In reply to Hograth Podkarmen (msg # 725):

Melchizadek enjoys the pie, and the company.

"So, tell me about your life here..."

[Private to GM: I am not going to try to role-play impressing her...I personally have way to many social disadvantages to play someone like Melchizadek, who has Charisma, Voice and good looks (Attractive, Universal). I just cannot see why he would not try to chat her up...given she has just assisted in killing a demon! Rolled 11, not sure even what skill to use.]

"I would gladly sell them to you, Ma'am." replies Goran.  "You seem like fine, upstanding ladies.  While we are of different religion, I find that you are good.  If we can find a beneficial trade, that would be acceptable to me, at least.  You have proven yourselves to me." The man of religion pauses for a second, and then settles deeper into his chair.  "You know, some pie sounds delightful.  I am weary from our efforts, and a slice would hit the spot."

In reply to Goran the Marked (msg # 727):

"Sell? We are not wealthy..."

In reply to Mature witch (msg # 728):

The older woman places her hand on Karen's shoulder as she passes out plates of pie

"Trade. Trade is good. We have some things that might be of interest. Beccy has baked some travel wafers, we have just brewed up a batch of potions, and we have a few amulets of warding as well. I am sure we can come to an agreement, and then we can ebchant sonething to use to scatter these vile smokes to the wind. Banishment works for a month, killing a demon's material form bans it for a year. "

Goran smiles at the older witches suggestion.  It pulls at the scar on his face awkwardly, and he instinctively rubs at the spot to keep it from getting sore.  "I would welcome a trade.  We are not wealthy, either.  Please, tell us what you have available, and we can haggle over what feels like a mutually agreeable solution."

The old priest pauses, thoughtfully, as if deciding exactly what else to say.  Finally, he adds a more personal comment.  It comes out a bit shy, perhaps even a little ashamed, as if it's a difficult topic for him to speak about.  "If you could perhaps humor an old man on one additional topic, I have a small request.

It has been quite some time since I felt like I had a home.  My village in Shevnia was destroyed, and all the people I cared about there were killed, including my family.  I find your company agreeable.  You cannot fill that void in my life, but perhaps you would be willing to help me find comfort from the loneliness from time to time?  I could come back and visit every so often.

I know the portal will allow me passage to your realm, if you find my presence acceptable.  However, the portal may be destroyed by the authorities if they do not feel it safe.  Or it may be complicated by fees or bureaucracy.  Is there another way for me to come back, after we conclude our business here?"

Goran then looks at the mature witch, wistfully, before he continues.  "I would not want to intrude on your peace and tranquility, Ma'am.  Please forgive an old fool for his musings.  I am approaching the age where I have to consider moving on from the adventuring life, but I have no roots to go back to."

[Private to GM: Goran has a line item on his sheet related to followers
Sense of Duty (Co-Religionists) -5

To my knowledge he has never interacted with any of them, after his village was destroyed.  This is my attempt to have him set down some roots, somewhere.  He's very old for an adventurer, and so his thoughts are likely starting to drift towards settling down somewhere.]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:25, Mon 17 Aug 2020.

"Goran, we would welcome the occasional company, although the winter gate, which is near, and has a passage from this place that is open towards the end of the cycle, is closer to your aspect of the divine. The Time of the Dark, when the sun is reborn is ever on the cusp in that place,but dwelling in autumn to visit that place and time when light triumphs may be appealing.  Surely I have chosen this place because I am tired of havi g a chill in my bones. One cannot be ever at Yuletide. "

In reply to Older witch (msg # 731):

"I always liked Autumn because it is the season where the sun casts off the oppression of winter, setting the stage to dominate for summer..."

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 732):

You on drugs man?

"Ladies, I'd be happy to trade these feathers for anything that'll help us slay demons, undead, or stop evil wizardry."

Goran smiles again.  "But your warmth would not be found at yuletide."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

In reply to Goran the Marked (msg # 735):

"Oh, wait, that is spring...pity then. Never mind..."

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 736):

Karen looks patronizingly at the befuddled priest of Helios... and then turns and opens a small box full of whatappears to be macrame projects. She fishes through them, and extracts a small braided cord with a tassel.

"This might do something when fighting undead. That and a pick of potions might do you."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

In reply to Mature witch (msg # 737):

"What does it do?"

In reply to Hograth Podkarmen (msg # 738):

"Bound to the hilt or haft of a weapon, by a sacred knot, it will make the weapon enchanted against the undead.

[Private to Hograth Podkarmen: grants +1 pussiance vs undead, counts as a magic weapon vs them, bonds permanently to chosen weapon.... Stenet might need more]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:06, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

Nice! other do what?

In reply to Urrun (msg # 740):

"Dear Urrun, Let Karen have some of her secrets. She crochets all manner of things, but rarely shows us what she is hooking together. Granny Carol is more inclined to show us her knitting, and her scarves always keep us warm."

Goran smirks in a mischievous way, quietly, and then adds in "Yeah, Hograth, don't badger the poor lady."

He then makes a show of checking his habit to make sure that he hasn't gotten any pie on it.  "Hey, speaking of...  This vestment has gotten pretty worn over the years.  Any chance you could maybe repair the hem, and a couple of the frayed sleeves?"  As he pulls aside his armor, a heavier religious garment can be seen underneath.

In reply to Goran the Marked (msg # 742):

"Bother her? I am just trying to make a fair trade! And this does sound fair...something to aid us against undead is useful. Do you have anything to aid us against demons also?"

In reply to Hograth Podkarmen (msg # 743):

"Only Karen Knits? What do you ladies do in your spare time, apart from lovely cooking!"

No, Carol knit, Karen make knots with magic ... what you make little one?

Stenet leaves the bantering to everyone else and just keeps an eye on things.

In reply to Urrun (msg # 745):

Rebecca blushes.
I do needlepoint and embroidery. "
She gestures to a wall hanging that has pictures of leaves and pumpkins

warm sweaters
         Bright foliage
          Brisk walks
         On crunchy leaves
          Hot cider
          Pumpkin pie

In reply to Younger witch (msg # 747):

"Ah, how lovely it is! I imagine they would keep you warm as well. Do you sell them, or just make them for yourselves?"

Goran smiles at the woman's embarrassment, but just watches quietly, as a more elder statesman type would do.

mmm, look pretty. has magic of seeing.