Sovellis Nimble Mind and Body

[Sovellis]

Sovellis groaned as he woke up on the hard stone floor of Noor's mountain hut. This wouldn't do. "First thing we need to work on is making a better bed. Stone is not kind to my poor spine," he grumbled, "and I'm guessing we're going to be out here for a while." Stretching the stiffness from his limbs, he got up and looked around. The giant cat was laying on top of Noor, and the dog, Dael, was laying on top of the cat. The sight made him smile. 

 

He tried prodding his friend, who appeared to still be asleep. No reaction. So strange, her skin really felt like stone. Sighing, he got dressed and headed out into the cool sunny day. If she was still asleep, he may as well explore a bit and get the lay of the land.

 

<------<<<

 

Okay, so finally getting this post up. I had some family stuff that needed to be taken care of, but now that's out of the way. Still kinda processing stuff, but I think I can finally move forward with the challenge. I've moved over to the assassins because I want to work more on dex based stuff like slacklining. I'm trying to keep going on the habits I've been building in previous challenges, re-trying a failed goal, and adding in some new goals. This challenge will be done partly in conjunction with my friend Noor (her challenge post can be found here: Breaking Stoneshape ) Anyways, here's my goals for this challenge!

 

1. No Taverns in the Wild Redeux (CON): A = 1 day or less of drinking a week B = 2 days of drinking a week C = 3 days of drinking a week F = more than 3 days

2. Nimble Hunter (DEX): A = 5 days or more a week doing slacklining or archery B = 4 days a week C = 3 days a week

3. Warrior Poet (CHA/INT): Write a limerick a day! A = 38 days B = 32 C = 28

4. Make Ishu Proud (STR/STA): Keep up the strength and cardio training! A = 38 days B = 32 C = 28

[Jett]

Welcome to the assassins.

 

I'm seriously looking foreward to your limerick per day. Please tell me you're posting them!!

[Sovellis]

As Sovellis explored the area around the stone hut, he felt a sense of foreboding, as if there was some unseen threat lurking among the rocks and trees. A couple of times he could have sworn he heard something moving just out of sight. He decided that it wasn't worth the risk to brush this feeling off. After some investigating, he found tracks left by a large, clawed creature of some sort. Drawing his bow, he tried to track whatever was apparently tracking him, but he lost the trail quickly.

 

"Damn. I just hope it isn't hungry." 

 

He headed back to the hut to see if Noor was up, and what her plan was for dealing with their unusual predicament. Maybe she knew what that beast was that had been following him. While he was returning, a branch caught on his scabbard, causing the frog to snap and a few choice words to come out of the elf. Forced to carry his sword and possibly hunted by some unknown creature. This certainly was a promising beginning to this adventure. Oh well, he would find the beast and slay it if he needed to, and the frog could be easily mended. 

 

<------<<<

 

Did my run, starting over on the c25k improver app, that went pretty well. Hamstrings were a bit tight to start, but loosened up quickly, and I posted a better time than last time. Unfortunately, my arm band for my phone is just not up to the task. The velcro on it sucks, so I'm planning on heading out to a craft store to get some that's a bit more enthusiastic about its job. Simple fix, just irritating. Also, instead of putting it off again because it's anxiety provoking, I actually went and looked for the continuing review form I need to submit to the IRB. My advisor said it should be in the IRB handbook. It isn't. It also isn't in our dissertation handbook. Or on the website. Or anywhere that I can think of to look. So that's great. I have to track this down and take care of it, preferably before the 16th, which is the last meeting of the IRB. I sent an email to my advisor explaining the issue, so hopefully she can point me in the right direction.

 

 

Welcome to the assassins.

 

I'm seriously looking foreward to your limerick per day. Please tell me you're posting them!!

 

Thanks! And of course I'm going to post them, I'm too much of a show off not to, lol! I can't guarantee they'll be any good, but I'll certainly try.

[petefeet]

Following along buddy!

[Sovellis]

Sovellis spent the better part of the day working on limericks in his little book, while Noor investigated the curse intently. After a while, he grew antsy. He did what he could to convince Noor to go out hunting with him, thinking it might be good to get her out and moving, but she was too absorbed in her studies. He couldn't really blame her, that was important work. So he just shrugged and headed out himself, despite not really wanting to run into the mysterious beast alone.

