[3.5] The Barbarian Clan Wars - IC

[Cardea]

OOC LINK

Players

{table=head]Character|Player|Description|Tribe
Korzalk Dengraznon|Dorizzit|Hobgoblin Warblade//Scout|Diplomat
Toryn|Chambers|Lesser Fire Genasi Evoker//Adept|Yegrufa
Beyzar At-Oklar|HeadlessMermaid|Wild Elf Unicorn Totem Barbarian//Ranger|Illoam
Andidus Ceques|JKTrickster| Human Psychic Guardian//Projector|Diplomat
Kaine|Critical|Fearnaught//Hexblade|Diplomat
Cipactli Matlal|Admiral Squish|Swarm Totem Barbarian//Scout/Ranger|Ruemerth[/table]

Time on the Island: 9:30 Morning

Diplomats

The man's name was Samson. And according to him, he had seen the Ivory Coasts of the Southern Oceans, the frozen landscapes of the Northern Plains, the fiery mountains of the Unsearched West, and the strange magics of the Hidden East. His walks of life were long, hard and done with a smile, and over the past three weeks of sea travel, you really wished that he had fell overboard by the second retelling of his time spent among the Elven Cultures. He was just one of the newcomers to the fabled city of Gryphon's Reach. While he spoke of exploration and delving into the culture of the Tribes, you three were there on business. Tasked personally by one of the higher ranking Council Members of Aethnar, you left together to help remedy what was being labeled a 'Hazard to the Civility and Welfare of the Kingdom'. You really wish that Samson has fallen over.

Right now, however, a voice rings out that you have arrived in Gryphon's Reach. The Gnomish Device you used to travel here, a monstrous thing of metal and glass, rises up from the ocean floor, up into a large dock; the voice rang true, you are indeed in the isolated City, if the view from your small window is to be believed. The room you three were staying in opens up, and you are escorted through a winding passage of corridors out of the monstrosity and onto a boardwalk, where after an hour of listening to a man go over special laws and rules that govern Gryphon's Reach, you leave, going on to report in to a man named Captain Magmareach.

Traversing through the city is... trying. Constantly, people shove you, shove past you, or are shoved into you, slowing you down. Humanoids of all kinds push past you, and at one point you're fairly certain that that man you saw with a hood on near Back Draft Avenue had a tail. And you're convinced you saw some men in an alley using Golems to fight one another. But even though these men and women and .... others are surely fascinating, you keep your heads down and try and make heads and tails of the map you were given.

Yegrufa

The Ice Callers weave their magic, preparing a bridge to span from the ocean to Ufrin Lake. A Meeting being called, the Clan decided it would be best to avoid the other Clans while travelling. While relations with most of them are on uneasy terms, The Horde has been... growing unruly. And violent. And ignorant to a wiser way. And it's no secret, to anyone who pays attention, that they're beginning to challenge the right of place to the other Clans. So in order to avoid others, an Ice Bridge is being formed, to avoid possible conflict.

The air is chilled and you can see your breathe. Runes are being written in the water, and incantations are being practiced before first attempts are made. The water on the beach has frozen; it's thin currently, but it begins to thicken as each second passes.

Illoam

You and fourteen others, including Gracious Namora, finish your preparations to travel to The Meeting. This one feels different though. It feels... wrong. You can't explain it, but in your body, in your soul, it feels like something is amiss. You push it to the back of your mind as you join the others in the traveling group, which begins marching North. You're to meet up with a group of Diplomats later on; the people of Aethner can feel the disturbance as well, and are sending their own people to try and come to some sort of settlement; whatever that entails, or whatever it is they wish to settle. You only hope it does not bring The Meeting to a dead stop.

The Kingdom of Aethner has never been present to the Meeting before. No telling what it would be like.

Ruemerth

Life has the strangest things. The Giant Eagle is just one of them. And the Giant Eagles of the Island, named Birds of the Red, are some of the stranger. Twice the size of a Giant Eagle, and easily tamable if found, these birds now stand in front of you and twelve others, being strapped with armor and barding, and being hooked with supply bags, these are to be your method of travel to The Meeting. Clans members with the power of flight come too, but find seating on the bird's abnormally large feet, while the rest of you will be seated on one of the two creature's back. Megrin the Keeper stands at the head of the birds, talking with them and calming them, as they are fitted. The rest of the clan still sleeps, while the group of you stand on the outskirts, ready to fly to The Meeting.

[Admiral Squish]

The morning had been exceptionally busy for Cipactli. Preparing the Birds of the Red for the trip had taken up most of the day, and preparing his own effects had taken the rest of it. He hadn't slept much the night before, instead spending his time preparing himself mentally for the trip, meditating and going over the Meeting in his mind. It was a great honor for him to attend the Meeting, and he had no intention of embarrassing his clan or his people. He had worked far too hard to allow such a thing.

Cipactli's banded tailed dragged back and forth along the ground behind him as he waited for the signal to leave. His green, scaly skin shifted unnervingly beneath the silvery chain of his armor. The bugs could sense his uneasiness, and grew agitated. He closed his eyes and concentrated, willing the tension to release itself, willing his muscles to slacken. His tailed slowed, and he could feel the swarm's motion slow, then stop as they returned to rest beneath his scales.

