Dues for the Dead (DM Lerus)

AT THE VALHINGEN GRAVEYARD

Before Graxx can finish his approach, Neya opens up the map that Yovir handed to her. The Doomguide points out the arrow with the word "Pool" next to it and reiterates: "I made sure the arrow was a perfect copy of the original." Knowing a thing or two about maps and now being outside, Neya takes a look around, re-positions herself a couple of times and then arrives at an educated guess: the arrow points roughly toward Valjevo Castle, the central seat of government in Phlan.

Graxx arrives a second after Neya silently comes up with her educated guess. He explains to Yovir what his offer to Kelemvor is and the Doomguide listens attentively. He replies when given a chance: "Giving up a hatred-filled vendetta is not easy, but your word that you'll not seek to unduly hasten the transition into death of all members of a certain race is the largest gift a Kelemvorite may ask for. Folk should not die before their time, which can only be determined by the deity that governs the realm of death." Yovir then looks at the coin-pouch Graxx is holding up: "Now, as you have correctly ascertained, as valuable as it is, I cannot put such an intangible gift on the shrine I have planned to honor those whose graves were disturbed by the Thayan and her minions. An offer of coin would indeed cover that need, and I will accept your offer. However, before I take the pouch from your hands, you should know that the values within should be symbolic, not numerical. You have already given up enough." With that, the Doomguide gives Graxx a chance to reevaluate his donation now that he knows how valuable his intangible offer already is in the eyes of the Kelemvorite.

Graxx does not pause for a moment.

"Doomguide I appreciate you not just taking the coin and giving me an option."

Graxx motions to the symbol of Tempus on the axe.

"I prayed long and hard and this combination is what Tempus has lead me to give."

"I have taken a more dedicated path and while I still have enough coin this is giving the most of what I have to you.  This symbolizes me starting a new path.  I do hope you will accept."

"Sagin. Calm-.... Wait, did you just say elves and fishfolk from the deep were working with them?" Doozey asks, eyes widening briefly in surprise.  After a quick glance to Utar as well to see if that was any more a surprise, he looks pensive for a moment, before shaking his head. "Anyways. We're not gonna hurt you, Sagin. Not unless you make us. And... Let me ask you this, Sagin. If given the choice, would you work, er, follow, I guess a nicer dragon over the great green menace? And do you think your kin might? Because I spoke truly about putting in a good word for you with another dragon. A bronze one, if memory serves me right."

AT THE VALHINGEN GRAVEYARD

"Very well," Doomguide Yovir Glandon says. "I wanted to make sure you understood that I am not demanding any specific amount here, lest an observer may accuse me of extortion. If this large amount is what you and your deity believe is fair, I will accept it gladly and thank you for your generosity." He clears his throat and then adds another comment: "Although, I must admit it feels a bit strange to be receiving a heavier purse from you than the one I just handed over to pay for services you rendered yesterday."

With that, Yovir takes the purse Graxx offered and ties it to his belt. Seeing that Neya is still looking at her copy of the map, Yovir then asks: "Is there anything else I can do for you?" 

IN THE NEIGHBORING WOODS

DM's Screen:

(@Ori: Doozey would recall Utar and Graxx telling stories of a tribe of Kuo-toa having some sort of agreement with robed-cultists (Episode 2). Doozey and CRAP also fought some kobolds and Kuo-toa when Ixas' crew was invading the creepy, nameless islet (Episode 7). Graxx has also certainly mentioned that drow had agreed to help the Cult of the Dragon and brought along some of his fellow tribesmen, "humans in furs", to aid as well. In other words, none of this should be news to Doozey at this point.)

"Y... Yes." Sagin confirms his previous answer to Doozey. When asked if he'd change alliances to another dragon, the brownish-red-scaled kobold does not hesitate when it comes to his own personal decision: "Yes. I serve new dragon. My kin... I... I don't know."  

Wrenching his axe free of the wood of the tree, Utar stores it back in his belt. Sagin seems to have received the intended message and the threat of violence seems to have focused his mind. Utar allows a little more compassion to creep back into his voice.

"This is much better, Sagin, thank you. Please don't ignore our questions and remember, if you don't know something, just tell us. What you were doing seemed very suspicious."

"I don't think I have any more business." Neya says after finishing studying the map. "Although the implications of what the map reveals is somewhat disturbing."

Graxx lets smiles at the Doomguide.

"No accusations of extortion here Doomguide.  I am giving what I am lead to give.  It is time for new beginnings.  I am set free of what once controlled me."

Graxx smile fades at Neya's words.

"I take it we have quite the task in front of us.  Where do you think the other two have gotten off to?"

(@Lerus: I remembered the Kuo-Toa and kobolds, but the Deep Elves was an unexpected twist!)

Doozey breathes a sigh of relief. "Then Big Mama Yondalla willing, fortune will favor them in reconsidering their alliance in the future. Perhaps with your help, eh, Sagin?" Doozey suggests, but quickly holds up his hands. "Course we can't jump the hale bale too soon. First, you'll need to meet said new dragon. Which means you'll be traveling with us for a few days... if that's alright with ya? If not, well-..." The stoutling glances up at Utar.

