Cale sheathes his blades and hurries towards the keep, seeing safety so close. But the sight of the pitiful towns people unsettles him, and he sees in them the downtrodden and beaten people of his own upbringing. He scoops up an unaccompanied child or puts himself under the shoulder of an elderly civilian and carries them to the keep.
Gold will come before many things in his drive to be a better man, but not at the cost of his soul.
Travis moves to help Kirari "tame" the spooked mule. As she offers the food, he reaches out, placing a strong hand on the mule's back, trying to gently keep it from moving around too much. He's very familiar with horses, but has packed up a mule or two in his time as well.
((Will use Help action, giving Kirari advantage on the check, though it looks like she got it on her own. FYI Travis is trained in Animal Handling.))
Kiari and Travis are able to calm the mule, and it follows along with the party. The remaining villagers are able to make their way in the Keep, and they are aided by Inglenook's signal. A little boy and girl both grin at Cale for helping them get inside the gates so quickly.
The dwarf shouts to his team of human guards, "It looks like everyone is here; time to bar the gates, team!!"
The wooden doors creak shut and a large metal gate slams shut. The dwarf turns to the party and says, "Well met! Thank you for your help; we heard there was a band of heroes coming from the south to aid us. Me name is Escobert the Red, and I am master of this Keep. We are not out of danger yet, and I hope and can continue to count on ye!"
FYI from the adventure module: "Escobert is a shield dwarf with knotted, tangled, bright red hair."
One of the guards who just shut the door spots the mule, the loot, and the prisoners and says, "Escobert! These heroes have brought prisoners! Are there more kobolds in the bags?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cale will let one of the more charismatic and obviously soldierly group members handle Escobert - he looks like someone who likes to dish out orders.
Nevertheless, in the name of self preservation it would be prudent to keep invaders outside the keep in which he is currently hiding, so Cale finds a spot on the battlements to tuck himself away and prepare his bow to snipe at any creature taking hostile action against the keep or its occupants.
Inglenook holds out his hand to Escobert, "Well met my friend. I think we all came here for different reasons but have found a common goal in helping these people. Some for more reward than others," he takes a quick sideways glance to Cale as he scampers up to the battlements. "I am Inglenook, and whatever help we can provide is yours. And yes we have bought some prisoners as a gesture of out intent. The kobold, do what you want with him, maybe hang him from the battlements for others to see. The bandit, maybe rough him up and bit, he might be good for information." And he winks to the dwarf before walking away.
Inglenook takes a couple of paces then spins back to Escobert, "Ooh...and we have a contract we found for the looting. Might help us track down the idiot in charge of the looting?
Oh, and I don't suppose there is anywhere I can grab something to eat is there?"
Escobert takes Inglenook's hand with a hearty shake and claps his hand on his back. "Well met, indeed!," smiles Escobert, "These maps will be helpful for putting this all together." Escobert motions to a guard and says, "Take both of these scum up to Nighthill's office for questioning. Better show him the contract, too" The guard begins to haul Kenny and Marcus away. Escobert motions to another guard and says, "Fetch some mead and bread from the barracks for these heroes!" Then, Escobert turns to look at the loot bags with curiosity in his eyes.
For Cale:
It doesn't look like the mercenaries, cultists, or kobolds near the keep notice you (or they don't seem to care) up on the battlements, but based on your passive perception, you see that now they are gathering to form a ring around the Greenest Keep in case you wanted to tell the others. Also, a guard rushes up to you and says, "Do you think that looks like the dragon coming back on the horizon?!"
Kirari ties up the mule nearby and then notes the look in Escobert's eyes and nods. "The mule belongs to the place just outside, I'll tend to it if they aren't here to claim it, but otherwise needed a little help to lighten the load and can leave it tied up here for them. The other bags are loot the raiders had gathered so far. Brought it back with them, but not sure what to do with it. Hard to tell who its from..." leaving that to hang in the air a little.
Then she opens and points at a red x on the map. 'This family - the mother Jillian, her husband and children are holed up in a neighbor's cellar. The husband is injured and they weren't sure they could make it in. They could use some help to get to safety. We kept running into trouble so couldn't get them here without endangering them further. There's also Beatrice Swordhand quite a distance out past their home. She was trying to get to the keep but was quite injured. I helped as I could. She said to mention that she sent us on. She spoke of figures in green robes and merchants she was trying to help on the road. Last we saw her she was trying to recover her strength to get to the keep." Kirari thinks hard knowing she's likely missed other details. "I can help stabilize people or fight, put me where you need me. Payment welcome but not personally required as we came together towards the common foe. Expenses will undoubtedly arise however. I will thank you now for the food and drink - its definitely welcome after the day we've had so far."
