Into the Dragon's Lair.

[sans]

{ooc: Bummer, I had a joke for Isida. Odis was going to claim the warhorse he purchased was, by amazing coincidence, also named Duthayer. He was going to rub that in the entire journey.}

“I am Star. And you might be?....” She graces him with a smile.

Winking at Absalom, the priest of Tymora introduces himself to their new companion, "Ahh, Star. I am Brother Odis. I have just arrived from the stables with newly purchased horses to pull our dragon-slaying war wagon. We will be riding in style."

...

When the group is piled into the donated supply cart (aka dragon-slaying war wagon), Odis thanks Lady Veya for her help. He then mushes the horses, "Hah! Hah! Onward my ponies! Onward Charcoal! Onward Chestnut! Onward Duthayer!" Yes, he had indeed named the horses.

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

Star can't contain a brief laugh when she sees the 'dragon-slaying war wagon', yet she hops into it without complaint, and watches the scenery pass by as they leave the town.

 

[TwistedMindInc]

It is now mid-afternoon as the cart and horses climb the foothills. Trudging down the road toward you is a sorry sight. Thirty or so men, women, and children, dirt - and soot-streaked, with bundles strapped to their backs, in their arms, dragging handcarts of possessions behind them. They are a sad sign of what's happened in Cormry lately. They notice you about the same time, and a few have all ready cowered in fear using their arms and packs to protect them. "Please.. we have no valuables worth stealing! Please don't hurt us..!" Several of the refugees are injured and others show signs of having been in fist-fights recently.

 

[hero4hire]

Absalom was not heartless by any means. Perhaps he was a bit more reserved then some, but he genuinely felt pity for the refugees. Innocents were often the first casualties of war.
But he was no Missionary. His skills, ALL of thier skills were meant for grander things. He was an adventurer. He looked to his companions and cleared his throat to be heard.

"We are still pressed for time and countless more would benefit if we found the Dragon's Lair before our competition. We should press on."

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

"Perhaps we should press on," Star says quietly to her new companions, "But surely we can spare a few moments." She pushes back her hood (those near her might notice her wince and squint, although the sunlight is not bright enough to truly warrant it), and hops down off of the wagon. She moves to the front of their little group and stops still a 'safe' distance away, her hands empty and out in front of her.

"Please do not be afraid. We are not bandits, just travelers. May we offer you any assistance? What has befallen you?"

OOC: Diplomacy +9 if needed

 

[sans]

Odis waits for the response to Star's inquiry.

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

OOC: I am going out of town starting tomorrow and not returning until sometime next week. Feel free to ghost Star as needed to move the game forward. Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Duthayer had sighed internally when Star had joined the group. Undoubtedly she was a fine scout, a good diplomat, and excellent eye candy for Brother Odis and the others as well. She was just so... elven. Not that he would say that to her face.

When the group had finally pulled out and onto the road, Duthayer had sunk into his usual sober brooding. However, the plight of the dirt-streaked refugees had tugged at his heart. He was a holy warrior of the dwarven god of honorable battle... but he was not without compassion. Duthayer and Rath in their heavy armor, Absalom in his solemn robes, and Kuma with his draconic appearance were frightening enough, not to mention the rest of the well-fed and well-armed party. What a sight they must be to such a ragged and wretched people!

"Please, we are merely meaning to pass. We are on a mission of hope, and we mean not to harm any of you," Duthayer says compassionately, standing up but leaving his weapons and sheild on the floor of the wagon. "Come, pass by, they are rebuilding the city behind us and are in need of helping hands. We will help ease your passage," he says, digging into his backpack. If the people come near the wagon, Duthayer will press a gold coin into each person's hand and give a breath of healing to those who seem most battered.


OOC: Diplomacy check +14, and doing a few points of lay on hands for each injured person that passes or until I'm out for the day (and I have 20 to work with).

More OOC: The Isida has houseguests, including her fiance from England, visiting for the month of November. I've only been able to pop on for short periods, so that's my bad for not telling you where I've been. And I love Finding Nemo. "And I shall love him and he shall be my squishy!"

 

[Shayuri]

Kuma, sensibly realizing that he's ill-equipped for the purpose of offering comfort to these people, merely tugs his hood forward to help conceal his features and remains quiet as the gentler ones in the group soothe their fears.

 

[TwistedMindInc]

Many wince when Star dismounts the wagon, a few children run to hide behind their mothers in fear. But when she doesn't attack them or threaten to steal what remains they still carried, a few commoners wander over to talk to her. "Another group of ..evilness came through here a day or so back and threatened our lives and took what little food and valuables we had. The group was lead by a woman whom travelled with a few men." The man's voice that spoke off trails off though, as his attention wans from the elf to the dwarven gift-giver aboard the wagon still. Majority of the refugees have wandered over, happily take their gold piece, and prepare to continue on their way. Don't have to tell them twice. One gold is the most many of them have had in a very long time.

( Glad to hear from you Duthayer, good to have you back. I hope the visit goes well! No problem ghosting Star, I'm not too sure how much this game'll move along anyway with the holidays and such. But! We'll see how far it gets while you're gone. Happy Turkey Day everyone! )