Mep squaks nervously, which Emel responds to by saying something in draconic, soothing her. She follows close behind annoura. "I hate being underground." She says bitterly as they head down the steps. "So does Mep"
Pulling the door closed behind you, a muted *click* indicates the lamp in the corridor returning to its place. Making your way down the stone steps, you notice they are dipped slightly in the centre, centuries of wear grinding them down. These steps were once well used, not hidden like this. They lead downward about 20ft, and at the bottom turn a corner to the right. An open door frames a room with a large wooden table in the centre. Entering the room, a number of figures are revealed.
A human man in his late 30s or early 40s. He has excellent hair, a rapier on his hip, a lute on his back, and is at the end of telling a joke - "...so I said, 'Don't worry about me sweetheart, I ride sidesaddle'." He bursts into laughter at his own tale.
A half-elf woman in leather armour with steel pauldrons, shortsword on one hip, crossbow on the other, pulls a face. "That's disgusting. You're disgusting." You both recognise this woman as your contact, Azra.
A grumpy looking dwarf man in chainmail with a red, padded hood, is standing with another dwarf - younger, well-muscled [Findal]. They are both smoking pipes. The older dwarf speaks up "Enough of your bickering, you two! The last of our new friends are here."
The last figure in the room is a human man, blonde, unshaven [Ebril]. He grins wryly at the presumably very dirty joke.
Ebril and Findal - you had much the same experience as Annoura and Emel. A note - a candle - the lamp - the stairway. Findal, your note called you Stone Fury. Ebril, you were Fortunate One. You haven't been here long, perhaps 10 minutes. The older dwarf has refused to elaborate on what you are doing there "until the others arrive." Which it appears they now have.
"Right," says the Dwarf. "Now we're all here. You've all been deemed capable, and amenable to our goals. Nevertheless, you'll forgive me for making sure. Sibi? A Zone of Truth please."
The human man smiles, spins his lute around, and begins to strum, singing a lilting song.
I can always find someone To say they sympathize If I wear my heart out on my sleeve. But I don't want some pretty face To tell me pretty lies All I want is someone to believe.
A network of lines and symbols suddenly glows on the floor, walls and ceiling. Everyone please make a CHA save DC 13, unless you wish to willingly give in to the effects of the spell.
Alone in a tavern table sat a dwarf. Two hand axes pended from his belt and a battle axe rested by his chair. His beard and hair were wild, disheveled things, both the color of wood. His arms were covered in soot. Mighty fancy, he thought to himself reading the note and spotting the barkeeper lighting a candle. Stone Fury. Whoever was behind the reunion had a gift with words. Might find a bard here, he considered following the half-orc. There was a sense of familiarity, of comfort, in the darkness under the ground. Things that reminded him of home, memories that filled him with ire.
“What’s the matter?” Finn asked the moment he stepped on the room. The closed door and the three strangers didn’t bring him fear. None of his kin would be with the Empire. “Ken you’ll have no trouble if I wait smoking.” He said soon after the apparently older man answered by stating that he wouldn’t speak until the others arrived. Shite’s big if we’re going to be more than four, Ironborn concluded while taking his pipe and lighting it. It was a simple thing, the stummel made with walnut and the mouthpice dark like a night without moon. “This…” The barbarian started in his mother-tongue. “Is one of the finest ways to kill time.”
Not long after came a human, blond and unshaved. Ten minutes later two women, one human and the other an elf. From them Findal took his eyes to the man in chainmail that by his turn took no delay to answer.
“Honesty is hardly ever heard, but you can have mine.”
Notes: Findal voluntarily fails against the spell.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Quickly forgetting the joke, Ebril takes a moment studying each of the newcomers, much as he had with the others when he first arrived in the room. Although with no intention of lying, he still resists the spell. (CHA Save: 18)
He gives each a smile before turning to the Dwarf to hear what this mission is all about.
Ebril chuckles, spreading his arms out wide. "Nothing to hide here! What can I do when the Lady smiles on me." He seems to remain relaxed, even as the dwarf presses into his space. "Didn't know it was such a big deal. Sibi's singing is great by the way,"he says trying to look at the man from around the dwarf. "What do you need for me to make this up to you?"
The human Sibi grins broadly. "Well I like him. Anyone who enjoys my singing can't be all bad."
