[Respite] - Factions

1. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #281

   The huge, orange bugbear - the only one that the lizardman had seen that day, even among the throngs of the watchers, looked at Fafnir with mock amazement.
   
   "Wash? Shutch big whurds comin out o' a Lishard? Well gally!" The bugbears tusks seemed almost inordinately large, making his speech somewhat hard to follow. "Namesh Thrin - though yoush know that, eh? Youse got there some nisch scwards there. Know how tah usch them?"

2. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #282

   As Jaegarmond walked up the building he was confident was this 'Mage Society' he had heard of, a somewhat short being - perhaps a human, nearly bumped into him.  Though Jaegarmond had not much skill reading the body language of these beings, he could tell this one was excited in some manner.  It looked at him briefly, muttered something under his breath, and headed off.
   
   Shrugging, Jaegarmond carried on.
   
   Coming up to the complex, he saw what appeared to be a massive human with an enormous, almost comically so, sword, along with a much smaller human one astride one of the four-legged creatures called horses.
   
   Whatever response Rajani might have had to Gideon's query was cut off by the appearance of what appeared to be a dirt statue wearing traveling clothes. The eyes looked human, somewhat jarring as they peered out of earthy lids.
   
   

3. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #283

   Fafnir blinked in amazement, he could not believe such a creature could talk and understand words. He would have to dumb it down for the local rabble. " Yes I know this sword well and want to help fight!"

4. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #284

   "I think that we should do something about it friend Gideon. If the man is fool enough to mistake a gelding for a mare, there is no telling what foolishness his lack of common sense could cause." She said, directing her attention to the strange creature coming towards her. For a moment she lost her composure, it had been thin as of late. Endkelton, though it had been laden with the undead, was a place of only humans. Here in Respite, she had seen reptile men, and stranger and here was perhaps the strangest yet.
   
   "Forgive... my..." she stammered, "Forgive my eyes, I am rude"

5. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #285

   Jaegarmond's inspection of the surrounding buildings was interrupted by the horsed human and her companion. He looked up at her and wished for the thousand-and-first time that he could show more facial expression. "None is needed, fleshborn. I have traveled far and wide, and am used to those unaccustomed to my appearance. Pray tell, is this the 'Mage Society'?"

6. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #286

   "Yes I am. Certainly I shall," said Balin to Jhoric at his invitation to breakfast and conversation. Balin then walked over to where they were seated.
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #287

   "Thank you, and it would be a pleasure. The house of the Mage's guild is not more than a few paces from here, just around this corner. I understand that there will be a sign up soon." She said, offering the strange creature a curtsey.

8. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #288

   "I know little of this place, nor has any here spoken to me save the fleshborn at the gate who directed me this way. I've discovered in my travels that those who at least have the courage to speak when others won't are likely to be decent companions. Might I ask where your lodging is, so I can find you again once I've spoken with someone at the Society?"
   
   

9. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #289

   "Of course, I am lodging at the hostel next to the house you seek. I am Rajani," she said, sensing that there was someting quite intelligent and curious lurking beneath the unliving facade the creature presented to the world. "May I ask of your name?"
   
   
   (OOC - A tip of the head in modest fashion, hands plucking at the fabric of the riding skirts, the curtsey is more implied by the gesture ;)

10. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #290

    When he eventually reached the gates from which the new entrants into Respite were coming Toboran was surprised to find a large group of lizardfolk being processed. Shrugging, he looked around for the person who seemed to be in charge.

11. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #291

    Seeing Toboran leave so quickly as Balin was sitting down, Jhoric had to wonder if something was wrong. Jhoric was a bit surprised, but Balin would be good company none-the-less.
    
    "Ah, looks like he's off already. Probably to the Receiving Area to help out. Anyway, I was going to find Taryer and see if anything needs doing. Perhaps after breakfast we could attempt to locate him? Unless you have other plans, of course."
    
    

12. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #292

    All about the gate were throngs of people of various species, and descriptions, though humanity was the strong majority.  Toboron tried to get closer, but the outer gate was well guarded.  He noticed from this angle that the walls and other fortifications where heavily adorned with runes. 
    