Cale leaves his firing position and moves down the steps about halfway - he can always find another good spot - and shouts out to Escobert "Hey soldier man, it looks like the attackers are starting to encircle the keep. One of your troops here also reckons he sees the dragon making a return"
In case Escobert turns out to be reluctant to order everyone to seek cover, Cale looks around for a door into a sturdy building, or a trapdoor downwards, that he can head towards.
Perception 9
Also, trying to figure out what he knows of the dragon seen so far: Intelligence 12
Escobert sends out a might roar to anyone in earshot, "Take cover! The dragon may be on the way!" He turns to Kiari, and much quieter, but sternly says, "Here, take this key; it will unlock the Sally Port door that leads from the keep's sewer to the creek where Beatrice would have been stationed. If you would like to check on Lillian or try to help any other townsfolk back into the keep, the underground passage is pretty much our only option. That said, we may need you here for that circle the raiders are forming" Escobert then points to a key ring on his belt with what must be 3 dozen keys on it and says, "We cannot begin to thank ye for all ye have done, but as a reword for recovering the people of Geenest's valuables, come see me later, and I'll let ye into our armory. It has some weapons and armor you and your friends may find useful." He winks and then sprints up the stairs to get to the top of the tower.
Unfortunately, Cale may not be able to get such a good look at the dragon, but something large and in the air is heading their way. Cale spots a fairly sturdy looking building with a door, if he heads inside, this is what he would see:
Marcus and Kenny are in the room in chains. An animated human is interrogating them about the raid. He has a long cloak, black hair, and a well-trimmed beard. Marcus yells back at the unknown human saying, "We have told you everything, Nighthill! Just get me far away from that half-orc, gnome, and their friends!!!" They would all stop and turn to look at you.
Cale looks around, wrinkling his nose at the sight. He has been close to facing such a fate himself before, in his home city, and knows that his own skill has been the deciding factor that kept him safe. He feels no pity for the captives, they are here by their own design. His attention is caught by the name 'Nightill', so this is the illustrious leader...doing his own dirty work? "Never mind me sir, just sweeping for assassins before seeing if I can rustle up any more of these bandits for you. The man there is right to be afraid of my little band, we're experts at this kind of thing - and we're here to help Greenest'
"This close," says Inglenook to no-one in particular whilst holding his thumb and forefinger slightly apart. "This close, to having bread and mead. Bloody dragons."
He spins to check where the rest of the group are and sees Cale near a doorway and wonders for a moment whether to follow the Rogue. But he then sees the panic in the eyes of the townsfolk again, just when they thought they had made it to the safety of the keep, another danger looms over them. And he starts to help usher people to safety.
Kirari nods and thanks him for the key. "We'll do what we can to help." Then seeing the danger she's likely put the mule in by tying it up, moves to untie it to allow it to move about freely before pulling the bags off of its back. She casually removes some of the smaller items gathered from the loot and puts them in her pocket as if she's gathering her own things. (recovering - 3 gp and 4 sapphires, remaining 7 necklaces -silver, 6 gold necklaces and the silver bracelet leaving the other items if dm allows) She then looks about for the others that came in with her. She spots Inglenook and moves towards him, "We have to gather the others. The most good we can do might be outside the walls and I have a key to a way back out to where we met up with Beatrice. We could escort that family back in to safety and look out for others." She suggests, showing him the key.
Travis has been standing silently, taking stock of the soldiers and others about the place, gauging them on their trustworthiness and decency--something often in short supply behind the walls of a keep in his experience. The exchange with Kirari gives him hope these people actually have good intentions.
"I think we should go back out there and help that family,"he responds to Kirari.
Kirari shows Inglenook the key to the port door and mentions the poor family hiding in the town. "I'm not sure it would be such a good idea being out in the open with a dragon returning. But maybe we have time to clear the bandits outside the keep?"
Inglenook shouts up at a guard over the commotion. "Is the dragon still inbound? Do we know how long we have?!"
He turns back to Kirari, "Let's see how much time we have before we decide, in case we do something stupid."
