At least she looks clean and reasonably healthy.
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UncleMonty
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At least she looks clean and reasonably healthy.
OK, we can rule out the girl being bait to bring out a lot of tasty searchers, so the gator folk might have some sort of deal in mind. Either that, or they just wanted a pet lux-talented Rac Cona Daimh kid of their very own to hug and squeeze and dress up, and train to do magic for them. In that case, they might just be showing her to the searchers to demonstrate that the girl's been treated well - or as well as gators know how to treat her.
Unfortunately we don't know if they said "we want your entrails", "leave now or else", or "we caught this begging for food, do you want it back."
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Hopefully, Quentin's stock will go up now
...with the local guard, at least. After all, he DID demonstrate that he could do a Questor's job here--without his help, they'd still be tromping around in the swamp without a clue. Of course, this will all be for naught if he can't get her back to her folks safely...
That would be a riot, but it presupposes that either she escaped from the magic user(s) that kidnapped her, or that she deliberately obscured her own trail for as yet unknown purposes.
Either way it's unlikely that Quentyn is going to get much "swag" from the crocs.
Either way it's unlikely that Quentyn is going to get much "swag" from the crocs.
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I imagine the big shaman-looking guy is the magic-user, what with all that stuff in his belt. Sounds like he's pissed, too. I wonder why.
Also, there are three heartstones dim, yet she had started making the special buttons after her sister and brother were lost.
Oh wait, the father is probably the extra one. Of course. D'oh.
McFrugal
Also, there are three heartstones dim, yet she had started making the special buttons after her sister and brother were lost.
Oh wait, the father is probably the extra one. Of course. D'oh.
McFrugal
You know the music industry is dying when actual mainstream artists start making remixes of other songs instead of original works.
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ZOMBIE USER 12886
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Last time I checked...
...those heartrunes were used to keep track of the kits, not the adults, otherwise there'd be one more up there for the mother.
As I understand it, there were three other kits who'd been lost/died in the swamp. Whether the father is alive is unknown, but he definitely wouldn't trust a Questor any more than the mother; probably less so.
Anyway, as I figure it, someone here got it right the first time: the swamp kid who hired Quentyn (sp?) sneaked a coin from the family treasure without his folks knowing it, and used it as payment for the search and rescue of his sister.
At least, that's according to the bit of information I got from another thread. Apparently, there's a lot more "swag" in the swamp then I thought. And all because some stupid humans tried to invade the Seven Villages, failing every time.
Gee, losing to a bunch of pint-sized raccoon anthros sounds real glorious to me. Of course, the swamp helps a bit.
As I understand it, there were three other kits who'd been lost/died in the swamp. Whether the father is alive is unknown, but he definitely wouldn't trust a Questor any more than the mother; probably less so.
Anyway, as I figure it, someone here got it right the first time: the swamp kid who hired Quentyn (sp?) sneaked a coin from the family treasure without his folks knowing it, and used it as payment for the search and rescue of his sister.
At least, that's according to the bit of information I got from another thread. Apparently, there's a lot more "swag" in the swamp then I thought. And all because some stupid humans tried to invade the Seven Villages, failing every time.
Gee, losing to a bunch of pint-sized raccoon anthros sounds real glorious to me. Of course, the swamp helps a bit.-
ZOMBIE USER 12883
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Questor Questions and Swamp Gators
Gator-taurs? That's new one. Didn't see that one coming. Or to put it another way "Yet another unexpected twist. Bummer." Seriously, I don't think I've ever heard of that kind of anthromorph before.
I am confused about a couple of things though. Was that plant-monster Oakroot something like an Ent? And what are Dryads? Also, the Captain was kind of a jerk to Quentyn when he first came aboard, but when he was with the Village Elders in the Gilded Flagon (What's a Flagon?) he seemed to respect Quentyn's ability to defend himself against the likes of Gilder. But he seemed pretty contemptous of Quentyn's ability when he came aboard their boat. Why the turn around?
And if one needs a gold coin to get the services of the Village Questor, and the only people who have them are humans, doesn't that make it kinda hard for average people (Racconans, or whatnot) to get the aid of a Questor? Even if some invading humans died in the swamp and were carrying gold coins, that still makes it difficult for poorer families like Jacobin's than the likes of say, Rahan. Or did I miss something? I don't have RH Junior's CD explaining the history of the Questor-verse yet so I'm not totally up to date on how that universe works.
