|
107 posts
|
0 likes
|
Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by technoRomancer on May 18, 2018 11:53:34 GMT
When they reconvened just after dawn, Saro was alert and energized, greeting his two new partners with cheer. He was eager to get on the road and didn't waste time on small talk, ushering Chester and Asami towards the stables once he made certain they were all well-supplied enough for the journey. Saro grinned cheekily at the stablehand's innocent comment, but thanked him warmly and promised to return his charges in good shape. Of course, for their purposes it was probably best to have some well-trained and reliable mounts, even if something with more spirit would've been fun. Leaning back a bit with a hand on his chin, the hunter sized up the three horses appraisingly, gauging their temperaments. In addition, among any group of horses one would typically take a dominant position over the others, and Saro intended to claim it for himself. He seemed to be the most experienced rider in their trio, and doing so would help him keep the other horses in check if they gave their riders any trouble. Docile or no, they were still less intelligent than Beasts and could give in to instinct if spooked. Survival olyMehb|5d6 5d6
|
|
Member
|
Post by raventhefree on May 18, 2018 13:24:44 GMT
Of the three horses, it seems to you that Heavy-Hearted is the most dominant of the three. He's a big, auburn-colored stallion who eyes you with supposed indifference as you inspect the three horses. Bard is a meeker palomino mare--though she's far from skittish. Domino Dale is a black horse with white patterning, and while he seems to be the most energetic of the three, he also seems the most distractible.
|
|
|
107 posts
|
0 likes
|
Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by technoRomancer on May 18, 2018 15:49:17 GMT
Saro approached Heavy-Hearted, clicking his tongue and holding out his hand for the stallion to smell. In his other he produced an apple he'd brought as an offering, and when the horse accepted he tossed one more each to Asami and Chester. "Whichever of you feels you can keep a firm hand on the reigns, Domino Dale will serve you fair enough," he advised. "Otherwise gentle Bard here won't steer you wrong." He stroked Heavy-Hearted's head softly while he went through the rote task of inspecting the saddle and tack. Saro had no doubts of the stablehand's thoroughness, but it was a habit long ingrained in him.
|
|
Member
|
Post by Vazad on May 21, 2018 12:35:02 GMT
After catching the apple that Saro had thrown to him Chester approached Bard cautiously, he'd never really been much for riding horses as most of his traveling had been done on foot. He let the mare smell his hand before putting a hand on her neck. Turning toward the stable master he gave a bow and a sign of thanks.
"Thank you, I hope things go well for you too."
Turning he offered the apple that Saro had given him, letting the animal eat and get used to his scent before he tried to mount up. While he wasn't the most physically fit he thought that he shouldn't have too hard of a time doing so.
|
|
|
298 posts
|
2 likes
|
Sept 11, 2018 3:22:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by botduo on May 21, 2018 19:59:20 GMT
Asami groggily walked out towards the stables that morning. She was not a morning person, and the task at hand made it even harder to find motivation. Upon seeing the horses though, her attitude instantly changed. She eyed Domino Dale and was instantly smitten. Asami knew better than to run up to a horse and spook it so she approached easy and, catching Saro’s gift apple mid stride, offered the gift to the horse saying, “Oh look at you. You are incredible. So handsome and full of energy. You’re ready to get going aren’t you!” Asami reaches up and scratched the horse right behind the ears while taking up the reins. She swiftly and gracefully mounted the creature and started tying her luggage on from horseback. When finished, she looked to the boys and said, “I’m ready to go when you are gentlemen.”
(Guess I should go ahead and roll to see if Dale throws Asami off. Pokémon Ed: YztrkwLc3d6)3d6
|
|
|
107 posts
|
0 likes
|
Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by technoRomancer on May 26, 2018 11:34:08 GMT
It didn't take long to make their way to the city's western gates, and the horses quickly proved to be reliable mounts, giving them no trouble. Saro visibly relaxed as soon as they cleared the last major buildings, as if the walls had been squeezing him in and now he could finally decompress. The comforts of town life were fine, but he much preferred the independence allowed outside of civilized borders.