The half-elf pipes up, "I don't like your singing." Sibi counters "That's because you're a bad, bad girl." He returns his attention to the dwarf. "Come on, Rummus. You know none of them have any love for the Empire. The others didn't even try to resist the spell, to me that says honesty. Let's just get on with things, yeah?"
The Dwarf grumbles a bit, then turns to Ebril again. "What I need from you, from all of you," he casts his gaze around the room, "is everything. All you have, all you are. Because we can't win this fight without giving our whole selves."
He walks over to the table, and places both hands down flat, leaning heavily while staring intently at you all. "The Empire has taken enough from us. And I don't just mean us in this room. All the people of this land. We have all suffered, and grieved. Well, it's time we started taking back. The Red Cord is ready - no more little raids, no more pointless scuffles and petty vandalism. We need to start hitting them hard. So, I'm making a team. You wouldn't be here if you weren't interested, so, introductions all round. My name is Rummus Bullkin. I run this cell of the Red Cord. I believe you two," he looks at Emel and Annoura, "already know Azra Longrose, my deputy." He nods towards the half-elf woman. "And you," a nod to Ebril, "were brought on board by our connection to the bardic Whispers network, Sibelius Amiantos." Sibi gives a deep bow.
Finbar, it was Rummus who first approached you about joining the rebellion effort, so you have met him before, albeit briefly.
"And if you lot are going to work together, you'd better at least know each other's names, so go." He waves his hand as a symbol to talk.
Annoura steps forward. "Annoura Stargaze, paladin of Selune," she says in her clear and melodious voice. She meets the eyes of everyone in the room. Not in a challenging way, but in a frank and earnest exchange of information.
Emel gestures at the drake on her shoulder. "She's Mepvisp, you can call her Mep. I'm Emel Brisinger, from the Daiboa Sierras. We're here to help however we can."
His eyes turned to the blonde human as soon as the bard said he resisted the spell. Everyone had a thing or two they didn’t want to talk about, specially to strangers. That much was particularly true for those compelled to act against the Empire. Still, the blonde’s resistance didn’t make for a good impression.
“Let’s say the right things: I am not allied with the Empire. I would rather be tortured to death than to work with it.” His face was a stone mask carrying an expression of cold and silent fury. If whoever thought of his codename was in that room, the person could be satisfied with how fitting the choice of words was. “If we keep someone by Blondie’s side at all moments until the deed is done there’ll be naught to worry. It’ll be easy to know if he’s a mole and if he is we can just skin him.” It was hard to tell if the barbarian meant his words literally. “Name’s Findal Ironborn. I fight on the frontlines and you can count on me when brute force is necessary.”
By saying that Finn turned his head towards Rummus, as if asking for the man to continue. His mind occupied with memorizing all the new faces and names. Annoura Stargaze, Emel Brisinger, Mepvisp, Sibelius Amiantos, Azra Longrose.
Ebril remains seated as he speaks. First, he quickly points over at Sibi, "I like you too Sibi! A fine club you've brought me into!" He then gives Azra a smile. "Don't worry, I like you too."
"Oh yes, introductions." He sits up a bit in his chair. "I am Ebril Shusk, Fortunate One..." He pauses, glancing about the room. "Who wrote that anyway? I loved it!" He then continues. "Cleric of Lady Luck, the dear Tymora, paragon of grace and kindness!"
He glances over to Annoura. "My Lady, saved from corruption by your own dear Selûne. I am certain our chance meeting will bring great glory to both their names."
He then turns his gaze to Emel and gives her a smile. "I am quite fortunate to have met both you and Annoura. I shall try to live up to the honor of teaming up with such charming and lovely ladies!"
Taking a breath, Ebril again looks at Rummus. "I think that covers your question? Let's hit the road and teach the Empire a thing or two!"
Having heard Findal's words, Ebril nods, looking at the dwarf. "For all your ire at me, the two fine ladies have said nothing that confirms their unity to the cause against the Empire. While I daresay my admission of devotion to Tymora puts me rather at risk should any of us be disloyal to our purpose."
He then looks at Rummus. "Same goes for you and Azra. And most especially Sibi, who is as much free of magical charm as am I."