(Since the keep is pretty chaotic right now, that sounds good to me to have Kiari take some of the smaller items from the bag as she works with the mule. The townsfolk are all ducking and covering, but the party would see her actions if they are nearby).
The guard gives Inglenook a thumbs up and speaks into a copper tube that seems to run up to the roof (perhaps made by another gnome at some point?). He then puts his ear to the opening on the tube. The guard's eyes widen as he looks at the party saying, "The dragon will be here in a matter of minutes! Its mouth is open and sparks are starting to come out!!!"
For Cale:
"You have my thanks," says Nighthill. "Come see me when you return; I would like to get your side of this story." He gestures at Kenny. "If you could bring in one of the cultists, I may truly be able to get to the bottom of this. Have you seen Escobert? He should be able to get you the key to the passageway."
Among the families and groups of clustered townsfolk an older gentleman approaches Kiari and Inglenook.
”Excuse me, Escobert over there must have forgotten in all the chaos but Nighthill asked me to lend a hand in the defenses.”
Looking him and up down anyone can see that this is not a fighting man. Although he wears leather armor, he looks incredibly uncomfortable in it. In fact, the armor is straining around his paunchy gut! “Soft” would be an accurate description of him, as well as “round.” Clearly a man who could benefit from a few skipped meals.
Beyond his unfit physique what also might jump out is his age, the man is well past his prime and looks as if he should be ready for retirement any time. His head is full of thinning grey hair that is carefully combed and held in place with some kind of oil or hair product.
He wears a backpack with a crossbow slung over a shoulder and carries a large book with loose pages folded and sticking out in places. A drum is tied to his backpack as well.
Anyone that looks more deeply at the man and past his physical characteristics, would find something else in his eyes. A deep sense of calm and purpose, a drive that belies his age and appearance. He seems to possess a self-confidence and assurance that can only be brought by years of experience. But experience in what? Surely not fighting! His smile, which seems to be his default expression, is as infectious as his self confidence and he draws others in with his affable personality and friendly demeanor. As if reading your thoughts he speaks up before anyone can respond.
”I know, I know, I don’t look like a fighter. And you’re right, I’m not! But, I do know a thing or two about combat. It’s why I’m here. Nighthill invited me to review the troop training and make improvements. Unfortunately, this attack on the town started before I could do that. Now, rather than be stuck in here waiting for fate, I would much rather lend you what help I can.” He smiles that infectious smile again and says “I may not be the help you deserve, but I just might be the help you need.”
Cale nods to Nighthill and says with a smile "One cultist, got it. I'll leave you to your work, sir. I'm looking forward to talking business later"
Cale steps back into the courtyard and walks up to his assembled group of new companions. He clocks the new arrival and juts his chin towards him, saying to the others "Oh gods how long was I in there? Other Cale got OLD"
He winks at the old man and gives him a slap on the shoulder, then turns back to the others, saying "I just met Lord Nighthill. We need to bag a cultist". He is deadpan serious.
Kirari smiles at the rotund gentleman learning long ago not to judge a man by his portrait. "Welcome, anything you know is useful. I'm at present trying to determine if we should set about rescuing those caught outside the walls or stay and fight. I have no idea how to deal with a dragon, so I'm most inclined to try to utilize this key to venture through the sally port and bring back those left behind. What are your thoughts on this?"
The old man rubs the shoulder and winces a moment before putting his hand out to shake all three of them. “My name is Thaddeus, Professor Thaddeus Holis, you may call me Thad or professor, I’ll even answer to “old man” in an emergency,” and he chuckles. “Pleased to meet you. Now I’ve been in the keep here for a bit and haven’t seen what’s going on for myself. What’s the situation? I keep hearing about a dragon, is that right?! And cultists?”
Thaddeus scratches his beard a moment as he thinks. “I’m not a battle tactician... but it seems to me that if we can get behind the attackers, can we not hit them in their backs while their eyes are on the keep? Perhaps even attack their commanding units and leave them leaderless?”
He looks to the group, “are they merely cultists? I would not think cultists would be something to fear unless in great numbers. As for the dragon...” he shakes his head, “why I intend to run from any dragon that so much as looks in my direction. As would anyone with a brain in their head.” And he smiles broadly to take the sting out of the comment and to let them know he meant no offense.
