Diadochi: You watch the hug. It's easy for you to tell through their little looks and motions. Friendship between the two. A yearning for perhaps a little bit more. Either Weathersbee isn't interested, or Darkclay can't due to her place inside the Faith, you don't know. Just that something is keeping her from pursuing that direction. Still, there is a sense of goodbye and finality to the hug. Darkclay having a understanding that this mission may end in her not returning home.
Yaalin: The mayor shakes his head. "No, we haven't had any other goblin raids. But, we've been keeping a bit more scouts up on the hilltop. So when we've spotted any goblins, which there have been a few, tend to be more alert. Hopefully the spring will return things to balance. The need to fight over resources tends to wane in the spring as more of the mountain's bounty becomes available." He doesn't really say much on the waterways. They're a salt mine which gives some salt, a valuable preservative. And a supply of water, which the town finds invaluable.
"I'm afraid that, if you do insist on going over there, I'm going to have to have you all escorted. Safety, my friends. Your act a moment ago has put people on edge," he points around. The majority of the town is out in these fields, looking over at the group as they continue to till the fields. "I'm sure you can understand that. I'm not saying you cannot go in. Just," he gestures to a few of the guards. "They'll be going with you."
Sim takes time to think over the options available.
1.) Do nothing. Go home. Get no pay from Blackmire. Someone in this group or Cora goes for the apple and releases the evil. Maybe kills it, maybe not. Either way a lot of people die.
2.) Fight against Cora and the faith. Then fight Yaalin to try to stop the evil getting out. Then probably fight the evil. A lot of people die. Blackmire sends someone else.
3.) Side with Cora. Knowing that whether you agree or not with their theology the faith is powerful enough to keep the apple under lock and key for many many years to come. Blackmire is off our backs. Possibly more Hn’ti die. But as a united group fighting the evil we have a better chance than not. Possibly more people die.
4.) Wipe everyone out. Everyone dies but no guarantee the knowledge is wiped out.
After discussing it with the others he says “Yaalin, I know you want final say on who gets the apple but no matter what we won’t get it. Either the faith takes it or Blackmire does and it goes to whoever hired them. If the evil will be let out no matter what then I must choose the best odds of destroying it. And I believe that to be us all fighting it with help from Cora and whoever else will join us. I mean no harm here but I will must do my best to minimize the loss of life.”
Yaalin chuckles her mood lifting slightly as her decision feels more concrete in her mind, "I Understand completely. Sometimes I forget how outlandish I am and how my actions can put others on edge. I would appreciate their presence as locals who might be able to answer some questions. but I would like to see these Mines of yours before heading deeper into the mountain once more." she offers her hand to the mayor to shake.
Yaalin listens to Sim shaking her head but deciding that arguing will get them nowhere "Placing faith in THE Faith can not end well here. If your decision is to assist them then I wish you the best of luck and I will pray that they do not destroy you when you are finished. " She will then extend a hand to shake Sims "I will not and cannot work with her but again good luck and try to stay safe."
Finally, she turns to Diadochi, "Friend, mentor, bodyguard," she pauses a tear in one eye shaking herself, "Follow your heart and find peace in who you are." She places a hand over his heart " You are true and good, your ancestors know this and you must do as you see fit. You are not compelled by me in any way to accompany me on the path I must follow. and should you follow this Darkclay I wish nothing but luck to you."
She will then turn to the guards a sad small smile pulling at her face, her green leathery skin showing her age more than ever "I believe you are escorting me then?" she will make small talk with them as she makes her way to the Salt mines trying to find out a bit about them ((names, if they have family how they are doing health wise, normal mom stuff)) Persuasion6 to get the guards to talk.
Diadochi looks offended when the mayor suggests that Yaalin would need an escort for safety but says nothing.
He continues to follow Yaalin, once they are well out of ear shot he says "I'm not sure you read what Shale was saying in that situation. You told her that you considered her evil, and she was saying she was well within her moral and lawful rights to do what she did, and if she was so inclined she could murder us as well with no such compunctions. She told me she was not interested in following that unfavorable ideology of the Faith, and I believe her. And she said that she would see to it that you and Lafetha would receive some sort of pardon. Also she believes The Queen sent us to her. So she did threaten us but she doesn't want to kill us."