    There were two groups of soldiers deployed near the gate, though numerous tents nearby gave evidence to many more.  One group, inside the walled area, stood with spears pointing toward the gate and were in the process of sending lizardfolk out of the area.  The second group, stationed at the main exit, stood ready to keep people out of the receiving area.
    
    A soldier, apparently one in charge of the outer detail, looked at Toboran and said "Waddya want?"
    
    
    
    
    

13. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #293

    "I was wondering if I could be of any help around here", Toboran said to the man, "I'm sure you are more than able to handle whatever comes out of the gates, but another pair of hands is always useful."

14. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #294

    "No, I do not have any other plans besides bedding down early tonight. And of coarse we can search him, the more the merrier."

15. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #295

    "I beg your leave, I do have matters to which my associate and I must attend." Rajani said, offering the stranger a polite nod of her head before giving Grey a touch of her heels. The gelding stopped plucked at the sparse grass and walked on.
    
    Rajani spoke with her companion, Gideon, telling him of her home, and him, his. It wasn't long before they found the trail leading into the woods. "I don't think we should need to go very far to find out forest witch. I think it might be best if we now wait, and make ourselves comfortable. It might be a while before she makes an apperance."

16. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #296

    The soldier replied to Toboran. "Well, you ain't getting any closer then you are - all of in here have been vetted and trained for this.  Though if all... " he stopped himself, "If everything gets royally messed up, then feel free to pitch in.  You might be waiting a while..."
    
    Across the street watching the scene was a man in heavy armor. His eyes light with recognition as he focused on Toboran. He spoke to himself, though none were close enough to hear him, and he walked away.
    
    Several minutes later and the gate glowed yet again.  Its efforts seemed quite frequent that day, and a veritable horde of women and children came streaming through.  The soldier ran over to Toboran.  "If you're looking for a way to be helpful, run to the Mage society and tell them we need all hands on deck!  What are you waiting for?"
    
    
    

17. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #297

    The guardsmen who watched the two leave the city for the wilderness looked  at each other with amzsement.  "Well, hope they had their affairs in order.  No-one goes out there without lots of reinforcements."
    
    "Well, that ... half-ogre? looks like he can handle himself. Wonder if they know what they are getting themselves into."
    
    
    
    The forest was still quiet, the morning weather was beautiful, with a slight hard chill which suggested that they were closer to winter then spring.  There were few animal or bird sounds - the efforts of hunters had killed or driven most things further afield.
    
    With things as quiet as they were, only the gradual movement of the sun betrayed the passage of time.  Perhaps an hour or so later, both Rajani and Gideon had the distinct feeling they were being watched.  Intently.
    
    
    
    

18. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #298

    Toboran waved his assurance to the guardsman as he dashed off toward the guild. He would need to be fleet of foot to reach the mages in time.

19. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #299

    "Patience is a virtue, friend Gideon." Rajani said. She lifted her voice so that the unseen watched could hear her. She doubted very much that the gesture was required for the witch to hear her, but the thing about a gesture is that you do it, not that it is needed.
    
    "Please hear me. We mean you no harm, let us break bread and speak words of peace." She said.

20. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #300

    "Master Thrin is it, or just Thrin? Might you have some work for me? I am full of energy and this place is just begging for help. Perhaps there are a few problems a creature with my considerable skills will be able to handle. Also, if I may have a place to leave my belongings while I am out and about, it would be most helpful."

21. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #301

    "Yeah, let's wait. I hope we can remedy the bad start we've had" Gideon added. "But the Wintersmith be my witness, if we fail to get through with words, I'll not allow that ... person ... to hunt our people with impunity."
    
    He sat down on a rock, and waited.

22. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #302

    "I agree that she shouldn't be hunting down and harming our people friend. But we are the interlopers here," Rajani grimaced, her eyes flitting to the treeline. "I hope on the stars that i can find this woman so that we can make amends and find a way to prevent this infraction from becoming a war between us and hers."

23. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #303

    They know not the rules of the game.  They throw themselves into peril on the hope of peace? This will be interesting.
    
    
    Gideon and Rajani became aware of sounds all about.  From the underbrush ahead emerged a tall female figure.  And then more to the sides. A quick glance around showed a whole circle of the beings approaching.  Close enough now to see clearly, they caused Rajani and Gideon to do doubletakes.  Their preconceived images of forest witches dissolved, and in their place, bizzare plant-things stood.
    
