Map of Fort
Eventually, all party members fall asleep. Some of the people near the fire nod off in their chairs and have to be led up to their rooms.
Incredibly exhausted, the entire party sleeps till noon of the next day. You all arise refreshed; even Faliol's ankle is fine. It is a beautiful day. The rain has stopped and the warm sun is flooding the land. The landlord greets all who descend with a hearty voice and provides appropriate food. He assures you that the military will pick up your tab (providing you don't order his best wine or somesuch).
We can consider that everyone has arisen about the same time. Jareek is enjoying breakfast as well as Kent. Peaches is consuming an heroic amount of fish and chips. Horn is not present.

OOC Welcome back, Keith!

I walk down the stairs and into the common area.

.oO(Ankle feels pretty good...)

"Good morning all."

I am amazed by Peaches' ability to eat her weight in fish and chips...

Coming down the stairs, Riccoco's glower at the Landlord's hearty greeting is lost behind his furry features. His Surliness lightens a bit at word of who's picking up the tab.

"This 'coon be havin' an appetite himself this morn. Mayhap it be comin' from one feat too many last night." Looking thoughtful a moment, he adds quietly, "It mighta been one to many ale treat, too."

Rath wakes and walks down stairs his baggy shirt tucked in, people who know what to look for can see his other appendages wiggling under the shirt like he's trying to get them settled. He will walk over to Handle and whisper quietly, not so much so the rest of the party can't hear, but more so the the Landlord or anyone else can't hear.

"You know I was thinking: They say that the stranger that is here in the Inn with us is the cause of all this. Master Ash has vouched for the stranger. If it is the stranger is the cause, wouldn't that mean that Master Ash is responsible too? And if he is, is Nuyok over there alone?"

[EDITED on Wed January 15, 2003 @4:22 PM (EST)]

and dresses.

No longer having any money, I go downand sti next to anyone who has alredy ordered soem breakfast and sort of mooch off their plate. Or perhaps sneak a little food while no one is looking.

Slight of hand 13-, stealth 14-

"I don't want to even think about what a master may or may not have done. It just isn't anything I want to get involved with. But that guy seemed a bit addled, maybe a reaver chsed him into a village not far off and messed uip all the folks. I can see where people may be wnatin' to blame the man but I don't blame him for trying to get away from such a thing. Even with the , well gifts, you were given, I bet you would have avoided it if you could have.
Oh here is Nuyok, anyway so I guess we don't have to worry."

"I don't know from the look of him you may want to still worry."

Nuyok enters the inn, looking a bit groggy (maybe a bit too much wine last night), and surveys who is around. "Thought I'd stop in, see if everything was alright," Nuyok says with a suspicious glance around the room, but seemingly looking at *you*. "I'll need to check on Mako shortly, see if he made it through the night."

Riccoco takes a hasty quaff of a frothy wooden tankard of berry ale.

.oO(Why the Adept be looking at ME that way?)

My smile turns to a frown as the Adept glares at me.

.oO(It was only a friggin' toenail! He thinks I did it on purpose!)

I find some reason, ANY reason, to distract the menacing Adept.

I catch the waiter/landlord's eye, "Some fish please, lightly cooked in a pan. And some milk. And two eggs, scrambled. Err, thank you."

"Starting early, Ricco?" My stomach almost heaves in memory of the berry ale at the Singing Turtle.

.oO(How does he drink that stuff?!?)

Riccoco smacks his lips, a pinkish-gray tongue slipping out to lick heady foam from his muzzle. "No sense in curbing the edge 'cause the sun be up, eh?" The 'coon breaks into a nervous chuckle under Nuyok's stare as Celeste stalks down the stairwell and orders her breakfast.

Nuyok will sit down for breakfast near Handle if possible, but first examining him for anything out of the ordinary (including Detect Hostile Intent).

Quietly to Handle, Nuyok will ask "Find out anything about the inn guest?" Nuyok will be sure to look around to determine where Horn is at.

"Only that he doesn't have anything in his room. Travels light like me, I suppose. Fact that he is in the Inn may mean he is not from here as well. He also sounded a bit addled when I tried to talk to him."

"Damn, there must be something...keep checking any leads you have."

"What about you?" Beka demands. "What happened to you last night?" "Are you still on this caravan?" "Do you need help from any of us?" "Has Cas decided she's your personal slave?"

OOC: When you've been gone, (through no fault of your own) and you have a million posts to read, it's hard to decide where you should put your responses sometimes. I put the bit about Cas here because I wanted to ask Nuyok about it. Maybe it should go later but what's done is done.

"Last night? I stayed at Master Ash's, and to help with the defensive load, I took on some ley lines here. What of it?"

"Yes, I'm still part of the caravan, but as Faliol has noted, it doesn't seem as if we can leave yet, given the great risk of reavers and riven. Thus, I should go about healing Mako to help ourselves."

"As for help, yes, I can use help from all of you, in trying to figure out what's going on here, what's behind this assault."

"As for Cas, you'll have to ask her, I've put no spell over her, she acts of her own free will."

