Kitau examines the prison where the goblins and hobgoblins are packed inside like sardines.  They're bickering about things like who stepped on who's toes.  Kitau finds a place to sit and just stares at them.  The goblins are briefly weireded out, but quickly resume their bickering.

Mits introduces herself and the two adventurers with her when the group arrives at Sister Linora's place.

“You have already done a great
service for Winterhaven and the people of Nentir Vale,”
she says. “Can you find it in your heart to help us again?”

Sister Linora explains that a young tracker from the
village followed the Bloodreavers and their prisoners
until they reached the Trade Road south of Thunderspire
Mountain. Then he turned toward the town of Fallcrest to
seek help. Linora heard of the situation there, and quickly
returned to request the help of the adventurers.

"Heroics is what we do!" Mittens says, "Though I must admit this time has slightly less intensive than 'will die in a zombie apocalypse if you don't deal with it.'  So I'll not presume to speak for anyone other than myself when I say that I accept the quest."

  "I do not suppose it would be unselfish enough to request we spend at least a single full day in one civilized location before pursuing another case?"  Whoever started the term 'No rest for the wicked' either had no idea what they were talking about, or were referring to the relentless on the go pursuit less wicked forces apparently tended towards.

  OOC Style:  Terdisas's Lv Up gets him Unarmored Agility feat, and... Nothing else I didn't already pick for his latest lv 3 gear. While I end up with 814 GP left, my longterm Items spending plan that involves as little 'drop it then pick it back up again' item swapping as possible means this be it for a while.

  Also, after the latest Webtools update, it lists what familiars do now! Yes!

  Its funny. a while back, Tim asked me if I was only a Changeling for the minmax reasons if I never wanted anyone to find out he was a changeling.  Now, REALLY being a human would be the more minnaxey option (could have familiar, the skill and language becomer hooked me up with, and staff expert+staff fighting+dual implement at lv 4 as a human).  It fills me with warm and fuzzy that a 'Human' Ter would be all kinds of munchkin broken compared to 'You're only a changeling for the 18/18 stats' Ter
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Sat 23 Apr 2011.

Dido smiles and says, "You kidding, Terdisas? I'm going to stop and smell the flowers." he looks at Linora and says, "Of course we accept. But as Terdisas pointed out, we'll be taking a break before we do anything. We'll seek more details from you when we head out." he looks at Valthrun. "Thunderspire Mountain... isn't that the place *you* wanted us to go? What a coincidence. Same reason? Or something else?"

Callie hrms and goes to sit next to Kitau. She whispers, "Worried they'll escape if we don't keep an eye on them?" as she gives Kitau a look of concern.

Sister Linora blink-blink-blinks at the response she gets.  She nibbles her lower lip and bows to the heroes.

"Thank you," she says, "Avandra bless you.  Lord Padraig and Baron Stockmer may be willing to offer you a reward for your success."

Valthrun headshakes.

"A different reason.  Curiosity mostly.
Have you ever heard the legends of Thunderspire Mountain?
Tales claim that a great city built by minotaurs in the ancient
days waits within the depths of the mountain. If you are in search
of adventure, then exploring those ruins and bringing back
word of the wonders you see would make this old man extremely
happy. Think about how strange such a place must be! And
imagine the treasures that might remain from such an alien time
and location.”

"Sweet!" Mittens answers, "Hopefully the badguys are deep inside such ruins and we can kill two birds with one stone!"

If the PCs are intrigued by this idea, Valthrun promises to
provide them with as much information as he can uncover
in his library. This boils down to a few pertinent legends,
as outlined below.
✦ This valley was once ruled by the minotaur lords of the
underground city of Saruun Khel. It disappeared from
history’s stage about three hundred years ago.
✦ Two specific parts of the city appear in various texts
about Thunderspire Mountain—the Labyrinth and the
Seven-Pillared Hall.
✦ Recent rumors speak of the Mages of Saruun—modern
arcanists who seem to have some lesser or greater influence
in what remains of the ruined city.
Valthrun doesn’t have any additional information, but he
longs to convince a party of adventurers to explore the
place and bring him back firsthand news. “Such wonders
you will see,” he keeps on repeating, “ such wonders, I am
sure!”
The old sage even offers to make it worth the effort of
the adventurers, though he adds that “anything I provide
will pale before the amazing treasures you uncover, I am
sure.” He promises a small monetary reward, as well as a
ritual from his private collection.

---

Kitau's steely glare at the prisoners turns ice cold.  She nods in reply, her expression full of contempt, but her eyes never leave the prisoners.

  "Apparent kidnappings, and ancient ruins.  While I suspect the former will be favored as what to pursue first by the rest, I doubt we will not end up in the latter in such pursuits."  "Chirp, You mean an ancient stronghold could be a practical hideout for Bloodreavers? Wow, I would have never guessed that Boss person."

  Terdisas resists the urge to shove his Familiar under a bucket.

Dido says, "Well we'll look into it for sure. When we're done, not only will we tell you what we saw, Mittens here will SHOW you with her magic. As a wizard, she can do that sort of thing. For now, though... my friends and I need rest."

He looks at the others. "Now that we know what the two wanted, I'm going to see how Callie is doing with Kitau."

Speaking of, Callie decides to stay quiet and just be there with Kitau.

"That's nice of you, Dido," Mittens says, "I'm curious what you promised her earlier if it's ok for me to ask, but...  Well she didn't look too happy with me or my suggestion.  I'm not sure she wants me around right now.  So...  Should I tag along or stay put?"

  "While for the most part this group has been pleasantly supportive, I believe in this case crowding her is not in Kitau's best interest."  Sometimes, you can spend far too much time brooding.  Of course, there are times where if you get to at least brood a little it clears some things up.

  Hey, it works for Batman.

Dido says, "I promised her a gift. I haven't picked it up yet, but she is in the kind of mood where the gift would be pointless." he pauses and folds his arms. He looks up at Mittens. "Her default is unhappy. I don't think she's upset with you any more than when she met you. Problem with being grumpy all the time is nobody knows if something annoys you since everything seems to. This is made worse when you don't talk. These are things I will likely tell her soon. She needs to hear that. Justice, even vigilante style, requires progress. And progress can't be made if you don't communicate."

He continues walking towards the prison. "Don't get me wrong... being quiet is a good thing in its own way. But everything has its place. Silence, words, anger, happiness. And since it seems Kitau is actually trying to connect with us, I think it'll be worth talking with her about this."

"I've been warned the same about being chipper all the time," Mittens answers with a shrug as she follows along, "If I were to take a wild guess, she probably won't take kindly to a lecture right now about such.  If anything may make up her mind all the more to be grumpy.  At least... if she's anything like me when it comes to people lecturing me about my personality.

"I agree that communication is essential.  I agree that extremes should be avoided.  But for now she chooses to communicate with actions more than words, I've noticed.  Callie seems to have made a lot of progress given that Kitau actually hugged her.  A gift sounds like a wonderful idea, actually.  It's talking her no-talking language.  I'ma go shopping to see if I can find something she'd like."

She motions in the direction of the town shops.

  Mittens agrees with Terdisas, score for partial agreement percentage across party.  Or course, this means Two people want to leave Kitau some personal time and two want to not leave her alone.  This would make Kitau the tiebreaker then.  How fitting.  Terdisas would feel a scalping knife while a practical and appreciated gift for Kitau, would only lead to frustration with near constant inability to ever use the thing.

 "Callie seems to have that pleasant effect on most even partially sane people."

Dido eyebrow-twitched at the mention of "make up her mind all the more to be grumpy". But he puts aside that pet peeve in favor of progress.

Dido calms down, even smirks, and says, "I did say everything has its place, didn't I? And as you said, the time and place for lecturing Kitau is not now. But maybe you're right about the gift."

He goes to the shops with the others.

Mits follows along with the others, looking for something fun to give Kitau.  She finds something mildly amusing, challenging, and excusably functional to give the combat obsessed gnome: http://gallery.nen.gov.uk/gall...27/cup__ball_mid.jpg

"Whaddya think?  Helps develop that all-important hand-eye coordination without her having to swing axes around on our road trips!"

  Terdisas considers getting Kitau a monogrammed oilcloth, but he would need to know her last name for such, and his player has never decided on such for Terdisas.  So nevermind that idea.  "Add some spikes, and you have something more traditionally to her taste."  "Chirp, a Rubix cube with retractable blades if you screw up will teach you real fast."

  Hmm... Rusty pliers?  No.  Pet Rock? No.  Step ladder so she can reach her enemies faces? No.  Eventually, he decides on a *BLANK* because Kitau will actually like it.

  Copout? What's that?

Dido has fearlessly faced off with Kalarel, various undead, and even a dragon. He finds himself more scared of Kitau than any of them. Probably because he can't lob Kitau's head off due to caring for her. Well that and even if he were to fight her one-on-one, Dido would worry for his life. Not that he'll admit this. Ever.

He walks up to Kitau, having gotten his gift for her and is holding it behind his back. He clears his throat. "Kitau?" he says, to grab her attention.

Callie looks over at Dido curiously.

Kitau shoots Dido a quick glance but resumes staring at the prisoners like she expects them to phase through the bars if she stops watching for any longer than 2 seconds.

"I think that means she's listening," Mittens guesses, "And judging from Callie...  Thing's have been going relatively well?  At least, better than bad?"

(( The carpenter suggested a wooden warning whistle for Terdisas to buy for his silent friend.  The leatherworker suggested a pair of gloves to prevent splinters from wooden hafted weapons.  The blacksmith suggested either a fine dagger, or a quality sharpening stone, or a camp shovel. ))

  Terdisas was somewhat hazy on the sharpening stone usage on a scourge, and he's not trying to Marry a leopard Lady when it comes to the Fine Dagger, so LOUD WHISTLE IS LOUD it was.  It doesn't leave any marks on the prisoner if you blow it crammed upside their ear either.

  "If looks could kill... That phrase is significantly flawed considering there are looks that can indeed kill.  Were most of the prisoners clearly not foolish, the mere thought of Kitau coming back for them should they step out of line alone should be enough deterrence."

  She can hide under your bed too.  Or the overhead luggage compartment.

Dido walks around to be in front of her and presents the bouquet. "If you recall, I mentioned I had something to give you. I hope you find these favorable. Didn't know what flowers you liked most, so I got one of each."

Callie ohs and covers her mouth. She's happy for the cute scene, but keeps quiet.

Kitau's focus on the villains is fully broken by Dido's gesture.  She stares in surprise and accepts his gift.

"Not as pretty or fancy," Mittens says, offering the toy she got, "But fun and somewhat practical.  Good for practicing hand-eye coordination on long trips."

Kitau's face his turning red as it's sinking in.

  Terdisas shrugs, "I must admit, I had little insight for anything one could consider a proper gift.  So, I went with something loud." WHISTLE! WHISTLE IS LOUD! Or at least take out word for it, it's not like Terdisas is demonstrating.  "Though sometimes, a small gesture is better than none at all."

  "Chirp, and if you think this makes you look soft in front of the prisoners, we can make a quick trip to pick up a scalping knife."

  The Sorcerer facepalms.  Superbird wingflaps "Tweet, What? That was your first idea."

Dido says, "Kitau, we want you to know you are appreciated."

Callie jumps on the chance to side-hug the gnome. "You already know you are loved, so... what Dido says is a nice add-on, wouldn't you say?"

She looks at Terdisas and Superbird. "No need... Kitau has plenty on her for doing whatever need be done." she could carve their skulls open with her eyebeams anyway. OK, so MITTENS is the one with eyebeams, but Kitau's gaze is still scarier.

Kitau is overwhelmed with emotion and bursts into tears!  She sets the flowers and gifts aside to weep into her hands!

Mittens is frozen in place.  "What... they... said..."

She clears her throat.

"Ya know...  It's possible she has a darn good reason for being grumpy.  Boy that sounded insensitive.  _Sorry."

  "Squawk! Who made caring so traumatic to you?  So we can find them, and light them on Chirping fire!" Superbird is going with the tiny 'cosmetic purposes only fire' Phoenix look right now.

  Terdisas kneels down, though won't hug tge little lady unless she clearly desires such (personal space and sharp objects along with wild emotions are a funny mix like that).  "I do not know what may have caused our current situation, but I feel it is to safe say for all of us that we never meant to cause you such duress, and hope only to help you as much as we can.  So far as our own personal beliefs may limit those efforts at times."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Sat 30 Apr 2011.

Callie just pets Kitau.

Dido does the /panic emote of a Tarutaru when Kitau starts crying.
OK, so he doesn't. But it would have looked cute. :p Instead, Dido walks closer and says, "Kitau, what's wrong?"

Kitau keeps her face hidden and continues to cry, shaking her head, her little pony tail swishing from the movement.

Mittens steps over to the cage full of goblins and such.

"I'm about to demonstrate to you that magical fire can knock out enemies," she says to the guards in a serious tone, "I'm not going to kill them, but I can't stand for them to see my friend crying.  So don't distract me."

She fills the cage with a huge fireball that knocks out several prisoners!  Those still conscious scream and panic, running into each other in a desperate struggle to escape!  Mittens follows up with more fire, knocking a few more out!

"Save us!" the prisoners plea, "You can't let her do this to us!  Let us out!"

The guards stare in shock, unsure what to do.  "Um... make her stop, please?" they ask the heroes.

Kitau's mood doesn't seem to improve.  As she weeps, her face twists between utter grief and berserker rage.

  Superbird headtilts at Mitten's fireballorama "...not my fault? chirp."

  Terdisas says to the guards "I will see what I can do."  Somehow, he doubts 18 CHA+ bluff bonuses will sway events much.  "Mittens, please stop committing war crimes." He'll attempt to gently lead the rampaging Wizard away from the area, with the questionably sane positioning of 'stand between them and cage'.

  Stupid conscience.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Sat 30 Apr 2011.

Callie looks up, sees burning goblins, but Mittens said she was only knocking them out. "I trust you not to permanently injure them on the off chance some might actually be innocent, unlikely though that may be." She looks at the guard and says, "She's telling the truth and I trust her. She won't kill them." she looks at Mittens, "But Terdisas is right. What you are doing could be seen as illegal."

Granted, this isn't America. Most people will look the other way when you beat up a prisoner that the town has no love for. Such as goblins.

Dido seems as unsure as the guard. On one hand, he considers what Mittens is doing to be un-necessary. On the other hand, he can't stand for the prisoners to see Kitau cry either. When he sees it not making a difference, he says, "Mittens, it won't make a difference. Not only have they already seen Kitau cry, Kitau's mood isn't improving from the goblins' burning."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:31, Sat 30 Apr 2011.

"Kill them!" Kitau screams desperately, curled into the fetal position!  "Kill them all!"

A guard or two rush to the scene, weapons drawn, but are confused when they arrive.

"Are they... Are the prisoners turning undead?!" one guard ventures nervously.

Mittens sighs at Terdisas trying to stop her.  And succeeding 'cause she stops for a moment.  "Help me out here," she mutters to him through her teeth, "She doesn't need to be here if they're knocked out."

She readies another fireball.

"Not to mention Kitau won't feel the need to skewer them with her javelin.  Help me keep these prisoners alive."

One guard ahas.  "Right."  He whacks a prisoner upside the head with the butt of his spear, knocking it out.  The other guard that was there and the new arrivals aren't so sure.  Mittens doesn't resume with the fireballs until it's apparent Terdisas will allow her to.

  Terdisas sighs,  "You would think that by now, I would be used to how wide the range of problems solved by explosions could be."  He steps out of the way.  Though will stick around with the Wizard and let Kitau's fellow short people deal with her directly for now.

  He gets the feeling that juuuust maybe, the scene of the crime will be in the most need of the guy with the jacked up social skills.

Callie stays with Kitau, holding on to the gnome while Mittens and guards deal with the prisoners. But she lets a hand free and holds it forward. It doesn't matter Terdisas is in the way. In fact, in many a battle, she wanted him and other allies to be in the blast. With a massive light, Callie finishes KO-ing the prisoners while making Ter, Mitts and a couple guards feel invigorated. She goes back to using that hand for hugging without a word.

Dido combs his fingers through his hair, trying to figure out what to do.

Mittens lets out a sigh of relief when the last prisoner drops. "Thanks, Callie."

Lord Padraig shows up with about a dozen guards.  "What going on here here?!" he demands.  The guards already on the scene stand at attention and salute, but give no answer other than, "Sir!"

"Tsh," Kitau sneers, wiping away her eyes.

"I blew up the prisoners for personal reasons," Mittens confesses, "But they're all still alive.  I think."

The guards check vital signs.

"She tells the truth, sir.  They're all still alive, sir."

"'Personal reasons?'" Padraig asks skeptically, "Am I to assume that means 'don't ask?'"

Mittens nods.

Lord Padraig looks at the other heroes to see if they have anything to add.

  "Somehow, I feel a proper description may not be something that can be put to words.  Perhaps the next time a gateway to the Shadowfell opens up and we are in the area, we can bring you along and you might experience the feeling of it actively attempting to drag you through itself like Kitau has.  I did not hope to spend some time to ourselves before out next journey because of mere physical exhaustion."

  OOC Style:+13 Diplo with a Take Ten Diplo= 23, if that matters.

Callie stays in her seated position to keep her arms around Kitau. "I assure you, sir, Mittens and I were only acting in the interest of my friends. I partook in knocking them unconscious. Our reasons are not to take out frustration so much as helping a friend to be calm. My apologies for the disturbance. I take full responsibility for Mittens' actions as she is under my command."

Dido almost objects, but... well Callie appointed herself the leader when they met and nobody objected then. Or since then. Dido salutes Padraig and says, "Sir, Kitau is unable to rest until she sees these goblins sentenced and then serve that sentence. As a team, we suffer together. So when she suffers, so do we. When she can not rest, neither can we. The sooner the courts can get a sentencing, the better."

"I see," Lord Padraig answers, "I had a feeling there was some residual tension from your arduous quest.  I was only delaying the trial thinking you would rather rest first.  My apologies.  We shall have the trial right away if that will help set your minds at ease."

He nods a bow.  The guards look very relieved.  Kitau looks skeptical, but stands.

Mittens purses her lips and raises an eyebrow.  "So much for war crimes, I suppose?"

"This works out well, actually," Padraig says, "It's best they not be given the chance to coordinate a lie.  I'll be questioning them one by one.  Put a hood on each prisoner before you wake them.  Don't let any know that the others are still out cold.  We'll see how their story holds up."

He heads off to the courthouse.  The guards attend to carrying out his orders.  Mittens follows.  Kitau hesitates, then follows as well.

  Terdisas asides to Mittens, "I am from a city of merchants and contracts, expecting the most damaging twist of law used against you is somewhat bred into me."

  The sorcerer has little problem with Callie claiming leadership.  She was an adorable servant of the gods, that sort of thing looked best on leadership posters compared to the rest of them.  At least for publicity if not instilling fearing in evil... Unless you were a Care Bears villain or something.

Callie and Dido go with the others. Callie looks up at Terdisas. "It is best to expect the worst and hope for the best. If you are pessimistic, then life can only get brighter compared to expectations."

Dido doesn't say anything. He glances at Kitau, but otherwise just walks.

"And here I thought I had it bad," Mittens mutters in answer to Terdisas, "Sorry for your background.  Yeesh."

