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- #1,681
((She can walk. She's worn out, but she's still able to get around)).
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Dragon's Egg - Act II
- Thread starter Steerpike
- Start date
SeverinR
Valar Lord
I rip one of the white rocks from the pile…
…then give the whole pile a good kick.
I tell Aliron, "We don't need a hammer."
((How many rocks are loose from that?))
* * *
."
"I guess I didn't think about your hands and feet being hammers."
"I didn't either. That's the trick. If I think about it, the strength leaves me."
You really can't teach them that. You know that, right?
I know, but…
"I say that because if you ever want me to break something, don't ask me if I can. Just tell me what to break, and I'll respond by throwing myself at it."
You really can't teach them that. You know that, right?
I know, but…
"I say that because if you ever want me to break something, don't ask me if I can. Just tell me what to break, and I'll respond by throwing myself at it."
Nihal
Valar Lord
"Sounds pretty stupid." I tease her. I raise carefully, testing if my knees can handle my weight. I look at Aliron. "Well. I'm fine. Hey, I would love to have a piece of this rock, I lost my torch ages ago."
"It does sound kind of dumb when I say it. But don't argue with results." I hand her a rock.
Darrin sets to clearing the legs from the table with his hammer. When one falls, I cut a segment of rope (10 feet), and bind the pan to the length of wood. Soon, I have two makeshift paddles. When Cadell speaks, I clench my jaws to prevent a retort from further dividing us.
Turning away, I set the paddles by the water's edge, then return to help Darrin move the table into the water. "Let's see if this will float."
Turning away, I set the paddles by the water's edge, then return to help Darrin move the table into the water. "Let's see if this will float."
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I raise a brow at Ankari's silence, but decide to accept it as an unexpected blessing. Perhaps my repeated urging for silence has finally begun to sink in. I move forward to help them get the table into the water, pushing with my hand and stump alike despite the nagging ache that grows in the latter.
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Sparkie
Dark Lord
Upon arriving to shore, I hop out of the boat and into my armor. Literally. I'm still so cold that I need to keep moving just to keep the chill off. I cast a fools grin at my companions and say "Remind me, in the future, not to do something so stupid ever again."
Once I have my armor on and my things in order, I head over to Algernon at his request. I put my palm to his shoulder and utter the spell...
Can't heal much better than this!
Once that's done I take a look at the 'floatation device' Ankari and Darin are building. I have to stop myself from shaking my head. There's no way in all the hells I'm setting foot on that thing...
Once I have my armor on and my things in order, I head over to Algernon at his request. I put my palm to his shoulder and utter the spell...
Can't heal much better than this!
Once that's done I take a look at the 'floatation device' Ankari and Darin are building. I have to stop myself from shaking my head. There's no way in all the hells I'm setting foot on that thing...
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Rydh returns, finally. I look up when he speaks, and manage a rather bleak chuckle at his words. "Gladly."
He looks at the makeshift raft with the same trepidation I feel. If I am forced to get on it, I am resolved to stay right in the middle, where I am least likely to fall off and drown.
A splinter jabs into my stump, and I draw back with a hiss and try to dig it out. Whose idea was the raft, anyway? ... Oh, yes. Well, I hope he's happy.
He looks at the makeshift raft with the same trepidation I feel. If I am forced to get on it, I am resolved to stay right in the middle, where I am least likely to fall off and drown.
A splinter jabs into my stump, and I draw back with a hiss and try to dig it out. Whose idea was the raft, anyway? ... Oh, yes. Well, I hope he's happy.
Rydh gets a big goofy grin in response. "Thank you! That was startin' to sting a mite, with all the rowin'."
"Could make it a fair boat with mebbe an hour or so," Algernon opines. "But that's a lot longer'n two trips anyhow, so tain't worth the bother. Wish I'da thunk of it 'fore we set off. Long as it floats, it'll be good enough.
"Uh, let's find out if it does, first. Be better than someone ridin' in the barrel." He sizes up his companions, apparently to determine the lucky winner should that contingency be required. The elves are the skinniest.…
((Which also means that if the table will support two bodies, it'll most likely be theirs, since balancing the load will be of considerable importance.))
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I bite my lower lip and try not to shiver. "Would it not be better to test it first with those who weigh more, not less, so we can determine how much weight it can hold at a time without sinking?"
Nihal
Valar Lord
"Are you trying to make me jealous?" I smile, stuffing the rock inside a pouch. Pointing at the bottle with my chin, I use a more serious tone, "Offer some wine to whoever was paddling. There is a good chance it was one of those who hate me; they would refuse my offer, fight with me and act along those lines." After a pause, I add in a joking tone, "I am a pacifist."
Small, careful steps take me to the front of the hallway. I stand there, wrapped inside my cloak, watching its quietude while the minutes drag past.
- Thread starter
- #1,693
The table top floats in the water, but it is unstable and an imbalance in weight is enough to push one side or another under water fairly quickly. In its current condition, at least, it would be tricky to use the thing as a boat to get to the others.
((Feel free to RP the boat-making and getting the group together as you all see fit. I'm going to push the action forward a bit later today)).
