Alvar Thorne & Associates, Part 1 - orsal judging

Boddynock · Aug 16, 2007

While the group is speaking with Alissa, the nickering of the horses, and the cursing of the dwarf, becomes louder and louder. The horses balk at the harness, they skitter in sideways prancing steps as the wagoner tries to back them into the traces, they whinny and snort their displeasure in blustering breaths. Finally, just as Ciprinus hands his scimitar to Ossa, they rear up, neighing in distress and trying to break for the open doors.

Milak, the dwarf, steps forward to grab the reins and calm them but they rear again, knocking him off balance and lunging forwards, intent on escape. “Gie doon, ye buggers. Oof - blest ye. Steady thaur!”

Alissa turns from the adventurers, shouting orders to the workers. “Hold them. If they get out, they could trample passers-by.”

Jendral moves forward, but is hampered by the need to pass on the reins of his own horses to one of the labourers, who fumbles them in evident fear of the beasts.

Deus Ex Machina · Aug 16, 2007

Seeing that everyone is focused on the horses, and with no idea on how to handle the animals themselves, Valdaris rushes to shut the doors and prevent them from escaping.

Boddynock · Aug 16, 2007

[sblock=OOC]DEM has expressed a preference for the players to make any rolls they think may be needed, and for the DM to make hidden ones. Certainly, if you players are going to roll, you need to do it at the time of your post. It take far too long if you post intention, and then later post rolls.

What about the rest of you? What would you prefer?[/sblock]

Drerek · Aug 16, 2007

Boddynock said:
[sblock=OOC]DEM has expressed a preference for the players to make any rolls they think may be needed, and for the DM to make hidden ones. Certainly, if you players are going to roll, you need to do it at the time of your post. It take far too long if you post intention, and then later post rolls.

What about the rest of you? What would you prefer?[/sblock]

[sblock=ooc]Fine by me, although I will forget to make some at some point and will need to be reminded.

[/sblock]

Deus Ex Machina · Aug 16, 2007

[sblock=OOC]More than likely, you'll make some rolls that you don't need and miss some rolls that you do. Though 'Nock can always make the roll if you miss one. Common sense will dictate.

And yes. Of course add any rolls you think will be required at the time of posting. No point delaying any more than necessary.

[/sblock]

Voda Vosa · Aug 16, 2007

Ciprinus runs toward the irritated horses and try to calm them down, using his knowledge of animal behavior.

OOC:[sblock]Handel animal: 13 + 5 = 18[/sblock]

Trouvere · Aug 16, 2007

Taelythenihel shrinks back from the unruly animals, pulling Ossa with her to the edge of the loading bay.

Boddynock · Aug 17, 2007

[sblock=OOC]Grumble! First ENWorld is down all day, and then InvisibleCastle is offline. No verified rolls, I'm afraid.[/sblock]Initiative
20 Ciprinus
20 Taelythenihel
19 Allistra
17 Milak
14 Jendral
13 Horse #2
11 Valdaris
09 Ossa
08 Horse #1
07 Ruud

As the horses rear and charge forward, people explode into a flurry of action. Ciprinus and Taelythenihel react immediately, the druid moving forward and the wizard moving back. Ciprinus runs over to stand in front of the horse on the far side of the pair, while Taelythenihel steps back out of harm's way, dragging Ossa with her. The servant is slow to respond, but under her mistress' insistent hands she steps backwards.

Ciprinus reaches out to the towering beast, making crooning sounds and offering his palms for the frightened animal to smell. It jerks its head back in alarm and makes as if to bowl over the druid, until Milak moves forward alongside him and adds his voice to Ciprinus' own. The big beast rolls its eyes in alarm but nevertheless settles and allows itself to be soothed.

Allistra and Valdaris have had the same idea, leaping to the two big doors which open onto the street. Allistra swings the far one shut and, a moment later, Valdaris slams the second one. They then turn to stand facing the horses, presenting a further impediment to the animals' flight.

Jendral, having managed to pass on the reins of his own horses, moves to the side of the other horse and attempts to grab its halter. His movement startles the beast, which rears again and lashes out at him with one of its huge hooves. Luckily he dodges the blow.

Boddynock · Aug 18, 2007

"Steady there," Jendral says, as he applies himself to the task of quieting the frightened horse. He moves in front of it, speaking quietly, reaching up slowly to stroke the side of the horse's face, his other hand digging into his pocket to fetch out a treat which he offers. The horse responds to the familiar voice and the soothing tone, rubbery lips gathering up the tidbit. Apart from a single stamp of a hind hoof, it is still.

[sblock=OOC]Handle Animal check = 25[/sblock]Waiting a moment or two until it's clear that the horses have settled, Allistra moves forward and says, quietly but firmly, "What spooked them?" When Thay looks around and shrugs, and Milak scowls, she frowns and says, still in a quiet tone, "Well, get them harnessed, and you fellows, load the rest of that cargo. I want to get an early start today."

Then she turns to Ciprinus and Valdaris and says, "Thanks. That was quick thinking."

To the group in general she says, "Who among you can ride?"