Back to the Hold

[Thomas Fulmer]

As the party wraps up its archery practice and discussions about next steps, Thariania finds a few useful rocks and a few possible bow staves amongst the surroundings. 

Just as Sirius and Figol put the last descriptions of the battle into the journey book, a messenger light in the form of a raven lands on Ragnar's shoulder. "Ragnar, your father says to return. The witch woman arrives soon."

The party works their way back towards town. Near the edge of town a rope has been secured to a large branch and one of the condemned prisoners is hanging from it. The crowd has mostly broken up so the group appears to have missed the first of the executions. The other is presumably still being held for questioning.

When the party returns to the hold, the main hall has mostly been cleared. A single slave woman of probably forty years is tending a fire and serving Mead, the rest have been cleared out. Ragnar knows her as one of the longer serving and well trusted slaves of the house.

There are about a half dozen warriors, all obviously long serving soldiers. Ragnar tells the party that they are ship masters who command the rest of Ivar's ships that he can't pilot personally. The party makes up about a third of the total number of allowed participants. Hogni and Runa are the only Wodinfolk participants who aren't high ranking, presumably here as witnesses to events.

There is a bit of small talk as Mead is served, some stories of battle but mostly talk about the strange events at the conclusion of the trial. Some say it is a bad omen, some say an evil witch casting spells or curses, etc. Sirius, Figol and Ekie find their superstitious magic views to be very simplistic in nature. Grim has similar beliefs but for different reasons, obviously these uneducated warrior men aren't educated enough in proper superstition.

After a few minutes of this sort of talk, the door opens and two of the apprentices to the witch woman enter, holding the door open. They are less presentable than they were last night for those who saw them. They are dressed in rather filthy looking rags, their hair in tangles. The hold the door for the witch woman who enters with bones tangled into her hair and with the same generally filthy appearance as her apprentices. Add in her old age and she looks every bit the Angel of Death moniker. As she enters, her apprentices begin a chant in a language the wizards in the group do not understand ((PM for Grim and Sirius)) and as she clears the door her apprentices let it close and suddenly winds gust through the hall, window shutters begin to close from the wind and lamps blow out. Only the fire in the middle of the room remains.

The two apprentices continue chanting as they follow the witch woman to the center of the room near the fire. They then roll out a cloth by the fire and the old woman empties a bag onto the cloth. It's a collection of bones, animal and human alike from the looks of them. There are also stones with rune letters on them and some assorted random items like funny looking rocks and what looks like a mummified heart of some small animal.

She leans over the assorted items and makes some gutteral sounds and speaks in the languages the apprentices were using, one of them looks to Ivar, "She says the fires should be ready by the sunset, and she will perform the rites for those who have died." She pauses while the witch woman speaks more then continues her translation, "She says the winds tell her of another matter. A matter which requires her wisdom."

The old woman waves her hand over her bones, pointing at a few of them as she speaks, the apprentice translates, "A great evil has come upon the land. She has felt this evil. Its presence leaves a stench in the north wind. The evil comes with she who bears the crown of the south but will not leave with her. For evil never leaves of its own accord."

The old woman points to Ivar and speaks slightly louder, the translation follows immediately, "He who bears the weight of the Northlands, tell her what you know of this evil which taints the air."

Ivar looks disturbed by the entire ritual taking place, but stands tall and motions towards the party, "Hear it from them, they know the history better than I. I can tell you only what I've seen this day."

The witch snarls a few words and one of the apprentices turns to face the group, "They may speak."

--GM / Thomas

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius gathers the group closer to him for a brief conference, looking to Vesser, Thariania and Ekie primarily.  He whispers: "We should not assume she is referring to Caela as the 'she' who is bringing the evil.  Ekie, Vesser or Thariania, I think it wise for a woman to reply.  Do not invite talk that might endanger Violet who is still in the witch's house.  And don't mention my suspicions about what happened to Caela.  Thanks."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 3:02 AM, Thomas Fulmer <tful...@gmail.com> wrote:

...
 

[David Bofinger]

Vesser whispers back: Sirius, 'She who bears the crown of the South' sounds like Violet's boss. Maybe someone who has a book should warn her not to come, just in case she was planning to."

Vesser will give someone else a chance to talk but speak if they don't.

---
David for Vesser

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[Sirius Mason]

Sirius looking somewhat surprised: "Violet's boss?  You mean Mistress Lily?"

[dpo...@comcast.net]

 IVY:  The elfg  watches  all that is going on, trying to keep alert. He has His Bow  in  hand  and leans on it, Listening to the others. He was out of his comfort zone on this, so he just kept watch.

---

From: "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 10:22:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

[Neal Setchell]

Figol nods in agreement with Sirius's recommendation that the males keep quiet for now. Whispering though he adds, "Let's wait to hear what is said before attending to the Book. I for one am curious if the leadership of the Magii are going to be involved, prophetically speaking."

Figol

[John Garden]

Annadin writes to Vesser, Sirius and Figol, allowing any literate in the group to read but puts finger to his lips:

"Couldn't she simply mean Violet herself? She's basically a crown princess."

Annadin / John

---

Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2015 16:58:21 -0500

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

From: heys...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[Sirius Mason]

"Agreed, and I am inclined to believe that the evil was the rider.  Which of our capable women wishes to speak?"

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[Thariania]

Thariania scrunches her little elf nose a bit, "What exactly might we say that would endanger Violet?"

[Thariania]

Thariania shrugs, "Don't think it matters, she isn't taking the time to cast the bones and get answers. So she's probably already done her scrying and already knows what answers she has. Either that or we're going to be here for a long time for her to read bones."

She looks to the witch woman, "We came from the eastlands of Alandoria. A dragon had come which originally brought us together, only we found out there was perhaps a deeper threat. A cult that worships in secret, conducts human sacrifices and such and worship gods of shadow and flame."

"The woman who kidnapped Runa was one of their followers. She was captured in the free states and was believed to have been killed while awaiting trial. Apparently instead she was smuggled out and somehow ended up a slave here and trying to foment revolt."

"We shared our tales with the Magii, and they sent Violet here with us to try and convince you that this was a shared enemy between our peoples."

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "Yes, Lily. Can you think of anyone else who might be described that way? I suppose if Lily died suddenly they might think about promoting Violet, in which case it could be Violet. Nasty thought."

---
David for Vesser

[Kelley Wheeler]

Ekie had watched the arrival of the old woman and her aids. But as they gathered, she nodded "I agree" she glanced at Vessar surprised but she did grin slightly. "I will speak for us"

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

Sirius Mason <sirius...@gmail.com> wrote:

"Agreed, and I am inclined to believe that the evil was the rider.  Which of our capable women wishes to speak?"

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 10:11 PM, John Garden <vertra...@hotmail.com> wrote:

Annadin writes to Vesser, Sirius and Figol, allowing any literate in the group to read but puts finger to his lips:

"Couldn't she simply mean Violet herself? She's basically a crown princess."

Annadin / John

[Kelley Wheeler]

"Or it could mean someone not in our party" Ekie said with a small shrug of her shoulder. With Thariania speaking for them, she gave a little nod.

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

David Bofinger <bofinge...@gmail.com> wrote:

Vesser: "Yes, Lily. Can you think of anyone else who might be described that way? I suppose if Lily died suddenly they might think about promoting Violet, in which case it could be Violet. Nasty thought."

---
David for Vesser

On 12/03/2015 7:30 AM, "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com> wrote:

Sirius looking somewhat surprised: "Violet's boss?  You mean Mistress Lily?"

On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 12:59 PM, David Bofinger <bofinge...@gmail.com> wrote:

Vesser whispers back: Sirius, 'She who bears the crown of the South' sounds like Violet's boss. Maybe someone who has a book should warn her not to come, just in case she was planning to."

Vesser will give someone else a chance to talk but speak if they don't.

---
David for Vesser

On 12/03/2015 1:22 AM, "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com> wrote:

Sirius gathers the group closer to him for a brief conference, looking to Vesser, Thariania and Ekie primarily.  He whispers: "We should not assume she is referring to Caela as the 'she' who is bringing the evil.  Ekie, Vesser or Thariania, I think it wise for a woman to reply.  Do not invite talk that might endanger Violet who is still in the witch's house.  And don't mention my suspicions about what happened to Caela.  Thanks."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

On Wed, Mar 11, 2015 at 3:02 AM, Thomas Fulmer <tful...@gmail.com> wrote:

...
 

The old woman waves her hand over her bones, pointing at a few of them as she speaks, the apprentice translates, "A great evil has come upon the land. She has felt this evil. Its presence leaves a stench in the north wind. The evil comes with she who bears the crown of the south but will not leave with her. For evil never leaves of its own accord."

The old woman points to Ivar and speaks slightly louder, the translation follows immediately, "He who bears the weight of the Northlands, tell her what you know of this evil which taints the air."

Ivar looks disturbed by the entire ritual taking place, but stands tall and motions towards the party, "Hear it from them, they know the history better than I. I can tell you only what I've seen this day."

The witch snarls a few words and one of the apprentices turns to face the group, "They may speak."

--GM / Thomas

[Thomas Fulmer]

Thariania speaks and the witch woman quickly begins speaking in her strange tongue again, motioning to bones and runes. The apprentice who is translating speaks, "She speaks of this evil, its tendrils like those of the kraken, searching for things to destroy. Seeking also, perhaps others who wish to destroy."