 

While the rocky slopes higher in the mountains were relatively bare of game, here among the trees there was a plethora of potential prey. It took longer than he would have liked, but eventually he had accumulated a good group of rabbits. On his return to the hut with his haul, a twig snapped in the bushes off to his left. He turned just in time to pull his sword as a large, vicious, catlike creature leaped out at him. Intending to rely on the ambush attack, it howled in pain and irritation as the tip of his blade sunk into its shoulder. It halted the attack and vanished back into the underbrush, leaving Sovellis shaken and uneasy. He hurried back to the hut, constantly scanning the bushes beside the trail.

 

<------<<<

 

There was surprise dnd last night! Woo! Unfortunately that means another late night, and me getting out of bed at 2 in the afternoon. I worked on limericks for a while, waiting for a response from my advisor about the irb form. They're really rough still and need some tweaking, but here's a sampling:

 

I have this d20

That rolls high plenty

But thinks it's more fun

When it gives me a 1

I admit it adds some comedy

 

The rest I'm working on are actually a series, telling a story. Unfortunately the one I'm struggling with the most is the first, and none of the rest would make sense without it, so you'll all have to wait for that.

 

I tried to drag Noor and Veshki out to the range with me this evening, but because of our late night last night, Noor had to do school stuff. Oh well, maybe next time. Used my own bow, Thistle, for the second time, this time with my own arrows and sight marks on the riser. Still a struggle but so much better than last time! Here's the highlight of the night:

 

 

Oh, almost forgot! Heard back from my advisor about where to find the form I needed, and instead of putting it off, I went and got it immediately. Woo! Unfortunately, looking at it, I need some information that is on a paper that has apparently gone missing. I had it last week. I know exactly where I put it. I can find the papers it was with. I cannot find the one paper I need. I started panicking a little, but then I realized that this time is different, because I didn't put it off to the last minute. I actually have about 2 weeks to track down either the paper or the information on the paper. I'm going to be okay. *breathe* This is weird, but nice. 

[petefeet]

Glad you enjoyed your surprise DnD night!

 

Too bad Noor didn't make it to the range with you, though glad you're enjoying your new bow, think the name is amazing for it!

[Sovellis]

Sovellis returned to the hut and walked inside, looking for his friend. "Noor? You up? I saw some tracks out there that I don't like the look of." 

 

Noor turned form the fire and began to serve porridge. "Tracks? What sort? These woods are full of wild things."

 

"Big, with claws. Not a wolf, not sure what they're from. I swear something was following me, though. Do fae creatures leave tracks?" He shuddered at the thought. "I'll hunt it down and i guess we'll learn. Anyway, it's good to see you're up and about."

 

"Somehow I doubt that the high reaches fae leave tracks. They are much too weird. Come and have some porridge and then we can all go out and take a look. Hunting with two big predators is much safer than tracking alone." She motioned to the table where there was now a resized chair on stilts with a small ladder step on the side.

 

He looked up at her with one brow arched high. "You want me to climb? You really are trying to kill me, aren't you? "

 

She laughed delightedly. "well it’s the best I could do. Unless you want to sit on the table."

 

He made a show of pouting. She was clearly enjoying this, finally getting her pay back for all the times he had made short jokes. "I see why you so seldom used chairs before. Hehehe, and how would you propose i get onto the table?"

 

"well  climibing is  aneccesary part of being small Sov.  Thats probably why I'm so good at it and you are so terrible. "

 

He grumbled and crossed his arms. "Fine, I'll climb, but if i fall I'm blaming you." He moved to the ladder, took a deep breath, and started up. To his relief, and somewhat to his surprise, he managed the climb easily. After running around, exploring, and trying to track the mysterious beast, he was quite happy for some food. 

 

The elf sat at the table, enjoying his friend's cooking, as they chatted about the beast that had attacked him. Noor knew of an area that seemed a likely location for its den, but it was quite a steep climb to get there. After they finished their meal, he set off on his mission to root out the vicious creature.

