Worm deposits a fine specimen of gloppy excrement right on the shoulder of one of the male riders, which brings a disgruntled sigh from the man. "Bloody F--in' bird...!"
The leaders looks back up at Arisa and answers, "Well met, Arisa, I am Xolkin. My riders and I hail from Daggerford, and we came to meet with a traveler who arrived a few days ago. Her name is Kella. Blond haired woman. Plus we could use a bit of a sit down, at least let us do that inside the gates."
continuing to shelter behind the battlements, with only her face visible, she continues...
“My apologies Xolkin, I need to know some more from you and your companions and consult with the guard and my companions before opening the gate. May I ask what are the major accommodations and shops in Daggerford? So I can ensure your truthfulness? “be aware, If my companions and I do allow you to enter, you and your companions will need to leave your scimitars and bows on that side of the bridge. The guards will collect them for safekeeping once you are inside.”
(ready action to cast fire bolt at the leader if they start shooting)
(Arisa is from near Daggerford herself, so will ask to see if this guy is telling the truth and also look to see if she recognizes any of them or any symbols, etc they may have)
"Certainly, love. Better safe than sorry, right? Everyone knows the best watering hole and place to stay the night in Daggerford is the River Shining Tavern and Inn, although some folks prefer The Happy Cow. Miller's Dry Goods is where you'd find the usual supplies, but if it's metalwork you want, then you'd head over to Cromach's Smithy."
Arisa
You are well familiar with those particular establishments.
"Now now, that's hardly fair, miss, and it doesn't do much to ensure our own safety. Who's to say that you're not some band o'brigands who's decided to take the village for yourself? We walk in unarmed and we're sitting ducks if you and whoever else you got behind those walls wanted to rob us. You could have a whole crew in there."
"There's nothing to worry about, I assure you. Let's just be civil. Believe me, we got no reason to come in and start swinging weapons around. You think we'd come all this way just for a quick opportunity to cause trouble to a little village like Nightstone? Hardly. I just want to come in and talk to my friend."
Arisa is not impressed. She says in a stern tone- “Clearly, you know Daggerford. The safety of this village is my responsibility right now, and I say no weapons inside. If we were brigands, Kella would not be safe- she is here with my companions now. We have only killed goblins here. She can talk to you from up here if you refuse to give up your arms for us to lower the bridge. You have not answered me as to why you are here. If it is just to talk to Kella- talk here then, and be on your way. I have no assurance you are not yourselves a band of brigands. Drop your weapons over by that tree “(pointing to a tree far enough away to stop them from easily recovering them).” and come inside, or stay there and we will get Kella. Those are your choices.”
(she will now ready an action to duck to full cover if they start shooting)
Xolkin turns to his men and speaks for about ten seconds, and then he unsheathes his scimitar and hands it to one of his men. He then pulls forth a long dagger from his belt and also hands it off. Then, two of his other men also hand their weapons off to others in there crew. Xolkin then looks back up at you.
"Ok love, if that's how it's gonna be I'll comply. Instead o' leavin' all of our weapons over by some tree, I'll come in with two of my men, and leave the rest out here to safeguard our gear."
He gives a signal, and the other four men in is crew turn their horses and ride back about 50-60 feet away from the moat. Holding his hand up, he says, "Alrighty then, fair is fair. Open 'er up."
Arisa says”thank you for your compliance. One moment- it seems my companions are talking to Kella now, I will consult with them, in the meantime, please dismount those horses and tie them to the tree.”.
she turns and looks to Belkas and the others “shall we let them in unarmed?
(she keeps with her readied action to duck)
(I assume the horses are fast enough they could clear the distance to the bridge before we could raise it? 😉)
Yes, the horses are fast enough, but since it only takes one round to raise or lower the drawbridge by 30 degrees, you'd be able to raise it enough to prevent the horses from crossing by the time they reached the moat, providing someone was paying attention and gave the signal when they started moving. It would seem that Xolkin directed his men to move away to honor his part of the bargain, since he is bringing in two of his men.
(Ok I’ll wait for the others to get online before giving the open gate order, but she will tell the guards quietly to close it immediately if she says the horses are running- unless they tie them up)
Belkas smiles at Kella and says, "That is an interesting proposition. Let me try to convince the others. I'll be back."
He then heads over to the tower. If Arisa is up in the tower he will use Minor Illusion to have his voice appear near her without shouting, "They are some sort of gang of criminals. They will attempt to kill the guards and take over the town if we let them."