Celeste descends the stairs into the Common room. Those who saw her late last night see that she is once again fully dressed as for battle. armor, weapons, the works. Her hair is braided up and she walks as if it were the start of the journey. She smiles at her companions and sees most are there. Cas seems to be missing though, .oO(perhaps that was the lump under the blanket on one of the beds.
)
She has a word with Mistress Cori about her breakfast which will consist of about 6 eggs, as many strips of bacon, bread, cheese, a couple of apples and half of what looks like a cantaloupe and an aromatic dark drink called 'kofi' if they have it. She is nonplussed bty the startled looks of her companions when her meal arrives. (They have only seen her eat the smaller portions they had on their journey to the fort.) "My mother always did say I had the appetite of a 'truckdriver.'
She puts it all away too, and you have to wonder where it went, because unlike some of her fluffy companions, she does not have a rounded belly to pat when finished.

OOC: Any breakfast conversation?

"Ricco, what were you saying about the harbor last night?"

"The Harbor is it?" Riccoco answers questioningly. After a few moments, he nods, "Right. Right. Ol' Riccoco be tryin' ta tell you what he heard about the Harbor last night at the Infirmary."

Riccoco takes another quaff of his berry ale, giving Faliol a hearty wink and knowing grin, as he warms to his tale. "It be seemin' that the Reavers be comin' in that-a-way, too! One came screamin' up the Harbor, only to be stopped by a Warded chain restin' below the water level. When it couldn't be comin' a Twisted tried to be makin' a move. Some of our fellow Beasts learned it otherwise, though! Poor Pep, the otter, took a deep gash to the chest."

He leans in, whispering secretively while nodding towards Nuyok, "Seems the Good Adept healed a few in the Infirmary last night. Saving them up for the fight tonight, Ol' Riccoco guesses."

"Stopped by the chain, hmm? I wonder how far that effect goes up or down. I can't say that the one I saw ever seemed to get more than a few feet off the ground. It was out of my line of sight before it went away, but it came through the water. I wonder if they have to have something solid under them in order to move." Celeste turns to her companions at the table, "Has anyone ever seen a reaver in the air?"

"Never seen a Reaver. That reminds me of last night. For those of you that were not there, I have a toast to make."

I raise my glass of milk high into the air.

"To Beka, Celeste, Peaches, and Ricco. Good friends that can be depended upon. Beka and Celeste provided superior cover fire while Ricco and I lit the lanterns. Later they charged into battle to save Mako. Ricco went into a very dangerous situation knowing the enemy was waiting for him. He was pursued by a nightmarish fiend with a speed twice as fast as anything I have ever seen before. He lured that creature up to the wall so that it could be wounded. Ricco, if I had gone instead of you, I would be a dead fox instead of a pleasantly-full fox. Oh yeah, then Ricco and Peaches helped the ladies save Mako."

"You four have my gratitude, Cheers!"

.oO(Good milk!)

I look around for Beka. "Miss Hamilton must be sleeping late this morning. Can't blame her. It took a supreme effort for me to climb out of my comfy bed, I almost didn't make it."

Riccoco slumps a little in his chair, somewhat taken aback by Faliol's words. He hefts his mug with the others. Still incredulous, he looks at each of his companions, finally resting his gaze on Faliol.

Chittering out a soft chuckle he tries to catch Faliol's eye, motioning towards his own muzzle.

Sobering, he retunrs to the question at hand, "many thanks from this 'coon for the kind words, Faliol, but, you seem to be getting a bit of white in the fur along your muzzle. That Twisted Spider-wolf must have put the fear into you." He breaks into another chuckle before finally answering Celeste's query.

"The Reavers don't seem to be able to climb as they glide, Celeste. But, they can glide across water as easy as land." Pausing thoughtfully and reaching up to twist his whiskers, Riccoco continues, "Ifin' they can be flyin' up... The wards must be extendin' above and below. Otherwise we'd all be Turned by now."

Taking up the toast, Celeste raises her cup, "To all of our company, we would none of us be here, if we did not have each other on this journey."

Reflecting a moment on Ricco's comment about Reavers, Celeste looks from Ricco to Master Nuyok and says, "Perhaps that might be their undoing. Has anyone everheard of a Reaver being corraled by such a chain? What happens to them if they are unable to 'feed'?" That said, she takes another bite of her breakfast.

"Hmm, interesting idea, I'll inquire to Master Ash about that. Not sure about getting that close to a Reaver to surround it with a warded chain though..."

"Why not lay out on unwarded chain in a circle, and connect it to a length of chain to inside the fort walls. You might be able to put the warding on through the connected part once the reaver is inside the circle. How long does it take for an adept to do that? I realize the timing might be difficult since we never know when they will appear, but we do know they are in the area, so chances are that we will see one again. " She pauses for a moment, "You would also need--bait."

OOC: She's trying to be helpful, and doesn't really have any idea how long it might take an adept to work this particular kind of 'adeptness,' as in whether it takes longer than healing or no.

"That is a good idea. If we can manage to keep the bait alive afterwards it would be a perfect idea. I like taking the battle to the enemy. Celeste, what can I do to help bring your plan to life?"

I eagerly anticipate her answer.

.oO(I rather act than be acted upon. Waiting for the enemy to find a weakness to exploit is akin to inviting death for brekky.)

"Perhaps we could give the 'bait' their own warded chain or item to protect them, or...maybe we could have the adepts put a warding on the person themselves! Can you do that Nuyok? Can you put a warding on a living being?
and we could rig the chain to be dropped by tripping it from the fort walls?

"You shot a reaver with a warded arrow? We need more information on how warding works..."

"No one has ever taken the battle to the Reavers, have they? I wonder if there is a limited number of them, or do they breed somehow? If they do breed, it must not be often, or we would soon be overrun with them....I wonder, has a riven ever been riven more than once?By the same reaver or a different one?"