 

As it turned out, Noor wasn't kidding when she said it would be a hard climb. He looked up the rock fall, debating whether this would be worth the effort, but the memory of the beast leaping out at him made up his mind. Slowly, laboriously, he climbed from rock to rock, nearly falling several times. Well before he reached the relatively level area at the top, he was getting tired. His muscles shook. He was a little afraid he wouldn't be able to make it all the way, but he kept pushing. When he finally heaved himself up over the ledge he flopped on his back on the ground, breathing heavily. 

 

Once he caught his breath, he got to his feet and looked around. Nothing looked immediately like a den or nest or anything like that, but of course that would have been too easy. He set about investigating the area thoroughly, his sword at the ready. After what felt like hours, there was still no sign of the beast, its den, or even tracks. Admitting defeat, he headed back down the rock fall toward the hut. He wondered what Noor had been up to all day.

 

<------<<<

 

Went to the park for some slackline practice, got a little over half way across the line a few times. I'll be able to make it from one tree to the next in no time! Lifted when I got home. Since it's been over a week since I last lifted, I maybe should have dropped the reps back a little, but as it was I just barely made it through. I'm noodly now. I searched again for that paper, but no luck. I really can't think of where else it might be, and my advisor hasn't gotten back to me today, which isn't encouraging, but oh well. Next I plan to sit outside, because it's stupidly nice out, and work on some limericks. With any luck I can get this one put together enough to share. :-)

[Sovellis]

Glad you enjoyed your surprise DnD night!

 

Too bad Noor didn't make it to the range with you, though glad you're enjoying your new bow, think the name is amazing for it!

 

Hehehe, thanks! I think it fits pretty well. And eventually I'll get Noor to come to the range, some day. Just gotta keep trying!

[Surakha]

More slackline pics pls  and  many congrats on how well stuff is going. 

[Sovellis]

More slackline pics pls  and  many congrats on how well stuff is going. 

 

Lol, they'll get pretty repetitive after a bit. 

[Sovellis]

Sov sat on his bed roll, which now lay on a thick bed of soft pine needles, scribbling in his book. "Hey Noor, what are some words that rhyme with 'listen'? I've got glisten, pissed in.... triste in... but none of those work."

 

"that is.. disgusting.  what are you even writing about?"

 

He chuckles. "The King of Intergoss. Trying to put the story of The Joke into a series of limericks. While further insulting the king, of course. Because really, each time one of his nobles did something horrible, his excuse was all, 'oh I had no idea!' So, what? None of his nobles report to him? They just do whatever they want until someone tells on them?"

 

"Hmm, maybe find a ryme for clueless? or Naieve?"

 

"Hmm, that might work..." He went back to scribbling, muttering occasionally, to help work out the rhythm of a line.

 

After working in his little book for a while, he spoke up again, his disdain for the subject of the poems clear in his voice. "The poor King of Intergoss, Was at a terrible loss, He hadn't any clue, What his Duke was up to, The King only thought he was the boss, But in reality, Though they swore fealty, His nobles paid him little heed, When overcome by their greed, Knowing they would face no penalty."

 

"Not perfect, but it's coming along. What do you think?" he asked.

 

"Hmmm not bad at all. Good ryme with fealty, thats a tough one."

 

"Heheheh, yeah, I was kinda proud of that one."

 

<------<<<

 

There you go! Two more limericks, and more to come!

[Jett]

Ooh. Story limericks.

 

I'm jealous of the amount of roleplaying it sounds like your game group does. I'm getting really tired of putting a lot of thought into my characters, only to have them overshadowed by minmaxed spreadsheets with the personality of stale bread. :/

 

Oh, by the way, I'm not quite done with yours and Noor's fanarts yet, but I'm getting there! I promise I haven't forgotten!

[Sovellis]

Ooh. Story limericks.

 

I'm jealous of the amount of roleplaying it sounds like your game group does. I'm getting really tired of putting a lot of thought into my characters, only to have them overshadowed by minmaxed spreadsheets with the personality of stale bread. :/

 

Oh, by the way, I'm not quite done with yours and Noor's fanarts yet, but I'm getting there! I promise I haven't forgotten!

