CH. 8: Proving Worth

[TristenC]

Having witnessed Ne-Chanz' "Kender negotiations" in the marketplace, Grubnick steps into the conversation. Hardly a shocking mix in a city so diverse; why, a Kender like yourself is more rare, I dare say, than anyone here. I bet you have some intriguing tales of your own to relate. The mud on your boots must have come from a journey of truly epic proportions... not to mention that hat!

[JadedDM]

Gobax, Felran and Ne-Chanz (High Hand Inn, Common room)
"Smiting kender doesn't seem really heroic," the kender points out. "Unless...you're not heroes, at all! You're actually villains! That makes sense, since you have a goblin and a minotaur on your team. I guess evil adventurers is the new thing then, since we have an evil government and an evil religion now running things," he laments.

"I've done some adventuring in my time," he admits to Gobax. "I got this hat when I skinned an evil bear," he explains, pointing to the hat. "Right now, I'm researching a haunted mansion to the north that's full of dangers and undead. Rumor is a vampire lives there. Well, not 'lives' since he's not alive, but...he like, occupies the space."

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra stares down at the gnome while trying to process the information that she was given. What she managed to get out of the whole thing was the fact that Tulbas was captured by the Belzorites, and that Ismeme was a wonderful person that she really didn't know. "Well, it kind of sounds like you have enough power to rescue Tulbas," she points out. "And, I don't think I really can help, not when I have to report in to the army."

[Haahque]

"Well yes, you might be right. And of course in the end it is your choice and all that but you might want to consider. I mean, Ismene is really a nice girl and you might want to meet her, even if there is a rescue mission going on and all. And I enjoy your company on missions like this, you really are very good with those swords of yours, makes me feel safe knowing someone of your caliber has my back. Don't get me wrong, Ismene is really good, but everyone who casts spells has certain weaknesses that can be exploited if we make a small mistake, and its times like those when having someone in armour and two swords is most needed."

[djhyland]

Arulia nods. "You are probably right, I don't suppose the army would like you getting injured the day before you leave. Please take care of yourself, Kendra, and come back in one piece?"

After leaving Kendra to her own business, Arulia leads Haahqae to her own house. After telling him to wait at the door and promising that she won't be long, she enters into the house as casually as she can, hoping not to arouse suspicion from her mother and any of her sisters that might still be about.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Arulia
Saying goodbye to Kendra, the two make their way now to Arulia's house. To her surprise, they find that nobody is home. It's not clear where her mother, Niniva and Camilla went or why, so Arulia goes to her room and retrieves her mace, shield and armor.

With that taken care of, the two then return to the High Hand where Gregeddin, Felran, Ne-Chanz, Ismene, Yvette and Xyleena are waiting for them.

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra apologizes to the two of them for not joining them. Afterwards, she gathers her weapons and armor, says bye to Norris, and heads to the Fire snakes to report in.

[chese780]

(OOC: Also don't know what I'm doing here so...)

"Ne-Chanz is not the best negotiator with a few specific races... Kenders are one such exception..." Felran says, looking at the Goblin (?)

[TristenC]

Come now, would your friend be working with villans? But here she is now, and we must go. What's your name, buddy?

[djhyland]

Upon returning to the High Hand, her arms and armor bundled under her arm, Arulia notes the commotion at the table...and especially Pen's fox-ear cap in the midst of it. Pushing her way through the crowd, she takes a protective stance behind the kender. "Pen is my friend," she pronounces and stares down the minotaur. "Furthermore, he's good with a sword. If you're truly looking to rescue someone, I'd suggest asking him if he'd like to help. If you don't want him around, tell him you're not interested instead of threatening him."

[TristenC]

I think this is all a little out-of-proportion at the moment, he's just a little grumpy this early in the day. Besides, we interrupted his breakfast. Grubnick says with a friendly grin, trying to diffuse the situation peacefully. Naturally any assistance would be welcome, as long as there is no internal conflict? He looks askance at the Minotaur and red-head.

Turning back to the Kender and Arulia. Truly we meant no threat my lady and good-Kender. Our business is to rescue a friend, so nothing villanous in the least. But tell me, aside from swordplay, what skills do you two have? I only ask because it is best to know our resources before wading waist-deep into danger.

[chese780]

red-head

(OOC: Thanks for that... Also, who are you talking to, I can't determine what to say if I don't know :/)

[djhyland]

"Besides fighting?" Arulia asks. "Nothing much more that's useful to your rescue mission, I don't suppose. If we get hurt, I know how to put on bandages and such. I know how to work at a forge, and I can cook well enough, I guess. I can read and write, too, and do sums."

[TristenC]

Well it is good to know you're skilled in first-aid. I was worried I'd have to carry that burden alone for the whole group. It's always useful to have extra help patching people up. Besides, he laughs, I can't very well help myself if I'm unconscious either. He gives her a friendly wink.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae, Arulia, Gobax, Felran and Ne-Chanz (High Hand Inn, Common room)
"I'm Pen," the kender replies proudly, puffing up his chest, "a champion of the people and a hero in training." He begins counting off his fingers. "I save lives, fight evil, rescue princesses, help the helpless, and defend justice. I am a great swordsman and am pretty handy with a sithak, too."

"Ah, I remember you now," Gregeddin says. "Right after that riot started, we asked you for help with the mines."

"Oh, yeah," Pen says. "You were going to fight demons. How did that go? Well, I guess, since you're still alive."

Kendra Greylock (Old Keep)
Kendra arrives at the Old Keep just as Third Watch begins. She quickly heads to Mouna's office and reports in.

"Punctual," the Khurish woman observes. "I like that. We're going to start with some training exercises. Head to the courtyard and report to Krup. He's Tez's successor, lieutenant of the Fire Snake's infantry."

(OOC: Can you specify which weapons she brings? At the moment she has her +2 long sword, two masterwork long swords, two mundane long swords, a short sword, and her short bow and arrows.)