most," Sayer murmured to the desk as he ran his fingers across the smooth surface.  He thought about the wash table that he had used as a writing desk at the Thornhedge back in Threshold and shook his head.  How did I manage?

Sayer tugged on the ink-stained chord that would summon a servant.  It was time to begin.
#32
Out of Character Discussions / The first morning on MSI
December 20, 2006, 02:48:12 AM
Garbhan woke and stretched.  He stepped out from his tent and looked around the campsite.  The halfling Mel was speaking with T'Riad, Elberrin, and Erinalia.

"Y'know," Garbhan said slowly, rubbing the back of his neck, "I had the strangest dream.  You were all in it.  We were exploring the island.  We got surrounded by soldiers and we managed to escape -- all of us except for you," Garbhan said, gesturing to T'Riad.  "I hope that this is not a portent of things to come."

Garbhan frowned.  "I also remember that I was some sort of a horseman.  How odd."  He looked up.  "So, who do we report to for our first assignment?  It is our first day here, and I wish to begin early."


And so begins the adventurer's first day on MSI!

(If a dream sequence can work for the television series "Dallas", then it can work for us!)
#33
In Character Discussions / The Summoning of Sayer
December 19, 2006, 02:03:41 PM
]examine

What would you like to examine?

]examien map

I don't understand the word "examien".

]examine map

There is no map here.

]where am i?
#34
Game Log / Session 14, parts 1 and 2: Incommunicado
October 15, 2006, 11:03:17 AM
Session #14, part 2   Sat 14 Oct 06   "Incommunicado"

May 24, continued

- Spend the day puttering and resting from the previous evening.
   - Kit keeps to herself in the Thornhedge
   - Jarmok hunts for provisions for our journey
   - Laren spends the day resting
   - Sayer jots notes for his report before sleeping
      - Sayer writes a report for Julius detailing the events of the previous day
      - Sayer includes the fact that correspondence between Sayer and the Arch-Duke were discovered in the cavern

[Afternoon]
- Sayer meets Julius at the Counsel room with Counsellors
   - Julius speaks of Sayer's request to take a few Protrctorate to Kurr
   - Counsel is receptive to this idea, but wish to hear from Sayer
   - Sayer, sensing that the Counsel is going to permit the request, adds very little additional information, but speaks intelligently and engagingly, emphasizing that the cost of loaning the Protrctorates may yield great benefits to Threshold
   - Sayer waits outside of the Hall as the Counsel discusses; they agree to the proposal
   - Sayer presents his report to Julius
   - Julius lowers his voice and requests that Sayer write a duplicate report -- but to exclude the part about the intercepted letters
      - Julius states that the Council members may review these reports, and he is distrustful of some of the members (the ones that we rescued?)
      - On the topic of the letters, Julius also mentions that there is one courier service in Threshold (they handle only outgoing mail)

- Sayer speaks with the Stable Master
   - There is one courier that delivers the mail: his name is Nodgren, who hangs around at Dubec's Fest Hall
   - Sayer tries to casually (and subtly) extract information from the Stable Master about Nodgren, which he manages to do
      - Nodgren goes out and comes back (he is not kidnapped/robbed of the letters: he is delivering these letters to someone!)
      [Sayer wishes to keep this information secret : perhaps set a trap and Sayer sends a report, and have Jarmok/Laren follow?  Where are these letters going?]

- Sayer returns to the Thornhedge and rewrites the report for Julius, and writes one for the Arch-Duke
   - Sayer delivers the rewritten report to Julius

- Laren speaks Garret at the Stump
   - Laren spills about the intercepted letters

[Evening]
- Kit visits Jarmok
   - Discuss short spear use and buckler -- Jarmok teaches Kit some moves
   - They talk and have a grand time