Diadochi listens to Sim "the fact that this could be a kingdom crusher level item puts us in a tricky spot, morally speaking. With this knowledge, we have 2 options: 1. we kill everyone who knows how to get to the temple, and hope no one else can figure it how to get in there. 2. We do everything we can to wipe the out get the evil Apple. Our morals, our enemies, our allies, our lives do not matter if we seek the Apple. We travel in the steps of pure pragmatism, anything that helps is get to our goal we do. That means working with Cora, and Alul if he'll help us. If we get there and the apple is benign then we'll have to find redemption later. "
Diadochi sighs "Yaalin, I wish things weren't so muddled but we might be the protectors of the known world. If I have to choose between protecting 1 person and all the lives in a whole country, I have to choose the latter. If you can't follow, then I'll guard you as long as I can. Once we must part ways, I'llh to pause our Parkan-Dek. As soon as wea are done I'll try to find you again. "
If he leaves with Yaalin or not depends on the input of others.
Feeling unsatisfied with their meeting with the individual formally known as Shale, Abigail voices her concerns about any possibility of informing or including Alul in their planned course of action without guarantees regarding the scope of his vengeance. After Sim and Diadochi reassure her that Cora was not referring to working with Alul, Abigail agrees to meet with Cora at the Blood Raven.
"However, I will not be an active party to the murder of an entire village. If Alul does show up without guaranteeing us of his intentions, I will not be assisting Cora - or either of you - in the endeavor."
Yaalin and Diadochi eventually head over to the old salt mine. The cave itself is dark, the air smells like the ocean. A single guard walking with them, seemingly plesant enough person. A older gentleman, 50 something, recent grandfather. Still, he's rather spry for a fifty year old human. His face weathered by age. Grew up on the town, and very proud that his surviving children now have young ones of their own.
Inside the cave, a few torches are hammered into the walls. A few are lit, just enough for the darkness to fade. A few toys lay scattered about, the kids probably coming and playing in these caves. One thing for sure, it's bitter cold. Continuing further down, the temperature drops. A good fifteen degrees colder inside than outside. There's a strong lack of moisture in the air; due to the salt that lingers along the walls. Every so often, some large barrels holding on to food and other supplies. Eventually, Yaalin and Diadochi reach a incredibly large pool of water. It shifts and moves, splashing up over the side just a bit. It's deep. Extending down beyond any line of sight. Extending further down is a huge wall of ice. Seeming to block off the rest of whatever this cave may be.
Yaalin turns to Diadochi smiling with the pleasant conversation with the guard. "Well that is not going to help at all. Sadly I should have liked to swim or boat rather than walking but what can you do."
Once outside she looks up at the world above and sighs. " it seems I am alone in my lack of trust. The others wish to go with this Cora. I cannot say I blame them in another lifetime maybe that would be my story to collect. But, alas it is not. I have a ways to go today. As I must be more careful without Sim and Lathefa to guide."
She shakes the guards hand and wishes him and his family well. And will make her way to the edge of town before heading back along the trail they originally took towards the druid caves.
Diadochi looks Yaalin in the eyes, "I wish I could understand why your feel you and Shale can't work together. If it's because you feel you can't work with someone of the Faith, you have been. I've was raised in the followings of the Iron Queen, my family all follows the Iron Queen... Well most of us do... Point is the there are some troubling details in the texts if our beliefs but not all of us follow them. Cora, sorry, Shale, has voiced that while those details see her as following this details as right as good she's not interested in doing so.
I Don't understand your level of need for this Apple. You were the loudest advocate for getting the Apple as fulfilling the contract, and now you wish to take steps to lower our chances of success for... what reasons exactly? We've literally almost died to get the Apple. I spoke to you about unleashing the evil between us and the apple and you agreed wiping out the evil had to be more important than our lives, and we find an ally willing to help us stamp out evil but we can't work with them because... I assume whatever it is would be more important than our lives, but I don't see how.
