Tochi checks the dark elf's bindings. His hands are secured, bound at the elbows and wrists, and his mouth is gagged with cloth. The restraints are tight.
Nemean slowly rises as he sees their prisoner stirring. His eyes lock onto him, and he does not stop staring as Tochi checks his bindings.
Nemean rises and begins to make his way across to the other side of the camp. He kneels down and grasps the end of the rope leading from the Dark Elf's hands. He starts a low growl which crescendos into a shrieking roar as he yanks the prisoner forward. Then as he locks eyes with the captive, he asks "You are the one they call the Black Spider."
It was spoken as more of a statement than a question, yet Nemean continues to stare at him, as if expecting a response.
The dark elf closes his eyes and seems to shrink beneath Nemean's roar, but his gaze in return holds confidence. "Mmmu hummmu mmm," he mumbles through the gag.
"Listen here, our esteemed captive" Tochi speaks politely, "We do not wish to kill you, so I would strongly advise against trying anything not in line with us taking you to face justice. Do you understand what I am saying? Nod once for "Yes", if you hear me".
"Speak for yourself..." growls Nemean at Tochi "I do wish to kill you. I wish it very much actually, and if you give me a reason, I will."
"Now, with that in mind, I'm going to ask you a few questions. If you can answer them, you won't get any trouble from me. But fair warning, if your answers are anything less than the whole truth... or if I don't believe you, or if you try to play games, you will not make it back to Phandalin in one piece." His accent thickens as he speaks, losing a bit of his composure. He spits out a curse in native tongue He grips his scimitar with one hand and holds it menacingly at his side as he pulls the Black Spider closer to him with his other.
"Now then....
Recount for us your divination about the rift and what is hidden there.
Explain your plans for the Forge of Spells.
List your dealings involving the Dwarf Gundren.
Tell us about this "thing" that keeps taking out your men.
Give us the names of those you report to.
Can you do that for me?" He asks his captive as he stands over him, his hand firmly grasping the end of the rope they had binded him with.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
"Hrmmummhuhhmm," the dark elf attempts to speak through the cloth gagging his mouth, to no avail. He allows a growl of frustration to slip through, trying to shake the gag free.
"Gah. Thank you, that's much easier," the dark clears his throat and answers, his voice smooth but undercut by the fatigue of a man who was just gravely injured a few hours ago.
"Slow down, tiger. No pleasantries? My name is Nezznar, thank you for asking, and I report to no one. I'd shake your hand, but I seem to be a bit tied up at the moment," he says with a smile.
"You seem to know exactly who I am, so I must assume you are the reason I have yet to hear back from Iarno. At first I suspected he simply fled, but then I started hearing rumors of these new heroes in town. You see, this is why I hired the Cragmaw goblins and the Redbrands in the first place, to keep Wave Echo Cave a secret. One rumor of long-buried treasure and all sorts of know-it-all adventurers pop their heads out of the ground to come find it. But alas, it seems you have intruded upon my journal, so I will answer what I can..."
"Your dwarf, this Gundren, I have no dealings with him, to be precise. I hired the Cragmaw goblins to waylay him and take his map. I've never spoken with the man myself. The Forge of Spells is said to have the power to turn the ordinary extraordinary, you see. I have tried to divine its location, but have yet to sense anything other than the power within the rift. That is the beginning and end of my 'plan'. If you think I am some evil mastermind looking to rule the world, you have kidnapped the wrong drow, I assure you."
"And as for this thing, if I knew what it was, I'd be able to call it something more specific, don't you think? All I know is that the undead inside that cave are too organized. They band together to assault my bugbears on the frontline. They know exactly where they are, and they attack with coordination. Something, or someone, in there is leading them."
Nemean has a hard time reading Nezznar, but some of what he is saying at least lines up with the tabaxi's time in Phandalin. Iarno, Sildar's missing friend, led the Redbrands at the Black Spider's beck and call, according to a note found in the Redbrands' Hideout beneath Tresendar Manor. The Cragmaw tribe of goblins waylaid Gundren and Sildar during their initial trek from Neverwinter to Phandalin, what seems like an eternity ago. Sildar has mentioned the Forge of Spells being the goal of the Rockseeker brothers' expedition.
"So, now we know what you want, and how you wanted to get it, but, I believe, a more important question would be - why? What do you want to achieve if the forge is found? What is your end goal here?" Tochi asks, then adds: "Also, there have been way too many crimes committed in your name, or as a result of your actions. Did you even consider finding ways of avoiding them?"
