Shades of Delusion: The Aftermath

[Critical]

Sarris and Vorpal

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"Monst... err, creature scientist. This particular specimen looked interesting, but I've got enough of whale belly traveling for today." - he says, shifting his view to the arcane handsign pointing at him and back to Sarris. - "Do you mind? I need to wash off the scent of science. Besides, why are you threatening me? Aren't you guys supposed to help people?"

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Knowledge check on the order of Epiphanies, if applicable.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Somnium

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You recall much on the Order. It is a religious foundation of mental specialists, usually clergy with psychic potential, who are devoted to aiding those harmed by starfall. They have a lawful, mainly good-aligned focus and are the antithesis of the Priests of Ruin, their mortal enemies physically and philosophically.

Their most well known base is found within the great human city of Forest Heart, a sub-grouping of the church of St. Cuthbert.

Rolls

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(1d20+11)[29]

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Somnium and Vorpal

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Sarris lowers his hand slowly. "Not threatening, taking precautions. In case you're of Ruin." He gives Somnium a pointed look. "You're not of Ruin, are you?"

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Somnium

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You haven't run into these particular peoples, but you know vaguely that the Priests of Ruin have something to do with the starfall. Apparently they worship the force behind them, and try to enforce all peoples to stay hidden from the sky in respect.

You've heard farmers and merchants speaking of their attacks and raids.

[Critical]

S&V

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"Ain't a batallion of soldiers a good precaution enough?" - Somnium says, while walking up to the water and starting to wash off the whale's fluids, his scales turning slightly lighter lime in the process, it even may seem as if they were cyan. "'Of Ruin'? The guys attacking the farmers? Nah, not with em." After taking a handful of water and spilling it on his face, he added casually: "So where are you headed with such an army?"

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Sarris & Somnium

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"Coming to the festival." says a man riding from around the other half of the whale upon his own steed.

He is a taller than Sarris and a burly individual in rigorous health despite his obviously advanced years, with bulging arms and a bull neck. His salt and pepper hair is long and straight to his back, with a receding hairline. His face is grizzled and hard, with a beard still dark. His eyes are a light gray and flinty. He wears loose gray pants and a long sleeved tunic with a leather breastplate. On his large hands are a pair of metallic gauntlets with the symbol of St. Cuthbert on the backs.

"Tell this creature nothing. He speaks the truth... for now, but there is evil in his heart."

[Calenestel]

Yamada Tarō

Raynor & Vorpal

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Leaving calming the beast to Gearna, Tarō goes over the campsite, trying to make sure that they left as little evidence as possible behind. It was fruitless, since the wagon trail was well beyond an ordinary human's, or genasi's, ability to cover up. But it was an old habit of his and one that he actually didn't want to get rid of. After folding the soil he had cut away for their fireplace back into place the samurai then turns to Raynor. "Now, I will just get my horse saddled and then I might need some assistance with my armour. After that we will be on our way to Banzar, yes?" Motioning for the younger man to follow Tarō moves over towards the wagon, whistling two quick notes.
Around the wagon then comes another horse, a Grey and some kind of Destrier. He's a stallion of about the same size as the clydesdale but moving with a power, grace and confidence that shows that it's something more than a draught horse. Obediently the horse dances up to the warrior who pets him affectionately and then saddles him quickly and efficiently.
After that there's only the matter of donning the full plate mail. It's not as quick as if Rayner had had some training, of course, but under the knowledgeable guidance of the samurai it's done fast enough. The armour itself is about as strange as it's wearer. It's a beautiful, wonderfully crafted, set of chainmail and steel plates, but unlike most it has been etched with strange patterns, horizontal stripes over the arms guards and gauntlets, long, vertical stripes along the leg guards and over the breastplate, but at the latter the stripes are made as if covered by a pair of golden dragons, rearing and facing each other. A golden dragon also covers the top and back of the helm while the visor is adorned with a grinning, almost grotesque, human face with bristling moustaches. After a friendly "Thank you, Raynor," the warrior straps his two swords to the girdle, hefts a strange glaive, more a slightly curved sword fastened to a quarterstaff, and mounts up, ready to set out.