OOC: I have to rein in Celeste now, or else she will start pondering Reaver caste systems, family groups, and territorial boundaries-- and "Do Reavers count coup?

OOC: Nuyok will check with Ash on all of these...

"Again, I'd have to ask Ash about that."

A few moments after mention of the harbor incident, Nuyok speaks up "How far below the water is the warded chain? Any watercraft present here at the fort?" Nuyok will also order some breakfast, looking suspiciously at the food and server, both of which he will closely examine once it arrives, to be sure it has not been tampered with (Detect Poison), as well as examining the server (Detect Hostile Intent) and also the preparer if possible.

Kent speaks up, although he appears a little disturbed by Nuyok's meticulous examination of everything.
"After we checked the animals last night, Jareek and I took a walk down by the shoreline. It seems pretty certain that there are at least 2 boats. One is at the main dock, a little brown dorry. The other appears to be for Master Ash. He has his own landing on the far side of tha big rock. Nice little boat. Better than the one my father and I used to go out in when I was a lad.
I didn't go into the dockhouse, it might contain a covered boat landing."

Jareek interjects, "Oh aye, I doesn't know much about water and boats and such contraptions, but I could see that chain pretty clear yesterday before the sun went down. Fair thin it is, almost like cable. It's got some floats on it, bits o' cork or some such. Corks, I know about," he winks. "I could also see that it had bits goin' down into the water. I'm guessin' it's as much net as chain."
"Ah good Master Jame, another breakfast beer, if you would do me the kindness. Thank'ee." He raises the mug. "And thanks to ye, Commander Mako; may they make ye General soon." After a long draft, he says, "Ah beer, it's the perfect breakfast beverage, like barley soup!"

Mako is in here, too?

OOC: the 'absent' Mako.

Riccoco hefts his tankard with Jareek, "The be well said, Mr. Jareek! Well said!"

The 'coon's joviality is tempered with a curious look at Nuyok.

.oO(What be the issue with Master Nuyok? It not be bodin' well. Best be on your tippy-tip toes, Riccoco.)

"From what you could see, would the boats be able to pass over the floating chain?" Nuyok pauses, maybe thinking for a moment, then quickly says "If so, perhaps Riven could pass in just as easily."

"How many would fit into each of these boats? I assume each are operated by paddling?"

"Any Twisted makin' there way into the Harbor, be it by swimin' or boatin' be feelin' the wrath of Lizard wood. Why, the otter folk keepin' a good Beastly eye in that direction an' they be fair archers. They not be 'coons or foxes mind you. They seem to be doin' fine enough, though." Pausing to tip his tankard once more, Ricco adds, "Why you be the one that be healin' Pep yourself. He seems like a worthy sort."

"Yes, I healed an otter, but knew not the source of his wound, but I gather now it was due to fending off a water-borne attack..." Nuyok drifts off, appearing distracted by something, then snaps back, "but how would we know that some of them didn't become Riven themselves and know secrets that would help such an assault?"

Riccoco blinks, eyeing all of his companions. The change in mood around the table has been significant.

.oO(By the Toad's Hairy Goat! What be gotten into these fellows?)

"As far as ol Riccoco knows, the Reavers be havin' ta touch ya ta make ya Twisted... The Chain keeps the Reavers out on the Harbor side and the Wall keeps them at Bay land-a-ways. Everything be allright, now, Nuyok?"

"No, everything is not alright, something's going on here, and I'm going to find out what it is, by whatever means necessary," Nuyok follows Ricco out of the inn with a purposeful gait.

Cas grabs the rest of her grub and rushes out the door after Nuyok, "Master Ash may not like my presense but that doesn't mean you are getting out of my sight today!" Cassandra's spirits seem to improve in an instant. Cas disappears through the door following after Nuyok.

.oO(If she were human, I'd think she had a crush on Nuyok......odd.)

Is Cas getting weird or what?

OOC: Yes, she's been shadowing Nuyok ever since last night on the tower. But then again, Nuyok is looking at everyone as if he's finally discovered who Jack the Ripper is--and it's one of our party

OOC: One of you will crack and then I will have found the villain in our midst!

OOC: Still trying to detect hostile intent, eh Nuyok?

OOC: Always

Hmm, you're smiley is indicative of hostile intent!

OOC: Celeste is behind it all! ~~~~~

[EDITED on Tue January 21, 2003 @3:38 PM (PST)]

"I cannot figure out if she wants us to speak with her about what is bothering her or if she wants us to leave her alone. What was that 'licking boots' comment? Or that 'no one in this fort respects me or my opinion' comment? Another strange example of her behavior happened when we fought the carnobrocs. She yelled out, 'Get away from my family!!' or something along those lines."

I take a sip of milk before continuing.

.oO(Don't bring up the chicken...)

"For all her strange behavior, I feel that she can be trusted in a fight. She doesn't flinch from battle. In fact, she seems unconcerned for her own welfare when fighting. Even with her strange behavior, I think we can trust her."

slurpppppp....ahhhh!
.oO(Country milk ALWAYS tastes better for some odd reason...)

"As for Nuyok, I have no idea what is wrong with him. I thought he was mad at me until I saw him glare at Ricco... You don't think that Ash fellow did something to them, do you?"

"Master Ash doing something to them? I don't know. My only experience with adepts has been with Nuyok. I trust him, but that doesn't mean I trust them all. And if Master Ash has more 'ability' than Nuyok, I suppose he could have co-opted them, if he was behind all this. But why would he want to have Reavers and Riven attack the fort in the first place? All I know right now, is that everyone is acting peculiar" Celeste indicates Handle to her right, still eating what remains of Celeste's breakfast.

