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Stories - PbP => Darkening of Mirkwood [Previous Chapters] => DOM-Chapter 6 => Topic started by: Eclecticon on Mar 19, 2018, 09:01 PM

Title: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 19, 2018, 09:01 PM
Behind the clouds, the sun begins to wend its way towards the mountains on the far side of the Anduin valley.  Needing no further encouragement from their friend, Tate and Esgalwen turn their horses southward, following the trail described by Hathcyn Longspear.  Be he penniless vagabond or mighty hero, no fugitive would be permitted, once apprehended, to escape the judgement of the lord of the vales! 



:ooc: But first, some mechanical preliminaries:

Lore rolls:

Esgalwen
:00: 1d12 : 6, total 6
Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3


Tate

:00: 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 4, 5, total 12
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 19, 2018, 09:05 PM
:ooc: The journey works out at about eighty miles, taking two days and requiring a fatigue check. 

Esgalwen
:00: 1d12 : 2, total 2
Rolled 3d6 : 4, 4, 1, total 9


Tate

:00: 1d12 : 6, total 6
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 6, 2, total 10
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 19, 2018, 09:15 PM
The miles of easy country race by as the pair follow the landmarks described by the night-goer.  For Tate, the journey is an exhilarating novelty after a life spent on and around boats and water.  Esgalwen, though, finds herself somewhat embarrassed by a painful fall while mounting on the second morning that leaves her sword-arm bruised and stiff.  Despite the wound to her pride, she does now allow her pace to slacken, and by midday on the second day, the pair find the remains of the campsite described by Hathcyn. 

There is barely any need to search for a trail to follow further.  Such traces as the fugitive left the preceding day point like an arrow at a smoky smudge on the horizon that can only be the village of Stánford. 


:ooc: :csu: for all fallout from the rolls above. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 21, 2018, 08:11 AM
:ooc: my character's failings in skills that should be her primary abilities is ridiculous sometimes. Maybe this is why she was sent away...because she couldn't track, hunt, stealth, fish, etc. And now she is falling off her horse!  (-D

Only way to get skill AP's, Esgalwen, is to succeed! Come on, you can do it.

Shifting her weight in the saddle to give her bruised bum - and ego - a break, Esgalwen looked out towards the village of Stánford. She looked to Tate, "Stánford...as you know, it translates to Stonyford. Such is the way that I have known its name, though I have not been. I passed it in the spring of last year when I made my passage south from the Northern Vales."

Esgalwen continued to stare.

"The fugitive's path leads there. Let us hope that he is still within and that he has not gained succor from these people by giving them false truths. Still, we carry the word of the Master Beorning, and the village is made up of that ilk."

She spurred her horse forward to the small village that once was the location of stone-tower guarded ford. Perhaps it was of Elven make or that of her own Dúnedain, or even the Númenóreans prior to the exile of the Faithful. Either way, the builders were lost to history and the only evidence of its existence was in a pile of stones and a name.

Esgalwen remained guarded, but directed her horse to the center of the village.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Mar 21, 2018, 06:54 PM
"Aye, M'lady" acknowledged Tate. "Perhaps the Lord Grimbeorn's folk have already caught this little ferret." He paused before giving the Ranger a grin, "But where would the adventure be in that? Come, m'Lady! Let us pillage ol' Stonyford of all it's secrets and find our ferret amongst them."

He spurred his horse forward towards the town.

As they came into the village proper, Tate deferred to Esgalwen, allowing her to take the lead. Her fair features and noble bearing were far more likely to loosen tongues than any question coming from the Northerner's mouth.

 :ooc: Who is around that we can talk to or interview?
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 25, 2018, 04:46 PM
The approach of a pair of mounted strangers draws more than a few villagers from their work, and Esgalwen and Tate can feel suspicious eyes upon them well before they come close to the houses that cluster around the fallen stones like travellers around a campfire.  By the time they draw near, three of the inhabitants have stepped forward to meet them.  The first is a woman of perhaps Esgalwen's age, the grey beginning to show in her hair and her flinty stare speaking of a the troubles that life has brought her.  The second is an old man, stooped and leaning on a staff, his eyes distracted and mouth constantly moving behind a long beard.  The third is a young warrior, who holds an axe two-handed as if afraid it may try to escape at any moment. 

The woman speaks as soon as the sound of horses' hooves ceases.  "I am Ava, daughter of Hartwulf," she says, motioning toward the old man to introduce both at once.  "We have no use for strangers at our doorsteps with no honest business, and little hospitality to give to any but close kin." 

Eyeing the swords by the two companions' sides, she adds "if you seek to sell your sword-arms, you will find eager buyers at Woodland Hall, but a few days east of here, beset as they are by the horrors of the wood.  But leave us in peace.  We have sorrows enough already." 


:ooc: Okay, it's Encounter time!  Insight rolls a-coming:

Esgalwen
:00: 1d12 : 8, total 8
Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6

Tate

:00: 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 6, 2, total 8
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 25, 2018, 04:52 PM
Despite the fact that she confronts two well-armed and mounted warriors, there is no quaver or hesitation in Ava's voice. 


:ooc: Esgalwen gets a great success, giving her two bonus dice for the following interaction.  As it ties nicely in with her Folk Lore speciality, it'll also qualify her for her third Perception AP.  She can also tell that Ava will be hard to impress, and is best dealt with using Courtesy rather than Awe. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 25, 2018, 06:17 PM
:ooc:  Going to roll some rolls first before I add any narrative/dialogue, so that it will be representative of the dice results.

I would like to ask if Esgalwen can invoke her Fair trait to succeed at Introduction (Courtesy) check? I have always thought it applying to her comeliness, but also how she is also perceived as to her personality and friendliness.

