Mathilda is eager to prove herself useful. "Oh we know we're she's hiding!" She beams. "Of course we want to help you protect these people. The vampire woman is -"
A sudden presence fills the air. Where once there was space Seb'riel materialises, surrounded by crackling arcane and divine energy. Her voice fills the room, commanding the attention of all those present.
"Silence!" The weight of the word echoes around the mind as much as the ears. "Speak no more child." She hisses at Mathilda, then more softly. "These are not matters for you to discuss, it is not your fault, but these things are beyond you for now."
She eyes the vampire, the full arcane presence surrounding her once more.
"You summon us here. Inform us that you do not need our help, insult our knowledge and power, tell us this is beyond our means, then try to bribe the help from us with petty riches. You have misjudged me my Lord." The last two words echo with sarcasm. "We will give you the location. Even take you there. But I want not riches, I want my knowledge, and I want what I have seen to be mine. Pay the others as you will."
"Sorry, hold on a moment, could you please tell me something, just because I am curious, in what capacity do you look after the people of this town. As a benevolent guardian or some kind of protector of his own larder?" The battlemaster holds a hand up to forestall a reply" I apologise, because I realise we are all being terribly polite but I just hate to walk away from something with unanswered questions. I should say that I have no wish for that woman to remain in this world, I hold a special dislike of people who attempt to control my mind, and although her attempt failed I would still wish for her demise. And if my companion here does not wish payment, please feel free to send her share my way." He adds the last with a roguish smile.
"Have you finish? "he asks and wait patiently if she has another thing to say. He waits staring at her until she gives him any signal that she has ended.
"Let me tell you something child "he says in a even more calm tone than before. So calm that it has turned cold and no one in the room is blind to the menance laying below his voice.
"If you want that people treat you like an adult, it is time to start behaving like one, despite your winters over this world, you still act like a child. Raise again the voice in my presence. Talk to her again in that way." he points to Mathilda "And you will regret it. Am I clear?"
Seb'riel feels that perhaps she has pushed too far and suddenly she realizes that is not only her life what is at stake, but her brothers and her new friends too.
"Now, give the others their weapons, for you look ridiculous, and sit down once and for all. We have important matters to discuss. "
He then turns towards Lyreis
" You can tell that I have grown fond of this city and her people. I appreciate their simplicity and their innocence. Over the centuries I've learnt to enjoy simple things. Laugh, the joy of a hot supper after a hard day work... even their small struggles for the tiny power they can muster here, they are so... naive. I would be really dissapointed if that is stolen from them. So I guard them, even if they are ignorant of this. Did this satisfies your curiosity? "
He then turns towards Kyne
"Now, Kyne Nauraethor Arodir. Allow me to be very clear. I will eventually discover her lair. And destroy her. This could take more or less time, but that is something I have in abundance, one thing is certain. Her days are numbered. Now, I understand that she still has something you want, and some of you had admit that you would like to bring some retaliaton upon her. As a reward for your previous services I offer you the chance to do both, as I was about to say before beign interrupted. "he says not even acknowledging the presence of Seb'riel anymore. She now feels that she is truly invisible "But make no mistake. As she could not have the meanings to hurt me, you don't have the meanings, nor the power, to hurt her. If you go after her on your own... "he shrugs "rest assured that I will take good care of your formidable weapons " he says looking to their swords, but he looks for a little bit longr at Lyreis's doubled blade " and will honor them. It's the only thing I can offer you if you chose that path. But " he raises a finger " I will tolerate no more disrespect. This is your last warning. Do we have an understanding on this? "
A dangerous look flashes across Seb'riel's eyes and arcane energy once again crackles in the air causing the hair on the back of everybodies neck to rise. She closes her eyes though and once again finds her centre. When she opens them the electrical energy forming at her finger tips has extinguished. Her voice is flat, emotionless, even. Her sentences short and controlled, but the lack of emotion behind them perhaps betrays the fact she is saying what is necessary rather than what she means. She pointedly sits down and fixes the vampire with an unblinking stare.
"In that case we should perhaps start again. I apologise for any disrespect."