Ebril gives Emel a sympathetic look. "It's more than enough for me." He places his hand over his heart. He then sweeps it out, indicating Rummus and the others. "They're the ones putting on a magic show."
Annoura frowns, clearly having misunderstood part of the purpose of the meeting. "The empire took my father from me for bumping into a merchant. My mother turned to whoring to get enough money to feed my brother and me. That killed her. The empire is an infection on the world and like any infection it must be cleansed and what can't be cleansed must be excised." She looks at Ebril, feeling he can be trusted...to a point at least. Still..."I hope you do not prove to be part of that infection, Ebril, or we shall have to excise you as well." She bares her teeth at him, but you'd never mistake it for a smile.
Annoura looked at the others, wondering if any of them would comment on her mother's choice or her willingness to speak of it. She felt no shame. Her mother had done what was necessary to keep them all alive and had hurt only herself in the doing. Never any shame in that.
“They said enough in the silence of their actions, the moment they accepted the spell. You know, not being able to lie is as good as confirming one’s identity. On the other hand, you professing your faith might be nothing more than a ruse. Imperials would certainly not care about using the name of what they would call inferior deities.” He spoke puting out his pipe. Talks had started, the thing would just be a bother. “If anything, you pointing to Rummus only makes it look like you were sent to sow discord amongst our ranks. No dwarf would side with the Empire.”
Specially not those over two hundred years. Bulkin looked old enough to know the old times. To carry the same kind of pain Findal himself carried. Considering who ultimately brought the barbarian there, any who was likely doomed.
“And the others, well, same thing I said about you.” Finn continued giving his shoulders. “If everyone is what they say to be then there is no reason to be offended by any precaution and time will have us trusting one another.” Time. The world felt bitter in his mouth. “By then I will be happy to apologize to anyone who wants one and make additions to your list of things to teach the damned sargh. And you can be sure, my ire is not directed to you. But with one thing I agree - we should start at once.”
"Agreed. I assume you called us here because you have a plan? Or are we just gonna sit here and listen to more of pretty boys singing?" She glances at Sibi. "No offense."
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Mep squaks nervously, which Emel responds to by saying something in draconic, soothing her. She follows close behind annoura. "I hate being underground." She says bitterly as they head down the steps. "So does Mep"
Pulling the door closed behind you, a muted *click* indicates the lamp in the corridor returning to its place. Making your way down the stone steps, you notice they are dipped slightly in the centre, centuries of wear grinding them down. These steps were once well used, not hidden like this. They lead downward about 20ft, and at the bottom turn a corner to the right. An open door frames a room with a large wooden table in the centre. Entering the room, a number of figures are revealed.
A human man in his late 30s or early 40s. He has excellent hair, a rapier on his hip, a lute on his back, and is at the end of telling a joke - "...so I said, 'Don't worry about me sweetheart, I ride sidesaddle'." He bursts into laughter at his own tale.
A half-elf woman in leather armour with steel pauldrons, shortsword on one hip, crossbow on the other, pulls a face. "That's disgusting. You're disgusting." You both recognise this woman as your contact, Azra.
A grumpy looking dwarf man in chainmail with a red, padded hood, is standing with another dwarf - younger, well-muscled [Findal]. They are both smoking pipes. The older dwarf speaks up "Enough of your bickering, you two! The last of our new friends are here."
The last figure in the room is a human man, blonde, unshaven [Ebril]. He grins wryly at the presumably very dirty joke.
Ebril and Findal - you had much the same experience as Annoura and Emel. A note - a candle - the lamp - the stairway. Findal, your note called you Stone Fury. Ebril, you were Fortunate One. You haven't been here long, perhaps 10 minutes. The older dwarf has refused to elaborate on what you are doing there "until the others arrive." Which it appears they now have.
"Right," says the Dwarf. "Now we're all here. You've all been deemed capable, and amenable to our goals. Nevertheless, you'll forgive me for making sure. Sibi? A Zone of Truth please."
The human man smiles, spins his lute around, and begins to strum, singing a lilting song.
I can always find someone
To say they sympathize
If I wear my heart out on my sleeve.
But I don't want some pretty face
To tell me pretty lies
All I want is someone to believe.
A network of lines and symbols suddenly glows on the floor, walls and ceiling. Everyone please make a CHA save DC 13, unless you wish to willingly give in to the effects of the spell.