Cale sheathes his blades and hurries towards the keep, seeing safety so close. But the sight of the pitiful towns people unsettles him, and he sees in them the downtrodden and beaten people of his own upbringing. He scoops up an unaccompanied child or puts himself under the shoulder of an elderly civilian and carries them to the keep.
Gold will come before many things in his drive to be a better man, but not at the cost of his soul.
Travis moves to help Kirari "tame" the spooked mule. As she offers the food, he reaches out, placing a strong hand on the mule's back, trying to gently keep it from moving around too much. He's very familiar with horses, but has packed up a mule or two in his time as well.
((Will use Help action, giving Kirari advantage on the check, though it looks like she got it on her own. FYI Travis is trained in Animal Handling.))
Kiari and Travis are able to calm the mule, and it follows along with the party. The remaining villagers are able to make their way in the Keep, and they are aided by Inglenook's signal. A little boy and girl both grin at Cale for helping them get inside the gates so quickly.
The dwarf shouts to his team of human guards, "It looks like everyone is here; time to bar the gates, team!!"
The wooden doors creak shut and a large metal gate slams shut. The dwarf turns to the party and says, "Well met! Thank you for your help; we heard there was a band of heroes coming from the south to aid us. Me name is Escobert the Red, and I am master of this Keep. We are not out of danger yet, and I hope and can continue to count on ye!"
FYI from the adventure module: "Escobert is a shield dwarf with knotted, tangled, bright red hair."
One of the guards who just shut the door spots the mule, the loot, and the prisoners and says, "Escobert! These heroes have brought prisoners! Are there more kobolds in the bags?"
Cale will let one of the more charismatic and obviously soldierly group members handle Escobert - he looks like someone who likes to dish out orders.
Nevertheless, in the name of self preservation it would be prudent to keep invaders outside the keep in which he is currently hiding, so Cale finds a spot on the battlements to tuck himself away and prepare his bow to snipe at any creature taking hostile action against the keep or its occupants.
Hide action/Stealth if appropriate: 22
Inglenook holds out his hand to Escobert, "Well met my friend. I think we all came here for different reasons but have found a common goal in helping these people. Some for more reward than others," he takes a quick sideways glance to Cale as he scampers up to the battlements. "I am Inglenook, and whatever help we can provide is yours. And yes we have bought some prisoners as a gesture of out intent. The kobold, do what you want with him, maybe hang him from the battlements for others to see. The bandit, maybe rough him up and bit, he might be good for information." And he winks to the dwarf before walking away.
Inglenook takes a couple of paces then spins back to Escobert, "Ooh...and we have a contract we found for the looting. Might help us track down the idiot in charge of the looting?
Oh, and I don't suppose there is anywhere I can grab something to eat is there?"
Escobert takes Inglenook's hand with a hearty shake and claps his hand on his back. "Well met, indeed!," smiles Escobert, "These maps will be helpful for putting this all together." Escobert motions to a guard and says, "Take both of these scum up to Nighthill's office for questioning. Better show him the contract, too" The guard begins to haul Kenny and Marcus away. Escobert motions to another guard and says, "Fetch some mead and bread from the barracks for these heroes!" Then, Escobert turns to look at the loot bags with curiosity in his eyes.
For Cale:
It doesn't look like the mercenaries, cultists, or kobolds near the keep notice you (or they don't seem to care) up on the battlements, but based on your passive perception, you see that now they are gathering to form a ring around the Greenest Keep in case you wanted to tell the others. Also, a guard rushes up to you and says, "Do you think that looks like the dragon coming back on the horizon?!"
Kirari ties up the mule nearby and then notes the look in Escobert's eyes and nods. "The mule belongs to the place just outside, I'll tend to it if they aren't here to claim it, but otherwise needed a little help to lighten the load and can leave it tied up here for them. The other bags are loot the raiders had gathered so far. Brought it back with them, but not sure what to do with it. Hard to tell who its from..." leaving that to hang in the air a little.
Then she opens and points at a red x on the map. 'This family - the mother Jillian, her husband and children are holed up in a neighbor's cellar. The husband is injured and they weren't sure they could make it in. They could use some help to get to safety. We kept running into trouble so couldn't get them here without endangering them further. There's also Beatrice Swordhand quite a distance out past their home. She was trying to get to the keep but was quite injured. I helped as I could. She said to mention that she sent us on. She spoke of figures in green robes and merchants she was trying to help on the road. Last we saw her she was trying to recover her strength to get to the keep." Kirari thinks hard knowing she's likely missed other details. "I can help stabilize people or fight, put me where you need me. Payment welcome but not personally required as we came together towards the common foe. Expenses will undoubtedly arise however. I will thank you now for the food and drink - its definitely welcome after the day we've had so far."