She continues, still passionless but businesslike and honest now.
"It is true from what I have seen of you that Morlainne is not of your power but she is ambitious and she looks to take your territory. Her power grows everyday. My offer stands, I will take you to her if that is what you wish in exchange for what is discussed. Whilst we cannot defeat Morlainne herself, we can defeat her allies who could otherwise prove troublesome for you were you to face them all at once."
Hurosk smiles and raises an arm to check his "scent" that the vampire pointed out. "I don't claim to be daisy fresh, so whatever." He gathers his belongings from Seb'riel, and just goes to stand against the wall. He shakes his head and chuckles to himself as egos are bruised of those whom he thought would have had a bit thicker skin.
"She seems to be holed up in the middle of the lake," the half orc finally says. "Not sure why everyone is dancing around subject. If you can help us with someone that already managed to capture one of us, and almost had her way with the other five of us, I don't see the harm in you knowing."
Mathilda chokes on the last words of the sentence, unable to get the words out. She stares at Seb'riel in disbelief. When the magic wears off, she shivers slightly. She just... I can't believe it! She just used magic to make me do whatever she wanted, she just... Mathilda shakes her head to dispel the feeling. At Lord Thrinderand's words, she smiles slightly, but clearly still ill at ease after having been silenced. He protects the people of this town and he would protect me. His intentions are noble. The young girl quickly grabs her weapons from Seb'riel and then backs up away from her, standing closer to the vampire. She does not say anything to the female elf, but her posture looks guarded now. Eagerly, she waits for instructions in answer to Kyne's question.
He nods to Kyne and turns to Seb'riel and nods to her too accepting her apologies.
"In the lake I see."he thanks Hurosk his sincerity " I concede that is rather astute. I understand that you have dismantled her little drug operation and killed her associates. How many were they? Any of them had special capabilities? "
Lyreis reclaims his double-bladed scimitar, smiling as the weapon comes back to him, he then stands, still holding the weapon easily, nearer to Mathilda but not threateningly so.
"There was a mage, capable enough to cause us a few burns but he did not truly test us, several thugs of little skill and I believe one was a minor cleric, again he did not particularly cause concern." He looks over at Seb, leaving her to describe the island's defences if she wishes, but stopping his own reply there.
"There was also a summoning sigil of sorts in the basement that drew on the blood of the mage when he fell," Kyne adds, with resignation.
"We believe it was intended to summon a fiend, but Moltaris was able to disable it before it could activate. Morlainne also seems to favour glyphs of warding. Especially the exploding kind."
Kyne pauses for a moment before adding.
"She also referred to you as 'Dauberos' and an 'old antique', if I recall. She asked us to join her and replace the minions we slew. In exchange for wealth and reward, naturally."
"So you effectively had leave her without servants. Well done." he says to Lyreis " I have no doubt that the beraer of such a noble weapon " he says motion his hand towards Lyreis " must be a remarkable warrior"
He turns to Seb and Kyen
" As far as I know she has not training in magical skills, so this glyphs and the summoning ring you talk about must be from her wizard servant. Is the ring destroyed? Good good " he adds as they say to him that the place was burned to the fround "Yet you spoke of others that could be a nuisance to me if I where to kill her. What can you tell me about this ones"
When Kyne tells Dauberos's name he raises an eyebrown
"She told you that? Interesting. I haven't used that name from a long time ago."he pauses, thinking " This could be the most important piece of information you've brought to me tonight. Nervertheless. "he says speaking to all of them now " You seem more capable that I had thought. Tell me. Do you have any idea of how to proceed and destroy her? Do you know how many steps must be taken to destroy such a creature? "
Seb'riel eases slightly as the talks become more positive. "Her defences on the island are separate from those she had in the drug operation. I know of some of them, two that she has created in her likeness and one loyal warforged of great strength. What else she has deeper in the tower I do not know but it is enough that she is confident in her ability to defeat you were she to find you."
Kyne nods graciously, as though to say 'see, we can be of some use'.