 

We're a really story heavy group, and I love it. When we're leveling, there's a lot of talk about 'what would the character choose?' rather than 'how can I make my character more effective in battle?' This might be because the group is two doctoral clinical psych students, an undergrad psych/women's studies major(I think), and the husband of a doctoral psych student, lol. Noor and I obviously play with our characters even outside of the game, and we damn near have full psychological profiles built for them. I feel kinda spoiled since this is really the only group I've ever played with. I've never had to experience the annoyance of min/max cardboard characters.

[Jett]

Okay, note to self: Find gaming group full of psych students.

 

I do a lot of story-writing and answering questions "as the character", etc, just for fun, because I enjoy building complicated characters. But when the only real outlet for their character growth is a gaming group that de-emphasizes roleplaying, it gets frustrating. 'Course, now I don't know how to leave the group without being rude. x_x

 

PS: Well done on getting your form well before the deadline. If you can't find that paper with the info you need, you can get the info from somewhere else, right?

[Sovellis]

Okay, note to self: Find gaming group full of psych students.

 

I do a lot of story-writing and answering questions "as the character", etc, just for fun, because I enjoy building complicated characters. But when the only real outlet for their character growth is a gaming group that de-emphasizes roleplaying, it gets frustrating. 'Course, now I don't know how to leave the group without being rude. x_x

 

PS: Well done on getting your form well before the deadline. If you can't find that paper with the info you need, you can get the info from somewhere else, right?

 

A good gaming group is a thing to be cherished. I feel very blessed to have found this group. 

 

Heh, thanks, it's a nice change of pace not to be panicking because something I can't find is due tomorrow, lol. I am hoping the info can be found somewhere else. I emailed my advisor asking about that, but she hasn't gotten back to me about it yet. Hopefully she does soon. *crosses fingers*

[Sovellis]

Sovellis yawned and stretched as the morning dawned warm and humid. Summer was clearly on the doorstep. He threw a pebble at his friend, who was sleeping with her animals as usual. That familiar habit of hers brought a warm smile to his face as he set about making coffee. He hoped the smell might rouse Noor. 

 

<------<<<

 

Slept later than intended... again. Oh well, still up earlier than I have been in a week. Planning on going to see Mad Max with the girlfriend today, in 3d this time! Such an awesome movie! Gotta get in my run before then, then archery tonight. Maybe I can convince someone to go with me this time, lol.

[spooky]

joining for limericks, storytelling and slackline awesomeness 

[Sovellis]

The elf dragged himself back home to the hut after a long day of fruitless searching. The warmth and clinginess of the humid air made him wish he didn't need his armor, but with the beast still out there, he wasn't going to risk it. By the time he made it back, he was soaked with sweat, exhausted, and his head hurt. Even the joyous moment of being able to strip out of his armor wasn't as satisfying as he hoped because it took so much effort for his tired limbs to reach and undo the buckles and straps. When he was finally free, he flopped down on his bed and didn't move. He had noticed Noor wasn't around, and he wondered where she was. 

 

<------<<<

 

Okay, so Mad Max didn't work out, which is suck, but oh well. I went on my run, and wow, I'm going to have to start running at night or something, for real, because I took an easy pace and still wasn't sure I'd make it the whole way. I'm very prone to over heating and usually get heat stroke at least once a summer, but come on! It was only in the 80s today! If I can't handle that, I'm in trouble. Also, I was going to go to the range tonight, but I have a huge knot in my shoulder that's causing me some real issues. My girlfriend tried working it out last night and made some progress, but I think my dehydration from my run made it worse again. Ugh. I am so wiped out right now. I might try to work on a limerick tonight, but no promises. It's amazing how getting overheated can just sap all your energy.

[Surakha]

I so feel you on the shoulder pain!  upper back knots are  THE WORST, esp if you have to carry any weight or are wearing any sort of restrictive clothing. Got any linement? I am a big fan of  soaking  in linimented water to loosen mine up. 

[Sovellis]

I so feel you on the shoulder pain!  upper back knots are  THE WORST, esp if you have to carry any weight or are wearing any sort of restrictive clothing. Got any linement? I am a big fan of  soaking  in linimented water to loosen mine up. 

 

What's linement?

[Surakha]

What's linement?

 

lin·i·ment (noun) a liquid or lotion, especially one made with oil, for rubbing on the body to relieve pain.