- Sayer wishes to talk to Laren, Kit, and Jarmok
   - Stops by Kit's room -- she is not there
   - Heads to the Stump and finds Laren
      - Sayer invites Laren to accompany him to Kurr; Laren accepts
   - Head to Jarmok's lodge
   - Sayer explains; ask for accompaniment -- they agree
   - How are we going to to get there?  Ride horses?  Sayer doesn't ride!  Take a wagon/carriage?  Too slow...
   - Sayer will consult with the Stable Master in the morning about available modes of transportation

May 25, morning

- Meet at the Stable Master's place: Squire's Mounts (the Stable Master's name is Suath Mythcinderton); settle on three riding horses
   - Jaren and Laren ride together; Sayer and Kit ride a second, and the third horse is a spare, carrying some bags   
   - Gear up and leave
   - [Spot check!] As we cross the Anglehawk bridge north, Sayer notices a single still person taking notice of the riders leaving the town
      - Sayer does not acknowledge him, but instead asks Laren
      - Laren does not recognize the man (he has red hair), but notices that the man is taking great interest in the group's departure

- Ride the entire day; it is without event
   - There is distant howling at sundown
   - Arrive at the village of Xuad'tarn; head to the Screaming Eagle Inn
   - Get rooms (on the tab of the Arch-Duke!)
   - Eat dinner, keeping a low profile; the locals do the same
   - Sayer sits on a pillow -- he is sore!

May 26, morning

-Make ready to leave
-[Spot checks!]  Out of the corner of his eye, Jarmok notices movement on the top of a church
   - We all see a smoggy cloud on the western horizon; it is cloudy/overcast
   - Jarmok predicts rain today (he makes no mention of the movement on the church building)
   - [GM note!]  Laren has a general bad feeling, but dismisses it; this is the town where his father died, and he convinces himself that this is troubling him
   - Jarmok remains vigilant and tries to catch a glance to see if we are being watched; he sees something dropping off from the church
      - We continue, and Jarmok makes no mention of what he witnessed

- Outside of town, Jarmok describes what he saw
- Continue for six miles
   - Laren spots something in the sky behind us
   - It is a winged creature, and it appears to be far behind us
      - We are on open ground
   - We continue on, watchful of the object behind us

- Late afternoon:
   - The smoggy cloud is still to the east, but it is now receded (the cloud appears to be stationary)
   - There is a dark line marking the Western horizon -- there is some either a mountain range or water or a forest that we see
   - We continue to move until after dark
      - Set up camp in the darkness so that whatever it is that is in the sky can not see us
      - Set up watches: Jarmok, Laren, Kit, Sayer
      - Sayer does some readings before sleeping for the evening (All pick bonuses to Skill checks)

- Jarmok and Laren's watches pass without incident
   - Laren wakes Kit and pretends to sleep
   - During Kit's watch, she hears a swooping sound!
   - She shouts at us to wake, and fires her crossbow into the air
   - (It is night and overcast, having no moonlight to help with our vision)
   - Laren is grabbed by taloned claws on the shoulders and tries to grab him!  The creature bypassed Kit and went directly to Laren!  The talons slip off and Laren is free!
   - Jarmok awakens and sees the large, humanoid figure: 7 feet tall and 10 feet wingspan with bat-like wings
   - The sleepers awaken!  INIT: Kit (17), Laren (12), Jarmok (10), Sayer (5)

- Kit lights her lantern
   - Laren holds
   - Jarmok positions himself to set a spear at the diving creature
   - Sayer holds

- Kit lights the lantern, holding it high and mind thrusts the creature -- no effect!
   - Laren sees the creature diving and throws the bloodhook and hits (8)
   - Jarmok has his spear set to receive the creature's diving charge
      - It dives through the radius of the light : we see that it is a humanoid dragon creature!
      - It flies into the set spear (8) as it lands
   - The dragonoid lunges for Laren
      - Laren takes an attack of opportunity and throws the bloodhook at the dragonoid, hitting (8)
      - The dragonoid's attack is interrupted!
   - Sayer holds, wide-eyed and mouth agape

- Kit mind thrusts the dragonoid (24)
   - The dragonoid reels!
   - Laren attacks with the bloodhook (melee) and hots (5), spilling its intestines!  It collapses in a bloody heap!