If it doesn't apply, here is the rolls:

• Two bonus dice available at need

Introduction
TN 14 courtesy 2d
:00: 1d12 : 5, total 5
Rolled 2d6 : 5, 2, total 7

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 25, 2018, 06:17 PM
:ooc: I will use a bonus dice:

Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 25, 2018, 06:27 PM
Seeing the cautious stances, Esgalwen gave a smile that was friendly and genuine, "Good afternoon, Ava, and forgive us our approach to your town center unheralded. I am Esgalwen, daughter of Eradan, and this is my friend, Tate of the city Dale. We do not come with any ill-intention and have no need for any hospitality, beyond maybe a drink from your well and a few moments of your time. Nor are we sell-swords in search for work." Esgalwen paused only a moment to ascertain whether her words were accepted as truth. "In truth, we have come from the house of Master Beorn on an errand for his son, Grimbeorn, who now sits in his father's stead."

Again a pause as she looked at the trio's eyes to see whether her courtesies were accepted and to allow Tate to introduce himself, if he desired.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 25, 2018, 07:39 PM
Ava says nothing, but her bearing changes almost imperceptibly as she prepares herself for conversation and not conflict. 


:ooc: Take an AP out of petty cash. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 28, 2018, 09:43 AM
:ooc: Ayrn has been gone for 7 days now, so I am going to continue. If he comes back and you want to retcon any of this, feel free. He does have the lion's share of social skills, though.



"Might I dismount?" asked Esgalwen. With a slight nod from Ava, the Ranger smiled and slid from her saddle.

With her weapon still hanging from her mount, Esgalwen now stood before the trio and spoke. "As I said, we are on an urgent errand of the Master Beorn's son. It would be best if we could speak to the master of this town, or its elders, or whomever has charge. If you be those masters, might we go somewhere private - I do not wish to have stray ears hearing the message that we bring."


Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 28, 2018, 09:46 AM
:ooc: INTERACTION

Esgalwen will make a Persuade roll to her hosts to see if they will comply to her request:

TN 14 persuade 3d
:00: 1d12 : 5, total 5
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 3, 2, total 7

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 28, 2018, 09:47 AM
:ooc: Son of a #$%^&*!!

She will use her second bonus die

Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 28, 2018, 09:57 AM
:ooc: All right, we have 1 success towards the encounter (unless you include the introduction test).

If the trio are the elders, or counsel of Stanford, then we move into a private area.



Now out of the town's center, Esgalwen began to tell the tale of the fallen - Merovech the Mighty and Odo Peace-Speaker - and the cruel fashion in which they died. "It would seem that orc-raiders had forded the Anduin and mayhaps set upon the two travelers. Black orc arrows were found pinned to the sides of their boat." She paused in her tale for a moment to allow the others to speak their curses and grief for the dead, for many in Stánford knew these renowned Beornings.

"Grimbeorn and a small host of his house have ridden east in pursuit of these raiders and we are certain that they will catch them ere the foul yrks make the safety of the wood. But for us, Master Grimbeorn sent us west and south to follow a mystery. You see, a part of the tale yet untold is that of a captive within the boat. There were cut ropes, as if fashioned to bind, in the craft. This fugitive had fled south in this direction, himself crossing the river, and fleeing here. We know this, as he was seen prior to his arrival in Stánford.

"So I ask, do you know if any strangers have come into town within the last two days? If so, is he still here?"
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 28, 2018, 09:58 AM
:ooc: Another Persuade roll in the interaction to see if she can get these people to open up:

TN 14 persuade 3d
:00: 1d12 : 3, total 3
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 4, 5, total 11

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 28, 2018, 10:01 AM
:ooc: 2 successes!  :)

I will leave this here a moment to see what you want to add, Paul.

BUT...I will include another roll for Esgalwen to interpret any clues offered:

TN 14 riddle 1d
:00: 1d12 : 10, total 10
Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 28, 2018, 10:02 AM
:ooc: YES!! 3 successes!  :>

Esgalwen is currently doing a little happy dance!
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 28, 2018, 09:51 PM
:ooc: You're doing well, considering Tate has suddenly clammed up! 

I'll get a post up for you ASAP. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 29, 2018, 07:42 AM
:ooc: If you do include the Introduction success in our total successes, we are at 4 - if not the three above.

Either way, Esgalwen will roll one more Persuade roll to try and convey to the leaders to tell NO one of their purpose here to capture the fugitive. She does not want word to get to the potential murderer and have him rabbit.

TN 14 persuade 3d
:00: 1d12 : 3, total 3
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 1, 5, total 8

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 29, 2018, 07:45 AM
:ooc: That's our first fail and if Tolerance is based on Wisdom (or Valour as they are both the same), we still have 3 left.

So, I will roll again to Persuade

TN 14 persuade 3d
:00: 1d12 : 6, total 6
Rolled 3d6 : 1, 6, 6, total 13

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 29, 2018, 07:55 AM
:ooc: And that gentlemen is a badass Extraordinary success!

Two  :%:  :%:  gives me 3 successes - for the following:

6 Successes (or 7 if the Introduction is included)
1 Fail

Which is either a Great or Extraordinary result for the Encounter Outcome.

BAM!

Paul, you will have to let me know if there were any Standing modifiers, Prejudices, or additional modifiers.

As for Tate, he can stand there and look dandy as any minstrel should.  ;)  (-D
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Mar 29, 2018, 11:31 AM
 :ooc: Yeah, yeah! Tate's here, like a clutch-purse on Esgalwen's arm, accessorizing her fair features and making her look extra pretty.

Sorry... work had me by the gonads.  :o
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 29, 2018, 12:34 PM
:ooc: LOL!

Sorry, Ayrn...I know how that can be.

As I said above, add some tests, narrative and dialogue and Paul can retcon it as needed. I just was having some fun with Esgalwen.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 29, 2018, 04:38 PM
"Well then, welcome Esgalwen, messenger of the House of Beorn, and Tate of the Lake."  Ava visibly relaxes as she leads the small group into one of the largest houses.  "It is well that you have come, and your swift action to recapture the kin-slayer will not soon be forgotten.  The man you seek is Oderic, son of Odocar, though his family were slain by outlaws in the dark years before the death of the dragon, and he was fostered by Helmgut.  He was a violent youth who grew into a violent man, and it is no surprise to me that he slew his brother-in-law...  But I am getting ahead of myself." 

