Despite his serious injury, Arisa is able to stabilize Torem, much to the thanks and gratification of Alara. Vernon improves his condition slightly be bringing him back out of consciousness. He is still very much out of it, and suffering in terrible pain from his gash, but at least he's awake and stable. "You all fought so bravely, I'm glad that none of you was struck down permanently. You are a courageous and capable group, indeed. The entire village owes you, good folk," Alara says as she wipes Torem's brow.
Osmord also opens his eyes, and despite the fact that he also feels like hell and is suffering from a deep slash from the orc's axe, he's in a similar condition as Torem, and was not yet yanked to the lavish dinner party in the next world. \
Belkas rushes off to find see how the battle is going, so it will take him a bit of time to reach the tower and scope out what's going on outside the gates.
Zyllith
Xolkin listens to you and answers, "The Snail never told us about some other group claiming this here village. Either he was misinformed... or else we're workin' for the same group, in which case, we all got our wires crossed. 'Course, even if we ain't, The Black Network don't cede to just anybody. We got our own contacts in the City o' Splendors. Maybe you don't and your boss don't know who you're up against."
killed, still has a very worried expression on her bloodied face.
“we need rest, and badly. I am concerned about how Zyllyth is doing. I have no spells left, only cantrips, and many of us are so weak as to be on the verge of death. Osmord- I know you’ve been near death as I have- but is your raven still above? Can you find anything about the battle outside or how zyllyth is doing? We are in no condition to face those sneaky ones right now- or the shaman. Actually...I can do something to regain a spell..”
she says a prayer to Mystra and the symbol on her shield briefly flashes with light, which quickly fades. (Channel divinity to get one spell slot back)
she will look at the bodies of the Orcs on the bridge to see if there is anything of use to the group- more javelins, anything else of interest.
Zyllith gave Xolkin a pointed look before responding,
"Sure ya' don't. Still, bit presumptuous assuming you're the only game in town. When it comes to what my bosses know, they didn't share, and I didn't ask. We're a bit better keeping that kind of intel on a tighter leash. You can decide who's group we are or are not a part of. I've already said more then I'm allowed. Not that it matters. We got a job here and you're not a part of it. We're only being kind here to avoid making matters more complicated then they need to be. By all means head back to your bosses or contacts and decide from there if you'd like. Just know I'm being very helpful by informing you NOT to interfere here."
Zyllith was quite proud of the story she managed to spin so far. She knew no matter what happened, so long as they continued talking then she was winning.
Searching the three bodies on the bridge, you find a total of 17 cp, 16 sp and 12 gp. These orcs didn't have any javelins, they each wielded great axes, and aside from the coin, they didn't carry anything of value.
Looking through the eyes of his raven, Osmord sees that the battle is still going on outside the walls... if it could be called a battle. Xolkin's riders continue to antagonize the orcs from a distance with crossbows, although one of them has been killed. A couple more or the orcs have been wounded, included the one eye.
Zyllith
Zyllith feels pretty good about the yarn she's been spinning, but this Xolkin fella appears to be a rather confident nut himself and he ain't cracking so easy. Kella on the other hand seems a little more wary about the whole thing.
Slowly spinning his body about halfway around, Xolkin says, "I could say the same myself. Men I work for don't exactly like others moving' in on their terrain. The Zhents have been scoping this place out for awhile, and I don't think they're gonna want to cede it so easy to a bunch of... whatever you are. Besides, you're outnumbered here. What if Kella an' me decided that you're in OUR way? Maybe you should go back to your own boss and tell 'em that they're interfering' wit the entire Black Network?"
Kella's face winces a bit when he mentions the Zhents. She continues standing there with her own sword drawn, but holds position and says, "Xolkin, we don't know if she's tellin' the truth or not, but there's one easy way to resolve this. Send your snake and get a message to Snail... ask him what he wants to do. Of course, we do have her without all her friends here..."
