A halfling with blue skin ushers you into a cramped but private back room at the Pork On The Fork tavern, a quaint roadside inn well a good distance from Sundabar. The Warblade of Sundabar - Grand Inquisitrix Ser Mary Glendale, High Protector of the Silver Marches, Orc-Bane, and Paladin - sits at a table that fills almost the entire room, studying a map. Attending her is her female Shieldsar, Sal, who currently maintains a post wedged between Glendale's chair and the wall. To Glendale's left is a roguish man in an Elven cloak. To her right is an Uthgardt barbarian warrior, whose greataxe lies nearby, adorned with an image of a black lion.
As you file in and take your seats, a cloaked gnome slips into the room and sets a shred of black cloth on the table. He nods at Glendale, saying, "Our mutual friend agrees to your proposal. The Black Network will assist."
Once all have been seated, the meeting will be called to order.
OOC: Take some time to introduce yourselves to Murmen, and Murmen to yourselves, and greet the attendants of the meeting. All but Murmen will recognize the Warblade Ser Mary Glendale, the Watchblade Rowan, the barbarian Roccar, and the gnome Fumbles McNilrog.
Bartram Shadecrest Lvl 3 | Human | Rogue/Inquisitive
With a bow Bartram greets the Grand Inquisitrix, "Greetings Grand Inquisitrix, Bartram Shadcrest at your service once more. I hope my inquisitive nature will once again help you in your current endeavor."
Being part of a secret organization myself and have contacts in the criminal underworld, have I ever heard of the Black Network?
“Spirit. In every language in all the Realms, surface and Underdark, in every time and every place, the word has a ring of strength and determination. It is the hero's strength, the mother's resilience and the poor man's armor. It cannot be broken and it cannot be taken away.”
OOC: The Black Network is the collection of agents that make up the Zhentarim. The Zhentarim offers the best mercenaries money can buy, though the price can be quite high.
"I'm sure you are surprised why I gathered all of you here again."
A small brown kobold dramatically swivels the chair attempting to look mysterious and enigmatic.
"I can see it in your face that you're confused, some are even bewildered. Didn't Meepo already did this kind of introduction? Yes, he in fact did it."
He rests his elbow to one of the arm rest and place his chin above his hand.
"But first impressions last and since we have a new recruit, I think Meepo have to introduce himself in a fashionable way.
My name is Meepo Dustsweeper, hailing from the nomadic Dustsweeper clan."
As Meepo stops swiveling from his chair, he attempts to see anything on the map the Grand Inquisitrix is currently looking at.
A gruff, rather beat up looking dwarf sits down across from you. He's wearing fine chain mail that clashes with his rather bedraggled appearance, and chain mail gloves that seem to be almost fused into his hands rather than worn. A holy symbol of Moradin is slung around his neck, and seems to glow with a dull red light. He winces as he slowly lowers himself into his chair.
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
"Yes I hope the old man is improved since we saw him last" Karst adds before also bowing to the Warblade. He then turns to the dwarf "Well met, friend" He then nods to all the others, offering a warm smile to Roccar, before raising an eyebrow as his glance passes over the gnome "We meet again, McNilrog, does fate smile upon you?"
The map on the table depicts the surrounding region of Luruar.
Roccar smiles warmly at Aradurk and Karst. "Old Poe is...surviving. He will never be the same, but he is alive thanks to you and your companions. He has retired to an Uthgardt homestead, and though he can no longer play his instruments, he wears a mask and regales travelers like any good bard would," he explains.
Fumbles bows in exaggerated fashion to Karst. "Only so much as it ever has, good Paladin. And you?"
Glendale calls the table to order and provides formal introductions. "Rowan, The Watchblade of Sundabar, spymaster and my former adventuring companion. Roccar, commander of the regional peacekeeping unit known as The Reavers, who recently led the expedition that crushed the Longhunt orc clan. Fumbles McNilrog, arcane trickster and agent of the Black Network. Aradurk, Meepo, Bartram, Karst, and Murmen, an adventuring group that recently investigate the rise of magic weapons finding their way into orc hands. The information they found led to the communication that has brought us all here today. The words spoken here today do not leave this room. What we are about to do is highly controversial and could lead to all out war if not handled delicately." She glances around the room, her glare stopping on Roccar, who seems particularly displeased. "Now that the weight of this meeting is understood, here is our situation.
