robertness |
This time it doesn't seem to be a trick of the wind, everyone definitely hears childish laughter. There seem to be two sources; The first is up among the tree tops and the other is from under the cart.
This calls for two more perception checks from everyone. The first to see what's in the trees, the second to see what's under the cart.
Juwwem Stonefriend |
Once again Juwwem wakes up, this time a bit more awake than before. With very sleepy eyes Juwwem stands up. He hears Vivian and Gordom bicker about something but before Juwwem can understand what's it about, he hears the laughter. Looking around, still yawning, he tries to pinpoint the origins of the laughter.
Perception1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Perception2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Gordom |
Perception 2:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Sense Motive:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Gordom frantically checks his trousers before he realizes Vivian was just messing with him.
By the gods, is there ever a time when you're serious? How did you ever make it in a temple of Pharasma? I thought her followers were supposed to be solemn people.
Has anyone found Najara's key yet?
Vivian Deberth |
With a toughtful smile, without any anger, Vivian answers the ranger
I'll be solemn enough when I'll be dead, Gordom. Laugh is one the pleasure of life, and should be treasured and cherished. You should keep in your mind that the dead can't smile.
That's one of the few things I learned in the temple of Pharasma, between the first cries of the newborn and the last anguished breath of the dying... we have a life to live, and it can be as short as a few hours or span over a century, and we'd never know when we will hear the call of Pharasma.
It's up to us to keep a smile on our face as often as possible, to try to bring a smile on other people faces so for a few seconds they may forget their actuel pain, hunger or anger, to forget for a few seconds that sooner or later, there will be no more pain, anger, love, happiness, hunger.I see no shame or foolishness in that.
She stops dead in her tracks, forcing Gordom to stop too, and she looks him straight in the eyes
Was I serious enough for you?
To Gordom
Perception rolls up the trees 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
under the cart 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Too caught up in her tirade and looking at Gordom exclusively, Vivian seems partially oblivious of her surroundings.
Gordom |
"You laugh on a hunt, the deer hears you, it escapes. You have no food. You have no furs. The only question now is whether the cold or the hunger kills you first. You've seen death, but have you ever seen him when he's coming for you? It's a different world we grew up in, city-girl."
From Vivian's perspective,looking into Gordom's eyes, it's possible to see that her words have softened him a little but he's not ready to give up on his anger just yet.
Vivian Deberth |
How easily you seem to forgot, even if I understand your point about starving. Never suffered from starvation, unlike you, but I've seen the poorest people in town dying from it. Sometimes we could help them at the temple, sometimes... it was too late.
Vivian takes Gordom's hand in hers, and kisses it gently
You think I never faced Pharasma myself? I faced her only hours ago, when I was lying in a pool of my own blood, when Kressle hit me viciously.
If you weren't there to stop her with an arrow, if Juwwen hadn't used his magic to heal me, i wouldn't be there.
But I'm here, still alive. With people that cared for me, people I respect and I care for.
That's enough for bringing a smile on my lips....and a swing on my hips.
Playfully, she bumps her bottom into Gordom's side
robertness |
"Oops! Spotted!" The tiny dragon does a quick loop and starts flying off. Then he turns around quickly and returns to the tree top he was at earlier. "Oh, didn't mean to take this with me. You need it more than I." The butterfly winged dragon leaves the key perched on top of a tall pine tree and starts flying off.
Juwwem Stonefriend |
At first Juwwem was alarmed at the sight of the small dragon. When it flies off, he relaxes and it becomes clear to him that it was quite harmless.
"A funny one he is. Especially for a dragon."
Juwwem looks around to see who's volunteering to climb up the tree to retrieve the key of the manacles.
Najara the Ironsighted |
If only the inquisitor's eyes were daggers, she would easil be able to cut that key down in an instance...and clip that pesky dragon's wings. But alas all she could manage is to scowl most heatedly at the creature. "Just great.", she mutters and then looks to two gnomes, "So which one of you is good at climbing?"
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Perception Trees
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Perception Cart
Shix Firley |
Perception cart 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
perception tree 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
ME!? Climb up there?! Hahahehehohoho. Who's ever heard of a gnome climbing trees? Your hilarious Najara. A real jokester. ha..ha.....ha..... After seeing Najara's long cold stare Shix lets out a long sigh and begins his ascent.
Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 15
If he gets within 25 feet of the key he uses mage hand to grab it and lower it to him.
how high is the tree to the top.
Vivian Deberth |
Meanwhile, if Vivian can access to her backpack,she will seize her tools and work over the manacles lock
For Robertness [Spoiler] Then, as stealthily as possible, she will try to put both the manacles on Gordom hands-provided she manages to open them in the first place of course! Stealth roll 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 (or Sleight of Hand? If so take the same roll and add +2 for my Deft Hands bonus)
robertness |
Vivian rummages through her backpack, a tricky proposition with one hand tied to a ranger, and gets her tools. She tries to unlock the manacles, but they're too well made for her to open one handed.
As Vivian tries to free herself, Najara notices something under the cart. A creature the size of a cat is sitting there. It has a humanoid head and torso and an insect's body and wings. She seems to be saying "Come on Ginger, you can do it!" The creature is unaware that it's been spotted.
Meanwhile, Shix climbs about halfway up the tree. Then he summons magic forces to lower the key to his outstretched hand. This accomplished he quickly climbs down to ground level.
Juwwem Stonefriend |
With admiration Juwwem watches as Shix climbs the tree and actually manages to retrieve the key while still quite some feet away from the thing.
"Shix, that's amazing! How did you do that?"
With a pat on the shoulder Juwwem welcomes Shix back to earth.
Najara the Ironsighted |
Najara arches an eyebrow as if trying to forumulte a plan, and then announces to the group, "I'll check on the prisoners." In her best non-chalant demeanor, she heads over to the cart with hidden intentions. Upon reaching the vehicle, she suddenly dives head long under it, both hands are thrust ahead of her ready to grapple the creature she had spotted earlier. "Got you!"
robertness |
Najara flings herself under the cart in an effort to grab the creature.
In the interest of time, I'll go ahead and roll your Grapple Attack, Najara. Grapple: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
And Initiative for the pair: Najara-1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4. Critter 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
The little bug-girl ably dodges away from the lunging inquisitor. "Hey! You big lummox!" She shouts putting her hands on her hips. "You could have crushed my wings." She jumps away from Najara and a swarm of tiny lights surround her. Suddenly the bug-girl is nowhere to be seen.
Najara the Ironsighted |
Should have gone for the wings. Always go for the wings. Najara makes a mental note as she scowls at her empty hands. Refusing to give up, the inquisitor continues to scan the area for any sign of the creature. If she could help it, she wasn't prepared to let them off scot-free in the face of their campsite terrorize.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19Perception.
Shix Firley |
Shix looks to Juwwem, a little confused. "You mean you can't do that? I always assumed it was one of those gnome powers. You know like a natural adaptation so we can reach the spices on the top shelf and other important stuff."
Shix then gives the key to Vivian, after which turning around just in time to see Najara dive under the wagon and a bunch of light. "Wait Najara, did I hear you say that you have wings? I don't see any....do all humans have wings? I'm pretty sure they don't...I'm pretty sure that's something I would have noticed, and more importantly; If you had them this entire time why did I have to climb that bloody tree?
robertness |
"Hey! Lemme go!" Najara definitely has a hold of some buggy part, probably a leg. "We didn't hurt anyone. And your camp is in our forest! We were here first!" As she talks, bug-girl struggles to free herself from Najara's grasp.
Escape Artist 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
The bug-girl slips free of Najara's hands and flies out from under the cart. She's still invisible, but you all hear her say, "Besides, Perlivash thought Ginger would like being tied up to the big guy."
Gordom |
Gordom, feeling rather grumpy and irritated from the past several minutes of time he could have been asleep, grabs the key from Shix and starts to undo the manacles.
Addressing the girl under the cart, Gordom attempts to figure out why their party has been the target of these pranks or at least keep the girl talking long enough for Najara to get another read on her location.
"So the tiny dragon's name is Perlivash? The Ginger's name is Vivian and mine is Gordom. What's yours?"
Juwwem Stonefriend |
Mirroring Shix'confused look, Juwwem shrugs.
Turning his attention to an angered Najara who seems to be having a talk and a fight with the axles of the cart, Juwwem approaches the cart to see what's wrong.