Kitau hung the whistle around her neck and stowed the toy in her pack.  She was sure to gingerly pick up the flowers before moving on, and is carefully dusting the dirt off them, occasionally bringing them close to her lips to enjoy the fragrance and soft feel.  She keeps her serious face with an occasional twinge of emotion.

The trial goes as expected.  One by one the goblins rat each other out, each telling nasty tales about the others in hopes of getting leniency for themselves.  The fat one tries to bribe the Padraig with promises of great treasure in exchange for his life, but the man isn't swayed.

"For willingly working for Kalarel, knowing that he was opening a rift to the Shadowfell with intent on unleashing an army of undead on Winterhaven and beyond, I sentence you all to death by hanging."

Kitau looks very relieved.  She closes her eyes and cries quietly.

  Terdisas has already explained the part where he had to flee his city lest he be imprisoned or worse merely for being a Sorcerer.  But of course, Legal woes are always considered more frightening and traumatic.  Especially around tax time.  As it is, Kitau was clearly winning the 'I have it worse than you' game.

  Like when the Sorcerer first met his recent friends, there had been a crying woman in need of a handkerchief.  In this case, it was one of his friends doing the crying, so of course he offered Kitau one.

  No fancy words this time, just a small gesture.

Callie wins the "I had it better than you" game in that she had a charmed, loving childhood and a nice adulthood. So far. But that being the case, she loves sharing the wealth as it were. She keeps close to Kitau and pets the gnome.

When the sentence is passed, Callie says, "I'm going to skip the hanging, guys and gals. I'll see you back at the inn."

She doesn't seem upset at the turnout. So at least Callie won't be going on Timothius on people about dead goblins. She does think it's a shame the goblins didn't have any guidance towards decency, but... yeah.

Dido says, "We'll meet you there then, Callie. I'm going to stay and bear witness. You alright?"

Callie nods and says, "I'm fine. I had hoped there was some decency in the dark, but I didn't expect it."

Dido nods back. "Alright then." he watches the hanging.

Kitau doesn't shy away from the affection, but she does stay behind to watch the hanging.

"Me go with!" Mittens says, trotting along side Callie, "Unless you want some alone time."

Once Callie's left, Kitau passes a note to Lord Padraig who looks at it and answers, "I plan to have the bodies burned on a pyre.  Why do you ask?"

Kitau writes some more and passes the note to him.  Padraig skews his lips.  "Um... sure."  He looks over at one of the guards.  "Allow her access to the bodies before they're burned."  The guard salutes.

  Terdisas opts to stick with Kitau for the moment, though he's clearly paying more attention to the Gnome than the assembly line of death.  He is full of second guesses as to the nature of Kitau's request to Padraig, but doubts he will guess accurately without hindsight.

  It could be anything from 'punch the bodies while screaming' to 'make hats out of their skinned faces' at this point.

Dido doesn't like that Kitau is being secretive. So much so, he holds his hand out to Padraig expectantly, as if asking for the notes Kitau just passed to Padraig. But to clear confusion, Dido requests, "May I see those?"

Callie heads back to the inn with Mittens. She laces her hands behind her head, having no big sword to worry about since she left it back at her room. "You know, Mittens... most people would consider what we did with the dragon to be retirement material. And this latest thing? Same story. Us? ...I get the feeling we won't get the chance to consider retiring. I feel like evil is just determined to keep us from living life."

The Lord looks to Kitau for permission who nods, so he hands the notes over to Dido.

The first reads, "What do you plan to do with the bodies of the prisoners."

The second reads, "I request access to them before they're burned."

Kitau is already busy helping the guards load the bodies onto carts to be hauled to the trash pyre outside town.

"But this IS living life!" Mittens gasps, "To it's fullest!  And I've only just begun!  I hadn't even the most distant thought of retirement.  Who wants to sit on a rocking chair watching the grass grow?  Booooring!  If I have my way, I'll not die of age, but from some planes-shattering explosion when I plunge a holy sword into the black heart of Orcus atop some burning mountain while riding on my flying warforged unicorn pegasus mount!

"But I get the feeling that's not your cup of tea.  To each their own.  If you're really that fed up with the hero business, we'll be passing through Winterhaven.  If this Sister Linora is a healer and willing to tag along, we could just drop you off when we get there.  Or we could stock up on piles of healing potions.  Or maybe there's someone in Winterhaven willing to take your place.  But I very much doubt there's anyone in this wide world or beyond that's got your level of heart.  Can't replace your love for us.  Heck, even Kitau hugged you.

"Or did I miss your point completely?"

  "I would prefer you are at least able to walk away from such an explosion if it turns up Mittens.  As for events apparently nobody else is willing to deal with, they happen constantly across the world and realms.  We are only noticing the ones nearby."

  Don't worry, the Fantabulous Four dealt with Professor Damned's mini tarrasuqe over the weekend.

  Terdisas refrains from the manual interaction with the corpses, so far just keeping an eye on the Gnome and hoping that at lest whatever happens gives more closure than can openings in the end.

Dido is calmed by Kitau's matter-of-fact attitude, but still follows her and the bodies. He's just curious now.

Callie continues her conversation with Mitts, "I... want to get married, have kids, grandkids, sit on my porch on a rocking chair watching the kids play and be happy. But damned souls in Hell want ice water. I can not turn my back on people in need, no matter how great my desire to settle down may be. But that is why I became a cleric, Mittens. I knew I would be sacrificing my future so others can live that dream of living life."

She looks over her shoulder at Terdisas who was apparently still just in hearing range. She smiles and waves. "Too true, Terdisas! We should never forget we are not alone." she looks up at Mittens again. "Heh... I really am replaceable, I suppose."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Mon 02 May 2011.

Mittens cantrips the words, "ME TOO" over her head to reply to Terdisas rather than raise her voice.

"I'd sooner take a knife to my gut than have kids," she says to Callie matter-of-factly, "But I realize my preferences are not the norm for women.  For one so eager for such yourself, I'm a little surprised you haven't made any moves on Dido.  You can't say 'haven't had a chance to' because we had a several long spans of journey time already.  Ya know, maybe he's just as eager for the whole traditional 'happily ever after' romantic end to his story as you are.

"And apparently Mittens once again epic fails at trying to get a point across.  I was trying to say you're not replaceable on a friendship level.  I consider it a 'no duh' that everyone's replaceable on a functional level given that even gods can be replaced ala Raven Queen and Bane and such.  So my point is you can have your cake and eat it too.  You can have your dreams come true and be a hero.  Happens all the time in the story books."

Once outside town the bodies are piled up next to the trash heap.  Logs are being hauled here too and piled up to make for a fire hot enough to cremate the dead.  Kitau drags a body from the pile and proceeds to hack it to pieces with her axe.

"O...K..." one guard says, staring.

Kitau switches to her mace and begins pulverizing the pieces.

  The sight of Kitau hacking up the corpses to little bits with an axe, was quite simply, amazing.  "Chirp, wow.  When did she get an axe? Tweet?" The 4th wall shatters, and we take a moment to put it back together while Terdisas whaps Superbird upside the head for pointing out the trivial compromises in reality.

  Okay, so it's really the lowest end of his barely passing as morbid expectations.  But that is likely for the best.  "This is actually surprisingly practical.  The remains will burn faster, and you will have to spend less time watching the fire...  Of course, you may also have to deposit the remains onto the fire with a shovel."

Dido says, "I figured the practicality was making sure they don't come back as undead because they are in too many pieces. But then, why not just wait until they are burned into skeletal remains? Oh well... it's Kitau. She's probably just executing therapy of some kind. She'll wear herself out soon enough for as thorough as she's being."

The bodies are dead. And frankly, Dido sees goblins in the same light most people do. So seeing this isn't too disturbing when you just came back from what this group did.

Callie sighs. "I.. noticed Dido and Kitau seem to have something. At least a chance, anyway. And as wonderful as Dido is, Kitau needs him much much more than I do." she then chuckles. "Heh... if I'm the classic 'woman who winds up with a jerk for a husband', I suppose I'll just put him in his place by reminding him I stopped a zombie apocalypse by sealing a rift to the shadowfell." she says in a joking manner. "As for being irreplaceable as a friend... thanks. I guess I have a long way to go with you yet, though. Just a feeling. We'll see, right?"

Kitau nods at Dido.  The guards shrug, light the fire, and begin piling parts onto the fire.

"Hey, he's right!" one says, "This IS practical!  Here I thought this was gunna be back-breaking to have to huck those lumps of lard onto the fire.  Messy, but less effort."

---

Mittens forces a grin.  Not doing a terribly good job of it.

"I look forward to more adventures with you, Callie," she says, "How to put this in a way that doesn't sound fail...  Hmm...  First I'll start by saying romance is my least favorite topic in the world.  That said, it's important enough to you, my friend, that I will continue on said topic.

"Dido needs you more than he needs Kitau.  Heck, Kitau needs you more than she needs Dido.  You think there's some attraction between her and him?  I think that if there is any, it's so tiny that neither have any idea that it's there.  'Kill them all' isn't the usual response to flowers.  That girl's got years of healing ahead of her before she's ready to be a bride.  And after all that waiting, she falls for someone else besides Dido.  And Dido winds up with some demanding, nagging wife.  He could have had the sweetest girl in the world as a wife, but she was too busy putting herself down to give him a chance.

"You get where I'm going?  I don't think it wise to rule yourself out.  I'll ask him who he's interested in and you can ask Kitau.  Sound reasonable?"

  Terdisas is not so vulgar as to say something like 'I'd still dip it in the crazy'.  Because it's generally safer not to, no matter how hot they are.  This and never resorting to the kind of companionship you pay for occasionally makes one feel they have wasted their CHA primary.  "I swear if Kitau has started a trend of installing grinders in crematoriums, I am asking for a cut of the profits."

Dido says, "I've seen enough... I'm going to sleep." He looks at Terdisas. "Join me? Or you sticking around here for a bit?"

Meanwhile, Callie says, "Funny how fate likes to play jokes on us like that. A merciful cleric matched up with a bloodthirsty ball of rage. A cleric of love matched up with someone who hates romance. I appreciate you offering to ask for me. But I don't want to torture you."

Kitau pauses from her work and approaches Dido with a frown.  "Thanks for the flowers," she says, glancing down at where she laid them, "Please put them in some water for me."

She looks up at Terdisas. "Thank you for the whistle."

---

Mittens squirms.

"A far greater torture for me would be to know that I allowed my friend to life-alteringly bad choice such as pass up a chance at her dream come true," she says, "That said, I'll gladly drop the topic if you promise me you're going to talk to them both about the topic.  Before we leave town."

  Terdisas comments to Dido "I believe I will stick around for a short while longer, rest well Dido."  When Kitau approaches and thanks them, he nods.  "You're welcome. It felt like an insignificant gesture, but it is good to see the thought has counted."

Dido nods to Kitau. "...sure." and takes the flowers before heading to the inn.

Callie stares at the ground. "I will take you up on your offer, Mittens. Please ask him when you see him. I'll ask Kitau as you requested."

Kitau nods to the two before resuming her work.

---

Mittens rubs her chin.  "OK then!" she says with a hand-lift, "If there's anything else I can do for ya, you've only to ask."

She heads for the inn to see if Dido's already there.  If not, she prepares to ambush him.

  Terdisas finds himself worried about the longterm implications of this.  If you stop to cube the remains of all your fallen enemies that's going to take up a LOT of time.  Not that he'd mind that sort of thing put to use on any more giant spiders they run into.

  Of course, none of that compares to how his Drama sense is tingling.  We're in for some serious soap opera stuff right here...  Unless of course both Kitau and Mitten's want to dismiss any notions of romance as monosyllabically as possible when it comes to Dido.

  Hmm, he was hazy on the rebound timing rules when it came to adventuring parties.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Mon 02 May 2011.

Drama? In DnD? Nooo... that NEVER happens.

Poor Dido. Minding his own business at the inn, not knowing he's going to be ambushed by a romancephobe about romance. He doesn't notice the cat.

Honestly, Team Unperceptive is kind of fun that way.

Kitau quickly wears herself out with her task but eventually finishes up and begins to stagger back to town.

---

Mittens sings to announce herself, "Fifteen birds, in five fir trees.  Oh what shall we do with the funny little things?

She waves.

"A moment alone, Sir Dido?"

She gives a sweeping gesture to a back room that's separated by a glass door.

  Terdisas says to the guards dealing with the task of burning, "Thank you for dealing with this situation with the grace and acceptance you have."  That said, he calmly follows along with Kitau.  Hey, he's got a room at the Inn to so it's not like he doesn't have a legitimate reason to follow her.

  "Unless you wish otherwise, I shall leave you to your thoughts for now Kitau."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Tue 03 May 2011.

Dido looks at Mittens. "Of course." and follows her to the gestured place. He then looks up at her expectantly.

Kitau looks up to Terdisas and gives him a thumbs-up.  "Feeling better, now, thanks.  Good night."

---

"Romance happens to be a very important topic for Callie," Mittens says with a sigh, "Shocking, right?  Sarcasm!  Anyway.  Unfortunately for her, she's stuck with a crazy cat who's least favorite topic in the mulitverse is romance.  I like adventure and would like to adventure to the end of my days without ever having to deal with things like flirts.

"That said!  It's important enough to her that I'm setting aside my own extreme dislike for the topic lest she miss out on her dream come true.  Namely: She wants to some day be married with children.

"I said, 'Really?  Then why not flirt with Dido?'

"She said, 'He's amazing.  But he's more interested in Kitau, and she needs him more.'

"I said, 'Nonsense!  I don't think there's anything going on between them, and even if there were, Kitau's in no shape to be anyone's bride for a long time.  By the time she is, Dido will wind up married to some nag!  And you'll have lost your chance to live happily ever after because you were to humble to consider your own dreams!'

"To put it plainly, if you're interested in a Callie, ask her out."

Mittens conjures a small bow and fires a heart-tipped arrow at Dido which plinks off his breastplate.

  Terdisas nods,  "May your sleep be peaceful, Kitau."  As he has no reason to be a creepy stalker, the Sorcerer will head to his own room unless something else turns up.

  Even his default Insight can guess what's probably being talked about behind that glass door though.

Dido blinks. "....really? Re-..." he sighs. "Ironic. I thought Callie wasn't interested. It's obvious Kitau won't be interested until every monster race is wiped off the face of the world." He head-shakes. "Well you have said what you're going to say, I suppose. What I do from here is my business. Especially given what you just said about your dislike of the topic. Thanks for telling me. Good night."

He starts heading off. He totally plans to talk with Terdisas before the night is through.

Callie is in the room where she, Kit and Mitts are to sleep. One room for guys, one for gals. She sees Kitau enter and Shao Kaun's voice says, "Finish Her!" and the screen goes black. Kitau gets assaulted with romance topic! "Hey Kitau... you feeling OK?" Well, OK. She isn't as blunt as Mittens, so the romance topic will slowly be approached.

"You're welcome," Mits answers with a sweeping bow, "I only request that you live happily ever after one way or another and not give me another reason to hate romance."

She goes for some dessert to reward herself for doing her good deed for the day.

---

Kitau nods.  "Much better, thank you.  You?"

  Terdisas won't exactly be hard to find considering as Callie's narrative reminded, they share a room with Dido.

  Of course, Dido has to actually be there to have that conversation, so this is just the most verbose filler fail post ever.

Dido arrives at said room. "Hey Terdisas... I have a personal question to ask."

---

Callie looks Kitau over. "...." Kitau is just the picture of cleanliness and beauty not looking that great right now. It's obvious Callie had herself that long-awaited bath. "Um... you wanna get washed up before bed?"

Kitau grunts a chuckle and nods to Callie with a sleepy smirk.

  Kitau clearly sleeps more easily with the aroma of spilt blood and charred flesh at hand Callie.  She was born in the back of a slaughterhouse, Didn't you know?

  What Terdisas would like to say: I do not suppose this question is in any way related to the fact Kitau has now fallen below your romantic standards, and your moving on to easier girls?

  What Terdisas actually says, "Of course you may ask Dido.  I may not answer depending on the question, but I hope to provide insight."

The answer to the would-be question would be a flat yes. Followed by "how did you know?"

Dido asks, "Do you have a crush on any of the girls?"

---

Callie guides Kitau to the bath and leaves her to it while preparing a fresh set of PJs for Kitau to change into. Then waits at the bed, formulating what she is going to say and how she'll say it.

Mits finishes up her dessert and climbs into bed.

---

Kitau washes up herself and her gear then wears the offered PJs.

  Terdisas would answer 'because it's so obvious you'd need Neon signs announcing it to make it more subtle' in such a theoretical response to a theoretical response.

  "It would be difficult not to have a crush on Callie.  Though I must admit, I am still trying to determine any romantic feelings I have towards Callie are biased by the fact such a lovely girl has pulled me away from near death.  Should I pursue such feelings further, there is some chance Callie's influence from her patron Diety would make her more open to, sharing. "  He considers Dido, "Of course even if that were so, not everyone is accepting of such a situation."

Dido blink-blinks at the thought. Then lets out a light-hearted chuckle. "Even if she was open to "sharing", Terdisas, I doubt you or I would be. S'why I asked. If you were interested in her, I didn't want to step in the way of your chance with her. And while it's impossible to not think about romance around good, pretty women, especially when they fight by your side and save your life as you put it, I have to admit romance wasn't on the forefront of my mind. Yet Mittens just came up to me, admitting she hates romance and still suggesting I ask Callie out. Said stuff about how I deserve someone like Callie and Callie deserves someone like me. I didn't ask her why she thought me and not you. I dunno... what do you think?"

Callie is MUCH happier to see Kitau washed, refreshed and not covered in gore. "Kitau, do you mind if I ask you some personal questions?"

Irony: Kitau is probably thinking Callie's going to try prying into her background or why she's so full of rage. Won't Kitau be surprised when the love priest asks her about her love of Dido. Again: Irony.

Kitau considers for a moment how to respond.

"Ask," she answers.

  "Even though I would be open so such should she desire it, it does take a certain something out of a relationship when all involved are not happy with such.  And as you said, you would not be happy with such.  If we were to use immature reasoning's, you could claim 'I saw her first'.  Or, I could say 'you didn't even want her until now'.  Alas, as easy as it is made to sound in the stories, romance has very few clear answers."

Dido gets his armor off and has Terdisas help him. Then flops into bed. "I'm going to tell Callie how I feel and ask her how she feels. I'll ask her about the whole "sharing" bit to see what she believes on the topic. If she does believe in that, I'll ask her what she thinks of you. Or am I presuming too much by doing that? I do not wish to speak out of turn. Especially in the case of a good friend like you, Terdisas."

Callie asks, "Do you have the hots for Dido? Like... do you wanna date him or marry him or anything like that?"

She isn't sure how much Kitau even understands the concept of romance. So she's having to ask pretty bluntly.

Kitau again considers her answer carefully.

"I respect him," she answers, "I'll never never date or marry anyone.  Why?"

  While Terdisas laments his lighter 'armor' in battle, he is always thankful for it out.  "If it seems a good moment to mention it, then please to Dido.  Though I only ask you tell me just how you feel about Callie before you do so.  If only so you can realize how such sounds once you have said the words.  I suppose in it's own way, the pursuit of romance might be easier if we did not respect eachother as we did.  There would be no consideration for the feelings of others in our efforts."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Wed 04 May 2011.