"We have a whole bunch of 'maybes' and 'whatifs'. Nothing definitive. I am not acting weird, am I? You seem normal..."

Vagrant pushes his plate away with a sigh. Under his breath he says, "All I wanted to do was take a couple of lousy posters to Adala..."

He stands up and speaks more loudly at the quickly emptying room, "Guess I'll join the others. Maybe this Horn guy will confess something just on the shear number of people getting on his freakin' case."

[EDITED on Mon January 20, 2003 @9:21 AM (CST)]

"Seem perfectly 'normal' to me, Faliol. What about me? Am I acting weird? Peaches seems normal, Beka seems normal. This one seems normal. (Indicating Handle) Vagrant seems normal."
.oO(For Vagrant, anyway, it's normal.)
"Kent, Jareek haven't done anything too weird. That really just leaves Nuyok,Cas and Ricco. Ever since Mako got hit."

"You seem to be your normal tolerant self. You humans have much more control in some situations than we beasts. Grab a beast's food while he is eating, you will likely get bitten. Nuyok and Cas are acting strange but Ricco seems normal enough. He has been making those comments about 'pinks' and 'rats being more human' since we met. I don't think he means any disrespect. In fact, I think he is gently teasing."

"Behind that mask of his...he didn't seem to be teasing, he seemed serious."

Quietly, so no one else hears...
"I will speak with our favorite 'coon about his sometimes careless tongue. Most beasts have been on the receiving end of specism at least once in their life. You would think that it would make them less likely to inflict it on others."

I smile at Celeste, "Ricco considers you his friend, this I know for a fact. He and I are identical in this regard. You are the first human in this caravan that we met. We are more comfortable with you and trust you more than all the other humans. I cannot imagine that he means to hurt your feelings."

"I am actually more comfortable with you beasts than with the other 'hoomans.' Perhaps it is because I am in a similar position. Because a person doesn't live within the safety of the city, they are deemed 'barbarian.' Everyone assumes you are either stupid or savage, or both. You, me, Rath, Ricco, Cas, even Jareek, we don't quite fit in with the city-dwellers." Celeste pauses for a moment, then continues, "I'm not quite sure where I fit any more."

"As for Ricco's comments, please, don't say anything...it wasn't that he offended me, but he seemed to be bothered deeply by something when he said it. "

OOC: To late. I already spoke to him. He hasn't responded yet... You would have liked Faliol's speech. Chock full of politically correct goodness!

OOC: I was just going to see if he could be intimidated or not, then if he stood his ground, clap him on the back, tell him I thought he was alright, and order a new breakfast. You know Klingon/Kirk style

.oO(Nuyok has become totally paranoid? What in the Name of the
Deep happened last night?)

You're doing great. Just remember that whenever anything seems too upsetting that everything's fine. Master Ash knows what he's doing. When you do, then a general feeling of well-being comes over you.

OOC: I didn't want to lay it on too thick, but I do think it's going well As much a testament to the others and their posted reactions, I'd say

OOC: To be honest, I have no idea where I am either. I was originally going to bed if Nuyok was leaving for Master Ash in the morning but he went before going to bed and I didn't seem to go with so I have no idea where I am. *scratches head*

OOC: I might have misunderstood Cas' intentions. Nuyok was going to Ash's to sleep, since he was invited to do so. Cas was not invited and in fact, would most likely have been turned away had she tried to accompany him. It was my presumption that since Cas was not allowed to follow, she would have performed the actions she posted, i.e. curling up and going to sleep. So the short answer is, Cas slept at the inn and is now downstairs and awake with the others.

I get an ear full of what Celeste orders and find my way to sitting next to her.

" new day to you Celeste. Hey you smell better, Um, I mean good, uh that is you look good today."

"called bathing, Master Handle. You should try it sometime." Celeste smiles at Handle so he knows she is joking. (All the hoomans would be pretty stinky by now, unless, they also have bathed by now. I would imagine the beast folk would find us most 'offensive.')

Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 1, 6, 5 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Thu January 16, 2003 @1:27 AM (PST)

Looking Handle directly in the eyes, Celeste says, "What are you having for breakfast?"

[EDITED on Thu January 16, 2003 @1:33 AM (PST)]

Hearing Celeste mention bathing reminds me about the oil bottle in my pocket.

I make sure the landlord's attention is focused elsewhere and pass Celeste (under the table) the refilled bottle of oil she had loaned me.

"Thanks again for the loan. My tail looks and feels great. I have been meaning to ask for a long time but never felt comfortable enough to broach the subject. How do you humans function without a tail? I keep expecting you to fall over from imbalance, but you generally manage to keep upright."

Looking over at Jareek, "Of course, not having a tail has one benefit. Jareek cannot close a door on your non-existant tail!" This is said with a wink towards Pops, to indicate gentle teasing.

Jareek stifles a guffaw. "And young foxes ought to know not to go peeking into any wagons when their elders is... entertaining company!" A broad wink and leer telegraphs to even the comatose what he's talking about.

Celested accepts the oil flask from Faliol with a wink in the Landlords direction .oO(Our little friend has had some 'midnight' adventures in the kitchen?)