"As we all know, the Dark Arrows Empire - commonly referred to as Many Arrows - lies just North of the Spine of the World, and though led by orcs, has a tentative truce with Luruar," Glendale begins.
"Bastards, the lot of them,"Roccar curses. Glendale stares at him for a moment before continuing.
"No matter how some of us may feel, they are allies. The orc clans in the Silver Marches, however, are not. Until recently, they have not been a large threat. However, bizarre magical auras, discovered by the adventurers before you, have driven these orc clans from the fringes of the Silver Marches into direct contact with the people of Luruar. Hungry orcs with nothing to lose are a recipe for disaster, and worse, our truce with the Dark Arrows Empire is controversial enough that a large-scale fight with the orc clans may be enough to tip the anger toward the Many Arrows orcs, a war that Luruar cannot afford to fight.
To make matters worse, a goblin known only as Weasel has been smuggling magic weapons into the hands of these orcs, which means less magical weapons are finding their way to the people whose lands are being flooded with orcs. How long before these weapons are turned against them? The orc clans have already begun to unite and organize under Chief Scar of the Longhunt clan. As we know, Roccar and the Reavers put them down brutally, but this unification could easily happen again," Glendale explains.
"And not without wounds of my own," Roccar adds.
"Our mission is to attempt a diplomatic solution to these orc clans before they amass and clash with Luruar," Glendale continues.
Glendale pauses for a moment to make sure the first pass of information is understood.
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
"Meepo can understand your skeptical face Murmen."
The small brown kobold makes an understanding nod at the dwarven cleric.
"Even Meepo still wakes up baffled after our group had a diplomatic encounter against a legion of orc skeletons using a battle dance. As you can see, we succeeded and lived to tell the uncanny tale."
Bartram Shadecrest Lvl 3 | Human | Rogue/Inquisitive
"Though I have some hope that we succeed in negotiating some sort of peace we should also think realistically. It may end up in a war no matter what we do and we may need to plan for that. We should also think of gather any information we can on them that may push any conflict into are favor. Another thing to think of is if we could possibly solve that crisis these orc clans are now facing, these bizarre magical happenings, we could end the threat of war that way."
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“Spirit. In every language in all the Realms, surface and Underdark, in every time and every place, the word has a ring of strength and determination. It is the hero's strength, the mother's resilience and the poor man's armor. It cannot be broken and it cannot be taken away.”
Aradurk's tall muscular frame straightens and his brow furrows at the sound of the prospect of diplomacy with the tribes. His jaws shifts, accenting his jutting canines in contrast to his dull ashy skin. He shifts his gaze back over to the Glendale.
"Quelling the innate bloodlust of Orcs will not be easy. Beyond Meepo's suggestion of a battle dance off, have you any suggestions of how and who we will have to deal with?"
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Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"I guess digging a very huge ditch between Luruar and the Silver Marshes is not enough to stop a war eh. There was a union of kobold workers that lives on Lek Lek's cave in case we need laborers in the immediate area."
Meepo rocks his chair while in deep thought of what to do. He then looks at Glendale as he ask his question.
"How about we use their superstitious nature to delay them from waging war for the mean time? I don't know much about their culture but that's the best thing I could think of right now.
I'm down to what Bartram is suggesting but we need to be fast and thorough about it. We could check the source of the oily substance by going to the Rauvincross' river upstream.
The mist coming from the Nether Mountains and the oily substance have the same effect. I also saw the local flora and fauna on it revert to their original form once they were out of its vicinity."
"Unless I miss my guess the Warblade has already set a plan in motion, or at least knows has a plan they intend to carry out, I think we will be utilised in some way that is about to be revealed." The paladin shifts his balance, for once looking a little uncomfortable "Warblade, if I may speak freely, you may have chosen poorly in including me in this party, my oaths are to take vengeance against those who deserve it, I suspect that I may find all too many who I believe will need execution, murderers and pillagers, but you wish for me to be a part of a diplomatic mission. I fear I will be unable to carry out your wishes effectively" He looks across at his party. "I would not desert you all, by my Oath is what holds me true and I cannot abandon it."
RP only - not looking to leave :)
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Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Roccar lets out a hearty chuckle in response to Karst. "Now this is my kind of paladin."