Dido pauses a moment and chuckles again. "Yeah... but then Callie wouldn't be interested in a guy who isn't considerate of others, now would she? We've seen she has mercy, but also that she feels strongly about crushing evil. Alright. Here goes: I love all of you, as Callie would say. But I am attracted to Callie. She's beautiful, willing and able to fight at my side, but most importantly her heart is in the right place. Am I in love with her? No. I would not marry her tomorrow. A crush? Definitely. How big? Enough to notice, I guess... I usually don't even think much on the matter."

He looks up at Terdisas. "Is that sufficient? If so, how do you feel, so I can accurately tell her if the need arises."

Callie says, "Because it's come to my attention that Dido may want to date me. I didn't want your heart to be broken by that, so I was checking your feelings first. But why won't you date or marry?"

Kitau skews her lips.

"I respect you too," she answers, "I won't be hurt at all if he likes you.  I'll date and marry when every last monster who could threaten my family or yours is destroyed.  That's why I say never."

  "I do believe your own words put my thoughts on the matter adequately.  Though, if I were to have any choice in the matter for who I would owe my life to, Callie would be my first choice anyway."  Short post is short.

Dido nods to Terdisas. "OK. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks." he heads for bed.

---

Callie nods to Kitau. "An understandable stance. Thanks. Let's get some sleep."

Sleep get. Dido will chat with Callie off panel some time the next day since they are both my characters.

The next morning, Mittens is already done breakfast and is entertaining a small crowd of townsfolk with a puppetshow of the heroes' exploits so far.  Kitau finds a spot reserved for her, seats herself, and begins to help herself to the piles of breakfast food on the table.

  Terdisas demands breakfast!... Okay so it was less demand and more ask nicely for service and receiving such. Mmmm, cooked meals.  "How come I never get to sleep? Tweet?"  "Because you do not need to, and it allows me to one up the paranoid phrase 'sleep with one eye open' with two eyes."  "Chirp, just because you make sense doesnt mean you make sense."

Dido joins the group and last of them is Callie. Dido raises an eyebrow at the puppet show, chuckles lightly, then eats. Callie snatches a snack and heads over to Mittens to aid in the puppet show while eating between breaks in any lines she might have. She's playing the part of Mittens and some of the enemies.

Mittens Puppet: "I am Snettim! I am merely *tolerating* your putrid existence, you snot-nosed young pup! I shall make you eat my toe-cheese if I am feeling generous!"

Sneaky Puppet: "Shesheshesh... I'll sneak up on them and... oh I have a great idea! I'll yell at the top of my lungs! BLAAAARG!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Thu 05 May 2011.

Kitau nods to the guys who join her for breakfast and smirks at the puppetshow.

Mittens of course makes sure to include the part where she blasted the screamers even though she was blinded.  But since her allies are awake, she abbreviates the rest of the story to hurry up and regroup.

"Mornin all!  Rest well, I trust?"

  Superbird WTF Cat stares at the puppet show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opGVNLImgw4 "chirp, Puppets Man... They creep me out." Terdisas chooses to ignore this statement and replies to Mittens, "I indeed have, I hope the night was sufficiently restful for all of you as well."

Dido nods. "I rested rather well." he smiles. Looking at Callie, then looking at Mittens, then back at Callie. "We ready to go on this trip?"

Callie says, "I'm ready when everyone else is. Though their bacon is so good, I think I'll wanna order enough to last us the trip and take it with."

Bacon strips as jerky... has anyone thought of that? If not, WHY?

Gannon snaps his fingers and POOF!  The group is now on their wagon headed back to Fallcrest.

"Wow!" Mittens says with a big smile, "What an adventure that was!  We saved the world and stuff!  Sorry puppets creep you out, Superbird.  Are stuffed animals better?  And yes, food good."

Kitau idly plays with her new toy.

  "Stuffed animals are inherently less creepy, unless we are talking taxidermy style. Tweet."  good answer bird.  Terdisas considers the road as it passes by,  "Hopefully whatever we come across next is not quite so worldshaking, though I suspect it will still at the very least fit your desire for Adventure Mittens."

Callie remembers how that gnome guy almost fell for her, but attacked anyway. "You remember that gnome guy we came across? Seemed like he was almost ready to be reasonable? And you remember how easily those goblins surrendered on the off chance they could live? Well maybe we'll get the hang of this enough to where we can actually avoid being hurt. Wouldn't that be nice?"

When the road gets bumpy, Callie starts going "Aaa-aaaa-aaa" so her voice gets bumped by the road. Because it's fun.

Dido says, "Yeah. Saving the world. I never knew I'd be helping with something like that so... soon."

To Callie's comments, Dido says, "That would be nice. Not likely, but nice."

He doesn't comment on creepy puppets/taxidermy animals.

"Tsh," Kitau snarks at the suggestion, looking a little more unhappy than before.

"What Dido said," Mittens says, "Though I wonder what our super group would be nick-named if we managed to save the world with diplomacy.  The Wordbearers?"

"But when words fail," Kitau grumbles, "Can we please skip past the headache of dragging prisoners back to town and just finish them off where we find them?"

Mittens begins conjuring a set of stuffed animals to snuggle.

  "If our having to beat most of them unconscious first is what counts as easily, I would not want to see difficult.  I would prefer if the execution outlook was handled on a case by case basis, but I am somewhat less than optimistic about further results beyond taking work away from hangmen."

  In a world designed primarily for standard Dungeon Crawl Tactics, when all the bodies you leave behind still live it can complicate matters.

Callie says, "I have an idea for that, Kitau. But it's going to need less bragging on Mittens' end. To know if someone is a true villain, we have to at least seem helpless enough that the enemy isn't afraid of us. So no more bragging. If we defeated a boss, we wait to see if more people attack us. If they do, then all is fair game. And Mittens can even brag after they attack."

Dido thinks about Callie's idea. "Intimidation doesn't seem to help as much mid-battle and those goblins did surrender without a fight when we scared them that bad. But waiting for people to attack us is putting us in danger and giving the enemy an advantage."

Callie says, "I'm up for ideas. I'll put on the table the two main things I'm trying to avoid: First: Us getting killed or permanently maimed. Second: Us having the death of an innocent on our conscious. I'm positive there isn't a single member of this group who would be fine with that if it ever happened."

Kitau nods and thumbs at Dido to indicate she agrees.

"Well of course none of us want your death on our consciouses, Callie," Mittens agrees, "You're about the only innocent I know, but I don't suppose you meant to limit 'death of an innocent' to just yourself.  That wording nitpick was intended as a slight tease but also to illustrate a bit of a point.  Namely that while every individual's life has value, that value is not the same from one person to the next... and sooner or later we're going to have to weigh those values in the balance.  As a matter of fact, we already have."

She shows off her plushie Kalarel to the group.

"The life of Kalarel for example, had value in it's being snuffed out: to serve as an example that villains get punished by good-guys.  Or by their spiteful undead demon lord masters depending on how you want to look at it.

"Now suppose we had one healing potion between us and both Callie and Myself were dying.  It would make more sense to revive Callie because she could then revive me.  Under such a time crunch, my life would be less valuable than hers.

"Now suppose Kalarel had taken one of his hobgoblin soldiers as a hostage and threatened to kill it if we took another step closer.  The wise choice would be to attack Kalarel anyway because the life of a villain's minion isn't worth risking a zombie apocalypse.

"But suppose he had me hostage?  I would of course insist you attack.  My life is not worth risking zombie apocalypse.  Suppose he held the entire village of Winterhaven hostage?  I'd still say attack.  Even their collective lives don't add up to the threat we faced.  Relatively easy choice there considering they'd all wind up dead anyway if we surrendered.  But still a choice that winds up with the death of innocents on your conscious.

"So if you don't want to ever have the blood of innocents on your hands, you may as well seek another occupation right now because sooner or later some hard choices will have to be made.  Heck even healers who never see combat have to make those kinds of choices.  Kitau's request for expedience is just the very tip of that iceberg.  I've already made up my mind that if faced with such difficult choices I'll lean on the side of feeling guilty about killing a person who didn't deserve it rather than the side of feeling guilty about allowing a god of undeath to go on a rampage.  But that's just me.

"So yeah.  Important that we plan ahead on where we as a group will draw the line."

  "All good points Mittens.  However, one of the recurring problems in this sort of moral planning is that there is no planning for it.  It is easier to claim to never slay any foe, or to kill all who cross our path with hostility because it takes any choice out of things.  There is little to deny that every one of us felt Kalarel deserved to die.  However, if even those willing aiding one such as him cause such uncertainty in some, there is no reasonable way to claim or plan who lives and who dies before events force us to make those decisions."

Callie is careful not to take an upset tone, calms herself and in a pleasant tone says, "The examples you gave, while understandable, are all extreme examples of what we all would find obvious choices. I'm talking about one day we get told there is a bandit encampment that has been ambushing people and stealing their stuff. We are hired to go kill them or stop them. We go, and due to making up our minds to kill everything in sight, slaughter an entire village of people, men women and children who were living in the woods. Then find out that those weren't even the bandits causing problems. Instead, we just slew a village of people who were trying to found a new village. Yes, heroes have to take the responsibility, but if your idea of heroism is to kill everything in your path, then where do you stop killing and where do you start? Why didn't we kill everyone in the town of Winterhaven? Is it because they have money and can pay us? Or is it because they are human instead of goblin? Is it because they were living outdoors instead of in an underground dungeon? My point is that I'm not saying we shouldn't kill at all. If I was saying that, I would have left this party already. I'm saying we shouldn't kill willy-nilly. Self-defense, understandable. Even I wouldn't feel too guilty if I killed someone who attacked me, innocent mistake or no."

(Callie's Bluff score: 9. If I can take-ten, that's 19. Bluffing that she isn't angry more or less.)

Dido says, "None of us here need to become Sir Keegan. So if I'm to take this right, Callie is simply suggesting we figure out where the line is drawn and then draw it. Which is what Mittens said anyway."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Fri 13 May 2011.

(( Kitau passive insight: 11.  Mits passive insight: 19 ))

"Allow me a moment to think," Mittens requests, conjuring a bubble pipe and smoking it.

Kitau is convinced that Callie isn't upset.  Which confuses the heck out of her.  He jaw-drops and puts on a skeptical look.  ( http://hellinahandbasket.net/w...by-looks-askance.jpg )

"First and foremost it's important to mention how important the topic is," Mittens begins, "Very emotionally charged and our very lives may hang in the balance.  Let me start by saying that I agree with what's being said, and clearly none of us here wants to kill absolutely everything we encounter.  And as Callie points out, killing absolutely nothing we come across isn't sensible either.  Good example, by the way.  Here's another example:

"Hero group comes upon a band of heavily armed goblins who have several humans tied up, naked, and beaten near to death nearby.  Hero group ambushes and slays the obviously evil goblins.  As it turns out the humans were slavers that had been kidnapping people of all sorts and the band of goblins were heroes who captured them alive.

She huggles a goblin plushie and a Sir Keegan plushie.

"As for willing allies of zombie cults, I don't think Sir Keegan was exactly willing when he attacked his family.  Most likely mind control.  So we can't even assume 'zombie bad' and kill on sight, much less 'goblin bad.'  Can't even assume 'armed human killing everything in his path is doing so willingly.'  Hence my readily accepting our rule of 'Don't kill if it can be helped.'  Heck I'd made up my mind to go by that rule before I met you guys anyhow 'cause I've heard many a story about heroes being fooled or forced into evil acts.

"So far I think we're all in agreement about that rule as a good rule.  It's the 'when it can't be helped' part that I was focusing on.  Granted, I don't think that's what Kitau was getting at.  I think her concern is our letting a Kalarel level villain go free because he just so happens to be cunning enough to tell a believable lie.  That fat goblin was no Kalarel, but he at least managed to buy himself some time with his lie.  It took time for law enforcement to extract the truth from him and his band of goblins.  Time where there was a risk of a villain escaping.  Am I guessing right that that's your concern, Kitau?"

Kitau sighs and nods.

"I think we made the right choice.  Capture and let law enforcement sort 'em out.  It was worth the risk of an escaping villain."

Kitau frowns and folds her arms.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Sat 14 May 2011.

  "In the most recent case, the Keep was relatively close to an established and fortified town.  Even discounting that, the total amount of prisoners in the end was rather small for a keep.  Now, we are going deep into the mountains to a ancient city of unknown size and composition.  There comes a point where taking prisoners or leaving living behind intent on escorting them out later becomes beyond viability.  So if we face someone not worth killing they may as well be turned loose at that point.  Although, beings intent on murdering us even after we literally beat sense into them in a hostile ancient city will most likely be worth killing.  I have little doubt we would have struck Keegan down had he not listened to reason, fallen paladin or not."  They guy did have a stat block after all.

  "Chirp, maybe if we ask them very nicely they will wait for us?"

Callie says, "Sounds like we have a general consensus. Namely common sense. If someone attacks us, we kick their butt. We ask them to give us one good reason to spare their lives. They don't, we kill and move on. They do, we figure it out from there."

She glances at Kitau. Then asks, "Why so bothered by this?"

Dido is silent.

Kitau thumbs at Terdisas.

"Not enough rope to tie up a city," Kitau says.

She glares at Dido but decides against saying any more.

Mittens rubs her chin.

"Releasing enemies that say, 'spare me, I'm not a badguy,' isn't very practical," she says, "I wonder if leg-breaking would be an acceptable insurance for making sure the more cunning enemies we face wait for us.  As for baiting them into showing that they're villains on the fly, I've got a spell for that."

She handwaves and an image of a princess appears on the road.

"I'm a helpless rich woman," it says, "Please don't kill me for my gold."

  Terdisas notes that the biggest glare Kitau gave Dido was when Dido didn't say anything at all.  "Hmm, perhaps a bit too obvious.  Even for the sort we have run into so far."  Terdisas is somewhat more worried about running into 'not evil, we're good honest' people who still maintain a 'Attack trespassers on sight' policy then get all pissy if you manage to fend them off.

Dido looks back at Kitau, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Meanwhile, Callie listens to and watches Mittens. "Sounds good." She gazes at Mittens with a sad smile. "Wish I could do that. Playing dress-up would be so much easier..."

"You think I'm weak," Kitau answers Dido.

Mittens smirks at Callie and makes a Callie plushie who's wearing wizard robes then offers it over to her.  She pretends like she's not paying attention to the Kitau / Dido conversation.

"You got plenty I wish I had, Callie," she answers, "I suppose it evens out."

She glances at Terdisas.

"I hadn't intended to use that specific script.  Just words to that effect.  Convincing bluffs aren't my expertise.  Any suggestions?"

  Terdisas comments "Perhaps not overtly stating the helplessness and riches.  Not to mention where we are going, the more clever sorts might wonder how someone like that even got to the city ruins in the first place if they were so helpless."

  He considers Callie's hopes for magical accessorizing, and says "I do believe there are gloves that allow a one to utilize a good portion of Cantrips.  However, the price range for such is one I am not quite ready to take advantage of."  Now, maybe once Terdisas has Staff Fighting and Dual Implement casting in another half dozen levels, he'll get those instead of Gauntlets of Blooooooood.  Or, he might wishy washy get them sooner.  Same price as Gauntlets Of Blooooood.

Dido gives that "can you believe this person?" chuckle when Kitau says what she says. "What in the world gave you that idea?" he says with honest confusion in his voice.

Callie ooos as Ter mentions special gloves. "Sounds nice, Terdisas. I'll keep that in mind..." She hugs the plushie and smiles up at Mittens, rubbing her cheek against the plushie. "I have things you wish you had? Like what?"

"'Evil is the path for the weak,' you said," Kitau answers, "'Killing someone because you hate them.'  'Gentleness takes strength.'  Is it a good idea to spare goblins who tried to kill us?  No.  It's not.  Not for a second."

"Mountains of charm for starters," Mittens answers Callie, glance-glancing at Kitau, "I'm thinking the there may be a misunderstanding over the use of the word 'weak.'"

  "I am fairly certain that even in the short time I came to know him, I hated Kalarel.  Of course, broad sweeping generalizations tend to make for better speeches.  Matters of diplomacy can be time consuming enough as it is, imagine if such required you to verbalize every nuance meant or clarify those not intended?  Fortunately, the resident lord did not pick up on it finer details as you had Kitau.  Imagine if they took their decision to hang the goblins to mean Dido was insulting him?"

  If Terdisas were the sort to ever shapeshift... or able to shapeshift into small shapes... He might offer to pose for outfits Callie might like as Callie.  But he's not, so you know get the mental image.

  Theoretical Terdisas makes you look good.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:30, Sun 15 May 2011.

Dido nods in agreement as Kitau speaks. "...yeah? Where in there do I say you are weak? I said evil is. You aren't evil, are you?" the last part said in a confused, half-joking manner.

Callie says, "Maybe the disconnect is that since you said killing for hate is evil, Kitau believes you are calling her evil?"

Dido says, "Well if that's the case, I apologize for the miscommunication. What I meant was that hate alone is no reason for killing. Anyone can hate for any reason. The reason behind that hate is not only more important, but can mean the difference between justice and evil. Callie, am I right in assuming you hated Kalarel, but not the goblins?"

Callie says, "...it takes a lot for me to hate someone. So yes. I hated Kalarel, but not the goblins."

Dido says, "But hate or no, you asked for justice, regardless of your desire for mercy. So it was not hatred that drove you to kill, but a desire for good to be done."

He looks at Kitau. "If hate alone drives you, with no purpose behind the hate, then that is a dangerous path."

Kitau grunts a hmm, and folds her arms.

"I have reason.  Apology accepted."

"Well glad that's cleared up," Mittens chimes, "But it brings up an an example of an important topic.  As Terdisas pointed out, Pedraig could have taken our hero stance as insulting.  Let's take the word 'evil' for example.  Depending on which dictionary you read or even which of the 4 to 8 definitions in a single dictionary you're reading, 'evil' could mean anything from 'Profoundly immoral and malevolent' to 'unpleasant, such as an evil smell.'

"Hence my wanting to hammer out what we each are willing to accept as 'moral' behavior from one another before our next adventure.  Death cults and zombie apocalypses are kinda easy when it comes to judging the right thing to do, and even then we wound up with some misunderstanding.  Next up we'll be fighting suspected kidnappers.  Potentially a city's worth of bandits.  What if it turns out that all but one of the citizens are 'Profoundly immoral and malevolent.'  Would we be justified in torching the city?  What if that's seen as an act of war?  We need to have a clear line drawn.  And to get to that point, we need be on the same page as to what words mean.  Terdisas might be right about drawing a clear line being impossible if we have difficulty with that first step."

  No Luke, you must murder people in half with a pleasant happy mindset.  Doing the exact same thing with a mean spirited one liner is the path of the Renegade Darkside.

  Teridisas thinks lighting prisoners on fire just so they can't see someone have an emotional breakdown is in 'what the hells is wrong with you, you sick *censored*?' territory.  Not that he's going to say this.