"Frost giants?" Ivar asks, still standing in front of his chair.

"Evil knows evil" The translator continues. The old woman shrieks a bit and holds up the mummified heart, the translator says quickly, "But it is not the tendrils that must die, but the heart of the beast that must be found."

The old one turns and points at Ragnar, saying something involving various hisses and a few gurgles. The translator finishes, "It is he who must find it."

--GM / Thomas

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim slides up besides Ragnar and whispers, "Give me a day and I can point you in the right direction, be it the portal, the south, the east, north or the west. Give me another day and I might give you a distance to the Evil Heart of the Beast that you seek, if it's Odin's will, of course."

/Grim

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar stands at attention as the Angel of Death enters the room.  He watches her ritual and then listens to Thariania speak.  Judging by his expression, he seems dissatisfied. He looks possibly inclined to speak even if the witch woman had not pointed at him.

But as he hears the words of the translator saying he must find the beast's heart, Ragnar stands tall and responds:

"Allfather willin', I, Ragnar Ivarsson Dragonslayer will find the beast's heart with the keen point of my pikeaxe.  It's already pierced the hides of a bunch o' Nidhoggspawn and other Niflheimer, an' fightin' monsters is what I like best."

"There's more, of course, to what we've learned about these Nidhoggkissers than what Thariania here has just summed up.  Would take awhile to tell, but I'll try to keep it short an' you can ask us for more detail on stuff.  I'll stick to what I can guess you might wish afterward that I'd told you."

"So, let's see ..."

"First things first, Ebersfjord's security."  Ragnar nods respectfully at the witch,  "We're extremely grateful to Your Angelic Deathliness for the shield of Mist that has confused southern handwavers for so long and always will be, but, unfortunately, the Nidhoggkissers' handwavin' works in the North.  The evil that's showed up here - well, that sounds to me like the crowned Nidhoggrider that challenged our guest Violet to a duel last night not far from here and then blasted her real bad.  He's a big guy, dressed mostly in black, mithril, silver and gold, calls himself the Master of This World, tosses people around with a wave of his tricksy fingers,even raises the dead, been seen near Menii ridin' a Big Red Nidhoggling who serves and guards him like a wolfhound.  Four other Nidhoggspawn were also followin' his orders in attackin' us near Menii, two Reds and two Blacks.  

"But the blast on Violet isn't even the only case of Nidhoggkissin' handwavin' workin' behind the Mist - there's somethin' up in the mountain tunnels near where we found Runa - maybe it's what the southerners call a gate, maybe somethin' else - but anyway, whatever it is, it seems to be some kind of Nidhoggkissin' doorway that let those giant shadow serpents - apeps, the southerners call 'em - into the tunnels north of here.  The fact that we slew one of them apeps near a Nidhoggkissers' temple a day's march from Minot is what set that looney Caela after us to begin with, so you see how interconnected this all is.  

"And then there's the fact that nobody seems to have seen the Nidhoggrider's Big Red flyin' around last night - so how'd the Nidhoggrider get here?  Makes me wonder if he just blinked himself here and away - or maybe there's another gate much closer to Ebersfjord that he came through.  His various servant Nidhoggkissers have used one that's no more than an hour's walk outside Custiwald - that gate takes 'em from somewhere in Mithras straight to the outskirts of Custiwald City.  So, what if there's already somethin' like that near Ebersfjord?  If they can make a gatelike somethin' in the tunnels and also blast Violet just a short walk from here, then they can make a gatelike somethin' just outside Ebersfjord, too - which could spell big trouble for our womenfolk when we're off raidin' in the spring."

"Okay, thinkin' along the same lines, if there's gonna be some tricksy Nidhoggkissin' attack on Ebersfjord, what might it look like?  Well, sneaky for one thing.  It might not even look like an attack - which makes it a bit harder to react to, if you don't know it's happenin'.  The sheep villagers livin' near that secret Nidhoggkissin' temple east of Minot - their womenfolk were disappearin' slowly one or two at a time over the course of weeks - turns out they were bein' taken for bloody human sacrifice to the apeps, just like Runa here was taken - an' the sheep villagers had no clue what was happenin' at first, but they started lockin' up their womenfolk at night - and guardin' them an' all.  But in the mornin' one or two women would still be missin' - even with the doors still locked an' the guard havin' seen nothin'.  An' how were the Nidhoggkissers doin' that?  Well, we don't know all those details, but handwavin' for sure - an' my guess is invisibility rings an' probably sleep spells for the guards an' whatever else they needed to handwave their way into a locked room."

"So that's one way they've attacked a place before.  The other way is with a big booby-trapped shipment of 'splodin' or monster-makin' gems. They hit a handwavin' school in Coran Torvir that way some months ago, slaughterin' students and teachers alike.  And while we were in Custiwald City, they hit the handwavin' temple the same way, destroyin' the whole buildin' with fire and killin' lots of their handwavers.  Bunch o' cowards, these Nidhoggkissers are!"

"Let's see, what else?  The Nidhoggrider has a bunch of higher-ranked handwavin' followers dressed all in black and carryin' these little rods we call 'pain sticks.'  While these Nidhoggkissers in black don't look all that impressive, they're fairly hard to kill 'cause of all the protective handwavin' stuff - an' the one we did kill was the one the Nidhoggrider raised from the dead.  Bummer that! 

"And the pain sticks themselves seemed to turn our own handwavers' spell power against them, torturin' Ekie and Figol here somethin' fierce.  Not that the Nidhoggkissers need their enemies to try handwavin' to use the pain stick - Annadin here has tasted it twice an' he fights just with his sword. The same sort of pain stick was also used to torment one of the dying Black Nidhogglings that I'd slain.  Not sure what that was about, but this Nidhoggkissin' woman messenger in black didn't like how he'd fought - which I can sorta understand - I'd called him Chicken Lizard to his face for flyin' away when I skewered him.  She said he hadn't served willingly an' she made him pay for it by making his final moments a torment."

"Oh, yeah, although they certainly like torturin' and killin' people in sacrifice to their monster gods, the Nidhoggkissers also seem just as keen on gatherin' followers to worship these monster gods of shadow and flame.  When Vesser an' I slew the Nidhoggrider's messenger in black, the Nidhoggrider was actually *happy* about it and tried to reward us. Point bein', these Nidhoggkissin' cowards will try to tempt the strong as readily as fight.  Which leads me to a final point.  Judgin' by his accent an' all, one of the Nidhoggkissers in black that we met outside Custiwald even seemed to be a Wodinfolk warrior who'd turned handwaver, as shameful as it is to say that one of our own should turn his back on Wodin and the Aesir."  

Ragnar shakes his head with disgust and then steps back, lowering his head slightly to indicate respect to his betters.

Ragnar / Eric

[Thomas Fulmer]

As Ragnar speaks, it seems the translation only goes one way. While the apprentice is translating what the old woman says, no one seems to be translating Ragnar's words to her. She obviously speaks common.

As he finishes the old woman hacks out another series of words. She picks up the stones and bones, holds them high and drops them again on the cloth, she continues speaking. The apprentice says, "As it has been foreseen, he is already on the trail. The spinners have woven this tale of glory and death which shall be remembered for generations." She pauses while the bones are dropped and then continues, "The path is not easy and victory is not certain."

As the old woman indicates more bones and speaks more seeming gibberish the apprentice adds, "But the alfather has faith in his warriors. He bids the young Ragnar remember the importance of family." The apprentice looks slightly confused by the last sentence, taking a few extra seconds to listen and saying it a bit slower and more deliberately as if making sure her words are precise.

--GM / Thomas

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar grins as the translator says his upcoming deeds will become a long-remembered tale of glory and death.  He just nods at the path's difficulty and the uncertainty of victory.

In reference to "the importance of family," Ragnar scrunches his face a bit and shoots a glance at his father.  He says:  "Yeah, as the Allfather knows the subject's come up.  But other than agreein' on its importance, nothin' at all's agreed.  I just got home an' my name's not even half-forged, an' the gold's only just begun.  If this were some conversation with another warrior over a horn o' mead, I'd be sayin' it's too early.  I'd been thinkin' to come home bathed in glory and only then see about all that.  But here it's Your Angelic Deathliness quotin' the wisdom of the Ancient One to me, so ... well, obviously the Allfather sees all, knows all, an' I'll do as he bids soon as I'm clear on the particulars."  

Shuffling his feet a bit, Ragnar glances again at his father before again lowering his gaze before the witch.

Ragnar / Eric

On Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 9:17:40 AM UTC-4, Thomas (GM) wrote:

As Ragnar speaks, it seems the translation only goes one way. While the apprentice is translating what the old woman says, no one seems to be translating Ragnar's words to her. She obviously speaks common.

As he finishes the old woman hacks out another series of words. She picks up the stones and bones, holds them high and drops them again on the cloth, she continues speaking. The apprentice sa.ys, "As it has been foreseen, he is already on the trail. The spinners have woven this tale of glory and death which shall be remembered for generations." She pauses while the bones are dropped and then continues, "The path is not easy and victory is not certain."