He is answering quickly and confidently, and seems to be truthful thus far.
"Do you not see this skin, aarakocra? I am a dark elf, a drow, if I walked into Neverwinter to hire a team of adventurers to assist me I'd be hanged at the city gates the very next morning. Am I to be blamed for resorting to the hiring of ruffians and goblinkin? I could not very well do this alone. Why do I want it? Let me ask you the same thing. Why do you want it? Are you enticed by the idea of a magical forge as I am, or are you simply following the orders of a dwarf and his lackey? No offense," Nezznar glances over to Sildar, who scowls back. "My end goal is the Forge of Spells. Nothing more, nothing less. The rest of that cave can rot for all I care."
"Be that as it may, many innocents lie dead in the wake of your ambition, drow. For my part, I say you must face justice." he says, turning to Sildar. "Right, Sildar? I assume the Phandalin has a jail that can hold this man?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Roland Drask:Human Rogue - Lost Mine of Phandelver
Sildar nods his head. "It has collected dust under Harbin's rule, but there are four cells beneath the Townmaster's Hall. We can hold him there until my business in Phandalin is done, and then transport him to Neverwinter where he can be judged for his crimes," he answers.
Nezznar lets out a groan. "Your mistake. You don't understand what you are up against in that mine. Hells, I don't even know what you're up against. Something in there is leading undead against my bugbears. Do you not think they will turn them against your precious Phandalin when the last bugbear falls? I can help you. You took me by surprise, but I assure you I am quite capable. Look, I apologize for what has happened, but do not blame me for the insatiable chaos of goblinoids and the behavior of a few brutes. All I want is the Forge of Spells. I can help you rid that mine of whatever evil lingers, and then I'll be off with the Forge. You won't see my face again, nor will anyone in the Sword Coast. Please, you need my magic," he pleads.
"As much as we can be, I assume" Tochi says, but still looks over the Drow's restraints, in order to spot any weaknesses.
Perception - 7
Tochi checks the dark elf's bindings. His hands are secured, bound at the elbows and wrists, and his mouth is gagged with cloth. The restraints are tight.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Nemean slowly rises as he sees their prisoner stirring. His eyes lock onto him, and he does not stop staring as Tochi checks his bindings.
Nemean rises and begins to make his way across to the other side of the camp. He kneels down and grasps the end of the rope leading from the Dark Elf's hands. He starts a low growl which crescendos into a shrieking roar as he yanks the prisoner forward. Then as he locks eyes with the captive, he asks "You are the one they call the Black Spider."
It was spoken as more of a statement than a question, yet Nemean continues to stare at him, as if expecting a response.
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
The dark elf closes his eyes and seems to shrink beneath Nemean's roar, but his gaze in return holds confidence. "Mmmu hummmu mmm," he mumbles through the gag.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"Listen here, our esteemed captive" Tochi speaks politely, "We do not wish to kill you, so I would strongly advise against trying anything not in line with us taking you to face justice. Do you understand what I am saying? Nod once for "Yes", if you hear me".
The dark elf nods once, his eyes still locked with Nemean's.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"Good" Says Tochi. "Now, let us establish the facts. Are you the one known as the Black Spider? Again, nod for Yes, shake your head sideways for No".
The dark elf's eyes narrow, and he stares for a long moment before nodding his head yes.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"Speak for yourself..." growls Nemean at Tochi "I do wish to kill you. I wish it very much actually, and if you give me a reason, I will."
"Now, with that in mind, I'm going to ask you a few questions. If you can answer them, you won't get any trouble from me. But fair warning, if your answers are anything less than the whole truth... or if I don't believe you, or if you try to play games, you will not make it back to Phandalin in one piece." His accent thickens as he speaks, losing a bit of his composure. He spits out a curse in native tongue He grips his scimitar with one hand and holds it menacingly at his side as he pulls the Black Spider closer to him with his other.
"Now then....
Recount for us your divination about the rift and what is hidden there.
Explain your plans for the Forge of Spells.
List your dealings involving the Dwarf Gundren.
Tell us about this "thing" that keeps taking out your men.
Give us the names of those you report to.
Can you do that for me?" He asks his captive as he stands over him, his hand firmly grasping the end of the rope they had binded him with.
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
"Hrmmummhuhhmm," the dark elf attempts to speak through the cloth gagging his mouth, to no avail. He allows a growl of frustration to slip through, trying to shake the gag free.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Nemean releases the gag.