Cale leaves his firing position and moves down the steps about halfway - he can always find another good spot - and shouts out to Escobert "Hey soldier man, it looks like the attackers are starting to encircle the keep. One of your troops here also reckons he sees the dragon making a return"
In case Escobert turns out to be reluctant to order everyone to seek cover, Cale looks around for a door into a sturdy building, or a trapdoor downwards, that he can head towards.
Perception 9
Also, trying to figure out what he knows of the dragon seen so far: Intelligence 12
Escobert sends out a might roar to anyone in earshot, "Take cover! The dragon may be on the way!" He turns to Kiari, and much quieter, but sternly says, "Here, take this key; it will unlock the Sally Port door that leads from the keep's sewer to the creek where Beatrice would have been stationed. If you would like to check on Lillian or try to help any other townsfolk back into the keep, the underground passage is pretty much our only option. That said, we may need you here for that circle the raiders are forming" Escobert then points to a key ring on his belt with what must be 3 dozen keys on it and says, "We cannot begin to thank ye for all ye have done, but as a reword for recovering the people of Geenest's valuables, come see me later, and I'll let ye into our armory. It has some weapons and armor you and your friends may find useful." He winks and then sprints up the stairs to get to the top of the tower.
Unfortunately, Cale may not be able to get such a good look at the dragon, but something large and in the air is heading their way. Cale spots a fairly sturdy looking building with a door, if he heads inside, this is what he would see:
Marcus and Kenny are in the room in chains. An animated human is interrogating them about the raid. He has a long cloak, black hair, and a well-trimmed beard. Marcus yells back at the unknown human saying, "We have told you everything, Nighthill! Just get me far away from that half-orc, gnome, and their friends!!!" They would all stop and turn to look at you.
@DM:
Cale looks around, wrinkling his nose at the sight. He has been close to facing such a fate himself before, in his home city, and knows that his own skill has been the deciding factor that kept him safe. He feels no pity for the captives, they are here by their own design. His attention is caught by the name 'Nightill', so this is the illustrious leader...doing his own dirty work? "Never mind me sir, just sweeping for assassins before seeing if I can rustle up any more of these bandits for you. The man there is right to be afraid of my little band, we're experts at this kind of thing - and we're here to help Greenest'
"This close," says Inglenook to no-one in particular whilst holding his thumb and forefinger slightly apart. "This close, to having bread and mead. Bloody dragons."
He spins to check where the rest of the group are and sees Cale near a doorway and wonders for a moment whether to follow the Rogue. But he then sees the panic in the eyes of the townsfolk again, just when they thought they had made it to the safety of the keep, another danger looms over them. And he starts to help usher people to safety.
Kirari nods and thanks him for the key. "We'll do what we can to help." Then seeing the danger she's likely put the mule in by tying it up, moves to untie it to allow it to move about freely before pulling the bags off of its back. She casually removes some of the smaller items gathered from the loot and puts them in her pocket as if she's gathering her own things. (recovering - 3 gp and 4 sapphires, remaining 7 necklaces -silver, 6 gold necklaces and the silver bracelet leaving the other items if dm allows) She then looks about for the others that came in with her. She spots Inglenook and moves towards him, "We have to gather the others. The most good we can do might be outside the walls and I have a key to a way back out to where we met up with Beatrice. We could escort that family back in to safety and look out for others." She suggests, showing him the key.
Travis has been standing silently, taking stock of the soldiers and others about the place, gauging them on their trustworthiness and decency--something often in short supply behind the walls of a keep in his experience. The exchange with Kirari gives him hope these people actually have good intentions.
"I think we should go back out there and help that family," he responds to Kirari.
Kirari shows Inglenook the key to the port door and mentions the poor family hiding in the town. "I'm not sure it would be such a good idea being out in the open with a dragon returning. But maybe we have time to clear the bandits outside the keep?"
Inglenook shouts up at a guard over the commotion. "Is the dragon still inbound? Do we know how long we have?!"
He turns back to Kirari, "Let's see how much time we have before we decide, in case we do something stupid."