Sitting her father down on a bench and making sure that he is comfortable, Ava makes an effort to compose herself.  As she does, the axe-man, silent until now, says "forgive me for intruding.  I am Williferd, son of Geliferd, whom men name Leatherfoot.  Oderic was dark and wilful, but a great warrior.  He saved my life two years ago when we were surprised on the hunt by men from the south, who bore a red circle upon their shields.  They broke my axe-handle with their swords, but Oderic slew one and then another, and bought me time to escape." 

Ava scowls at Williferd, but does not speak further until he has finished.  "Skilled as he was, he never matched the abilities of his foster-father.  Nor was he a greater warrior than Rathfic, who came here from the mountains and married Oderic's foster-sister Brunhild.  I think that rivalry was in large part the cause of the feud between the two.  In any case, ten days ago the two fought and Rathfic was slain.  When the fighting-madness left Oderic, Helmgut bade him surrender and held him until Beorn's law-speaker came to take him to trial at the Carrock.  I am dismayed that they never made it there, for I fear that the sorrows that the murder has caused will not leave this village until justice is seen to be done." 

She stands, her expression businesslike, and smooths her apron down.  "I have not seen Oderic since, but it may well be that others here have done so in secret.  I will announce you as Beorn's emissaries, and tonight we will feast, though I fear it will be poor fare for those who have just come from our lord and protector's house.  Please do all that you can to find Oderic and make sure that he faces the law of our people." 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Mar 30, 2018, 05:57 AM
"We truly appreciate your hospitality," answered the Dúnadan. "And we will see that this man is apprehended and any blemish on your people removed." Esgalwen then turned to Williferd, "And sir, I promise it is not our purpose here to pass judgement on the man that has your respect, merely to see that he is brought before the protector of your people and your laws."

The Ranger held out a token of Beorn's son and house, "I know that we are not of your folk, but I promise you that we represent the Master of the Carrock and will see his wishes done." She then turned back to Ava, "Do you think it wise that maybe we speak to Brunhild, before the meal this night? We are not rushed, but there is an urgency should our quarry once more take flight."

:ooc: Hey Paul, is it safe to assume that we have a token of Grimbeorn's that would grant us some form of authority among these people - seeing as Tate and I are both from far away places? Not so much a badge, but something that essentially deputizes us?

If not, dismiss that part of my narrative above.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Mar 30, 2018, 09:10 PM
:ooc: That seems reasonable.  I'll say that it's a wooden pendant in the shape of a bee, strung on a leather cord, and whittled, it is said, by the bare fingernails of Beorn himself. 

More story to follow, but probably tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Mar 31, 2018, 04:24 PM
Tate had remained mostly quiet during the introductions, allowing Esgalwen to take charge. He hardly considered himself a representative of Lord Grimbeorn, much less his father. Still, Tate knew his manners and gave his introductions and pleasantries, nodding and smiling freely.

When Willifred mentioned how Oderic had protected him from the "men from south with the red circle shields", Tate remained quiet and patiently waited until Ava and Esgalwen finished speaking. When arrangements had been made for an opportunity to meet the villagers, Tate turned back to Willifred.

"Can you tell me more about the time Oderic saved your life? I am especially interested in hearing more about these men bearing the red circle on their shields," Tate inquired. "I have heard whispers of these brutes. Do they continue to trouble you?"



Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 01, 2018, 08:02 PM
Ava purses her lips at Esgalwen's suggestion, but nods.  "At this time of day, she will likely be by the grave of her husband, not far from a copse of trees beyond the fields.  Please..." she begins to say something but does not finish the thought. 

Williferd looks somewhat abashed at Tate, and says "there is not much to the story, really.  We were out a-hunting, and I suspect they were too, though it is possible that they were scouting the area for a larger raiding party.  From the burrs in their hair and the filth on their clothes, they had been travelling for some time before we met.  I remember that they spoke some words much alike to the tongue of we who dwell in the Anduin vales, so I suspect that they did not come from very far away.  Four of them, there were, and two of us, and their swords were well-made, to hew so through a stout axe-handle.  But, as I said, Oderic thrust his spear through the breast of one man, then turned in a rage and smote another through the side, whereupon the red-circle men fled." 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 03, 2018, 05:17 PM
Ava's reaction left Esgalwen confused. She did not want to stir troubles with the townsfolk, nor did she want to disturb a grieving woman. But time was of the essence and the longer they waited, the further Oderic could be moving away from them.

Esgalwen made up her mind, "We shall see this woman, but we shall be discreet and respectful. You have my word." The Ranger looked to Tate to see if his interest in the Blood Raider's had been sated.

Once done, they headed off in the direction that Ava showed them where they would find the widow, Brunhild.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 03, 2018, 07:45 PM
Tate gave Williferd a nod, as he considered the lad's words. "And they haven't troubled you since?" the minstrel ask out loud, but clearly more to himself than anyone in the room. "Hmmm."

The information tumbled in his mind as it tried to find a home. Tate became aware that the others were waiting on him. Nodding again to the lad, the man of the Lake simply said, "Thank you."

Satisfied for now, Tate made motion to Esgalwen he was ready to follow her lead to Brunhild.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 08, 2018, 04:02 PM
The sunlight shines through the clouds, hanging like a halo around the peaks of the Misty Mountains, though the gloom deepens as the shadows they cast extend across the river.  Here, in the quiet of eventide, the widow Brunhild sits by a grave not yet overgrown.  Her hair is still covered in mourning, but her eyes show no trace of tears as Tate and Esgalwen approach her.  Instead, she lights a candle, its thick wax stump already burned low. 

"Welcome, newcomers.  If you have spoken to Ava, then you know of my husband's death, and if you have come here, then you wish for some reason to learn more about it."  She regards the pair evenly, her face as still as a wooden mask.  "Speak, then, and learn what little there is to be learned."


:ooc: This is another Encounter, with all the rolling fun that entails.  Insight rolls follow. 