  "I would be rather amazed if we could put a whole stonework city to the torch just by ourselves, though once more broad sweeping generalizations make for better examples.  Although as it is, 'invading' a city and doing as we please in itself could easily be considered an act of war by sensitive enough politicians who will blame the most convenient target.  Even if we have no relation.  No matter how just our intentions and actions, the fact will always remain we go where we are not desired and make people bend to our demands, often by force."

  "Tweet, Maybe it would be easier to stop talking about the moral complexities of good and evil and instead focus on not being assholes?  That's much easier to judge and you people seem to have the hang of that already, chirp."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Tue 17 May 2011.

Dido says, "Unfortunately, the things that come up will have to come up as they happen. There are so many things people believe in that a couple who have been married for 50 years still have stuff to learn about each other. A great example is Aecris. You guys wanted to give the sword to Kitau. But to me, it represented marred, mocked faith in my god. I had as much obligation to that sword as you might have to family. It was no mere tool, it was a symbol. I wouldn't know to tell you stuff like that since I didn't even know such a sword existed or even that such a person like Sir Keegan, forced to kill his own family in the name of the Platinum Dragon, could have existed."

Dido laces his hands behind his head. "So I guess it boils down to basics. What are my priorities? What are yours? I put my family and faith at the same priority. Because I love my gods, I love my family. Because I love my family, I love my gods. That's symbiotic. But after them comes friends. Then the people I am sworn to protect. Then maybe myself." he nods. "The lives of enemies falls very low on my priority list. But, as I just stated, those I'm sworn to protect are higher on my priorities than myself. To ask me to kill someone without knowing they are a villain would be similar to asking me to kill myself. But as Callie said, some will be guilty by association. I think Superbird said it right. Don't be a jerk."

Callie says, "My priorities are different. Love first. Then Sehanine. Then Mercy. Then my friends. Then myself. Then the people around me. Or thereabouts. While my enemies may take low priority like most people's priorities, mercy is more important to me than most things. However, love supersedes that. If my enemies will not turn from evil, then my mercy moves aside in favor of my love for allies and innocents. I give people a chance, but I have no problem killing those who will not turn from evil."

She looks up at Mittens. "I thought for sure most, if not all people define evil as morally wrong. Although I know it's hard to get even 2 people in the same room to agree on what is moral and what isn't."

Kitau frowns and remains quiet, staring into the distance.  Mittens nod-nods as she listens and smokes her bubble pipe.

"Good points all," Mits says, "My own priorities consist of 'Be a storybook hero' followed by 'Be a storybook hero.'  So my values are based on the stuff heroes do in storybooks.  Which sadly isn't good enough to not be considered an anus by some.  So since we're all giving up on the idea of coming to an agreement ahead of time, I take it we're all wanting to jump right into the 'How to resolve disagreements in a timely manner that doesn't get us killed?'

"Dido.  You said that sword was very important to you.  It was less important to us that Kitau swing it.  But suppose it was.  What if we made as big a fuss over it as you did?

"Callie.  You said mercy matters more to you than friends.  Are you willing to alienate your friends in favor of letting a villain off the hook?  Or maybe I'm misunderstanding what you mean by mercy.

"How are we going to resolve cases where Kitau and I say 'kill the bastard' Dido and Callie say, 'Don't kill the bastard,' and Terdisas says, 'Don't look at me to be the tie breaker.'  Sit an argue our cases while precious moments tick by that could mean people get hurt?"

  "Somehow, I doubt even if I did act as a tiebreaker it would matter.  It would be a decision of life and death after all.  I can't even convince you not to light prisoners ablaze, so what hope do I have to make you spare their lives?  Though out of curiosity, which particular story was it that had such actions taken Mittens?  There are many stories of Heroes, not all pleasant as you yourself have pointed out."  Some days, having a jacked up Social skill set is useless.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Wed 18 May 2011.

Dido waits his turn to answer Mittens. When an opening comes up, he says, "If you bunch had fussed about the sword, I would likely have given in. But that is hardly a fair question, considering that even I wouldn't care if you all were villains, so long as you were willing to help me stop a zombie apocalypse. Nobody but the most ridiculously lost and those who don't have survival instincts, really had a choice but to stop the rift from being opened. Given a different situation, like we were simply there to find clues about why the water in a town was poisoned for instance, I would likely waste time arguing with you over it and, if need be, challenge you to a fight for it." Even as he says this, his hand caresses the grip of his hammer. "Where innocent people's lives are at stake, my priority is for the lives of the people. Which, I would hope, is the priority of everyone on this team."

Callie takes a calm look with a light smile and says, "I have been bending to the will of the group, compromising, and listening to concerns. But we agreed a long time ago that I am the leader. There is good reason for that. If there is a final say and everyone agrees there is a final say, then time won't be wasted when the leader commands something. I will take the responsibility of my decisions, be they good ones or bad ones. So if things *start* to get out of hand, I will make a decision. Don't forget, though, we're all learning."

"Ruh roh," Mittens says, glancing at Terdisas.

She glances at Dido.

"Ruh roh again."

She glances at Callie.

"Ruh roh a third time."

Kitau looks annoyed, but what else is new?

"OK.  Lots of ground to cover.  Terdisas.  I apologize if I gave the impression that I would not have stopped burninating the prisoners had you not stepped aside.  I had thought at the time that your stepping aside meant you agreed with my reasoning and consented to my continuing with the KO business.  Had you not stepped aside, or said something like, 'I'm not convinced, stop doing that,' I would not have continued.  I would have stopped.  Your opinion matters to me more than the lives of those goblins I was trying to keep alive.

"As for a storybook precedent, there's tonns of stories where a hero had to knock someone out to keep them from doing something suicidal.  Sir Jandal and the dark cauldron comes to mind.  To me, those goblins were the type to provoke Kitau... and get themselves killed.  So I knocked them out to keep them from doing that.  Again, sorry if I gave the wrong impression.

"Dido...  I would love to spar you in a friendly challenge, but I would not fight you over something like that.  That you'd be willing to fight your allies over a magic item is troubling.  Maybe it'd help you to know that my decision to hand the sword over to Kitau was based on my priorities for people's lives.

"Specifically your life.  Kitau doesn't use a shield.  You do.  You had to remove your shield to use that sword.  You got hurt more with that sword than with your hammer and shield.  By allowing you to swing that thing around rather than keep your shield, we all agreed to let you put your life at greater risk.  Consequently put our lives at greater risks.  Consequently put the entire world at greater risk.  And for what?  Sentiment?  If I had more time to think about it back then, I mighta argued the point more.  Glad we came out of all that alive...  but if you'd died down there I'd have never forgiven myself for giving in to your demands.

"Callie...  That's generous of you to offer to bear the burden of living with the regret and self-doubt of making all the life-or-death difficult moral choices for the group, but that's the very thing we were trying to avoid.  It's troubling that you seem to be implying that you've already had to betray your principals.  Hence my wanting to talk this stuff out.

"Maybe instead of focusing on the 'what ifs' of what might happen, we should focus on 'what did happen already.'  I'm willing to go first.  What has Mittens already done that bothers people?  Maybe this way we can get some insight into how Mittens can not do stuff that bothers you in the future."

  In complete hindsight, the longsword was a terrible idea to use for BOTH Kitau and Dido.  But Icly it's a better logical step to assume 'shield better than no shield' compared to 'one holy sword > or < Non-Holy weapons vs Zombies?'

  Really, the best one to use it would have been Callie.  Had she not had a <Metal>Bastard Sword!</metal>  "While I am admittedly not above brutal means to get results, it would be to get tangible results towards meeting a greater goal."  And with as little witnesses that would object or tattle on him as possible.

  "There was no danger to those prisoners from Kitau, no matter how great her rage.  Not unless her rage alone gives her the strength to tear a cage apart with her bare hands."  Maybe at higher levels, but definitely not now.  "Even without that so called risk, the only reason we got away with that in any sense is simply because nobody cares about Goblins.  Would the same actions have been taken if they were Human prisoners?  Gnomes?  If so, even when slated for execution can one really expect such actions to be taken as well?  Protecting our reputation through our actions as 'Storybook Heroes' can be important as well.  Even if we get the job done regardless, many will be more willing to divulge information and make exceptions for us if we appear to be noble and selfless Heroes, rather than a brutal band of mercenaries.  Regardless of which we really are."

  "Tweet, and if they are the kind who think Noble heroes are weak gullible fools, it will surprise them a whole lot more when we show off the brutality when they try to take advantage of us.  Kitau can chop of a lot more heads in a fight if they don't expect her to, chirp."

  "As for 'problems' with Mittens, that would be the only standout issue that comes to mind without digging through my memories for some offense.  Though I ask Mitten's own question in regards to myself."

Dido listens to Tedisas and nods. He maintains a serious, professional tone. "Terdisas' point is why I was concerned about the burning prisoners. It was outside of legal bounds and the last thing we need is a reputation of being law breakers. As for the sword, the fact you had noble intentions in mind, while assuring, does not sway how I would react under a situation where I actually had a choice. As it is, I don't appreciate you belittling the significance of what that sword stood for to me by insinuating it was just a magic item. But unless you have family or someone equally dear to you, I don't suppose I can explain to you what it means to me in a way you'd understand. But concerning shields? The Platinum Dragon is my shield. I feel that by taking that sword, I was taking up his cause. And by taking up his cause, I would be all the more protected by my god to restore honor to his name. No mere slab of metal is going to make me better protected than the god of metal."

Irony: While mechanics show his defenses were literally lower, what he's talking about is how plot/dice will supposedly work in his favor due to being obedient to his god.

Callie meeps and says, "I... I apologize. I should have taken the time to show you support, Terdisas. I should have ordered no actions taken on the goblins. But I felt trapped at the time."

She looks over at Dido. Then to Mittens. "So for Terdisas, Dido and I, harming prisoners who are in someone else's custody is a bad idea. Sounds like Dido's main sticking point is your difference of opinion concerning the sword. As for me, I'll wait my turn so we can focus on one person at a time. Can we agree that once prisoners are no longer in our custody and are in the custody of officials of the law, they are not ours to do with as we see fit? That seems simple enough to agree on. Obviously, every rule has exceptions, but we'll discuss those when we get that far."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Fri 20 May 2011.

"Tsh," Kitau scoffs, "Like a cage could keep me from impaling those vermin with my javelin.  If they'd said anything, I would have.  I wish the wizard had let them try.

"I thought she was the only one here who isn't a bleeding heart monster lover, but then she goes and tries to defend them.  At least she made them scream in the process.  Mittens wants to know what I don't like about her?  She's too flippin silly!  It's embarrassing just to hear her name much less say it."

She glares at Mittens, Callie, Dido, then Terdisas.

"To compare goblins to gnomes is an insult.  I don't believe in their gods, but I wouldn't compare Dido's god to that white dragon we killed.  Or even compare you to Kalarel, and you're the same kind."

Or so she thinks.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Fri 20 May 2011.

Mittens promptly hides the bubble pipe behind her back and puts on an innocent look.  A halo appears over her head.  She waves at it to make it go poof.

"Ahem.  Yes.  Hmm.  Well.  Very... interesting.  Yes.  I see your points.  At least... I think I do.  Burning prisoners bad.  Even according to Kitau.  Will refrain from such in the future.  Apologies.  Not your fault, Callie."

  Terdisas is less familiar with the exact working of berserker fury, but he suspects 'flailing about like star wars kid amidst an emotional breakdown' does not do wonders for your aim.  "The fact comparing Gnomes to Goblins is considered such an insulting stretch is exactly my point, in general it is an insulting stretch.  Treating Gnomes or Humans in such a manner would likely never have crossed Mitten's mind, or at the very least be put to action in the first place.  As well as much less likely to have been brushed off by the local authorities.  Although, due to the more common occurrence of larger societies, Humans and Elves and any of the more greatly established races are much more easily capable of greater atrocities any Goblin could accomplish.  Purely by virtue of what they have to work with, or to tear down from the inside.  I need only turn attention towards my homeland, how easily would you believe it if you heard that Goblins had established anything like the Cowled Wizards?"

  The Cowled Wizards of the Amn region, basically being Mutant Registration style organization in regards to Magic users.  In a city already known for it's corrupt wealthy merchant politics shenanigans.

Callie and Dido stare at Kitau in amazement. Callie smiles, Dido gives Kitau the same weirded-out look she gave him not too long ago. Callie says, "Good that we're all speaking our minds without saying anything... too mean. Mittens... IS that your real name? If not, do you trust us with your real name?"

Dido is silent, feeling his point was made well enough.

Kitau eyes Terdisas in disgust, entirely missing his point and thinking he completely missed hers.  She hardens her face, so when her gaze turns to Dido and Callie it looks like she's gone back to her typical grumpy attitude.

"My birth name is of no consequence," Mittens says, waving her hand dismissively, "I get the feeling that even if I could remember it, I wouldn't admit to it.  I've long been torn about the silly name I've chosen for myself.  It fills me with endless amusement that villains are forced to say something silly like, 'Curse you, Mittens!'

"But I lose any intimidation edge I may have had with a more impressive sounding name, and getting royalty to respect me enough to trust me with quests was going to be quite the challenge.  I never intended to annoy allies with my name.  I'll glady go by a different, less silly name from now on if it helps."

Kitau raises an eyebrow in some surprise.

  Superbird gets over his shock, and says "Chirp, I'm not crazy and she said multiple sentences, right?"  Terdisas Ignores his familiar.  "You need not change your name for any but yourself Mittens.  It is the name you have chosen for yourself, it represents who you are and who you desire to be.  Never let any claim otherwise." Oh my, Serious Face is Serious.

Dido says, "Terdisas is right. If Kitau has a problem with your name, she can make her own nickname for you that represents who you are." Suggesting "Wizcat" is not something that passes Dido's mind.

Callie says, "How about, before we move on to dislikes of another person, saying what we like about Mittens? I think each person should receive positive feedback after criticism."

Grumpy Kitau is grumpy.

"Having multiple names is relatively common among the mighty," Mittens points out, "And Kitau is simply helping me make up my mind.  So no worries about the new name pick.  Really the biggest hurdle is in the picking itself.  I'm tempted to borrow some from Superbird's name, but I wouldn't want him to think me a name thief.  And no, you're not going crazy.

"As for the positive feedback, I wonder if I'll handle that as well as I did criticism.  Please be gentle."

  Countless Darkthornes cringe in horror at the concept of compliments.

  "Mittens <primordial>Death Metal Explosion Termination</primordial> does have a certain ring to it, tweet"  "I supposed the simple things such as how you are far more willing to risk direct personal injury aiding us than I am is a gentle starting point?"

  Terdisas tactics: It says Range 10, that means you should stay at least 10 tiles away from the enemy right?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:27, Fri 20 May 2011.

Dido says, "I don't understand why commendations would be harder to take than criticism, so I don't know how I can be "gentle" about it. My positive feedback for Mittens is that she is crazy like a fox. Keeping a level head at all times, her silliness is merely a guise to lull the enemy into a false sense of security. And then... then when she mocks the enemy? Her jeers are enhanced by the fact the enemy is more or less being humbled by a clown. But yes... it's your level-headedness and your desire to keep going that I admire, Mittens."

Callie says, "I like those same things Dido mentioned. Along those lines, I like how you seek to understand those around you for better communication. But for something different, small, yet still part of who you are, I like how you use your powers. You're very creative with them. Especially your cantrips."

Prestidigitation. Easily one of Tim's "Top 10 powers of DnD" list. It is so fun, who cares it doesn't do damage?

"What they said," Kitau agrees, still grumpy.

"Aw shucks," Mittens answers bashfully, "You're embarrassing me.  Me?  Brave?  Level-headed?  Understanding?  You guys.  Such flatterers!

"Ok enough about me.  Who's next?  Terdisas?"

http://images.icanhascheezburg...8602809672857523.jpg
This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Fri 20 May 2011.

  Terdisas eyes the coincidental timing regarding 'Terdisas gets compliments next?', and the fact his turn follows directly after that in the pose order.  "Tweet, he has wonderful taste in Familiars if I do say so myself."  "My, how selfless of you."  "I know, right? Chirp"

  Well, that's one way to kill post time.

Dido says, "Don't forget... criticism first. And in the case of Terdisas, it's hard for me to think of anything. No offense, ladies, but being the only other guy in the group, Terdisas makes me a little more at ease. Certainly helps that he has a laid back personality. Oh right... supposed to criticize first. Um..."

He looks over and up at Terdisas with an honestly confused look on his face and a shrug. "I guess that, as much as I admire your humility, Terdisas, it did take having this conversation to pull out of you the fact the prisoner burning upset you. I fully understand being afraid of upsetting allies. But on the other hand, sometimes people need to be offended, or even just told they are being offensive, so they can grow. I may insist I won't sway on the point of holy relics, but I know I have a lot of growing to do myself."

He nods, as if satisfied that was a criticism. "As for what I admire about you, aside from your easy-going nature, is that your humility and constant praise of the other team members is inspiring. Often, you have said things about Kitau or Callie or Mittens that inspire *me* even though the comment may not have been about me. It's appreciated, Terdisas."

Callie considers. "I'm going to take the Kitau approach and just say Dido speaks what I feel." she gives Terdisas a wink. "But I do hope you will be more open with your thoughts in the future. We all have to hold back some, but as your friends, we don't want you to feel disassociated or alone."

"I'll include Superbird with my Terdisas bit," Mittens says, "Never got an answer as to why Superbird keeps changing shape.  Or even how.  I'm not familiar with that familiar feature.  In fact, most familars aren't understood by anyone but their master.  Or so I've read.

"As for Terdisas... I guess there's two things.  One, that I don't understand his motivation.  Why go on potentially deadly adventure now that the zombie apocalypse has been dealt with?  That one was kindofa do-or-die situation.  I mean... with all his talk about wanting to avoid personal injury, I'd think he'd want to be dropped off in Fallcrest and pursue less dangerous professions.

"Two is probably one of those things where I'll likely look bad bringing it up, but since we're all about openness I'll mention the one thing that actually bothers me.  Namely that he uses swear words.  Ok bracing for retaliation now."

Mittens braces for retaliation.  Kitau rolls her eyes.

"Some things are best left unsaid," she says.

  Superbird has been using the Shiny Falcon look since he first used it in the middle of the Keep.  "Chirp, because I'm squawking awesome duh."  It's true, Parrot familiar is awesome, and so is Superbird.  "To the 'how does he talk and alter appearance', I unfortunately have the unhelpful answer of 'Sorcerer, I do not know how half of what I do works.  It just does'."  Rather similar to explanation of most magic and divine power and martial holy crap moves and primal sources and you get the idea.

  "As for my motivations, there was no known threat to the realm as a whole when I first joined you if you will recall, merely the search for a missing husband.  My desire to avoid personal injury I can not accept as strange, beyond it seeming strange to those who feel cutting themselves is a proper and wholesome way to pass the time.  I am pretty much exiled from my home because of what I am on pain of imprisonment or worse and there is not a lot of fast pickup work for an ex merchant house son that shoots lightning.  Not the most altruistic or enthusiastic of starts, but not being wholly selfless does not make one unsuited for he job."

  He pauses to consider the more complicated question,  "While I suppose I could lighten my language, it really depends on what you consider swear words.  To my knowledge I do not make it a habit to use the frowned upon synonyms for excrement and procreation."

Dido says, "I'm ready for my turn, if you all feel like criticizing me only to butter me up."