"Who are you talking to Miss Najara? And why are you hugging yourself? I'm sure Gordom has some room left for a hug now he's freed of Miss Vivian."
Vivian Deberth |
Thank you for the Key, Master Shix...
Vivian bends and kisses Shix forehead, before relieving herself from the manacles, before adding with a great smile and a bow.
And thank you for that "bonding time", Gordom. i've learned maybe even more about you that you planned to say. And that helps me understand you, and why you are who you are. I'm serious, this time.
Hearing the commotion from the cart, she turns to the fighting scene, shouting to be heard
Najara, no need for that! It's no use to play hide and seek now....Besides, I still see you!
robertness |
"Well, Gordom, my name's Tyg-Titter-Tut." The bug-girl's voice can be heard from a clump of bushes about ten feet away from the cart, but you still don't see her. "Anyways, it's been fun, but we gotta fly! See you later!" You hear the sound of insect wings flying away from the bushes.
You all can take another action directed at Tyg (or at least in her general direction) if you want.
Najara the Ironsighted |
Najara halts her pursuit of the invisible bug once it seems to communicate. Information would be quite useful and worth the previous prankster hassle. "Wait! If this is your forest, then you must be familiar with its usual inhabitants. We're looking for some mites that supposedly live around here. Do you know where they hole up?"
"And just so we're all on the same page. I'm talking to a giant humanoid cricket that you can't see because she's invisible.", she announces to the group. It sounded silly, but just deal with it.
robertness |
"Giant... cricket!?" Tyg-Titter-Tut is now visible to the entire party. She's flying about seven feet above the ground and is approaching the cart. "I am a grig, thank you very much, Miss Grouchy Grabber. Yes, I know where the mites live. I'm not sure I'll show you where they are. Don't know the difference between a cricket and a grig. Jeesh."
Diplomacy roll would be appropriate here.
Vivian Deberth |
I guess my friend Najara, as myself, is what Gordom call a "city girl", not really knowledgeable of the fabulous grigs, and that is a shame. Maybe our favorite ranger here knows a few facts about the grigs, but who can better talk of the grigs than one of their own people?
I would love to hear the tale of the grigs from your voice, Tyg Titter Tut, if you would be so kind to tell us. Or should Perlivash be our teacher about grigs, if you're lacking the time to speak with us?
Vivian sits down, patting the earth near her to invite Najara by her side
Diplomacy check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Juwwem Stonefriend |
At the appearance of the little grig, Juwwem feels joyful.
"What a wonderful creature you are!" he exclaims softly. He didn't intend for anyone to hear but it was too late to hold back. Stepping closer to see her better, Juwwem tries to keep her around, both for his own curiosity as well as the group's need of information.
"Well met Miss Tyg-Titter-Tut, my name is Juwwem Stonefriend. While we might seem rude, we would like to make up for that bad impression. Please do tell us about grigs.."
".. and perhaps about the mites too." he adds.
CURSES! Lost this post!
Aid another Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Najara the Ironsighted |
The inquisitor took up a seat near Vivian as offered so as to not appear threatening. "These mites sound like a troublesome menace though, and they have stolen an item of great sentimental value. If they have wronged you in the past, helping us is a chance to teach them a lesson."
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Diplomacy.
robertness |
Tyg-Titter-Tut lands on the side of the cart and looks at Najara with a dumbfounded expression. "For a hot tempered biggin, you actually came up with a decent idea." She then looks to Vivian and Juwwem, "Not much to say about grigs except we're the smartest, fastest, and prettiest creatures in this, or any, forest. But I'm sure you've figured that out already. Now, about teaching the mites a thing or two, you serious about putting them in their place or do you just want to grab their loot and run like the biggineses you took these two from?" Tyg glances at the still sleeping bandits in the cart as she says this last.
Juwwem Stonefriend |
With amazement Juwwem listens to Tyg-Titter-Tut's little rant all the while smiling but trying not to offend her.
"I've never been called a bigginese before!"
Juwwem tilts his head and continues more softly:
"Do you think the mites need a teaching? Are they that horrible or just mischievous?"