[Thomas Fulmer]

The witch slams her hand on the ground as if for emphasis as she speaks, mid way through the winds start picking up in the hall for some reason. When she finishes speaking she stands to rise. Her apprentice quickly translates, "The Allfather believes he has made your next steps clear...it is perhaps the Allfathers wisdom that he chooses to give next steps to those who cannot speak them. For he desires actions and not words"

Turning to Ivar, as the witch woman begins to leave, the Interpreter finishes, "Remember the affairs of men are of no concern to the gods, only the manner in which men live matters to them in the end. It is courage, bravery and action they seek. Those who would have our people serve them will end such bravery and the light of the gods would be lost to mortals forever. We return to the dead, they need us more than the living this day." The apprentices turn and follow the old woman from the hall. As they leave the winds die down again and the hall is left as it was.

--GM / Thomas

[Thariania]

Thariania waves as the witch and her apprentices leave. "I like them, fun group."

She stares at Annadin as if waiting for something.

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim will stick around and follow the group. If there is time he will ask the runes for a direction and length of journey.

Example questions, "Is the closest way to Ragnar's destiny more to the south than to the north." Followed by east/west, longer than a days walk, longer than 5 days walk, etc.

He will also ask if it is Wodin's will that they brave the portal in the mountain cave. He will share any answers with the others.

(ooc: I will be going on a no internet vacation, back in a week.) 

[Thomas Fulmer]

Grim heads off into the woods to do some scrying based on the revelations of the meeting to this point.

Ivar waits until the witch woman leaves. He then motions for most everyone to leave. Those remaining in the room are Ivar, the party, and one of his ship masters a warrior Ragnar knows at Alfvine Ragnarson (no relation).

"The witch says much with little..." He says with a nod, "To me at least...she has made it clear that this power to the south you all have spoken of is a danger to my lands and thus is also an enemy of mine."

"Alfvine..." Ivar says to his shipsmaster, "Get the Skyserpent back into the water and get a crew together, one that can navigate the icebergs and isn't afraid of the deep sea snakes that come up in the winter."

He nods, "We'll have the ship ready to depart sometime in the morning, lord" The warrior leaves quickly to carry out his orders.

Ivar turns back to the party, "Ragnar, your friends said they wanted to speak to other lords in the north to find allies. You can take the Skyserpent and go to whichever lords you wish, although not all will be receptive. Try not to make too many new enemies. Our soon to be new inlaws I'll take care of, I'll send Arik to them."

"I suggest having your friends new slave Calima make up some songs about the glorious battles that await them if they agree to help slay this shadowing enemy."

--GM / Thomas

--

[John Lowry]

Annadin acknowledges Thariania's gaze with the very slightest shake of the head.  After the witch has left, he writes a slate to her in Elvish.

(PM incoming for Thariania)

Annadin / John

---

Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:47:46 -0400

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

From: thar...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[Thariania]

Thariania sighs, "You people are so literal with what gods and spirits say. He is not going to come out and say 'walk twelve paces to your left' that is not how they define clear."

"Just write down everything he told you preferably verbatim and in whatever language he used"

Thariania exhales a deep breath, "He's punishing me for not going to Valhalla, vindictive SOB."

[Thariania]

Thariania looks to Calima, "Sounds like a plan for tonight, I'll do some fletching and you can do some song writing."

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

> ...  The warrior leaves quickly to carry out his orders.

> Ivar turns back to the party, "Ragnar, your friends said they wanted to speak to other lords in the north to find allies. You can take the Skyserpent and go to whichever lords you wish, although not all will > be receptive. Try not to make too many new enemies. Our soon to be new inlaws I'll take care of, I'll send Arik to them."

ooc:  I'm assuming that Ragnar has a mental list of lords and knows something about each of them already, just from having grown up in Wodinland.

IC: 

Ragnar inclines his head to his father, "Thank you, Papa.  May the bards long sing of our war against the Nidhoggkissers!"  

"Have there been any changes in affairs with the other earls since I first sailed south, Papa?  I reckon we'll go to Earl Cynewulf's hold among others - after the apep battle, the Allfather promised somethin' to Annadin, a reward of some kind, if he went there."

Assuming that Alfvine, Hogni and Runa are all gone, Ragnar continues:

"And that brings me to the other thing.  The Allfather said I already had my reward but I might not know it yet.  And now the Angel of Death says the Ancient One wants me to remember the importance of family.  Well, you and Mama were just talking to me about exactly that yesterday before we knew Runa had been kidnapped.  You know I'm not too keen to get married right now - but I'm not gonna set myself at odds with the Allfather's will or advice.  What I'm not clear about is whether he definitely means I'm supposed to marry Runa - or if he just means I should hurry up an' get married, probably before I go off to slay the heart of the beast.  I know where you stand on Runa, Papa - an' I know how Mama looks at it.  And you know I barely know her and I only just got back to Wodinland anyhow - and anyway I had other ideas on the subject of marriage in terms of timin' an' choices."

"Normally I'd talk to you about this without my friends here, but Thariania, Ekie and Vesser saw what happened in the woods that night.  And I'm thinkin' that's relevant somehow, given Mama's view of the matter."

Ragnar turns to the women in the group, "I'm not askin' you what happened in the woods.  I'm askin' you to talk to each other without me an' figure out whether what happened in the woods matters.  Somehow I'm supposed to decide whether I'm supposed to marry Runa or just marry someone before we leave Wodinland."

Ragnar looks particularly at Thariania, "If Runa hadn't been right here in the hall, I wouldn'ta been so vague in my last sorta question to the Angel - and then maybe she wouldn'ta been so annoyed an' left in a huff like that.  But that's spilt milk.  Point is, Thariania, when we were in Mithras, you asked me if I had anything to ask the spirits.  I didn't then, but I do now.  But you've said it's harder or more dangerous for you askin' here in Wodinland, and, honestly, I'd feel mighty silly havin' you ask the spirits who I'm supposed to marry.  I mean, seriously?  That's what I want to know?  If the Allfather didn't seem to think this was important to deal with right now, I sure wouldn't."

"So, I guess, I'm askin' you first to think about whether you think it makes sense to ask the spirits this.  I don't like this 'the-Allfather-says-hurry-up-an'-marry' feelin', an' I especially don't like this 'do-I-have-any-choice-in-who?' feelin'.  It's not that I don't like Runa.  She's pretty an' she's got guts an' knows somethin' 'bout handwavin' - an' those are all good things in a Wodinfrau.  But those aren't all the things we Wodinmen think about when decidin' on a wife.  If you'd rather not ask the spirits somethin' so silly and you think you can figure this out just by talkin' to Ekie an' Vesser, then do that.  But if you're gonna talk to the spirits anyway, I'd like you to ask this."

"Of course, you could ask them more important stuff about our mission, too - like how we're supposed to find the heart of the beast - or whether it's the same or different from this crowned Nidhoggrider.  Or what, if anythin', we can do to help Violet."

Finally, Ragnar turns back to his father, "Papa, have you an' Mama been talkin' more about this otherwise?  Do you have a short list of girls whose families you'd like to link our clan to?  The Allfather may've already decided on Runa for me anyway, but if he hasn't, I think we need to move on gettin' an answer on this whole marriage thing.  Maybe for after we come back from talking to the other lords? Not that I'm keen for marryin' now."

Ragnar / Eric

[Thariania]

Thariania listens to Ragnar's question, "What am I, a fortune teller? Pay someone in the market to read your palm and give you a vague answer. You know I don't believe in taking specific actions based on prophecy. It's for guiding us through bad times, not for dictating our lives to us. Asks the spirits to determine your personal life and you might as well start asking them if you should get dressed today or not."

"As for Runa, she seems like a great girl. Has heart too. Are you sure you are supposed to get married though? The words could just as easily mean don't forget the importance your father or brothers can play in the mission. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not interpreting. Prophecy is a guide, and it guides those that it is meant to. It was directed at you so whatever actions you take as a result are likely those that were supposed to happen." 

After a few seconds she adds, "Unless you do something stupid like a piggy, in which case they shouldn't have trusted you with prophecy in the first place."

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius:  "We aren't leaving without Violet."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[John Garden]

Annadin writes on his slate to Sirius.  He allows literate in the party to glance at it if they wish, but he doesn't have it read aloud:

"Sirius, have you had chance to spellsniff her condition?"

Annadin then writes to Ekie, again allowing literate in the party to glance at it without reading it aloud:

"Ekie, can your telepathy communicate with unconscious people?"

Annadin / John

---

Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:09:13 -0400

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

From: sirius...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[John Garden]

Annadin nods, taps his flute and writes to Calima via Ekie:

"I'll help with battle ideas and accompaniment."

Annadin / John

---

Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 18:51:21 -0400

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

From: thar...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Thariania looks to Calima, "Sounds like a plan for tonight, I'll do some fletching and you can do some song writing."

On Mar 24, 2015 10:19, "Thomas Fulmer" <tful...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> "I suggest having your friends new slave Calima make up some songs about the glorious battles that await them if they agree to help slay this shadowing enemy."
>
>

[tragic...@aol.com]

"I cannot. They need to be conscious." Ekie answered. Though such would be interesting if it were possible.

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my HTC

----- Reply message -----
From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold
Date: Wed, Mar 25, 2015 4:23 PM

Annadin writes on his slate to Sirius.  He allows literate in the party to glance at it if they wish, but he doesn't have it read aloud:
"Sirius, have you had chance to spellsniff her condition?"
Annadin then writes to Ekie, again allowing literate in the party to glance at it without reading it aloud:
"Ekie, can your telepathy communicate with unconscious people?"
Annadin / John

Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:09:13 -0400
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold
From: sirius...@gmail.com

To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sirius:  "We aren't leaving without Violet."

