Nut test Pbp Chapter 1

iHobo · March 14th, 2006, 08:15 PM

It's a chilly day as you all respond to a summons from "The Chief" and enter the fortress of High Lord Haeneric, charged with maintaining the peace and security of the Realm of Trezence. The sky above you hangs like a giant, gray iron bell, and snow flurries dance all around you in the unseasonally early cold, and the few broadleaf trees have their orange, red and yellow leaves limned with frost. The icy ground crunches underfoot.

The fortress itself is a huge, frowning mountain of basalt, but you have been here many times. The guards--two massive and surly half-orcs with sallow skin and heavy, fur-lined cloaks watch you disinterestedly as you pass. They all know your names and faces well.

The High Lord himself keeps himself buried deep in the fortress as the winter months approach. The vaulted ceiling of his study towers over your heads, making even Tagar look as small as a child. There are no windows. The walls and floor are covered with thick tapestries and rugs, as if in a vain attempt to blanket the fortress itself against the coming cold. The study is very hot, though, especially coming out of the windy climate outside, and you are all soon uncomfortably warm.

The huge study's lower walls are lined with books and papers, and a massive oak desk and chair, like a throne and altar, are set up in front of a huge fireplace so large that man could walk inside of it. It is made of stone, and carved to look like tortured and howling people burning; a blaze so big it can only be called a bonfire roars inside it. Scores of candles on tall brass candlesticks; each six feet tall, fill the entire room. The High Lord Haeneric is seated behind his desk, and beckons you closer, until you can see his glowing yellow eyes like hot coals in his dark reddish face.

"Ah. My favorite little group of problem solvers." His mouth twists wryly. "I've got a situation I want you to investigate. A little to the north of here up the Ungarto River is a village called Razina. I've received several reports of mysterious disappearances of settlers living in the woodlands around the village, but we chalked it up to the standard problems; wolves, getting lost and dying from exposure, running away from home, you know the type. Just recently, one of the missing people has been found--her heart cored out, and her entire body covered in a pale blue slime. We suspect that there is something out there in the woods near Razina; something that must be hunted down and stopped.

"I've asked my concierge to ready a wagon to take you directly to the docks, and from there, I've chartered a boat to take you upstream to Razina. Is there anything else you need?"

Citizen Mane · March 14th, 2006, 08:43 PM

Gripir looks around the High Lord's study carefully as the team enters. He absentmindedly picks up a book as he listens to Haeneric, vaguely studying the spine as the High Lord talks. When Haeneric finishes, the shifter looks up and clears his throat. "I don't know if there is anything specific that we need. Did anyone grab a sample of the slime?" He returns his attention to the book's spine briefly. Crime & Repentance: The Possibility of Good. Gripir shakes his head. He must be seeing things. Putting the book down, he continues. "Because if we do have a sample, I'd like to look at that first. Oh! Maybe some empty vials, flasks with stoppers. That sort of thing."

Litlbeast · March 14th, 2006, 08:55 PM

Bel-Ao stands and listens to Haeneric, and slowly pulls at her steel spectacles so they hang about her neck. Her narrowed, glowing, red eyes glance sidelong at Gripir as he examines the book in his hand, then her attention returns to Haeneric. She crosses her arms while listening to the description of the murdered villager, and her full lips purse as she considers the implications of 'blue slime'.

"There's nothing I need but to get started," she says quietly, turning her attention to the lovely hearth and its vigorous, dancing flames.

DerHauptman · March 14th, 2006, 09:54 PM

As they walk in, Gak looks absently at the walls and ceiling. He wonders how the structure can be so warm and pulls uncomfortably at the spot under his codpiece that has been chafing recently. Done with adjusting his codpiece and scratching he begins to pick his nose until he retrieves a large and rather stringy booger from his orcish nose - he thinks....

Der...dis no plaze to eatz dis anyho.

Then as he looks for a pace to whipe it he spys a semi-open scroll, he decides to wipe it on that.

When the group stops, he, looking up runs into the back of Gripir.

Soreez, Grisper..., he says looking at him sheepishly

When the boss is done speaking he wispers to Bel-Ao: Ummm, watz we gon do nowz? Me gots der boatz and der riverz but don know whats da sla...slim, um...me gots ter go pee Bel, are we dun!

Wyn McTwitch · March 14th, 2006, 10:09 PM

Button stands still and straight as she listens to the briefing. Despite the movement in the room, she keeps her gaze fixed on a point on the wall behind Haeneric's massive desk. Her small arms, she holds straight at her sides. There is no change in her expression, even when the details of the heinous death are explained.