- It carries a long spear of a notable quality which Jarmok takes
   - We move a mile or so up the road
   - As we settle down, it becomes Sayer's watch

May 27

- Continue on all day without event
- At the end of the day, we reach Kelvin's Bridge
   - By crossing the bridge, we are entering the state of Kurr, part of the Tri-state of Vychia
   - Roads are patrolled and are safe
   - Arch-Duke is proactive and protective

May 28

- Travel
   - As we continue north, we pass through denser populated thorpes/villages
   - Pass many garrison posts and patrols in groups of nine (one mount, eight footmen)
   - They wear blue and gold tabards
   - Sayer is more relaxed as we close in upon the city; Jarmok has the opposite reaction

- By the end of the day, we arrive upon cobbled-stone streets leading to the walled City of Kurr
   - The gates to the city have been open for over two hundred years, never having been closed
   - There are tax collectors at the gate and long lines to enter
      - Sayer knows the head tax collector; the group is allowed tax-free passage into the city

- Arrive at the stronghold where the Arch-Duke resides
   - Greet Herald Sabine
   - Explain that Sayer has been summoned by the Arch-Duke
   - Sayer also explains that Laren, Kit, and Jarmok are Protrctorates from Threshold and will need apartments
   - Sayer readies himself for audience with the Arch-Duke

- Sayer meets with the Arch-Duke in his private office
   - Corwynn Vallenson is a bear of a man, standing 6.5 feet with long braided auburn hair
   - He gives Sayer a bear hug and they greet each other warmly
   - They sit and talk
      - The Arch-Duke was worried about correspondence
      - Sayer summarizes the contents of his letters
      - Sayer also discusses the discovery of their undelivered correspondence; Sayer does not trust the courier service
      - The Arch-Duke asks about the priests that accompanied the counsellors
         - Sayer summarizes about the ambush and death of priests
         - The Arch-Duke is baffled: Sergeant Farkus, the person in charge of the escort, returned and reported that both the priests and counsel members were delivered safely to Threshold!
         - The Arch-Duke personally appointed Farkus to this duty
         - Sayer dryly observes "My Lord, there is a discrepancy"

      - Talk for a bit: the reason that the Arch-Duke has summoned Sayer is that there are three Priests that need to be escorted to Threshold : a priest of Grumbar, Akadi, and Kossuth
         - The Arch-Duke does not wish to spare any soldiers for this service, thus the need for a Threshold escort (the Arch-Duke is conservative with his usage of troops, and is responsive to any rumors of threats)

      - Chat for a while longer; the Arch-Duke wishes to learn about the events of the outside world
         - The Arch-Duke is a lonely political prisoner within his own home -- he can not leave, and wishes to know more about Threshold and current events
#35
Game Log / Session 14, parts 1 and 2: Incommunicado
October 15, 2006, 10:34:40 AM
#36
Out of Character Discussions / Kit's So called life
September 29, 2006, 01:40:33 PM
Quote from: MattWhoa. cliff sure is direct and to the point.
Comedy gold right there.
#37
Out of Character Discussions / Quick Question:
July 24, 2006, 07:34:35 PM
I think it would be impractical to have Laren carry a body.  While I am sure that he is quite capable to do so, Laren doesn't have long walking legs.  Having Laren scout ahead would a good role for him.
#38
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 23, 2006, 06:12:25 PM
Sayer moved slowly through the crowd.  The finery of his clothing and his noble composure were contrasted by the boisterous commoners that filled the tavern.

As he approached the table, Sayer smiled warmly at Laren.  "I see you have already secured the finest table in the tavern, a talent of yours which I have grown to admire."  Sayer spoke as he sat, keeping his eyes on Laren instead of looking for the serving maid; Sayer found no urgency in placing an order for a mug of watery ale.