Esgalwen
:00: 1d12 : 5, total 5
Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1


Tate

:00: 1d12 : 8, total 8
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 4, total 5

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 09, 2018, 04:18 PM
Seeing the woman's forlorn face, Esgalwen was unsure of herself and how to approach Brunhild. Not wanting to cause her further distress, the Dúnadan decided it best to just be courteous.

"Hello, ma'am," she started. "Forgive us this interruption in your grieving."

Introduction
TN 14 courtesy 2d
:00: 1d12 : 7, total 7
Rolled 2d6 : 6, 4, total 10
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 09, 2018, 04:27 PM
:ooc: Nice! Good start.

• Esgalwen scores a great success on her introduction [2 successes toward the Encounter if you are counting Intro's]

Seeing that the woman accepted Tate's and her presence, Esgalwen continued. "We do not wish to keep you long, but yes, we have spoken to Ava. We have come seeking knowledge of a man named Oderic. It seems he is in a great deal of trouble. We have been told, he is your brother...yes?"

A nod of the head was the only reply.

"Forgive me, ma'am, but we need to know if you know where he is. We are messengers sent from the Carrock, per the request of Grimbeorn, scion of Beorn. It is his request that Oderic be found, so as to answer for the crimes he stands accused. It is our goal to bring this man safely before the House of Beorn, so that he might speak and plead his case. I fear if he continues to run, worse things will happen to him."

Esgalwen paused her earnest words to make sure Brunhild understood.

"Can you help us?"
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 09, 2018, 04:28 PM
:ooc: I will roll a Persuade test to appeal to this woman's good senses...

Interaction
TN 14 persuade 3d
:00: 1d12 : 3, total 3
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 4, 1, total 7

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 09, 2018, 04:35 PM
:ooc: F#@kin' A! Better odds with that one than any other...

Encounter stats
assuming Wisdom Tolerance 4

• Esgalwen scores a great success on her introduction [2 successes toward the Encounter if you are counting Intro's]
• Esgalwen scores 1 of 4 failures

I will pause here to allow Tate to make an introduction and interaction

Brunhild closed her eyes and turned away, back toward the grave of her dead husband.

"Rathfic was a good man..." she said sullenly, "strong of arm and back. A good Woodman, though he was born with stone under his feet."

Esgalwen bit at her lip as she listened to Brunhild reminisce about the man she had married. The Ranger had lost her attention, or perhaps said something that made the widow close herself off. Perhaps the cheery words of her minstrel friend could bring her from the gloom, and create a trust.

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 09, 2018, 06:06 PM
 :ooc: I may need to do my actual posting tomorrow... but here's my introduction roll

[/Courteous Introductionb]

Rolled 1d12 : 7, total 7

Rolled 3d6 : 3, 6, 4, total 13
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 09, 2018, 06:18 PM
 :ooc: I'm not super familiar with how Encounters work... but I think I can use Song here, yes? If so, here's my roll...

Song Roll
Rolled 1d12 : 2, total 2

Rolled 4d6 : 1, 1, 5, 6, total 13
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 09, 2018, 06:35 PM
:ooc: That's some nice rolling from Aryn, but I'll wait to hear what Tate says, and particularly what kind of reaction he's after, before I post again.  Thanks to Doug for helping out with the narrative. 

For the record, I won't be counting introduction successes in the encounter total - they're the price you pay to play. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 09, 2018, 07:50 PM
Quote from: Eclecticon on Apr 09, 2018, 06:35 PM:ooc: For the record, I won't be counting introduction successes in the encounter total - they're the price you pay to play. 

 :ooc: Cool, and I agree 100%.

Going to make this a game house rule.

Okay, the odds have changed a bit.  ;)
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 10, 2018, 10:41 AM
Tate moved with gentle boldness into the space of the wounded widow. He met her steely eyes, her tear ducts dammed shut or emptied dry he knew not, but met them still, his filled with brave hope. He met her wooden face with one of warmth, one that was not afraid to enter into the pain of a woman twice cursed.

The man from Laketown knelt next to Brunhild and entered into her mourning. "Aye... it is said the strength of the mountain has seeped deep into Woodmen's bones." Here, Tate turned his gaze towards the grave, steadied his voice as he recalled a song of the Woodmen of Mountain Hall. The song told the story of how the hearts of the Woodmen that defended the Hall as much as the stone walls.

When he had finished the tune, Tate returned his gaze once more to Brunhild. "Brave are these men, and sturdy folk too. Good hearts as dependable as solid rock. And Rathfic was a good man, too. Please tell us more of your husband and the sorrow you carry. Let us share the burden with you, if only to lighten it for a moment."

 :ooc: What's Tate looking to accomplish with the song? To empathize with Brunhild, gain her confidence and share in her sorrow. He's hoping, amidst the sharing, Brunhild will divulge enough details for us to have a good understanding of what happened and of her relationship with her half-brother as well.

Do I need to make a few more rolls? Persuade perhaps?
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 10, 2018, 02:07 PM
:ooc: Cool!  We can do more rolling once Brunhild's had time to react - there's give and take to encounters, same as with combat. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 11, 2018, 06:30 PM
Despite herself, the young widow smiles at Tate's song.  "I heard the same words sung on many long nights by my husband, though the walls were wooden in his version." 

Lowering her eyes, she continues.  "You ask what manner of man he was?  He was like all men of these lands, strong and loud, whether fishing on the river or boasting of imagined battles.  He could be, by turns, both wrathful and loving.  And now he is gone, and I find the children he promised vanished like morning mist." 


:ooc: I'm going to make some Insight rolls here.  Failures won't count towards the total, but successes will.  Esgalwen also gets a special circumstance bonus. 