Gordom |
"Well, the mites have stolen something precious from a good friend of ours so we did aim to try and teach them a lesson. But these biggineses you recognized are reformed; they don't steal from people any more. Do you think we could negotiate with the mites as well? As the smartest creature in the forest I'm sure you can tell us the extent of what the mites have done."
robertness |
"What have the mites done?" A voice answers from somewhere over and above Gordom's head. You don't see the speaker, but the voice is high pitched and whistles slightly. "Not much except torture any animal they can overpower. There's also the slight issue of the war they've started with the Sootscales."
Juwwem Stonefriend |
With more amazent showing on his face, Juwwem turns his head around to see who's talking to them. That look changes to a deep frown at the mention of torture.
"Torture? We shall teach them dearly then..."[b]. Realizing he had spoken out loud Juwwem is quick to ask both Tyg-Titter-Tut and the voice he heard about the warring parties:
[b]"Sootscales? Who are they?"
robertness |
"Perly! You know the rules," Tyg-Titter-Tut calls to the voice. "When we talk to the bigneses, and we're not pranking them, we show ourselves."
"Aw!" The little dragon is suddenly visible. "You mean we're done pranking?" He lands on Gordom's head with a soft thud.
"For now," the grig winks at her friend. "The Sootscales are the local kobold tribe. Some of them attacked you earlier."
Najara the Ironsighted |
Najara listened intently to the free information pouring forth. She could stand a few (mostly) harmless pranks if they received some valuable intel. Perhaps they may even know of the Stag Lord which will prove handy. "We have no love for kobolds either. But there appears to be more politics in play here than we could have imagined. What are the stakes of this conflict between the mites and kobolds? If we topple the mites, will something need to be done about the kobolds as well?"
robertness |
"The kobolds are cowards, for the most part," the little dragon says as he absentmindedly plays with Gordom's hair. "They're really riled up because the mites stole something that's very precious to them. Don't ask me what would be precious to a kobold, I haven't a clue."
"Perly's people? I suppose he's got kin around somewhere, but I've never seen them," Tyg-Titter-Tut answers Gordom before Perlynash can. "And of course I'm the only grig. This forest can only tolerate so much cuteness you know."
"But to answer your question, Gordom," Perlynash interrupts. "Our only stake in this is the damage the mites and kobolds do to the woods trying to get at each other. If the Sootscales got their precious back, they'd probably go back to their normal ways and it might get the mites to reconsider their aggression. Hmmm... You have the most fascinating hair for a human. Perhaps if we weave some flowers into it..."
Najara the Ironsighted |
Najara nodded in agreement with a dry but amused smile. "Flowers would indeed be nice."
"That settles it then and lines up perfectly with our own goals. We should serve these mites some justice and restore a bit of peace to these woodlands.", she announced trying to rally support from her comrades. Now that they would potentially recover something of value to the kobolds, they can exchange it for information or possible even help against the seemingly unassailable Stag Lord.
robertness |
"Oh, alright... Perlynash says sadly.
"Didn't you hear them Perly?" Tyg-Titter-Tut asks excitedly. "Lady Najara offered to help with the mites. Perly and me will take you to the Sycamore. We'll even keep an eye on your 'luggage' while you're inside." She looks at Jesse and Franco, both of whom are sleeping very, very soundly, when she mentions luggage.
"Uh... Tyg... You may have over done it with the sleeping song."
Juwwem Stonefriend |
His inner-gnome is having a renaissance, Juwwem starts to feel more and more connected with these wildlands. With a tilted head he watches the humorous dragon and the witty Tyg-Titter-Tut tell them about local politics.
"Yes, take us to the Sycamore. We would be honoured, right?"
Juwwem looks around when he realizes he spoke for the others without actually consulting them. The way of the fey is actually bringing up some deep-rooted gnomish habits.
"Sleep song? Eh, that's nice!"
Vivian Deberth |
It's a shame to sleep while you're giving a magnificent performance, Tyg-Titter-Tuts, but i guess they are doing splendid dreams after hearing your lovely voice. I'm really thankful you can help us BOTH, and i hope we'll be able to help you too in the future.
Vivian rises and cleans the dust out of her clothes before giving a hand to Najara to help her up with a friendly smile
Don't worry, Najara, I won't spank the dust out of your clothes. Except if you're ask gently for it, of course.
the redhead giggles and winks at the inquisitor before adding in a more serious tone
You really have beautiful, interesting eyes, Najara. Hope someone already told you that.