Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

Posted: **Wed Sep 15, 2021 6:52 pm**

Ymiden 10, Arc 721

Things were quieting down, and as such, Natalia had given into her tendency to retreat within herself for a time, allowing Woe space to conclude his business. As he spoke to her of getting on with the errand, the young woman nodded her head gently. “Agreed. I hope the transaction turned out as you wished it to?” She hadn’t exactly known what he desired from the exchange, but he didn’t seem the type that was naive about business matters.

As to his next comment, all Natalia could do was offer a smile. “Apologies. I seem to have slipped into a slightly reflective mood. I suppose it happens from time to time. I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” Slightly embarrassed to have attention cast on her habit to turn inward, the young woman tried to make up for it by engaging him further in conversation.

“Woe, may I ask you something? Waiting to see if he was open to her query, she would continue on if so. Back at the ceremony for the new Outpost in Egilrun, there was some talk of people wishing you to be on the Council as Egg. I realize I never asked you how you feel about that. Is it of any interest to you?” Dark golden eyes considered him, curious to hear what his answer would be. Neither liked small talk and as such, she dove headfirst into something that very much wasn’t.

Their first conversation back at the Lodge kept running through her mind. In her opinion, they had similar views on politics, and that much had been clear, although one or the other veered on specific details. It had never been of interest to her really, politics, but the more she thought about the subtle maneuvering one had to be apt at for the job, the more she realized that there was far more involved in it than met the eye.

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2021 8:26 pm**

She apologized for her reflective mood and shrugged it off. But then, Natalia asked him about something that had been haunting him for some time. On one side of things, he didn’t want to have to deal with the people he inevitably would if he became Egg. On the other, Egilrun needed him, and he couldn’t deny there was an allure to being the figurehead of an entire town.

”I won’t lie about it. I’ve often coveted power of all kinds in my life.” Woe said, and sighed, ”But there comes a time when you recognize power as a prison. You may be safer in a position, but that safety comes at the cost of freedom. I’m loathe to give up my freedom, but then, there’s a danger in not assuming that office, or attempting to.”

He thought back to their conversation during the first meeting at the Lodge as well. Much like Perdita, he feared he was drawing Natalia into dangerous territory, merely by dint of exposure to his world. A world of web spinners, spiders, assassins, and magi of dubious morals. It wasn’t a life he would’ve wished on anyone, including himself. But it was the fate he was dealt.

Then again, wasn’t he denying her the freedom to choose, if he pushed her away as a friend? Or a distant acquaintance. He didn’t want to be rid of her company, he genuinely enjoyed her, but there were aspects about her that troubled him and gave him cause for worry.

”We’ll meet again in three days? When we’re ready to meet Faith. I’m very glad to have you with me then. Thank you.” So saying, if she had naught else to say, he would escort her back to her house if she let him, and then retire to the Inn himself.

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2021 12:42 pm**

Woe:

Knowledge:
Deception: x 3
Intelligence: x 1
Politics: x 4
Socialization: x 3

Loot: A steel longsword of good quality (within tier), 25 WP
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: 5, for selling some valuable equipment to the merchant.
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

Natalia:

Knowledge:
Detection: x 3
Socialization: x 2
Politics: x 3
Psychology: x 3

Loot: -
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: -
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: See below.
Points: 15

- - -

Comments: Natalia’s anxiety upon returning to Scalvoris Town and hear worry that she might run into someone from her past was described well in my opinion. Fortunately, she had the travelling market (and perhaps Woe) to distract herself.

I wonder why Woe’s wealth was “inadequate to his needs”. Does he spent so many WPs on his various Sombran abilities, or does he just buy a lot of stuff? Either way, I found his thoughts on Chamadarst as well as on his past as a Webspinner interesting to read.

I have to admit, I like the ability that gives him a floral scent, and what more, I appreciate the detail in which you describe his various outfits.

I enjoyed the way that both of you described your PCs visiting the market and browsing. Natalia’s reaction to seeing Woe’s two spirits – and especially the peacock – amused me. I agree with her. Woe is an intriguing personality, and what more, he keeps interesting company!

I like that Woe didn’t only buy something, but also used the travelling market to sell something. It amused me when the merchant tried to pull Natalia into his own machinations. I also found Natalia’s thoughts when it comes to owning things interesting to read.

I didn’t realize that this was a prequel to a meeting with Faith, by the way.

That adds an interesting dimension to this thread!

With that being said, I wonder if Woe will eventually buy more dogs so that Botany will have company!

Natalia, your PC seems to be rather well-versed in matters of negotiation as well as business management at times in spite of only having Novice Socialization and 0 Business Management, when she analyzed the merchant’s behaviour, for example. You wrote things such “in her opinion” and “in her estimation”, which helps a bit, but I would still have liked to see her relative lack of skill in that regard play more of a part.

Enjoy your rewards!

P.S.: Natalia, I would have added “Deception” to the list of skills used because of the scene with the hawker where your PC called Woe “darling” and used an old trick that her father taught her, for example.

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