Grimaldi observed, silently. Was there going to be a bright, blinding flash? Hmm..

Seeing the trader opt out of the 'ritual greeting' of the surface dwellers (shaking of hands), Ülo's eyes momentary narrow... then she shrugs and accepts the goggles.

She says to Rush, "You say when leave", looks through the goggles to see what they do before handing them off to another troll, and then tries to casually walk over to Rafik (but it's obvious she'd be rushing to him if there was no crowd).

Even though the trip had yet to start, Jendrich was already focused on his work. So much so that he missed the trollwife greeting. It was his first task for the guild, after all. He could not afford to fall short so soon.

In reply to Jendrich (msg # 51):

The tinted eyewear permits trolls to gaze directly at a torch or candle without suffering any vision penalties, an apology for bringing light.  In this case, aside from the candle which the deepguard is chastised for lighting, and which is then snuffed, the light comes from a glass vial of greenish white phosphorescent oil, and a pair of amulets which glow with a faint blue sheen as bright as a torch.

Lastly descending from the shaft, which surprises the merchant, is a catfolk person in a body harness with two long knives as t her side.
She speaks on accented trollish,
"Sõbrad, kas arvasite, et saadan ainult võõra?"

[Private to Ulo: friens, did you thi k I would only send you a stranger?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:38, Sun 19 Apr 2020.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 52):

A troll archer with a prominent scar on his chest smiles toothily and opens his arms for an embrace,  which the cat strps into, arms spread.
"Hitomi kui jaaguari hõim!

[Private to Ulo: Hitomi of the jaguar tribe. She is a known trollfriend]

Grimaldi smiled faintly, as decent sorts do, when they see a baby, signs of goodwill, or old friends meeting again, in passing.

He has been taking all this in quietly from the back ground.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 55):

"Ulo this Hitomi, friend  to us of the Eastern Reaches, and to Svetlana and her husband. Let us all go see Angrid the elder."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Tue 21 Apr 2020.

In reply to Fenric (msg # 56):

The collection of trolls start to move toward one of the side passages. Your footsteps echo eerily, but the trolls soldier on confidently, although the halberdier looks about with trepidation.

What positions are you walking in?
-The cat along with the troll Fenrik are in front, two of the local trolls are behind you, and Rafik is close with Ulo.  In the center of the group are the merchant, the halberdier, Clair the laborer, Lourdad, and the other orc guard.

He is just behind the merchant group, watching to the rear as best he can.




[Private to GM: Will I need to act as Johan? I still have him and Azrael in my character list]

Grimaldi walking next to Lourdaud.

Ülo alternates between trying to catch up with Rafik (after asking him wait on the surprise until later) and talking to Hitomi trying to find out about her.  Ülo's Araliase is pretty terrible.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Wed 22 Apr 2020.

Jendrich stays close to the rear, where he can quickly spot any commotion among the trolls. He keeps his crossbow in hand, and focuses on the group itself, trusting Syvanus to watch the rear.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 60):

The archer leans in close to Ulo, and shows her something in his pouch
[Private to Ulo: he shows you a blue haired scalp]

"Udělal jsi to?" Ülo squeaks, then in a more conspiratorial tone, "Promluvíme si později!"

Where she seemed happy with Rafik before, she's downright blissful now.



[Private to GM: "You did it?"  "We'll talk later!"]

In reply to Ulo (msg # 63):

The trolls lead you through twisty passages in the dark, passing entrances to vasty places that reek of reprile, and others thst drip with water, until you are broght to an audience hall, where  an elderly troll on a high chair is flanked by axe weilding brutes.

Grimaldi plays it cool, observing his surroundings, but not too long, or intensely, as he waits for the inevitable parley to begin.

Thinking of what passed for diplomacy back in his home, Jendrich just stands at attention, hoping not to offend someone by accident.

He just stops in the little caravan and watches what plays out, alert as always.

Ülo moves over to Rushagorn as the group assembles, waits a few moments, then intones a sound and gestures briefly with one hand.

"Better.  Now I can speak your language clearly.  Unless you have an interpreter you prefer, I offer my services."





OOC:  00:12, Today: Ulo rolled 9 using 3d6.  Casting Borrow Language 16, borrowing Araliase.

Spells active:  1 (3 but 2 have No Footprint)
Borrow Language, no maintenance; Hide +1, no maintenance; No Smell, no maintenance.

Jendrich's composure breaks for a moment, surprised by the unexpected spell. He recovers quickly, but he seems embarrassed by his own reaction.

16:23, Today: Grimaldi rolled 12 using 3d6.  thaumatology ~ 16.
Grimaldi observed the spell's workings, out of academic interest.

In reply to Grimaldi (msg # 70):

The elder speaks, and is translated by Ulo. You suspect that she understands anything you are saying, but is choosing only to speak in Trollish.
"Greetings to Hitomi, Rafik, and to Rushagorn Brodakin, and each of you.  I am Angrid, the elder. To travel in our precincts beyond areas your guides will lead you to is forbidden, unless you are, like Hitomi, Rafik, or Johan, made friends or members of our tribe. Please refrain from creating unduly bright light, as this offends many of my people, and therefore, myself.  Let us drink together from a common bowl, and then we can review your goods, and begin negotiations"

The orc bows to her when his name is mentioned, and after Hitomi, is the first of you to drink the offered beverage, which is a harsh tasting mushroom ale.

"Salut!"
Grimaldi takes a drink, and passes it to Lourdaud.

Jendrich waits for his turn to drink, doing his best to imitate the others. Hopefully that would be enough to avoid insulting their host.