"I have been trained to hunt many creatures of the night," he replies. "Although a true vampire is beyond what power I can muster alone, I know that only sunlight or running water can destroy them permanently. I know that if they are defeated, but not destroyed, they will return to their sanctuary in the form of a mist and are then helpless for a time. If they can be found while helpless, a stake to the heart will keep them that way, until they can be brought to a river, or to meet the sun."
Seb'riel nods casually twirling her hair and nodding along to Kyne's description.
"Honestly it is less difficult than people believe. As my brother suggests, it is knowing that they must be defeated twice that is most hunters' downfall. Divine energy may also be used effectively against them, and if they stray too far from their home they may not manage to return before they are annialated by the rising sun. The bite of another vampire can also be a permanent solution to their death, it is even rumoured that a vampire that fully consumes the blood of another may gain some of their power. Though accounts of this happening are rare enough. Perhaps that is her plan for you?"
She remains casual in her tone as though this is common knowledge.
" If you want a more detailed account I could recommend you several good books on the topic? "
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Her helpers were kind enough to leave us a boat that we were planning on getting us to her island. We have purchased what little magic items that we could find around this town should we come across her. Also, she has blessed someoil," Hurosk nods to Molly and pulls out a bottle of the liquid, "for us to coat our weapons since it seems my arrows don't have quite the punch against her kind. Though, if you would have something that might come in handy...?"
Insight 18, to get a sense of how truthful he has been
"You should leave her to me " he says " I'll deal with her. If you want you could take on her remaining minions. It seems that you already made your preparations. I could provide transportation if you are so kind to point me the right island in that map"
He stands and walks towards the table. There he unfolds a big map of the city and the surrounding areas, with a lot of islands spread in the lake.
Hurosk would say that he has been truthful so far. But he has one thing clear. He would never play cards against him.
Mathilda is eager to prove herself useful. "Oh we know we're she's hiding!" She beams. "Of course we want to help you protect these people. The vampire woman is -"
A sudden presence fills the air. Where once there was space Seb'riel materialises, surrounded by crackling arcane and divine energy. Her voice fills the room, commanding the attention of all those present.
"Silence!" The weight of the word echoes around the mind as much as the ears. "Speak no more child." She hisses at Mathilda, then more softly. "These are not matters for you to discuss, it is not your fault, but these things are beyond you for now."
She eyes the vampire, the full arcane presence surrounding her once more.
"You summon us here. Inform us that you do not need our help, insult our knowledge and power, tell us this is beyond our means, then try to bribe the help from us with petty riches. You have misjudged me my Lord." The last two words echo with sarcasm. "We will give you the location. Even take you there. But I want not riches, I want my knowledge, and I want what I have seen to be mine. Pay the others as you will."
"Sorry, hold on a moment, could you please tell me something, just because I am curious, in what capacity do you look after the people of this town. As a benevolent guardian or some kind of protector of his own larder?" The battlemaster holds a hand up to forestall a reply" I apologise, because I realise we are all being terribly polite but I just hate to walk away from something with unanswered questions. I should say that I have no wish for that woman to remain in this world, I hold a special dislike of people who attempt to control my mind, and although her attempt failed I would still wish for her demise. And if my companion here does not wish payment, please feel free to send her share my way." He adds the last with a roguish smile.
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 vampire just wait for Seb to finish.
"Have you finish? " he asks and wait patiently if she has another thing to say. He waits staring at her until she gives him any signal that she has ended.
"Let me tell you something child " he says in a even more calm tone than before. So calm that it has turned cold and no one in the room is blind to the menance laying below his voice.
"If you want that people treat you like an adult, it is time to start behaving like one, despite your winters over this world, you still act like a child. Raise again the voice in my presence. Talk to her again in that way." he points to Mathilda "And you will regret it. Am I clear?"
Seb'riel feels that perhaps she has pushed too far and suddenly she realizes that is not only her life what is at stake, but her brothers and her new friends too.