I find it troubling that even though you are persecuted for your beliefs you seem to have the same mindset fit persecution. You can't work with someone because of their beliefs. All people that use blood magic must be killed. Surely it's not so much how people do things but what. Is a hermit who takes blood from a willing parent to save their child deserving of your wraith? There are evocation wizards who are good, there are clerics of healing that are evil.
We have a chance to legitimately make the world a safer place, and you want us to try to do that while hobbling ourselves. If we engage the evil up the mountain with out you and we all die because you weren't there then we died for nothing.
If you leave town I can't protect you from exposure, and we've seen how deadly the wildlife that we both know we wouldn't be able to take on ourselves. If you die doing whatever you are trying to do because you aren't willing to work with others then... You die with out honor. If this is your search for the City of Graves that's fine you have done a life full of good deeds. However, if you really think there is a chance that you can succeeded and you want to live then what you are doing is foolish. I won't stop you, but I wish to see were you are coming from before you go."
If Yaalin still goes Diadochi follows Yaalin to the edge of town before he can't follow her any further. If she is willing, he'll give her a hug. "I hope to see you again soon in less morally uncertain circumstances. You are my first Dek, I have learned much about being a protector from you. I hope next time I won't make so many mistakes."
He places a rough wooden figurine of a tortle into her hand, "this is for you, I was hoping to finish it properly in time but I don't have any more. It's My first attempt so don't judge too harshly. I hope it reminds you of good times."
Wood carving 9
Diadochi goes to let the team know he's going to meet up with Shale.
((This is an aside as they walk towards the edge of town, Yaalin will still go.))
"It does not have to do with her faith, I accept that everyone has their own spiritual path to follow. Yes I have been persecuted, and I have worked with those who have been persecuted. I cannot simply stand by as oppressors, meaning the more strict of the church mind you not all practitioners, make a grab for an item that might cause untold damage. it is why i wanted those of us here that I have come to trust to have final say in who received it, but that was not a condition she was willing to accept. As for blood magic, I do not presume to be judge and executioner for the use of it. I am not really sure where you got that impression of me. If it was because i have suggested it I guess i can understand. I talk a lot and often voice opinions bluntly and loudly as my race is known to do.
The apple. Oh, the damned apple. It is why I am here. I was hired to retrieve the apple the side benefits of a trip to the mountains were bonus. I will not pretend that I am here on a holy or god given quest because i think such things are foolery to pump up ones importance. To me to not retrieve this apple is failure, regardless of other people "making it OK" and it will simply be another in a long list of failures. You say that I am hobbling myself and you against a great evil, i see this object in the hand of the more fanatical faith practitioners as an equal or greater threat to life on this plane of existence. My given skill set being more effective against the evils Sim described I am bound to choose the one i am more confident in fighting. My honor is tied to an attempt to preserve life... Shale has proved to me with her actions that Life is not her concern but acquisition is. If i am to die alone on this mountain, then I pray the ancestors will accept that I have tried my best to preserve Life in all it's forms."
she takes the rough wooden figure and traces it gently with a claw before placing it in a pocket over her heart.
"May your ancestors and mine watch over you friend and may we see each other soon. I hope my fears are false and that your faith is not misplaced."
Lafetha decides that she will team up with Cora. She makes it clear that she will not commit mass murder of the Hn'ti, but she will do whatever it takes to get the apple. That is her job after all.
She lets the team know her decision. Hoping that it might change some of their minds and join her.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Diadochi and Yaalin part ways, with Yaalin heading up the mountain. Once again setting back out. (How many rations did you get from the caravan for this trek?) (DM Roll: 11)
Later that day, Lafetha, Sim, Abigail and eventually Diadochi reach the Blood Raven. The tavern itself in the middle of the day is fairly barren. Just the innkeeper putting together dried meats and not perishables in the back. Bundling them together, apparently making some rations.
Cora Darkclay sits at a table by herself. As each of you enter, she looks up from the table. A small pendent of prayer between her hands. As each of you sit or take up a spot around the tavern, she waits. After a few moments of silence as she finishes her rote prayers.
"So. Just you four. Very well. We have to figure out how to get the apple, and from there, we will all escort it back together. Upon it's safe return, your reward will be given. As I said before, it will be three times the amount of what Blackmire gave to your contracts, each. We," she pauses. "The Faith will write to Blackmire and make sure this black mark isn't held against you. In addition, I will do my best to make sure your lives are a bit easier." She looks over at Lafetha directly. "Not that I want you showcasing or proclimating in a town square. But. We won't bother or look for you."