At the question, Button responds with a simple, "I need nothing. When do we leave?"

Litlbeast · March 14th, 2006, 10:11 PM

Forgive me since this is my first pbp game. Do we take turns always, even in non-combat situations? I'd like my character to answer Gak's question, but I was going to wait until all the pc's had posted. Sounds good?

Grith Uberalles · March 14th, 2006, 10:39 PM

As Tagar steps into the chamber, he stamps the snow and ice from his gigantic boots. He listens with half an ear as Mister Hienny-man, the very same man who brought Tagar to the "Mini-tree", tells a story about people in the cold getting large holes in them. As his attention wanders, he spies a particularly large booger stuck to a piece of curly paper. He looks around and sees that no-one is watching him, so he grabs the paper, crumbles it up and puts it in his pocket for later.

When mention is made of a boat, Tagar's attention is finally focused on the conversation.

"Tagar not like boats, Mister Hienny-man. Tagar not like water. And Tagar no wanna leave Karl. Karl will be sad and cry, and nobody will get dandy-lion flowers for him. Can Tagar ride to place?"

And then as an afterthought, "Where is place? Can someone take Tagar to place? Tagar get lost easy." He looks rather sheepish with that last admission.

ScyldSceafing · March 15th, 2006, 01:31 AM

At the description of the victim, Erich's usual expression of alert interest grows darker, angrier. He's unshaven, as he tends to be, but his dark clerical vestments hide wrinkles and stains well. He straightens and looks about the room again, to the others. In for a copper, out for the whole damned thing. Whole us v. them thing is a sham, anyway.

But what he said was:

"Lovely."

He waits impassively as everyone expresses their desires - he'll do his duty.

Always, always, the first lesson: Listeners learn.

Grith Uberalles · March 15th, 2006, 02:16 AM

(That makes six of us...is that everyone?)

Litlbeast · March 15th, 2006, 02:20 AM

We're just waiting on Elios and then we'll have everyone.

Wyn McTwitch · March 15th, 2006, 02:23 AM

Maybe we should start another thread for ooc yapping about the game? I'll go start one now ...

Eighth Deadly Sin · March 15th, 2006, 02:27 AM

Elios follows the others into the study, looking around to see if the High Lord has finally decided to get rid of some of the many candles that he burns to light the room. Between the fire and the candles the room is always too damn hot. No, they are all still there. Damn. It's going to be hot again. He takes his cloak off, as there is no sense in wearing that in here.

He listens to the details of what Haeneric has to say, absent mindedly spinning his rapier in its scabbard, making a faint, unending scraping noise as it turns. He makes note of the details-river, wolves, dead girl, slime, blah, blah, blah. <sigh> Why can't he just get us on the road and brief us once we are moving? No, we always have to come here.

From the corner of his eye he watches as Gak wipes an impressive amount of snot on a scroll and somehow manages to keep from laughing. When Tagar pockets said scroll a minute later, he has to choke the laugh down and settles for a very large smirk. How did I get involved with these two? he wonders for perhaps the 500th time...

"Um, yes, my lord. I do need something. Last time we were out taking care of things for you, my good riding boots were ruined from being in the rain for two weeks straight. I just picked this pair up from the cordwainer, and if they get ruined I'm going to be out a pretty sum. Might I get..." He notices the glare in Haenerics eyes, and says "Nevermind. These should do just fine." He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. Damn, I KNEW I should have kept the old ones...

Litlbeast · March 15th, 2006, 12:00 PM

To Gak, she whispers back, "We're to wait, and see...and do these things quietly, I suspect." After Tagar speaks she says to Haeneric, "There is a point in there, somewhere. Might those of us with mounts travel along the riverbank? One on each side perhaps. To keep an eye on trouble. Unless you've a sturdy boat that can bear my horse, for he has no fear of things, like water."

iHobo · March 15th, 2006, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Litlbeast

Forgive me since this is my first pbp game. Do we take turns always, even in non-combat situations? I'd like my character to answer Gak's question, but I was going to wait until all the pc's had posted. Sounds good?

Nah, just chime in whenever. Good idea on the OOC thread; I'll go find it and subscribe to it too in a few minutes.

================================================== =

Haeneric sighs and sits again, his coal-like eyes fading to dull embers. "No, I don't have any samples of the slime; all I have is a report. And that just arrived today. If you need any little things, here's a bit of gold for you to pick them up on the way."