Celeste considers Faliols words. "Well, Faliol, I was born without a tail, so I suppose I don't know what it would be like to have one. But think on this if you will, if humans had tails, they would not be beautiful fluffy tails, like yours and Riccos, but hairless and pink, more like a rats tail. Wouldn't you agree then, it is a good thing that we don't?"

Celeste finds the idea of humans with rat tails rather humorous, and a smile plays about her lips as she waits for the image to sink into her friends mind.

.oO(Why there be nothin' but pink on Hooman's? It just not be natural-like.)

I am smiling until the word "rat" is spoken. Then my eyes narrow, my whiskers fold back, and my tail developes a nervous twitch.

"I HATE rats. Most lifeforms serve a purpose in the great scheme of things. Not rats. The only purpose they serve is to be a repository for the pointy end of my sword..."

Noticing the strange looks this behavior attracts, I lighten up. "Sorry. Jareek was part of the group of foxes that destroyed the rat pack that killed my family and was planning to sell me into slavery."

"No need ta be appologizin' about the rats. All folks know they be a plague on the rest of us. More Hooman than Beast, says Riccoco." The 'coon nods at his own words, slumping down in his chair as the earlier commaraderie is quickly slipping away.

"More human than beast?"

.oO(I don't think he meant it the way it sounded)

[EDITED on Fri January 17, 2003 @10:59 AM (PST)]

Riccoco offers only stoney (furry?) silence.

Stones, Handle! You would think she wouldn't have missed those chips!
Fortunately you are saved by Innkeeper Jame, who asks, "What will you have to break your fast young man? It's all compliments of the army, so don't be shy."

but I'll have fish and chips if Peaches left any please.

"I'll just eat what's at hand," I say as I slide Celeste's plate in front of me and begin to eat.

"Oh and bring... my clean friend Celeste here some ...of the same, if you would my good man," between chews.

I wink at him and don't look at Celeste as I continue to eat.

[EDITED on Fri January 17, 2003 @3:38 AM (PST)]

.oO(Cas is upset, Kent is asking questions that no one at the table can answer, and Handle just stole Celeste's food!! Breakfast went to hell mighty quick today!)

"One moment, please, Trader Kent." Looking at Handle, "Quick, give her back her food! Everyone knows you don't take a - err - tribeperson's food!! She is being extremely nice not chopping your arm off at the elbow! Ricco! We may need something to staunch the blood flow..."

.oO(Memories of the scene where the barbarian separated Philli's arm from his shoulder for stealing the barbarian's apple come unbidden to Faliol's mind's eye)

I stand up and move towards Celeste's side of the table.

You wanna hostile intent, you gotta hostile intent!!



Courtesy of he who is soon to be known as "Lefty".

OOC: I *knew* there was some Hostile Intent here, I just had to find it!

At Faliol's outburst Ricco slides off of his chair and flits about, "Ol' Riccoco be savin' the day. No worry from the likes of you!"

.oO(Where be a turnip-o-kit?!?!)

OOC: that Nuyok is the healer here, I can just imagine someone shoving a turnip into an open wound.....turnip-o-kit.....that's good, I wish I had thought of it

OOC: Might slow the bleeding... Then again, you might be able to squeeze blood from a turnip, then. My ex-wife would be so pleased to hear that bit of news!

OOC: You should be very glad that your X-Wife doesn't know someone like Celeste and that you are not a turnip!

Listening to all the hoopla about her expected reaction to Handle's theft of her breakfast decides to play it out a bit.

[EDITED on Fri January 17, 2003 @11:14 AM (PST)]

A hushed silence falls over the table as Celeste slowly turns to Handle. Her face is devoid of emotion. "You might want to put that back Master Handle," she says.

As Handle continues to consume Celestes breakfast, she catches Faliol's attention and gives a wink. Pay close attention, you might see she is having difficulty keeping the corners of her mouth from quirking up in a smile.

OOC: Did you really expect her to chop off his hand?

Nuyok, detect hostile intent or playing along with the groups expectations of a barbarian bereft of food?

and you don't steal food from a bar-bar-ian....

Da, da, da-da-da.

OOC: Nah, I didn't think you would.

OOC: Handle didn't want to play

OOC: The words I spoke to him about your breakfast constitutes the entirety of our two characters' interaction.

Well, he hasn't logged on in a while, so I guess we can live in two divergent timelines for a while. See what happens You know, head 'em off at the Past!

"Handle, one of my best friends as a young kit, named Philli, decided that an apple belonging to a tribesman was worth lifting. We told him it was risky and that there were other apples to be acquired with far less risk. Philli was stubborn and ignored our pleadings."

I sadly shake my head at the memory.

"Philli waited for the bar...err, tribesman to turn his back and quick as a snake, he reached for the apple! We heard a yelp, followed by a gasp. Then Philli was running up the street with blood spurting from between his fingers. The apple was in his clenched fist. The one lying on the ground..."

I sigh loudly.

"Now he is known as 'Lefty'."

Celeste has made no overt moves to draw a weapon or attack Handle either.

"Trader Kent, I advise that we not leave just yet. We move at a snail's pace with the wagon and cart. The riven would quickly catch us if they pursue, which is likely. The reavers have been turning all they could reach into riven and I see no reason why they wouldn't try to do the same to us. Nothing would stand between them and ourselves. Mistress Beka and you are the owners of the caravan. Under normal circumstances, you two dictate our actions. However, Mako and Ash may not let us leave in any event. I believe in a time of crisis they have the right to detain us, conscript us, etc."