Good Fortune,
Richard / Sirius

On Tue, Mar 24, 2015 at 10:19 AM, Thomas Fulmer <tful...@gmail.com

> wrote:
Grim heads off into the woods to do some scrying based on the revelations of the meeting to this point.
Ivar waits until the witch woman leaves. He then motions for most everyone to leave. Those remaining in the room are Ivar, the party, and one of his ship masters a warrior Ragnar knows at Alfvine Ragnarson (no relation).
"The witch says much with little..." He says with a nod, "To me at least...she has made it clear that this power to the south you all have spoken of is a danger to my lands and thus is also an enemy of mine."
"Alfvine..." Ivar says to his shipsmaster, "Get the Skyserpent back into the water and get a crew together, one that can navigate the icebergs and isn't afraid of the deep sea snakes that come up in the winter."
He nods, "We'll have the ship ready to depart sometime in the morning, lord" The warrior leaves quickly to carry out his orders.
Ivar turns back to the party, "Ragnar, your friends said they wanted to speak to other lords in the north to find allies. You can take the Skyserpent and go to whichever lords you wish, although not all will be receptive. Try not to make too many new enemies. Our soon to be new inlaws I'll take care of, I'll send Arik to them."
"I suggest having your friends new slave Calima make up some songs about the glorious battles that await them if they agree to help slay this shadowing enemy."
--GM / Thomas


On Mon, Mar 23, 2015 at 6:40 PM Nils Lindeberg <018.5...@telia.com> wrote:
Grim will stick around and follow the group. If there is time he will ask the runes for a direction and length of journey.Example questions, "Is the closest way to Ragnar's destiny more to the south than to the north." Followed by east/west, longer than a days walk, longer than 5 days walk, etc.He will also ask if it is Wodin's will that they brave the portal in the mountain cave. He will share any answers with the others.
(ooc: I will be going on a no internet vacation, back in a week.) 




-- 

Check out the Empire of Mithras Wiki!

[Sirius Mason]

"Spellsniffer does not provide information on individual health."

"Perhaps I should phrase my objection differently.  We need to gate out of here back to the tower.  Westland no chance against our opponent.  We cannot get caught again in the open.  We must seek out to Violet's master, Lily."

Good fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[Thomas Fulmer]

Ivar thinks for a few minutes before answering the question. "Your mother thinks well of Runa, I do too, she is a spirited girl obviously. Her father, Hogni, is a brave warrior as well, as brave as they come. Runa obviously did not fall far from the tree. With that said, they basically a popper and you could likely do better for yourself."

"As for guidance from Wodin, the one eyed god is not always so clear as we'd like. I know what he wants me to do, which is to support this mission though he didn't say it outright. The rest I don't understand nor do I think I need to or was meant to."

"But remember what the witch said, what the gods want most is that we live well."

--GM / Thomas

[John Garden]

ooc:  Did Sirius mean to write or to speak his last comments?  They are each short stacatto sentences and that gives the feel of something that might well have been intended for the slate.  Just wondering.

IC:

> "Spellsniffer does not provide information on individual health."

Annadin writes again to Sirius on his slate, allowing the literate to glance at without reading aloud:

"Even if there's a spell on Violet vs. recovery? Just a thought"

> "Perhaps I should phrase my objection differently.  We need to gate out of here back to the tower.  Westland no chance against > > our opponent.  We cannot get caught again in the open.  We must seek out to Violet's master, Lily."

Annadin responds to Sirius:

"Do you or Figol have half-gate in Tower? Could Lily teleport here?"

Annadin / John

---

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold
From: sirius...@gmail.com

Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 08:00:41 -0400
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[John Garden]

Annadin looks amused and writes to Thariania, this time in Common, allowing any literate to read aloud:

"Maybe you misunderstood my alternative non-literal interpretations?"

Annadin writes the next slate and hands it over with a shrug:

"'Cannot speak them' doesn't necessarily mean mute.  Just could be."

Annadin continues:

"Anyway no need feel slighted; Allfather's spoken w you more recently"

Annadin continues:

"My conversation other night pretty long. Allfather almost chatty, so ..."

Annadin continues:

"...only so much I can get verbatim, but I'll do my best with that in a bit."

Annadin continues:

"Apart from 'talking wolf' stuff, most important statements probably these:"

Annadin continues:

"'The Wodinfolk battle because the gods battle.  Their enemies are . . .'" 

Annadin continues:

"'... the gods' enemies. If one were wise, this knowledge might be useful.'"

Annadin continues:

"Moments later dropped mortal disguise, mounted 8-legged horse, said:"

Annadin continues:

"'I am Wodin Alfaeder, and I go now to war against my enemies!'"

Annadin continues:

"He swung around, rode north full speed. We also went north in morning"

Annadin continues:

"I figured our battle w apeps somehow paralleled whatever Wodin doing"

Annadin continues:

"Right after that battle he appeared to you & Vesser, talking about rewards"

Annadin continues:

"and that's when Allfather told you of reward for me at Cynewulf's hold."

Annadin continues:

"Sounds like possible next step since seeking earl allies matches mission"

Annadin / John

---

Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 18:46:32 -0400
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

[Sirius Mason]

ooc:  Sirius would have spoken his replies, unless we are still in public.  He is not concerned if Ragnar overhears his opinion.  He will not say it in front of Ivar.  Some posts back, I thought we moved to a private place.

"I have been trying to re-learn how to cast a gate. At one time I was a master of gates and their special incantations.  But, I have been focusing on teleport as of late."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

On Thu, Mar 26, 2015 at 2:32 PM, John Garden <vertra...@hotmail.com> wrote:

ooc:  Did Sirius mean to write or to speak his last comments?  They are each short stacatto sentences and that gives the feel of something that might well have been intended for the slate.  Just wondering.

[John Garden]

ooc:  OK.  We were indeed in private before the audience with the witch.  But it was in direct response to Ivar's orders to Alfvine and comments to Ragnar about our leaving on the Skyserpent in the morning that Sirius began this thread that we can't leave without Violet.  -- So, I'd suggest that GM either rule that this thread has spun into flextime in private or else that it's taking place on Annadin's slate in Ivar's presence.  

IC:

Annadin writes to Sirius again, allowing the literate to glance at without reading aloud:

"I'd be all for getting Violet to Tower by gate or teleport,"

Annadin continues:

"but, based on little I know, seems impossible. How do it?"

Annadin / John

 

---

Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:28:37 -0400

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold
From: sirius...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[John Garden]

Annadin writes to Thariania, Ekie, Calima and Ivy (the last two via Ekie):

"With your permission, Thariania, if we're really leaving so soon,"

Annadin continues:

"I think we Elves should buy longbow, arrows, qtrstaff for Calima"

Annadin continues:

"so Vesser can have weapon back. Ivy can pretend buying spare bow,"

Annadin continues:

"Ekie can pretend seeking new staff.  I'll pay for Calima's equipment."

Annadin / John

---

From: vertra...@hotmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:29:11 -0400

[dpo...@comcast.net]

IVY: " aye, we can see what type of craftmenship they have here, in the way of Bows...I would not  mind  finding some godly shafts to use  as well...what ever  the  number of them we find, I can split with Lady Calima..."

---

From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 9:28:31 PM

[Thomas Fulmer]

OOC: Ivar is a benevolent figure for the party for the most part, so it doesn't really matter if he's present or not since he doesn't have a reason to use you it against you. As such, you can through flex time have him available when you want and otherwise assume he isn't there for the sake of your planning conversation

--GM / Thomas

[Thomas Fulmer]

Neither bows nor the quarter staff are particularly desirable weapons in Wodinfolk culture. The tend to prefer weapons with a blade, primarily axes and swords as most warriors are not part of the berserkersgang and thus tend to fight in shield wall (thus wanting one handed weapons).

Ragnar and enough other berserker type warriors keep the demand for two handed weapons and spears up but also don't particularly have an interest in bows or quarter staffs.

As such, you can find the occasional bow or quarter staff, but the quality won't be great and the selection will also not be great.

I'm mostly trying to save the party some cash since most players start with their weapons and don't have to buy them. So it's easy enough for the weather to be inappropriate to depart for a few days while Thariania finishes the weapons and while any further doctoring is done with Violet.

--GM / Thomas

[Neal Setchell]

Figol adds, "We should at minimum wait until Violet achieves consciousness before planning our next move. I am not sure it is possible to communicate with an unconscious person."

Figol will check his book to see if anything has been written fro the Tower.

Figol

[Sirius Mason]

"While in the tower in Koran Torvir, I resumed study with long distance teleportation and a telepathy.  My goal, I admit, was to remaster the skills and then build upon them until I could return to my own world.  I have not yet succeeded with a teleportation, but I am more confident every day that I can remember how to do it.  And if I can do it, I could return Violet to where she can receive the care she requires."

Ooc: I think it really depends on a GM accounting if EXP.

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[John Garden]

ooc:  Getting all 50-plus Wodin-sentences verbatim would be humanoidly impossible for Annadin, so I ran 3d vs IQ for each Wodin-sentence as a decent approximation of imperfect memory of the vision/experience. For simplicity's sake, I didn't do the same for Annadin's non-prophetic words.

