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Suddenly it's all change. Callum, who has been leading the approach, drops to the back, muttering and snarling over his shoulder. As he goes Kerim starts after him leading his mules, and Peter follows him out of habit. Edgar seeing that Mandrake is heading for the front line, resumes his perch on the donkey's saddle and waits for his companion to return. Mandrake has approached within talking distance of the giant and starts talking to him in Common. The rest of you cluster in the middle ground, Rolf and Herloch to the fore. As Mandrake speaks to the Giant, he waves his hands around more expansively than normal, and includes a couple of unusual words, which you assume to be the words of power required to trigger the charm spell. Then he continues to explain, in simple terms that the dogheads are the enemy of the giant and are trying to kill him. He goes a little further and explains that he, along with his companions, are the giants true friends. The giant furrows his brow and throws many a strange look at Mandrake, but waits for him to finish his speech. Then he says "Oim fed up with your wittering Do you think Oim as tick as that post there?" He says pointing to the gate post with his club. "Yoom loike all the others, even if you ain't so big. Think yoom better than every one else, and talks to them loike they're tick. Them 'Dogheads' have been here afore. They'm won't attack me." At that moment, a doghead appears around the side of the gate with a long sword at the ready, and with slavering fangs. Turning as Mandrake suddenly gasps and point behind him, the Giant starts turning beet red. A look of anger comes to his face as he turns back to Mandrake, which turns into a look of satisfaction as a small doghead suddenly throws the turf back, leaps out of the pit just in front of Mandrake, and starts attacking him with its claws and teeth. OOC1: I have moved all the Holiday Boys to the rear party:) OOC2: Please can I have saving throws from everyone please:) |
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Seeing Mandrake under attack, Rolf rushes over, keeping a close eye on the giant and a hand on the hilt of hilt of his sword. If none other involve themselves, he'll grapple with the doghead attacking Mandrake in an attempt to break things up without drawing blood. But if any threaten, he'll regretably draw steel and do what he must to protect those under his protection. OOC: Undeclared saving throw - 2. I don't know what it's for, so I don't know if any modifiers are appropriate. On the other hand, rolling a 2, I don't think any modifiers would make much difference. |
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Dropping her lance to the floor Madelyn dismounts with ease, and rushes forward to assist Rolf in protecting Mandrake from his attacker. OOC: Rolled an 18 for Saving Throw |
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OCC:unmodified roll of 18 for the save |
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Herloch can stand no more of this. He starts to rush into the battle, mace raised high. OOC: Rolled a 12 for saving throw. |
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Mandrake jumps back as the small doghead leaps - Rolf and Herloch, who are to the fore of the main group manage to interpose themselves. Rolf trying to grapple the creature and Herloch prodding around with his mace. Madelyn dismounts and is a few paces behind them. The small doghead, all 3'6" of it, ducks and dodges and starts blowing raspberries at its opponents. It is quite amusing to watch, especially as every one is trying to avoid the pit it jumped out of, and many of you find it difficult to hold back a smile. It only takes a couple of seconds before the Giant's face breaks into a grin and then he starts laughing. As he does, both the doghead and the pit fade to nothingness. "Troy that on me agin, little mon, and Oi won't be so gentle! Now begone, the lot of you, Afore Oi really lose moi temper!" Chortles the giant, as he heads back inside and closes the gate. |
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OOC: I'm baaack ! : Not sure if it's too late for that saving throw, or if I need it or not, but since I only got a 12, I certainly hope I don't ! Edgar wrestles with his fears, rocking back and forth on the pommel of donkey's saddle. Like Yuri, he doesn't understand much of what is spoken in the gaelic tongue, but it is clear enough from the actions of one and all just how well this parlay is going ... At length, as the last foray is repulsed by the Giant and his "guests", he launches himself forward with what is almost a sigh, to land atop the ruined wall above the gateway. Quickly, before any within care to take offence, he speaks, his voice loud and clear: "Giant," he intones, "will you heed the words of a servant of the Morrigan ?" |
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Edgars stands on the parapet and calls to the Giant inside the fort. "Giant, will you heed the words of a servant of the Morrigan ?" "Labhair Mac Morgana" rumbles the giants voice from inside. |
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Elsbeth watches the proceedings in complete dismay, not making a move. The results are even more dismaying. At Edgar's words, she looks astonished, then smiles. Maybe there is hope here yet. OOC: Sorry I've been out of touch. Probably didn't matter as Elsbeth rolled a '2' for a save! |
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Rolf comes up short, almost falling over in his surprise as the small doghead and the pit fade away. He feels the tug of anger at the giant's laughing and somehow, he feels the butt of a joke. His expression is stoney and his hand tightens on the hilt of his sword, but he holds the anger in tight reign. As Edgar speaks up, Rolf holds himself in check, waiting. |
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Edgar betrays not the slightest hint that he does not understand the Gaelic in which the Giant speaks. "We shall converse in the Common tongue," he says,bringing a note of authority into his voice, "as it be needful that all understand the Godesses wishes in this matter that they may heed them well." The emphasis he places on the "all" is obvious. He pauses for a moment, choosing his words carefully, and when he speaks, it is in a respectful tone, as befits a messenger who is imparting an important missive, neither cajoling nor threatening ... nor condescending either, as he has already seen how the Giant reacts when he feels someone is trying to trick him. "These warriors," he begins slowly, turning his head to either side behind him to take in the party, "have journeyed here for a meeting ... a meeting that the Godess has blessed. It is Her will that you aid them, and take them under your protection until that meeting comes to pass." The raven now inclines his head to glance at Elsbeth, hoping he's remembered the earlier exchange correctly, before turning back to the Giant. "There is blood-feud betwixt your guests and these warriors, a matter that cannot be set aside ... but whilst within these walls, they will honour the Oath of Guesting." Waiting for the Giant's response, Edgar glances towards Rolf. |
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There is another low rumble in Gaelic from inside the walls. It is just about possible to pick to the words ~na Morgana~ in amongst it - which most of you translate as ~of the Morrigan~ |
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Edgar stares impassively at the Giant. "In the Common tongue," he reminds the large fellow, "it be needful that these Warriors all understand and bear witness to your response." |
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There is more rumbling in Gaelic, followed by chuckling from the Giant. Suddenly the giant's (you assume) arms appear over the top of the fence appearing to reach towards Edgar and there is a loud shout of "BOO!" from the giant. |
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Callum Stands at the back watching everything with a slightly amused look. |
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Edgar does not move a muscle at the Giant's exclamation, though it costs him a lot to remain still. "La bear mac Morgana !" he says sternly in the face of the Giant's laughter. "And if you will not do them the courtesy of speaking in the Common tongue," he reproaches, "then as Messenger, I am bound to pass along only what words are spoken to me, and let them draw what meaning they will ..." Turning his head away from the Giant, he directs his gaze towards Elsbeth, his eyes pleading. "This one has said 'Ta bear soils eh eye leyna na Morgana fear bayg'." |
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