He scolded himself. This was not the time to be losing control. He had to remain vigilant. He stood once more, his back straight, one point of his longbow on the ground, the other near his head as he watched over the loading of the giant eagles. His golden eyes shifted slowly back and forth across the loading area, his reptilian features betraying no emotions. Despite his height of barely three feet, it was clear that he was not someone that you would like to cross.

[Chambers]

Toryn

While the Ice Callers prepare the bridge, Toryn sits to the side in front of a small fire. Reaching into one of the pouches on his belt he draws out his rune stones and warms them before the fire. "Great spirits, protect us. We go to meet, to speak with the clans. I ask for your blessings and guidance. Who is our greatest enemy that we will meet there?" Head bowed and eyes closed Toryn picks up each rune stone, now burning hot to the touch, but the heat does not harm him. Tossing them into the air he lets them fall on the newly formed frost, the runes smoking as they melt the ice around them.

Spoiler

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Using Divination. His chance of a correct reply is 85%.

[JKTrickster]

Andy stretched as he stepped onto the docks of his old city. He has left only a few years ago, to guard an old noble in the far north. And while Andy was not one to stray from a mission's task, he had yearned to go home. Now he was back for a different reason, to make sure the city he grew up in wouldn't be consumed in the barbarian skirmishes. Andy felt no ties to this place in particular but still it was his duty to get to the bottom of this.

He carefully brushed his bangs out of his eyes, smiling to Samson as he did so. The eccentric man had loved to brag during the entire voyage and Andy respected his knowledge, even if he did seem outrageous at times. Finally walking out into the city Andy took in a deep breath, taking in the deep smells of the decay and disorder of the city. It tasted bitter, with a hint of blood and gore masked by the filth of the back alleys. Ah, he was finally home.

While the others had trouble transversing through the city, Andy easily weaved through the crowds on the streets. It helped that he was displaying the Psychic Guardian's insignia, an open palm wrathed in symbols of protection and power, on his right arm. Petty thieves that even thought about approaching him quickly turned around when they saw it. Andy kept a constant vigilance though, aware that the city of Gryphon's Reach was always more than it seemed.

Looking behind him, he noticed that others was still trying to decipher the contents of the map. Laughing, Andy reached out with his hand.

"Here, let me take a look at that ," he said with a smile. "I reckon that I still know this place. Let me see if I can help us find the way to Captain Magmareach."

Spoiler

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Just some Spot and Listen rolls, just in case.

Spot
(d20+28)[40]

Listen
(d20+28)[35]

[Dorizzit]

Korzalk Dengraznon

Over the course of the long voyage to the Isle of Me-Ghand, Korzalk Dengraznon had mostly remained in the quarters assigned to the small party. He was just as happy in solitude, and wanted to avoid any trouble that might come from his obvious presence aboard the...ship. He has replied politely when spoken to, but had made no efforts to reach out to the other diplomats beyond the initial round of introductions when they first met. He watches silently out the window as they arrive in the harbor.

After disembarking and listening to the lecture on the official laws and customs of Gryphon's reach, Korzalk stretches before they head into the city itself, secretly pleased to be off the tight confines of the gnomish abomination. He doesn't bother attempting to avoid being jostled by the crowds, his own monstrous strength proving more than enough to prevent his displacement, although he does keep an eye and an ear out, just in case. One brave cut purse attempts to pick his pocket; Korzalk nearly breaks his arm before restraining his reflexes and shoving the thief away from him.

When Andidus speaks, Korzalk turns to look at him, but says nothing.

[Critical]

Kaine

Kaine was quite well known on the island, even, probably, one of the island's living legends, and he was quite easy to spot as well - a tall, broad-shouldered man of athletic complexion carrying a large chain with spikes was indeed a rare sight. Many people greeted him, which he didn't really enjoy, replying to the shout-outs with a quick, emotionless nod. He loved the land, but, pretty much, disliked the barbarians, but he was eager to show his skills none the less. And a soon visit to his mother, which he'd like to do later, preferably alone.

Kaine pleasantly smiled as he was seeing his home and prefered to do so in silence.

[Cardea]

Ruemerth

It seems the preparations of the birds are finished, as those who are outfitting the birds are putting on their face plates, more honorary than anything else, and backing away from them. The once abnormally large bird now looks something from a War Story: Steel darker than their grayed feathers, with red trace work around them. The face plate hiding it's once innocent appearance, giving it the visage of a monster. They still stand, calm... for now.

Near the flock of them, you see Megrin the Keeper waving to your group to come to him. He hands them, and you, a red rod of steel. Smiling, he saddles himself on the thick, strong neck of one of the Birds, and slides in the red bar through a gap in the face plate, putting it in it's mouth. He leans forward, and both his and the Bird's eyes light up with energy. "Come now, Clans Men. We fly!"

