(Casual D&D II) The Fellowship of the White Dove

[Sparky]

Oliver's face falls when Fendric tells him of Exantrius' fate as hope drains away. "Three days after..." He shakes his head, knuckles whitening on the staff that matches his stride.

His brow furrows, bristling gray, and despite any apparent physical frailty, he looks formidable, "I well understand the gravity of the situation and your investment in it, Fendric." He studies the man for a moment to make sure the rebuke sinks in. His jaw clenches as he gives Fendric's arm a tug to move the band along and begins walking once more, "A week after Exantrius and you lot left," he gives a nod to Niccolo, "A battle started out at sea. Mercenaries, Pirates, rebels from Dalmar. The sea-forts fell and the fighting spilled into the city." Memory clouds his face, "The reek of char and barked shouts filled the streets. The town guard surrendered almost to a man. Can't say I blame them, outnumbered as they were. A few stout citizens held out in places, but the city was occupied. Anyone who remained to defend Hedrogura," He looks down, abashed, "Went to the Temples. When I left - fled - a week ago, the Temple of Pelor still stood. I cannot say what has happened since. I can only hope they still hold out."

This man is not the rough, rowdy that he was years ago, Fendric. He does not even appear to be the same man that plucked weak tunes on a lute at Caval's Horde, Niccolo. That first Oliver's eyes were alight with anger and rash acts. The latter's eyes were dim with oblivion and drink. This Oliver's eyes are clear. Dark and shadowed. Long struggle and sorrow gleam from their depths.

 

[dpdx]

Fendric studies Oliver, carefully, realizing that his demeanor in fact HAS softened since those first days at the arena. Wordlessly, eyes brimming with tears, Fendric embraces the man. Finally, he steps back.

"I'm very sorry to hear this. May the Radiant Light Shine on the Souls of the Unfortunate, as it always does. But I'm happy you made it out alive, and found us to tell us of this news.

I suspect you cannot return to Hedrogura, then. Will you accompany us on our journey? We'd be honored."

 

[Tonguez]

"Morning Orbril, coming with us?" he asks casually.

The gnome grins broadly as he grabs what ever is being offered for breakfast

"I've nowhere better to go today" he answers "so yes I think I'll enjoy some new company and last nights encounter has my curiosity piqued "so where do we go?"

He turns to watch the old man and the Pelorite go outside

 

[Tonguez]

(In that case, Orbril has the same sense about these folk as the Ranger spellcasters -- there goes my "oh, Druids broadcast themselves pretty clearly" theory.

As for riding a wolf, some ranks in Profession (trainer) would be in order -- for a wolf, I'd say DC 16, taking a week to attempt to train it...)
.

Orbril sniffs as Fendric leaves the room - their is a strange odour about him. He is more concerened however about his fellow gnome and the strange inkling he feels

ooc
eek! don't have Prof: Trainer (thought the handle animal and wild empathy might do the trick) Oh well - maybe just go and buy a riding dog instead!. Oh and your theory might still work Orbril only has 1 level of Druid, and is not the typical druid either (he is afterall a gnome)

 

[dpdx]

He turns to watch the old man and the Pelorite go outside

[The old man and the Pelorite were already outside.]

With his arm still locked in Oliver's, to make sure he doesn't go anywhere, Fendric looks around at the rest of the group, assembled outside.

"Have we decided on a direction? I vote west, over the mountains to Eivanrach. There is also east, back the way we came, to rescue Father Premule, and North, possibly to return to Bethel and find out what has become of Merrim, Victus and Aerda. The only direction that's out of the question is South, or Southeast, as that would lead us back to Hedrogura and almost certain doom. Therefore, what say you all?"

He looks back at Oliver. "You have a vote in this as well, if you're joining us."

 

[Uriel]

Whistling as he does so, Niccolo scribbles the names of the newest Companions who have joined the Company into the old book that has become the Journals of the White Dove. Looking with aanappraising eye to each of these, he smiles and continues to write, awaiting the others' readiness to continue.

 

[Guilt Puppy]

(Uriel, mind if I use the Journals of the White Dove as a device for a Story Hour thread, and write from Niccolo's perspective? Of course, there's more to it than that: Everyone should read more about it in the OOC thread.)

Hiritus casts his vote for West; Shavah suggests North, to Bethel, her tone a little dry; she casts an uncomfortable glance toward Oliver.

Sethan looks on from the distance, standing with his leg at a tilt, as the skies begin to let down ever harder drops of rain...

 

[Uriel]

(Uriel, mind if I use the Journals of the White Dove as a device for a Story Hour thread, and write from Niccolo's perspective? Of course, there's more to it than that: Everyone should read more about it in the OOC thread.)

OoC:Niccolo would be honored if you used his book,voice etc..me as well.

 

[Festy_Dog]

Nurthk thinks for a moment.

Hmm, I'd like to head back to Bethel, see how things are back home, but I came along to make sure this mission was seen through completely.

"I suggest we head west, we can save more lives if we get those warnings out to people," Nurthk says, "But no matter what the decision is, I will follow and protect to the best of my ability."

 

[Sparky]

Oliver seems taken aback by the embrace. He pats the half-elf's back, awkwardly. "That's... uh. There, there, lad... uh. I mean..." He splutters to a stop, "I'd like some companionship on the road. Some that talks, anyway." The old man starts, "Winkle! He hasn't eaten!"

Fendric gets a good hold the old man's arm as Oliver began to move away, "Hands off, Cleric!" He stands up straight and tall, sort of, and looks back to the Station where Yattro sits on the steps feeding Winkle, a wry grin pulling the corner of the Stationmaster's mouth.

"I need get Bastrop." Oliver totters off grumbling, walking staff squelching in the sodden ground. He settles up with Yattro, leaving the 'Wayfather' with a multitude of thanks and rather a lot of gear. Seems he didn't flee Hedrogura empty handed. He returns shortly with Bastrop and Winkle in tow. He glowers slightly "I don't relish going to Eivanrach, but I'll follow the friendly campfire. And Fendric, I always did prefer 'Salamander'." The name rings bells, alarm bells.

OOC: Knowledge-Local (or anything appropriate to knowing Hedrogura's notables) for information on 'Salamander'. Whee.