[Critical]

S&V

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"Evil? Me? How could you possibly tell that someone with such a beautiful smile is evil?" - Somnium says, trying to laugh off the accusation as he washes off the last bit of the whale's grease, widening his smile full of sharp white teeth that he seems to never put away, as if his face was always this way. His scales started slowly shifting towards white, indicating the purest emotions.

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Do I roll a bluff check to fake Somnium's scale color?

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Sarris & Somnium

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The man isn't amused, or mislead. He dismounts and approaches Somnium. He towers over you, not even trying to be discreet in his intimidation.

"Your tongue is indeed forked. There are some amongst the order who would smite you for even attempting it, but even crooked words tell more than none. You just keep to your bath, and trouble none within the city and no more words at all will be necessary between us."

Somnium

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I hadn't thought the colors were controllable. They are a literal reflection of your mood. I'd say a DC 20 Concentration or Autohypnosis check lets you mute the colors to a neutral tone that shows nothing however. Instead of bluffing you are controlling your emotions.

[The Antigamer]

Y&V

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The young man waves away the thanks.
"'tweren't no trouble. Brekfast more than earned a bit av 'elp loike dat."
Shouldering his haversack, he sweeps his hands down the road.
"Shall we?"

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Yamada and Raynor

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"I believe we shall." the Lady Gearna announces, climbing up to her seat, high on the front end of the traveling home.

"Would you rather jog along or come sit beside me?" she inquires of Raynor with a mock tone of insouciance.

[The Antigamer]

Y&V

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Raynor, having figured out a bit of the woman's temperament over the course of breakfast, just flashes her a grin, grabs hold of one side of the wagon, and pulls himself up to the other side of the high seat. Maybe he'll be able to take a nap on the way.

[Calenestel]

Yamada Tarō

Raynor & Vorpal

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Shaking his head with an amused, and slightly bemused, smile the genasi takes up a his own chosen position just ahead of the wagon. This way noone could sneak up on him and then attack the civilians and the wagon wasn't blocking too much of his view. It wasn't much of a vanguard, but it'd have to do.

[Critical]

S&V

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Looking up at the man's face for a second, the kobold indignantly spoke up: "What a MEANIE!" He took a second to take a deep breath and added: "Do you always treat non-humanoids this way? That's not very kind."

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Somnium and Vorpal

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Sarris has watched this exchange with narrowed eyes. "Speciesism? No. Wariness of evil? Yes." He glances at Domile and adds, "Still, could come with if you behave."

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Yamada and Raynor

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It's just past noon when the canopy-covered trail ends and gives way to open prairie, chewed and trampled down for a good distance. A blockade has been set up however at the edge of the trees, where every traveler and his wares are being inspected before being allowed to pass. Neither of you have heard of the Banzarians doing checks before, but in these dangerous days it may be a new precaution.

There is a bit of a line, so they have sent inspectors up on ahead.

A tall, gangling ma of dark skin and bulbous eyes approaches your party with a sheet of vellum tacked to a board.

"Names and destination?" he inquires politely, but his eyes take in the traveling house and its occupants, examining it carefully.

Sarris and Somnium

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"The shape of the flesh comes in many forms. It's the force behind it that concerns me." Domile replies to the kobold.

He then glances at Sarris as he invites the creature along.

Sarris

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"You are not officially under my command, Sir Almodo, but for the duration of our time here I am the representative of the Epiphanies. For what reason would you wish this being's company?" he says in a low voice, bringing his horse up alongside. "This is a sensitive mission. We are not even officially 'here'."

Somnium

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DC 20 listen check allows you to hear the conversation.

