(Hmm, there's three bits of that that Dima would want to try and tell if he's lying about: that the Star has always been kept far away, that the Keeper doesn't know how it works, and that he can't get in there on his own. If that's enough that you want to handle it as one general check that's fine, but those are the bits that he's honing in on.)
"And so you chose to send away your assistants? When was the last time you or any of them went to the vault?"
"Perhaps we should all go there together. If you are indeed as powerful as you say, then with our help you should have no problem retrieving the artifact and saving the town. I'm sure the Bright Queen would look favorably on such a hero and reward him accordingly.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dima Insight: 15
Ralyx waves his hands dismissively at Dima. "The ritual of the Dark Star was esoteric nonsense from an ancient age that constantly drained my time and resources. I dismissed the acolytes as a way to save money that could be better spent on the town! I haven't been to the vault in months, I don't know how many exact. I haven't had any reason to keep track."
At Oloren's suggestion, Ralyx's eyes widen. "W-what? Me? Go with you? I hardly think that's necessary. You'll be fine on your own. You don't need me. I, uh... I need to be here! To protect the town, of course!"
Dima Only:
You're unable to pick up any signs of deceit from Ralyx. As far as you know, he seems to be telling the truth.
"Oh, well if you're afraid to go to the vault then that's fine. We will of course have to include in our report that we will send to Rosohna. I only hope this isn't seen as a dereliction of duty. During a time of war such as we are in now, an appointed official failing to fulfill his obligations to defend the homefront can't possibly be seen in a good light. But it's your funeral...er I mean town."
Felix sighs heavily. "Very well then. If you do not wish to actively help the town, then so be it," he tells Ralyx. "You have my permission to be a coward, if you so desire. But if we are going to retrieve this Star, we need all the help we can get. And who else can we seek for? The townsfolk are too weak, too unprepared to keep fighting off the undead, let alone find this artifact." He takes the shield off his back. "And what happens if we need to destroy the Star -- if it is too corrupted to be of any use?"
Felix will study the area for any trinkets that could be of any use against the threat of the undead or some other potential combat scenario. If he finds anything of use, he will ask the Keeper if he or the rest of the group can borrow that item on their quest. "Direct us towards the Vault," he asks of the Keeper.
"You're the one who knows where the vault is. You may tell us about it along the way. You're more likely to help the town by coming with us than hiding away in here until everyone else is killed." Meklit crossed her arms. "And one would think that no matter when a magical item is created, it's not something to be tossed aside. Especially when it's someone's duty to watch over it."
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The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
"I agree,"says Dima. "I fail to see how the Star can be kept truly secure unless it requires the presence of its keeper to release it. Or, at the very least, to secure and ward it -- we wouldn't want any unnecessary delay in retrieving it, if we had to go back and forth to safely retrieve it. That kind of uncooperativeness and disinclination towards protecting a town chosen specifically for such blessings by the Bright Queen would hardly be looked on favorably." He moves his Echo to stand directly behind Mirimm.
"There is no one else more powerful than me in this town that would be able to aid you. Zef-" Ralyx sneers as he says her name,"- would've been the most likely candidate but she's unable to do anything after she broke her leg."
At the multiple mentions of the Bright Queen and capital, he becomes increasingly nervous. "Just bring the Star to me! I can undo the corruption and use it to help the town. I am NOTa coward and by staying here, I am helping to protect the town! If I go with you and I die, wouldn't that be the worst of scenarios? There would be no one left to help you and, as such, I need to stay here, SAFE, so that I can be of use! If you require me to retrieve the Star, you can just return here and I will come with you but that is the only circumstance under which I will agree to come with you."
Dima shakes his head. "The town's told us he's not helped at all. Keeper says he'll come with us if we require him to retrieve the Star. And we do." He move to stand on the other side of the Keeper from his Echo. "So, Keeper, let's go. Where to first?"
Ralyx let's out an annoyed sigh. "Well, I mean... I'm killing them when they come to my door! Besides, there will be no hoard to fend off if you finish the task quickly. Also, no, you do not need. You only THINK you need me! If there's some sort of spell or ritual that needs to be done specifically by me, then I will join you. But, you've yet to even enter the vault! I am not going with you." He turns his head with a huff. "I will not be saying anything more until you agree to these terms, including the directions to the Vault."