"Sir, I would speak with Mistress Beka. She is the leader of the caravan. She could provide you with the answers you desire or she could approach Mako and Ash to get their permission to leave the fort."

I don't think we have a chance of getting out of here safely. I think we need to stay and figure our what's going on.

Cas walks in from the room she slept in, she is very quiet and wearing her nice outfit. She comes down and takes a seat somewhere within the tavern (no particular place but just a seat). She orders herself something simple to eat but otherwise seems pretty withdrawn and very much unlike herself.

Kent taps his knife against his tankard until he has the company's attention. He suddenly seems embarrassed, as if he did not expect this to work. Nevertheless, he forges on.
"I hate to break up our little mutual admiraion society, but now that breakfast is done with, what is our next course of action?
"Can we get through the road to Adala? How long do we stay here? They seem to only attack at night. What if we got an early sleep tonight and set out at daybreak tomorrow?
"If we need to stay here, how long? And how do we keep ourselves from becoming riven? Some of you are fighters, but others of us are civilians. I mean, I carry a sword for self-defense, but I couldn't do what some of you did against the spine dogs and carnobrocs.
"What's the plan?"
His throat bobs anxiously as he awaits a reply.

Cas speaks without facing Kent, "Not that anyone in this fort respects me or my opinion much but I would not like to leave them at this time of need. I may be a mere beast but I'd like to think that everyone here is as important as the rest. But don't let me stand in the way of what everyone else wants to do." Cas is clearly very cynical this morning.

"Cassandra, what is wrong? You can tell us..."

I am concerned for the vixen.

Cas shakes her head, "Maybe later I'll explain, I want to take this moment to sit and eat before I find myself instructed to lick someone's boots."

"I for one would like to figure out what's going on. I understand that
we have important business up the road, but I wouldn't feel right
leaving things the way they are." While speaking to the whole crowd Rath
tries to stand in the corner with maybe a support beam to hide behind so
no one can see him clearly. After his "speech" he moves over to whisper
to Handle.

OOC: Since I've trying to avoid others hearing I'm limiting visibility, Keith if you think others may have over heard you can adjust it right?"Hey Handle, I need to take care of some things for a little while, I shouldn't be too long. If the party decides to go, tell them to go on ahead and I'll catch up. Don't worry about me, I spent half my life living in the wilds on my own and the other half Pit Fighting".oO(Sure I'm only 10 but he doesn't have to know that)

I walk out of the Inn and try to find a soldier and find out where the armory is. I want to see if they'll loan/give me a weapon. First choice would be a Battle Ax, second choice a broadsword. I then want to go outside the gate and see if I can track where the Riven went. If I meet any resistance at the gate, I'll tell them I was asked to scout around to make sure we aren't surprised, and besides it's daylight, nothing every happens in the daylight.

If I can pick up the trail, I'll follow it and try to observe the camp or whatever.

His motivation for all this is:
1) He wants to know what is making Riven do what they are doing and what is keeping the banded together.
2) He wants to find out more about Reavers to see if there is something that can be done about his reaving.
3) He doesn't want any of his friends to have to go thought what happened to him.
4) He's worried that if he stays around too much longer that people will find out he's Riven and he doesn't think the people of the fort would take too kindly to that, and worse they might take it out on his friends (He doesn't know about our GM agreement)

If for some reason you'd rather I not partake on this particular mission let me know and we'll forget about the whole thing Tracking 12-
3d6: 11 Thu January 16, 2003 @8:30 PM (EST)
Jungle Survival 12-
3d6: 15 Thu January 16, 2003 @8:30 PM (EST)
Stealth 12-
3d6: 12 Thu January 16, 2003 @8:30 PM (EST)

You are perfectly welcome to attempt it. Getting out of the inn is no real problem; no one is on alert. At the armory, they provide you with a battle axe. it takes some fast talk to keep them from giving you armor, but you manage.
It is at the gate you have the biggest problem. Carpenters are busily at work upon the repairs. The gate is pretty impassable at the moment. Soldier Able notices your dilemma and comes over.
"What's the problem, big fella?"

"Well, the caravan that came in last night wants me to scout around,
make sure the trails are somewhat clear. We haven't made a choice yet
about staying or going, but they want to be informed...I know, I don't
want to leave anyone in the mess like what you guys are in, but you know
merchants, don't wanna lose any profit. I'm just going to take a quick
look around."

Able nods, "fair enough. You fellas were a big help last night. You're welcome to do a little scoutin', if you'll report to Mako as well, so's we know what's out there.
"I'd advise against takin' yer wagons out there, though. There's still some of that twisted bunch out there and they're none too friendly. I hope you're better at hiding than you look."
He motions you away from the gate. "There's no way anyone's getting through there today, anyways. Not if you don't wanna give the carpenter conniptions. Follow me, I'll show you the sally port."
He leads you to the west end of the wall, to a door in the last tower. Opening it, he motions. "Walk carefully across the gator wall; there's all kinds of twisted bits of metal on it, sharp and rusty. Once across just head left for the Lizard Road to Adala. If-- When ya get back, just holler at the wall. If'n the gate ain't workin' yet, we'll take ya back in this way."
He waves at you as you carefully pick your way along the wall. The top is only a foot above the water and it is slippery. Fortunately, by taking time and care, you get across.

Where now?

I'll look for tracks of the Riven to see where they might camp or
gather. I'll sneak up on the camp if I can. Right now I just want to see
how far they are, how many, what kinds and all that.

into my mouth before Celeste takes her plate back, or knocks me out, I only nod.