"So!" Saro began cheerfully as they left the Academy behind them, speaking to the other two riding slightly behind him as he turned in the saddle. "If we're going to be working together, we ought to know more about each other, yes? What is it you two are studying for?"
|
|
Member
|
Post by Vazad on May 30, 2018 10:42:43 GMT
Chester urged his mount forward and tensed slightly as the beast began to move, following just behind Saro. It would be good to get on the road again after having his mask in books for so long. He appreciated the air of libraries but he'd spent much of his early life both in open forests and on the road so travel always felt natural to him. It took a short while but he slowly relaxed as he got used to the strange rhythm how horse travel. When Saro spoke up he turned his head away from the scenery around them.
"Ah, I'm studying mainly there to study medicine. Although I'm rather interested in the Beast Realm and its inhabitants." Chester gave a slightly sheepish gesture. "I know neither of those are particularly grand or unusual for the academy but you do what you have to." Patting his mare gently on the back of her neck he continued. "How about you? I wouldn't have pegged you for the bookish sort."
|
|
|
107 posts
|
0 likes
|
Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by technoRomancer on Jun 2, 2018 0:55:24 GMT
"I am certainly not, Ser Chester!" Saro exclaimed with a barking laugh. "But I appreciate the knowledge a book can offer all the same, even if deciphering it can sometimes be a challenge." His expression turned to musing as he leaned back into the saddle, staring off at the sky. "I arrived at the Academy at the behest of the Shikari family. I am a no scholar, as you have surely guessed. I was only meant to be a manservant to my cousins, and yet now I am a student alongside them. There is always more for a hunter to learn about Beasts and their behavior, and few better places to learn about the species I have never encountered in the Confederation. I don't suppose I have any other specific focus in my studies. The counselor is always recommending new courses for me to try out!" Saro shot a glance over to Asami. "And you, Lady Asami?"
|
|
|
298 posts
|
2 likes
|
Sept 11, 2018 3:22:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by botduo on Jun 3, 2018 17:57:36 GMT
Asami was visibility started when Saro called her name. She realized that she was so engrossed in taking in the sights, that she only heard part of the conversation. She felt ashamed that she was unconsciously ignoring her traveling companions. She said, “I am so sorry. I was taking in the scenery and missed part of that. It’s just so nice out here that I was distracted. I heard something about the academy and why we were there. I don’t wanna bring you boys down, but my tale is a little sad. I’m basically only there because I had nowhere else to go. It was...a friend’s dying wish that I go.” Asami instinctively reaches out to scratch Confession behind the ears. Whenever Asami thought about the doctor, she felt a wealth of sadness and emptiness that the little Espeon could always cure. She continued, “It’s a long and sad story. If you guys really want to know, I’ll tell you in the future. I don’t wanna depress you on our first outing. I wanna have fun. This outing is just the kind of thing I needed. Don’t let me hold you back. You guys keep talking. I promise I’ll listen better now. Still getting used to being open and talking to people. I usually just express that stuff through my dance.” She pauses for a moment and thinks. She then finishes with, “Which reminds me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you two in the crowd. You two are...unique. I think I’d remember if you’ve been to a show.”
|
|
|
107 posts
|
0 likes
|
Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by technoRomancer on Jun 9, 2018 14:35:41 GMT
Saro gave an easy laugh and waved off Asami's apologies. There was a slight but noticeable shift in his demeanor as he made an effort to counter her professed insecurities. "It's no trouble. Some may be impressed by the Academy's sights but your foreign architecture doesn't do it for me, as they say. I agree our current surroundings are a much more pleasing distraction!" The hunter perked up at her mention of dance. "Aha, are you a performer then? Interesting! I've been dragged to a few formal events with my cousins and haven't found Northern dances to be to my taste. Far too stuffy and mechanical! But I get the sense you speak of something more 'fun.' Is this something you are studying for as well? Do you train your Beasts to dance? I've seen such things before. They can be quite impressive."
