Arvos marvels at the transformation and was glad that Albert was able to build a bit of rapport with the Sorceress. He will continue to follow towards the Queen.
Ne'haredowell make an 'eep' noise as the sorceress's smile faded. "Guess so." He hung back for a bit (though definitely after giving Albert a thumbs up for enamoring the kobold woman). '"Make her feel welcome."He repeated quietly. The harengon understood that quite well. When animals are cornered they do all sorts of crazy things. Bite back being one especially. He followed along in deep thought.
Darian maintains a neutral expression, his eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings for more details. As the party begins to move toward the queen, Darian lingers behind, intending to be the last to proceed. When he finally does move, he walks at a deliberately slow pace, aiming to isolate a single kobold for a hushed conversation.
With Albert and the sorceress leading the way up the winding path to the queen, the rest of the party trails behind, accompanied by an escort of guards. Their hands rest casually on sheathed daggers, but the general vibe is polite, but cautious. The queen is overseeing her kobold underlings toil on her ambitious, yet inscrutable, project. Her eyes are alert, scanning the trails for signs of slacking. But she perks up when she sees the sorceress approach, bowing reverently, and holding the delicate hand of an elderly surface dweller. She says something in kobold, and her body language seems displeased.
"Forgive me mother," the sorceress replies in response in Common. "But these outsiders come to us from Santekh with gifts, and a proposition that I think you'll find most remunerative."
The queen shifts her matronly gaze over to Albert. "This one speaks for them?" she intones. Her voice is raspy and course, but also baring the entitled confidence of someone who's never had to speak to an equal. "Yes, my queen. She is a wise healer from the surface, and she has great power and influence in her land." The kobold queen considers Albert for several moments, then drapes a clawed hand over her knee. The other hand points to the floor. "Kneel, human. And state your offer." The sorceress looks to Albert. She gestures with her snout and leads your gaze to the stone floor in front of you. If she's worried for you, she does a great job not showing it, but she whispers a final warning in your ear. "If you wish to survive this, be polite. If you wish to be heard... be extra polite."
Albert kneels and grunts. All you hear is his knees cracking (basically sounds like someone sat down on a bag of Cheetos).
Albert is looking at the queen, but not in her eyes yet and starts to talk: "Your highness, I was told that you are the ultimate power and decision maker in these parts. I come from Sanketh on a mission to retrieve supplies that are now in your possession. I am well aware, that you're not giving them away, as you need them for your great flock. But this brings me to my point. Sanketh is thirsty and Sanketh is now also hungry and ill. It is now deprived of everything and soon will perish. Maybe it means nothing for you, but know this - if Sanketh dies, no more supplies come to this region ever again. You are smart and wise - add two and two together."
Then Albert raises his eyes to meet the gaze of the queen and continues: "But if Sanketh and you cooperate, everyone would benefit. As I've heard you here have plenty of water, but no supplies. If you could provide steady flow of water to Sanketh, it would flourish like a desert after a monsoon. In return Sanketh would have enough food and other resources to share. The only thing I ask is to return the supplies now in your possession, so they don't die out. If this succeeds, you will be remembered as the greatest queen that has ever lived."
The queen considers Albert's proposal. "You wish me to give you supplies now, and hope that the surface dwellers of Santekh will provide us supplies later?" Her tone is skeptical, but she doesn't seem upset. "Of course, we are unconcerned with the well-being of your people, but our intention is not to see your people die off from illness and starvation. But in a time when resources are low, our need has never been greater. And our success is more crucial to this region than yours."
Seeing that your losing the queen, the sorceress interjects. "Your majesty. They can provide resources we can not easily access," she fishes in her bag and pulls out the idol your group presented earlier. "This artifact can summon a relatively endless supply of resources we need for our alchemical garden, which has been financially beneficial for our tribe. Especially since the witchdoctor from Santekh has opened up his business. I believe they can provide us with more gold and treasures, which are essential for our plans." The queen listens to the sorceress intently, and her tongue snakes out hungrily. "Treasures? What kind of treasures can Santekh provide in trade for these crates?"
Ne'haredowell's high hopes goes up and down, like a wheel stuck between two hills. "Um. How about... um 83 gold and 7 cooper?" He offers with a shrug. He ruffles through his bag to show at least some of the gold then decides to just open up his coin purse. He doesn't really care about the money as long he gets out of here with his head intact. His mouse runs circles in his pocket. His mind keeps wandering back to those skinned bunnies.