"Fe Kafuoo," I say through the food.

"I didn't realize it was safe to leave here yet? Regardless, I have to check on Mako, and see what I can do for him, in case something comes up." Nuyok intends to head out momentarily, presumably to the infirmary first, to locate Mako, but will stick around a moment or two in case someone has something else to say.

The 'coon, still hovering about on a search for some way to stop Handle's proposed limb loss, stops in his virtual tracks at Kent's speech and the crew's responses.

.oO(We... we... really helped these folks. They be right though. We owe them nothing. There be a fortune to rake in come Adala-Way.)

Riccoco's features take on a steely resolve as he offers his own wooden response, "We be a Caravan, not a Cavalry. We should be movin' on." That said, the 'coon moves towards the exit shoulders slumped as he scoops up his trident. Heading out the door, he murmurs, "Ol' Riccoco needs a nip o' the fresh air."

Riccoco, the daylight is warm and pleasant, and the ground damp under your paws. Looking about the area, you see the stone manor to your left, gate closed. Across is the armory, where a couple of soldiers are hacking at fencing dummys. To your right is the little courtyard of the inn, bounded by a stone wall of local material.
There are two tables there and Horn is at one of them. He is sitting there with a thousand yard stare. Kind of creepy, actually, but not so bad as he looked during the dark and rainy night.

Nuyok, you are included in this visibility because you were about to leave the building. Interject yourself at any time.

Riccoco pauses a few moments outside the door, his toes clenching in the soft loam. he breathes a soft sigh, just taking in what it means to be alive. Then, his roaming gaze levels on Horn.

.oO(That must be the Horn hooman the others be suspecting. He don't look like much.)

The plucky 'coon moves over towrds the man. "You be Horn? Ol' Riccoco heard you had a bit o' trouble with Reavers of late. Care to share with a curious 'coon?" He moves to sit across the table from Horn.

For the longest time he doesn't move or speak. Just as you are about to turn away or ask again, he says in a dry cracked voice, "Sun melts wax sure as rain melts sugar. Sugar and spice, melting in the rain. There's there's a hole in the night sure as the day breaks, day breaks, day breaks a promise. Kings and Reavers, Kings and Reavers... Leave it at the side of the road... No trespassing. Trespassers will be melted."
He rocks slightly and begins a barely audible humming.

Riccoco cocks his head, tilting it slightly as animals do, "There be more than one hole in the night, Mister Horn. Ol' Riccoco been usin' them to guide his way along the Saber for many a year, now. Well, before, anyways. The Demon Kings, Mister Horn... Or others? Questions left hanging in the air, Ricco glances around the yard to see if others have heard the crackpot.

I didn't put this on the other page as Keith described us as talking... I will put any further posts there, though!

Seeing Horn, Nuyok will pause outside and observe him, including Ricco's interaction.

Nuyok, you haven't the proper skills to get any real information, but your certain this is more than just shock. Something has been done to him. Whether by a reaver or an adept, you have no idea.

Ricco has left the building!

OOC: You're gonna miss all the fun

OOC: Nuyok too!

Rath, what do you think you can find out without getting yourself in to trouble?

Rath?

Rath?

Oh I guess you've gone to find out something! Attaboy! (be careful)

We have to stay and figure out what's going on. Cas, what do you mean? Unless we talk to each other, we won't get anything solved.

Would you follow Cas and Nuyok? Something weird is happening with those two.

I hear Beka, look at her briefly, then let the half eaten food fall out of my mouth onto the plate, slide it back in front of Celeste and go after Cas and Nuyok, descretely.

I'll keep to shadows and follow at a distance, trying to overhear anything they say. Remembering he is an adept I try to keep thoughts of being dirt and paint and wooden beems in my head to confuse his powers.

Shadowing, Stealth, Perception, Concealment, climbing, security systems and pick lock all 14-(bsically al the thief skills), using skill level with agility on shadowing to make it so.

I slip away quickly so that Celeste has little chance to make anything of the plate incident
.
.oO(Sheesh, who would know barbarians would be stingy when they were getting their food free? And the rest of them seem to have no sense of humor)

I'm going to see this fellow Horn. I know people have spoken to him, and Master Ash vouched for him but somethings not right. Anyone want to come with me?

Pushing herself away from the plate. "You know you'll need a guard. And there is no one who can do the job better than mighty Peaches! So I will go." (whispering) "By the way, will you carry me? I'm very full!"

OOC: Assuming this conversation happens after Celeste tells me more about her idea to capture reavers. Timeline is getting screwy with so many comings and goings...

"I will join you."

Leaning close to Kent. "Sir, good time to get your answers. I imagine we will stop by and see Mako. Why don't you join us?"

To Jareek - "Pops, could you check the oxen sometime this morning? Especially that wounded one?" I hold his eye longer than necessary hopefully conveying that he should make himself appear useful.

"See you later, Pops."

"Mr. Innkeeper, thank you for a delicious breakfast!"

I hurry to catch up with Beka and the rest.