She places the prayer token into a pocket under her dark priest clothing. "With that in mind, we cannot tell your current Blackmire bosses." She glances around once more with a bit of a huff. "I have no intention in causing any harm to people that can be avoided. But. I am on a sacred and holy quest. I will do what is needed to make sure it is accomplished. I believe that the thing in this town has the ability to get us what we needed."
She does motion to the door. "Ask whatever questions you still have lingering inside. After, we will be oath bound to finish this mission. Which means eliminating any that stand in the way, friends and foes alike. But the door is right there if you so decide this is not for you. And I wish you the best in that case, and pray you do not stand against us."
Abigail, who is standing, arms crossed on the far side of the table, decides to try to clear up her largest concern first. "Who is this 'thing' or 'creature' you continue to reference as being of aid to us? Are you speaking of the witch that holds the key, or of some other creature?"
"The thing," she snaps her fingers a few times. "Yellow eyes. Hides it's head in a basket. Lives in the stone hut by the tree."
Cora shakes her head trying to remember the name for a second. "Orto. Orta. The witch these poor souls seem to adore," she says with a quick glance to the inn keeper.
“So you expect us to just go along with this when you haven’t even cleared it with Blackmire and won’t until after? What exactly do you mean by oath bound? And what if you were to die? What assurances do we have that we won’t be blacklisted forever for this?”
"Going to them first is foolish. They made you sign something, and will use that to their advantage. And while we're outside of the kingdoms, we won't have any actual bargaining power except brute force. But when we get back to the Kingdoms, they're a guild and are bound by all the laws. And they do not want the Faith coming down and influencing every kingdom to worry about the banks."
She raises a brow at the idea of death. "If you die you die. I am certain that if you agree to this, and take the oath, you will find yourself passing along the Four Towers and into eternity. But I suppose I cannot guarantee that if you take the Oath in bad faith, or take the Oath and still choose not to walk the path of the Faith. But the Oath is a Sacred Oath. One bound by the Faith to put you in duty to the Iron Queen while we all work together. If I die I die. And other things will be set in motion. Forgive me for not discussing that further. Only those who have taken the sacred oath will learn of it.”
Again she points to the door. "But I expect nothing. You're choosing t be here. The exit is right over there."
Lafetha stands, and leans down on the table. "We're after the same thing, so let's go get it. I'm not joining the Faith though. Only getting this apple."
Diadochi nods, " yes we should start as soon as we can. "
Diadochi nods, " yes we should start as soon as we can. There appears to be a topic that is like a large unwieldy beast that most of is are aware of but no one is mentioning. Alul, he's a tabaxi that can transform into a lion, he hates the Hn'ti. Given his history his Intelligence alone would be quite valuable. We ... May not be on the best terms and we have a critical disagreement on whether or not the Hn'ti deserve genicide or not. We might not be able to convince him to side with us given our last two interactions but the Hn'ti elders are dangerous, we would be foolish to not at least try to have him as an ally as long as our goals align. I doubt we can get him to stop his blood feud but maybe we can get him to put it on pause for a week or so. If we can do that do we agree to have him come with us.
Diadochi will answer any questions Cora has about Alul truthfully.
Abigail growls at Diadochi, her distrust in him growing. "I specifically said I was unwilling to work with Alul or even mention our plans to him."
Feeling as though she is not being listened to or taken seriously, Abigail turns to Cora, "Not that you need my help, I am sure, but I cannot work with people bent on using death as their primary tool in conflict resolution. You say you have no intention in causing any harm to people that can be avoided, but you also would require us to eliminate any that stand in the way - friend or foe alike. I am not comfortable working for or with," glancing at the rest of the party, "those that use killing when there could be another method. So, that is the condition of my assistance - we attempt to avoid intentionally causing casualties. If you cannot agree to that in your oath, then I am out."
