Garth nods at Javier's words. "Aye, lad, you are right. The town may want their priest back, but it sounds like the choice is Lophi's to make." He studies her for signs of mistreatment or duress then glances around at the orcs, "And you lot should tell us about this curse. May as well know what we are getting ourselves into."
Nar looks at you all and hears your words, but he is awaiting Lophi, who continues to search through the black book, ignoring everyone for a moment. Hlin, you don’t see anyone in the immediate area that appears sick, but their sleeping quarters are deeper in, you can tell this is the antechamber to a much bigger area within, and Nar and his group has stayed in this outer chamber as the discussion has gone on. They hear your concerns and suggestions, but they seem to be waiting. After a moment, Nar says “If you help save my people, I will let you go free, all free…”
Lophi looks up at you Javier and says “Aha! I found it! I knew I was right! I found it! It is as I thought, it is the Curse of the Raven. The artifact is called Raven’s bane. It is a cursed artifact that causes all living humanoids to become ill and transform into slaves and worse, Raven Warriors. Raven’s bane was created by a wizard named Nizrac. He was the mage from the Phoenix Society, who created a sub-cult that worshipped Ravens.”
She pauses for a moment and then continues, looking up at all of you. “The artifact was supposed to be a creation of the Phoenix Society as a tool for defending the temple during the goblin wars. But the mage Nirzac who created it was greedy and secretly changed the nature of the artifact so that it would weaken all those exposed and enslave them. Eventually, Nizrac would gain control of all of those exposed. To stop this, the leader of the society, a mage called Arzak, created Arzak’s Cage, to contain the curse. Arzak dueled with Nirzak once he discovered his treachery and he was injured and fled. Arzak gained control of Raven’s Bane and placed it in the cage. Arzak’s Cage contained the curse and prevented the spread.”
She pauses for a moment and looks up to Nar, excited with the realization and she looks back deeper into the cavern from which she was fetched, then continues reading with an even more alarmed look on her face. “Arzak was later killed by The Five, the horrible band of Raven Warriors who followed Nizrac. The Arzak’s Cage is the only way to contain the curse until it can be destroyed. The power of the curse may start to spread to all creatures in the area, enslaving them to Nizrac’s rule. The artifact transformed five fearsome mindless fighters called Raven Warriors, of terrible power. The Shadow Guardians killed the leader of The Five and drove off the other four. It doesn’t say in here what happened to the other four. The Shadow Guardians sealed the entrance to the caverns of the Phoenix Society. It is on the eastern cliffs of the Forbidden Caverns. The entrance to the PhoenixCaverns is marked by two carvings of giant birdmen, one on each side.”
Lophi looks up at Nar after reading this and all are silent for a moment.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Salamir listens to Lophi's retelling of the tale of the artifact with growing interest, almost forgetting the veiled threat Nar had made about letting them go free if they helped.
"It sounds like this won't stay just an issue for this clan, it will spread", he says worriedly.
"And it is possible we have inadvertently taken responsibility for this along with the Shadow Guardian name", he adds.
"So, Arzak's Cage. Is the assumption it is in the caverns of the Phoenix Society?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Javier nods along with Salamir's response, "Yes, it would be our responsibility... whether we like or not, we have been tasked with keeping this region safe... Where is the artifact now, if not in the cage?" (Rolling history to see if I know anything about Nizrac or his warriors and their abilities: 8 ) he pauses and thinks for a few moments, scratching his head "How long has this been afflicting your people Nar and does the book dictate a timeline for progression of the curse? How long it would take for individuals to be enslaved etc."
Belkaria didn't forget about the veiled threat and checked around to see if the orcs were surrounding them, taking away any easy leave of the situation. She didn't like the feeling of being enclosed. She came into the cave willingly, and the notion that she couldn't leave the same way did not settle well with her.
As she listens to the history of the curse she wonders the same things Javier puts to question. "When those that have come into contact with the artifact, how long before they became afflicted?"
Garth bristles at Salamir's words. "I ain't taken no damned name, lad, nor any responsibility neither. What people think to call me makes no matter to me."
But despite his continuing misgivings about the villagers expectations, he does find the tale disturbing. "Sounds like there is something waaay out of balance here. Damned wizards always like to mess with the natural order of things. Think they can fix everything with a few ill-thought-out spells."
