Post by K Man on Aug 1, 2008 10:45:22 GMT -5
SEA GREEN
Debating about the source of the earthquake and the decision to be made, you feel the ground buckle under your feet again. A nearby building is shunted from its foundation, shuddering and leaving a thin cloud of dust to hang in the air. One of the revelers shouts in the momentary pause that follows; "They know how to celebrate! To the Old Kings!!!"[/b] And the men down more ale and continue to shout.
But something to you, feels dreadfully wrong.
You question the so-far helpful Dwarf about the tremors. "I've been celebrating at Bazarkak for the last century. Not once have I been inside during the celebration."
"But I hear tales of what goes on. Some rituals, some prayer and offers of gold and mead but mostly the underground celebration is for the rich and noble. I hear they send off fireworks in the grand hall and the priests partake in the displays of magic. There have been times I've heard their celebration before."
Another rumble, less violent than the previous two but no less notable. The Dwarf stamps his feet, echoing the shake. "Someone must've spent some good money this year!"
The celebration continues unabated. Men slam down kegs of ale, women sing and dance honoring the old Kings and the current one. Looking over the village around, you can see these tremors are localized to the area beneath the village and near the mountain fortress. Every now and then you see a building shake, or a tree sway without wind.
Something is going on beneath your feet...
-----------------------------------
Natsumi -
[Spot Check, Fail] You see Amassu reach for a cloud cabinet, enormous pale fingers blending with the fluffy cloud wall beyond. But you also notice something else, Amassu's lips move and he silently mouths a word. You cannot make out the word for his arm suddenly blocks his lips, but without effort he opens the cabinet after speaking the word. This must be how the Sky-King commands this home of clouds.
"That is good." Lord Amassu comments on your preparedness. "You will announce my arrival and herald my greatness to the Sand Giant clan."
The giant withdraws some simple sundries from the cabinet. He touches another farther cabinet and opens it to reveal a massive suit of armor. The armor, though decorative in nature, seems battle-ready none the less.
Amassu finishes bathing and dresses himself in the armor. At this time you are allowed to bath if desired, or look into the pool to view your companions...both options are offered by the giant. He will wave his hand and the tub will shrink to fit your size, or the pool will come to life.
Lord Amassu does not remain to watch you bathe this time, rather he moves to the entrance of the cloudy home and pushes the doors open. A rush of wind accompanies his egress as he moves to the edge of the cloud outside. You see the blue sky and the other clouds floating lazily along, so you feel you must be very high up. The Sky-King stands rigid out on the edge of the cloud, letting the wind cool and dry his skin from the bath. He remains out there for the better part of an hour, ignorant of what you do in the cloud behind him.
{I will allow two more Spot Checks DC 20 since he's opened two more things.}
It is only when you look outside you realize you are slowly descending. Lord Amassu turns and re-enters the room and speaks to you directly.
"These giants have not paid necessary tribute to me since I began my reign. I expect little resistance with my presence here, but still, I would caution you to remain close to me."
"When the cloud lands, emerge and announce my arrival using many of my deeds. I will then emerge and discuss the tribute necessary."
DARK RED[/size]
{OODM: That is exactly what I mean. If you are going to take advantage of this, I would suggest you do so since I'm certain battle is coming quickly.}
{Lenny - The Diplomacy skill, when used to change the attitude of an NPC, can be used only after a full minute of social interaction at a minimum. Given the curt, social situation you are in, I would say at best it could be used with the -10 penalty or not at all.}
----------------------
Thalia rolls her eyes. "Yes, because all my dealings with you so far have been advantageous. Not to mention that you have treated me with honesty and respect. It seems only fair I return the favor...when threatened with my life."
The Elf drips with sarcasm.
"Look." Thalia places her hands on her hips and gives you a stern glare. "If it weren't for me, you'd all still be babes lost in the big city...I can practically smell the ineptitude on you. You would have never found this place on your own. They would have found you and killed you for the bone."
"I was offering you a chance to barter with them and walk away paid and with your life. But since you are big men with a big plan, I'll leave you to it."
"Give me your whore's purse of money and I'll be on my way. Don't expect my help again, should we ever cross paths."