"Very well," Glendale says, "I would certainly not ask that you abandon your Oath, and though success is not certain, I cannot guarantee that there will be opportunity to enact your vengeance. As ill as it makes us all to play diplomat with orc clans, the alternative is hundreds of thousands of lost lives. This is not our first option, and it is the best one at this time.
The mist will be investigated, but it is not a priority at this time. Karst is correct, there is a plan that has been set in motion, and it hinges upon those in this room performing at their best. It carries with it a large amount of risk, but with success we will be saving more lives than one could ever fathom."
She stares sullenly at the table for a moment, establishing the weight of her next statement.
"Our goal is to assimilate the orc clans into the Dark Arrows Empire. With assistance from Fumbles, we have paid the Zhentarim to escort the orc tribes through the Underdark and smuggler trails into Many Arrows territory. We will be meeting secretly with Azetbu, cousin of the Orc King, to negotiate terms.
Once we have a deal, those in this room will escort Azetbu to a secret location to meet with Trelanna Armour. Trelanna is a mage of Silverymoon, powerful in magic and in politics. Once there she will formally confirm Luruar's commitment to the negotiated terms. You will all receive a badge showing that you are proxies of Trelanna and Silverymoon. Because of the delicacy of this mission, these will be handed out just before we reach orc territory.
I can see you are not sold, Roccar," she finishes.
Roccar cracks his neck and grunts. "You know I'm not happy with this, Glendale. If all this depends on us being on our best behavior, why am I here?"
"Orcs respect power, Roccar," she answers, "Your victory over Longhunt makes you a key delegate. The Dark Arrows Empire has as much to lose as we do from an all out war.
Rowan pitches in, "Discretion is of the utmost importance. Keep things quiet and you will each be paid five hundred gold pieces after the summit."
OOC: This next round of posts is a "social encounter", a unique mechanic within these adventures. Your characters' responses during these posts will drive the direction that the adventure goes. How does each character respond to the mission and Roccar's unease, in either first or third person?
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Bartram Shadecrest Lvl 3 | Human | Rogue/Inquisitive
Bartram will try to help eliminate some of Roccar's unease, "I agree with you Roccar, this mission will depend on us behaving each other, which includes the orcs themselves. With you along some of fears will be lessened knowing your strong arms will be there to handle the orcs."
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“Spirit. In every language in all the Realms, surface and Underdark, in every time and every place, the word has a ring of strength and determination. It is the hero's strength, the mother's resilience and the poor man's armor. It cannot be broken and it cannot be taken away.”
"I think this will be a great risk, but I have sworn to serve and I will carry out your wishes to the best of my ability, vengeance can not be denied but it can be held in check for a time more fitting. I will strive to contain myself when necessary but ultimately there may need to be a reckoning between this servant of Hoar and the greenskins. I have not forgotten Old Poe and the cruelty inflicted on him, those orcs paid with their lives but they are typical of those tribes and I do not expect better from the rest of the Longhunt."
Looking back to Roccar he adds with a wolfish grin "Yes, I think I may be your sort of paladin, and you, I believe, are my sort of warchief, if my blade must be drawn I would be glad knowing you stood at my side, but I respect the Warblade's need for a greater peace than men like us often see, I will carry out her orders." He bows to the Warblade and to Roccar and then stands silent.
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Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
"Meepo is up for anything that is to happen. This humble kobold of yours is not concerned on what is right and just nor the results at the end of this conflict.
Meepo just wants to avoid a war in the midst of his lifetime quest. Travelling restrictions would be heavy and that would be bad for my part you know."
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Believer of the almighty one, the Alpha and the Omega, whose love encompasses all of his creations, RNGesus.
Started as a player at time of registration. Started to DM a month later. Hoping to get better as time progresses.
“I am not eager to be scrutizined by Orcs of many backgrounds but if there is a way we can build a peace, I will do what it takes. I fear my lineage may have random impacts on our success. For friends and county however, let us go forward!”
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Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
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A halfling with blue skin ushers you into a cramped but private back room at the Pork On The Fork tavern, a quaint roadside inn well a good distance from Sundabar. The Warblade of Sundabar - Grand Inquisitrix Ser Mary Glendale, High Protector of the Silver Marches, Orc-Bane, and Paladin - sits at a table that fills almost the entire room, studying a map. Attending her is her female Shieldsar, Sal, who currently maintains a post wedged between Glendale's chair and the wall. To Glendale's left is a roguish man in an Elven cloak. To her right is an Uthgardt barbarian warrior, whose greataxe lies nearby, adorned with an image of a black lion.