Esgalwen
:00: 1d12 : 10, total 10
Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5


Tate

:00: 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 2d6 : 3, 4, total 7

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 11, 2018, 06:36 PM
Though she does not speak it, Brunhild's sorrow is plain as day for those with the eyes to see.  Both Esgalwen and Tate recognise the yawning, empty loneliness within the woman, she from the yearning she has herself felt for the comforts of male company and motherhood, he from past attentions of others in the same state.   Rathfic, it seems, may have been a dutiful husband in many respects, but in one key way he failed her. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 13, 2018, 05:02 AM
:ooc: Okay - if all tests are set at 14 and the two insight checks above are count towards the encounter's outcome, then by my count

• 4 successes
• 1 failure

Outcome - success

Esgalwen will try to push this to a great success by making another persuade roll to get the woman to open up more about her half-brother.

TN 14 persuade 3d
:00: 1d12 : 4, total 4
Rolled 3d6 : 6, 3, 6, total 15

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 13, 2018, 05:03 AM
:ooc: BAM! With  :%:  :%: she gets an extraordinary success

• 3 successes

OUTCOME - Extraordinary success (unless Paul has other things, or needed scores up his sleeve  ;)  )
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 13, 2018, 05:13 AM
Esgalwen listened while Brunhild continued to speak fondly of her husband. She felt a pain inside - one shared with the widow.

Brunhild was now alone, childless and husband-less. She had naught left in the world and would be a widow for the rest of her life, lest some new suitor desired her. Esgalwen was not sure if the Beorning culture freed a woman of her marital bonds upon death of a husband. Though she had not experienced death in such a way, Esgalwen was beginning to know this loneliness.

When the woman had finished and her heavy sobs resided, the Ranger placed a hand on her back. She spoke softly, "Brunhild you have lost your husband..do not lose your brother, too. Men of Beorn's house have been slain. Oderic is held as suspect of this foul deed. If you know where he is, let us speak with him. Let us return him to Beorn's house so he might be given the chance to safely speak, and thus be properly judged. We do not want to see him hunted down."

Esgalwen waited another moment, "Please."


Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 13, 2018, 04:52 PM
 :ooc: I don't have much to add here...

Tate took up on his heart and soul as much pain as Brunhild was willing to share. Her grief was not unknown to the man of the Lake. Many-a woman had been left destitute and childless by a husband long awhile with war or trying to scratch a-living together only to be cut down too soon.

Tate looked to his partner. Esgalwen seemed to intuit the young woman's pain as well and tried once more to press Brunhild for information. For his part, Tate tried to encouraged the Beorning woman through his body language and eyes to be courageous and ask the Ranger's question.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 14, 2018, 10:41 PM
Brunhild wipes her eyes, businesslike again, and perhaps ashamed to have let strangers see her grief so plainly.  "Yes, of course," she says, barely a trace of bitterness in her voice.  "You have come here for him, and not for me.  He was here, though I have said as much to no other living soul, nor shall I again.  He said that he would go into the lone lands across the river, and find there what doom there may be for him.  None of the fishermen's boats are missing, so someone will have ferried him across.  I do not know who, for precious few friends had he." 

She stands and brushes down her apron, then bends and tenderly blows out the candle.  It is with no small surprise that Esgalwen and Tate realise that night si rapidly falling, and the graveside is nearly dark now that the candle no longer shines.  "You will hear as much from the others, I have no doubt, so it is well that you hear it from me first: Oderic is proud and wrathful.  Having once escaped the justice of Beorn, I doubt that he will willingly submit to you, or to any man.  I do not think that I shall see my brother again, alive or otherwise."

She bows her head, a picture of formal manners.  With a slight shifting of the wind, the smell of woodsmoke and venison carries to the trio, and the nearby stream whispers endlessly to itself in the gloaming.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 16, 2018, 06:07 AM
"We shall do our best to see otherwise, Brunhild, if it be our choice. I would rather him return to us of his own will then for us to have to subdue him. Worse still would be he takes arms up against us, and even in that we shall do our best to return him unscathed.  In the end, it will come down to Oderic's will."

Esgalwen could see the woman was done with their meeting. Offended as she was for their purpose, there would be nothing more from her - save unless they really could bring Oderic back. Brunhild was certainly filled with bitterness for the death of her husband, and more so due to the fact that it was her own half-brother that killed him. But certainly, to lose both would devastate her even more? To lose both husband and brother?

The Ranger wondered.

Watching the widow walk away, she turned to Tate. "Time is against us now. It is getting late in the day and we are no closer to our quarry, if he has taken flight across the river. Do we partake in Ava's offer of hospitality and sit at their table, or do we continue our pursuit?"

Esgalwen was leaning toward the former - no sense in offending another person in Stánford. Doubt was ever tugging at her mind, though, and she aired her thoughts, "I think it would be rude to not take the town's offer, but I fear that Brunhild might be wrong with one thing - that her brother has no friends. As she said, someone must have ferried him across the river. If there be such a person, would they send word to him? Though the sun is falling towards the mountains, should we push on?"

Another sudden thought came to the woman, even as she struggled with her decision. How does her friends fare, back north? Were the orc scavengers taken care of?"
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 16, 2018, 05:06 PM
"I think it wise to accept the gift, m'Lady," Tate said, his thoughts still distracted with their encounter with Brunhild. "We are strangers in a foreign land with little more than a token to gain the people's trust. Let us enjoy their table this evening and see what allies we may find amongst this good folk."
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 17, 2018, 03:04 AM
With a smile and a nod, Esgalwen followed Tate towards the smell of the cook-fires.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 17, 2018, 09:45 PM
The fare at the feast is of a rude standard compared to that at Beorn's table, though meat is much more plentiful.  As a hearty fire dances in the pit in the village hall, the folk of Stánford bustle about, taking advantage of the impromptu festivities to make fast plans for the harvest soon to come.  All are eager for news of the wider world, and Tate in particular finds himself near overcome with requests for tales of the goings-on elsewhere in Middle-Earth. 

Whether prompted by Ava and Williferd or of their own volition, the villagers seem eager to speak their minds on the subject of Oderic and Rathfic.  "Helmgut never liked that boy," says a florid-faced man.  "He only took him in to honour his dead father!  Helmgut was overjoyed when Rathfic came here and he stopped having to train that evil boy!" 