Diadochi: You watch the hug. It's easy for you to tell through their little looks and motions. Friendship between the two. A yearning for perhaps a little bit more. Either Weathersbee isn't interested, or Darkclay can't due to her place inside the Faith, you don't know. Just that something is keeping her from pursuing that direction. Still, there is a sense of goodbye and finality to the hug. Darkclay having a understanding that this mission may end in her not returning home.
Yaalin: The mayor shakes his head. "No, we haven't had any other goblin raids. But, we've been keeping a bit more scouts up on the hilltop. So when we've spotted any goblins, which there have been a few, tend to be more alert. Hopefully the spring will return things to balance. The need to fight over resources tends to wane in the spring as more of the mountain's bounty becomes available." He doesn't really say much on the waterways. They're a salt mine which gives some salt, a valuable preservative. And a supply of water, which the town finds invaluable.
"I'm afraid that, if you do insist on going over there, I'm going to have to have you all escorted. Safety, my friends. Your act a moment ago has put people on edge," he points around. The majority of the town is out in these fields, looking over at the group as they continue to till the fields. "I'm sure you can understand that. I'm not saying you cannot go in. Just," he gestures to a few of the guards. "They'll be going with you."
What do you all do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Sim takes time to think over the options available.
1.) Do nothing. Go home. Get no pay from Blackmire. Someone in this group or Cora goes for the apple and releases the evil. Maybe kills it, maybe not. Either way a lot of people die.
2.) Fight against Cora and the faith. Then fight Yaalin to try to stop the evil getting out. Then probably fight the evil. A lot of people die. Blackmire sends someone else.
3.) Side with Cora. Knowing that whether you agree or not with their theology the faith is powerful enough to keep the apple under lock and key for many many years to come. Blackmire is off our backs. Possibly more Hn’ti die. But as a united group fighting the evil we have a better chance than not. Possibly more people die.
4.) Wipe everyone out. Everyone dies but no guarantee the knowledge is wiped out.
After discussing it with the others he says “Yaalin, I know you want final say on who gets the apple but no matter what we won’t get it. Either the faith takes it or Blackmire does and it goes to whoever hired them. If the evil will be let out no matter what then I must choose the best odds of destroying it. And I believe that to be us all fighting it with help from Cora and whoever else will join us. I mean no harm here but I will must do my best to minimize the loss of life.”
Yaalin chuckles her mood lifting slightly as her decision feels more concrete in her mind, "I Understand completely. Sometimes I forget how outlandish I am and how my actions can put others on edge. I would appreciate their presence as locals who might be able to answer some questions. but I would like to see these Mines of yours before heading deeper into the mountain once more." she offers her hand to the mayor to shake.
Yaalin listens to Sim shaking her head but deciding that arguing will get them nowhere "Placing faith in THE Faith can not end well here. If your decision is to assist them then I wish you the best of luck and I will pray that they do not destroy you when you are finished. " She will then extend a hand to shake Sims "I will not and cannot work with her but again good luck and try to stay safe."
Finally, she turns to Diadochi, "Friend, mentor, bodyguard," she pauses a tear in one eye shaking herself, "Follow your heart and find peace in who you are." She places a hand over his heart " You are true and good, your ancestors know this and you must do as you see fit. You are not compelled by me in any way to accompany me on the path I must follow. and should you follow this Darkclay I wish nothing but luck to you."
She will then turn to the guards a sad small smile pulling at her face, her green leathery skin showing her age more than ever "I believe you are escorting me then?" she will make small talk with them as she makes her way to the Salt mines trying to find out a bit about them ((names, if they have family how they are doing health wise, normal mom stuff)) Persuasion 6 to get the guards to talk.
Diadochi looks offended when the mayor suggests that Yaalin would need an escort for safety but says nothing.
He continues to follow Yaalin, once they are well out of ear shot he says "I'm not sure you read what Shale was saying in that situation. You told her that you considered her evil, and she was saying she was well within her moral and lawful rights to do what she did, and if she was so inclined she could murder us as well with no such compunctions. She told me she was not interested in following that unfavorable ideology of the Faith, and I believe her. And she said that she would see to it that you and Lafetha would receive some sort of pardon. Also she believes The Queen sent us to her. So she did threaten us but she doesn't want to kill us."