Oh and RH? One last bit of confusion on my part. Those two friend's of Quentyn's, Fen and Kestrel? What is it that they became exactly? A bard is akin to a musician who sings stories, or so I gather. But what's an artificer supposed to be?
As for the girl in the swamp, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say the gators were either out for a snack or are really territorial. Maybe they're what happened to Jacobin's three dead siblings. Nasty critters, eh wot?
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Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges-In Times of War the Law Falls Silent
-Virgil
I am confused about a couple of things though. Was that plant-monster Oakroot something like an Ent? And what are Dryads? Also, the Captain was kind of a jerk to Quentyn when he first came aboard, but when he was with the Village Elders in the Gilded Flagon (What's a Flagon?) he seemed to respect Quentyn's ability to defend himself against the likes of Gilder. But he seemed pretty contemptous of Quentyn's ability when he came aboard their boat. Why the turn around?
And if one needs a gold coin to get the services of the Village Questor, and the only people who have them are humans, doesn't that make it kinda hard for average people (Racconans, or whatnot) to get the aid of a Questor? Even if some invading humans died in the swamp and were carrying gold coins, that still makes it difficult for poorer families like Jacobin's than the likes of say, Rahan. Or did I miss something? I don't have RH Junior's CD explaining the history of the Questor-verse yet so I'm not totally up to date on how that universe works.
Oh and RH? One last bit of confusion on my part. Those two friend's of Quentyn's, Fen and Kestrel? What is it that they became exactly? A bard is akin to a musician who sings stories, or so I gather. But what's an artificer supposed to be?
As for the girl in the swamp, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say the gators were either out for a snack or are really territorial. Maybe they're what happened to Jacobin's three dead siblings. Nasty critters, eh wot?
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Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges-In Times of War the Law Falls Silent
-Virgil
The kid said that Quentyn had to listen because he had gold. We don't know of any reason why Quentyn couldn't take a job that didn't pay gold.
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Actually, the rule is that if the client can pay, and the job doesn't violate the Questor's code of ethics, then he pretty much has to take the job-- or get hassled by the village elders, as well as losing status as a Questor. The boy's statement is a childish oversimplification-- along the lines of "I gots my rights !"
Oakroot isn't much like an Ent.... he's a Tree-Ape. they're basically pack animals(vegetables?) with little more than a house pet's intelligence. Their herbal nature also means they're a lot more placid, thus manageable.
The dryads, unlike classical mythical versions, aren't spirits that indwell trees. Rather, they're small, pixy-like beings who form *hives* in trees. They're much like termites, living off the wood, leaves, bark, and nuts or seeds of the tree they colonize. The arrangement is symbiotic-- they are careful to maintain the health of the tree, and also take cuttings and seeds to plant elsewhere. The tree, being hollowed and riddled with holes, is of course useless for lumbering-- but trees tended by dryads tend to be disease free and to produce a bounteous harvest of seeds, nuts, and fruits. Since dryads eat wood, they're known as a blessing to the orchard and a bane to the woodworker.
The "turnaround" on part of the captain... well, he may respect the boy-- but a child missing is serious business. He may be willing to give the boy the benefit of the doubt, but he doesn't feel the boy is quite up to the situation.
Artificers are a subset of the innovator's guild--- they're basically mechanical inventors. Engineers, if you will. Not only making magical artifacts, but mechanical devices....
The innovator's guild covers two basic industries, the Artificers and the Alchemists... or "Things" and "Stuff", as the students put it. Artificers make devices, Alchemists create and discover materials, alloys, chemicals, etc....
And oh yes, the Gragum are nasty critters. At least this bunch are... as you'll learn why this coming Sunday.
Oakroot isn't much like an Ent.... he's a Tree-Ape. they're basically pack animals(vegetables?) with little more than a house pet's intelligence. Their herbal nature also means they're a lot more placid, thus manageable.
The dryads, unlike classical mythical versions, aren't spirits that indwell trees. Rather, they're small, pixy-like beings who form *hives* in trees. They're much like termites, living off the wood, leaves, bark, and nuts or seeds of the tree they colonize. The arrangement is symbiotic-- they are careful to maintain the health of the tree, and also take cuttings and seeds to plant elsewhere. The tree, being hollowed and riddled with holes, is of course useless for lumbering-- but trees tended by dryads tend to be disease free and to produce a bounteous harvest of seeds, nuts, and fruits. Since dryads eat wood, they're known as a blessing to the orchard and a bane to the woodworker.