    Where human features would have graced, instead was a flat surface like the side of an acorn. Thin vines hung down like hair. Their form, overall olive colored, showed malice, as their hands ended with thorn-like talons.
    
    A chilling laugh arose from the horde, very feminine yet alien.  As one they rushed....
    
    You do have initiative, and Gideon has reach.  What do you do?
    
    

24. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #304

    As Toboran ran to the mage society, the number of refugees that streamed through threatened to overwhelm the Sentinels.  The holding area began getting very tight, packed with more and more people.  As the scannings were complete, some where let out, but the rate of arrival was higher then then rate of exit.
    
    Jagermond saw another human run pell-mell past him into the society, apparently very much agitated...
    
    
    
    
    

25. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #305

    "I thought as much." Rajani said. She flung back the sides of her cloak, raising the ceremonial dagger. The steel cut a thin furrow through the skin on her hand, she flicked her wrist, a sneer on her face. The words were muttered, her anger trying to boil over.
    
    (OOC - cast Sanctuary on Self)
    
    "I bring peace and you bring violence! Are you nothing more than beasts!?"

26. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #306

    Toboran, upon reaching the Mages' Guild, asked his way and was soon directed to the chambers of Master Flannigan. After what seemed like hours of waiting at the door he was admitted.
    "I was sent from the gates. They need everyone to help down there, on the double!"

27. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #307

    "Vile villains! Vengeance will be wrought upon your worm-ridden husks!" Gideon called out. "Shame on you!" as he swung his sword in a wide arc.
    
    "Let's break out towards the town! Make a dash for it if you can!"

28. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #308

    Rajani nodded, she paused a moment, intoning the strangely inflected words of something ancient and mysterious. She placed her hand on Gideon's shoulder for a moment. There was a surge of power, and with that she fled for Grey.
    
    (OOC - Mage Armor on Gideon, and scoot for horse)

29. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #309

    "Why, yesh, we gotsa plashe, but not here.  Wesch gots a new forthresch at the edsch of town, or wesh building one. We'sh got schpace there and plenty work for winning hansch.  Either as guard, or worker, or to help guard huntersch or gatherersch."
    
    While Fafnir was attempting to deciphers the bugbears terrible speach, a runner made it to the guild and yelled "All hands to the gate!"
    
    The bugbear looked at the runner for a moment, then looked at Fafnir.  "Guessch you got a differen' job. Letch go!"
    
    With that the bugbear grabbed a large axe, hollered at a few other warriors and left at a run.
    
    
    

30. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #310

    As the circle of plant-women closed in, Gideon swung his greatsword in a deadly arc.  The blade cut through the three foremost as a scythe cut grass, and three painful, shrieking, human voices gave terrible death cries. 
    
    Undeterred, the remaining creatures lunged at the pair.
    
    Three threw themselves at Gideon, their thorny fingers scrabbling against his armor. The plant-women hissed in frustration as their claws failed to pierce his armor, and he barely avoided one barbed finger from being shoved through his visor. One of the creatures was climbing him like a ladder.
    
    Rajani ran for her horse, not far away, but with four of the creatures lunging for her, it felt like a mile.  As she ran, she felt thorny claws slash at her and tear into her flesh.  Strangely, they did not hurt, but she knew she was injured non-the less.  She threw herself up onto the horse, closely followed by the plant-women.
    
    Gideon - 3 Kills, Attack of opportunity (reach), Standard attack, and then cleave.
    Rajani - 3 hits taken for total 7hp damage.
    
    Round the next.  7 Remaining plant-women at close range.
    You have initiative.
    
    

31. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #311

    Master Flannigan looked at Toboran with irritation. "You waited to tell me that? Well, no matter. We're coming - let them know that!"
    
    Not waiting for a response, Flannigan left, hollering orders at anyone nearby. 
    
    Elsewhere in the Society hall, Jhoric and Balin had their breakfast interrupted..
    
    "All hands to the gates!" was the cry, and everyone got up, abandoning the gruel that passed for breakfast that day. Apparently all of the pork had long since been consumed.
    

32. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #312

    "Ah, s**t," Jhoric jumped to his feet and knocked over a bowl of gruel. "Let's go, Balin!" He yelled and joined the people heading for the exits. He couldn't imagine really needing this many people, but he hurried along anyway.

33. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #313

    "You're hopeless, bushes, for metal is at my side!" Gideon reached out, towards the wood-beasts clawing at Rajani, over the heads of their accomplices, and brought down his sword with great vengeance and fury.

34. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #314

    Rajani shrieked, her hand grabbed the wooden handle of the wand tucked in at her waist. She jammed the white length of wood into the acorn like face of one of the wooden women and thrust. There was a flash, a spray of sparks as the wand released a bolt of magical power.
    
    (OOC - Wand of Magic Missles into the closest Acorn head)
    
    She gave Grey his lead, and kicked his ribs with her heels. The gelding, already unsettled by the strange creatures was more than willing to go.

35. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #315

    Balin leaped up from his place at the table headed for the door. once outside he followed the general coarse of people to easily find the gate.

36. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #316

    As soon as Master Flannigan had left, Toboran ran back the way he had come.
    "They're coming with everyone they've got", he called out once he reached the gates.

37. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #317

    Mystic energy lashed out and a plant-woman took a bolt full in its 'face'.  She staggered back as Grey nearly galloped to flee.  A stray hoof struck her midsection and she fell back.
    
    Her companions were no luckier.  The half-ogre's blade swung in another lethal arc, leaving two more of the creatures bisected and dead.
    
    The three attacking Gideon threw themselves on him in a fury, his apparent obliviousness to their presence somehow offending the beasts.  The one which had been climbing him managed to find an opening, and Gideon felt thorn-like like claws find his neck.
    The other two battered away at the near-giant's armor, but again the plate offered no entry for their thorns.
    
    The remaining Greenlady pursuing Rajani instead turned back to Gideon, giving a half-human scream of rage as she charges.
    
    Rajani - Magic missile for 5, Grey hoof for the kill.
    Gideon - Two hits,two kills - Opportunity, standard, miss on cleave.
                Take 8 points damage (critical hit - only thing they can hit you with...)
    
    Round #3 starts, Rajani out of immediate danger, Gideon has 1 Greenlady climbing him, three others attempting to find holes in his armor.
    
    
    

38. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #318

    The scene at the gate was chaotic.
    
    Inside the walled area of the gate - the greeting zone, milled many hundreds, perhaps thousands of women and children. The gate was wide open, people pouring through like water.  A second line of soldiers, magi and anyone else handy formed a second wall around the gate area, keeping the new visitors from escaping without examination.  Those magi properly equipped were scanning as fast as they could, but still the numbers kept growing.
    
    Jhoric, Balin, Toboran, Fafnir (and any other who wish to be) have joined in the effort, mostly standing with the soldiers to help create a living wall. 
    
    The people were all of the same basic ethnicity- golden tanned with simple white outfits made from a single large cloth.  Sandals, small bags and the occasional dagger or shortbow was the largest extent of the items carried.  None were adult males.
    
    Brief interlude for conversation or declared actions. Will continue this scene tomorrow night...
    
    

39. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #319

    "What the hell is all this?" Jhoric yelled, "We can't handle this many more people!"
    After this initial outburst he calmed down and decided that there was something strange going on here. Focusing, he called upon one of his basic powers to see if there was more here than met the eye.
    
    

40. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #320

    After several hours the horde of women and children slowed down its growth.  The group of Respitians that had assembled to contain them managed to hold them, just.
    
    Jhoric's scanning for magic picked out a few trinkets in the horde, but none of great power, and none of the people themselves revealed any great power, except for a slight aura imparted by the gate itself.  One look at the gate nearly blinded Jhoric, and he quickly learned not to scan in that direction.
    
    The backlog started to thin, and the second, human wall was allowed to contract, almost to the point it was unnecessary. Already some of the volunteers had drifted away.
    
    Then things changed again.  The gates again flared, and instead of a undisciplined mass of women and children, came a well formed phalanx of soldiers, spears shouldered.  The troops, all bearing long spears, bronze shields and light armor, came through with parade-square drill and formed into large, well disciplined squares within the first containment zone.  But as before, the numbers again began to be a concern, especially given the apparent martial nature of the newest refugees...
    
    
    

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