"Rot!" exclaims an elderly woman, her callused hands still smelling of the fish she finished gutting not long ago.  "Rathfic was a heartless thug, no better than those raiders he slew!  I told you all it would bode ill for us, to take in one of those mountain-folk..."

For each story of what happened, and who was ultimately responsible, there seems to be someone who knows the truth to be otherwise.  And who, the emissaries wonder, is the friend who ferried Oderic across the great river? 


:ooc: Feel free to narrate how you're going about your inquiries – use Riddle or Insight rolls to be subtle, Persuade or Awe to be blunt, etc. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 18, 2018, 04:34 PM
:ooc: Esgalwen is going to try some Riddle, which is not her strong suit but something she must learn...

You did not set this up as an Encounter, did you? If so...well this will probably be our first fail. That said, she is also making use of her Fair trait to really try to get some men folk to open up in the conversation.

Her riddling is more to try and puzzle out what they are saying and who is on whose side.

TN 14 riddle 1d
:00: 1d12 : 8, total 8
Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 18, 2018, 04:37 PM
:ooc: that approach leaves her stumped. And maybe she is seen as a little air-headed, pretty girl for it.

After a while of the two sides bickering and the Mountain-folk being berated, she will stand and use Awe.

TN 14 awe 3d
:00: 1d12 : 9, total 9
Rolled 3d6 : 5, 5, 6, total 16

Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 18, 2018, 05:08 PM
:ooc: Nice!

As the dinner was served and bread broken, the folk of Stánford continued to bicker over their positions on the topic of Oderic, Rathfic, and the decisions of Helmgut. Esgalwen sat long trying to keep the stories in line and smiled pretty to anyone that would look her way, in hopes for them to offer more insight.

In the end, she felt her head beginning to ache from the heavy mead, and to feel that nothing was coming of the discourse. In frustration, she thumped her mead cup on the table and stood. In a voice that belied her smaller frame, she grabbed all of their attention and the clamoring subsided.

"In the spring of 2951, I accompanied the Master of Sunstead, as he himself accompanied a young woman of his folk that was betrothed to a man of the mountain. The maiden's name was Verwyne, and she was lovely. She knew her duty - a duty that most women are accustom - to unite people! Her marriage to a man of the mountain united the people of Sunstead to the folk of the Vale. Thus is Sunstead now counted among the Woodland folk, even as are the Mountain-folk, though their feet tread on stone. It is the same for the Beornings! Together. United. You all stand. Divided...you will fall like the tallest bough before a strong wind."

Some of the Beornings grumbled at her comment, but it did not stay Esgalwen's ire. She let the pause hang only for a moment...

"I say this even now as you bicker among yourselves about one of your own. You call a man rot, even as his widow grieves! Well, I say it is the uniting of Brunhild and Rathfic that brought your people together. Made you one. Made you stronger! And do not nay say the Mountain-folk, for I have stood with them as their home was besieged. I bled with them...and I watched some of them die so that others might live.

"Helmgut seems a good man, for he took in the son of another to foster. He united his house with another folk. But he did not create the evil that was within the heart of Oderic. And though some of you may call him friend, the truth is that this evil has spread through your town. Oderic slayed his brother-in-law; he may have slayed others of the House of Beorn; and he may be harbored by someone that knew him here. As I sit here and listen to you all argue, I hear the poison that courses this hamlet."

She paused again.

"We have been sent by Grimbeorn, scion of your Master, Beorn." She tossed on the table the sigil of his house. "We will find Oderic and bring him before justice. We shall also bring any others who have abetted Oderic in his flight, for poison must be leeched. I pray you all can come together, as a people, united against murder. United against hatred. It tears down halls...believe me, I know. In Gondor, we have watched as poison from the Shadow-land has slowly eaten our defenses away until naught else stands to guard the west save the shining walls of Minas Tirith.

"So please! Start working together in helping us...instead of ruining your home."
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 18, 2018, 06:45 PM
Her anger at them all sated, Esgalwen sat down and looked into the fire. She waited quietly to see if any would offer information.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 18, 2018, 08:12 PM
:ooc: That'll give the investigation a nice kick along!  I'm going to wait until tomorrow to give Tate time to make any contribution he wants to, then I'll have a new post up. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 18, 2018, 09:36 PM
 :ooc: Son of a gun... I need to get in quicker! LOL... What the heck, Esgalwen?!? They're never going to invite us back for dinner!!

Seriously though, I'm looking to post tomorrow morning.

Peace,
Ayrn
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 19, 2018, 03:40 AM
 :ooc: Sorry, Ayrn.

Between dice rolls failing and these folk being fickle with the info, she had a moment. She is a woman, after all.  (-D

That's probably dangerous for me to say - I might have to keep this post secret from my wife.  ;D

Anyway, it's PbP, so add what you want and tell Paul where you think your addition falls in the narrative - he can retcon as he pleases.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 19, 2018, 05:46 AM
 :ooc: Alright... some rolls.

Tate is going to start by trying to win the favour of the people as he shares stories and songs about the wider world with the folk here. I'm thinking Courtesy.

Courtesy Roll
Rolled 1d12 : 12, total 12

Rolled 3d6 : 6, 3, 1, total 10
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 19, 2018, 05:51 AM
 :ooc: Awesome!

So... next I was thinking Tate would try to rally/solidify the support and loyalty of the people towards Grimbeorn through a song retelling his great deeds in slaying the Werewolf.

Song Roll
Rolled 1d12 : 3, total 3

Rolled 4d6 : 3, 3, 5, 1, total 12
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 19, 2018, 05:56 AM
 :ooc: If I need to add my Merry trait to succeed on that last roll, so be it. Not Tate's best performance.

Next, Tate also will use his Insight to try and follow the conversation flying back and forth amongst the people and see if he can catch any meaning beyond the bickering. If needed, he'll invoke his Curious trait.

Insight Roll
Rolled 1d12 : 4, total 4

Rolled 2d6 : 4, 4, total 8
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 19, 2018, 06:03 AM
 :ooc: Okay... so, definitely needing the Curious trait.