He shakes his head and turns to the orc leader, "Empty threats aside, lad, you need our help to save your people. And you need her help too..." he nods at Lophi. "Like as not, if we just walk away now then you'll be transformed into these warriors and we'll just have a bigger problem to deal with. But...once we deal with the curse for you...what are you going to do then? Walk away, live peacefully, or start raiding the nearby towns? See what I'm getting at?"
Salamir throws Garth a cheeky grin as his eyes very slowly and obviously move to rest on the two scimitars. They flick back to meet Garth's gaze and he throws him a wink.
Just some good natured teasing of the outwardly gruff Dwarf.
Nar nods when you speak Salamir, and says "We are the Red Wolf Clan. We are the strongest orcs in the valley. We will find the birdmen and kill them, we will bring back the cage and stop the curse."
Javier : The artifact is apparently in Nar's loot room and has a posted guard there, you can infer this his comments when you ask. Nar has forbidden anyone to touch it. He will not allow anyone to look further into Rawldin at this point, he seems to be weighing you, trying to decide how much he can trust you.
Hlin : Nar says "I do not know where it came from. One of our bands brought back an odd raven statue, all in black, and we put it in our special storage place. Lophi saw this sitting in there and pointed at it."
Belkaria : Nar says to you "My warriors started to get sick about 10 days ago. Ican't remember how long that statue has been there, I'm not sure. Two or three weeks?"
Garth : Nar looks to you but does not answer. Lophi jumps in and says "Many of your best warriors are becoming ill. You should let the Shadow Guardians help. If you send all of your healthy warriors, who will defend the Rawldin? Besides, you might need a spell caster to aid your warriors. The dangers are unknown."
Nar thinks about this for a while as you stand there, considering. He announces a plan and looks to you. "Shadow Guardians will go for cage with Norak and 5 orc warriors to accompany them. Together, you kill bird men and bring back the cage."
Nar thinks a moment and then says "I have seen this cave. It lies to the east across the canyon, where the sun rises. Follow the canyon along the shadow wall. Behind woods and big rock is the bird carvings and cave."
Norak starts to gather 5 warriors and some supplies. Lophi looks to you beseechingly and says "Do you feel up to this task? I fear the worst if this continues..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Salamir watches Norak start to gather his warriors together and frowns. They would be useful as long as they didn't go rogue.
Turning to Nar he takes a deep breath in and strides towards him.
"Norak and the five other warriors will listen to us, you will tell them that now. Lophi is right that muscle alone may not be able to resolve this situation, your Orcs must follow our lead or this will not work", he says purposefully.
Garth continues to stare at Nor, "I'm still waitin' for an answer, lad: Once we deal with the curse for you...what are you going to do then? Walk away, live peacefully, or start raiding the nearby towns? I'll need your word that you won't harm any of Lophi's people."
Nar hears and looks down at Salamir. He says succinctly, "Norak and the orcs will work with the Shadow Guardians. Together you can do this. We are the strong orcs of the Red Wolfclan!" Norak, in the background, is gathering supplies, looks up at you with open suspicion, a look of doubt on his face, but in compliance with his brother.
Nar swings his gaze back around to Garth, sizing him up. "If you are successful, you have my word, we will not bother Glitter Creek. There are many other areas of the Caverns to explore. But I will not yield to any birdmen or other orcs that are against me."
All, please roll an insight check for me regarding the orcs.
You realize that Nar and also Norak don’t quite trust you yet, but they could be won over. Certainly they are looking out for their clan and they believe they know best, they are strongest, and you may have to prove yourselves to them. It would be possible in the way they are looking at you to change their opinion about you. They have a glimmer of hopefulness in looking at you, your weapons and they way that you all carry yourself, but they are proud orcs and are used to taking charge, using their might to exert their will.
Norak readies his supplies and his orcs, he looks to all of you and says “Shall we? I don’t know why we need you, but I will trust my brother, and the cleric.” Lophi looks at you and nods.
Garth nods at Javier's words. "Aye, lad, you are right. The town may want their priest back, but it sounds like the choice is Lophi's to make." He studies her for signs of mistreatment or duress then glances around at the orcs, "And you lot should tell us about this curse. May as well know what we are getting ourselves into."