After taking a moment to adjust his sleeves, Sayer rested his arms on the table, being careful to avoid any spills on the rough table top.  He leaned forward, giving Laren his full attention.
#39
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 23, 2006, 10:28:56 PM
Sayer cocked his head in interest.  It was a slow, subtle motion.  "Situation?" he repeated, frowning slightly in confusion.  "Please forgive me, but I am afraid that I do not understand."
#40
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 24, 2006, 01:10:22 AM
Sayer made a small effort to conceal his smile.  He leaned forward and lowered his voice.  "A person who knowingly undertakes a venture filled with risk already knows if it is a good idea."

Sayer sat upright and regarded Laren silently for a moment.  His years in court had taught Sayer to analyze the motive of such questions: a person asking about "someone else" typically meant themself.  His years of diplomacy also taught him tact.  Sayer leaned forward again and smiled reassuringly.  "If such an individual requested advice on how to minimize the risk of a task," Sayer continued, "then advice may be provided without knowing details on the venture."  Sayer nodded.

Years of court also taught Sayer how to manipulate and draw information from people.  "How may I be of service?"
#41
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 24, 2006, 06:46:24 PM
Sayer was silent as he analyzed the question.  Laren had phrased the question in such a way that he did not want to hear options for an optimal solution to the problem -- he wanted to hear the consequences for the solution that he had already chosen.

"I am willing to do so," Sayer responded at length.  "I have a reading table in my room.  Upon your wish, we may go there for counsel."
#42
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 24, 2006, 07:25:15 PM
Sayer studied Laren as the halfling spoke.  Sayer had not known him for very long, but had noticed how alert Laren seemed.  He was always watchful, scanning the faces of those on the street or in a tavern.

Sayer rose, adjusting his sleeves so that they once again rested against his wrists.  "Instead of eating, I believe my time would be better spent in preparation," he said softly.  "You know my room."

Sayer turned to leave.
#43
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 25, 2006, 08:15:12 PM
Sayer entered the small room which was both his sleeping quarters and office.  The room was crowded by a couple of wardrobe trunks covered with a thick stack of papers.  Several books weighted upon the pages, preventing the papers from drifting to the floor.

The only table in this room was a small washing table which been transformed into a writing desk, on which was piled parchment, bottles of ink, quills and writing nibs, and sealing wax.  Several books and journals teetered on the one edge of the table.  Sayer quietly moved these items aside and brought the table away from the wall.
#44
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 26, 2006, 05:03:31 PM
Sayer smiled as Laren expressed his appreciation.  "Laren, you honor me by requesting counsel", Sayer spoke softly.  "There are many individuals who have questions and never seek to understand them.  I find it troubling," Sayer said, scraping the table's legs across the rough wooden floor, "that many of these individuals would take action without understanding their questions.  You demonstrate wisdom by wishing to better understand your situation..."

Sayer turned from the table and looked solemnly at Laren.  "...and understanding the best questions to ask."

Sayer paused a moment, allowing the halfling to absorb his words.  He then stepped to the bedside and knelt.  From underneath the bed he retrieved a wide, worn wooden case.  Using both hands, Sayer awkwardly hauled the case up and stood its edge on the table.  He unwrapped the leather straps that held the case shut, and opened it with care.

Inside each half of the case lay a fine piece of wood.  These inner pieces were hinged to the outer case, and Sayer lifted each piece out in turn.  The result was a wide table surface divided into quartered sections.  A design of lighter wood was inlaid within the darker wood, creating a circle quartered by a cross:

http://rockdovestudios.com/griznuq/Table-top.jpg">




The wood was pockmarked from usage, as though small river stones had been dropped upon it over the span of decades.
#45
In Character Discussions / You don't say
July 31, 2006, 09:49:55 PM
Sayer looked up from the table with an expression of bafflement.  "But this is a portable reading table," he said.  "It is half the size of a formal reading table.  Ah, such a table is a thing of beauty.  It is a piece of furniture the length of a man on all sides, made of the finest of woods by the finest of craftsmen."  As Sayer passionately described the details of a reading table, his eyes drifted to an imaginary table that stood before him.

Any humor that Laren had intended was lost upon Sayer.