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Annoura allows the spell to take affect. She has already given her life over to these people. If they are agents of the Emperor, she was already lost.
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Emel, having no talent nor desire for deception, allows the spell to take hold as well. She's nobody after all, she has no secrets worth keeping.
Alone in a tavern table sat a dwarf. Two hand axes pended from his belt and a battle axe rested by his chair. His beard and hair were wild, disheveled things, both the color of wood. His arms were covered in soot. Mighty fancy, he thought to himself reading the note and spotting the barkeeper lighting a candle. Stone Fury. Whoever was behind the reunion had a gift with words. Might find a bard here, he considered following the half-orc. There was a sense of familiarity, of comfort, in the darkness under the ground. Things that reminded him of home, memories that filled him with ire.
“What’s the matter?” Finn asked the moment he stepped on the room. The closed door and the three strangers didn’t bring him fear. None of his kin would be with the Empire. “Ken you’ll have no trouble if I wait smoking.” He said soon after the apparently older man answered by stating that he wouldn’t speak until the others arrived. Shite’s big if we’re going to be more than four, Ironborn concluded while taking his pipe and lighting it. It was a simple thing, the stummel made with walnut and the mouthpice dark like a night without moon. “This…” The barbarian started in his mother-tongue. “Is one of the finest ways to kill time.”
Not long after came a human, blond and unshaved. Ten minutes later two women, one human and the other an elf. From them Findal took his eyes to the man in chainmail that by his turn took no delay to answer.
“Honesty is hardly ever heard, but you can have mine.”
Notes: Findal voluntarily fails against the spell.
He gives each a smile before turning to the Dwarf to hear what this mission is all about.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Sibi swings his lute away, though the network of magical lines remains.
He gestures lazily at Ebril. "This one resisted the spell."
The Dwarf stomps over to Ebril, and glares him full in the face, albeit from a foot lower to the ground.
"What's the matter, Myrian? Don't like Sibi's singing? Or perhaps you've got something to hide."
Note: Myrian (my-REE-an) is the demonym for people from Myrus.
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Ebril chuckles, spreading his arms out wide. "Nothing to hide here! What can I do when the Lady smiles on me." He seems to remain relaxed, even as the dwarf presses into his space. "Didn't know it was such a big deal. Sibi's singing is great by the way," he says trying to look at the man from around the dwarf. "What do you need for me to make this up to you?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The human Sibi grins broadly. "Well I like him. Anyone who enjoys my singing can't be all bad."
The half-elf pipes up, "I don't like your singing." Sibi counters "That's because you're a bad, bad girl." He returns his attention to the dwarf. "Come on, Rummus. You know none of them have any love for the Empire. The others didn't even try to resist the spell, to me that says honesty. Let's just get on with things, yeah?"
The Dwarf grumbles a bit, then turns to Ebril again. "What I need from you, from all of you," he casts his gaze around the room, "is everything. All you have, all you are. Because we can't win this fight without giving our whole selves."
He walks over to the table, and places both hands down flat, leaning heavily while staring intently at you all. "The Empire has taken enough from us. And I don't just mean us in this room. All the people of this land. We have all suffered, and grieved. Well, it's time we started taking back. The Red Cord is ready - no more little raids, no more pointless scuffles and petty vandalism. We need to start hitting them hard. So, I'm making a team. You wouldn't be here if you weren't interested, so, introductions all round. My name is Rummus Bullkin. I run this cell of the Red Cord. I believe you two," he looks at Emel and Annoura, "already know Azra Longrose, my deputy." He nods towards the half-elf woman. "And you," a nod to Ebril, "were brought on board by our connection to the bardic Whispers network, Sibelius Amiantos." Sibi gives a deep bow.
Finbar, it was Rummus who first approached you about joining the rebellion effort, so you have met him before, albeit briefly.
"And if you lot are going to work together, you'd better at least know each other's names, so go." He waves his hand as a symbol to talk.
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Annoura steps forward. "Annoura Stargaze, paladin of Selune," she says in her clear and melodious voice. She meets the eyes of everyone in the room. Not in a challenging way, but in a frank and earnest exchange of information.