"Now, give the others their weapons, for you look ridiculous, and sit down once and for all. We have important matters to discuss. "
He then turns towards Lyreis
" You can tell that I have grown fond of this city and her people. I appreciate their simplicity and their innocence. Over the centuries I've learnt to enjoy simple things. Laugh, the joy of a hot supper after a hard day work... even their small struggles for the tiny power they can muster here, they are so... naive. I would be really dissapointed if that is stolen from them. So I guard them, even if they are ignorant of this. Did this satisfies your curiosity? "
He then turns towards Kyne
"Now, Kyne Nauraethor Arodir. Allow me to be very clear. I will eventually discover her lair. And destroy her. This could take more or less time, but that is something I have in abundance, one thing is certain. Her days are numbered. Now, I understand that she still has something you want, and some of you had admit that you would like to bring some retaliaton upon her. As a reward for your previous services I offer you the chance to do both, as I was about to say before beign interrupted. " he says not even acknowledging the presence of Seb'riel anymore. She now feels that she is truly invisible "But make no mistake. As she could not have the meanings to hurt me, you don't have the meanings, nor the power, to hurt her. If you go after her on your own... " he shrugs "rest assured that I will take good care of your formidable weapons " he says looking to their swords, but he looks for a little bit longr at Lyreis's doubled blade " and will honor them. It's the only thing I can offer you if you chose that path. But " he raises a finger " I will tolerate no more disrespect. This is your last warning. Do we have an understanding on this? "
PbP Character: A few ;)
A dangerous look flashes across Seb'riel's eyes and arcane energy once again crackles in the air causing the hair on the back of everybodies neck to rise. She closes her eyes though and once again finds her centre. When she opens them the electrical energy forming at her finger tips has extinguished. Her voice is flat, emotionless, even. Her sentences short and controlled, but the lack of emotion behind them perhaps betrays the fact she is saying what is necessary rather than what she means. She pointedly sits down and fixes the vampire with an unblinking stare.
"In that case we should perhaps start again. I apologise for any disrespect."
She continues, still passionless but businesslike and honest now.
"It is true from what I have seen of you that Morlainne is not of your power but she is ambitious and she looks to take your territory. Her power grows everyday. My offer stands, I will take you to her if that is what you wish in exchange for what is discussed. Whilst we cannot defeat Morlainne herself, we can defeat her allies who could otherwise prove troublesome for you were you to face them all at once."
Hurosk smiles and raises an arm to check his "scent" that the vampire pointed out. "I don't claim to be daisy fresh, so whatever." He gathers his belongings from Seb'riel, and just goes to stand against the wall. He shakes his head and chuckles to himself as egos are bruised of those whom he thought would have had a bit thicker skin.
"She seems to be holed up in the middle of the lake," the half orc finally says. "Not sure why everyone is dancing around subject. If you can help us with someone that already managed to capture one of us, and almost had her way with the other five of us, I don't see the harm in you knowing."
Kyne's smile never leaves his lips, but his eyes harden, and he slowly closes his hand, before turning to Seb'riel to retrieve and stow his weapons.
"Thank you," Kyne says a simply, in response to Thrinderand's offer. "What would you have us do?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Mathilda chokes on the last words of the sentence, unable to get the words out. She stares at Seb'riel in disbelief. When the magic wears off, she shivers slightly. She just... I can't believe it! She just used magic to make me do whatever she wanted, she just... Mathilda shakes her head to dispel the feeling. At Lord Thrinderand's words, she smiles slightly, but clearly still ill at ease after having been silenced. He protects the people of this town and he would protect me. His intentions are noble. The young girl quickly grabs her weapons from Seb'riel and then backs up away from her, standing closer to the vampire. She does not say anything to the female elf, but her posture looks guarded now. Eagerly, she waits for instructions in answer to Kyne's question.
He nods to Kyne and turns to Seb'riel and nods to her too accepting her apologies.
"In the lake I see." he thanks Hurosk his sincerity " I concede that is rather astute. I understand that you have dismantled her little drug operation and killed her associates. How many were they? Any of them had special capabilities? "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Lyreis reclaims his double-bladed scimitar, smiling as the weapon comes back to him, he then stands, still holding the weapon easily, nearer to Mathilda but not threateningly so.