Callie giggles from Dido, going to pet Terdisas' arm. "I hope you don't feel like any of us think less of you for that."

She then looks at Dido and giggles again. "You're a little too serious at times. Sometimes I think you're just trying to compensate for Mittens or something. But unlike most people who tend to be too serious, you seem to allow yourself humor and room for fun. I guess I'd like to see your fun-loving side more."

How does Magic work? Easy! Like this!
(Got to the 3:00 mark: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...&feature=related )

Grumpy Kitau is grumpy.

"I did not intend to imply that your healthy respect for your own well-being was in any way a bad thing, Terdisas," Mittens says, "Just that you were a bit of an enigma.  Most folks with self-preservation instincts wouldn't choose a life of adventure over even the lowest paying jobs.

"As far as what I consider swear words, I appreciate the lack of the two words you mentioned.  I'll show you what I was talking about."

She opens her book of her adventures so far and shows him the following passage:



"My objection right now to Dido is that he skipped past the part where I compliment Terdisas.  Terdisas?  You're awesome.  You zap badguys with magic quite well.  And without putting allies at risk.  And without losing your head over the danger involved.  And you're ever willing to be helpful one way or another.  And all the stuff that Dido mentioned.  Thanks for the support.

"As for Dido...  I object to the being made to feel less valuable to him than a zombie's sword.  Holy relic or no.  And I've always facepalmed at any notion of 'my faith is my armor.'  Faithfullness and courage is one thing.  But discarding common sense is another.  Do you think the Platinum Dragon would praise you for stripping naked before battle?  How about mortals?  Would they respect your god more?  I for one would not."

"This is stupid," Kitau says, "You should all just shut up now."

   Ah, of course.  Terdisas had dared to swear at all, as opposed to having a filthy mouth with disturbing frequency.  How horrible of him. At least Mitten's was kind enough not to mention he had less than dignifiedly bonked his head against a nearby wall in frustration as well.

  Terdisas /e Fancybow at the compliments segment.  "Tweet, a Scroll of Disenchant Magic Item, and a fancy enough magical doodad, and you'd have enough money to buy where we just left and have change.  Also, you're just saying that because you have no idea what to say, chirp."  This last bit in regards to Kitau.

  The sorcerer comments "Though my familiar may have been joking about such things, I am going to go ahead and say Mittens's outlook on not backing up your faith with as much hard steel as possible fits my own.  I have already stated my opinions on the sword itself back in the keep."   He trails off, looking to Kitau.  "I do not suppose I can point out some of Dido's finer points before I shut up?  If it bothers you this much merely to speak of such things, I think we could arrange to drop the subject." Before they inevitably got to Kitau.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Sat 21 May 2011.

Dido looks over at Kitau. Then looks at Mittens. Then looks at Callie.

Callie looks at Kitau, waiting to see if she is going to answer Terdisas. Or if Mittens will ask why. Or whatever.

Kitau glares at Superbird for his assertion.  She isn't surprised that Terdisas continued on, but is surprised that Callie and Dido didn't.  Awkward silence.

"Ahem..."

Mittens pauses to make sure she's not provoking Kitau just by saying that much.

"Right.  So....  Positive comments only, then?"

Kitau nods.

"I see.  Hmm...  Well...  Terdisas?  You were going to say about Dido's finer points?"

  Terdisas nods, though still looks to Kitau for any signs of upset...er.  Upseter (is that even a word?) then before.  "Dido, as does Callie, bring to mind the thoughts of all he good things you hear about regarding a devout servant of the more benevolent Gods.  Then you find such things heard are in fact true."  Which is a whole lot better than finding out the 'Lawful Jerkass' stereotype is true.  Nope, We're working with Quest For Glory Style Goodness here (Well, aside from being powered by a Divine Power-Up ritual or Regularly issued Divine recharges as opposed to just being all kinds of awesome).

  OOC Style: Hologram Drives in the first episode ever? OMG my universe has been flipped like a pancake!  Then I remembered Holograms are Hound's gimmick, but still.  Also, Soundwave the door was right there you could have walked in, geez.  I thought you were supposed to be the smart one.

Dido suspects Kitau was likely criticizing herself, imagining the things her allies might say negative about her. "Thanks, Terdisas. I appreciate that. Mittens, if you want resolution, we'll have to talk about it another time since it bothers Kitau. However, I am curious if you had anything positive to say about me." On the one hand, she complains that Dido skipped Mittens complimenting Terdisas. Then the next moment, when she could have finished her thought on Dido, she left it at just the bad parts.

Callie is silent for now, quietly feeling it unfair to the others that nobody had the chance to tell her things she did or said to bother them.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Mon 23 May 2011.

"Yes!" Mittens chimes as if snapped out of some reverie, "Yes, of course!  Lots of good things!  You're brave, tough, polite, patient, etc., etc.  What Terdisas said.  All those nice things people say of devout servants of the good-guy gods.  And sure.  We can chat another time if you like."

Kitau rolls her eyes at that last bit.

  It was probably of at least some small help, that there was nothing bad to say about Callie in the first place, so there.

  Also, alas as Terdisas is not a High STR character (-STR, even) he could not even lift Kitau to give her a surprise piggyback ride, Let alone walk very slowly while doing so.  Which is a shame because it is a scientifically, Religiously, Primaly, and Arcanely proven fact that giving Small sized people Piggyback rides is guaranteed to improve their mood.

  "Beyond a silence or more casual forms of conversation, is there a subject you desire us to speak up Kitau?  While it seems clear we will be of no help in regards to your preferred degree of Justice, I would like to think we could be of some help to you in other areas."

Kitau pfffs as she ponders how best to answer Terdisas' question.

"Kalarel is defeated," Kitau answers, "That's what matters.  We defeated him.  Not Padraig or his guards or anybody else.  But nobody's complaining about them.  In one day, we did more to protect this world than the all of Fallcrest and Winterhaven combined in their entire lifetimes.  I'd say we're entitled to a few annoying quirks.  So what if Terdisas cussed?  Or Mittens knocked out a few goblins?  Or Dido used a sword?  Gods.  There's no need to be making a mountain of garbage out of a molehill.  If something's so important you're gunna fall apart over it, you can say so to the person in private.  Other than that, there's no need to be complaining.  Gods forbid that we should ever have to put up with someone who isn't a history-changing hero."

She folds her arms as if to say, "I rest my case."

Mits nods, rubbing her chin.

"Good point.  So no more bringing up tiny annoyances in public.  Private only.  Makes sense.  For what it's worth, I only brought up the topic because I thought that the more sensitive members of the group were just barely able to handle what we've been through so far and might fall apart in the middle of this next adventure.  Group cohesion is more important to survival than any shield or bit of armor.  I was worried for everyone's safety.  But I think your approach to group cohesion is probably much better."

Kitau watches Mittens through halfway closed eyes.

Callie says, "Kitau is right. We worked together fine. And again, if something comes up, we'll work through it. And if there needs to be a tie breaker, I'll decide."

Dido says, "....does that mean you actually like me, Kitau?"

Kitau simply nods in reply to Dido, looking slightly sad on top of all that grumpy.

Mits smiles and gives a thumbs-up.

(( How did I miss that it was Tim's turn?  Oh well.  I want my after Tim spot, darn it! ))

  Superbird falls off Terdisas's shoulders in a shock coma at the amount of words coming out of Kitau's Mouth.  Terdisas reacts to this by nonchalantly punting them into a shrubbery.  "Perhaps somewhat ironic that a stated complaint regarding myself is how I tend to do just as you ask Kitau."   This would also be the part where someone could sarcastically, or honestly make a 'group hug!' demand/suggestion.  Give given how two people are likely to backdrop you for such an attempt (...Gnome backdropping medium size person, that mental image is AWESOME), Terdisas will not be one to suggest such.

  "Although Kitau does raise intelligent points.  Ones I am glad are true, for such personality nitpicking to be a foolish waste of time is due to our lack of particularly galling traits."  Granted, nervous-meltdown-over-lack-of-instant-execution is kiiiind of worrying.  And yet even then, like Kitau said such things had not gotten in the way of the actual mission.  "As for Callie's leadership claims, I will admit hers are likely the ones I am most open to follow."

Dido raises an eyebrow when Kitau nods. But doesn't comment. "Right. So. Holy stuff that has to do with the Platinum Dragon or with Moradin goes through me first. Otherwise, I'll defer to the party for the most part. I'm just your shield and an extra sword. Nothing more."

Callie says, "You're a lot more than that, Dido. Everyone here is a lot more than that. But I'll be happy to leave those gods' things to you, Dido. That said, we should all be careful about holy relics. Some belong to evil gods and it might be too late when you've touched such an item. But we are here for each other. So we will watch each others' backs. Is there another topic you all wish to cover?"

"Sounds good," Mittens confirms, "Other topics?  Hmm.  Well there's my book.  I'd like to some time read you what I've got so far and get your feedback.  Other than that I suppose I'd like to arrange for some one on one chats on our way to Fallcrest.  Two could take the lead and the cart can fall back while the two chat.  Very few opportunities for one on one time while fighting monsters."

Kitau makes not comment.

  "From what I was able to gather, there have already been several private conversations during the previous night."  Let's see, Mittens and Dido, Terdisas and Dido, Callie and Kitau, and offpanel Dido and Callie.  Huh, Dido's had a private conversation with everyone but Kitau within the last 12 hours.

  "Though if you desire further such conversations, I suppose it could be arranged simply enough."

Callie hasn't gone aside with Mittens or Terdisas. "Well I'd like talking alone with either of you two." she says, indicating the two she hasn't spoken private to yet. Dido thinks back and realizes what Terdisas realized. He's been getting around. O.o

"OK let's chat then, Callie!" Mits says.

She hands the reigns of the wagon over to whomever's handy and willing to drive and trots ahead expecting Callie to keep up.  Kitau returns to playing with her toy.

  Superbird returns to Terdisas's shoulder, acting like nothing has happened.  Terdisas just smiles slightly at the 'stealing Halfling now K thnx bai!' abrupt exit.  While he's got a decent Streetwise skill, he will not put it to use generating gossip about what Mittens and Callie may decide to talk about.

  Well, unless he feels like it later.

Dido is alone with Terdisas and Kitau. He watches Mittens and Callie go on ahead. Then looks over at Terdisas. "What do you suppose they'll talk about?"

Dido just gave Terdisas an excuse to spread gossip. Go, Dido?

  Terdisas considers this, as well as realizing Kitau is right there and comments "I have only guessed what Mittens has talked with you about Dido, but I am guessing it at least some of their conversation will be along such lines."  The sorcerer dismisses the thought of trying to use his familiar as a listening device in this situation.  "Or perhaps simply going over the differences of opinion so far between them at greater length."

Dido chuckles. "Mittens admitted hating the topic of romance, so chances are she'll avoid that. Especially since I told her it'll more or less be between Callie and I from here out."

  Terdisas's player finally pulls away from other threads long enough to type something here.  "Topics on subjects someone hates can result in an amazingly long and elaborate conversation of course," Champions Muuuuuuuuuush!  "But there is something to what you say.  Though, I do not suppose you have any expectations of what they may speak of as opposed to what would not be?"

Dido says, "Whatever it is girls talk about behind guys' backs. Like "boys are stinky" or "sure is good to breath, the testosterone was getting to thick" or maybe they're talking about secrets of the cosmos and how pea-brained we guys are for thinking simple things like "daaah... am want ale" or stuff. Or maybe just what you said; talking out their one-on-one differences."

  Terdisas and Dido.  Spectacularly wrong about what Mittens is talking to Callie about.  "At the very least, I think we are at least safe from those particular gender stereotypes."  Oh look, two of the girls have a sword bigger then they are and more weapons than an armory, respectively.  And the other is MANLY Wizard compared to Terdisas's 'oh goodness my ribcage hurts just thinking about it, I'll just hang out back here' Arcane methods.

Dido frowns and nods. "Want some ale?" a trying-not-to-smile kind of smile comes on his face.

  Terdisas considers this seemingly generous offer "Well, that depends on if it is a trick question and if I will be the one guiding our transportation any time soon."  We can see it now, Sorcerer Driving Under the Influence, Yeaaa Ima drive these horseys over that RAMP! Whoooooo*barf*ooooo!
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Sat 28 May 2011.

Callie obviously went with Mittens at the indication that Mittens was ready for her. Once out of hearing range, Callie asks, "Was there anything in particular you wanted to talk about?"

"Beat me to the punch," Mittens answers, "Was gunna ask you the same.  Me?  I like to talk about adventure.  Uh...  you specifically?  I dunno.  How you holding up?  You seem in good spirits, but figured I may as well ask.  Also curious what you intend to talk to Terdisas about.  Unless it's something I'd rather not know."

Callie says, "I don't know what all I'll talk with Terdisas about, but I've made it a point to talk with him about romance. And that much you won't be interested in. But for you and I? Maybe we can talk about the fact you said it's troubling that I was implying I've already had to betray my principals?"

"'I have been bending to the will of the group,' I believe you said, 'compromising.'  Unless I'm misreading Kitau's grumpy, she feels like she's had to bend to the will of the group and compromise as well.  You've already given good reasons for wanting us to avoid killing our foes outright if it can be helped, so need to repeat yourself in that respect.

"I'm concerned that you may feel we've gone too far already with the violence.  Specifically myself.  I have done as you asked, and only used lethal force after combat.  And even then, only once - when finishing off those cultists who literally asked for it.  Also a little concerned with you taking on the 'leader' role.  Related topic, but a whole other can of worms.  One thing at a time is best."

Callie says, "I'm not an anti-violent sort." she displays her sword. "Rather believe in it. Have taken bats, paddles, and such to bullies in Fallcrest growing up. Believe in killing monsters and murderous villains. Most do. But you and especially Kitau are out for war. From what I've seen, you two long to have blood splash on your face. I'm a warrior, but feel you two don't see me that way at all. I feel you see me as a naive girl who's sword is merely a prop. You two make me look like a proponent for outlawing swords when nothing could be further from the truth. I respect life. I feel you and Kitau both think that a crime. I feel you think that because I want to give people a second chance, I'm doing something either evil, or naive to the degree of needing to be dropped from the team. If not for my ability to heal you guys, I'm convinced you would consider me a danger to the team because of my convictions. Yes, I have bent. I know Kitau slit a throat or two at the start when we were fighting kobolds, but I didn't say anything. I know you think you were sparing those goblins, but Kitau wasn't doing anything or saying she would do anything. And I was there with her."

Mittens strokes her chin, nodding sagely as she puffs on her more serious, but still fake smoke pipe.

"Interesting.  I have lots of respect for you, Callie.  But before I answer in more detail...  What about Dido and Terdisas?"

Callie says, "Dido's hard to figure. On one hand, he has verbally supported my requests and shown no disdain for them. On the other hand, he's done the same for Kitau. Maybe he's just trying to not get involved in the disagreements. Terdisas feels like more of a fence sitter. Maybe he has his own opinions, but he doesn't share them. But then, that point was made earlier before Kitau got upset over the conversation. I've heard the saying "if you don't try, you can't fail" and there is some credence to it. I think Terdisas either lives by that rule concerning disagreements... or he could be afraid of upsetting us. Or both. But the results can't be ignored; I don't feel condemned by him, other than knowing those goblins being torched is on me and will likely haunt my dreams for years to come."

Mittens dismisses her pipe and walks a few moments, staring at the clouds.

"You remind me of my mom," she says at last.

She unslings her pack and digs deep into it, then pulls out a tiny leather pouch.  She slings her pack again then stares a few moments at her little treasure.  Her voice softens to almost a whisper.

"Before I left home, I snuck up to her while she was sleeping and clipped a bit of her hair to take with me to remember her by."

She caresses the pouch, opens it, and brings it to her nose to catch a whiff of that familiar smell from her childhood.  Her voice cracks as she barely holds back the tears.

"Lots of memories in this pouch.  I really miss her.  We had our differences, sure, but I loved her.  And she loved me.  Now I love you too, Callie.  I want you to hold on to this for me.  It's the most precious token I can offer to show you how much I love you.  Return it to me when it's time for us to part ways."

She whimpers and tears stream down her cheeks as she offers the pouch, her hand trembling.

Callie scriggly faces, "Uh...." she takes the pouch. "Sure. You know, I don't really know that much about your background, come to think of it. Why not go back home?" Kitau crying? Kind of almost expected. Mittens crying? Callie didn't see it coming and is currently in a state of shock, feeling like Mike Tyson just slugged her. However, out of reflex, she is putting an arm around Mittens.

Mittens sniffles and dries her eyes.  "I plan to," she answers decidedly, "How 'bout your background?"

Callie says, "We're going to my hometown as we speak. You can find out a good deal of my life there. Otherwise, anything specific you wanna know, you'll just hafta ask me."

"Hmm.  Right.  Ok then.  So...  Convinced yet I think highly of you?"

Callie nods. "Sure. So... shall we go back to the others?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 02 June 2011.

Mittens nods and returns to the others with a smile.

"That went well," she chimes, "Anyone else want some one on one time?"

  Terdisas considers Mitten's question, and says "Well, since you seem so enthusiastic about it I suppose I shall take you up on it Mittens.  Unless you had someone else in mind for the moment." Of course, that leaves a Kitau and Mittens one on one conversation, and the ultimate in no eavesdropping technology 'both are my characters so I do it in my head' ala Dido and Callie could be employed there.

Dido looks over at Mittens. Then at Terdisas. Then back. "What he said. I know you pulled me aside the other day, but that was for something else entirely." The player, of course, feels it's Ter's turn. "But I can wait. The one issue I had in our last mission, I don't imagine will be an issue in our next mission."

"Alrighty then," Mittens says, "Mittens am chat with Terdisas, then."

She heads off with her typical enthusiasm.

  Terdisas follows after, and Superbird hops nearby the wagon reins "Chirp, Im taking over this ride!... Just as soon as I figure out how to work this thing..."  Once the Sorcerer is in proper private except for the reading audience distance comments "Well then, perhaps you can help me clarify something I am uncertain of.  Would 'ladies first' apply to asking you questions first, or allowing you to ask questions first?"

Mittens snickers.

"You just asked a question, so that kinda moots that point, now don't it?  I wonder where such sayings and traditions come from.  Etiquette is sometimes downright silly.  Which I suppose fits in with my silly personality.  Oh gods!  Does this mean I'm going to have to be polite now?!"

She summons a illusory 2x4 and whacks her forehead with it repeatedly.

  Terdisas succeeds his save Vs. Heavy sigh. "While I will not demand the inanities of courtly protocol, I suppose at the very least we could both avoid being deliberately mean spirited to each other.  Some forms of silliness are best ignored altogether unless they are needed."   You messed up the dinner placements? OFF WITH HIS HEAD!

  "Though to save time, let us say that you will be the first to ask a question or volunteer something about yourself.  Unless of course you really would prefer otherwise."

"I believe leadership to be a burden.  Especially for folks who have a conscious.  Being the leader of this group will likely lead to many tears for Callie.  Probably far fewer tears for Dido.  Agree?"