Looking Zyllith right in the eye, with a confident demeanor, Kella adds, "...All alone, with none of your friends in sight. Maybe YOU are the one who wants to rethink things. Nobody wants to get hurt here, right?"
once we are quickly finishing at the bodies, (Arisa gives the axes to the guard for town use) she wants to wmove to the gate or to try to find the two strangers with Worm’s help....
Through Worm's eyes, Osmord sees Zyllith with Xolkin and Kella in the yard just north of the Temple. Zyllith appears to be holding Xolkin at rapier point, while Kella is standing close to Xolkin's side with her own sword drawn, facing Zyllith.
Vernon is rather unperturbed by his near death experience. "Wargs, orcs, big deal. So long as we stick together, nothing can stop us. Speaking of, we really should check on Zyllith."
On hearing of the stand-off with Zyllyth and those two, Arisa nods to Vernon and starts running in that direction, while wincing in pain. She calls back to her companions “she’s outnumbered! Hurry!” (Dash 60’ to where she can see the trio)
when Arisa can get within 120’ and can see them, she shoots a warning fire bolt into the air over their heads, and continues to advance. “don’t try any sudden moves Xolkin or Kella” She yells. “You are outnumbered. We can resolve this peacefully, if you are willing. We killed all the Orcs to the south- but more remain fighting your friends.”
In response to their collective threats, Zyllith knew she had to do something to shake their confidence a bit more. As such she did the only logical thing she could imagine in this situation.
She began laughing, loudly, directly back at them, filled with amusement and mirth as if she had just heard the most hilarious joke imaginable.
"Ye' think I'm 'ere all by me' lonesome?! Are ye DAFT, mates? Got plenty o' friends all around me'. No' countin' the mates ye' already saw o'course. Bloody hell, ya' 'gits, ye' all did'nae even know me' existence 'till I was rioght on bloody top of ye', an' only by me' choice. Ye' really think ah'd be tha' cocky ta' talk ta' ye like this if ah did'nea have a whole score of backup hidden all about?"
As Arisa's voice can be heard Zyllith gives the two of them a huge winning grin, "Well speak 'o tha' devil. Seems me other mates are gettin' tired of bein' polite ta' ye. So what then, mate? How's about we try tha' peace-like option?"
When he reaches the top of the tower, Belkas lifts an illusionary severed orc head into the air (as he forgot to bring a real one with him).
He calls out in Orcish, "There are older and fouler things here than orcs. The warriors you sent are all dead." Belkas lowers his arm with the illusionary head and continues, "You were warned. This village is not for you. Now be gone!"
Osmord will encourage worm to land nearby behind zyllyth and use mimicry to repeat the words,
"Speak of the Devil." after zyllyth in the creepiest voice possible.
Osmord also will make all haste to reach their location though he will ensure that he does not appear hurried once he is in sight of them. Once in sight he will use Thaumaturgy to cause his eyes to blaze with an eldritch green light and his voice to boom out like a crack of thunder.
"We don't need you here. Leave now and never come back! Nightstone rejects you!"
Worm will repeat her mimicry, "Speak of the Devil."
As he gets closer still he will cause the ground to tremble and shake.
(Are they all standing in a graveyard behind the temple?")
Xolkin and Kella seem to accept Zyllith's line about not being alone out here, with her making a remark about there being "too many surprises." They're even more resigned when Arisa yells her warning at them and the rest of the party appears from across the square and joins the trio in the little cemetery bending the temple.
Xolkin puts his hands out, palms open and says, "Nobody's makin' any moves, we're just having a conversation. That's all. No need to get everyone all up in a ruffle."
Kella responds with a tone of both surprise and resignation in her voice, especially at Osmord's morbid theatrics, "You killed ALL ten orcs by yourselves? Xolkin, this just isn't adding up. Either we've been given bad information, or else this place has been taken right from underneath us, but either way, this is gotten WAY out of hand. The Snail's not going to be very happy about this, but I don't see that we have much choice here. This has gone WAY outside our plans... too far to be on us."
Turning to you all, she says, "Ok then. Talk to me. What do you propose?"