(Since the keep is pretty chaotic right now, that sounds good to me to have Kiari take some of the smaller items from the bag as she works with the mule. The townsfolk are all ducking and covering, but the party would see her actions if they are nearby).
The guard gives Inglenook a thumbs up and speaks into a copper tube that seems to run up to the roof (perhaps made by another gnome at some point?). He then puts his ear to the opening on the tube. The guard's eyes widen as he looks at the party saying, "The dragon will be here in a matter of minutes! Its mouth is open and sparks are starting to come out!!!"
For Cale:
"You have my thanks," says Nighthill. "Come see me when you return; I would like to get your side of this story." He gestures at Kenny. "If you could bring in one of the cultists, I may truly be able to get to the bottom of this. Have you seen Escobert? He should be able to get you the key to the passageway."
Among the families and groups of clustered townsfolk an older gentleman approaches Kiari and Inglenook.
”Excuse me, Escobert over there must have forgotten in all the chaos but Nighthill asked me to lend a hand in the defenses.”
Looking him and up down anyone can see that this is not a fighting man. Although he wears leather armor, he looks incredibly uncomfortable in it. In fact, the armor is straining around his paunchy gut! “Soft” would be an accurate description of him, as well as “round.” Clearly a man who could benefit from a few skipped meals.
Beyond his unfit physique what also might jump out is his age, the man is well past his prime and looks as if he should be ready for retirement any time. His head is full of thinning grey hair that is carefully combed and held in place with some kind of oil or hair product.
He wears a backpack with a crossbow slung over a shoulder and carries a large book with loose pages folded and sticking out in places. A drum is tied to his backpack as well.
Anyone that looks more deeply at the man and past his physical characteristics, would find something else in his eyes. A deep sense of calm and purpose, a drive that belies his age and appearance. He seems to possess a self-confidence and assurance that can only be brought by years of experience. But experience in what? Surely not fighting! His smile, which seems to be his default expression, is as infectious as his self confidence and he draws others in with his affable personality and friendly demeanor. As if reading your thoughts he speaks up before anyone can respond.
”I know, I know, I don’t look like a fighter. And you’re right, I’m not! But, I do know a thing or two about combat. It’s why I’m here. Nighthill invited me to review the troop training and make improvements. Unfortunately, this attack on the town started before I could do that. Now, rather than be stuck in here waiting for fate, I would much rather lend you what help I can.” He smiles that infectious smile again and says “I may not be the help you deserve, but I just might be the help you need.”
Noob
@DM:
Cale nods to Nighthill and says with a smile "One cultist, got it. I'll leave you to your work, sir. I'm looking forward to talking business later"
Cale steps back into the courtyard and walks up to his assembled group of new companions. He clocks the new arrival and juts his chin towards him, saying to the others "Oh gods how long was I in there? Other Cale got OLD"
He winks at the old man and gives him a slap on the shoulder, then turns back to the others, saying "I just met Lord Nighthill. We need to bag a cultist". He is deadpan serious.
Kirari smiles at the rotund gentleman learning long ago not to judge a man by his portrait. "Welcome, anything you know is useful. I'm at present trying to determine if we should set about rescuing those caught outside the walls or stay and fight. I have no idea how to deal with a dragon, so I'm most inclined to try to utilize this key to venture through the sally port and bring back those left behind. What are your thoughts on this?"
The old man rubs the shoulder and winces a moment before putting his hand out to shake all three of them. “My name is Thaddeus, Professor Thaddeus Holis, you may call me Thad or professor, I’ll even answer to “old man” in an emergency,” and he chuckles. “Pleased to meet you. Now I’ve been in the keep here for a bit and haven’t seen what’s going on for myself. What’s the situation? I keep hearing about a dragon, is that right?! And cultists?”
Noob
Thaddeus scratches his beard a moment as he thinks. “I’m not a battle tactician... but it seems to me that if we can get behind the attackers, can we not hit them in their backs while their eyes are on the keep? Perhaps even attack their commanding units and leave them leaderless?”
He looks to the group, “are they merely cultists? I would not think cultists would be something to fear unless in great numbers. As for the dragon...” he shakes his head, “why I intend to run from any dragon that so much as looks in my direction. As would anyone with a brain in their head.” And he smiles broadly to take the sting out of the comment and to let them know he meant no offense.
Noob