[EDITED on Sun January 19, 2003 @11:32 AM (CST)]

Celeste lingers in the common room. Handle appears to be finishing "his" breakfast.
.oO( You have to admit, the man has balls, or else he's as nuts as everyone else.
Celeste figures she can make up for breakfast at lunchtime. Anyway, it's just as well she didn't eat it all. Leaving the common room by means of the front door, she makes her way over to the armory grounds and begins to limber up and practice her sword moves. If approached by any of the armsmen to be a sparring partner, she will accept.
.oO(Just as well I didn't go with them to question this Horn fellow. Looks like there are enough there already)

You easily find a sparring partner. In fact, it is Able, from the night before. The little man is surprisingly good, and able to keep up a conversation while fencing. Afer exchanging a few pleasantries and fine points of swordsmanship, he remarks, "Say, ain't you gettin' a little worried about yer big pal? He's been gone for an hour or two. Or is he back and I missed it?"

.oO(Big pal? Rath?)
"You mean Rath? He was at breakfast with us, I thought he came outside with Beka." Celeste pauses momentarily in the sparring, but does not drop her guard. "Should I be worried as long as he is inside the fort walls?" A look of shock crosses her face as she contemplates the alternative. "Able, you're not saying he left the fort, are you?" Celeste quickly looks around to see if Rath anywhere within sight of the Armoury grounds. She walks over to the practice ground fence in order to see the innyard tables where the rest of the caravan is speaking with Horn. Is Rath there?
Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 3, 1, 2 (STUN: 6, BODY: 2) Tue January 21, 2003 @4:32 PM (PST)
If she is unable to see Rath with that group, Celeste will turn back to Able, and remembering Rath's concern this morning with finding out the connection between Horn and the Reaver attacks, she will ask with some trepidation, "Where did he say he was going?"

.oO(Gods of the Deep! He's not gone off after them? Has he?)

Celestes next actions will depend on what information Able provides.

[EDITED on Tue January 21, 2003 @4:32 PM (PST)]

Able follows you over to the fence, wiping his brow with a handy rag.
"He came by the gate a couple hours ago.* Said you guys wanted him to scout the trails. sounded dangerous ta me, but he wasn't at the strategy sessions, so I figured that your lot figured if he was captured, he couldn't tell the riven anythin'.
"First you heard of it, eh? Sounds like somethin' the Commander should know about." He pauses. "Just how well do ya know this Rath fella anyhow? Could he have some other motive?"

*I'm playing a little fast and loose with time here to advance the day.

.oO(Has everyone here lost his/her@$#%^&*($# mind!!!???)
"Hmmph!" Celeste is attempting to collect herself, "Let me speak to Beka and Master Nuyok first, Able. They might have asked him to do just that and not told me. I would have accompanied him if I had but known. If that is not the case, Master Nuyok would know if Commander Mako is up to hearing that particular bit of news. As to your question, I know Rath as well as I know my own brothers and sisters*...he would have no other motive but to be helpful.
.oO(*That would be my newly 'adopted' brothers and sisters)

I thank you for allowing me to spar with you Able, I shall look forward to the practice again tomorrow," Celeste adds rather grimly, "If we survive this night. Now, I must speak with Beka and Master Nuyok." Celeste gives Able a courteous nod of the head and moves off in the direction of the inn yard at a rather hurried pace.

OOC: Can't see More Horn

Celeste returns to the edge of the inn yard. She has a RATHer urgent look on her face as she tries to catch either Beka or Nuyoks attention. Knowing that she looks rather intimidating to some, she tries to stay out of Horn's (the interrogatee) line of sight. If Beka or Nuyok look up, she will motion one of them over to where she is standing. Her emotions are somewhere between really p.o.ed and really worried.

.oO(Reavers and the riven are only attacking at night. If I started right now, and I ran, he's probably only walking, I might be able to catch up to Rath and bring him back here before dark.)

I'll add you to the thread if Cas or Nuyok respond. Until then, assume they all have very intent looks on their faces and are deeply engrossed in whatever Horn is saying.

Nuyok will move a bit toward Celeste to see what's the matter, while continuing to observe the Horn proceedings.

"Yes?"

"Sorry to interrupt, but Able tells me that Rath left the fort about two or two and a half hours ago. Rath told Able he been asked to scout the road ahead. Did anyone ask him to do this? He's not returned and Able wants to inform Mako." You can plainly see the look of concern on her face.

"That's all well and good if Mako is strong enough, but I'm also thinking that Rath took the conversation at breakfast literally, about leaving Fort Lizard and continuing on to Adala. I volunteer to go after him and bring him back. I think I can catch up to him in about an hour if I run and if I leave soon. If I find him, we should be able to get back before dark.."

Celeste waits for Nuyok's response.

"What? I know nothing of this plan by Rath - if you think you can track and find him, and are willing, try it. But beware, he may be under foreign influence, especially given his nature. Beka may have some ideas as well."

"What's that Faliol? The harbor chain's down, I'm coming too!"

Nuyok takes off full speed to the harbor.

OOC: Mania?
edited for spelling, because Mainia would be a fascination with the state of Maine.......Mmmmmmm.....Lobsters........

[EDITED on Fri January 24, 2003 @12:52 AM (PST)]

"Beggin' yer pardon, Miss, but Master Nuyok ain't in the army. I respect his opinion as a healer, but I think that Mako needs to know if your pal has got his own agenda. You go ahead and let your companions know what he's up to. I've got to report this."
He considers a moment. "Tell you what though. I'll wait here a moment till you talk to friends. Just in case you're the only one who didn't know."

Peaches? Peaches? Oh, there you are. Have you left any for the rest of us?

Good morning all. I hope you rested well. Now, do any of you have a clue what's going on here? Reavers DON'T work together! (Looking pointedly at Nuyok for answers).

OOC: At which time Nuyok conveniently exits stage left