  Terdisas shakes his head.  "While I do not consider myself leadership material-" Party Social skills front on the other hand, quite possibly.  "Just because Dido seems more overtly hardened to conflict, does not make him a better choice as our leader.  If we do not consider the fact that I find it easier to see myself following 'orders' from Callie, there is also the perspective others would see with her in that role.  While Bahamut is one of the more clearly defined virtuous Gods, the reputation of them and their followers is much more judgmental.  Not the case for more the more discrete Sehanine.  It will be easier to convince people were are there to help, rather than there to pass judgment."

"Perhaps I should clarify.  I agree with the points you make as far as diplomatic type encounters.  I'm talking more along the lines of when we're in brutal combat.

"You mentioned Dido is more hardened to conflict.  I agree.  I would rather have Dido calling the shots when judgment has already been passed on us to 'kill those meddlers!'  I don't want her feeling like it's her fault that a 'person' died when, for example, Terdisas decides that vaulting a kobold through the trees with an icicle through the chest is the appropriate response to Callies 'let's not kill anyone' orders.

"Which by the way was awesome.  If Dido were calling the shots in combat, I bet she'd feel a lot less upset by the self-defense deaths we're inevitably surrounded by.  I'm rather impressed that neither you nor Dido have insisted on being in charge, 'because it's not a woman's place to give a man orders,' but that's a different topic."

  "I mentioned Dido seems more overtly prepared for combat.  However, a Bastard sword is never a weapon one takes up merely for show.  That alone shows Callie has a dedication to combat surpassing Dido."  Hey, Dido.  what combat related feat do you have? Oh, right. The one that makes your one of your existing dinky hammer attacks protect people.

  "So far, Dido does not seem any more bloodthirsty than Callie to me.  While there is the apparent fact Dido and I are not falling to the 'men must lead' expectation, you may be falling to the 'men are more violent' one."  Even with Kitau around for comparison.  "Besides, you worry for the toll of lives.  As has already been brought up, Dido worried for the toll of a dead man's sword.  Lives may break him long before they would Callie."

Mittens wobbles her head in a haphazard nod then heavy sighs.

"You make too much sense.  Yeah.  That whole business with the 'Oh my gods!  Holy tainted sword more important than anything!' has left a palm print indented into my face perhaps as much as my exploding prisoners did for you guys.  I doubt Dido would fret much over people dying.  Enemy or otherwise.  It's one thing to be all dramatic and want to help the poor zombie with his regret...  jeez never thought I'd say something like that...  it's another to insist that some piece of steel is more important than people.

"It's true I have low expectations of men, but it blows my mind there's a level above and beyond my highest expectations.  When I left home for adventure, it never crossed my mind that I'd meet an adventurer who'd give a flying rat's tail about whether a violent goblin or kobold lives or dies.  Refuse to burn down a defenseless goblin orphanage, sure, but never 'defend the badguys because all life is good' or 'must have trial before killing a drake.'

"But I think I've again made myself unclear.  It's not Callie's combat ability I'm calling into question.  Or even her skill at leadership.  She's fantastically awesome at both.  What it is that I'm trying to say is that I love her like...  well more than family.  Seeing her cry over the field execution of some of the most legendarily irredeemable wicked jerks to ever walk the prime material plane broke my heart.  I don't want her to suffer like that is all.  I want to protect her heart."

  Terdisas's player is always impressed when the Sorcerer pulls off the sensible debate, diplomatically skilled angle.  Considering his player's CHA is their dump stat.  "You are the first to claim I make too much sense, I am as most people are, mores used to claims that I lack such.  At the very least, I do not think any of us are so far-gone as to feel concern for Drakes, Giant spiders, and other such beasts.  Though I have heard of such things."  Hi Timothius.

  He rides alongside Mittens in silence for a few moments, then continues "Your concern for Callie as well as the rest of us is admirable of course.  I can not fault the desire to try and spare one of us emotional turmoil if there seemed to be a simple way around it.  However even if Callie were not to lead us, such events would still come to pass and she would still surely feel just as responsible as if she were the one to make the decision.  After all, it was not Callie who passed judgment on Kalarel's horde.  While realistically the chances of avoiding more of the same are slim, I suspect the odds would be just a bit higher with Callie in the lead.  Of course considering the two we are considering as leadership materials, a coin toss would be just as valid a method of deciding who is the better leader if we desired to take it from the one who has claimed it."

  Teridsas laughs softly, and adds "Of course as much as I trust you all in the general sense, I would not trust any of us with a coin toss.  Myself included."

Mittens snirks as well.  Then sighs.  "You're probably right.  And I've run out of debate ammo.  So I guess I'll just have to accept things the way they are and regret not being clever enough to figure a solution before things go bad when they inevitably do.  But thanks for helping me to come to this unfortunate realization.

"So.  Lady went first.  Your turn."

  And despite all that, it still wasn't established if they were asking questions or volunteering information.  Even Mitten's first comments were 'Statement of opinion, question of someone else's opinion regarding statement'.  "Well, I have already given the general details of my origins.  Amn, parents traders of less than unique antiques, Sorcerery, fleeing before the Cowled Wizards came for me, etc."  Is it Irony that the Changeling has been the most open regarding their past out of the entire Party?

  "I suppose it is no surprise to you that I do not entirely trust my arcane powers.  Wizardry is learned, while dangerous mistakes are possible none can occur in the first place without training.  Even those who make pacts with fell beings in exchange for power for the most part know what they are getting into.  Raw primal elements flow within me, with no outlet for it but straightforward and direct destruction.  While so far I have been able to hone it in ways that can not harm those I do not wish it to, I can only wonder how far I can manage it."

"I don't pay the warning labels too much mind when sifting through books on magic," Mitts answers nonchalantly, "Of course magic is dangerous if used improperly.  But then, what isn't?  Any schmuck with a lantern can set a city ablaze if he's not careful.  I guess it's a bit more unnerving when you could belch up a lightning bolt in your sleep.  My sympathy for the burden you bear.  Any plans for returning home to deal with the cowled hypocrites?"

  Terdisas shakes his head.  "Amn is not a forgiving place to those who get in the way of someone else's profit, or political ambitions.  I have no desire to return there, though unless things have changed significantly my parents are still doing well.  Besides, even if I were able to return and 'deal' with them, it would merely serve their purposes.  Behold the mad sorcerer, likes of which we protect you from.  No, I will not make their task easier with revenge that serves no practical purpose."

"For justice!  You think you're the only one they force from their home or worse?  Justice is practical.  It prevents zombie take-overs.  Besides.  Those stupid wizards can't say 'see I told you so' if they're dead, can they?  But I'm not gunna press the issue.  Not likely to be able to deal with problems of that kind for a long while anyway.  Just curious on your plans for the future."

  "At the moment, my long term plans are lacking.  The present seems to offer more than enough that is in need of thought for me of late.  What of yourself?  Or would you be of a simmilar mindset as my own in that regard."  Small Terdisas Update Is Small.

"Nothing fancy, really.  I plan to get my paws on as much adventure as I can reasonably handle, presumably learn to handle even more in the process, rinse, repeat.  I suppose at some point I plan to return home and show off.  Other than that...  I got nothing."

  "Well, that certainly takes the edge off my concern you might not find me ambitious enough." Terdisas jokes.  "Or has rubbing your success in the face of your neighbors become akin to overthrowing an empire when I was not looking?"

  In other matters, Terdisas's player is imagining a long drawn out silence between the others.  Not because offpanel conversations are often telepathic or within a single player's mind.  But because whatever the rest had to say during all this would be said in front of Superbird.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:14, Mon 06 June 2011.

Mits chuckles and nods.  "I suppose for some it is one in the same."

When it becomes clear the conversation need no longer be private, she returns to the others.

"I trust things went pleasantly enough on your end as well?"

Dido nods. "We were just talking about favorite foods." he says with a smile. "On the topic of meat, for instance, I am rather fond of lamb myself, but Callie here likes pork the most. How did your conversation go?"

Callie just gives Mitts and Ter a bright smile. They found a topic Superbird couldn't really give much of an opinion on.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Tue 07 June 2011.

  "I believe our conversation went well, unless I happen to be delusional."   "Tweet, compared to normally or what?"  "Again, you do not count as the first sign of madness."   "Oh, nevermind then, chirp."

  Teridsas considers the deep philosophical subject Dido has brought up, "I suppose your tastes are more reasonably able to accommodated, a fine steak is somewhat less accessible of late than bacon for example."

Kitau of course spent the conversation in silence.

"Went pleasantly as implied in my earlier question, yes," Mittens says, "I'll just have to remember to not attempt to debate Terdisas in the future or risk a sound verbal defeat.

"On the topic of food, I'm not especially particular.  So we have any more one-on-one conversations on tap?"

If the crickets chirped any louder, they would form a death metal band and use tumble-weed as their stage. Tranlation: Dido and Callie look around and then shrug.

  "I do believe that any further one to one discussions may wait until a later time, unless I am mistaken."  Everyone has already had theirs with Kitau anyways, it is called 'Awkward Silence'.

  Though for reference, Combos yet to be had.
  Kitau and everyone except Callie (previous joke aside).
  Terdisas and Callie.
  Dido and Callie if we're only counting 'on screen' talks.

Callie does want to talk to Terdisas one-on-one. But she doesn't want to do so out on the open road. She smiles and says, "Then let's sing..." and the ants go marching one by one...

Dido sings along and decides to relax until such time as they arrive.

Mittens gladly sings along.  Kitau remains quiet.

*Scene transition animation!*

There's barely any light left of the sunset when the group arrives in Fallcrest, but any time someone looks at the group they get excited and spread the news that the dragon slayers have returned!

  Like Tim's player, Terdisas's player both sings and does not sing.  With Superbird providing Nathan Explosion rendition of happy children's song while Terdisass relaxes.  The sorcerer of course notes to self that he wasn't along for the dragon slaying.

Callie smiles brightly and waves, greeting people as she sees them, occasionally greeting someone by name if she knows them. "It feels good to be home." she looks at the others. "The Lord Warden will likely summon us if he needs anything, so let's focus on resting up for tomorrow. You are all invited to my home, of course, but if you prefer, there is always the Nentir Inn or Silver Unicorn. I admittedly do not have enough beds for you all... and certainly nothing big enough for you two" she looks at Mittens and Terdisas respectively. "I'd like to say hi to Clarence, but it's so late all I wanna do is sleep."

Dido nods. "We'll do our errands tomorrow. I accept your invitation if it isn't too much inconvenience. Actually, looking forward to it."

Callie says, "Me too! Oh I'd love it if you all spent the night at my place. Even if just once..."

"Slumber party!" Mittens cheers!  "Sounds like fun!  I don't mind sleeping bag arrangements.  I'm used to it."

Kitau just nods.

  It was not until the direct mention in Callie's post that Terdisas's player remembered that, oh yeah, Callie's hometown = Where Shadowfell thread started.  I Can't even remember what altswap excuse was used for Clarence, but I have the feeling it was something non-metal like 'ludicrous adventures are insane, and this city needs at least one PC looking after it'.

  The universe may have a destruction hazard in a few posts.

  "Compared to sleeping on the road, merely being under a roof would be an improvement.  Not to mention it would feel quite rude of me to turn down your offer to visit your home."  It's more respect for Callie than his lack of Stealth/Thievery training that are cause for the Sorcerer not figuring in snooping around.  At least fifty percent more the respect.  "Not to mention if you desired sleep anytime soon, your own home may be the most peaceful refuge as I suspect any Inns would involve quite the enthusiastic reception for all of your return."

Callie leads the group to her house, just across the street from a temple. Callie is seen blowing a kiss to the temple and Sehanine's symbol decorates the temple. "That's the Moonsong Temple. I live right across the street from it." she says as she directs the group to her home. "And here we are."

The house looks like it was built for humans, the doorway itself being human sized. But once the group is inside, it is clearly decorated with smaller furniture and things. The whole place is very homely looking, though a clear lack of male influence is seen as there is more feminine decoration here than not.

Callie takes the group to the den, where she has a fireplace. She shows them where to put their things, puts her things down herself, and then lights the fire, getting it going. She turns to face the others. "Can I get anyone anything? Water? Tea?"

Dido is just kind of quieted as he looks around the place with a smile on his face. Especially when the group gets to the den. When Callie offers getting beverages for the group, Dido says, "Thanks. Water is fine."

(Dungeon Master's Guide, page 199 shows Fallcrest. In the part of the map marked 16 is the Moonsong Temple (aka temple of Sehanine). Just adjacent to the temple are three houses. The center house is where Callie lives. :) )

Mittens and Kitau drop off gear where indicated.  Kitau fits nicely in one of the chairs while Mittens finds a spot on the floor to sit.

"Water good, yes," Mittens agrees, "Thanks for the hospitality.  And nice place!"

Kitau nods and thumbs-ups.

Someone knocks at the front door.

  "Either is perfectly acceptable Callie, although water would be simplest." The more standard Medium Creature oriented ceiling height is fortunate for the Arcane types.  The interior decorating meanwhile also means they are able to reach the tall shelf for shorter people more easily than usual.

  At the door knocking, Terdisas almost but not quite Crits Initiative.  Hey, habits keep you alive.  Or at least let you get the first shot in before you go.  "I shall see to that for you Callie, or you could while I prepare the drinks for you."  He heads doorwards, and will open unless Callie objects.

Callie ohs at the door, fusses a little inwardly, but lets Ter answer while she goes to pour water.

Dido goes to peek curiously at who might be at the door.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Tue 14 June 2011.

A human messenger presents himself courteously.

"Greetings, heroes," he says, "Our Lord Warden Markelhay welcomes you home!  He and the Lady have retired for the night, but they extend an invitation to breakfast.  You are welcome to spend the night at the Keep if you wish.  Also, I am to inquire as to whether there is any amenities you may be in need of."

Kitau and Mits let the more charming folks do the talking.

  Terdisas nods, "We thank you for the courtesy good sir.  Alas I personally had not joined alongside Callie and her allies until after their more local exploits had come to pass."  He looks back to Callie as while there is that whole 'It is only called an invitation to be polite' when if comes to local rulership, this was not the Sorcerer's place.  "It is your home Callie, so it would be terribly rude of me to make such a choice in your stead."

Callie overhears. She heads over to the door and says, "Thank you for letting us know. We'll come over with you. It's easier than getting up earlier for a walk and possibly skipping breakfast." she looks over her shoulder. "Just a little more walking, everyone! We've been invited to spend the night at the Lord Warden's place!"

She looks up at Terdisas and says, "He didn't specify who was invited besides saying "you" as in our whole group. So you can come even on technicality. But even if he said "the dragon slayers", I would take you with anyway. You are part of our group. And you were part of something that made slaying a dragon seem almost small." she reaches to pet his arm. "We can spend the night at my place another time."

With the kind of money her and her crew have by now, she could easily hire a maid to check on her place once a month to be sure it stays in decent shape. But that's beside the point.

Dido gets armored up again and grabs his bag to follow.

"Presumably this means I'll be sleeping in a bed tonight," Mittens says, gathering up her stuff, "Which is almost as awesome as a slumber party here at Callie's place...  Ah let's face it, fancy bed doesn't even come close.  Oh well."

She follows along as does Kitau.  Everyone is provided with their own room, and the next day they are each escorted to the dining room where breakfast awaits.

"Good morning, heroes!" Markelhay welcomes, "I trust you rested well?"

"Yes," Mittens answers, "And I'm sure you'll be wanting to hear how we saved the world from an evil god of undeath.  Well you're in luck!  I wrote down the entire story!  Would you rather me read it aloud or would you rather just read it yourself."

"Well...  I'm sure each of your friends would like to have their side of the story told as well...  Aloud."

"Alrighty then!"

Mits digs through her pack to pull out her book.

Kitau of course, just eats breakfast in silence.

  Terdisas is thusly arm petted, how touching (Straight to pun hell).  "Your consideration is greatly appreciated.  As well as expected from such a kind sort, but it would feel somewhat rude to just assume hospitality granted."

  Go Go SCENE TRANSITION!..

CAUTION: UNIVERSAL COLLAPSE IMMINENT!
MULTIPLE WILL ALTS DETECTED!
CAUTION: UNIVERSAL COLLAPSE IMMINENT!
MULTIPLE WILL ALTS DETECTED!

  As a more literal Dragon slayer (and the guy who perma proned the young Ice Dragon in such a hilarious manner via Ghost Wolf), Clarence the least enthusiastic druid ever is at this dining experience. "It is good to see you all again, though I suspect the best part of the happy ending where you all live to tell the tale is somewhat inevitable."

  "I suppose this would be true, though my own main contribution in the end was somewhat anticlimactic."

"Clarence! What a nice surprise!" she wastes no time going to hug the ex team member. "We were going to say hi yesterday, but it was too late."

Callie then says to Markelhay, "There was a lot involved. Some of the people there were so evil, they would sooner die than so much as give us the time of day. The goblins were a lot more intimidated and went along with us to face trial. All of them were found guilty of crimes punishable by death. It made me wonder if you sometimes face this sort of frustration, where you try to give people a chance at life, but to no avail."

Callie glances at Terdisas. Then back to Markelhay. "As usual, Terdisas is selling himself short. Though given his position, I would feel the same. We wound up shoving the boss into the very portal he was opening. We could hear his screams for a brief moment before they were silenced. He was killed by his own evil designs."

Callie looks about at the people there. "We stuck together. And together is how we beat the enemy."

Dido says, "As Callie attested to, justice prevailed. Even in the grim situation of fighting off evil cultists who worship... Orcus... we still managed to find time for mercy and then justice. Had the goblins not had treachery in every pour of their flesh, they may have actually lived with a light sentence of community service. But they all gave each other up with little effort on the part of the interrogators. We even found time to meet a paladin who had cursed himself from evil deeds he did, but was on our side and we gave him hope by using his sword to stop the gate from being opened. Mittens' log will likely give you a more understandable start-to-finish version of the story."

He half hopes Mittens skips the part where Kitau cried and Mittens set prisoners on fire. But only half hopes. His just side hopes Mittens reveals that so the Lord Warden can see this group's openness, honesty, and the fact they may be heroes, but ARE still just people.

At least Clarence and Terdisas don't have the same text color.  That could get confusing.  Kitau nods a greeting.

"Hey there, Clarence!" Mittens chimes with a wave, "You sure missed some insane excitement!  I'll skip past any boring parts..."

She opens her book and begins to read.  Anything not combat she usually sums up with one sentence.  Unlikely any mention of Kitau's or captured prisoner's tears will be mentioned.  She doesn't have the focus Gale does to recount the story with prestidigitation chibis of the group and embellishes only with comic book sound effects.  Mits occasionally glances up from her reading with a big smile, enjoying every little detail written about the epic battles they've had together.

  The Druid of cartoon villain stachehood (Classical Dastardly, as opposed to Modern Robotic) hugs his short friend back, of course.  "One's friend would be one of the few things getting up in the middle of the night would be worth it for.  Of course it sounds like you all were in need of the rest anyway."

  At Callie's generous clarification of 'Teridsas One-Shot Big Bad', the Sorcerer shrugs.  "While the end results were indeed impressive, when a story ends with 'and then we pushed him' it does lend a certain anticlimactic sense to the thing."  Perhaps if he had needlessly punctuated every word while saying 'This! Is! Thunder Slam!