 

IC: 

Taking a break from songwriting with Calima, Annadin prepares the promised account of his vision of Wodin.  He then presents it to Ekie, Thariania and the other literate, but allows any literate to read it aloud to those unable to read.  The document reads as follows:

"I ran outside the night of the banquet when I heard the isolated thunderclap, something I associated with the demons' appearance.  But still, I just wanted to listen - that's why I went outside to get away from all the banquet noise.  I didn't plan to approach the women's ceremony unless I could tell that there was a truly unexpected emergency.  

"I was still outside the treeline when I heard at a distance something that sounded like a group of people struggling with a large animal in the forest.  At that point Fleet spontaneously jumped off my shoulder and dashed into the woods.  When I saw him again, he was sitting on the shoulder of this old man, chattering at him.  As the man approached along the path, I saw that he was using a walking stick to compensate for a somewhat lame leg.  As for Fleet, he just ignored my hand signals summoning him back to me.

"I can't remember the Allfather's every word verbatim, so I'll paraphrase what I cannot remember exactly, noting at each point what is verbatim (vbtm).

"When he first spoke to me he said:  (vbtm) 'Eh? Hello there, didn't expect to see anyone passing this way.'

"He asked me why I was out and about so late.  I was silent, of course, but he didn't wait for an answer really.

"Instead, he said: (vbtm) 'No, wait, don't tell me. I'm good at guessing.'

"He then declared that I was searching for something and hadn't found it yet.

"He concluded: (vbtm) 'It's alright, it's not important.'

"He then changed the subject, asking me my opinion of Ebersfjord.  Again he didn't wait to learn that I couldn't speak.

"Instead, he said: (vbtm) 'No, wait, don't tell me. I'm good at this... You think that you're better than these people, don't you? Morally I mean. Nothing but a bunch of pirates and slavers, am I right? No need to tell me, I know you do, all you Alandorians do. Why, I bet your mother would never take her daughter out into the woods and let her fight a life and death struggle against a bull, now would she? Why, that would be morally wrong, wouldn't it?'

"He then excused me from answering the question and acknowledged my concern about you women.  He said that only two of you were in danger, the two young humans (which I took to mean Vesser and Violet), but everything would be alright if you trusted in yourselves.

"He then went back to his lecture on morality: (vbtm) 'You see, you think that these things they do aren't moral.'

"He said that immoral things are sometimes necessary.  Then he seemed to change the subject again, asking me if I doubted the Wodinfolk description of the Frost Giants.

 

"He became excited: (vbtm) 'I've seen them! I have! Come down every year. They'd have overrun Alandoria by now if these people weren't in the way. They maintain this land only by strength. You train strength in war! You have strong babies by having strong mothers and fathers.'

"He then shrugged and said that any girls dying tonight would never give birth to weak children.

"He continued: (vbtm) 'It seems harsh, I know, but your future depends on it as much as theirs! 

"He claimed to be sorry that you'd all decided to go along, but curiosity killed the cat and there was no way to change the outcome now.

"Then he chuckled: (vbtm) 'But what do I know?  Just a crazy old traveler.  What do you think Alandorian? Go ahead, tell me!'

 

"He demanded that I speak, said he couldn't hear me.  

"I attempted to answer with the following and found that I could, in fact, speak aloud:  'Sir, you order a mute to speak.'

"I was pretty shocked and took a few seconds before I collected my thoughts and then said: 'In your guesswork about my thoughts, good sir, may be found interwoven both genuine insight and erroneous presumption.'

"He snorted a bit and said: (vbtm) 'Well, the madman often speaks the truth...that's what the Wodinfolk say.'

"By this point I could see in the darkness that he had a patch over one eye and otherwise was covered with scars on his face and neck.

"He said: (vbtm) 'Walk with me, Alandorian!  You see, Alandorian, sometimes the truth will sound like erroneous presumption and sometimes irrelevancy is genuine insight.  As an example, I could tell you the pirate girl just got kicked by a bull and is half dead.'

"He said either I might think him mad for saying that, that there's no way he could know that, so I wouldn't even bother to check, thinking it erroneous, but then it still might be true.  Or I might believe it, thinking my friend needed help and run to find that she was quite safe.  So he concluded that our judgment sometimes falls short."  

"Just seconds later I heard the death cry of the beast, presumably a bull, based on what the Allfather was saying.

"He continued:  (vbtm) 'So to test your judgement, Alandorian, I'm going to tell you something that is either true...or it isn't.  Tomorrow, someone who is important to your success is going to die unless you meet a talking wolf.'  He smirked, 'What do you think, Alandorian? Genuine insight or the ramblings of a mad man? Hmm?'

 

"I answered: 'Your questions, good sir, come faster than a speaking mute can answer them.  I still have not told you what I think of the Wodinfolk, and it is there in the realm of my thoughts where I am in a position to characterize your words as erroneous presumption interwoven with genuine insight. A mute knows his own thoughts better than the tongued, I might add, for he spends far more time alone with them.'

"He said that maybe he doesn't care about the answers, just the conversation itself is important.

"He clarified: (vbtm) 'Don't get to talk to too many people these days, what with wandering about.'

"I responded: 'But to your latest question, I do not think you mad, nor did I suggest that you were. Indeed, your riddles remind me of Thariania's, and she is anything but mad. Could you be speaking truth about the future? Clearly. Death is always with us, and a talking wolf is no more impossible than the speech now passing my lips. And as the truth of your words depend upon one and only one of these events transpiring on the morrow, then - for the sake of our mission - I shall hope to meet a talking wolf, even if that means meeting a werewolf - although I'd much prefer that the wolf is merely talented and not such a tormented soul.'

 

"He laughed: (vbtm) 'As you say,let's hope you meet a wolf, Alandorian. Or perhaps that I'm mad.' He paused and then added what I told you today, 'The Wodinfolk battle because the gods battle.  Their enemies are the followers of their gods' enemies.  If one were wise, this knowledge might be useful.'

"At that point we became aware that you women were coming our way, and he said he had to go.  He swung his staff in an elaborate motion, and as it passed over his body, his clothing changed into plate armor with a tunic underneath. He wore a decorative helmet and chest piece. His walking stick became a massive spear, larger even than Ragnar's Pike Ax. From the woods an 8-legged horse dashed at us at full speed. The warrior grabbed the horse as it passed and the momentum swept him up into the saddle. The patch over his eye was metal and may have been nailed into him as there was no strap. He still looked old, but not weak.

"He declared: (vbtm) 'I am Woðin Alfæðer, and I go now to war against my enemies!'

"He quickly swung his horse around once and then took off to the north, vanishing from sight.

"Then I woke up in the ditch, being kicked by one of the women."

Annadin / John

---

From: vertra...@hotmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2015 14:46:00 -0400

[John Garden]

Annadin writes to Thariania, Ekie and Vesser before the document circulates to the men:

"Cross out whatever you want if I'm sharing something I shouldn't"

Annadin / John

---

From: vertra...@hotmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Back to the Hold

Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2015 19:24:37 -0400

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar laughs at Thariania's initial response while leaning on his pikeaxe, "Hey, I thought much the same at *your* request in Mithras.  I thought: what am I, everyone's personal bodyguard? But it's no matter - I'm not sayin' I did anythin' different for you than I woulda done anyway without you askin'. You fight bravely, you've got steady nerve, you don't owe me no answers, for sure - I was only askin' 'cause you offered before an' when you offered you didn't set no conditions on it - like on what kind of questions I can ask."

 

"And, hey, I promise this ain't my idea, either. It's the Allfather who seems to think this is important enough to spend spiritbreath on. And yeah, I am sure it's about my marryin' somebody - 'cause what the Angel said sounded nearly the same as what Papa was sayin' privately to me and my brothers yesterday."

 

"Right, Papa?" Ragnar looks to Ivar, "You were sayin' about how important it is to have a family 'cause a man's reputation as a warrior is mostly kept alive by his children and then their children - So, yeah," turning back to Thariania, "I'm sure the Angel's message was about my marryin' somebody so I can have kids." 

 

"So maybe the Allfather and your spirits have different ideas about what's important, but don't put it on me for raisin' this. I'd be happier if it hadn't come up."

 

"And, yeah, I also think that the Allfather's idea of that somebody is Runa - and I'll obey that, too, if I'm sure, but I'm still kinda hopin' the Ancient One has left me  at least some room to make my own decisions on this.  But anyway here's why I think the Allfather means Runa - "

 

"Remember the Allfather told Annadin that someone important to our mission would die the next day unless we met a talking wolf? Well, it was Runa's life that was on the line.   So somehow she's important to our success. OK, maybe that was just for killin' the looney Caela?  I'd like to think that - but there's more."

 

"Remember the Allfather told you an' Vesser after the apep battle that I already had my reward, I just hadn't figured it out yet?  Well, it'd be weird to reward me with stuff I already have, right?  Unless it wasn't like that, I mean, not really my stuff - so what could I maybe have already that isn't my stuff that might be a reward? Well, to me that points to Runa again - and, yeah, that assumes things  about her ..." Ragnar gets a bit vague in his train of thought but then re-focuses, "I dunno, but Mama sure seemed to think there was somethin' goin' on there anyway."