-----------------
When Belkas climbs atop the watchtower and displays his illusory orc head, he sees that the orcs have already started to move away. They're kind of being driven away by Xolkin's three remaining horsemen, who keep peppering them with crossbow bolts from afar, but also because having already been chased out of the forest by elves and now having lost well over half of their numbers without gaining an inch of ground, they seem to realize that their best move is to retreat, especially with a badly wounded chief.
The one eye looks up at you and snarls, "You have won this battle, but this is not the last you have seen of us. The terror of Gruumsh lurks everywhere and will strike at you when you least expect it. Long live Gruumsh!!"
The remaining orcs being changing in unison with the one eye as they begin moving west, away from the village.
"Don' need ta' get knack'erd ova' this. Like Ah's sayin', we ain't tryin' ta' make enemies, jus' protect'in our investment, if ya' like." Zyllith tilts her head a bit as she hears the distant orcs yells, "Seems like tha' green folk be headin' out now, so's roads should be gettin' safe once more. All ye' need ta' do is ta' go home, or at least leave tha' town propa'. Dun' matter where ya' go, so long's ye' leave our operation alone. Talk ta' Snail's if ya' like, fer all ah care. An' jus' ta' show we're all friends 'ere, we can even offer ya' some supplies if ye' need it ta' get you on yer way."
Belkas watches the Orc marching away and calls out in Orcish, "Long live Gruumsh... but far away from here."
Looking back across the village, he sees the tense situation down below. He hops down the ladder, triumphal music once again playing behind him. He heads over to the rest of the team. As he approaches, he throws his cloak back, revealing his black leather armor, with its elegantly etched spiderweb designs, in the hope of looking both more menacing and debonair.
He calls out, "Bad news, everyone. The remaining orcs have fled, so there is no more fun to be had today."
He looks at Kella, who he figures should still be under his Charm Person spell (and have disadvantage on Wisdom checks from his earlier Hex spell). "I am sorry you have to leave now, but if the fates are kind, we may team up again sometime in the future."
It's obvious that both Kella and Xolkin find themselves with little choice. Xolkin says, "Very well... we'll go, but I hope you realize that you've crossed the Black Network, and it ain't no small cobble. They got spies and soldiers everywhere. You're marked now, so watch yourselves. Me, I'm just a solider and I don't call the shots, so we'll take what you're offerin' and be on our way."
Kella responds as well, with cold diplomacy, "We appreciate your mercy and your generosity. As Xolkin says, we don't call the shots, and whether you speak the truth or are merely bluffing is a matter beyond our pay grade now, so we will go as soon as it is safe. I will take a horse, if there are any available."
“agreed- we will give you a horse and rations. There are horses in the stable. We have no desire to make enemies with anyone. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding. Good luck in your journey.”
(Give her the horse that didn’t like Vernon, and a days rations, enough to get them back to the city)
Kella answers Belkas with a more favorable tone when he returns. "Indeed, it is a shame that we won't be able to work together here. Things just seem to have gotten rather complicated, and... well, like I said, there are issues at stake that are beyond my area of responsibility. Perhaps our paths will cross again somewhere down the road."
With that, Xolkin and his compadre, who has been milling about inside the inn, rummaging around and doing very little to help out in the battle, head over to the stable to fetch another horse for Kella. When they return, Kella mounts up accepts the helping of rations you provide.
To the rest of you, she says cooly, "I cannot say that it has been an enjoyable experience being here, and I cannot say that I wish the rest of you well. However, a deal is a deal."
With that, Kella nods to Xolkin and his cohort, and the three mount up and begin riding towards the front gate.
While ensuring the other riders are dismounted and far from the gate, we will drop the drawbridge (I assume Osmord will pretend to remove his curse!) and then immediately raise it again once they’ve crossed. Arisa again ready for any treachery- readying an action to cast if they make sudden moves. Once the gate is secured again, we will see about resting and patching ourselves up.
Despite his serious injury, Arisa is able to stabilize Torem, much to the thanks and gratification of Alara. Vernon improves his condition slightly be bringing him back out of consciousness. He is still very much out of it, and suffering in terrible pain from his gash, but at least he's awake and stable. "You all fought so bravely, I'm glad that none of you was struck down permanently. You are a courageous and capable group, indeed. The entire village owes you, good folk," Alara says as she wipes Torem's brow.