The "turnaround" on part of the captain... well, he may respect the boy-- but a child missing is serious business. He may be willing to give the boy the benefit of the doubt, but he doesn't feel the boy is quite up to the situation.
Artificers are a subset of the innovator's guild--- they're basically mechanical inventors. Engineers, if you will. Not only making magical artifacts, but mechanical devices....
The innovator's guild covers two basic industries, the Artificers and the Alchemists... or "Things" and "Stuff", as the students put it. Artificers make devices, Alchemists create and discover materials, alloys, chemicals, etc....
And oh yes, the Gragum are nasty critters. At least this bunch are... as you'll learn why this coming Sunday.
"What was that popping noise ?"
"A paradigm shifting without a clutch."
--Dilbert
"A paradigm shifting without a clutch."
--Dilbert
I think the kid's dad is alive. Didn't he say when he first showed up that 'me Da didn't want to call in the guard, 'cause of Cheiftain's pride' or some such? Pardon me while I go look it up...
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Sunday, November 10 "Me da won't call yorr gordsmen, f'r chieftain's pride..." Which brings up 'nother question. If his dad (the chieftain??) wasn't willing to call in the gaurds, who did?? His mom?? *shrug*
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Sunday, November 10 "Me da won't call yorr gordsmen, f'r chieftain's pride..." Which brings up 'nother question. If his dad (the chieftain??) wasn't willing to call in the gaurds, who did?? His mom?? *shrug*
*stick foot in mouth* <--- ...it's my signature move. Get it? <crickets chirping> Never mind.
Oh, and as a by-the-way, a flagon is something like a pitcher or large mug. It has a handle, a spout and maybe a lid. They use 'em to hold alcoholic beverages, hence why it's a natural choice for a tavern's sign.
[Eep! Surprised I didn't notice before that the Gragum leader was packing (lux weapons, that is). That's one of them funny-bone-thingies on his belt...]
[Eep! Surprised I didn't notice before that the Gragum leader was packing (lux weapons, that is). That's one of them funny-bone-thingies on his belt...]
Don't make me defenestrate you!
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UncleMonty
- Cartoon Hero
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- Joined: Fri Jan 01, 1999 4:00 pm
He's drowning the kid!
Well, threatening to do so anyway. It's interesting how different personalities respond to crisis situations, though. If I'd had the shotgun and the big 'gator did that - I'd have blown his head off right then and there, no questions asked, and then dove in after her.
Ah, well... I never was the patient sort.
Well, threatening to do so anyway. It's interesting how different personalities respond to crisis situations, though. If I'd had the shotgun and the big 'gator did that - I'd have blown his head off right then and there, no questions asked, and then dove in after her.
Ah, well... I never was the patient sort.
Well here's my dumb idea for the day.
Quentyn still has his shoes of skedaddling, water-walking, lightfeet, and hotfeet.
He just might be able to wrench that cage free if he was going fast enough and carry her and the cage across the water long enough for a bit of breathing room.
Of course this presumes that the Gragum leader is going to have a light grip, and that he won't realize to tighten it soon enough to make a difference.
And even if Quentyn gets some distance between them, all the Gragum need to do is grab the search party before they reach down for thier weapons. The implied threat to kill the entire party unless the girl is returned would bring Quentyn back. Trading four lives for one would be a real lousy deal.
Quentyn still has his shoes of skedaddling, water-walking, lightfeet, and hotfeet.
He just might be able to wrench that cage free if he was going fast enough and carry her and the cage across the water long enough for a bit of breathing room.
Of course this presumes that the Gragum leader is going to have a light grip, and that he won't realize to tighten it soon enough to make a difference.
And even if Quentyn gets some distance between them, all the Gragum need to do is grab the search party before they reach down for thier weapons. The implied threat to kill the entire party unless the girl is returned would bring Quentyn back. Trading four lives for one would be a real lousy deal.
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Isn't that, essentially, what the search party just did?BBlalock wrote:...Trading four lives for one would be a real lousy deal.
I was dying for the sword to start saying something at that tense moment. Everything is tense, all involved are ready to draw blood when the silence is shattered by the loud sales pitch of the Emporium ad.
Going back to the title of the thread, it seems the girl just had another bath.
Uh, no its not what they just did. For one thing there's five folks in the boat. For another it doesn't look like they're in any position to get the girl back. So it really looks like they've traded five lives for none.
Aye, the sword piping up at this point would be a riot. What would be even better is if it spooks the lizards.