[Calenestel]

Yamada Tarō

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Pulling at Gurē's reins sleightly, Tarō takes in the sight. He had been to Banzar twice before and this was new. Still, it didn't worry him. They were in their right to monitor their visitors.
As the gangly man asks for names the samurai glances towards Gearna. She were the leader, of a sorts, and he awaited a signal from her before speaking up. Or for her to speak herself with the man. He'd prefer that. He had little patience with bureaucrats. Their work was important, but too many thought that meant that they were more important themselves than they actually were. That kind of arrogance always grated on his nerves.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Vorpal

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Sarris nods at Domile's mention of his status: "Understood, but still respect your wishes, thinking of Order's best interests." He begins ticking points off on his fingers. "One: Has been here already, may have useful information about Ruin, festival, so forth. Two: Less obvious on official Epiphanies mission if with...unsavory character. Never expect it, hmm? Three: Better kept in sight than out of it, less trouble that way."

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Yamada & Raynor

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Gearna pulls from a hidden compartment overhead a scroll and hands it down to the official.

"Lady Gearna Sheaux, Ambassador of the People's Binding Confederation of Merchants." she says firmly, this time there is no sarcasm or humor. "And I don't believe a search is in order."

"Will you please remain here while I contact my superior?" he replies, and leaves before she can answer.

Several minutes later a portly halfling arrives and squints up against the sun, "My Lady, I'm sorry, but we cannot accept this."

Disbelief holds Gearna's tongue for a moment, but when it unfreezes there is vinegar in her tone. "That has the official seal of the Nine Lords of Forest Heart, as well as that of the Matriarch of your own people. Nothing less than the combined votes of council or confederation can overrule these papers."

"The confederation has granted just such a restriction to all entering the city for the next 3 days, Ambassador. It was announced this morning. I am sorry, but to enter your belongings will be searched." the halfing says, remaining firm, but he seems sympathetic.

Sheaux's clicks her tongue and nods. She dismounts with a practiced, balletic movement, her dress, whirling about her as she almost floats to the ground.

"Then by the wishes of the council you are welcome into my home." she replies with sarcastic cheeriness.

The halfling nods to the google-eyed man, and he and a young, sun-browned man, barely more than a child follow her to the back, which she unlocks.

They begin to remove chests and tables to clear the way for searching as the angered merchant princess stalks back to the front.
"Oh, the confederation will be having some rare words from me. This is in direction contradiction of the Lapel Accord I introduced..."

A small but weighty barrel is rolled to the side and the clydesdale spooks, slamming into Gearna. She almost loses her balance and grabs its reigns to remain standing.

"It's alright, Sasparilla. Shhhh." she says, trying to keep him calm. It doesn't take to the calming and continues to try to rear.

Sarris

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"No, I don't see that. I don't see it at all. If you're determined to do a bit of... charity you say? Feed a child or heal a leper would make more sense. If it tags along you'll have full responsibility for its doings, that's the last I'll say."

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Vorpal

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Sarris sighs internally. It is not charity, you imbecile; he could be useful, in terms of information for me and cover for you! I joined the Order expecting to be led by equal-opportunity compassionate sorts like Mother, not holier-than-thou short-sighted bigots. Desperate times, and all that, I suppose. Careful not to mention any of this aloud, he merely shrugs and replies, "Still think it could be useful. Will take full responsibility."

[The Antigamer]

Y&V

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Raynor hops down as the halfling, his crew, and Gearna walk to the back of the wagon, and leisurely strolls to the back on the other side, to keep an eye, and an ear, on the people searching. He knows all too well how things can sometimes be "lost" in an official search.

[Calenestel]

Yamada Tarō

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When the clydsedale starts acting up again Tarō hurries to dismount and come to the merchant princess' aid. He tries not to make too much noise and spook the animal further, but in full plate there's only so much he can do. Grabbing at the briddle he coos softly, trying to soothe the beast. Failing that he could always fall back on letting his own considerable weight and the weight of the armour hold the animal still at least. Harnessed to the wagon there's not that much leeway for Sasparilla to move.