Osmord also opens his eyes, and despite the fact that he also feels like hell and is suffering from a deep slash from the orc's axe, he's in a similar condition as Torem, and was not yet yanked to the lavish dinner party in the next world. \
Belkas rushes off to find see how the battle is going, so it will take him a bit of time to reach the tower and scope out what's going on outside the gates.
Zyllith
Xolkin listens to you and answers, "The Snail never told us about some other group claiming this here village. Either he was misinformed... or else we're workin' for the same group, in which case, we all got our wires crossed. 'Course, even if we ain't, The Black Network don't cede to just anybody. We got our own contacts in the City o' Splendors. Maybe you don't and your boss don't know who you're up against."
Arisa, satisfied that no one of the allies were
killed, still has a very worried expression on her bloodied face.
“we need rest, and badly. I am concerned about how Zyllyth is doing. I have no spells left, only cantrips, and many of us are so weak as to be on the verge of death. Osmord- I know you’ve been near death as I have- but is your raven still above? Can you find anything about the battle outside or how zyllyth is doing? We are in no condition to face those sneaky ones right now- or the shaman. Actually...I can do something to regain a spell..”
she says a prayer to Mystra and the symbol on her shield briefly flashes with light, which quickly fades. (Channel divinity to get one spell slot back)
she will look at the bodies of the Orcs on the bridge to see if there is anything of use to the group- more javelins, anything else of interest.
Zyllith gave Xolkin a pointed look before responding,
"Sure ya' don't. Still, bit presumptuous assuming you're the only game in town. When it comes to what my bosses know, they didn't share, and I didn't ask. We're a bit better keeping that kind of intel on a tighter leash. You can decide who's group we are or are not a part of. I've already said more then I'm allowed. Not that it matters. We got a job here and you're not a part of it. We're only being kind here to avoid making matters more complicated then they need to be. By all means head back to your bosses or contacts and decide from there if you'd like. Just know I'm being very helpful by informing you NOT to interfere here."
Zyllith was quite proud of the story she managed to spin so far. She knew no matter what happened, so long as they continued talking then she was winning.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Searching the three bodies on the bridge, you find a total of 17 cp, 16 sp and 12 gp. These orcs didn't have any javelins, they each wielded great axes, and aside from the coin, they didn't carry anything of value.
Looking through the eyes of his raven, Osmord sees that the battle is still going on outside the walls... if it could be called a battle. Xolkin's riders continue to antagonize the orcs from a distance with crossbows, although one of them has been killed. A couple more or the orcs have been wounded, included the one eye.
Zyllith
Zyllith feels pretty good about the yarn she's been spinning, but this Xolkin fella appears to be a rather confident nut himself and he ain't cracking so easy. Kella on the other hand seems a little more wary about the whole thing.
Slowly spinning his body about halfway around, Xolkin says, "I could say the same myself. Men I work for don't exactly like others moving' in on their terrain. The Zhents have been scoping this place out for awhile, and I don't think they're gonna want to cede it so easy to a bunch of... whatever you are. Besides, you're outnumbered here. What if Kella an' me decided that you're in OUR way? Maybe you should go back to your own boss and tell 'em that they're interfering' wit the entire Black Network?"
Kella's face winces a bit when he mentions the Zhents. She continues standing there with her own sword drawn, but holds position and says, "Xolkin, we don't know if she's tellin' the truth or not, but there's one easy way to resolve this. Send your snake and get a message to Snail... ask him what he wants to do. Of course, we do have her without all her friends here..."
Looking Zyllith right in the eye, with a confident demeanor, Kella adds, "...All alone, with none of your friends in sight. Maybe YOU are the one who wants to rethink things. Nobody wants to get hurt here, right?"
once we are quickly finishing at the bodies, (Arisa gives the axes to the guard for town use) she wants to wmove to the gate or to try to find the two strangers with Worm’s help....