"Apart from any further questions from the big guy there, I s'ppose we can let you go. But, if you do decide to go before meeting the dragon, uhm... do let your kin know about the possibility of serving a different dragon. But, er... if you do, be a bit... discrete, eh? As in, let those who've been getting the worse end of your kin's dealing with the Green Menace know, and not those full of themselves."

AT THE VALHINGEN GRAVEYARD

Yovir nods as Graxx confirms his choice and smiles at the man. "Very well. Your chosen new beginning is a blessing to us Kelemvorites. Let it bring much glory to your Tempus as well."

When Neya speaks, much like Graxx, Yovir also looks at the monk with some interest in her words: "Care to elaborate?" 

IN THE NEIGHBORING WOODS

Sagin sighs in relief as the axe is removed from just above his head. He nods rapidly at Utar: "Okay."

Then, Doozey mentions to Sagin that the kobold can traveling along with his captors to meet a new dragon. Sagin seems cautious about this possibility.

(@Doozey: Please roll a persuasion check. You perfume of bewitching is still active.)

(Knew I forgot something!)

Persuasion: 20.

Sensing there is little of interest left to come from the kobold, Utar nods along with Doozey's comments before suddenly getting an idea.

"Sagin, whatever you decide, how would we recognise your kin?  If they wanted to serve another dragon how would we know them? If we met them without you, how would we  best identify ourselves as being friendly towards them?"

"According to the location of their hideout and direction they were digging, it seems this pool they were looking for is in or around castle," Neya explains to Doomguide Yovir.

She then turns to Graxx, "If I recall, Utar and Doozey said they went to a nearby forest to question the kobold."

AT THE VALHINGEN GRAVEYARD

"That is worrisome indeed." Yovir says, concerned. "I trust your group will make good use of that piece of information."

The conversation then transitions to the other CRAPers' whereabouts. Once Neya hints at where they might be found, the Doomguide tires to help: "Well, the nearest wooded area is in that direction. That's likely your best bet." 

Assuming the duo is ready to say their farewells to the Kelemvorite for now, Graxx and Neya start walking toward the suggested woods.

IN THE NEIGHBORING WOODS

Sagin thinks to himself for a moment, considering Doozey's offer. Utar interrupts the kobold's thinking time by asking about Sagin's kin, but the kobold decides to give his answer before fully internalizing the half-orc's questions: "Y... Yes, I'll follow you to the new dragon. But keep big wolf away from Sagin, okay?" He points to Biscuit.

Looking at Utar while catching only the general idea behind his questions, Sagin then comments: "I wouldn't say anything to my kin if I am to follow you now. They won't miss me and I won't miss them. Kobolds don't build such bonds."

Sagin then points toward the distance over Doozey's shoulder. Two humans approach, a woman and a man. Doozey and Utar need but a glance to realize that those are Neya and Graxx. Biscuit only needs a sniff of the air about himself.

Utar nods along with Sagin's words and can't help but feel a tinge of pity for the kobold.  Bonds of kinship have ben what have driven him to this point in his life and while they haven't always been pleasant experiences, he wouldn't be without them and he doubts he would be who is today without them.

"Okay Sagin, enough questions.  You come with us and we'll take you to meet a dragon.  We'll keep Biscuit away from you."

Looking to the human figures walking towards them, Utar gives a wave before setting off to meet them.

"C'mon Sagin, it's time to meet some more of our friends."

"Sounds like the your discussion proved fruitful?" Neya supposed.

Graxx looks down upon the Kobold and thinks of the Drow and feels a peace within him.

"Hello, I am Graxx."

Graxx looks to Utar and Doozey.

"I take it your talk went well?"

Having understood the conversation quite well, even if he hadn't been pay all that much attention, the back and forth about 'keeping away' from the Kobold eventually elicits "Hmph" sounding soft bark, along with some whimpering soon after. Doozey halfheartedly consoles the beast with a few head pats, but soon had his attention turned on Neya and Graxx once pointed out.

"Eh, after a fashion. Didn't learn much more apart from some.... oh..." As a thought finally clicks, Doozey facepalms and shakes his head. "By deep elves he meant drow not sea elves -- gosh darn it on a poop stick it. I must be still tired." He admits, then with a sigh lifted his head once more and thumbs Sagin's general direction. "This here is Sagin. He'll be accompanying us for a bit longer to expand his horizons, and meet our dragon friend further up the coast... or so I offered. Which... by the looks of it, you seem fine with him, well enough?" He asks, looking to Graxx specificially.

After the man had said his piece, Doozey just nods and adds, "Good to hear. Mind uncuffing him? I don't think we ever got the key from ya." As Graxx(or whoever) saw to that, Doozey addresses the others. "So, safe to assume you two finished business back in the graveyard, yea? If so, shall we head back in town? Got a bit of shopping to do -- resupplying really of me kits 'n all that. Plus, we need to let others know about that robed menace business and the pool, or so I wager. But after, assuming there's no other outstanding business, we should hit the road, eh? We've already lost a day in our original trip. Any more than that, and we might not be in time at this rate." He reminds.