If any other party members are within range he will do the same with them.
Arisa ( now out of sight from the half elf leader on the inside of the tower) says quitely down to Belkas- “ should we letjust three in unarmed then? When we are ready to welcome them appropriately?”
Vernon gets the sense that it might be approaching time for the flashy stuff. "I vote we let a few in." He prepares to lower his lance and whispers "Ikkileim", casting Resistance on himself.
"Well bloody slap me eye wit' a wicka'." Zyllith curses once Belkas informs her what he's learned, frustrated at having learned that the woman had her fooled, "Thought she was an odd one but didnea ever figure whot hoodlim's she be bringing wit'." Once Arisa is in range to discuss options she quietly whispers back to her and the others in the party, "Aye, simplest thing might be just tellin' them we found tha' truth and wavin' 'em away. Rats dun' like tha' light bein' shined on 'em and they'll as like ta' just leave if we got tha' bridge up. Won' have much choice then. But who knows when they might return. We can try ta' take 'em out quick, but that can turn rioght deadly quick. Them's no simple goblin', could be skilled killa's we'd deal wit'."
After their conversation is finished she'll start looking around, trying to find a place to hide from sight. Specifically from Kella's eyes.
Arisa whispers back” the leader and two others will come in unarmed. Be ready In case they try anything. They want to talk to Kella and then we will have them leave.”
Arisa will carefully study the three as they approach to bridge to ensure they are unarmed. (Perception 19+5 =24). If the others dismounted and tied up their horses, And everyone looks unarmed, she will tell the guards to lower the bridge, but be ready for trouble, and raise the bridge as soon as the three are across, sooner if there is trouble.
As the trio enters, she will cast Bless on Vernon, herself and Zyllith. (Again from out of sight to the horsemen - in the tower)
if there is any signs of treachery, she will cast guiding bolt on the half elf leader.
if not, the leader and the other two can go talk to Kella. (Anyone oppose this plan?)
Zyllith nods in agreement with the rest of the group before walking away casually. However she moves only just far enough to get out of sight of everyone before finding a hiding spot to stealth behind, close enough to quickly attack Kella if things go south.
One the others have moved over to the tree about 50' away and dismounted, the trio approaches on horseback. As far as you can tell, they all appear to be unarmed, so you give the signal and the guards lower the drawbridge, the chains clanking on the wood as it creaks open. Once it's down, Xolkin and his two men enter the village, and the guards quickly raise the bridge.
Once he's inside, Xolkin immediately spots Kella, and he quickly dismount his horse. Leaving the other two, he strides towards her with urgency, but with a measured pace, possibly so as not to alarm you. She steps forwards as well, but not quick as fast, and the two meet. Xolkin puts his hand on her shoulders, but the gesture is not reciprocated, and after a short greeting, the two being to talk to each other in quiet tones.
Meanwhile, the other two remain where they are, just inside the gate, about 10 feet away from Kella and Xolkin, while outside the gate, the others continue to hold their ground.
Vernon will give Kella and Xolkin about 15 ft of space, just enough to be able to strike Xolkin if he tries to go the wrong way. "I appreciate your willingness to leave again," Vernon glances back towards the gate.
“Ok, Xolkin, you’ve had your talk, Time to head out”, Arisa calls down. “ Kella, do you want to go with them when they leave? There’s nothing for you here”.
Arisa studies their behavior to see if she can figure out if they are plotting against us or what is going on-Insight check 9..
It’s hard to tell what Xolkin and Kella are discussing, but it’s clear from his body language that he regards Kella with a great deal of importance, or respect. It apoears that they’re close, or have some kind of history, but whether it’s a personal one or strictly business, you can’t tell. Nor can Arisa tell if Belkas’s charm spell has any effect.
After a few minutes, when Arisa calls down that it’s time to leave, Kella looks up with a resigned expression.
“I will go with them,” she says. Xolkin gives Vernon a quizzical look and rolls his eyes. They both begin walking towards Xolkin’s horse.
Worm deposits a fine specimen of gloppy excrement right on the shoulder of one of the male riders, which brings a disgruntled sigh from the man. "Bloody F--in' bird...!"
The leaders looks back up at Arisa and answers, "Well met, Arisa, I am Xolkin. My riders and I hail from Daggerford, and we came to meet with a traveler who arrived a few days ago. Her name is Kella. Blond haired woman. Plus we could use a bit of a sit down, at least let us do that inside the gates."