Nar looks at you all and hears your words, but he is awaiting Lophi, who continues to search through the black book, ignoring everyone for a moment. Hlin, you don’t see anyone in the immediate area that appears sick, but their sleeping quarters are deeper in, you can tell this is the antechamber to a much bigger area within, and Nar and his group has stayed in this outer chamber as the discussion has gone on. They hear your concerns and suggestions, but they seem to be waiting. After a moment, Nar says “If you help save my people, I will let you go free, all free…”
Lophi looks up at you Javier and says “Aha! I found it! I knew I was right! I found it! It is as I thought, it is the Curse of the Raven. The artifact is called Raven’s bane. It is a cursed artifact that causes all living humanoids to become ill and transform into slaves and worse, Raven Warriors. Raven’s bane was created by a wizard named Nizrac. He was the mage from the Phoenix Society, who created a sub-cult that worshipped Ravens.”
She pauses for a moment and then continues, looking up at all of you. “The artifact was supposed to be a creation of the Phoenix Society as a tool for defending the temple during the goblin wars. But the mage Nirzac who created it was greedy and secretly changed the nature of the artifact so that it would weaken all those exposed and enslave them. Eventually, Nizrac would gain control of all of those exposed. To stop this, the leader of the society, a mage called Arzak, created Arzak’s Cage, to contain the curse. Arzak dueled with Nirzak once he discovered his treachery and he was injured and fled. Arzak gained control of Raven’s Bane and placed it in the cage. Arzak’s Cage contained the curse and prevented the spread.”
She pauses for a moment and looks up to Nar, excited with the realization and she looks back deeper into the cavern from which she was fetched, then continues reading with an even more alarmed look on her face. “Arzak was later killed by The Five, the horrible band of Raven Warriors who followed Nizrac. The Arzak’s Cage is the only way to contain the curse until it can be destroyed. The power of the curse may start to spread to all creatures in the area, enslaving them to Nizrac’s rule. The artifact transformed five fearsome mindless fighters called Raven Warriors, of terrible power. The Shadow Guardians killed the leader of The Five and drove off the other four. It doesn’t say in here what happened to the other four. The Shadow Guardians sealed the entrance to the caverns of the Phoenix Society. It is on the eastern cliffs of the Forbidden Caverns. The entrance to the Phoenix Caverns is marked by two carvings of giant birdmen, one on each side.”
Lophi looks up at Nar after reading this and all are silent for a moment.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Salamir listens to Lophi's retelling of the tale of the artifact with growing interest, almost forgetting the veiled threat Nar had made about letting them go free if they helped.
"It sounds like this won't stay just an issue for this clan, it will spread", he says worriedly.
"And it is possible we have inadvertently taken responsibility for this along with the Shadow Guardian name", he adds.
"So, Arzak's Cage. Is the assumption it is in the caverns of the Phoenix Society?"
Javier nods along with Salamir's response, "Yes, it would be our responsibility... whether we like or not, we have been tasked with keeping this region safe... Where is the artifact now, if not in the cage?" (Rolling history to see if I know anything about Nizrac or his warriors and their abilities: 8 ) he pauses and thinks for a few moments, scratching his head "How long has this been afflicting your people Nar and does the book dictate a timeline for progression of the curse? How long it would take for individuals to be enslaved etc."
Hlin looks to Nar "Since your people are afflicted by this curse, that must mean you have Raven's Bane. Where did you find it?"
Belkaria didn't forget about the veiled threat and checked around to see if the orcs were surrounding them, taking away any easy leave of the situation. She didn't like the feeling of being enclosed. She came into the cave willingly, and the notion that she couldn't leave the same way did not settle well with her.
As she listens to the history of the curse she wonders the same things Javier puts to question. "When those that have come into contact with the artifact, how long before they became afflicted?"
Garth bristles at Salamir's words. "I ain't taken no damned name, lad, nor any responsibility neither. What people think to call me makes no matter to me."
But despite his continuing misgivings about the villagers expectations, he does find the tale disturbing. "Sounds like there is something waaay out of balance here. Damned wizards always like to mess with the natural order of things. Think they can fix everything with a few ill-thought-out spells."