|
|
Member
|
Post by Vazad on Jun 11, 2018 13:42:26 GMT
Chester sat there for a moment listening to the others, it was obvious that they'd come from far more interesting places that he had. He recalled the simple mud huts and the oppressive forest all around, it was always a bit of a wonder seeing things out here. They'd been desperate for new entertainment of any kind but he'd not really let himself really enjoy himself since he'd joined the academy. He gave a sheepish gesture before replying. "I've never really thought about going to see a show. I lived in a rather small village when I was younger and we really didn't have much in the way of entertainment, people would dance and sing but it wasn't much I think either of you would find interesting. What was it like?"
|
|
|
298 posts
|
2 likes
|
Sept 11, 2018 3:22:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by botduo on Jun 11, 2018 23:48:51 GMT
Asami turns to Chester with a sullen look. She says, “You’ve never even given thought to seeing a show? Oh Chester, you are missing out on so much. I mean, granted, it’s not for everyone and I understand that. You had singing and dancing in your village though. Did you enjoy that? My dance is, hmmm, I guess I’d describe it as emotional rather than entertaining. I just start moving and let the feelings guide my body. From there, Ret and I refine it into something powerful and moving. You can feel the energy flow through you until it lifts your spirits and....see now I’m just dragging on.” Asami’s face suddenly changes from the slightly sullen look, to a more surprised or inspired look. She says, “Oh! You guys haven’t met Ret yet! Hold on a second.” Asami takes Secrets’ Tome from her traveling gear and turns to a page. She begins drawing the usual circle she’s drawn so many times in the past. As she finishes she whispers into the book, “Showtime little one.” A small portal from the beast realm opens nearby and through it, lumbers a fluffy, brown, almost rodent looking creature. The beast has huge front teeth that glisten in the morning sunlight and wide eyes looking around for his long time friend. As he sees her, Secrets charges towards Asami. He leaps up into her arms and begins to nuzzle right under her neck as Asami hugs him tightly. Confession awakens from her little nap to see her doofy companion again, and promptly tried to go back to sleep. Secrets playfully whacks her with his tail, earning a scratch and an evil gaze. Asami then says, “This is Secrets, my Bibarrel. Saro, you asked if my beasts could dance? Allow Secrets to show you the answer.” Secrets begins a powerful dance routine on the back of the horse. Even with the swaying of the horse, Secrets doesn’t miss a step in his dance routine. As he finishes, the beast looks slightly tougher than before.
(Secrets uses Moon Rises over Water. +2 (Simple) combat stages to Defense and Special Defense.)
|
|
Member
|
Post by Vazad on Jun 26, 2018 3:31:44 GMT
Chester thought about it for a moment, he'd never really even thought about going to see a show since he began attending the academy. He'd been so caught up with everything that it hadn't even occurred to him. When Asami released her Bibarrel he perked up again, this he had to see. What had he been missing? He actually was quite impressed at how it managed to stay balanced on the back of the horse despite them being in motion. When it was done he gave an appreciative applause.
"Ha! Wonderful, I suppose I've gotten a bit caught up in my personal work. When we get back to the academy you'll have to give me some recommendations."
|
|
Member
|
Post by raventhefree on Jul 6, 2018 14:40:49 GMT
After a day of mostly-pleasant traveling, the group of three arrives at an inn nestled at the edge of a tiny, nameless town in Varien. Ramshackle huts surround pens with pigs, sheep, and cows, and a lumber mill can be seen off in the distance, decorated on the outside with a pile of logs. The river bubbles off down the road, but the impending darkness drives you to the fire-lit inn. A boy--maybe fourteen or fifteen years old--hurries out and takes your horses, leading them carefully into a stable behind the inn. He talks to them gently as he takes them back, making sure they are as calm and comfortable in their stay as you are.