"Killing the ones at your door is hardly any act of heroism. Wouldn't you also know if there were rituals involved with this? We may be here to risk our lives, but we're not fools. If you wish to have your best chance at survival join this horde, you'll be doing it by not complying."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
"You mentioned that if you come with us and you die, that would be the worst of scenarios. But what if you stayed here and you died? Trust me, you'd be better off coming with us. We will protect you." Felix's mood suddenly changes, however, as he says, "You think the world revolves around you. Well, I'm sorry to crush your ego, but that's simply not true. For once, can you think about someone other than yourself? Your town is hanging by a thread, the people are begging for help. Most are on sick beds, just trying not to die, because if they do, they'll turn into the undead you stave off from your manor. You're the Keeper! You are the only one that can help them." He draws his sword, lets out a low roar, and says, "And you will come with us." (Intimidation: 18)
Hops rests his hand on Felix's blade, gently pushing it down. He speaks softly to the group, "The Keeper has said his peace. Any further bloodshed won't help these folks. Yes, this man is a coward and undeserving of his position, but we're not here to judge him. We're here to solve the matter at hand and we've got clear enough direction. Let's leave this fool to deal with his choices on his own."
"Keeper, provide us with a map to and of this vault. And you had better not leave out any details such as traps or other inconveniences meant to ward off others. We certainly wouldn't want to visit you again because you neglected to tell us of such things."
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Wildemount: Dark Star One Shot (potatocrown) - Hops - Level 7 Wood Elf Monk (Way of the Drunken Master)
"I do not know of any rituals needed to retrieve the Dark Star! All the rituals I've done have been to keep it in place and protect it. I will not need your protection if you complete your task quickly and before nightfall! Its still the early morning, you have plenty of time." When Felix loses his temper, however, Ralyx jumps out of his seat and scrambles back once more, preparing to protect himself. As Hops calms him down, Ralyx breathes a sigh of relief but stays in his spot, still shaking with fear. "Y-yes! Listen to the old man! He knows what he's talking about. You say my life isn't at stake but it is!" He drops to his knees and wails like a child. "Please! You have to do something or else the creatures will eat me next! Look, I-I'll tell you where the Vault is, o-okay?!"
"The vault is hidden within one of the two hills outside, to the south of town! One side of the left hill is actually made of the shell of a horizonback tortoise that's been overgrown. It has several hidden entrances leading down into the hollowed-out center of the hill. That's where the vault is!"
"So be it," Felix tells the Keeper. "We will go to the Vault, and let you stay safe at home. Your people may not laud you as their savior, but at least they will be safe."
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(Hmm, there's three bits of that that Dima would want to try and tell if he's lying about: that the Star has always been kept far away, that the Keeper doesn't know how it works, and that he can't get in there on his own. If that's enough that you want to handle it as one general check that's fine, but those are the bits that he's honing in on.)
"And so you chose to send away your assistants? When was the last time you or any of them went to the vault?"
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
"Perhaps we should all go there together. If you are indeed as powerful as you say, then with our help you should have no problem retrieving the artifact and saving the town. I'm sure the Bright Queen would look favorably on such a hero and reward him accordingly.
Dima Insight: 15
Ralyx waves his hands dismissively at Dima. "The ritual of the Dark Star was esoteric nonsense from an ancient age that constantly drained my time and resources. I dismissed the acolytes as a way to save money that could be better spent on the town! I haven't been to the vault in months, I don't know how many exact. I haven't had any reason to keep track."
At Oloren's suggestion, Ralyx's eyes widen. "W-what? Me? Go with you? I hardly think that's necessary. You'll be fine on your own. You don't need me. I, uh... I need to be here! To protect the town, of course!"
Dima Only:
You're unable to pick up any signs of deceit from Ralyx. As far as you know, he seems to be telling the truth.
"Oh, well if you're afraid to go to the vault then that's fine. We will of course have to include in our report that we will send to Rosohna. I only hope this isn't seen as a dereliction of duty. During a time of war such as we are in now, an appointed official failing to fulfill his obligations to defend the homefront can't possibly be seen in a good light. But it's your funeral...er I mean town."
Felix sighs heavily. "Very well then. If you do not wish to actively help the town, then so be it," he tells Ralyx. "You have my permission to be a coward, if you so desire. But if we are going to retrieve this Star, we need all the help we can get. And who else can we seek for? The townsfolk are too weak, too unprepared to keep fighting off the undead, let alone find this artifact." He takes the shield off his back. "And what happens if we need to destroy the Star -- if it is too corrupted to be of any use?"
Felix will study the area for any trinkets that could be of any use against the threat of the undead or some other potential combat scenario. If he finds anything of use, he will ask the Keeper if he or the rest of the group can borrow that item on their quest. "Direct us towards the Vault," he asks of the Keeper.
"You're the one who knows where the vault is. You may tell us about it along the way. You're more likely to help the town by coming with us than hiding away in here until everyone else is killed." Meklit crossed her arms. "And one would think that no matter when a magical item is created, it's not something to be tossed aside. Especially when it's someone's duty to watch over it."