Through Worm's eyes, Osmord sees Zyllith with Xolkin and Kella in the yard just north of the Temple. Zyllith appears to be holding Xolkin at rapier point, while Kella is standing close to Xolkin's side with her own sword drawn, facing Zyllith.
Vernon is rather unperturbed by his near death experience. "Wargs, orcs, big deal. So long as we stick together, nothing can stop us. Speaking of, we really should check on Zyllith."
On hearing of the stand-off with Zyllyth and those two, Arisa nods to Vernon and starts running in that direction, while wincing in pain. She calls back to her companions “she’s outnumbered! Hurry!” (Dash 60’ to where she can see the trio)
when Arisa can get within 120’ and can see them, she shoots a warning fire bolt into the air over their heads, and continues to advance. “don’t try any sudden moves Xolkin or Kella” She yells. “You are outnumbered. We can resolve this peacefully, if you are willing. We killed all the Orcs to the south- but more remain fighting your friends.”
In response to their collective threats, Zyllith knew she had to do something to shake their confidence a bit more. As such she did the only logical thing she could imagine in this situation.
She began laughing, loudly, directly back at them, filled with amusement and mirth as if she had just heard the most hilarious joke imaginable.
"Ye' think I'm 'ere all by me' lonesome?! Are ye DAFT, mates? Got plenty o' friends all around me'. No' countin' the mates ye' already saw o'course. Bloody hell, ya' 'gits, ye' all did'nae even know me' existence 'till I was rioght on bloody top of ye', an' only by me' choice. Ye' really think ah'd be tha' cocky ta' talk ta' ye like this if ah did'nea have a whole score of backup hidden all about?"
As Arisa's voice can be heard Zyllith gives the two of them a huge winning grin, "Well speak 'o tha' devil. Seems me other mates are gettin' tired of bein' polite ta' ye. So what then, mate? How's about we try tha' peace-like option?"
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
When he reaches the top of the tower, Belkas lifts an illusionary severed orc head into the air (as he forgot to bring a real one with him).
He calls out in Orcish, "There are older and fouler things here than orcs. The warriors you sent are all dead." Belkas lowers his arm with the illusionary head and continues, "You were warned. This village is not for you. Now be gone!"
Osmord will encourage worm to land nearby behind zyllyth and use mimicry to repeat the words,
"Speak of the Devil." after zyllyth in the creepiest voice possible.
Osmord also will make all haste to reach their location though he will ensure that he does not appear hurried once he is in sight of them. Once in sight he will use Thaumaturgy to cause his eyes to blaze with an eldritch green light and his voice to boom out like a crack of thunder.
"We don't need you here. Leave now and never come back! Nightstone rejects you!"
Worm will repeat her mimicry, "Speak of the Devil."
As he gets closer still he will cause the ground to tremble and shake.
(Are they all standing in a graveyard behind the temple?")
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Xolkin and Kella seem to accept Zyllith's line about not being alone out here, with her making a remark about there being "too many surprises." They're even more resigned when Arisa yells her warning at them and the rest of the party appears from across the square and joins the trio in the little cemetery bending the temple.
Xolkin puts his hands out, palms open and says, "Nobody's makin' any moves, we're just having a conversation. That's all. No need to get everyone all up in a ruffle."
Kella responds with a tone of both surprise and resignation in her voice, especially at Osmord's morbid theatrics, "You killed ALL ten orcs by yourselves? Xolkin, this just isn't adding up. Either we've been given bad information, or else this place has been taken right from underneath us, but either way, this is gotten WAY out of hand. The Snail's not going to be very happy about this, but I don't see that we have much choice here. This has gone WAY outside our plans... too far to be on us."
Turning to you all, she says, "Ok then. Talk to me. What do you propose?"
-----------------
When Belkas climbs atop the watchtower and displays his illusory orc head, he sees that the orcs have already started to move away. They're kind of being driven away by Xolkin's three remaining horsemen, who keep peppering them with crossbow bolts from afar, but also because having already been chased out of the forest by elves and now having lost well over half of their numbers without gaining an inch of ground, they seem to realize that their best move is to retreat, especially with a badly wounded chief.