Inside, round tables are surrounded by chairs of varying quality: some are little more than hay bales, some are barrels, and others look to be large, round logs cut from the lumber mill. The few nice chairs the inn has a crammed around tables nearer to the bar, with the bar itself having proper stools made out of untreated lumber. Only a few other travelers are staying here, but a number of townsfolk are puttering around a hearth, playing cards and talking raucously about Levitus-knows what. The innkeeper is standing by them, talking and laughing along. When he sees you, he smiles and walks back over to the bar, as if to take care of you there.
|
|
|
298 posts
|
2 likes
|
Sept 11, 2018 3:22:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by botduo on Jul 9, 2018 3:40:01 GMT
Asami had just gotten used to being horse-back when the inn came into view. Domino Dale was surely a wonderful companion, but Asami longed to be off the horse and in a comfortable building again. She didn't know when she had gotten used to actually being more comfortable to buildings and people in the past couple years, and that made her chuckle. She had been through so many life changes in her few years that they didn't really surprise her anymore. Before entering, Asami had Secrets and Confession stay outside. She wasn't sure how well summoners were accepted in different parts of the country, and she didn't want to start off the journey with mistakes.
Asami entered the inn and looked around for any entertainment that the inn offered. Not seeing any, a sour frown appeared on her face. 'I was hoping to get more dance ideas too!' She thought to herself. Suddenly, she snapped and turned to find the innkeep. If the inn had no entertainment, this was her chance to make a little spending cash, and spread her reputation. She walks to the bar and introduces herself, "Good evening! My name is Asami. I am traveling with a couple of gentlemen and we stopped in for a rest. The inn looks wonderful...but it's missing just a little something. Would you happen to be in the market for an entertainer for the evening? I am a specialist in dance and I would love to have an opportunity to perform here." Asami offers the innkeep a smile and waits for a response before going into too much more detail.
|
|
|
1,112 posts
|
1 like
|
Feb 28, 2022 15:56:25 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Trixander on Jul 12, 2018 23:54:14 GMT
Asami’s suggestion put another smile on the innkeeper’s face. “Yeah, I think the guys would like that.” He looks over at the two you came in with. “If it’s a heavier purse that you want, people ‘round here are always looking for help.” He points to one of the patrons.
“Allen had one of his hens snatched up by wolves a few nights back. Said there was a strange figure with them,” he explains. “Gertrude is also looking for someone to deal with some beasts messing up her garden. Freida also had some work if I recall, but it’s just some berry hunting. The weather is beautiful for it.”
“But for now, it sounds like you want to dance. I’ll pay you, if you’re any good,” the last part sounded more like a challenge than a mean-spirited jab.
|
|
|
298 posts
|
2 likes
|
Sept 11, 2018 3:22:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by botduo on Jul 18, 2018 7:46:20 GMT
Asami clapped excitedly when the innkeep mentioned side jobs. She knew the journey would be rough and they could use the extra funds. The took note of each patron as they were mentioned and made sure to remember what they needed done. As soon as the innkeep mentioned that she could perform however, her eyes grew big and her jaw almost dropped. Asami expected to have to negotiate more with the innkeep, but he played it outright. This was the chance she needed to start spreading her name around the outlining area. She took the innkeep a hand and said began to shake it saying, “Oh thank you. Thank you for letting me perform.” Immediately after, she turned to look over the crowd and the inn. Noticing a spot big enough to move around, Asami went right to the area and began to warm up. She put one foot up on a tabletop, near a patron, and leaned all the way over her outstretched leg. Pulling herself upright again, she said, “Hello patrons. My name is Asami. The innkeep has given me permission to perform for you all, so I would like to put on a show right here! You see, I am an up and coming Dancer in the city, and I’d like to spread my influence. To begin, I have a performance I call ‘Crossroad’s Twilight’. I hope you enjoy.” With that, Asami went right into her routine. She thought to begin, she’d better stick to practiced dances and routines than to try to woo the crowd. If they liked her normal skills, Asami could try to poor on the charm later.
(I don’t think it matters much, but Asami will start with The Lion on the Hill, then move into Moon Rises over Water, and end with Swallow Takes Flight. Since there’s no combat, the stages don’t matter, but it shows absence of time for the scene. What does matter, is the roll. I want to do Charm but I forgot I didn’t level Charm yet. So, for safety sake, we’ll do Acrobatics so she doesn’t get thrown out right away...assuming I don’t botch the roll.
Acrobatics (Burning 1 AP because she needs to start spreading her influence): aouO1uuB4d6+1)4d6+1
|
|