Callie nods to a good amount of Mitts' summary. Most of the non-combat stuff was just plot hooks and personal private stuff anyway, so Mittens wrapping those up in single-sentence summaries was appropriate. Although Callie can't help but mention a few times when Superbird made her laugh.

Dido, of course, has little to add, having already mentioned Sir Keagan. When Mittens mentions Dido shielding the team, Dido holds up his shield and demonstrates how he can peer through Bahamut's eye in the shield.

"Ah but such poetic justice!" Mittens answers Terdisas, "That he gets torn apart by the very thing he was perpetrating!  And after all that boasting that he's tougher than a dragon all by himself, it was so fitting to humiliate him!"

The Warden nods.

"An amazing tale," he says, "I'm sure before long I'll hear word from Winterhaven to confirm it.  In the mean time, you have my thanks and the thanks of Fallcrest.  Welcome back.  If there is anything you need to make your return more comfortable, just let me know."

Kitau just listens.

  Terdisas nods in thanks to Mittens's further confirmations that yes, he is awesome.  At their host's offer, he says "Your swift and generous hospitality has already been more than I could ask, my Lord."  Bluff and Diplomacy do have their limits after all, especially against Government NPCs ;D

  Clarence meanwhile, considers the coincidental similarities between Terdisas's and his own methods of 'Shove Big Bad Around For Fun And Profit'.

Callie considers asking the Warden to divulge details on how he and his wife romanced each other in their early days of marriage. But she then turns her thoughts to her friends and their needs. "Thank you for the offer. What Terdisas said likely speaks for all of us. But I'm sure as we continue to try helping people and defeating the forces of evil, there will be obstacles that only someone like you can give us the ability to overcome. Such as people getting tight-lipped over information we need, or officials not working with us. None of this has happened here in my home. But I'd like to know that if there is something easily in your power to correct, we can come before you."

Dido eyes Callie with a ponderous expression and says, "She's right that your thanks is felt through your generous hospitality. For what she's asking, if I may be so bold, but since you asked, might I recommend a seal or something of like ilk that allows us direct audience with you at any time? We will usually not have need to bother you, but should an emergency arise, urgency will call for us to bypass red tape or other reasons for waiting."

"Already granted, Dido," the Warden answers, "Your deeds are growing in notoriety, and I've already given instructions the guards that you each have free audience with me should you need it.  But along those lines, I was curious what you would think of more steady employment.  If you're willing to accept the same wage as the other guards, I'm willing to hire you on officially as defenders of the realm."

"We're already on a quest to rescue folks presumed to have been taken as slaves to Thunderspire Mountain," Mittens says, "So I can't really agree to a daily job here."

"I'm aware of that situation.  That would be your first assignment."

"Oh.  Huh.  Well that was unexpected."

"So what do you say?  May as well be earning an hourly wage doing what you were going to do anyway, right?"

"I value my independence.  I decline.  But thanks for the offer."

"Same here," Kitau says, "No thanks."

The Warden looks surprised.

  Terdisas meanwhile, has a somewhat different opinion.  "Steady employment from one held in such high regard is something I would be normally glad to accept.  However I suspect that while our current goals are acceptably close enough to fall under defending your realm, our travels will take us farther and farther to the point it can no longer be considered such.  It would be poor form to accept your offer only to rarely be around to perform my duties."

  "While I question how helpful I would be on my own, as I have already taken to staying behind so at least one of us is on hand in an emergency it would hardly be a stretch for me to do as you offer.  That is of course, if only single man who aided in a weak dragon's defeat is worth your time." Clarence answers.

  OOC Style: Ah, the joys of wanting to treat your characters ICly properly, but also not wanting to play one.  I'm sure Tim's much more frequent altswap inclinations know this well.

Callie looks from Mittens to Kitau to Terdisas to Clarence and then to the governor and says, "Terdisas pretty well made the point. We would all feel guilty to be payed by you only to be called to duty far from Fallcrest, my lord. Your offer flatters me and my allies, but the money would probably be better off spent on the restoration efforts." she's talking about how if you look at the map of Fallcrest, you can STILL see the damage from the attack that happened over a generation ago. "I can vouch for Clarence, though. Not like you really need me to, but he is staying behind while the rest of us are looking into something that likely will affect more place than Fallcrest. If one town had no clue there was a cult of Orcus right under their nose, chances are many others have such. Shadowfell Keep was just a little too under-defended for me to believe a demon prince was focusing *all* his efforts there."

Dido says, "I go where they go, Lord Warden Markelhay. If you desire to pay us for services here in Fallcrest, we would be honored. But as the rest of my allies here have clearly made known, we will not rob you and only turn down your offer of permanent employment out of respect both to you and to those we will be going to aid."

Markelhay looks impressed and nods.  "Well said.  Very well.  Clarence, you will be given instructions after the meeting.  The rest of you, you will be paid a ransom for slaves you rescue and a bounty for villains you defeat.  Not a large sum, but hopefully enough to appropriately reward you for your valor.  And..."

He glances at Callie.

"Both live villains or proof of dead ones is fine."

"Alrighty then!" Mittens chimes, "Thanks again for the hospitality!  We should get to steppin.  Unlikely those slaves'll save themselves.  Excelsior!"

She gets ready to head out.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Fri 22 July 2011.

  "Maybe if we gave them some sharp objects and a head start perhaps, but I wish it were only arrogance to assume they can not free themselves in the first place on their own.  Thank you once more for your courtesy your lordship."  Terdisas shall follow once doing so means at least half the party is departing.

  Clarence meanwhile nods in understanding, and hopes it doesn't involve something crazy like Wererats complaining the banish vermin rituals he tends for the city are discrimination.  That ritual doesn't even work on wererats anyway, but do they listen? Nooooo.  Then things get sidetracked with them complaining about his Druid form being a giant rat with silver claws and oy*

  _{*Disclaimer: This crazed rambling may not actually have happened and is only brought up because the poster thinks it's funny.}

Callie looks ready to leave, gives Marklehay a smile and a curtsey, then leads the way. Dido, of course, is sure to ask first, "By your leave, of course, m'lord. May we be excused?"

Upon hearing this, Callie ohs and pauses as if to wait. She's blushing, feeling like she just made a jerk of herself by forgetting protocol. But then, she is the kind to believe in breaking it here and there for the greater good.

The Lord Warden chuckles and gives his leave.  Soon the group finds itself outside on a clear, sunny day.

"Well that sure hit the spot," Mittens says, "I suppose we should stock up on essentials and head on out ASAP."

As usual, Kitau follows in silence.

  "Considering the mountains are somewhat more isolated than a keep, ensuring we are able to feed ourselves without incident does sound like a reasonable goal to prepare for."  Small post is small.

Callie says, "No objection. There are people waiting for us. Let's not keep them waiting any longer than needed. I know this town, so follow me." she leads the group to the town market, informs where the best prices are and gets the group stalked up before heading out.

The group finds themselves well stocked and traveling in their horse-drawn wagon along The Trade Road toward Thunderspire Mountain, a two day journey by foot.

"Would've been nice if our destination had a teleportation circle," Mittens muses out loud, "Ah well.  This beats walking."

  "If we ever to discover such a circle and must return to them, I shall keep in mind you have the appropriate rituals to travel to them studied and prepared Mittens.  Such a misleading name teleportation circles have, bringing to mind thoughts of convenient travels at a whim instead of a mere target for travel rituals.  Although if we did discover one in working order, I shall be impressed whoever created it was willing to put in the year and a day effort of sustained sacrifice of their own vitality to make it permanent.  Though I suppose the sit around academic ritualists are more likely to be willing to go to such efforts than the adventurous sort."

  Seriously, all these permanent gates and portals even in starter dungeons (We're looking at you, Scales Of War), more impressive in their very existence than the entire surrounding monster filled death hole of a dungeon.  Considering it is impossible for PC's to create such things through official normal means.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:59, Thu 28 July 2011.

Callie says, "You sure know a lot about that ritual, Terdisas... does this knowledge come from the frustration of trying to get your hands on one? I think everyone wants a piece of *that* pie..."

Dido says, "No sense in wishing for something we don't and won't have. All we can do is use the tools we have available to us and use them well. Maybe some day in the future, we'll get such access."

(OOC: Fun fact! Compare building a teleport circle in DnD, which would be the envy of the modern era, never mind medieval times, to building a cathedral in real life. Circle that can transport someone from one place to another across continents instantly: 1 year + 1 day at 1 surge a day from only 1 person. Cathedral: 100 years from more than that many workers at all their surges and spending most of each day working on it. Yeah, it's very feasible that if Cathedrals were built in real life, the relative ease of building something as useful as a teleport circle would be built. Likely hundreds of them all over the place. XD Can see Ter's player's point about adventurers not having time, thus "what's the point of having it available to make for adventurers" being a case. But still.. felt a hint of "what's the point at all", so had to point out how people would so spend a year on something like that in real life. :) Still, seeing a circle get completed permanent style in an adventure is literally impossible unless you plan the adventure out to be longer than a year. By then, that circle's better have extreme significance to the game. ....and then there's house rules. ;) )
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Fri 29 July 2011.

"I don't believe I ever said I have that ritual mastered," Mittens answers, "But I met someone in Fallcrest who not only has it mastered, but he has a permanent circle at his place.  I went to the trouble of writing down the sigils.  So getting back to Fallcrest would be zippedy-fast if I did know the ritual.  But alas, that'll likely be out of my reach for a long time."

(( It's likely Mits won't have this ritual till lvl 11 when she gets 2 freebies since I tend to dump all my cash on the next +attack magic item.  Speaking of levels...  I think we should all be level 4 by now.  I just forgot to mention "ding!  gratz for level!" after we beat the boss / raked in the quest completion xp. ))

  "While I have not picked up the art of ritual use, I have browsed through sales listings in my travels.  Still, it is good to know that somewhere down the line, such things may eventually become conveniences to us as opposed to out of reach luxuries."

  OOC Style: Yeah, I was talking about the fact that Teleportation Circle does one thing on it's own. NOTHING.  You still have to cast transportation rituals to travel, all Teleportation Circle does is act as an acceptable target location to travel to for various rituals.  Some rituals like 'linked portal' and 'reverse portal', ONLY travel to teleportation circles.  At least linked portal is only lv 8 (and 135 GP component)

  And ah, good.  I was kinda wondering seeing how we went through a lv 1-3 Module without breaking lv2, and were now starting a lv 4 module after being given a 'mercy level up' to lv 3, heh.  Lv 4!  Ter's gonna get Staff fighting!  Level six, come ooon level six.  Things will get CRAZY at level six >:D (I just hope the Webtools can finally factor holding a staff implement in two hands)

Callie says, "I sure would like to get my hands on that ritual some day. If just so I can visit home more often." Travel expenses may be cheaper than the component cost alone, but time is priceless and would be saved with such a ritual. She pulls out a sharpening stone and slides it across the huge-to-her-scale sword. "How is everyone feeling? I know fighting a dragon changed my life as it is, but going into that keep did too. I had nightmares last night, but at the same time, having come out on top leaves me more confident. Less afraid of the undead and demonic cults."

Dido says, "I feel weak. To see another paladin of my very faith having become such a pitiful sight is just crushing. But while I am with you bunch, I feel capable."

"Feelin' great!  We're on our way to save the day!  I had dreams of being teamed up with awesome people.  Then I realized it wasn't a dream!"

Kitau gives a thumbs-up.

  "I suppose I am doing more well than is reasonable considering recent events.  If the claims were to be believed, we have just prevented a worldwide threat.   Considering how little in comparison there is in my life to such events, I should either feel boundless relief or vast paranoia that the same could happen again at any moment.  Instead, it is just another day.  Perhaps due to the nature of the threat being to large to fully appreciate."

  Terdisas looks to Dido, and says "While I could understand the outlook of perceived infallibility of your religion being so shattered by that man, it was no failing of yourself, or your Gods that lead to his fall.  I think no less of either due to Sir Keegan."

Callie goes to hug Mittens' side for that one. :) "I'm glad you like us so much, Mittens. For what it's worth, the reason I had nightmares is because I care about you all, so my worries manifest into bad dreams of you all being hurt. And then I think on that when awake."

Dido nods to Terdisas. "I know what you say is true. I know. But feelings are irrational. I'm sure in time, I'll come to terms with it. It's probably a wake-up call I needed to keep me from thinking myself infallible."

Mits returns the side hug.  "Likewise.  For what it's worth, if I die, I want it to be in a blaze of glory doing something heroic.  Not peacefully sleeping at home where no danger lurks.

"As for infallibility, no one's infallible.  Not even me.  For what it's worth, I think Keegan was a testament to how awesome faith in Bahamut is.  Anyone else if they went mad, killed everyone, then became a zombie wouldn't act like Keegan.  Rather they'd hate the living.  They'd hate their god for abandoning them.  They'd try to justify their misdeeds.  Not Keegan.  This guy remains loyal, repents, and works to redeem.  Even after death.  Now that's impressive."

Kitau makes no comment.

  Terdisas can't help but wonder just how much more repentance that will take for Sir Keegan, considering even after Kalarel's defeat and the resealing of the gate the Ghost was still there for Dido to return their sword to.

  "Regardless, those crazy events are behind us for now.  Though one can hope whatever we are to face next does not decide to maintain your seeming standards of problem solving.  You started off fighting dragons, then went straight to saving the realm, after all."

Dido seems cheered up by his allies. "Thanks, guys. You sure know what to say to put it in a better light."

Callie says, "I really do wonder what's in store for us.."

(OOC: Fun fact! Rick showed Chris and I that in an adventure in "Revenge of the Giants" campaign, you come across Sir Keegan, who makes reference to the heroes that came by earlier and closed the rift to the Shadowfell. XD It even has Keegan there if you had killed him. The reason? Turns out, Sir Keegan literally comes back a month after being defeated, such is the curse on him. My guess is the curse is until the end of the world.)

A long time later...

A swirling thunderhead of black clouds, rumbling thunder, and
bright flashes of lightning obscure the peak of the mountain ahead
of you. This is the infamous Thunderspire Mountain, the largest of
the Old Hills that cover the northeast portion of the Nentir Vale.

A cobbled path leads from the Trade Road up the side of
the mountain

The path splinters into numerous passages a short way into the
mountain. A wide tunnel with several smaller tunnels leading off
it seems to cut a path toward the mountain’s deep center. As you
make your way, you notice light spilling from a partially open
door a short way down one of the side passages.
Have the PCs make Perception checks to determine if
they hear anything, in addition to seeing the light from the
open door.
Perception Check
DC 10: You hear coarse laughter and guttural voices up ahead.
A rough voice, speaking Common, says, “You’re ours now, halfling.
We’ll easily get ten gold for you!” Another voice responds:
“That’s a shame, ’cause I’m worth twenty. I’ll buy myself if you
let me go.”

"Well well well," Mittens whispers, "Looks like we've got ourselves some slavers already.  Shall I send in my illusion for good measure?  Or we going to go with 'bust in the door and attack everything that isn't a halfling' strategy?"

(( Perc check 10 = success unless you have negative wis.  No roll needed.
Terdisas Initiative: 22
mits init 17 + 3 = 22
kitau init 7 + 7 = 14
Dido init 6 + 3 = 9
Callie init 5 + 3 = 8))
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Fri 12 Aug 2011.

  "While normally I would suggest the use of illusion, they are still unaware of our presence and we may take advantage of this.  Either methods employed you still likely would have to restrain your fires lest you hit who we intent to save.  Unless their captors happen to be making threats from the opposite side of a large room.

Callie says, "Could do both. Make the illusion in a part of the room that distracts them from us, then we come up from behind."

Dido says, "If that can't work, let's charge in. Surprise is everything."

Soldier init: 16
Warcaster init: 13

Hobgoblin Soldiers (H) Level 3 Soldier
Medium natural humanoid XP 150 each
Initiative +7 Senses Perception +3; low-light vision
HP 47; Bloodied 23
AC 20 (22 with phalanx soldier); Fortitude 18, Refl ex 16, Will 16
Speed 5
m Flail (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
+7 vs. AC; 1d10 + 4 damage, the target is marked and slowed
until the end of the hobgoblin soldier’s next turn.
M Formation Strike (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
Requires fl ail; +7 vs. AC; 1d10 + 4 damage, and the hobgoblin
soldier shifts 1 square provided it ends in a space adjacent to
another hobgoblin.
Hobgoblin Resilience (immediate reaction, when the hobgoblin
soldier suffers an effect that a save can end; encounter)
The hobgoblin soldier rolls a saving throw against the eff ect.
Phalanx Soldier
The hobgoblin soldier gains a +2 bonus to AC while at least one
hobgoblin ally is adjacent to it.
Alignment Evil Languages Common, Goblin
Skills Athletics +10, History +8
Str 19 (+5) Dex 14 (+3) Wis 14 (+3)
Con 15 (+3) Int 11 (+1) Cha 10 (+1)
Equipment scale armor, heavy shield, fl ail

Hobgoblin Warcaster (W) Level 3 Controller (Leader)
Medium natural humanoid XP 150
Initiative +5 Senses Perception +4; low-light vision
HP 46; Bloodied 23
AC 17; Fortitude 13, Refl ex 15, Will 14
Speed 6
m Quarterstaff (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
+8 vs. AC; 1d8 + 1 damage.
M Shock Staff (standard; recharge ⚃ ⚄ ⚅ ) ✦ Lightning, Weapon
Requires quarterstaff ; +8 vs. AC; 2d10 + 4 lightning damage, and
the target is dazed until the end of the hobgoblin warcaster’s next
turn.
R Force Lure (standard; recharge ⚄ ⚅ ) ✦ Force
Ranged 5; +7 vs. Fortitude; 2d6 + 4 force damage, and the target
slides 3 squares.
C Force Pulse (standard; recharge ⚅ ) ✦ Force
Close blast 5; +7 vs. Refl ex; 2d8 + 4 force damage, and the target
is pushed 1 square and knocked prone. Miss: Half damage, and
the target is neither pushed nor knocked prone.
Hobgoblin Resilience (immediate reaction, when the hobgoblin
warcaster suffers an effect that a save can end; encounter)
The hobgoblin warcaster rolls a saving throw against the eff ect.
Alignment Evil Languages Common, Goblin
Skills Arcana +10, Athletics +4, History +12
Str 13 (+2) Dex 14 (+3) Wis 16 (+4)
Con 14 (+3) Int 19 (+5) Cha 13 (+2)
Equipment robes, quarterstaff

  Regardless,  Terdisas quietly walks to a short distance in front of the door, and readies his staff...  What, you expect the 8 Strength Sorcerer to be the one who kicks the door in? Riiight.

---

  Standard:  Readied Action; Thunder Slam Vs first available target. 9+11= 20 vs Fort

Terdisas HP: 37/37 (Bloodied 18) S 6/6 V 9
This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Fri 12 Aug 2011.

(( This was hidden in the flavor: "Five hobgoblins lurk inside the chamber with the partially open door."  If that changes Terdisas' turn, ignore the following... ))

Mittens carefully sneaks up to the door and peeks through the crack.  She conjures up an image of herself inside, fists on hips, who says, "Alright you villains!  What's this talk of selling people as slaves?!  That's evil!  And I'm here to stop you!"

The stare for a moment in shock before shouting, "Attack!"