((Feel free to RP the boat-making and getting the group together as you all see fit. I'm going to push the action forward a bit later today)).
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I look doubtfully at the makeshift raft, then up at my companions. "Do we have anything else on hand to make it safer, at least when we're on this side?"
"Yeah, but like I said, it'd take longer to do than to just make two trips. So let's just do that. Hey, don't forget to grab that lizard head. I think we can have some fun with it. 'Specially if we can find a way to stick it on your helmet*… though sticking it on a spear or somethin'd work, too."
*((Not sure if Sir Cadell wears one. If not, ignore: Algernon isn't so dim he wouldn't notice Sir Cadell was't wearing one.))
((Barring anyone objecting to an executive decision here, and in accord with Steerpike's wish to push the action forward, we proceed to make the crossing in two trips, using the originally designated groupings for each. The only difference will be Sir Cadell's trip also includes a giant lizard head. Since the trip is roughly four minutes each direction, we will have the entire group on the far shore twelve minutes from this point.))
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
((He doesn't wear one.))
Curious now, I look up at Algernon. "What sort of 'fun' did you have in mind?"
Curious now, I look up at Algernon. "What sort of 'fun' did you have in mind?"
((Just thought of something which would change the foregoing two-trip executive decision.…))
"Hey, ya know… if we have one person on the table, then we can put the last person in the barrel behind it. That way, the barrel will be kinda like a rudder, an' stop it slewing about, an' all the weight on the table'll be in the center."
((Should anyone wish to volunteer to take the barrel, we can do this instead. At a guess, it would probably double the amount of time for a single trip due to the increased drag and reduced handling ability, but that would still be faster than going, returning, and going again.))
"Well, them turtlebacks all turned an' ran when Mauve popped out o' the water all fishy an' ever'thing. So I figgered they's scared o' what's been livin' in it. Just 'magine how scared they gonna be if they see a bunch o' people what killed what what's been livin' in it, an' haulin' it's head 'round. Sorta like one o' them whatchamacallit toady poles, y'know?
"Hmm. Would be best ta be wearin' it on your head, but that prob'ly ain't practical. But we could prob'ly tie it to your shield easy enough. 'Less ya just wanna carry it."
"Hey, ya know… if we have one person on the table, then we can put the last person in the barrel behind it. That way, the barrel will be kinda like a rudder, an' stop it slewing about, an' all the weight on the table'll be in the center."
((Should anyone wish to volunteer to take the barrel, we can do this instead. At a guess, it would probably double the amount of time for a single trip due to the increased drag and reduced handling ability, but that would still be faster than going, returning, and going again.))
"Well, them turtlebacks all turned an' ran when Mauve popped out o' the water all fishy an' ever'thing. So I figgered they's scared o' what's been livin' in it. Just 'magine how scared they gonna be if they see a bunch o' people what killed what what's been livin' in it, an' haulin' it's head 'round. Sorta like one o' them whatchamacallit toady poles, y'know?
"Hmm. Would be best ta be wearin' it on your head, but that prob'ly ain't practical. But we could prob'ly tie it to your shield easy enough. 'Less ya just wanna carry it."
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Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I look over at the slain beast, a slow smile coming to my lips. "That could very well work... though," I look at my stump, "it might be best for someone else to carry it. Something that large will no doubt require a two-handed grip, especially if we put it on a pole. Then again, it might be fine on my shield. It's worth a try."
Baldhart and Mauve
"Should I offer some to Ankari, then?" I feel a wicked grin giving me away. "No... I should just tell you that I'm quite certain he doesn't drink. But if you want me to offer wine to others, I will. We shared some ale after our first battle. That's where I got the knife, you know.
"A fish demon shoved it in my gut before I ran my blade through his arm and torso. I had more important concerns than that little souvenir, but Rydh remembered to pry the knife from the severed hand, and he let me keep it, and so... here we are.
"I meant to tell you, too... when Rydh healed me, the shiphands were all afraid of him! The captain was grateful, but asked him to stay in his quarters. It was the first time we'd ever seen anyone fear magic. A shock for a girl who grew up skiing with Ullr-worshippers!"
I take a final sip, then cork the bottle so there's enough to pass around.
"I think I understand how you feel, Mauve. I use magic, too, now. It doesn't come with the same risk, but... Nissa. She's such a lovely little miracle, and when we get to town I have to act as if she doesn't exist.
"Is it painful for you to have to hide your ability?"
"When we're in town, I'll act as if you're a fellow warrior. You are, actually. I just won't say that you fight best around water. You can even use some of by blue woad paint to help make the disguise work." I finally start to feel silly for exposing my painted body minutes ago! "Umm... you can just paint the face. Oh! And maybe Arn, the taylor, can make you a leather outfit! Nothing heavy like armor, but something that completes the look."
"Paint's optional. As for leather not being too hindering, I'll bet Arn can find a way. Just look at this dress!" I twirl to show off the best thing I've ever owned, almost forgetting that the scale armor covers two-thirds of it. "I'll tell him your leather outfit doesn't need any protective value since you normally wear chain mail. You just miss the scent of leather since you upgraded your armor.
