D1: Ashin's Commission (El Jefe judging)

(OOC: Michael's so core I didn't even look at the psionics rules when I built him. And a Selan cleric is not the type to look askance at a man with a special relationship to rocks. But the legs are still freaky.)

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(OOC: Heh, Zaeryl's hardcore Psion and he still doesn't see anything wrong with that. Bar that--Zaeyl's hardcore Psion and he has a Psicrystal and he doesn't see anything wrong with that. Damned Hero Psicrystal influencing Zaeryl slightly towards going after those ants )

--- THE BAINLUNDER HILLS ---

After a cold breakfast the party gets ready to set out once more.

Mikal confirms that the party wants to avoid Kinthriver and the soldiers if possible.

"Right then, we'll go east for a bit more, then turn up to meet the Duvik road where it enters the mountains. Its a good enough road, esay enough to find I guess. Bit of a climb though. So I heard.

"Probably some time day after tomorrow, we should get there. I'll push off then as well. Been away long enough as it is. And can't really help you much past that. Never been that way myself."

When everyone is ready, Mikal sets off, taking the lead as usual.

- ooc -
From memory, Ironwolf and Hulgyr prefer the front, Eternity and Zaeryl prefer the middle. Almayce has been near the back. Any changes?

TBH, I'd have been more surprised if Ironwolf had given his crystal a name. But it sounds like there is a story there you want to share.

[SBLOCK=JUN 2006]

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doghead said:

TBH, I'd have been more surprised if Ironwolf had given his crystal a name. But it sounds like there is a story there you want to share.

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ooc: It'll keep. I thought Hulgyr took rear guard last time?

"We can chat with the soldiers if we really have to, but we probably should just try to avoid them at least until we have more information about the situation here. Let's just try to do what we came here to do first.", Almayce says.

"Soldiers are fine if they're on your side, but we're just a bunch of circus freaks traveling in the middle of god-knows-what kind of demonic and/or undead spawning season, which is probably conveniently related to some kind of annoying, upcoming political scandal - assuming anybody ever hears about it - so I wouldn't expect a warm welcome. If they're not letting anybody leave, then yes, they might not be in the best of moods as Michael said.", he continues and then shrugs.

"I can try to read some of person's thoughts, and even though it's a bit risky and vague, it's usually nice to know something. If we find ourselves getting into trouble with the soldiers, try not to turn their attention to me. I'm probably doing something else they don't like."

OOC: Almayce prefers to be semewhere in the middle or back of the group. He might have figured that he doesn't know the name of the psicrystal, but he's not interested enough to ask about it, even if he has.

Cleric Spells Prepared (4/3+1/2+1, DC 13 + Spell Level):
0th: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Read Magic.
1st: Bless, Command, Detect Secret Doors (D), Magic Weapon.
2nd: Detect Thoughts (Div, D), Sound Burst, Spiritual Weapon.

Hulgyr indeed preferred the rear.

"Thank you Mikal for leading us this far. I think we should probably stay out of Kinthriver, though it would be good to have a look from a vantage point." replies Eternity.

ooc: hadn't noticed the naming/non-naming of the psicrystal, I'll take you up on your obvious hint next time you do.

Michael rides/drifts back by Hulgyr and to the outside of the group. A cynic might think he was positioning himself to intercept Hulgyr if he ran off again. An optimist would suggest Michael could slap a Bull's Strength on Hulgyr as he ran past without making him break stride.
Michael remains studiedly neutral on the question.

"If we could go down and talk, then get back, it would be best. But I don't see how we can all do that well. As Almayce said, we are a distinctive and heavily armed group."
Michael seems somewhat provoked at being referred to as a 'circus freak'.

"One or two of us could go down...say, two wandering clerics seeking to succour the needy. If that went badly, the rest of you could rescue us. That's the only way I can see to get information out of them."

Michael winces, remembering what happens when Hulgyr and Zaeryl get involved in diplomacy.

"I'm willing to risk it, but if nobody else thinks it's a good idea, I'll drop it. In that case, let's skirt Kinthriver entirely."

Michael grits his teeth and makes a decision.
"And Mikel? Thanks for all your help. May Sela support you, shelter you, and protect you."
The "you"'s are faintly emphasized: Michael evidently has not forgotten nor yet forgiven Bainlunder Lodge.

"Yes, we had best skirt Kinthriver. We need to reach Duvik."

"I'm still concerned about the soldiers, and have a possibly paranoid feeling that they may be comitting some sort of atrocities in that camp, but I will be guided by the majority, which obviously disagrees."

"Oh, we agree. There may be atrocities going on. The soldiers may even be the true antagonists. But like the ants and undead before them, Hulgyr is correct in pointing out that we need to go for our primary target first. We can add them to our to-kill list for on the way back."