Diadochi listens to Sim "the fact that this could be a kingdom crusher level item puts us in a tricky spot, morally speaking. With this knowledge, we have 2 options: 1. we kill everyone who knows how to get to the temple, and hope no one else can figure it how to get in there. 2. We do everything we can to wipe the out get the evil Apple. Our morals, our enemies, our allies, our lives do not matter if we seek the Apple. We travel in the steps of pure pragmatism, anything that helps is get to our goal we do. That means working with Cora, and Alul if he'll help us. If we get there and the apple is benign then we'll have to find redemption later. "
Diadochi sighs "Yaalin, I wish things weren't so muddled but we might be the protectors of the known world. If I have to choose between protecting 1 person and all the lives in a whole country, I have to choose the latter. If you can't follow, then I'll guard you as long as I can. Once we must part ways, I'llh to pause our Parkan-Dek. As soon as wea are done I'll try to find you again. "
If he leaves with Yaalin or not depends on the input of others.
Feeling unsatisfied with their meeting with the individual formally known as Shale, Abigail voices her concerns about any possibility of informing or including Alul in their planned course of action without guarantees regarding the scope of his vengeance. After Sim and Diadochi reassure her that Cora was not referring to working with Alul, Abigail agrees to meet with Cora at the Blood Raven.
"However, I will not be an active party to the murder of an entire village. If Alul does show up without guaranteeing us of his intentions, I will not be assisting Cora - or either of you - in the endeavor."
Yaalin and Diadochi eventually head over to the old salt mine. The cave itself is dark, the air smells like the ocean. A single guard walking with them, seemingly plesant enough person. A older gentleman, 50 something, recent grandfather. Still, he's rather spry for a fifty year old human. His face weathered by age. Grew up on the town, and very proud that his surviving children now have young ones of their own.
Inside the cave, a few torches are hammered into the walls. A few are lit, just enough for the darkness to fade. A few toys lay scattered about, the kids probably coming and playing in these caves. One thing for sure, it's bitter cold. Continuing further down, the temperature drops. A good fifteen degrees colder inside than outside. There's a strong lack of moisture in the air; due to the salt that lingers along the walls. Every so often, some large barrels holding on to food and other supplies. Eventually, Yaalin and Diadochi reach a incredibly large pool of water. It shifts and moves, splashing up over the side just a bit. It's deep. Extending down beyond any line of sight. Extending further down is a huge wall of ice. Seeming to block off the rest of whatever this cave may be.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Yaalin turns to Diadochi smiling with the pleasant conversation with the guard. "Well that is not going to help at all. Sadly I should have liked to swim or boat rather than walking but what can you do."
Once outside she looks up at the world above and sighs. " it seems I am alone in my lack of trust. The others wish to go with this Cora. I cannot say I blame them in another lifetime maybe that would be my story to collect. But, alas it is not. I have a ways to go today. As I must be more careful without Sim and Lathefa to guide."
She shakes the guards hand and wishes him and his family well. And will make her way to the edge of town before heading back along the trail they originally took towards the druid caves.
Survival if needed for a half day trip. 6
Diadochi looks Yaalin in the eyes, "I wish I could understand why your feel you and Shale can't work together. If it's because you feel you can't work with someone of the Faith, you have been. I've was raised in the followings of the Iron Queen, my family all follows the Iron Queen... Well most of us do... Point is the there are some troubling details in the texts if our beliefs but not all of us follow them. Cora, sorry, Shale, has voiced that while those details see her as following this details as right as good she's not interested in doing so.
I Don't understand your level of need for this Apple. You were the loudest advocate for getting the Apple as fulfilling the contract, and now you wish to take steps to lower our chances of success for... what reasons exactly? We've literally almost died to get the Apple. I spoke to you about unleashing the evil between us and the apple and you agreed wiping out the evil had to be more important than our lives, and we find an ally willing to help us stamp out evil but we can't work with them because... I assume whatever it is would be more important than our lives, but I don't see how.
I find it troubling that even though you are persecuted for your beliefs you seem to have the same mindset fit persecution. You can't work with someone because of their beliefs. All people that use blood magic must be killed. Surely it's not so much how people do things but what. Is a hermit who takes blood from a willing parent to save their child deserving of your wraith? There are evocation wizards who are good, there are clerics of healing that are evil.