 

"An' then there's the fact that Runa's been favored by the Allfather three times in the past two days - first, whatever  it was you saw in the clearin', based on that whatever it was, Mama said that Runa has more power than she realizes. Then, there's the fact that the Allfather went to the trouble of linin' up a rescue mission for Runa, appearin' to both Annadin and Grim-garm, sayin' they needed to save someone important to our success. And finally there was that clap of thunder in the middle of Runa's duel with the looney Caela  - the thunderclap that turned the tide and let Runa slice open the Nidhoggkisser."

 

"What I sure don't get is how my marryin' Runa would help our mission's chances in any way.  An' like Papa said, her family's quite poor, so it'd be a mighty strange match for an earl's son. If I did it, people would talk for sure - and not in a way that'd help my reputation - which is why I'd rather I was mistaken about what I think the Allfather is tellin' me."

 

"So, you see, Thariania, I'm not askin' you this for personal reasons.  The way I'm hearin' and seein' all this, weird as it sounds, is that my marryin' Runa has somethin' to do with our beatin' the Nidhoggkissers.  And, well, if that's really what the Allfather sees in the tapestry of my fate, then, yeah, I'm willin' to marry her 'cause beatin' the Nidhoggkissers is really important and, sure, I like Runa well enough - like I said, she's pretty an' brave an' got handwavin' skills an' I don't think she'd cause me lotsa grief or nothin'."

 

"But on the other hand, it'd be kinda silly for me to risk my risin' reputation by marryin' a poor girl if that's not actually what the Allfather meant.  Maybe all he means is that I just need to get married right away - in which case, it'd make more sense just to marry the daughter or niece of some earl that Papa wants to reward or please."

 

"That sounds easier to me.  More normal.  But again, normal's bad if it's disobeyin' the Allfather or somehow makin' our mission harder." 

Ragnar shrugs at Thariania, "So that's why I asked you.  And also 'cause you volunteered before to ask the spirits stuff for me."

 

ooc: Hard to be smitten by an NPC my PC has known for just 2 game days.  Ragnar's very pragmatic.

 

Ragnar / Eric

[Thariania]

Thariania listens to the summary, "Sounds like he wants us going to gather allies. Since he specifically left that information vague but noted it would be useful. Perhaps we should be looking for religious earls. Which is most of them probably?"

She looks to Ragnar as she asks the last question.

[Thariania]

Thariania sighs, "Look, it has nothing to do with marriage being important. I think it's a fine practice. I even did it a few times. What I'm saying is, you shouldn't allow decisions to be dictated by prophecy. Prophecy should inform your strategy, not determine your every move. If all you want to do is follow orders, become a slave."

"But, fine, what question is it you want me to ask the spirits? Preferably something that can be answered yes or no, otherwise it might take a long time to get the answer. So I'll ask the spirits a question of your choosing, but remember to word it wisely."

"For example, if you say, 'Am I going to marry Runa?' you might get the answer yes which will cause you to marry Runa and the prophecy will be true. On the other hand, if you asked, 'Does the god wodin specifically want me to marry Runa' you might get the answer no instead. If you ask a question too vague like, "Am I destined to marry Runa?" then whether it answers yes or no it will probably be true since you'll probably follow it."

"In other words, make sure your question reflects the information you actually want to know."

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

ooc:  Sorry - been super busy and, with the time I had, I thought I'd better post to the newer thread that affects everybody, rather than this one that mostly affects Ragnar.  

IC:

Ragnar responds to Thariania, "Well, um, actually it does have to do with marriage bein' important - the Angel of Death made a point to remind me of 'the importance of family' - and that's Wodinfolk-speak for 'the importance of marryin' and havin' children'.  If you'd spent more time up here, you'd know that."

"But really?  You've been married a few times?  I hope all of your husbands were slain in battle!  May they have all reached Valhalla!"  

"But wait - what?"  Ragnar looks bewildered for a moment as he tries to work the rest of this out.  "I thought you said you were a child to your people.  But - if you've been married, - do you have children, too?  Come to think of it, - are your parents children?  If your people's children marry and - and - you told me before you're not gonna get any bigger - but then - how do your people even tell who's an adult and who's a child?!  Must be really confusin' and - and awkward."

Ragnar shakes his head rapidly to chase away the confusing thoughts.

"Anyway, thank you for sayin' you'll ask the spirits about my marriage stuff.  I really wouldn't ask if it was just about me - but all these visions seem to be touchin' on either Runa or my marryin', and that makes me think there's more to it.  And don't worry - I'm not askin' you to go out tonight in this big thunderstorm to ask the spirits - it's urgent but not that urgent!  We may even have to sail before you'll get a chance to go ask.  That's fine as long as you still ask very soon."    (ooc:  This conversation began when the thunderstorm was still raging, i.e. at least a game day before the newest thread.)

Ragnar then thinks hard for a few minutes:

"Okay, what to ask the spirits - um, how about ...... 'Does Wodin Allfather, lord of Asgard, think it'd be wise - or desirable - for me to marry Runa Hognisdottir in particular, rather than some other Wodinfrau?'  Well, except - wait - don't say exactly that, I guess, don't say 'me' - or else the spirits will think you might be thinkin' about marryin' Runa. Which would be, um ... awkward and ... confusin' and ...  really not what we want to know, right?  So use my name instead, I think.  So, let's see, uh ... 'Does Wodin Allfather, lord of Asgard, think it'd be wise or desirable for Ragnar Ivarsson Dragonslayer to marry Runa Hognisdottir in particular, rather than some other Wodinfrau?'  Does that seem to work?"

Ragnar / Eric

[Thariania]

Thariania listens to Ragnar's confused rant about her marriage/adolescent comments, "How would our adults and children not be able to identify each other? Can't you tell the difference between your kids and adults? Anyway, it's very simple really. Everything I do here is my adolescence and when I leave here I'm an adult. Get it? It doesn't matter if I'm pretending to be a child or an adult or an old person or a human or an elf or a Heffalump or a Backson."

Thariania listens to Ragnar's question, "What if he thinks it is wise but not desirable, or desirable but not wise? Desire and wisdom are not the same. So the answer might be yes, but you won't know if it is wise and desirable or just one or the other. Spirits are tricky."

Thariania ponders the question Ragnar asked for a moment, "How about I ask, 'Are the revelations of Wodin directed at Ragnar meant to refer to a marriage between Ragnar and Runa Hognisdottir?' If that answer is yes then you have your answer. If that answer is no then any number of things might be the reason, but you'll have eliminated your leading theory."

If Ragnar approves, Thariania says, "Whatever, I don't mind the rain. Getting too dark to work well on this bow anyway." She skips off into the Thunderstorm towards the trees.

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar responds about Thariania's marriages:  "Well, were you really married then or just pretendin' to be married?  Or were you married but not to your own kind?  Part of what makes our kids kids is - well, yeah, for one thing, they're smaller than us grown-ups - but then, for another thing, they aren't old enough to be married, either, or to raise kids themselves.  And a marriage without kids seems a real shame - but married kids havin' kids don't sound good, either.  That's why I'm so confused."

Ragnar scratches his head as he again considers the question for the spirits:  "Well, actually I gave that other 'wise or desirable' choice on purpose because I don't know the Allfather's motives and really don't much care why as long as I get his purpose.  Like I'd feel kinda silly if I asked the Allfather if he wants me to marry Runa and he maybe just doesn't feel that much about it personally to say that he wants it, but he's recommending it because he knows it's wise.  And the other way around, too, - maybe he wants me to do something that isn't exactly wise but it's still important to him.  I don't really care why he's askin' me to do whatever - I just want to be sure what it is."  

Ragnar struggles a little with part of Thariania's version of the question:  "'Rev-e-la-tions of Wodin?  Fancy word, that.  Are those like his words?  If so, then I'm pretty happy with your question, but - if the spirits are really as tricksy as you say - I think 'directed at' could be a problem.  Only the Angel's prophesy was directed at me - the underground one was directed at you and Vesser - and then there was Annadin's.  It's the combo of the three prophesies that makes me think I'm s'posed to marry Runa, so we don't want to risk lettin' spirit tricksiness cut the first two from the question.  Maybe just say 'about' me instead of 'directed at' me.  Would that work?"

Ragnar / Eric

[Thariania]

Thariania nods, "Sure, but I'm not like you. Part of what makes human kids different is that they are smaller and aren't old enough to get married. Those distinctions aren't really the case for me."

Thariania listens to Ragnar's changes, "Either way is fine. See you soon"

Thariania skips off into the woods. About 90 minutes later she skips back in, soaked and dripping all over. "It's wet out there."

She pulls out her flintknapping kit and a stone and starts working, "Anyway, the question came back as a 'yes' so, umm, I guess congratulations. Can I be the flower girl? Do you even have flower girls up here?"

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius makes an off-hand comment quietly, but Ragnar might hear it.  "I took the family comment to mean one of our adversaries might turn out to be family.  But, go ahead and get married.  It would do you, if not the world, some good."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar appears not to have heard.

Ragnar / Eric

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Seeing Thariania soaked, Ragnar directs Calima or any nearby slave to fetch fresh towels for her.

At Thariania's reported "yes", Ragnar nods his head slowly, "So, there it is.  Thank you, Thariania.  It's what I thought, but it sure helps to know."

"Flower girl?  Probably there's somethin' like that - some role for a small girl - but, honestly, maiden assortment isn't my line.  But, sure, I'll support your having a role in the weddin' party when I do talk with Runa about that stuff."