He shakes his head and turns to the orc leader, "Empty threats aside, lad, you need our help to save your people. And you need her help too..." he nods at Lophi. "Like as not, if we just walk away now then you'll be transformed into these warriors and we'll just have a bigger problem to deal with. But...once we deal with the curse for you...what are you going to do then? Walk away, live peacefully, or start raiding the nearby towns? See what I'm getting at?"
Salamir throws Garth a cheeky grin as his eyes very slowly and obviously move to rest on the two scimitars. They flick back to meet Garth's gaze and he throws him a wink.
Just some good natured teasing of the outwardly gruff Dwarf.
Nar nods when you speak Salamir, and says "We are the Red Wolf Clan. We are the strongest orcs in the valley. We will find the birdmen and kill them, we will bring back the cage and stop the curse."
Javier : The artifact is apparently in Nar's loot room and has a posted guard there, you can infer this his comments when you ask. Nar has forbidden anyone to touch it. He will not allow anyone to look further into Rawldin at this point, he seems to be weighing you, trying to decide how much he can trust you.
Hlin : Nar says "I do not know where it came from. One of our bands brought back an odd raven statue, all in black, and we put it in our special storage place. Lophi saw this sitting in there and pointed at it."
Belkaria : Nar says to you "My warriors started to get sick about 10 days ago. I can't remember how long that statue has been there, I'm not sure. Two or three weeks?"
Garth : Nar looks to you but does not answer. Lophi jumps in and says "Many of your best warriors are becoming ill. You should let the Shadow Guardians help. If you send all of your healthy warriors, who will defend the Rawldin? Besides, you might need a spell caster to aid your warriors. The dangers are unknown."
Nar thinks about this for a while as you stand there, considering. He announces a plan and looks to you. "Shadow Guardians will go for cage with Norak and 5 orc warriors to accompany them. Together, you kill bird men and bring back the cage."
Nar thinks a moment and then says "I have seen this cave. It lies to the east across the canyon, where the sun rises. Follow the canyon along the shadow wall. Behind woods and big rock is the bird carvings and cave."
Norak starts to gather 5 warriors and some supplies. Lophi looks to you beseechingly and says "Do you feel up to this task? I fear the worst if this continues..."
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Salamir watches Norak start to gather his warriors together and frowns. They would be useful as long as they didn't go rogue.
Turning to Nar he takes a deep breath in and strides towards him.
"Norak and the five other warriors will listen to us, you will tell them that now. Lophi is right that muscle alone may not be able to resolve this situation, your Orcs must follow our lead or this will not work", he says purposefully.
Persuasion: 18
As Lophi looks to us pleadingly, Belkaria nods to her. "But Salamir is right, they need to follow our lead for this to work."
"Well at least we have a guide. Lets be off" Hlin will gesture to one of the five "Lead the way"
Garth continues to stare at Nor, "I'm still waitin' for an answer, lad: Once we deal with the curse for you...what are you going to do then? Walk away, live peacefully, or start raiding the nearby towns? I'll need your word that you won't harm any of Lophi's people."
Nar hears and looks down at Salamir. He says succinctly, "Norak and the orcs will work with the Shadow Guardians. Together you can do this. We are the strong orcs of the Red Wolf clan!" Norak, in the background, is gathering supplies, looks up at you with open suspicion, a look of doubt on his face, but in compliance with his brother.
Nar swings his gaze back around to Garth, sizing him up. "If you are successful, you have my word, we will not bother Glitter Creek. There are many other areas of the Caverns to explore. But I will not yield to any birdmen or other orcs that are against me."
All, please roll an insight check for me regarding the orcs.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Salamir
Insight: 12 (Passive: 17)
Belkaria Insight 9
Javier listens intently. Insight: 12
Hlin
Insight Check
15
Garth insight: 13
Salamir and Hlin :
You realize that Nar and also Norak don’t quite trust you yet, but they could be won over. Certainly they are looking out for their clan and they believe they know best, they are strongest, and you may have to prove yourselves to them. It would be possible in the way they are looking at you to change their opinion about you. They have a glimmer of hopefulness in looking at you, your weapons and they way that you all carry yourself, but they are proud orcs and are used to taking charge, using their might to exert their will.
Norak readies his supplies and his orcs, he looks to all of you and says “Shall we? I don’t know why we need you, but I will trust my brother, and the cleric.” Lophi looks at you and nods.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.