Debating about the source of the earthquake and the decision to be made, you feel the ground buckle under your feet again. A nearby building is shunted from its foundation, shuddering and leaving a thin cloud of dust to hang in the air. One of the revelers shouts in the momentary pause that follows; "They know how to celebrate! To the Old Kings!!!"[/b] And the men down more ale and continue to shout.
But something to you, feels dreadfully wrong.
You question the so-far helpful Dwarf about the tremors. "I've been celebrating at Bazarkak for the last century. Not once have I been inside during the celebration."
"But I hear tales of what goes on. Some rituals, some prayer and offers of gold and mead but mostly the underground celebration is for the rich and noble. I hear they send off fireworks in the grand hall and the priests partake in the displays of magic. There have been times I've heard their celebration before."
Another rumble, less violent than the previous two but no less notable. The Dwarf stamps his feet, echoing the shake. "Someone must've spent some good money this year!"
The celebration continues unabated. Men slam down kegs of ale, women sing and dance honoring the old Kings and the current one. Looking over the village around, you can see these tremors are localized to the area beneath the village and near the mountain fortress. Every now and then you see a building shake, or a tree sway without wind.
Something is going on beneath your feet...
-----------------------------------
Natsumi -
[Spot Check, Fail] You see Amassu reach for a cloud cabinet, enormous pale fingers blending with the fluffy cloud wall beyond. But you also notice something else, Amassu's lips move and he silently mouths a word. You cannot make out the word for his arm suddenly blocks his lips, but without effort he opens the cabinet after speaking the word. This must be how the Sky-King commands this home of clouds.
"That is good." Lord Amassu comments on your preparedness. "You will announce my arrival and herald my greatness to the Sand Giant clan."
The giant withdraws some simple sundries from the cabinet. He touches another farther cabinet and opens it to reveal a massive suit of armor. The armor, though decorative in nature, seems battle-ready none the less.
Amassu finishes bathing and dresses himself in the armor. At this time you are allowed to bath if desired, or look into the pool to view your companions...both options are offered by the giant. He will wave his hand and the tub will shrink to fit your size, or the pool will come to life.
Lord Amassu does not remain to watch you bathe this time, rather he moves to the entrance of the cloudy home and pushes the doors open. A rush of wind accompanies his egress as he moves to the edge of the cloud outside. You see the blue sky and the other clouds floating lazily along, so you feel you must be very high up. The Sky-King stands rigid out on the edge of the cloud, letting the wind cool and dry his skin from the bath. He remains out there for the better part of an hour, ignorant of what you do in the cloud behind him.
{I will allow two more Spot Checks DC 20 since he's opened two more things.}
It is only when you look outside you realize you are slowly descending. Lord Amassu turns and re-enters the room and speaks to you directly.
"These giants have not paid necessary tribute to me since I began my reign. I expect little resistance with my presence here, but still, I would caution you to remain close to me."
"When the cloud lands, emerge and announce my arrival using many of my deeds. I will then emerge and discuss the tribute necessary."
DARK RED[/size]
[Do you mean that we can add equipment to our sheets now and assume we bought it? I mean, the other three, anyway, 'cause I figure the maul counts as Wanderer's share.]
{OODM: That is exactly what I mean. If you are going to take advantage of this, I would suggest you do so since I'm certain battle is coming quickly.}
{Lenny - The Diplomacy skill, when used to change the attitude of an NPC, can be used only after a full minute of social interaction at a minimum. Given the curt, social situation you are in, I would say at best it could be used with the -10 penalty or not at all.}
----------------------
"..Yet, should you choose to honor the agreement of taking the 200gold, as well as letting us deal with these Deathspeakers, then I would have need of someone of your services. More gold can be spared, should you decide to ally with us."
Thalia rolls her eyes. "Yes, because all my dealings with you so far have been advantageous. Not to mention that you have treated me with honesty and respect. It seems only fair I return the favor...when threatened with my life."
The Elf drips with sarcasm.
"I fear having to deal with all the fuss that would be if you would make me hurt you."
"Look." Thalia places her hands on her hips and gives you a stern glare. "If it weren't for me, you'd all still be babes lost in the big city...I can practically smell the ineptitude on you. You would have never found this place on your own. They would have found you and killed you for the bone."
"I was offering you a chance to barter with them and walk away paid and with your life. But since you are big men with a big plan, I'll leave you to it."
"Give me your whore's purse of money and I'll be on my way. Don't expect my help again, should we ever cross paths."