One last roll... assuming his Insight roll helps him to locate someone in the crowd who knows who ferried Oderic across, Tate catches up with the person after Esgalwen goes off on the folks, and tries to Persuade the person to reveal who helped Oderic.

Persuade Roll
Rolled 1d12 : 7, total 7

Rolled 3d6 : 6, 6, 1, total 13
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 19, 2018, 07:09 AM
 :ooc:  >:D Oh, you're gonna talk alright! You're gonna squeal like pig and tell me everything I want to know! (and probably a bunch of stuff I don't want to know too).

Alright, so here's the narrative piece.


Tate had cleanse his soul and cleared his mind by the time they returned to the cook fires. A little song his mother had taught him long ago was his remedy whenever he needed to center himself and gain some clarity. He sensed he'd need all the clarity he could muster for this next encounter. The folk of Stánford were a wary folk: their speech, like fog, hung heavy in the air but didn't help one see any better.

Entering the village hall, the smell of roasting meat and the bustle of people at a dinner feast helped return Tate to his cheerful and merry self. This was just the sort of setting that energized the minstrel's spirit.

As the people came to Tate, eager to hear news of the wider world, Tate obliged as best his could, sharing stories of the good work their kinsmen were doing on rebuilding the old road, stories of his time at King Bard's courts and how Esgalwen was working on behalf of all the people of the Wilderlands, stories of how, at this very moment, Lord Grimbeorn was protecting their lands and sending orc raider to flight in fear and terror.

This led naturally to a song he'd being working, Lord Grimbeorn and Wicked Wolf. It was a merry and gay tune, in the simple form of the work shanties of Beorning people, that told of Lord Grimbeorn's exploits in defeating the Werewolf. The lyrics told the story in such a way that, though the Werewolf was portrayed as quite the terror, Grimbeorn, which the help of his companions triumphed over the beast with cleverness and sheer strength. The Werewolf is seen finally to be a fool and a coward in the presence of the great Grimbeorn.

The conclusion of the song made a nice transition for Ava to turn the conversation towards Esgalwen and Tate's mission. And so began a long string of personal thoughts on the subject of Oderic, Rathfic, Brunhild and Helmgut – a flood of thoughts, spoken before only in a whisper, now getting to air out in the open as for the first time. Tate suddenly had the image of his friend, Kolbeinn, in front of him, giving him a lesson on hunting and tracking hares. Watch out that they don't lose you on one of a hundred false trails.

Tate tried to pay close attention, focusing on those who seemed in favour of Oderic and who might know something about who aided the man cross the river. He was just starting to get a sense of who he needed to approach for further conversation when Esgalwen suddenly stood up. Oh-oh!

Tate had been so focused on the others, he hadn't been paying attention to his friend beside him. He did now. Esgalwen stood to her full height and her noble and fair features shone forth in righteous anger toward the petty squabbling of the townsfolk. Even Tate had to resist from shrinking back from the Ranger's scathing words.

When she was finished, Tate bit his tongue and stayed silent, waiting to hear how the people would response. He did keep his eyes on the few people he still hoped to speak to before the evening was over. The man of the Lake had a good feeling that someone knew who aided Oderic.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 19, 2018, 09:03 AM
:ooc: Awesome post, buddy  :tup:  ;D

Great set of rolls, too! See, no wonder Tate is so happy. He achieves dice rolls and always leaves people smiling.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 19, 2018, 11:21 AM
:ooc: Agreed!

I know which way the scene is going to go - I just need a clear moment to type it up.  I have a million, billion things to get done today, so it might not be until tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 21, 2018, 02:45 PM
As Esgalwen berates the assembled folk of Stánford, Tate watches faces and marks who whispers to who.  He sees many reactions - schock, offence, anger - and there, on the face of Williferd the warrior: shame

As Ava rises to call for more ale, and to lead the womenfolk in a new song, Tate rises and crosses to the young man.  A single look at Tate, and Williferd seems to collapse inside.  Wordlessly, the pair leave the hall.  Rounding on him the moment they are outside in the cool air, Tate says "so, it was you." 

"Aye, it was.  And for all your friend's fine words about Master Beorn and our sworn obedience to his law, I would do it again." 

He looks away and, despite his brave words, when he looks back he seems a man in the throes of despair.  "He saved my life, that day in the southern vales.  Every dawn that I have seen since then is one I owe to him.  And..." 

For a while, he wrestles with something that he clearly wants to speak out loud, but cannot.  Tate fills the silence.  "Not long have I lived, perhaps, as the Men of ancient days would reckon it, but I have seen much in that span of time.  You speak defiantly, but great is the sorrow you carry.  Speak it, I pray you, and perhaps it will be lessened, as most troubles are when shared by friends." 

"I..." Williferd begins, haltingly.  "I love him.  I love him with a passion I have felt for no woman.  I cannot understand it, but I know it to be true.  Were he to return home tomorrow, many would shun him.  Perhaps they would take up arms to drive him away, but not I.  I would welcome him with open arms, despite what I know him to have done.  Despite..." 

His fragile composure finally shatters and he collapses against Tate's shoulder, seized by wracking sobs.  When finally he can speak intelligibly once more, he begins again.  "Nor was I alone.  It was never stated openly, but I know that Rathfic felt the same.  I think that he spoke his heart to Oderic, and begged to lie with him.  But Oderic was a proud man, and would not have entertained such an unmanly offer.  So they fought, and Rathfic was unkindly slain.  Beorn's men came, and they took my love from me.  But then he was back, and needed my aid... and I could not deny him, even knowing what would follow if ever I were to speak my heart to him." 

More sobs follow, then: "and so I rowed him across the river, and bade him farewell.  I know that he was not a good man, but I would have had it that he was mine.  And now he never will be, though I were to live to the final days." 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 21, 2018, 04:54 PM
 :ooc: Huh...  :o  I was not expecting that.