Ragnar / Eric

[Thariania]

Thariania smiles, "Cool! Should be fun. I like parties. I'll need to get myself some nice Wodinfrau clothes. I should probably be human again. I'll have to think about that."

[tragic...@aol.com]

"Sometimes you must do what is good for the family. And it may not be what you wish. I speak from experience." Ekie was her silent self as Ragner was having his struggle with the question for the spirits. She did give him a smile.

"I believe the match is a good one though. Congratulations my friend"

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my HTC

>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Ragnar responds about Thariania's marriages:  "Well, were you really
>>> married then or just pretendin' to be married?  Or were you married but not
>>> to your own kind?  Part of what makes our kids kids is - well, yeah, for
>>> one thing, they're *smaller *than us grown-ups - but then, for another
>>> thing, they aren't old enough to be married, either, or to raise kids
>>> themselves.  And a marriage without kids seems a real shame - but married
>>> kids havin' kids don't sound good, either.  That's why I'm so confused."
>>>
>>> Ragnar scratches his head as he again considers the question for the
>>> spirits:  "Well, actually I gave that other 'wise or desirable' choice on
>>> purpose because I don't know the Allfather's motives and really don't much
>>> care why as long as I get his purpose.  Like I'd feel kinda silly if I
>>> asked the Allfather if he wants me to marry Runa and he maybe just doesn't *feel
>>> *that much about it personally to say that he *wants *it, but he's
>>> recommending it because he knows it's wise.  And the other way around, too,
>>> - maybe he wants me to do something that isn't exactly *wise *but it's
>>> still important to him.  I don't really care why he's askin' me to do
>>> whatever - I just want to be sure what it is."
>>>
>>> Ragnar struggles a little with part of Thariania's version of the
>>> question:  "'*Rev-e-la-tions* of Wodin?  Fancy word, that.  Are those
>>> like his words?  If so, then I'm pretty happy with your question, but - if
>>> the spirits are really as tricksy as you say - I think 'directed at' could
>>> be a problem.  Only the Angel's prophesy was directed at me - the
>>> underground one was directed at you and Vesser - and then there was
>>> Annadin's.  It's the combo of the three prophesies that makes me think I'm
>>> s'posed to marry Runa, so we don't want to risk lettin' spirit tricksiness
>>> cut the first two from the question.  Maybe just say 'about' me instead of
>>> 'directed at' me.  Would that work?"
>>>
>>> Ragnar / Eric
>>>
>>> On Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:15:05 PM UTC-4, Thariania R wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Thariania listens to Ragnar's confused rant about her
>>>> marriage/adolescent comments, "How would our adults and children not be
>>>> able to identify each other? Can't you tell the difference between your
>>>> kids and adults? Anyway, it's very simple really. Everything I do here is
>>>> my adolescence and when I leave here I'm an adult. Get it? It doesn't
>>>> matter if I'm pretending to be a child or an adult or an old person or a
>>>> human or an elf or a Heffalump or a Backson."
>>>>
>>>> Thariania listens to Ragnar's question, "What if he thinks it is wise
>>>> but not desirable, or desirable but not wise? Desire and wisdom are not the
>>>> same. So the answer might be yes, but you won't know if it is wise and
>>>> desirable or just one or the other. Spirits are tricky."
>>>>
>>>> Thariania ponders the question Ragnar asked for a moment, "How about I
>>>> ask, 'Are the revelations of Wodin directed at Ragnar meant to refer to a
>>>> marriage between Ragnar and Runa Hognisdottir?' If that answer is yes then
>>>> you have your answer. If that answer is no then any number of things might
>>>> be the reason, but you'll have eliminated your leading theory."
>>>>
>>>> If Ragnar approves, Thariania says, "Whatever, I don't mind the rain.
>>>> Getting too dark to work well on this bow anyway." She skips off into the
>>>> Thunderstorm towards the trees.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Sat, Apr 11, 2015 at 7:31 PM, Ragnar Ivarsson <ragnariv...@gmail.com
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> ooc:  Sorry - been super busy and, with the time I had, I thought I'd
>>>>> better post to the newer thread that affects everybody, rather than this
>>>>> one that mostly affects Ragnar.
>>>>>
>>>>> IC:
>>>>>
>>>>> Ragnar responds to Thariania, "Well, um, actually it *does *have to
>>>>> do with marriage bein' important - the Angel of Death made a point to
>>>>> remind me of 'the importance of family' - and that's Wodinfolk-speak for
>>>>> 'the importance of marryin' and havin' children'.  If you'd spent more time
>>>>> up here, you'd know that."
>>>>>
>>>>> "But really?  You've been married a few times?  I hope all of your
>>>>> husbands were slain in battle!  May they have all reached Valhalla!"
>>>>>
>>>>> "But wait - what?"  Ragnar looks bewildered for a moment as he tries
>>>>> to work the rest of this out.  "I thought you said you were a child to your
>>>>> people.  But - if you've been married, - do you have children, too?  Come
>>>>> to think of it, - are your *parents *children?  If your people's
>>>>> children marry and - and - you told me before you're not gonna get any
>>>>> bigger - but then - how do your people even tell who's an adult and who's a
>>>>> child?!  Must be really confusin' and - and awkward."
>>>>>
>>>>> Ragnar shakes his head rapidly to chase away the confusing thoughts.
>>>>>
>>>>> "Anyway, thank you for sayin' you'll ask the spirits about my marriage
>>>>> stuff.  I really wouldn't ask if it was just about me - but all these
>>>>> visions seem to be touchin' on either Runa or my marryin', and that makes
>>>>> me think there's more to it.  And don't worry - I'm not askin' you to go
>>>>> out tonight in this big thunderstorm to ask the spirits - it's urgent but
>>>>> not *that *urgent!  We may even have to sail before you'll get a
>>>>> chance to go ask.  That's fine as long as you still ask very soon."
>>>>>  (ooc:  This conversation began when the thunderstorm was still raging,
>>>>> i.e. at least a game day before the newest thread.)
>>>>>
>>>>> Ragnar then thinks hard for a few minutes:
>>>>>
>>>>> "Okay, what to ask the spirits - um, how about ...... 'Does Wodin
>>>>> Allfather, lord of Asgard, think it'd be wise - or desirable - for me to
>>>>> marry Runa Hognisdottir in particular, rather than some other Wodinfrau?'
>>>>>  Well, except - wait - don't say exactly *that*, I guess, don't say '
>>>>> *me*' - or else the spirits will think *you *might be thinkin' about
>>>>> marryin' Runa. Which would be, um ... awkward and ... confusin' and ...
>>>>>  really not what we want to know, right?  So use my name instead, I think.
>>>>> So, let's see, uh ... 'Does Wodin Allfather, lord of Asgard, think it'd be
>>>>> wise or desirable for Ragnar Ivarsson Dragonslayer to marry Runa
>>>>> Hognisdottir in particular, rather than some other Wodinfrau?'  Does that
>>>>> seem to work?"
>>>>>
>>>>> Ragnar / Eric
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sunday, April 5, 2015 at 5:01:09 PM UTC-4, Thariania R wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Thariania sighs, "Look, it has nothing to do with marriage being
>>>>>> important. I think it's a fine practice. I even did it a few times. What
>>>>>> I'm saying is, you shouldn't allow decisions to be dictated by prophecy.
>>>>>> Prophecy should inform your strategy, not determine your every move. If all
>>>>>> you want to do is follow orders, become a slave."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "But, fine, what question is it you want me to ask the spirits?
>>>>>> Preferably something that can be answered yes or no, otherwise it might
>>>>>> take a long time to get the answer. So I'll ask the spirits a question of
>>>>>> your choosing, but remember to word it wisely."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "For example, if you say, 'Am I going to marry Runa?' you might get
>>>>>> the answer yes which will cause you to marry Runa and the prophecy will be
>>>>>> true. On the other hand, if you asked, 'Does the god wodin specifically
>>>>>> want me to marry Runa' you might get the answer no instead. If you ask a
>>>>>> question too vague like, "Am I destined to marry Runa?" then whether it
>>>>>> answers yes or no it will probably be true since you'll probably follow it."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "In other words, make sure your question reflects the information you
>>>>>> actually want to know."
>>>>>> Ragnar laughs at Thariania's initial response while leaning on his
>>>>>> pikeaxe, "Hey, I thought much the same at *your* request in Mithras.  I
>>>>>> thought: what am I, everyone's personal bodyguard? But it's no matter - I'm
>>>>>> not sayin' I did anythin' different for you than I woulda done anyway
>>>>>> without you askin'. You fight bravely, you've got steady nerve, you don't
>>>>>> owe me no answers, for sure - I was only askin' 'cause you offered before
>>>>>> an' when you offered you didn't set no conditions on it - like on what kind
>>>>>> of questions I can ask."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "And, hey, I promise this ain't my idea, either. It's the Allfather
>>>>>> who seems to think this is important enough to spend spiritbreath on. And
>>>>>> yeah, I am sure it's about my marryin' somebody - 'cause what the Angel
>>>>>> said sounded nearly the same as what Papa was sayin' privately to me and my
>>>>>> brothers yesterday."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Right, Papa?" Ragnar looks to Ivar, "You were sayin' about how
>>>>>> important it is to have a family 'cause a man's reputation as a warrior is
>>>>>> mostly kept alive by his children and then their children - So, yeah,"
>>>>>> turning back to Thariania, "I'm sure the Angel's message was about my
>>>>>> marryin' somebody so I can have kids."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "So maybe the Allfather and your spirits have different ideas about
>>>>>> what's important, but don't put it on me for raisin' this. I'd be happier
>>>>>> if it hadn't come up."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "And, yeah, I also think that the Allfather's idea of that somebody
>>>>>> is Runa - and I'll obey that, too, if I'm sure, but I'm still kinda hopin'
>>>>>> the Ancient One has left me  at least some room to make my own decisions on
>>>>>> this.  But anyway here's why I think the Allfather means Runa - "
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Remember the Allfather told Annadin that someone important to our
>>>>>> mission would die the next day unless we met a talking wolf? Well, it was
>>>>>> Runa's life that was on the line.   So somehow she's important to our
>>>>>> success. OK, maybe that was just for killin' the looney Caela?  I'd like to
>>>>>> think that - but there's more."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Remember the Allfather told you an' Vesser after the apep battle
>>>>>> that I already had my reward, I just hadn't figured it out yet?  Well, it'd
>>>>>> be weird to reward me with stuff I already have, right?  Unless it wasn't
>>>>>> like that, I mean, not really my stuff - so what could I maybe have already
>>>>>> that isn't my stuff that might be a reward? Well, to me that points to Runa
>>>>>> again - and, yeah, that assumes things  about her ..." Ragnar gets a bit
>>>>>> vague in his train of thought but then re-focuses, "I dunno, but Mama sure
>>>>>> seemed to think there was somethin' goin' on there anyway."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "An' then there's the fact that Runa's been favored by the Allfather
>>>>>> three times in the past two days - first, whatever  it was you saw in the
>>>>>> clearin', based on that whatever it was, Mama said that Runa has more power
>>>>>> than she realizes. Then, there's the fact that the Allfather went to the
>>>>>> trouble of linin' up a rescue mission for Runa, appearin' to both Annadin
>>>>>> and Grim-garm, sayin' they needed to save someone important to our success.
>>>>>> And finally there was that clap of thunder in the middle of Runa's duel
>>>>>> with the looney Caela  - the thunderclap that turned the tide and let Runa
>>>>>> slice open the Nidhoggkisser."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "What I sure don't get is how my marryin' Runa would help our
>>>>>> mission's chances in any way.  An' like Papa said, her family's quite poor,
>>>>>> so it'd be a mighty strange match for an earl's son. If I did it, people
>>>>>> would talk for sure - and not in a way that'd help my reputation - which is
>>>>>> why I'd rather I was mistaken about what I think the Allfather is tellin'
>>>>>> me."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "So, you see, Thariania, I'm not askin' you this for personal
>>>>>> reasons.  The way I'm hearin' and seein' all this, weird as it sounds, is
>>>>>> that my marryin' Runa has somethin' to do with our beatin' the
>>>>>> Nidhoggkissers.  And, well, if that's really what the Allfather sees in the
>>>>>> tapestry of my fate, then, yeah, I'm willin' to marry her 'cause beatin'
>>>>>> the Nidhoggkissers is really important and, sure, I like Runa well enough -
>>>>>> like I said, she's pretty an' brave an' got handwavin' skills an' I don't
>>>>>> think she'd cause me lotsa grief or nothin'."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "But on the other hand, it'd be kinda silly for me to risk my risin'
>>>>>> reputation by marryin' a poor girl if that's not actually what the
>>>>>> Allfather meant.  Maybe all he means is that I just need to get married
>>>>>> right away - in which case, it'd make more sense just to marry the daughter
>>>>>> or niece of some earl that Papa wants to reward or please."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "That sounds easier to me.  More normal.  But again, normal's bad if
>>>>>> it's disobeyin' the Allfather or somehow makin' our mission harder."
>>>>>> Ragnar shrugs at Thariania, "So that's why I asked you.  And also
>>>>>> 'cause you volunteered before to ask the spirits stuff for me."
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ooc: Hard to be smitten by an NPC my PC has known for just 2 game
>>>>>> days.  Ragnar's very pragmatic.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ragnar / Eric
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 8:53:56 PM UTC-4, Thariania R wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thariania listens to Ragnar's question, "What am I, a fortune
>>>>>>> teller? Pay someone in the market to read your palm and give you a vague
>>>>>>> answer. You know I don't believe in taking specific actions based on
>>>>>>> prophecy. It's for guiding us through bad times, not for dictating our
>>>>>>> lives to us. Asks the spirits to determine your personal life and you might
>>>>>>> as well start asking them if you should get dressed today or not."
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "As for Runa, she seems like a great girl. Has heart too. Are you
>>>>>>> sure you are supposed to get married though? The words could just as easily
>>>>>>> mean don't forget the importance your father or brothers can play in the
>>>>>>> mission. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not interpreting. Prophecy is a
>>>>>>> guide, and it guides those that it is meant to. It was directed at you so
>>>>>>> whatever actions you take as a result are likely those that were supposed
>>>>>>> to happen."
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> After a few seconds she adds, "Unless you do something stupid like a
>>>>>>> piggy, in which case they shouldn't have trusted you with prophecy in the
>>>>>>> first place."
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Tue, Mar 24, 2015 at 8:04 PM, Ragnar Ivarsson <
>>>>>>> ragnariv...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Ragnar looks particularly at Thariania, "If Runa hadn't been right
>>>>>>>> here in the hall, I wouldn'ta been so vague in my last sorta question to
>>>>>>>> the Angel - and then maybe she wouldn'ta been so annoyed an' left in a huff
>>>>>>>> like that.  But that's spilt milk.  Point is, Thariania, when we were in
>>>>>>>> Mithras, you asked me if I had anything to ask the spirits.  I didn't then,
>>>>>>>> but I do now.  But you've said it's harder or more dangerous for you askin'
>>>>>>>> here in Wodinland, and, honestly, I'd feel mighty silly havin' you ask the
>>>>>>>> spirits who I'm supposed to marry.  I mean, seriously?  That's what I want
>>>>>>>> to know?  If the Allfather didn't seem to think this was important to deal
>>>>>>>> with right now, I sure wouldn't."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "So, I guess, I'm askin' you first to think about whether you think
>>>>>>>> it makes sense to ask the spirits this.  I don't like this
>>>>>>>> 'the-Allfather-says-hurry-up-an'-marry' feelin', an' I especially
>>>>>>>> don't like this 'do-I-have-any-choice-in-who?' feelin'.  It's not that I
>>>>>>>> don't like Runa.  She's pretty an' she's got guts an' knows somethin' 'bout
>>>>>>>> handwavin' - an' those are all good things in a Wodinfrau.  But those
>>>>>>>> aren't all the things we Wodinmen think about when decidin' on a wife.  If
>>>>>>>> you'd rather not ask the spirits somethin' so silly and you think you can
>>>>>>>> figure this out just by talkin' to Ekie an' Vesser, then do that.  But if
>>>>>>>> you're gonna talk to the spirits anyway, I'd like you to ask this."
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>  --
>>>>>> Check out the Empire of Mithras Wiki!
>>>>>> http://theempireofmithras.com/w/index.php/Main_Page