The queen's eyes narrow at Ne'haredowell. Then she looks to the sorceress. "Why is the food talking to me?"
"Mother, She is also a representative of Santekh," the princess explains, hurriedly. "And I believe she is a lesser being who cannot understand our customs. I do not think she intended to offend with her paltry gesture."
The queen waves her hand and the sorceress goes quiet. "Is the food another offering? We could use a pet for our amusement... or a meal."
The princess looks back at Nare, then at the group, unsure how to answer that question. Her eyes are wide and she shakes her head at the crowd behind her as if to say, well is she?
Darian takes a knee beside Albert. “Forgive Nare, Highness. Humor is their… shield. Your need is great, I… understand. Allow us to discuss… privately? Much treasure in Santekh. Need to… decide what to spare. Return to our… mules. Camp there. At dawn we… send offer.”
'Lesser being?!' That thought takes to Nare's head like a rock. He doesn't know what is worse being thought of as food or as something stupid. It rattles around in his brain. 'Oh hare-brained? I get it now.'He thinks bitterly, completely messing up the saying but so be it. He's only heard it, not so much so read it. The harengon puts his hands in his pockets and steps down, moving behind Darian to take on a more submissive posture. The mouse bites his finger, but he stays silent.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
<---- me irl
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now; Twimee'zah Roleplay
Player: Night Ravens; Dragonlance; 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist; LARP in Sharn; Last Chapters
Albert chuckles a bit: "No no, Nare is our friend and companion. Actually a mighty sorcerer. We offer you a great cooperation opportunity and enough supplies to make your clan prosper. Also the magic idol. Understand - this is a win for you in every possible scenario. You keep the resource boxes now - it is a very short term win. You give the resources back to us and form a diplomatic relationship - great long term win. You give back our resources, but do not want to trade? Sanketh keeps living and more resources keep flowing in that you can possibly obtain. Also a win. Your majesty, I envy your advantageous position here."
The queen considers Albert and Darian's words for several moments. She then turns to the sorceress. "My daughter, you have approached me with this plan. What are your thoughts?"
The sorceress, princess of the kobold clan steps forward. "This human cleric is correct. Santekh suffers greatly from the blight, and they were counting on this supply train to provide life-sustaining medicine and supplies.. If we return their supplies, they may survive, and the trade routes will remain open. And we can become a legitimized trading port along that trail. I think the potential there is worth the sacrifice of a few crates. Especially as our needs increase." She gives the queen a knowing glance at the workers below them.
The queen turns to Darian, and speaks to you in rudimentary Hachakee. She seems on the edge of making her final judgment.
Darian replies in his broken Common, “Sanketh is… many. I… not speak for Sanketh, I speak for Golden Company.” he says gesturing around at the party. “Golden Company is… trustworthy. On Hachakee honor.”
The queen seems uneasy with the lack of assurance. "Daughter. You've always had a soft heart for these surface dwellers, and while it's served us well in opening trade with the Hachakee, I worry it will be the death of you. So now is the chance to find out if your faith in them is wise, or foolish. Go with a contingency of soldiers. Take with them 6 of the crates. Come back with all my troops alive, or do not come back at all. If you come back with an amicable trade agreement and a good-faith tribute of treasure, then you will have secured your place as my successor."
The sorceress, whom you now know is a princess, stammers. "I-I didn't mean that-"
"SILENCE! Your queen has spoken," the queen interrupts, a sharp tone to her voice. "Always, you tell me to show kindness and mercy to these surface dwellers. Always you say they are allies of the dragonkin as well. Always you try to make 'peaceful trade agreements' with them. In spite of generations of proof that they see us as training fodder for young adventurers. You risk much with only words. And you bring potential threats into the heart of our territory, based on what? A promise these," she gestures to the Golden Company, "who even are they?! Not even the Hachakee tribesman can speak on behalf of the people of Santekh." Her look is equal parts incredulity and outrage as she chides her daughter.
The princess opens her mouth to explain, but the queen holds up a threatening finger and glares at her daughter. "You will learn that leadership requires wisdom, discretion, and sometimes courage. Hundreds of lives hang in the balance of every decision you make and I'd rather feed your corpse to the desert than have your rash judgment be the death of my people... or worse. So... if you don't accept my terms and go with these...underlings, I would guess... to meet with some actual decision makers, then you will relinquish your claim to the throne now, before all my subjects. And you will silence yourself in matters of surface dwellers in the future unless I specifically command you to speak of them."
The princess looks at the queen nervously...