As you file in and take your seats, a cloaked gnome slips into the room and sets a shred of black cloth on the table. He nods at Glendale, saying, "Our mutual friend agrees to your proposal. The Black Network will assist."
Once all have been seated, the meeting will be called to order.
Our Party:
Aradurk: Half-Orc Fighter
Bartram Shadecrest: Human Rogue
Karst: Aasimar Paladin
Meepo Dustsweeper: Kobold Monk
Murmen Bloodkith: Dwarf Cleric
OOC: Take some time to introduce yourselves to Murmen, and Murmen to yourselves, and greet the attendants of the meeting. All but Murmen will recognize the Warblade Ser Mary Glendale, the Watchblade Rowan, the barbarian Roccar, and the gnome Fumbles McNilrog.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 3 | Human | Rogue/Inquisitive
With a bow Bartram greets the Grand Inquisitrix, "Greetings Grand Inquisitrix, Bartram Shadcrest at your service once more. I hope my inquisitive nature will once again help you in your current endeavor."
Being part of a secret organization myself and have contacts in the criminal underworld, have I ever heard of the Black Network?
“Spirit. In every language in all the Realms, surface and Underdark, in every time and every place, the word has a ring of strength and determination. It is the hero's strength, the mother's resilience and the poor man's armor. It cannot be broken and it cannot be taken away.”
OOC: The Black Network is the collection of agents that make up the Zhentarim. The Zhentarim offers the best mercenaries money can buy, though the price can be quite high.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"I'm sure you are surprised why I gathered all of you here again."
A small brown kobold dramatically swivels the chair attempting to look mysterious and enigmatic.
"I can see it in your face that you're confused, some are even bewildered. Didn't Meepo already did this kind of introduction? Yes, he in fact did it."
He rests his elbow to one of the arm rest and place his chin above his hand.
"But first impressions last and since we have a new recruit, I think Meepo have to introduce himself in a fashionable way.
My name is Meepo Dustsweeper, hailing from the nomadic Dustsweeper clan."
As Meepo stops swiveling from his chair, he attempts to see anything on the map the Grand Inquisitrix is currently looking at.
A gruff, rather beat up looking dwarf sits down across from you. He's wearing fine chain mail that clashes with his rather bedraggled appearance, and chain mail gloves that seem to be almost fused into his hands rather than worn. A holy symbol of Moradin is slung around his neck, and seems to glow with a dull red light. He winces as he slowly lowers himself into his chair.
"Me name's Murmen. Murmen Bloodkith."
Check out my Extended signature here
Class Guides: Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Bard General Guides: PvP
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
“Welcome Murmen.”
I walk up and kneel before Ser Mary Glendale then stand and offer my hand to Roccar. “I hope your journey has been safe Roccar. How is Old Poe?”
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"Yes I hope the old man is improved since we saw him last" Karst adds before also bowing to the Warblade. He then turns to the dwarf "Well met, friend" He then nods to all the others, offering a warm smile to Roccar, before raising an eyebrow as his glance passes over the gnome "We meet again, McNilrog, does fate smile upon you?"
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
The map on the table depicts the surrounding region of Luruar.
Roccar smiles warmly at Aradurk and Karst. "Old Poe is...surviving. He will never be the same, but he is alive thanks to you and your companions. He has retired to an Uthgardt homestead, and though he can no longer play his instruments, he wears a mask and regales travelers like any good bard would," he explains.
Fumbles bows in exaggerated fashion to Karst. "Only so much as it ever has, good Paladin. And you?"
Glendale calls the table to order and provides formal introductions. "Rowan, The Watchblade of Sundabar, spymaster and my former adventuring companion. Roccar, commander of the regional peacekeeping unit known as The Reavers, who recently led the expedition that crushed the Longhunt orc clan. Fumbles McNilrog, arcane trickster and agent of the Black Network. Aradurk, Meepo, Bartram, Karst, and Murmen, an adventuring group that recently investigate the rise of magic weapons finding their way into orc hands. The information they found led to the communication that has brought us all here today. The words spoken here today do not leave this room. What we are about to do is highly controversial and could lead to all out war if not handled delicately." She glances around the room, her glare stopping on Roccar, who seems particularly displeased. "Now that the weight of this meeting is understood, here is our situation.