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
"Gah. Thank you, that's much easier," the dark clears his throat and answers, his voice smooth but undercut by the fatigue of a man who was just gravely injured a few hours ago.
"Slow down, tiger. No pleasantries? My name is Nezznar, thank you for asking, and I report to no one. I'd shake your hand, but I seem to be a bit tied up at the moment," he says with a smile.
"You seem to know exactly who I am, so I must assume you are the reason I have yet to hear back from Iarno. At first I suspected he simply fled, but then I started hearing rumors of these new heroes in town. You see, this is why I hired the Cragmaw goblins and the Redbrands in the first place, to keep Wave Echo Cave a secret. One rumor of long-buried treasure and all sorts of know-it-all adventurers pop their heads out of the ground to come find it. But alas, it seems you have intruded upon my journal, so I will answer what I can..."
"Your dwarf, this Gundren, I have no dealings with him, to be precise. I hired the Cragmaw goblins to waylay him and take his map. I've never spoken with the man myself. The Forge of Spells is said to have the power to turn the ordinary extraordinary, you see. I have tried to divine its location, but have yet to sense anything other than the power within the rift. That is the beginning and end of my 'plan'. If you think I am some evil mastermind looking to rule the world, you have kidnapped the wrong drow, I assure you."
"And as for this thing, if I knew what it was, I'd be able to call it something more specific, don't you think? All I know is that the undead inside that cave are too organized. They band together to assault my bugbears on the frontline. They know exactly where they are, and they attack with coordination. Something, or someone, in there is leading them."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Nemean watches their captive carefully as he speaks, weighing his words and contemplating how they line up with what they already know.
Insight 3
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Nemean has a hard time reading Nezznar, but some of what he is saying at least lines up with the tabaxi's time in Phandalin. Iarno, Sildar's missing friend, led the Redbrands at the Black Spider's beck and call, according to a note found in the Redbrands' Hideout beneath Tresendar Manor. The Cragmaw tribe of goblins waylaid Gundren and Sildar during their initial trek from Neverwinter to Phandalin, what seems like an eternity ago. Sildar has mentioned the Forge of Spells being the goal of the Rockseeker brothers' expedition.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"So, now we know what you want, and how you wanted to get it, but, I believe, a more important question would be - why? What do you want to achieve if the forge is found? What is your end goal here?" Tochi asks, then adds: "Also, there have been way too many crimes committed in your name, or as a result of your actions. Did you even consider finding ways of avoiding them?"
Roland narrows his eyes with mistrust, he thinks on what the elf has said, trying to tell if he is lying.
Insight: 11
Roland Drask: Human Rogue - Lost Mine of Phandelver
For Roland:
He is answering quickly and confidently, and seems to be truthful thus far.
"Do you not see this skin, aarakocra? I am a dark elf, a drow, if I walked into Neverwinter to hire a team of adventurers to assist me I'd be hanged at the city gates the very next morning. Am I to be blamed for resorting to the hiring of ruffians and goblinkin? I could not very well do this alone. Why do I want it? Let me ask you the same thing. Why do you want it? Are you enticed by the idea of a magical forge as I am, or are you simply following the orders of a dwarf and his lackey? No offense," Nezznar glances over to Sildar, who scowls back. "My end goal is the Forge of Spells. Nothing more, nothing less. The rest of that cave can rot for all I care."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"Be that as it may, many innocents lie dead in the wake of your ambition, drow. For my part, I say you must face justice." he says, turning to Sildar. "Right, Sildar? I assume the Phandalin has a jail that can hold this man?"
Roland Drask: Human Rogue - Lost Mine of Phandelver
Sildar nods his head. "It has collected dust under Harbin's rule, but there are four cells beneath the Townmaster's Hall. We can hold him there until my business in Phandalin is done, and then transport him to Neverwinter where he can be judged for his crimes," he answers.
Nezznar lets out a groan. "Your mistake. You don't understand what you are up against in that mine. Hells, I don't even know what you're up against. Something in there is leading undead against my bugbears. Do you not think they will turn them against your precious Phandalin when the last bugbear falls? I can help you. You took me by surprise, but I assure you I am quite capable. Look, I apologize for what has happened, but do not blame me for the insatiable chaos of goblinoids and the behavior of a few brutes. All I want is the Forge of Spells. I can help you rid that mine of whatever evil lingers, and then I'll be off with the Forge. You won't see my face again, nor will anyone in the Sword Coast. Please, you need my magic," he pleads.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
OOC: Ready to advance or respond.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!