He fishes in a drawer and pulls a small leather purse out. Making as if to toss it casually to Elios, his eyes narrow as he thinks about his request for new boots, and he changes his mind and tosses it instead to Button. "Yes, you can handle the money; you seem fiscally responsible.

"As for your mount, my dear Tagar, do not worry. The barge I chartered to take you upriver has hauled hobgoblin mammoth riders; I'm sure it can handle your little friend as well.

"Be very cautious; all of you--I fear that possibly some new and terrifying beast has made its way to our northern borders. Probably driven southwards by the advancing cold." He shivers, his large, causing his bundled cloak wrapped over his lanky frame to quiver like rolls of fat. "And..." he adds, almost as if to himself; as if he isn't aware that he's speaking aloud, "I'm not sure that I trust the villagers themselves; their loyalty to the Chief Judge is tenouous at best..." He stares for a moment into the firelight of one of the many candles on his desk.

His eyes snap back into focus quickly and he looks up at each of you. "Well, if you have no other questions; be on about it!"

Citizen Mane · March 15th, 2006, 01:59 PM

Gripir nods and watches curiously as Haeneric gives the money to Button. He sighs. As the party leaves, he turns to the small monk. "I hardly think that one incident involving the purchase of a rare and valuable volume, and the procurement of a large enough volume of quality wine to get the bookseller drunk enough to sell it to me at a substantial discount, would be enough to qualify me as 'fiscally irresponsible.' In any case, I'm sure we can acquire flasks and bottles up river in Razina, even if we have to drink them clean." He flushes as he recalls the swindling of the bookseller. Some habits die hard, I suppose. We'll get there.

Wyn McTwitch · March 15th, 2006, 02:13 PM

Button easily catches the bag of coins, and leans down to stash it away in the small backpack that is on the ground at her feet.

At Haenaric's dismissal, the small halfling girl who sort of looks like a boy, dons her backpack and prepares to follow everybody out. She continues about her business even as Gripir leans to speak to her, though she does quirk an eyebrow slightly, and that just might be a playful glint in her eyes.

Grith Uberalles · March 15th, 2006, 02:19 PM

Tagar heaves a heavy sigh as he turns to leave with the rest of the group. His large boot almost lands on the teeny little munky-lady as he strides to the door, but just misses her... not because of any attempt by Tagar to do so however. He didn't even see her.

He grouses loudly to himself and shakes his lumpen head in dismay as he walks.

"Awwww. Tagar not like water! Karl not like water either. When Karl someplace he not like, he makes really big messes." He sudenly stops stock still for five seconds; so still that he does not move, or blink, or even breathe.

In a sudden start his limbs begin to move again and a look of comprehension fills his face.

"Hey, munky-lady!" He calls as he lumbers to catch up with the group. "Munky-button-lady! You got's the money? Can you buy Tagar a big, big shovel? PLEASE? Maybe some smoked squirrel too?"

Citizen Mane · March 15th, 2006, 02:24 PM

Gods, what does Tagar do when he's someplace he doesn't like? Gripir frowns and then laughs. "I think a large shovel could be in all of our best interests, Tagar."

Wyn McTwitch · March 15th, 2006, 02:41 PM

Button stops and turns, her hands on her hips. She breaks out in a small chuckle, despite herself.

"Tagar, what would you possibly do with a 'big, big shovel'? And smoked squirrel? Didn't you just eat? Come on, now. We need to move."

She turns around and re-joins the others, shaking her head and smiling. It's clear that she has a soft spot for the big guy.

Citizen Mane · March 15th, 2006, 02:47 PM

"I think the question is 'what would we do about Karl without a big, big shovel?'." Gripir shudders at the thought of cleaning up by hand.

ScyldSceafing · March 15th, 2006, 02:56 PM

Erich grins at the banter, basking in the glow of companionship, silently, as is his habit. Best we just get to it, he thinks.

With a casualness born of long habit, he hauls his road-pack up. The morningstar and hand-axe tied to the sides of the pack swing wildly, making getting the straps on tricky, but he manages, grunting slightly. Once the pack is in place, his hands brush his belt absently, stroking the tops of the vials lined up in their tiny holders as if reassuring himself they are safe.