"As we all know, the Dark Arrows Empire - commonly referred to as Many Arrows - lies just North of the Spine of the World, and though led by orcs, has a tentative truce with Luruar," Glendale begins.
"Bastards, the lot of them," Roccar curses. Glendale stares at him for a moment before continuing.
"No matter how some of us may feel, they are allies. The orc clans in the Silver Marches, however, are not. Until recently, they have not been a large threat. However, bizarre magical auras, discovered by the adventurers before you, have driven these orc clans from the fringes of the Silver Marches into direct contact with the people of Luruar. Hungry orcs with nothing to lose are a recipe for disaster, and worse, our truce with the Dark Arrows Empire is controversial enough that a large-scale fight with the orc clans may be enough to tip the anger toward the Many Arrows orcs, a war that Luruar cannot afford to fight.
To make matters worse, a goblin known only as Weasel has been smuggling magic weapons into the hands of these orcs, which means less magical weapons are finding their way to the people whose lands are being flooded with orcs. How long before these weapons are turned against them? The orc clans have already begun to unite and organize under Chief Scar of the Longhunt clan. As we know, Roccar and the Reavers put them down brutally, but this unification could easily happen again," Glendale explains.
"And not without wounds of my own," Roccar adds.
"Our mission is to attempt a diplomatic solution to these orc clans before they amass and clash with Luruar," Glendale continues.
Glendale pauses for a moment to make sure the first pass of information is understood.
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"Diplomacy with orcs . . .is this what tha' world is comin' to? I suppos' it's better 'en fightin' an all out war we ken't afford."
Murmen looks skeptical, but mostly convinced.
Check out my Extended signature here
Class Guides: Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Bard General Guides: PvP
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
"Meepo can understand your skeptical face Murmen."
The small brown kobold makes an understanding nod at the dwarven cleric.
"Even Meepo still wakes up baffled after our group had a diplomatic encounter against a legion of orc skeletons using a battle dance. As you can see, we succeeded and lived to tell the uncanny tale."
Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 3 | Human | Rogue/Inquisitive
"Though I have some hope that we succeed in negotiating some sort of peace we should also think realistically. It may end up in a war no matter what we do and we may need to plan for that. We should also think of gather any information we can on them that may push any conflict into are favor. Another thing to think of is if we could possibly solve that crisis these orc clans are now facing, these bizarre magical happenings, we could end the threat of war that way."
“Spirit. In every language in all the Realms, surface and Underdark, in every time and every place, the word has a ring of strength and determination. It is the hero's strength, the mother's resilience and the poor man's armor. It cannot be broken and it cannot be taken away.”
Aradurk's tall muscular frame straightens and his brow furrows at the sound of the prospect of diplomacy with the tribes. His jaws shifts, accenting his jutting canines in contrast to his dull ashy skin. He shifts his gaze back over to the Glendale.
"Quelling the innate bloodlust of Orcs will not be easy. Beyond Meepo's suggestion of a battle dance off, have you any suggestions of how and who we will have to deal with?"
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"I guess digging a very huge ditch between Luruar and the Silver Marshes is not enough to stop a war eh. There was a union of kobold workers that lives on Lek Lek's cave in case we need laborers in the immediate area."
Meepo rocks his chair while in deep thought of what to do. He then looks at Glendale as he ask his question.
"How about we use their superstitious nature to delay them from waging war for the mean time? I don't know much about their culture but that's the best thing I could think of right now.
I'm down to what Bartram is suggesting but we need to be fast and thorough about it. We could check the source of the oily substance by going to the Rauvincross' river upstream.
The mist coming from the Nether Mountains and the oily substance have the same effect. I also saw the local flora and fauna on it revert to their original form once they were out of its vicinity."
"Unless I miss my guess the Warblade has already set a plan in motion, or at least knows has a plan they intend to carry out, I think we will be utilised in some way that is about to be revealed." The paladin shifts his balance, for once looking a little uncomfortable "Warblade, if I may speak freely, you may have chosen poorly in including me in this party, my oaths are to take vengeance against those who deserve it, I suspect that I may find all too many who I believe will need execution, murderers and pillagers, but you wish for me to be a part of a diplomatic mission. I fear I will be unable to carry out your wishes effectively" He looks across at his party. "I would not desert you all, by my Oath is what holds me true and I cannot abandon it."