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar nods at Thariania, "Nothin' wrong with the way you are now, but, sure, come as a Wodinfrau if you want."  

"But if you wanna come to a party, there'll be a small one much earlier than the wedding.  At Hogni's, when I show up to ask for Runa's hand."  

Ragnar looks around at the group as a whole, "While I'd like to bring all o'ya, I can't 'cause it'd put Hogni too much on the spot.  Oh, I'm sure he can throw at least some kinda party, but he ain't got mead comin' out his ears like Papa, neither.  So I can only bring a few, 'cause every proud Wodin warrior'll do all he can to feed whoever comes to his house even if it empties his larder."

Ragnar turns back to Thariania, "But anyway the way this works is the guy brings one or two members of his family and some friends to the woman's home - then we all get invited to eat and drink a lot.  Somewhere in there I let 'em know why I'm there - and then it's up to Runa.  At some point in the eatin' and drinkin', if she's decided she wants to say 'yes', then she'll come refill my horn with mead herself, rather than lettin' a slave do it.  Assumin' she does that, we all get even more drunk and haggle with Hogni about bride-price an' dowry an' wedding date an' such."

"So, Thariania, I'd like you to come with me and Papa and - uh - bring Calima along to sing.  I doubt Hogni will have any entertainment around, so we should bring ours.  And ..."  Ragnar looks around at the group, "Annadin, you and Fleet, I'd like you to come, too.  The Allfather's favored you and Thariania both, and you can help Calima lots with the entertainin'."

"As for when this'll be?  Hm, well, I don't much care to propose in a thunderstorm - unless ... what day is today?" Ragnar asks the room at large.  

Someone - doesn't matter who - will know it's the 8th day of the current moon and the 38th day of Winter.  (ooc:  Date is from the GM, but Ragnar would have to ask.  He doesn't keep track of things like that)

"Well, not tonight then.  Tomorrow night would be real good, 9th and 39th, but only if the weather stays bad for sailin'.  I'm not gonna hold up our trip to Cynewulf's if it does clear.  We'll be back soon enough and I can propose then, too."

Ragnar / Eric