The queen rolls her eyes and sighs. "Now you may speak, daughter."
Ok, If any (or all) of you have any words to say to the princess to help her make up your mind, roll your preferred skill check and shoot your shot. Make it good, because right now, the princess looks scared as hell.
"We will protect her." Ne'haredowell suddenly finds himself walking up towards the queen. Upon realization of this, he again slinks back. He holds out his paw towards the sorcerer-princess and clutches the waterskin pouch (which he hopes is covered in cured leather) around his left arm. If she lets him, he will cast Mage Armor on her. He figures, even if she can do the spell on her own, that doing so it would be for good measures.
"If anything- guess you probably don't need permission for this- but if we fail, you may eat..."He sucks in his breath and closes his eyes. "-eat me and my mouse."He holds up Lennie up shakily. The mouse squeaks, unbelieving of what is happening here. "...And all my rations."
OOC Well Mishakal is also the godess of love, so Albert is just spreading it 😀
Arvos marvels at the transformation and was glad that Albert was able to build a bit of rapport with the Sorceress. He will continue to follow towards the Queen.
((ayyy Albert!!!))
Ne'haredowell make an 'eep' noise as the sorceress's smile faded. "Guess so." He hung back for a bit (though definitely after giving Albert a thumbs up for enamoring the kobold woman). '"Make her feel welcome." He repeated quietly. The harengon understood that quite well. When animals are cornered they do all sorts of crazy things. Bite back being one especially. He followed along in deep thought.
<---- me irl
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now; Twimee'zah Roleplay
Player: Night Ravens; Dragonlance; 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist; LARP in Sharn; Last Chapters
Darian maintains a neutral expression, his eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings for more details. As the party begins to move toward the queen, Darian lingers behind, intending to be the last to proceed. When he finally does move, he walks at a deliberately slow pace, aiming to isolate a single kobold for a hushed conversation.
"Forgive me mother," the sorceress replies in response in Common. "But these outsiders come to us from Santekh with gifts, and a proposition that I think you'll find most remunerative."
The queen shifts her matronly gaze over to Albert. "This one speaks for them?" she intones. Her voice is raspy and course, but also baring the entitled confidence of someone who's never had to speak to an equal. "Yes, my queen. She is a wise healer from the surface, and she has great power and influence in her land." The kobold queen considers Albert for several moments, then drapes a clawed hand over her knee. The other hand points to the floor. "Kneel, human. And state your offer." The sorceress looks to Albert. She gestures with her snout and leads your gaze to the stone floor in front of you. If she's worried for you, she does a great job not showing it, but she whispers a final warning in your ear. "If you wish to survive this, be polite. If you wish to be heard... be extra polite."
My DM Registry
My Characters:
Archibald Thwipp, Human/Male/Blood Hunter/L3 posting in The Tavern, DnDBeyond
Sergeant Sylvia, Half Orc/Female/Barbarian/L3 posting in A Beginner's Guide, Myth Weavers
Carric Holimion, Wood Elf/Male/Ranger/L1 posting in Lost Mines of Phandelver, Giant in the Playground
Albert kneels and grunts. All you hear is his knees cracking (basically sounds like someone sat down on a bag of Cheetos).
Albert is looking at the queen, but not in her eyes yet and starts to talk: "Your highness, I was told that you are the ultimate power and decision maker in these parts. I come from Sanketh on a mission to retrieve supplies that are now in your possession. I am well aware, that you're not giving them away, as you need them for your great flock. But this brings me to my point. Sanketh is thirsty and Sanketh is now also hungry and ill. It is now deprived of everything and soon will perish. Maybe it means nothing for you, but know this - if Sanketh dies, no more supplies come to this region ever again. You are smart and wise - add two and two together."
Then Albert raises his eyes to meet the gaze of the queen and continues: "But if Sanketh and you cooperate, everyone would benefit. As I've heard you here have plenty of water, but no supplies. If you could provide steady flow of water to Sanketh, it would flourish like a desert after a monsoon. In return Sanketh would have enough food and other resources to share. The only thing I ask is to return the supplies now in your possession, so they don't die out. If this succeeds, you will be remembered as the greatest queen that has ever lived."
Persuasion 23 + 1 from guidance = 24
Darian watches intently, staying on his best behaviour.
Nare too just watches hopefully. He continues to pet the small mouse in his pocket, being extra discreet.