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
"I agree," says Dima. "I fail to see how the Star can be kept truly secure unless it requires the presence of its keeper to release it. Or, at the very least, to secure and ward it -- we wouldn't want any unnecessary delay in retrieving it, if we had to go back and forth to safely retrieve it. That kind of uncooperativeness and disinclination towards protecting a town chosen specifically for such blessings by the Bright Queen would hardly be looked on favorably." He moves his Echo to stand directly behind Mirimm.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
"There is no one else more powerful than me in this town that would be able to aid you. Zef-" Ralyx sneers as he says her name,"- would've been the most likely candidate but she's unable to do anything after she broke her leg."
At the multiple mentions of the Bright Queen and capital, he becomes increasingly nervous. "Just bring the Star to me! I can undo the corruption and use it to help the town. I am NOT a coward and by staying here, I am helping to protect the town! If I go with you and I die, wouldn't that be the worst of scenarios? There would be no one left to help you and, as such, I need to stay here, SAFE, so that I can be of use! If you require me to retrieve the Star, you can just return here and I will come with you but that is the only circumstance under which I will agree to come with you."
"What are you currently doing to protect the town? Will that be enough to hold off the undead until we return?"
Wildemount: Dark Star One Shot (potatocrown) - Hops - Level 7 Wood Elf Monk (Way of the Drunken Master)
Dima shakes his head. "The town's told us he's not helped at all. Keeper says he'll come with us if we require him to retrieve the Star. And we do." He move to stand on the other side of the Keeper from his Echo. "So, Keeper, let's go. Where to first?"
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Ralyx let's out an annoyed sigh. "Well, I mean... I'm killing them when they come to my door! Besides, there will be no hoard to fend off if you finish the task quickly. Also, no, you do not need. You only THINK you need me! If there's some sort of spell or ritual that needs to be done specifically by me, then I will join you. But, you've yet to even enter the vault! I am not going with you." He turns his head with a huff. "I will not be saying anything more until you agree to these terms, including the directions to the Vault."
"Killing the ones at your door is hardly any act of heroism. Wouldn't you also know if there were rituals involved with this? We may be here to risk our lives, but we're not fools. If you wish to have your best chance at survival join this horde, you'll be doing it by not complying."
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
"You mentioned that if you come with us and you die, that would be the worst of scenarios. But what if you stayed here and you died? Trust me, you'd be better off coming with us. We will protect you." Felix's mood suddenly changes, however, as he says, "You think the world revolves around you. Well, I'm sorry to crush your ego, but that's simply not true. For once, can you think about someone other than yourself? Your town is hanging by a thread, the people are begging for help. Most are on sick beds, just trying not to die, because if they do, they'll turn into the undead you stave off from your manor. You're the Keeper! You are the only one that can help them." He draws his sword, lets out a low roar, and says, "And you will come with us." (Intimidation: 18)
Hops rests his hand on Felix's blade, gently pushing it down. He speaks softly to the group, "The Keeper has said his peace. Any further bloodshed won't help these folks. Yes, this man is a coward and undeserving of his position, but we're not here to judge him. We're here to solve the matter at hand and we've got clear enough direction. Let's leave this fool to deal with his choices on his own."
"Keeper, provide us with a map to and of this vault. And you had better not leave out any details such as traps or other inconveniences meant to ward off others. We certainly wouldn't want to visit you again because you neglected to tell us of such things."
Wildemount: Dark Star One Shot (potatocrown) - Hops - Level 7 Wood Elf Monk (Way of the Drunken Master)
"Well said, Hops. Keeper, we would appreciate any equipment you mind be able to lend us that might help us in retrieving the artifact."
Felix sheathes his sword. "Yes, you are correct, Hops."
"I hardly trust this man to keep his word, if his own life isn't at stake," Dimiter says curtly. His hand is on his sword.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
"I do not know of any rituals needed to retrieve the Dark Star! All the rituals I've done have been to keep it in place and protect it. I will not need your protection if you complete your task quickly and before nightfall! Its still the early morning, you have plenty of time." When Felix loses his temper, however, Ralyx jumps out of his seat and scrambles back once more, preparing to protect himself. As Hops calms him down, Ralyx breathes a sigh of relief but stays in his spot, still shaking with fear. "Y-yes! Listen to the old man! He knows what he's talking about. You say my life isn't at stake but it is!" He drops to his knees and wails like a child. "Please! You have to do something or else the creatures will eat me next! Look, I-I'll tell you where the Vault is, o-okay?!"
"The vault is hidden within one of the two hills outside, to the south of town! One side of the left hill is actually made of the shell of a horizonback tortoise that's been overgrown. It has several hidden entrances leading down into the hollowed-out center of the hill. That's where the vault is!"
"Ahh, a horizonback? Clever. And we' won't be met by any unexpected traps or sentries?"
Wildemount: Dark Star One Shot (potatocrown) - Hops - Level 7 Wood Elf Monk (Way of the Drunken Master)
"So be it," Felix tells the Keeper. "We will go to the Vault, and let you stay safe at home. Your people may not laud you as their savior, but at least they will be safe."