 

I grew up around livestock and horses,  so most of what I used to  use is vetrenary liniment diluted. but  you can get some good stuff for people. Technically bengay and tiger balm are liniments. JR Watkins seems to be a good brand for humans.  I used to  add Vetrolin horse liniment to a bath when I was younger.  Bonus perk, it   turns the water advil green

[Sovellis]

It was early when the elf woke, feeling uneasy. He dressed and donned his armor quietly, and peeked out the front door. Nothing there. Scowling, he ventured out into the cool, overcast morning, looking for what might have woken him. Before long he spotted tracks, large, clawed tracks. He let out a quiet growl and grabbed his bow, following the tracks. The beast had followed him home, and that was just not acceptable. It had to die. 

 

He tracked it through now familiar territory. Even when the tracks couldn't be followed, he spotted a pile of scat, or a broken branch that showed him the way. Heh, Flotsam would be proud if he could see this. He had tried for years to teach the elf to track, now it was paying off. Lost in such thoughts, he nearly tripped over the beast when he caught up with it. It was curled up, asleep, under a patch of brambles. Stowing his bow, he pulled both of his swords and snuck right up to it. It was a quick and bloody business, but he breathed easier when the creature's head rolled on the ground, freed from its body. 

 

He grabbed the severed head and carried it home, the prize he had sought for days finally his. Hm, maybe Noor would have breakfast, or at least coffee, ready when he got back. That thought made him smile and put a little bounce in his step as he headed back.

 

<------<<<

 

Grr. First of all, I got woken up much earlier than I wanted because the city was removing a dead tree just outside my bedroom window. Woo. Chainsaw alarm clock! So, I checked my email, and found an irritated response from my advisor explaining that if I couldn't find that paper I was missing, I'd have to completely resubmit to the IRB and start over. Needless to say, this got me moving. I tore through all the folders I thought it might be in, and then moved on to the folders it really shouldn't be in. Sure enough, for some reason it was in a folder of internship application materials. I have no idea why I would put it there, but at least I found it and it's with the right papers now. The continuing certification form is filled out and submitted. All with over a week to spare! RAWR! Slew the beast!

 

Plan for the day is lift, maybe slack line, and do the starting stats for the mini-challenge, then dnd tonight! Woot! Lifting and doing the mini challenge thing might be a bit much all in the same day, but I should be able to handle it. 

[petefeet]

 

Grr. First of all, I got woken up much earlier than I wanted because the city was removing a dead tree just outside my bedroom window. Woo. Chainsaw alarm clock! So, I checked my email, and found an irritated response from my advisor explaining that if I couldn't find that paper I was missing, I'd have to completely resubmit to the IRB and start over. Needless to say, this got me moving. I tore through all the folders I thought it might be in, and then moved on to the folders it really shouldn't be in. Sure enough, for some reason it was in a folder of internship application materials. I have no idea why I would put it there, but at least I found it and it's with the right papers now. The continuing certification form is filled out and submitted. All with over a week to spare! RAWR! Slew the beast!

 

 

It's weird what our brains do sometimes, glad you found the paper, must be a big weight off your mind.

[Moros]

Congrats on finding the paperwork!  IRBs can be a challenging thing.

 

[Sovellis]

"Oh, hey Noor, I almost forgot. I made sure to pick some of this up before I left. Figured you wouldn't have much access to it way out here." He hands her a good sized pouch of halfling leaf.

 

"Oh how delightful!  After spending all day  drying dear meat and making  field ration bars,  I could use a break."  She crossed to the shelf and  removed her smoking kit.  "you'l have to do the honors.  My hands are too big for  the pipe."

 

"Sure, I think I can handle that." He packs the pipe and pulls out some matches. "Here you go."

 

She  took the pipe carefully and breathed deep, the flavor of the smoke  a  nostalgic call to home.  Instantly she felt soothed and   relaxed back inher chair enjoying sun on her face.  "ah. that takes me back. "

 

They didn't get much done the rest of the day. Instead they enjoyed the treat from Noor's home land, the beautiful weather, and each other's company, reminiscing about past adventures with the Path.

 

<------<<<

 

So much dnd this weekend! Friday we gamed until 7:30am! So, obviously, I haven't been doing much challenge-wise. Eh, at least it doesn't officially start until Monday. Hopefully we don't go quite so late tonight.