<---- me irl
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now; Twimee'zah Roleplay
Player: Night Ravens; Dragonlance; 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist; LARP in Sharn; Last Chapters
Arvos is doing his best impression of a wallflower. I hope Albert can fast talk our way out of this place with the crates in tow.
The queen considers Albert's proposal. "You wish me to give you supplies now, and hope that the surface dwellers of Santekh will provide us supplies later?" Her tone is skeptical, but she doesn't seem upset. "Of course, we are unconcerned with the well-being of your people, but our intention is not to see your people die off from illness and starvation. But in a time when resources are low, our need has never been greater. And our success is more crucial to this region than yours."
Seeing that your losing the queen, the sorceress interjects. "Your majesty. They can provide resources we can not easily access," she fishes in her bag and pulls out the idol your group presented earlier. "This artifact can summon a relatively endless supply of resources we need for our alchemical garden, which has been financially beneficial for our tribe. Especially since the witchdoctor from Santekh has opened up his business. I believe they can provide us with more gold and treasures, which are essential for our plans." The queen listens to the sorceress intently, and her tongue snakes out hungrily. "Treasures? What kind of treasures can Santekh provide in trade for these crates?"
My DM Registry
My Characters:
Archibald Thwipp, Human/Male/Blood Hunter/L3 posting in The Tavern, DnDBeyond
Sergeant Sylvia, Half Orc/Female/Barbarian/L3 posting in A Beginner's Guide, Myth Weavers
Carric Holimion, Wood Elf/Male/Ranger/L1 posting in Lost Mines of Phandelver, Giant in the Playground
Ne'haredowell's high hopes goes up and down, like a wheel stuck between two hills. "Um. How about... um 83 gold and 7 cooper?" He offers with a shrug. He ruffles through his bag to show at least some of the gold then decides to just open up his coin purse. He doesn't really care about the money as long he gets out of here with his head intact. His mouse runs circles in his pocket. His mind keeps wandering back to those skinned bunnies.
<---- me irl
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now; Twimee'zah Roleplay
Player: Night Ravens; Dragonlance; 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist; LARP in Sharn; Last Chapters
The queen's eyes narrow at Ne'haredowell. Then she looks to the sorceress. "Why is the food talking to me?"
"Mother, She is also a representative of Santekh," the princess explains, hurriedly. "And I believe she is a lesser being who cannot understand our customs. I do not think she intended to offend with her paltry gesture."
The queen waves her hand and the sorceress goes quiet. "Is the food another offering? We could use a pet for our amusement... or a meal."
The princess looks back at Nare, then at the group, unsure how to answer that question. Her eyes are wide and she shakes her head at the crowd behind her as if to say, well is she?
My DM Registry
My Characters:
Archibald Thwipp, Human/Male/Blood Hunter/L3 posting in The Tavern, DnDBeyond
Sergeant Sylvia, Half Orc/Female/Barbarian/L3 posting in A Beginner's Guide, Myth Weavers
Carric Holimion, Wood Elf/Male/Ranger/L1 posting in Lost Mines of Phandelver, Giant in the Playground
Darian takes a knee beside Albert. “Forgive Nare, Highness. Humor is their… shield. Your need is great, I… understand. Allow us to discuss… privately? Much treasure in Santekh. Need to… decide what to spare. Return to our… mules. Camp there. At dawn we… send offer.”
'Lesser being?!' That thought takes to Nare's head like a rock. He doesn't know what is worse being thought of as food or as something stupid. It rattles around in his brain. 'Oh hare-brained? I get it now.' He thinks bitterly, completely messing up the saying but so be it. He's only heard it, not so much so read it. The harengon puts his hands in his pockets and steps down, moving behind Darian to take on a more submissive posture. The mouse bites his finger, but he stays silent.
<---- me irl
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now; Twimee'zah Roleplay
Player: Night Ravens; Dragonlance; 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist; LARP in Sharn; Last Chapters
Albert chuckles a bit: "No no, Nare is our friend and companion. Actually a mighty sorcerer. We offer you a great cooperation opportunity and enough supplies to make your clan prosper. Also the magic idol. Understand - this is a win for you in every possible scenario. You keep the resource boxes now - it is a very short term win. You give the resources back to us and form a diplomatic relationship - great long term win. You give back our resources, but do not want to trade? Sanketh keeps living and more resources keep flowing in that you can possibly obtain. Also a win. Your majesty, I envy your advantageous position here."
The queen considers Albert and Darian's words for several moments. She then turns to the sorceress. "My daughter, you have approached me with this plan. What are your thoughts?"