Insight Check 12+5 =17 + 1 guidance=18
continuing to shelter behind the battlements, with only her face visible, she continues...
“My apologies Xolkin, I need to know some more from you and your companions and consult with the guard and my companions before opening the gate. May I ask what are the major accommodations and shops in Daggerford? So I can ensure your truthfulness?
“be aware, If my companions and I do allow you to enter, you and your companions will need to leave your scimitars and bows on that side of the bridge. The guards will collect them for safekeeping once you are inside.”
(ready action to cast fire bolt at the leader if they start shooting)
(Arisa is from near Daggerford herself, so will ask to see if this guy is telling the truth and also look to see if she recognizes any of them or any symbols, etc they may have)
"Certainly, love. Better safe than sorry, right? Everyone knows the best watering hole and place to stay the night in Daggerford is the River Shining Tavern and Inn, although some folks prefer The Happy Cow. Miller's Dry Goods is where you'd find the usual supplies, but if it's metalwork you want, then you'd head over to Cromach's Smithy."
Arisa
You are well familiar with those particular establishments.
"Now now, that's hardly fair, miss, and it doesn't do much to ensure our own safety. Who's to say that you're not some band o'brigands who's decided to take the village for yourself? We walk in unarmed and we're sitting ducks if you and whoever else you got behind those walls wanted to rob us. You could have a whole crew in there."
"There's nothing to worry about, I assure you. Let's just be civil. Believe me, we got no reason to come in and start swinging weapons around. You think we'd come all this way just for a quick opportunity to cause trouble to a little village like Nightstone? Hardly. I just want to come in and talk to my friend."
Arisa is not impressed. She says in a stern tone- “Clearly, you know Daggerford. The safety of this village is my responsibility right now, and I say no weapons inside. If we were brigands, Kella would not be safe- she is here with my companions now. We have only killed goblins here. She can talk to you from up here if you refuse to give up your arms for us to lower the bridge. You have not answered me as to why you are here. If it is just to talk to Kella- talk here then, and be on your way. I have no assurance you are not yourselves a band of brigands. Drop your weapons over by that tree “(pointing to a tree far enough away to stop them from easily recovering them).” and come inside, or stay there and we will get Kella. Those are your choices.”
(she will now ready an action to duck to full cover if they start shooting)
Xolkin turns to his men and speaks for about ten seconds, and then he unsheathes his scimitar and hands it to one of his men. He then pulls forth a long dagger from his belt and also hands it off. Then, two of his other men also hand their weapons off to others in there crew. Xolkin then looks back up at you.
"Ok love, if that's how it's gonna be I'll comply. Instead o' leavin' all of our weapons over by some tree, I'll come in with two of my men, and leave the rest out here to safeguard our gear."
He gives a signal, and the other four men in is crew turn their horses and ride back about 50-60 feet away from the moat. Holding his hand up, he says, "Alrighty then, fair is fair. Open 'er up."
Arisa says”thank you for your compliance. One moment- it seems my companions are talking to Kella now, I will consult with them, in the meantime, please dismount those horses and tie them to the tree.”.
she turns and looks to Belkas and the others “shall we let them in unarmed?
(she keeps with her readied action to duck)
(I assume the horses are fast enough they could clear the distance to the bridge before we could raise it? 😉)
Yes, the horses are fast enough, but since it only takes one round to raise or lower the drawbridge by 30 degrees, you'd be able to raise it enough to prevent the horses from crossing by the time they reached the moat, providing someone was paying attention and gave the signal when they started moving. It would seem that Xolkin directed his men to move away to honor his part of the bargain, since he is bringing in two of his men.
(Ok I’ll wait for the others to get online before giving the open gate order, but she will tell the guards quietly to close it immediately if she says the horses are running- unless they tie them up)
Belkas smiles at Kella and says, "That is an interesting proposition. Let me try to convince the others. I'll be back."
He then heads over to the tower. If Arisa is up in the tower he will use Minor Illusion to have his voice appear near her without shouting, "They are some sort of gang of criminals. They will attempt to kill the guards and take over the town if we let them."
If any other party members are within range he will do the same with them.
Arisa ( now out of sight from the half elf leader on the inside of the tower) says quitely down to Belkas- “ should we let just three in unarmed then? When we are ready to welcome them appropriately?”