We have a chance to legitimately make the world a safer place, and you want us to try to do that while hobbling ourselves. If we engage the evil up the mountain with out you and we all die because you weren't there then we died for nothing.
If you leave town I can't protect you from exposure, and we've seen how deadly the wildlife that we both know we wouldn't be able to take on ourselves. If you die doing whatever you are trying to do because you aren't willing to work with others then... You die with out honor. If this is your search for the City of Graves that's fine you have done a life full of good deeds. However, if you really think there is a chance that you can succeeded and you want to live then what you are doing is foolish. I won't stop you, but I wish to see were you are coming from before you go."
If Yaalin still goes Diadochi follows Yaalin to the edge of town before he can't follow her any further. If she is willing, he'll give her a hug. "I hope to see you again soon in less morally uncertain circumstances. You are my first Dek, I have learned much about being a protector from you. I hope next time I won't make so many mistakes."
He places a rough wooden figurine of a tortle into her hand, "this is for you, I was hoping to finish it properly in time but I don't have any more. It's My first attempt so don't judge too harshly. I hope it reminds you of good times."
Wood carving 9
Diadochi goes to let the team know he's going to meet up with Shale.
((This is an aside as they walk towards the edge of town, Yaalin will still go.))
"It does not have to do with her faith, I accept that everyone has their own spiritual path to follow. Yes I have been persecuted, and I have worked with those who have been persecuted. I cannot simply stand by as oppressors, meaning the more strict of the church mind you not all practitioners, make a grab for an item that might cause untold damage. it is why i wanted those of us here that I have come to trust to have final say in who received it, but that was not a condition she was willing to accept. As for blood magic, I do not presume to be judge and executioner for the use of it. I am not really sure where you got that impression of me. If it was because i have suggested it I guess i can understand. I talk a lot and often voice opinions bluntly and loudly as my race is known to do.
The apple. Oh, the damned apple. It is why I am here. I was hired to retrieve the apple the side benefits of a trip to the mountains were bonus. I will not pretend that I am here on a holy or god given quest because i think such things are foolery to pump up ones importance. To me to not retrieve this apple is failure, regardless of other people "making it OK" and it will simply be another in a long list of failures. You say that I am hobbling myself and you against a great evil, i see this object in the hand of the more fanatical faith practitioners as an equal or greater threat to life on this plane of existence. My given skill set being more effective against the evils Sim described I am bound to choose the one i am more confident in fighting. My honor is tied to an attempt to preserve life... Shale has proved to me with her actions that Life is not her concern but acquisition is. If i am to die alone on this mountain, then I pray the ancestors will accept that I have tried my best to preserve Life in all it's forms."
she takes the rough wooden figure and traces it gently with a claw before placing it in a pocket over her heart.
"May your ancestors and mine watch over you friend and may we see each other soon. I hope my fears are false and that your faith is not misplaced."
Lafetha decides that she will team up with Cora. She makes it clear that she will not commit mass murder of the Hn'ti, but she will do whatever it takes to get the apple. That is her job after all.
She lets the team know her decision. Hoping that it might change some of their minds and join her.
Diadochi and Yaalin part ways, with Yaalin heading up the mountain. Once again setting back out. (How many rations did you get from the caravan for this trek?)
(DM Roll: 11)
Later that day, Lafetha, Sim, Abigail and eventually Diadochi reach the Blood Raven. The tavern itself in the middle of the day is fairly barren. Just the innkeeper putting together dried meats and not perishables in the back. Bundling them together, apparently making some rations.
Cora Darkclay sits at a table by herself. As each of you enter, she looks up from the table. A small pendent of prayer between her hands. As each of you sit or take up a spot around the tavern, she waits. After a few moments of silence as she finishes her rote prayers.
"So. Just you four. Very well. We have to figure out how to get the apple, and from there, we will all escort it back together. Upon it's safe return, your reward will be given. As I said before, it will be three times the amount of what Blackmire gave to your contracts, each. We," she pauses. "The Faith will write to Blackmire and make sure this black mark isn't held against you. In addition, I will do my best to make sure your lives are a bit easier." She looks over at Lafetha directly. "Not that I want you showcasing or proclimating in a town square. But. We won't bother or look for you."