The sorceress, princess of the kobold clan steps forward. "This human cleric is correct. Santekh suffers greatly from the blight, and they were counting on this supply train to provide life-sustaining medicine and supplies.. If we return their supplies, they may survive, and the trade routes will remain open. And we can become a legitimized trading port along that trail. I think the potential there is worth the sacrifice of a few crates. Especially as our needs increase." She gives the queen a knowing glance at the workers below them.
The queen turns to Darian, and speaks to you in rudimentary Hachakee. She seems on the edge of making her final judgment.
My DM Registry
My Characters:
Archibald Thwipp, Human/Male/Blood Hunter/L3 posting in The Tavern, DnDBeyond
Sergeant Sylvia, Half Orc/Female/Barbarian/L3 posting in A Beginner's Guide, Myth Weavers
Carric Holimion, Wood Elf/Male/Ranger/L1 posting in Lost Mines of Phandelver, Giant in the Playground
Darian replies in his broken Common, “Sanketh is… many. I… not speak for Sanketh, I speak for Golden Company.” he says gesturing around at the party. “Golden Company is… trustworthy. On Hachakee honor.”
The queen seems uneasy with the lack of assurance. "Daughter. You've always had a soft heart for these surface dwellers, and while it's served us well in opening trade with the Hachakee, I worry it will be the death of you. So now is the chance to find out if your faith in them is wise, or foolish. Go with a contingency of soldiers. Take with them 6 of the crates. Come back with all my troops alive, or do not come back at all. If you come back with an amicable trade agreement and a good-faith tribute of treasure, then you will have secured your place as my successor."
The sorceress, whom you now know is a princess, stammers. "I-I didn't mean that-"
"SILENCE! Your queen has spoken," the queen interrupts, a sharp tone to her voice. "Always, you tell me to show kindness and mercy to these surface dwellers. Always you say they are allies of the dragonkin as well. Always you try to make 'peaceful trade agreements' with them. In spite of generations of proof that they see us as training fodder for young adventurers. You risk much with only words. And you bring potential threats into the heart of our territory, based on what? A promise these," she gestures to the Golden Company, "who even are they?! Not even the Hachakee tribesman can speak on behalf of the people of Santekh." Her look is equal parts incredulity and outrage as she chides her daughter.
The princess opens her mouth to explain, but the queen holds up a threatening finger and glares at her daughter. "You will learn that leadership requires wisdom, discretion, and sometimes courage. Hundreds of lives hang in the balance of every decision you make and I'd rather feed your corpse to the desert than have your rash judgment be the death of my people... or worse. So... if you don't accept my terms and go with these...underlings, I would guess... to meet with some actual decision makers, then you will relinquish your claim to the throne now, before all my subjects. And you will silence yourself in matters of surface dwellers in the future unless I specifically command you to speak of them."
The princess looks at the queen nervously...
The queen rolls her eyes and sighs. "Now you may speak, daughter."
Ok, If any (or all) of you have any words to say to the princess to help her make up your mind, roll your preferred skill check and shoot your shot. Make it good, because right now, the princess looks scared as hell.
My DM Registry
My Characters:
Archibald Thwipp, Human/Male/Blood Hunter/L3 posting in The Tavern, DnDBeyond
Sergeant Sylvia, Half Orc/Female/Barbarian/L3 posting in A Beginner's Guide, Myth Weavers
Carric Holimion, Wood Elf/Male/Ranger/L1 posting in Lost Mines of Phandelver, Giant in the Playground
Self guided persuasion of 10
Albert turns to princess: "You will not be the only one who does the talking. If anything, I will ensure your safe return"
"We will protect her." Ne'haredowell suddenly finds himself walking up towards the queen. Upon realization of this, he again slinks back. He holds out his paw towards the sorcerer-princess and clutches the waterskin pouch (which he hopes is covered in cured leather) around his left arm. If she lets him, he will cast Mage Armor on her. He figures, even if she can do the spell on her own, that doing so it would be for good measures.
"If anything- guess you probably don't need permission for this- but if we fail, you may eat..." He sucks in his breath and closes his eyes. "-eat me and my mouse." He holds up Lennie up shakily. The mouse squeaks, unbelieving of what is happening here. "...And all my rations."
((Persuasion: 13 + 2 + 5 (mushroom bonus) = 20)
<---- me irl
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now; Twimee'zah Roleplay
Player: Night Ravens; Dragonlance; 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist; LARP in Sharn; Last Chapters