Eighth Deadly Sin · March 15th, 2006, 03:10 PM

Rolling his eyes at the thought of Tagar and Karl on the boat without a shovel, Elios follows the others out the door. He places a hand on Button's shoulder and leans over to whisper "Please try to put a little of that coin aside, if I ruin another pair of boots on this mission, I really don't want to have to pay for them myself again. I know it's a non-issue in Haenaric's eyes, but he doesn't have to wear them. I do." He pats her shoulder and winks at her.
Straightening himself up, he asks out loud "So, what's the plan? Get to the boat, and then what? If you guys have no objections, I think we should go have a few pints before leaving, just to put ourselves in the right mood. What do you all say?" He looks around hopefully, although steels himself for being turned down by the more "responsible" members of the group.

(Is the color text I'm using ok for everyone? Should I make it a bit darker?)

Citizen Mane · March 15th, 2006, 03:17 PM

"It's intriguing, but in the mood for what, exactly?" Gripir raises an eyebrow at Elios. "Slime retrieval?"

OOC: The color works fine for me.

Wyn McTwitch · March 15th, 2006, 03:28 PM

Button slows down as a thought suddenly occurs to her ...

"Tagar?" she yells out, "Um ... yes I think we may get you that shovel after all."

Quick witted today, aren't we? she thinks to herself.

A slight roll of the eyes is all the response she musters as the bard whispers to her about the boots. However, at his suggestion that they stop for a pint, she speaks right up.

"Elios, don't you think it would be better if we set off right away? I'm sure you have a flask of something or other stashed amongst your things. Drink all you want, but do it once we're under way, please."

Eighth Deadly Sin · March 15th, 2006, 03:36 PM

Shrugging his shoulders, Elios mumbles "It was just a suggestion. Never mind. And no, I don't have a flask stashed in my stuff. Hence my wanting to get a pint now." He slows down a bit, and walks near the back of the group, obviously pouting.

Grith Uberalles · March 15th, 2006, 04:56 PM

"Thanky, little-munky-button-lady! Tagar not wanna scoop Karl-poo wit his hands... dey gets all smelly. See?" He holds out his right hand, sausage-like finger extended to Button so that she might share in the aroma.

[insert Button's response...]

With a chuckle, he turns to Elios, and says, "Elios, Tagar has somthin' to drink right here." The brute begins to fumble with the numerous casks that he carries on his wide belt, his bulky fingers struggling with the thick knots. "Elios want some? Tagar get you drinky. Give him second...knots is hard work..."

Wyn McTwitch · March 15th, 2006, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grith Jizzbag

"Thanky, little-munky-button-lady! Tagar not wanna scoop Karl-poo wit his hands... dey gets all smelly. See?" He holds out his right hand, sausage-like finger extended to Button so that she might share in the aroma.

[insert Button's response...]

[Button's Response] Button groans, and can't help but laugh, as she pushes his huge arm away. [/Button's Response]

Litlbeast · March 15th, 2006, 05:13 PM

Bel-Ao slides past the group and in doing so voices her opinion: "Best get to the boats and move ahead in this little mystery. One need nothing more than a good flask to drink wherever they are. I suspect with the prodigious amount of offal we might experience on our journey, drinking may help 'pass' the time." As she walks by Elios, Bel-Ao pulls her coat aside to reveal a long flask of amber liquid. The word 'brandy' is carved in the wooden tag across its rounded middle. Bel-Ao readjusts her spectacles then, so the otherwordly fires of her almond-shaped eyes are again hidden by smoked glass and steel, and grins at Elios. She then hurries on ahead. "I'm to fetch my horse; I'll catch up with all of you."

Grith Uberalles · March 15th, 2006, 05:31 PM

Tagar stops fiddling with the drinks and says, "Sorry, Elios. Tagar gots to go. Tagar and Karl will be back at the...boat." The last word is preceeded by a shudder and an audible gulp.

He takes much larger strides to catch up to Bel-Ao.

"Hey, little Bellow-lady! Is your horsey near Karl's pen? Can Tagar come with you please? We get Karl and you horsey and then we go to boat. Good plan, huh?"

Litlbeast · March 15th, 2006, 05:36 PM

Bel-Ao picks up her stride, her heavy boots sending splats of snow and mud to each side as she hurries to the stables. She removes a pipe from her belt pouch and in one fluid movement has it filled and lit, even in the bitter wind that's picked up. Streams of heady, pungent smoke whip about her as she makes a right turn into a narrow street, then a left turn into a broader lane.

"I believe your animal is just around the corner from my own. Stable-mates," is all she says to Tagar, her lips pursed as she sucks more smoke from her glowing pipe.