One of the hobgoblins rounds the corner and swings at the illusion, making it go poof!  The one nearest Mittens spots her and charges!

"At the door!"

He opens the door and takes a swing at Mittens but she ducks under the attack!  Terdisas fires his readied thunder slam and blasts him good!  The others move toward the door to attack, then Mittens blasts them with burning hands!

"Eeek, getaway!" she squeaks.

(( mits stealth 13 + 11 = 24 -5 for moving more than 2 squares, 19.  Conjure illusion in f11.  Soldier 1 charge from c8 to e10 hits illusion.  Soldier 1-3 fail perc checks to spot/hear mits at door, but soldier 4 crits perc check!  Charge from f10 to g12 misses.  Soldier 2 taking cues from 4 moves from d7 to g11 and readies an attack vs the first attack-able target (charge if room becomes available, if not basic vs whatever gets in melee range).  Soldier 3 move from g6 to f10 and readies the same thing.

*** Conditional event! ***
Assuming Terdisas chooses to push Soldier 4 any number of spaces, room will become available for mits to be attacked.  Rolled it.  Hits.  Does 10 damage to Mits.

Burning hands hit, hit, miss, hit. 12 damage to hobs 1,2, and 4.  6 to hob 3.  Missed by 1.  Even if I allowed combat advantage from stealth check, cover would've negated it.

thunder slam damage 1 + 10 + 11 = 22

Soldier 1 HP: 47-12=35
Soldier 2 HP: 47-12=35
Soldier 3 HP: 47-6=41
Soldier 4 HP: 47-12-22=13

Mittens HP: Depends. ))

Kitau rushes to the other door, kicks it open, and attacks the nearest enemy!  But misses.

(( Move from K14 to g13.  Attacks and misses whatever enemy winds up in g12.  At least she marks them. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Fri 12 Aug 2011.

The warcaster yells out to the heroes, "You fools will pay for this intrusion! I will make you my personal slaves and you will clean the dirt from my toenails!" he prepares a spell.

(Move: G2 to F7)
(Readied: Force Lure. Miss(10). Triggered by a PC entering a square within 5 of warcaster.)

Callie ewes at the warcaster's comment. "Keep your dirty fantasies to yourself! Honestly!" She waves a hand and a wave of energy accompanied by music washes over Kitau, Mittens, and the soldiers. The soldiers feel weak while Kitau and Mittens feel sturdy.

(Hymn of Resurgence v Soldiers. Crit! Miss(8), Miss(11), Hit(23)!)
 Soldier 1 and 4 take a -2 to defenses. When Kitau or Mittens hit Soldier 1 or 2, they can knock them prone.

Kitau and Mittens gain 5 temporary HP.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Sat 13 Aug 2011.

Dido says, "Mittens! Back up!"

(Readied: Ardent Strike v Soldier 4. Hit(21)!)
 Trigger: Mittens moves out of H13

---

Future Events!
The moment Mittens moves out of the way, Dido charges at the hobgoblin soldier and clashes with him, hammer on leg!

Charge (Ardent Strike): I15 to H13
 dmg: 8 and Soldier 4 will be marked with Divine Sanction.

Soldier 4 HP (when this all happens): 13 - 8 = 5

Note: HP hasn't been subtracted on the map yet due to the damage not having happened yet. I'll leave it to Ter or Mittens once they take their turns.

  "What is it with people and toes?  First Snettim, now this guy.  Oh right, mind your head Girls."  This said as he fires probably the largest lightning bolt yet seen from him over the Short warriors, causing Ye Old 'I can see their skeleton!?' flash, the Soldier coughing up some smoke then falling over cross-eyed.  "...It is forever amazing what people can live through."

  By comparison the zap that arced over to the Warcaster was just particularly vicious 'Tough A Doorknob with a Static Charge'.

---

  I Thought I had posted this last night <.<
Also, Callie's sheet lists lv 3 still.

Terdisas
Standard: Lightning Strike Vs Soldier 4, Hits Thanks to Callie. MAX 19 Lightning DMG, Then Bloodied Bonus Oh right, but that's just overkill.

Soldier 4 HP: 13-21= KO
Warcaster HP: 46-4= 42/46

Terdisas HP: 37/37 S 6/6 V 9
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Sat 13 Aug 2011.

  With a sudden vacant spot on the battlefield (Well, the Soldier was still on the floor twitching, but we don't count that), Dido rushed past his allies and stabbed the now closest soldier right where it hurts!... Which would be anywhere, anywhere hurts when it's stabbed, duh.

---

  Dido
Time Paradox!: Charge Soldier 4 Charge Soldier 2, Land on Tile G12. Hit, 8 DMG.

Effects: Soldier 2 gets Divine Sanction Until End Of Dido's Next Turn.

Soldier 2 HP:  35-8= 27/47
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Sat 13 Aug 2011.

When Dido gets within range of the second soldier, it takes a swing at him, but flails.  Then, one of the others spontaneously catches fire and drops to the ground rolling around screaming!  Mittens then backs up around the corner.

"OK.  Backed up."

(( Soldier 2 readied flail attack triggers and fails.  Mittens fire shroud hit, miss, miss.  Move from h13 to i14.  13 damage.  Soldier 1 HP: 22, 5 ongoing fire, save ends. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Mon 15 Aug 2011.

"Flank the one with the shield!" the second hobgoblin says, getting into position on Dido's right.

"On fire!" first one reminds.  It stands back up, tries to douse the fire, and fails.

The third moves into position to Dido's left and the two attack together!  The second one misses, and the third hits very very hard!  Meanwhile the halfling prisoner finds a place to hide.

(( soldier 1 takes 5 ongoing fire.  stands.  Readies an attack for if one becomes possible.  Failed hobgoblin resilience save.  Failed save AGAIN.  soldier 2 shifts from g11 to h12 and readies formation strike.  soldier 3 moves from f10 to f12.  soldier 2 misses!  Soldier 3 hits with flail attack!  12 damage!  Dido uses second chance!  Soldier 3 CRITS!  14 damage to Dido.  Dido is marked and slowed.

Soldier 1 HP: 17 5 ongoing fire, save ends.
Dido HP: 29 Marked, and slowed till end of soldier 3's next turn. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:19, Mon 15 Aug 2011.

Kitau roars in rage and hacks with both her axes at the second soldier, then follows up with a slice against both it and the third soldier, finishing off the second!  She uses the opportunity to slip past the front line, getting closer to the warcaster!  The first soldier then flails it's flaming flail at Kitau and hits very very hard!  Kitau screams then vanishes!

(( Quarry soldier 2.  Thundertusk Boar Strike v soldier2 hit, miss.  16 damage.  ACTION POINT!  Funneling Fury v both soldier 2 and 3.  hit, hit!  12 damage!  Pass forward from g13 to f11.  Soldier 1 readied attack hits!  Max damage!  Kitau racial power go invis.

Soldier 2 HP: dead.
Soldier 3 HP: 29 and Marked by Kitau.
Kitau HP: 36 and INVISIBLE ))
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Mon 15 Aug 2011.

The warcaster looks unimpressed, though further infuriated. "You fools. You think you are special, but you are NOTHING! Feel the wrath of the Bloodreavers!" He waves a hand and a powerful force flies through the air. Kitau weaves about, ducking just under it. Dido almost manages to dodge it, but gets smashed and thrown onto his butt. "Oof!"

(Standard: Force Pulse vs Kitau, Dido. Miss(13), Hit(17)!)
 dmg: 9 and pushed from G12 to H13
Able to target Kitau because it's a blast. But his roll sucked anyway! :)

Dido HP: 29 - 9 = 20
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:09, Tue 16 Aug 2011.

Dido gets back up, "I'll take you all on!" he says as though completely undeterred by his prior injuries. He twitches an eye as the only sign he's in pain, then spits some blood off to the side.

(Standard: Full Defense)
(Move: Stand from Prone)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:51, Tue 16 Aug 2011.

Callie reaches over and touches Dido, healing him quite a substantial amount. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words are lame." Callie retorts to the Warcaster. "You're a bed-wetter. Aren't you." and with that, she waves a hand, blowing a glow of divine energy over Dido, Kitau and soldier 3. Although soldier 3 looks like he barely got out of the way of the wake, even the invisible Kitau is now feeling that familiar "my axe feels lighter" feeling from back when she met Callie and first fought at her side.

(Minor: Healing Word)
 Surge+3+3: 16
(Standard: Divine Glow v Soldier 3. Miss(15))
Kitau and Dido gain a +2 to their attacks until end of Callie's next turn.

Dido HP: 20 + 16 = 36

  Terdisas moves a bit to the side for a better shot indoors without having to actually enter the building, and manages to spark his next lightning bolt off the ceiling for his trouble.  "They can't all be winners, chirp."  "And yet the failure is that much more striking after the last winner."

  Yeah Ter, it'd be like if Sonic broke speed run records in Chemical Plant, and then tripped and fell facefirst into spikes in Green Hill.

---

  Terdisas
Move: Duh
Standard: Lighting Strike Vs Soldier 1, LoL 1 Miss.

Terdisas HP: 37/37 S 6/6 V 9

"Zap," Mittens says as she fires a magic Missile into the further soldier, "I don't expect you to have heard the news already, but we're the ones who took out a white dragon near Fallcrest and an Orcus army at Winterhaven.  So spare me your speeches, BOREreaver."

(( 7 damage?  No.  8.  Now I'm feeling the arg that is multiple Mittens.  Ah well.  What can I do.  Maybe I'll rebuild her as a time mage when that comes out.  Wait...  Wrong system.

Soldier 1 HP: 10 ))

The first soldier charge-Oof!  Bumps into invisible Kitau!

"The gnome's right here!" it says, flailing wildly at the empty air.

"Yea!" the other one says, swinging at the air as well.

"Flank it!"

"No way!  Then I'll be shredded by those dragon slayers!  You move over!"

"Oh right."

The first one steps to the right.

(( They wouldn't have hit her regular AC, much less with invis.  Soldier 1 shift from e10 to f10 ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:49, Wed 17 Aug 2011.

The first soldier's head suddenly leaps from it's shoulders and spirals toward the ceiling as Kitau's axe slices through the neck like butter.  She reappears and buries her other axe into the last remaining soldier's armor!

(( Twin strike CRIT, hit!  Shift from f11 to e11.  18 damage!  9 damage!

Soldier 1 HP: dead
Soldier 3 HP: 20 ))
This message was last edited by the player at 07:06, Wed 17 Aug 2011.

"Liar! If your claims were true, you wouldn't be cowering behind a corner!" he waves his staff and a Magneto sound effect occurs as Kitau suddenly slides across the floor towards the arcane hobgoblin. "Flank with me, soldier! The others are of no consequence compared to this one!"

(Standard: Force Lure v Kitau Reflex. Hit(19)!)
 dmg: 5
 Kitau slid from E11 to F8

Kitau HP: 36 - 5 = 31

Dido yells, "That's what YOU think!" as he steps towards the soldier and stops him from going to flank. His hammer meets armor, but Dido has made his defense clear.

(Move: H13 to G12)
(Minor: Divine Challenge v Soldier.)
(Standard: Valiant Strike v Soldier. Miss(18))

Callie moves past Dido, closer to Kitau and says, "Put him in his place, Kitau!" as she cocks her arm and a glowing lance made of energy appears in her hand. She chucks it right into the guy's side and it bursts with energy, making the guy leave an opening for Kitau!

(Standard: Lance of Faith v Warcaster Reflex. Hit(17)!)
 dmg: 10

Kitau has +2 to her next attack roll vs Warcaster.

Warcaster HP: 42 - 10 = 32

  Teridas feels it is time to man up and close in on the fray personally.  This has nothing to do with the fact it is impossible for him to safely take shots from a distance at the Warcaster from outside, nooo.  That would be crazy.

  He stops behind Dido, and levels his staff at the still standing soldier, "Bird, one liner."  "Tweet, ICE to meet you."  "That will suffice."  This said, he sprays the soldier with mist... Oh no, Mist, how terrible... Well, it is when the mist solidifies to the point the Soldier looks like he was caught outdoors in Narfell overnight.

  "Mittens, I trust you to finish the job where I have been not quite capable of doing so."  "You mean, nudge him so he falls over and shatters into a million pieces?  Tweet?"  "...I didn't freeze them THAT hard." 

---

  Terdisas
Move: To H 11
Standard: Frostbind Vs Soldier 3. Hits, 17+2 Ice Damage.

Effects: -2 Reflex to Soldier 3

Solder 3 HP: 20-19= 1/47

Terdisas HP: 37/37 S 6/6 V 9

"Gladly," Mittens answers, "Zap."

The last soldier is thusly knocked out!  She casually strolls over to to be next to Terdisas and answers the warcaster.

"Oh please.  All your soldiers are defeated, not one of us is more than scratched, and you point at our good tactics as proof we're not powerful?  You perpetuate the stereotype that monster races are stupid.  Which I take great umbrage to."

(( Magic Missile.  Move from i14 to g11

Solder 3 HP: KO ))

Kitau hooks her blade on the Warcaster's midsection and opens up a brutal wound as she slips past him, opening a spot for Dido to charge to!

(( twin strike CRIT miss. (sadly rolled a 4 so even with Callie buff no hit)  15 damage.  Pass forward from f8 to f6.

Warcaster HP: 17 ))

"Really? Stupid? That's a child's insult, you neanderthal!" When Kitau slices him, he manages to keep from wailing in pain. "And you didn't defeat my soldiers! This gnome did. You just want all the credit she is single-handedly working for. Some allies you are! I'll keep your "tactics" in mind and hide behind a wall with my friends while one person does the work!"

He glares down at Kitau and his eyes gloss over as his staff gets covered in electricity. BAMF! He hits Kitau with the stick, lightning coursing through her!

(Standard: Lightning Staff v Kitau. Hits(23)!)
 dmg: 15

Kitau HP: 31 - 15 = 16

Dido charges at the Warcaster, taking the opening Kitau gave! "Kitau is mighty, there's no doubt! But I'd like to see you ignore this!" this said, he lands a very solid blow with his hammer into the warcaster's side!

(Standard: Charge from G12 to F8 Ardent Strike. Hit(26)!)
 dmg: 10

Warcaster HP: 17 - 10 = 7

Callie reaches out her hand to Kitau and the gnome can feel her wounds close. "Be healed!" Callie commands of Kitau. Then she charges at the Warcaster with her over-sized sword and the Warcaster is stabbed deep in his gut. "Spare yourself some embarrassment, goblin, and be silent!"

But the hobgoblin retorts, "I'm not defeated! I'm just dying of boredom!"

(Move: To E10)
 Side note: Somehow forgot to note her move in her last post or even on the map. u.u But she would have to have been where Mitts or Terdisas are to attack due to range. Obviously would have been where Mitts is or her shortness would mean she couldn't attack. So to simplify things and make everything sane, I'll say she is just moving from Mitts' square WHILE Mittens was occupying it.
(Minor: Healing Word on Kitau.)
 Surge+2+3 = 16
(Standard: Charge v Warcaster. Hit(19)!)
 dmg: 5. >.> Rolled a 1.

Kitau HP: 16 + 16 = 32
Warcaster HP: 7 - 5 = 2
This message was last edited by the player at 23:40, Thu 18 Aug 2011.

"A wise guy, eh?" Mittens asks.

She steps out and motions with her fingers at the warcaster, and a hand made of force pokes him in the eyes, knocking him out!

"Nyuck nyuck nyuck!"

She steps forward a bit more.

"I heard someone negotiating terms for their freedom.  The badguys have been defeated.  You can come out now."

She glances down at Kitau.

"You don't feel that way, do you?  That we take all the credit for all your hard work?"

Kitau rolls her eyes then shakes her head.

"Just checking."

The halfling from earlier steps forward cautiously.

"Appreciate the rescue, heroes.  Thanks a bunch!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Fri 19 Aug 2011.

  "Such rescues appear to be ending up a habit.  I do not think this speaks well of the areas we frequent."  The temptation to say 'So, you were saying about twenty gold?' Is strong, but even as a joke he would rather avoid being taken seriously.

  "Alas, I can't always shoot lightning through walls, so I am glad that the rest of you dealt with their leader readily enough."

Callie answers the halfling ex-prisoner, "You're welcome" and goes to check on Kitau and Dido. "Is everyone alright?" Callie asks with concern.

Dido smirks as he heads to Kitau. "You notice that, Kitau? Of the bunch of us, *you* were the one he thought was worth any merit paying attention to."

Callie goes to check on the recently freed halfling the moment she is done checking on Kitau and Dido.

Kitau looks at her injury and sighs at the nuisance that is physical limitations.  "Some healing would be appreciated."

To Dido's comment, she blushes but makes no reply.

"In spite of how clearly awesome each one of us was in that fight, sometimes I almost think they actually believe what they're saying," Mittens comments, looking down at the unconscious body of the warcaster, "And making rescues in unpleasant situations is what separates the heroes from the victims.

"Introductions are in order!  Alphabetically, we are Callie, Dido, Kitau, Terdisas, and Mittens.  And your name is?"

“I’m Rendil Halfmoon, and I live here.
Well, not here, but in the Seven-Pillared Hall. Thanks again
for helping me. Come with me to the Halfmoon and I’ll buy you
an ale or four. It’s the best inn — well, the only inn — this side of the
Labyrinth.”

(( If Callie uses healing word on Kitau, that'll bring her back to full HP ))

  "I suppose limited competition always makes for better sales."  "So, if I charged people to slap them, I'd do well? Chirp"  "You are doing this on purpose, it seems."

  At least it's not a circus bear.

  "A more friendly insight into the area would be appreciated of course, Rendil."

Callie leans over to kiss Kitau on the cheek to heal her. Not that she has to, just likes the excuse to make the grump blush. She then says with a smile, "Please lead the way, Rendill. And while you're at it, tell us about you and how you got caught."

Dido follows along.

The grump does indeed blush! "Thanks..."

Once the survivors are properly bound, gagged, and force-marched, she and Mits follow Rendil's lead.

“Those hobgoblins grabbed me a few
hours ago.” he answers Callie,
“I was tailing them ’cause they were hanging around
my family’s inn yesterday. I wanted to figure out what they were
up to, but they caught me.”

“Those hobgoblins
you just beat up are some of the Bloodreavers. A lot more
of them are around, but you won’t see them up here. They hide
out down in the Chamber of Eyes. Filthy muck eaters, all of ’em.
They’re thieves and slavers, and not necessarily in that order.”

“As far as insights into the area, you’re in the Labyrinth, the untamed
region in the depths of Thunderspire Mountain. We’re not too far
from the Seven-Pillared Hall. Adventurers such as yourselves can
easily find employment in the Hall, if that’s what you’re looking
for. Just stay on Brugg’s good side—you don’t want him or the
Mages of Saruun to pay too much attention to you, if you know
what I mean.”


"If you need a place to stay, I'll put up room and board at the Halfmoon Inn for ya for as long as you stay in Thunderspire."

"That would be nice, yes," Mittens answers, "Thanks!"

  "Most kind of you Rendil.  Hopefully whatever business we deal with here does not take long enough to overstay our welcome."  Oh come on Terdisas, it's only a complex labyrinth that takes up the entire mountain and below.

  That will take 3 days, tops.  Maybe 4 if some encounters go bad and you need extra rest.