Dang!  :>
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 22, 2018, 04:41 PM
:ooc: Hopefully the unspoken follow-on from that is '... but it makes total sense'. 

Foreshadowing appropriately while leaving room for a shocking revelation is hard.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 23, 2018, 05:25 AM
 :ooc: Absolutely!

I will be posting tonight. Sorry for the hold up.

Doug, our mandate is to capture Oderic, yes?
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Telcontar on Apr 23, 2018, 05:27 AM
 :ooc:  (-D mandate
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 23, 2018, 08:23 AM
:ooc: yea, we were asked to find him and bring him back.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Telcontar on Apr 23, 2018, 08:49 AM
 :ooc: look at you guys over here in your own thread making it rain  :%:

Meanwhile on the other side of town.... :@:
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 24, 2018, 04:23 AM
Williferd's revelation caught Tate off guard, but the bard kept his composure even as he suddenly found himself holding the weeping warrior. The Man of the Lake's mind was whirling, putting the pieces of the story together while at the same time trying to figure out what must be done next. Here now I need you, Gwen! Tate thought.

The minstrel knew the just course... Williferd should be taken in the face fair punishment for aiding Oderic, but, in doing so, both the warrior and Brunhild would likely face deep shame. And Rathfic... rumor and hearsay could possibility bring shame to his name, and who would defend the dead man?

"You were bold and right in speaking this truth to me, Williferd," Tate told the warrior, still picking out his words. "You must do so again now." The minstrel looked the man in the eyes as he spoke. "You know the laws of Lord Beorn better than this foreigner. What would your master expect done with you?"
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 25, 2018, 07:47 PM
Williferd nods, though he drops his head and seems afeared to meet the minstrel's gaze.  "There will be a judgement of this matter at the Carrock, and I must go there and speak my shame, and let my disgrace and dishonour be pronounced by the Master." 


:ooc: A quick roll for Tate, here:
DC 14 Insight 2
:00: 1d12 : 3, total 3
Rolled 2d6 : 2, 4, total 6
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 25, 2018, 07:49 PM
Unable to read the man's face in the poor light, nor to judge his voice as his sobbing subsides, Tate finds himself unable to immediately judge Williferd's commitment to his words.


:ooc: Aryn, you can turn that into a success if you care to spend a Hope point. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on Apr 26, 2018, 05:15 AM
 :ooc: I'll spend the point of hope.

Will you be adding more to the story here, or more information, or is it my time to post?
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 26, 2018, 11:51 AM
:ooc: More information to follow when I'm not trying to rush kids to school.
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 26, 2018, 05:11 PM
Then, for half a second, he sees it in a flash of Williferd's eyes toward the river and a turn of the shoulders away from him.  For all his brave words, Williferd has no wish to present himself at the Carrock and declare, in front of the great men of his folk, his un-manly love.  Perhaps, in fact, he will run to Oderic instead, and try to join him in his outlawry. 

He is clearly a man torn by a deep internal conflict between what he knows in his heart to be right and what he dearly wishes to do. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on Apr 30, 2018, 02:53 AM
:ooc: Doug, if you want Esgalwen to turn up searching for Tate, feel free. 
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on Apr 30, 2018, 06:14 AM
 :ooc: I can do that. I will have something up shortly.  :tup:
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Posterboy on May 01, 2018, 10:52 AM
Tate locked eyes with Williferd. "Do now, then, what you think best. Prepare yourself. In the morning, the Lady Esgalwen and I ride to meet your master. Be ready for when we come for you."

With that, the minstrel released the broken man, and returned to find Esgalwen. Let us see how this plays out.

Tate did not imagine he had much time if he hoped himself to be ready for what might happen next. Finding the southern ranger, he pulled her aside. "I have found us a lead... and, perhaps, if luck favors us, a hapless guide...

The minstrel explained to Esgalwen the complex relationship between Brunhild, Rathfic, Oderic and Williferd. He told her how the young warrior had confessed to helping Oderic cross the river, and his belief that Williferd would likely try to escape this night to join hoped-for lover.

"So, I released Williferd," Tate continued, a smile coming back to his face, his eyes beginning to twinkle a bit. "Told him that we're leaving in the morn for Carrock and he'd best be ready. And we best be getting going too. We need to quietly secure the use of a boat. If Williferd makes a move to find Oderic, we follow him and take them both in. Sound like a plan, m'Lady?"
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: tomcat on May 01, 2018, 06:59 PM
Esgalwen gave a nod of approval for Tate's plan. She had no doubts that Willifred would make his way to Oderic with the new day - if not before the night was through.

"We shall keep a close eye on him through the night." The Ranger looked back at the mead hall, "T'is not as cheery in there, since you stepped out. It seems my straight-forward, southern manners do not sit well with people of the North. Although, I did seem to get through that the bickering between them all was helping no one."

Tate's smile told Esgalwen all she needed to know. Her irritation returned at his teasing stare, "Listen, I am weary of road and saddle! I was in no mood to hear milkmaids and seamstresses banter back and forth as to who did to whom. The constant gripes were..." Tate openly laughed at Esgalwen's stress.

The affect was to make her first go red in the face with more anger, and then to break out into laughter of her own.

"You're right...I need to take things less seriously."

"You really do," smiled the minstrel.

"All I can say, Master Bard, is that while we waste time here listening to family feuds, Grimbeorn probably could find better use of our services." Tate shrugged and nodded, which only made her exasperation show again. Esgalwen sighed, "C'mon, let's go look for your man."
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on May 01, 2018, 07:14 PM
:ooc: Okay, new chapter time!
Title: Re: Pursuit - the Fugitive
Post by: Eclecticon on May 03, 2018, 06:43 PM
:ooc: Having thought about it a bit longer, I'm ruling that Tate's lie to Williferd counts as a Misdeed.  Even though he deceived Williferd for a good (and entertaining!) purpose, he has, in a slight but important way, given in to the influence of the Shadow.

So, he's racked up a Shadow point.  It could've been higher but I didn't warn you first, so it's not fair to slug you with more.