"Of course, you need to talk like a warrior. Don't overdo it, and don't boast. Leave boasting to men who aren't as good as they say. Basically, be yourself and tell the truth when asked of feats in battle.
"Your last battle: 'Me and Baldhart here jumped overboard from a canoe and rushed some lizards. She impaled one on her blade while I scared the piss out of the others with my battlecry. Almost landed my knife in its backside before it...' Or maybe say 'spear.' No one will believe you chose a knife over a spear... unless you jumped overboard without the spear and--thank the gods!--had a knife strapped to your boot.
"Oh! And the six-legged monster! We'll be there with its hide. If anyone asks, I'll tell 'em how you jumped on its back while I was clamped in its jaws! You hit it so hard it spit me out! We keep our stories straight by keeping them true but for the part involving magic."
I size her up. Small, but not frail. The scars help, but I don't have the heart to say what doesn't need to be said.
"It helps that you actually are strong, too, Mauve."
"Should I offer some to Ankari, then?" I feel a wicked grin giving me away. "No... I should just tell you that I'm quite certain he doesn't drink. But if you want me to offer wine to others, I will. We shared some ale after our first battle. That's where I got the knife, you know.
"A fish demon shoved it in my gut before I ran my blade through his arm and torso. I had more important concerns than that little souvenir, but Rydh remembered to pry the knife from the severed hand, and he let me keep it, and so... here we are.
"I meant to tell you, too... when Rydh healed me, the shiphands were all afraid of him! The captain was grateful, but asked him to stay in his quarters. It was the first time we'd ever seen anyone fear magic. A shock for a girl who grew up skiing with Ullr-worshippers!"
I take a final sip, then cork the bottle so there's enough to pass around.
"I think I understand how you feel, Mauve. I use magic, too, now. It doesn't come with the same risk, but... Nissa. She's such a lovely little miracle, and when we get to town I have to act as if she doesn't exist.
"Is it painful for you to have to hide your ability?"
Nihal said:
"When we're in town, I'll act as if you're a fellow warrior. You are, actually. I just won't say that you fight best around water. You can even use some of by blue woad paint to help make the disguise work." I finally start to feel silly for exposing my painted body minutes ago! "Umm... you can just paint the face. Oh! And maybe Arn, the taylor, can make you a leather outfit! Nothing heavy like armor, but something that completes the look."
Nihal said:
"Paint's optional. As for leather not being too hindering, I'll bet Arn can find a way. Just look at this dress!" I twirl to show off the best thing I've ever owned, almost forgetting that the scale armor covers two-thirds of it. "I'll tell him your leather outfit doesn't need any protective value since you normally wear chain mail. You just miss the scent of leather since you upgraded your armor.
"Of course, you need to talk like a warrior. Don't overdo it, and don't boast. Leave boasting to men who aren't as good as they say. Basically, be yourself and tell the truth when asked of feats in battle.
"Your last battle: 'Me and Baldhart here jumped overboard from a canoe and rushed some lizards. She impaled one on her blade while I scared the piss out of the others with my battlecry. Almost landed my knife in its backside before it...' Or maybe say 'spear.' No one will believe you chose a knife over a spear... unless you jumped overboard without the spear and--thank the gods!--had a knife strapped to your boot.
"Oh! And the six-legged monster! We'll be there with its hide. If anyone asks, I'll tell 'em how you jumped on its back while I was clamped in its jaws! You hit it so hard it spit me out! We keep our stories straight by keeping them true but for the part involving magic."
I size her up. Small, but not frail. The scars help, but I don't have the heart to say what doesn't need to be said.
"It helps that you actually are strong, too, Mauve."
Nodrick's Departure
As soon a I get off the boat, I say to whoever actually listens,
"Okay... so we got women over there turning into mermaids and conjuring fairies, and they're naked. I know there's a song in this. The material is too good and... the mermaid is scary / and so is the fairy / the giantess armpits / a little too hairy... no, no. I can't think here. Yeah. I don't think I can shoot straight and work on lyrics at the same time. I think this rock will see me out the door. No, no, don't try to stop me."
They will. Do something!
I point to the big guy. "He tried to retreat with women overboard!"
Idiot! He'll kill you! Run!
I fling Sir Matthew's crossbow and a quiver of bolts to distract anyone who gives chase. And I'm outta here!
As soon a I get off the boat, I say to whoever actually listens,
"Okay... so we got women over there turning into mermaids and conjuring fairies, and they're naked. I know there's a song in this. The material is too good and... the mermaid is scary / and so is the fairy / the giantess armpits / a little too hairy... no, no. I can't think here. Yeah. I don't think I can shoot straight and work on lyrics at the same time. I think this rock will see me out the door. No, no, don't try to stop me."
They will. Do something!
I point to the big guy. "He tried to retreat with women overboard!"
Idiot! He'll kill you! Run!
I fling Sir Matthew's crossbow and a quiver of bolts to distract anyone who gives chase. And I'm outta here!