RP only - not looking to leave :)
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Roccar lets out a hearty chuckle in response to Karst. "Now this is my kind of paladin."
"Very well," Glendale says, "I would certainly not ask that you abandon your Oath, and though success is not certain, I cannot guarantee that there will be opportunity to enact your vengeance. As ill as it makes us all to play diplomat with orc clans, the alternative is hundreds of thousands of lost lives. This is not our first option, and it is the best one at this time.
The mist will be investigated, but it is not a priority at this time. Karst is correct, there is a plan that has been set in motion, and it hinges upon those in this room performing at their best. It carries with it a large amount of risk, but with success we will be saving more lives than one could ever fathom."
She stares sullenly at the table for a moment, establishing the weight of her next statement.
"Our goal is to assimilate the orc clans into the Dark Arrows Empire. With assistance from Fumbles, we have paid the Zhentarim to escort the orc tribes through the Underdark and smuggler trails into Many Arrows territory. We will be meeting secretly with Azetbu, cousin of the Orc King, to negotiate terms.
Once we have a deal, those in this room will escort Azetbu to a secret location to meet with Trelanna Armour. Trelanna is a mage of Silverymoon, powerful in magic and in politics. Once there she will formally confirm Luruar's commitment to the negotiated terms. You will all receive a badge showing that you are proxies of Trelanna and Silverymoon. Because of the delicacy of this mission, these will be handed out just before we reach orc territory.
I can see you are not sold, Roccar," she finishes.
Roccar cracks his neck and grunts. "You know I'm not happy with this, Glendale. If all this depends on us being on our best behavior, why am I here?"
"Orcs respect power, Roccar," she answers, "Your victory over Longhunt makes you a key delegate. The Dark Arrows Empire has as much to lose as we do from an all out war.
Rowan pitches in, "Discretion is of the utmost importance. Keep things quiet and you will each be paid five hundred gold pieces after the summit."
OOC: This next round of posts is a "social encounter", a unique mechanic within these adventures. Your characters' responses during these posts will drive the direction that the adventure goes. How does each character respond to the mission and Roccar's unease, in either first or third person?
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"I'm afeared I taent be much use in diplomatic situations, me friends. Ye ken count on me ta behave meself, however."
You can see Murmen attempt to swallow his skeptical appearance (Deception: 14), and mostly hold it at bay.
(I was honestly hoping for a 1 there . . .)
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Class Guides: Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Bard General Guides: PvP
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 3 | Human | Rogue/Inquisitive
Bartram will try to help eliminate some of Roccar's unease, "I agree with you Roccar, this mission will depend on us behaving each other, which includes the orcs themselves. With you along some of fears will be lessened knowing your strong arms will be there to handle the orcs."
“Spirit. In every language in all the Realms, surface and Underdark, in every time and every place, the word has a ring of strength and determination. It is the hero's strength, the mother's resilience and the poor man's armor. It cannot be broken and it cannot be taken away.”
"I think this will be a great risk, but I have sworn to serve and I will carry out your wishes to the best of my ability, vengeance can not be denied but it can be held in check for a time more fitting. I will strive to contain myself when necessary but ultimately there may need to be a reckoning between this servant of Hoar and the greenskins. I have not forgotten Old Poe and the cruelty inflicted on him, those orcs paid with their lives but they are typical of those tribes and I do not expect better from the rest of the Longhunt."
Looking back to Roccar he adds with a wolfish grin "Yes, I think I may be your sort of paladin, and you, I believe, are my sort of warchief, if my blade must be drawn I would be glad knowing you stood at my side, but I respect the Warblade's need for a greater peace than men like us often see, I will carry out her orders." He bows to the Warblade and to Roccar and then stands silent.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
"Meepo is up for anything that is to happen. This humble kobold of yours is not concerned on what is right and just nor the results at the end of this conflict.
Meepo just wants to avoid a war in the midst of his lifetime quest. Travelling restrictions would be heavy and that would be bad for my part you know."
“I am not eager to be scrutizined by Orcs of many backgrounds but if there is a way we can build a peace, I will do what it takes. I fear my lineage may have random impacts on our success. For friends and county however, let us go forward!”
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)