Vernon gets the sense that it might be approaching time for the flashy stuff. "I vote we let a few in." He prepares to lower his lance and whispers "Ikkileim", casting Resistance on himself.
"Well bloody slap me eye wit' a wicka'." Zyllith curses once Belkas informs her what he's learned, frustrated at having learned that the woman had her fooled, "Thought she was an odd one but didnea ever figure whot hoodlim's she be bringing wit'." Once Arisa is in range to discuss options she quietly whispers back to her and the others in the party, "Aye, simplest thing might be just tellin' them we found tha' truth and wavin' 'em away. Rats dun' like tha' light bein' shined on 'em and they'll as like ta' just leave if we got tha' bridge up. Won' have much choice then. But who knows when they might return. We can try ta' take 'em out quick, but that can turn rioght deadly quick. Them's no simple goblin', could be skilled killa's we'd deal wit'."
After their conversation is finished she'll start looking around, trying to find a place to hide from sight. Specifically from Kella's eyes.
Arisa whispers back” the leader and two others will come in unarmed. Be ready In case they try anything. They want to talk to Kella and then we will have them leave.”
Arisa will carefully study the three as they approach to bridge to ensure they are unarmed. (Perception 19+5 =24). If the others dismounted and tied up their horses, And everyone looks unarmed, she will tell the guards to lower the bridge, but be ready for trouble, and raise the bridge as soon as the three are across, sooner if there is trouble.
As the trio enters, she will cast Bless on Vernon, herself and Zyllith. (Again from out of sight to the horsemen - in the tower)
if there is any signs of treachery, she will cast guiding bolt on the half elf leader.
if not, the leader and the other two can go talk to Kella. (Anyone oppose this plan?)
Zyllith nods in agreement with the rest of the group before walking away casually. However she moves only just far enough to get out of sight of everyone before finding a hiding spot to stealth behind, close enough to quickly attack Kella if things go south.
Stealth - 19+9 = 28
Belkas climbs the tower with Arias to view what is happening below and stay out of sword reach.
"Sounds good to me," he says. Then under his breath he says, "Those of us who are about to die, salut you."
He is ready to use Eldritch Blast if things go badly. And he expects things to go badly.
One the others have moved over to the tree about 50' away and dismounted, the trio approaches on horseback. As far as you can tell, they all appear to be unarmed, so you give the signal and the guards lower the drawbridge, the chains clanking on the wood as it creaks open. Once it's down, Xolkin and his two men enter the village, and the guards quickly raise the bridge.
Once he's inside, Xolkin immediately spots Kella, and he quickly dismount his horse. Leaving the other two, he strides towards her with urgency, but with a measured pace, possibly so as not to alarm you. She steps forwards as well, but not quick as fast, and the two meet. Xolkin puts his hand on her shoulders, but the gesture is not reciprocated, and after a short greeting, the two being to talk to each other in quiet tones.
Meanwhile, the other two remain where they are, just inside the gate, about 10 feet away from Kella and Xolkin, while outside the gate, the others continue to hold their ground.
Vernon will give Kella and Xolkin about 15 ft of space, just enough to be able to strike Xolkin if he tries to go the wrong way. "I appreciate your willingness to leave again," Vernon glances back towards the gate.
Readied lance attack: 15 + 4 (+ 3 bless) = 22
Damage: 4 + 2 = 6
“Ok, Xolkin, you’ve had your talk, Time to head out”, Arisa calls down. “ Kella, do you want to go with them when they leave? There’s nothing for you here”.
Arisa studies their behavior to see if she can figure out if they are plotting against us or what is going on-Insight check 9..
(Does Kella seem charmed by Belkas’ spell? )
Osmord will prepare chill touch targeting the pair and ready to release at the first sign of violence.
Xolkin : Attack: 18 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Kella : Attack: 22 Damage: 5
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
It’s hard to tell what Xolkin and Kella are discussing, but it’s clear from his body language that he regards Kella with a great deal of importance, or respect. It apoears that they’re close, or have some kind of history, but whether it’s a personal one or strictly business, you can’t tell. Nor can Arisa tell if Belkas’s charm spell has any effect.
After a few minutes, when Arisa calls down that it’s time to leave, Kella looks up with a resigned expression.
“I will go with them,” she says. Xolkin gives Vernon a quizzical look and rolls his eyes. They both begin walking towards Xolkin’s horse.