She places the prayer token into a pocket under her dark priest clothing. "With that in mind, we cannot tell your current Blackmire bosses." She glances around once more with a bit of a huff. "I have no intention in causing any harm to people that can be avoided. But. I am on a sacred and holy quest. I will do what is needed to make sure it is accomplished. I believe that the thing in this town has the ability to get us what we needed."
She does motion to the door. "Ask whatever questions you still have lingering inside. After, we will be oath bound to finish this mission. Which means eliminating any that stand in the way, friends and foes alike. But the door is right there if you so decide this is not for you. And I wish you the best in that case, and pray you do not stand against us."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail, who is standing, arms crossed on the far side of the table, decides to try to clear up her largest concern first. "Who is this 'thing' or 'creature' you continue to reference as being of aid to us? Are you speaking of the witch that holds the key, or of some other creature?"
"The thing," she snaps her fingers a few times. "Yellow eyes. Hides it's head in a basket. Lives in the stone hut by the tree."
Cora shakes her head trying to remember the name for a second. "Orto. Orta. The witch these poor souls seem to adore," she says with a quick glance to the inn keeper.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
“So you expect us to just go along with this when you haven’t even cleared it with Blackmire and won’t until after? What exactly do you mean by oath bound? And what if you were to die? What assurances do we have that we won’t be blacklisted forever for this?”
"Going to them first is foolish. They made you sign something, and will use that to their advantage. And while we're outside of the kingdoms, we won't have any actual bargaining power except brute force. But when we get back to the Kingdoms, they're a guild and are bound by all the laws. And they do not want the Faith coming down and influencing every kingdom to worry about the banks."
She raises a brow at the idea of death. "If you die you die. I am certain that if you agree to this, and take the oath, you will find yourself passing along the Four Towers and into eternity. But I suppose I cannot guarantee that if you take the Oath in bad faith, or take the Oath and still choose not to walk the path of the Faith. But the Oath is a Sacred Oath. One bound by the Faith to put you in duty to the Iron Queen while we all work together. If I die I die. And other things will be set in motion. Forgive me for not discussing that further. Only those who have taken the sacred oath will learn of it.”
Again she points to the door. "But I expect nothing. You're choosing t be here. The exit is right over there."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Lafetha stands, and leans down on the table. "We're after the same thing, so let's go get it. I'm not joining the Faith though. Only getting this apple."
Cora gives a nod. “Yes. We work together on getting the apple and then returning back to make sure it is safely locked away.“
She looks around “So. What say you.”
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
“Fine let’s get on with this.”
Diadochi nods, " yes we should start as soon as we can. "
Diadochi nods, " yes we should start as soon as we can. There appears to be a topic that is like a large unwieldy beast that most of is are aware of but no one is mentioning. Alul, he's a tabaxi that can transform into a lion, he hates the Hn'ti. Given his history his Intelligence alone would be quite valuable. We ... May not be on the best terms and we have a critical disagreement on whether or not the Hn'ti deserve genicide or not. We might not be able to convince him to side with us given our last two interactions but the Hn'ti elders are dangerous, we would be foolish to not at least try to have him as an ally as long as our goals align. I doubt we can get him to stop his blood feud but maybe we can get him to put it on pause for a week or so. If we can do that do we agree to have him come with us.
Diadochi will answer any questions Cora has about Alul truthfully.
Abigail growls at Diadochi, her distrust in him growing. "I specifically said I was unwilling to work with Alul or even mention our plans to him."
Feeling as though she is not being listened to or taken seriously, Abigail turns to Cora, "Not that you need my help, I am sure, but I cannot work with people bent on using death as their primary tool in conflict resolution. You say you have no intention in causing any harm to people that can be avoided, but you also would require us to eliminate any that stand in the way - friend or foe alike. I am not comfortable working for or with," glancing at the rest of the party, "those that use killing when there could be another method. So, that is the condition of my assistance - we attempt to avoid intentionally causing casualties. If you cannot agree to that in your oath, then I am out."