It would also be pretty good if Quentyn drew the sword, and said something like, "crap, I drew the sword", and then nothing happens. He's then got to explain about buying 9/10ths of his equipment while drunk from the Rac Cona version of Harry Mudd.
Aye, the sword piping up at this point would be a riot. What would be even better is if it spooks the lizards.
It would also be pretty good if Quentyn drew the sword, and said something like, "crap, I drew the sword", and then nothing happens. He's then got to explain about buying 9/10ths of his equipment while drunk from the Rac Cona version of Harry Mudd.
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You all are forgetting one thing-- let's call it the first Questorverse truism:
*There's no such thing as an unarmed RacConan.*
It's easy to forget, but the Frog Wizard isn't the only one who knows magic there.
That said, remember: the objective of the rescue party is to save the girl.
They could have killed the Gragum chieftain with a single shot, but the other Gragum would have been on them in an instant, and the girl would still be a captive. They could have turned their weapons on the guards around them, but the Gragum chieftain would have killed the girl... even if they killed the chieftain and managed to fight off the other Gragum, the Chieftain would have dropped her in the water--- and it's doubtful if they could have fought their way free and rescued the girl before she drowned, trapped underwater in her cage.....
right now they're in a lose-lose situation.
The old Captain is doing what any negotiator in a hostage situation does--- *he's buying time and waiting for an opening.*
And the Gragum leader is yet to reveal exactly what he's after, either.
*There's no such thing as an unarmed RacConan.*
It's easy to forget, but the Frog Wizard isn't the only one who knows magic there.
That said, remember: the objective of the rescue party is to save the girl.
They could have killed the Gragum chieftain with a single shot, but the other Gragum would have been on them in an instant, and the girl would still be a captive. They could have turned their weapons on the guards around them, but the Gragum chieftain would have killed the girl... even if they killed the chieftain and managed to fight off the other Gragum, the Chieftain would have dropped her in the water--- and it's doubtful if they could have fought their way free and rescued the girl before she drowned, trapped underwater in her cage.....
right now they're in a lose-lose situation.
The old Captain is doing what any negotiator in a hostage situation does--- *he's buying time and waiting for an opening.*
And the Gragum leader is yet to reveal exactly what he's after, either.
"What was that popping noise ?"
"A paradigm shifting without a clutch."
--Dilbert
"A paradigm shifting without a clutch."
--Dilbert
As an observation of negotiations between hostile parties, any side which plays a trump card always reveals what they want for it in short order. The only exception to this I've witnessed is when the group making the strong showing is trying to buy time.
Rac Conans may have their lux spells, but I'm betting their nowhere near as effective as the weapons they just dropped. If this was not true, then why would they bother making, purchasing and training with such mundane objects. I'm not saying what luxcraft the group possesses is useless, just less effective than spears, swords and boomslangs. I also have little doubt that lux tricks combined with secondary weapons (knives, daggers, that neat looking luxdart pistol) can overcome such a disadvantage momentarily.
Hmm... What would the Gragum's want from the Rac Conans? Kidnap a girl, delay the search parties from finding her, capture the one party which gets close... Why the elaborate game if they only wished dialogue or even to make a demand? Unless... If there are several parties in Gragum territory then the Gragums will be watching each, spreading them out and allowing the chief to go unnoticed to meet one party, the closest which will allow him to go and get back quickly.
That is the only thing I can come up with for why the Gragum's didn't confront the first searchers and why they made it so hard for them to find the girl.
Rac Conans may have their lux spells, but I'm betting their nowhere near as effective as the weapons they just dropped. If this was not true, then why would they bother making, purchasing and training with such mundane objects. I'm not saying what luxcraft the group possesses is useless, just less effective than spears, swords and boomslangs. I also have little doubt that lux tricks combined with secondary weapons (knives, daggers, that neat looking luxdart pistol) can overcome such a disadvantage momentarily.
Hmm... What would the Gragum's want from the Rac Conans? Kidnap a girl, delay the search parties from finding her, capture the one party which gets close... Why the elaborate game if they only wished dialogue or even to make a demand? Unless... If there are several parties in Gragum territory then the Gragums will be watching each, spreading them out and allowing the chief to go unnoticed to meet one party, the closest which will allow him to go and get back quickly.
That is the only thing I can come up with for why the Gragum's didn't confront the first searchers and why they made it so hard for them to find the girl.
"I don't know why, but watching 12-year old Japanese girls flinging their school uniforms at each other was wildly entertaining." - Azrael, Japanese Exchange Teacher.