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A couple of rolls, in order of appearance:

Ride - (1d20+3)[15] to dismount quickly (otherwise it will take longer, I don't think we use rounds right now)

HandleAnimal - (1d20+1)[14] (lack of charisma showing )

not sure if I should roll it but: Strength - (1d20+3)[22] Sasparilla should have a clear penalty since she's harnessed and Tarō should have a massive bonus for being so darn heavy right now. But I'll let the DM set that.

Edit: Nice rolls, really. But it's rather clear that Tarō's not a horseman. I need to invest some more skillpoints in this.

[Critical]

S&V

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"You know, I'm still here." - Somnium says, tilting his head unpleasantly slightly for a second as he sees them whispering. He then stands up straight, as far as straight is for a kobold. "Anyway, I'll accept your invitation and move to the carnival with you. Lead the way." - he says, grabbing Captain Socks's, his trusty mule's, reins.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Sarris and Somnium

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Domile cheek twitches and he gives Sarris a dour look before turning back to the front of the horses. Glancing to see that all are ready to proceed, horsemen and assmen, he starts back out at a steady pace that the donkey can keep up with without too much trouble.

Sarris

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Judgemental elitist much?

Yamada and Raynor

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Taro puts his not insignificant weight into keeping Sarsaparilla down as Gearna continues to try to calm it. The horse stamps and snorts, sounding both angry and fearful. Then it collapses. One moment it is rearing, the next it crumples forward. The wagon jerks a few feet as it collapses against the barding, its head kept from striking the ground by the taut leather.

"SARSAPARILLA!" Gearna cries out in surprise and drops beside him to support his head.

[Calenestel]

Yamada Tarō

Raynor & Vorpal

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"By the Ancestors!" the Samurai exclaims as the horse suddenly collapses. He jerks back, even takes a step back out of surprise and a kind of worry. He didn't do that, did he?
The relatively mild oath is followed by a string of what must be coarser curses, but in a foreign language. Quickly Tarō kneels by the horse, checking to see if the poor beast was still breathing.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Yamada

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You hold your hand in front of the horse's nostrils and put the other to its sides. There is a steady rise and fall as moist air pulses from its nose. It's heart beat feels regular as well, for a horse.

It doesn't have any apparent injuries. It seems as if it simply fell asleep.

OOC
Nice untrained heal check there

Rolls

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(1d20+2)[17]

[Calenestel]

Yamada Tarō

Raynor & Vorpal

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His first impulse is to breathe a sigh of relief. The magnificent beast is still alive. And he were obviously not the reason for the collapse. But he quickly stiffles the feeling. What had really happened? If not a seizure, then what? DId it have something to do with that latest starfall? People had been strangely affected since then, that much is true. But they usually had been raving and flailing, not just falling asleep. And he had never heard of animals being affected. A spell? Maybe, but that was a rather weak attack. Unless it was a diversion. Suddenly alert the warrior straitens, hefting his strangely shaped glaive, looking around for anything out of the ordinary. A hard thing when the whole situation was new to him.

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1: Spot - (1d20+2)[7] Edit: Hehe. Balance is restored.

2: Heh. I didn't bother with a Heal check because I was just going to check if the beast was obviously breathing. But: "Yay!"

3: Concerning suddenly sleeping horses: http://www.legendofbill.com/2010/02/...-in-the-mouth/

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Vorpal

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This guy's ego is so massive, its gravitational pull would put Jupiter's to shame. I haven't gotten to play the part of an egocentric high-Int type in a while, so I'm playing it to the hilt.

[The Antigamer]

Y&V

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Raynor hears Gearna cry out, and Taro start cursing, and he leans back around the wagon end for a quick peak. Seeing no obvious signs of trouble, beyond the horse being down, he resumes watching the men searching the wagon. Obviously something was wrong with the woman's horse, and her distraction would be a clear invitation for someone to slip an item into his sleeve.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Raynor

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You turn around just in time to see the young man cram something in his mouth and walk back for another load inside the house.

Yamada

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Hey, look, there's a horse sleeping beside you!

PoDLost

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You and Somnium are gonna be interesting together

Btw, He of the Superjovian Psyche might should ask of his lizard friend if he's even been here before.