Yegrufa

As they continue to form the magic to make the bridge, your voice fills with thousands of voices, all screaming in harmony. The sounds of everyone around you, along with their fires and the magic of the ice callers, are drowned out as they speak.

"HE BEARS A FALSE TITLE LOWER THAN HIS.
HE WEARS A NAME THAT WAS TAKEN.
HE SOUGHT A WAR THAT COULD NOT FINISH.
AND NOW HE COMES, HIS WILL UNSHAKEN."

The voices die out suddenly, and no one seems to have noticed your spell. Instead, focusing on the Ice Callers who are now suddenly done with their bridge. Your clansmen, those who are leaving, run onto the bridge. Their forms disappear into a blur as they step onto it, speeding forward into the distance on the bridge.

Diplomats

OOC

Spoiler

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Samson is nowhere in sight.

Andy

Spoiler

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You notice that a squarish figure, short and stout, has been following you since your group got off the 'ship.' He hides under a brown cloak, and stands a distance as a way as you decipher the map.

[JKTrickster]

OOC

Spoiler

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I edited my original first post to reflect the fact that Samson never followed us.

Andy raised an eyebrow and looked at the other two that had accompanied him on board. Neither of them seemed to like talking much, and even Samson could hardly get more than a word out of them. As far as he knew, the Hobgoblin Korzalk came from the northern lands while Kaine came from Gryphon's Reach. While Andy had the fortune of meeting his mentor and master, Kaine had apparently grown up on the docks and his rough demeanor matched that.

Laughing at the others, Andy pretended not to notice the person who was following them. "C'mon cheer up guys! Gryphon's Reach might not look like much but it has it's fair share of treasures as well! Here, forget the map for now! Let me show you some fine places to eat, and meet the girls if you know what I mean!"

Placing the map securely into his pack, Andy started walking down into a side alley, away from the public and busy main street. Meanwhile, Vigilus slowly hummed from within his pack. Mentally contacting the others, it sent out a single brief message. "Come, follow my master. Someone is following us and he is luring them into a trap. It is a small squarish figure to our far right. Act normal and simply follow us."

Meanwhile in the darkness of the alley, Andy focused his psionic mind and sent out a probe, detecting for any malign intentions around him. His breathing slowed down as he calmly sorted through the busy marketplace, trying to find the stalker among them.

Actions

Spoiler

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Andy psionically focuses and manifests Detect Hostile Intent for 3 pp. If the stalker was within 30 ft of him, Andy detects the stalker's presence and direction but not exact location. It is active for 150 mins and for that duration Andy cannot be caught flat footed or surprised.

[Chambers]

Toryn

"Spirits, thank you." Toryn whispers and scatters snow onto the fire. Placing the runes back in his pouch, he hefts his staff and steps towards the ice bridge, pausing just before it. Rubbing his bare arms and shoulders he whispers a word and the air around him warms. A slight smile cross his face for a moment, but it is quickly gone and he steps onto the bridge.

Spoiler

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Endure Elements. It's cold on the ice bridge, brrrr.

[Critical]

Kaine

Kaine simply smiled up and laughed at Andy's first comment.

"You tell me, pretty boy." - he replied. - "That's, pretty much, the only thing you can do here for fun and I probably know more of it than you do."

But as soon as he has received the mental message, Kaine was a bit amazed, but tried not to show it and simply followed, acting naturally.

"Interesting ability... Does it work the other way?" - Kaine thought, less to himself, but more to attempt to get some response from the psionic.

[Dorizzit]

Korzalk

Korzalk still trying to decide what to make of the bustling city and having little interest in the things he describes, says nothing to Andy's attempt to start conversation. The mental contact is much more notable, however; although he gives no outside indication, Korzalk is shocked by the sudden message. Still, he follows after Andy, not even looking around to verify the information.

[Cardea]

Diplomats

As you walk down the alleyway, the cloaked figure now hurries down after you, gaining speed. A few seconds down, and the figure takes off his hood. It's a dwarf, with a shortened beard, and drawn back hair, both a fiery red. His face shows an expression of annoyance. He lifts up a hand, which appears to be made out of some sort of volcanic rock, and slams it towards the ground. The alleyway is cut off instantly by a large sheet of rock blocking your way. "Moradin willin', boys, slow down. My legs can't keep up with the like o' ye'."

Andy

Spoiler

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There's hostility in him, that is sure, but it isn't directed towards the three of you.

Yegrufa

The world around you changes, colors and sounds and smells now blurred as your form moves faster than anything normally should. Around you, there are a few younglings; those who have never stepped onto one of these before, and find the sensation a bit disorienting. One of them, a small girl by the name of Saina, grabs onto you for support, before quickly letting go out of embarrassment. A few minutes into your travel, however, the bridge shakes, like something hitting it.

Ruemerth

In the air, the island is in view. As is the sunrise, its light blazing across the sky as it comes into sight.

[Critical]

Kaine

Kaine slowly turns to the dwarf and starts observing him.

"You know, you could've called out to us. Maybe we'd consider waiting up for you. Maybe. Anyway, what is your business?"