The one eye looks up at you and snarls, "You have won this battle, but this is not the last you have seen of us. The terror of Gruumsh lurks everywhere and will strike at you when you least expect it. Long live Gruumsh!!"
The remaining orcs being changing in unison with the one eye as they begin moving west, away from the village.
"Don' need ta' get knack'erd ova' this. Like Ah's sayin', we ain't tryin' ta' make enemies, jus' protect'in our investment, if ya' like." Zyllith tilts her head a bit as she hears the distant orcs yells, "Seems like tha' green folk be headin' out now, so's roads should be gettin' safe once more. All ye' need ta' do is ta' go home, or at least leave tha' town propa'. Dun' matter where ya' go, so long's ye' leave our operation alone. Talk ta' Snail's if ya' like, fer all ah care. An' jus' ta' show we're all friends 'ere, we can even offer ya' some supplies if ye' need it ta' get you on yer way."
Persuasion = 4+4 = 8
(with Arisa assisting (advantage) and guidance) 19+4+1 = 24
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Arisa is helping- Roll again for advantage and add +1 for guidance... I posted in the wrong place.
Arisa says “We’ve fought and killed enough for one day. We are willing to share some provisions for your journey. There’s nothing for you here..”
Belkas watches the Orc marching away and calls out in Orcish, "Long live Gruumsh... but far away from here."
Looking back across the village, he sees the tense situation down below. He hops down the ladder, triumphal music once again playing behind him. He heads over to the rest of the team. As he approaches, he throws his cloak back, revealing his black leather armor, with its elegantly etched spiderweb designs, in the hope of looking both more menacing and debonair.
He calls out, "Bad news, everyone. The remaining orcs have fled, so there is no more fun to be had today."
He looks at Kella, who he figures should still be under his Charm Person spell (and have disadvantage on Wisdom checks from his earlier Hex spell). "I am sorry you have to leave now, but if the fates are kind, we may team up again sometime in the future."
He smiles his most winning smile at her.
It's obvious that both Kella and Xolkin find themselves with little choice. Xolkin says, "Very well... we'll go, but I hope you realize that you've crossed the Black Network, and it ain't no small cobble. They got spies and soldiers everywhere. You're marked now, so watch yourselves. Me, I'm just a solider and I don't call the shots, so we'll take what you're offerin' and be on our way."
Kella responds as well, with cold diplomacy, "We appreciate your mercy and your generosity. As Xolkin says, we don't call the shots, and whether you speak the truth or are merely bluffing is a matter beyond our pay grade now, so we will go as soon as it is safe. I will take a horse, if there are any available."
Arisa says
“agreed- we will give you a horse and rations. There are horses in the stable. We have no desire to make enemies with anyone. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding. Good luck in your journey.”
(Give her the horse that didn’t like Vernon, and a days rations, enough to get them back to the city)
Kella answers Belkas with a more favorable tone when he returns. "Indeed, it is a shame that we won't be able to work together here. Things just seem to have gotten rather complicated, and... well, like I said, there are issues at stake that are beyond my area of responsibility. Perhaps our paths will cross again somewhere down the road."
With that, Xolkin and his compadre, who has been milling about inside the inn, rummaging around and doing very little to help out in the battle, head over to the stable to fetch another horse for Kella. When they return, Kella mounts up accepts the helping of rations you provide.
To the rest of you, she says cooly, "I cannot say that it has been an enjoyable experience being here, and I cannot say that I wish the rest of you well. However, a deal is a deal."
With that, Kella nods to Xolkin and his cohort, and the three mount up and begin riding towards the front gate.
While ensuring the other riders are dismounted and far from the gate, we will drop the drawbridge (I assume Osmord will pretend to remove his curse!) and then immediately raise it again once they’ve crossed. Arisa again ready for any treachery- readying an action to cast if they make sudden moves. Once the gate is secured again, we will see about resting and patching ourselves up.
Vernon is not sad to see Apple leave, but he is feeling a little sad that he never got to attack anything.