"There was a mage, capable enough to cause us a few burns but he did not truly test us, several thugs of little skill and I believe one was a minor cleric, again he did not particularly cause concern." He looks over at Seb, leaving her to describe the island's defences if she wishes, but stopping his own reply there.
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
"There was also a summoning sigil of sorts in the basement that drew on the blood of the mage when he fell," Kyne adds, with resignation.
"We believe it was intended to summon a fiend, but Moltaris was able to disable it before it could activate. Morlainne also seems to favour glyphs of warding. Especially the exploding kind."
Kyne pauses for a moment before adding.
"She also referred to you as 'Dauberos' and an 'old antique', if I recall. She asked us to join her and replace the minions we slew. In exchange for wealth and reward, naturally."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"So you effectively had leave her without servants. Well done." he says to Lyreis " I have no doubt that the beraer of such a noble weapon " he says motion his hand towards Lyreis " must be a remarkable warrior"
He turns to Seb and Kyen
" As far as I know she has not training in magical skills, so this glyphs and the summoning ring you talk about must be from her wizard servant. Is the ring destroyed? Good good " he adds as they say to him that the place was burned to the fround "Yet you spoke of others that could be a nuisance to me if I where to kill her. What can you tell me about this ones"
When Kyne tells Dauberos's name he raises an eyebrown
"She told you that? Interesting. I haven't used that name from a long time ago." he pauses, thinking " This could be the most important piece of information you've brought to me tonight. Nervertheless. " he says speaking to all of them now " You seem more capable that I had thought. Tell me. Do you have any idea of how to proceed and destroy her? Do you know how many steps must be taken to destroy such a creature? "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Seb'riel eases slightly as the talks become more positive. "Her defences on the island are separate from those she had in the drug operation. I know of some of them, two that she has created in her likeness and one loyal warforged of great strength. What else she has deeper in the tower I do not know but it is enough that she is confident in her ability to defeat you were she to find you."
Kyne nods graciously, as though to say 'see, we can be of some use'.
"I have been trained to hunt many creatures of the night," he replies. "Although a true vampire is beyond what power I can muster alone, I know that only sunlight or running water can destroy them permanently. I know that if they are defeated, but not destroyed, they will return to their sanctuary in the form of a mist and are then helpless for a time. If they can be found while helpless, a stake to the heart will keep them that way, until they can be brought to a river, or to meet the sun."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Seb'riel nods casually twirling her hair and nodding along to Kyne's description.
"Honestly it is less difficult than people believe. As my brother suggests, it is knowing that they must be defeated twice that is most hunters' downfall. Divine energy may also be used effectively against them, and if they stray too far from their home they may not manage to return before they are annialated by the rising sun. The bite of another vampire can also be a permanent solution to their death, it is even rumoured that a vampire that fully consumes the blood of another may gain some of their power. Though accounts of this happening are rare enough. Perhaps that is her plan for you?"
She remains casual in her tone as though this is common knowledge.
" If you want a more detailed account I could recommend you several good books on the topic? "
"You are instructed I see. Good. And you have initiative. You were planning in going there already. Do you have a plan?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
"We were going to try and sneak in undetected, but that was before we knew we'd have someone with your power on our side!" Mathilda grins.
"Her helpers were kind enough to leave us a boat that we were planning on getting us to her island. We have purchased what little magic items that we could find around this town should we come across her. Also, she has blessed some oil," Hurosk nods to Molly and pulls out a bottle of the liquid, "for us to coat our weapons since it seems my arrows don't have quite the punch against her kind. Though, if you would have something that might come in handy...?"
Insight 18, to get a sense of how truthful he has been
"You should leave her to me " he says " I'll deal with her. If you want you could take on her remaining minions. It seems that you already made your preparations. I could provide transportation if you are so kind to point me the right island in that map"
He stands and walks towards the table. There he unfolds a big map of the city and the surrounding areas, with a lot of islands spread in the lake.
Hurosk would say that he has been truthful so far. But he has one thing clear. He would never play cards against him.
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Then we should attack at the same time. Do you plan to go tonight or tomorrow?"
Seb'riel points to the island on the map.