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Emel gestures at the drake on her shoulder. "She's Mepvisp, you can call her Mep. I'm Emel Brisinger, from the Daiboa Sierras. We're here to help however we can."
His eyes turned to the blonde human as soon as the bard said he resisted the spell. Everyone had a thing or two they didn’t want to talk about, specially to strangers. That much was particularly true for those compelled to act against the Empire. Still, the blonde’s resistance didn’t make for a good impression.
“Let’s say the right things: I am not allied with the Empire. I would rather be tortured to death than to work with it.” His face was a stone mask carrying an expression of cold and silent fury. If whoever thought of his codename was in that room, the person could be satisfied with how fitting the choice of words was. “If we keep someone by Blondie’s side at all moments until the deed is done there’ll be naught to worry. It’ll be easy to know if he’s a mole and if he is we can just skin him.” It was hard to tell if the barbarian meant his words literally. “Name’s Findal Ironborn. I fight on the frontlines and you can count on me when brute force is necessary.”
By saying that Finn turned his head towards Rummus, as if asking for the man to continue. His mind occupied with memorizing all the new faces and names. Annoura Stargaze, Emel Brisinger, Mepvisp, Sibelius Amiantos, Azra Longrose.
Ebril remains seated as he speaks. First, he quickly points over at Sibi, "I like you too Sibi! A fine club you've brought me into!" He then gives Azra a smile. "Don't worry, I like you too."
"Oh yes, introductions." He sits up a bit in his chair. "I am Ebril Shusk, Fortunate One..." He pauses, glancing about the room. "Who wrote that anyway? I loved it!" He then continues. "Cleric of Lady Luck, the dear Tymora, paragon of grace and kindness!"
He glances over to Annoura. "My Lady, saved from corruption by your own dear Selûne. I am certain our chance meeting will bring great glory to both their names."
He then turns his gaze to Emel and gives her a smile. "I am quite fortunate to have met both you and Annoura. I shall try to live up to the honor of teaming up with such charming and lovely ladies!"
Taking a breath, Ebril again looks at Rummus. "I think that covers your question? Let's hit the road and teach the Empire a thing or two!"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Having heard Findal's words, Ebril nods, looking at the dwarf. "For all your ire at me, the two fine ladies have said nothing that confirms their unity to the cause against the Empire. While I daresay my admission of devotion to Tymora puts me rather at risk should any of us be disloyal to our purpose."
He then looks at Rummus. "Same goes for you and Azra. And most especially Sibi, who is as much free of magical charm as am I."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Emel frowns slightly. "If the Empire had its way I'd still be rotting at the bottom of a mineshaft. That confirmation enough for you?"
Ebril gives Emel a sympathetic look. "It's more than enough for me." He places his hand over his heart. He then sweeps it out, indicating Rummus and the others. "They're the ones putting on a magic show."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Annoura frowns, clearly having misunderstood part of the purpose of the meeting. "The empire took my father from me for bumping into a merchant. My mother turned to whoring to get enough money to feed my brother and me. That killed her. The empire is an infection on the world and like any infection it must be cleansed and what can't be cleansed must be excised." She looks at Ebril, feeling he can be trusted...to a point at least. Still..."I hope you do not prove to be part of that infection, Ebril, or we shall have to excise you as well." She bares her teeth at him, but you'd never mistake it for a smile.
Annoura looked at the others, wondering if any of them would comment on her mother's choice or her willingness to speak of it. She felt no shame. Her mother had done what was necessary to keep them all alive and had hurt only herself in the doing. Never any shame in that.
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
“They said enough in the silence of their actions, the moment they accepted the spell. You know, not being able to lie is as good as confirming one’s identity. On the other hand, you professing your faith might be nothing more than a ruse. Imperials would certainly not care about using the name of what they would call inferior deities.” He spoke puting out his pipe. Talks had started, the thing would just be a bother. “If anything, you pointing to Rummus only makes it look like you were sent to sow discord amongst our ranks. No dwarf would side with the Empire.”
Specially not those over two hundred years. Bulkin looked old enough to know the old times. To carry the same kind of pain Findal himself carried. Considering who ultimately brought the barbarian there, any who was likely doomed.
“And the others, well, same thing I said about you.” Finn continued giving his shoulders. “If everyone is what they say to be then there is no reason to be offended by any precaution and time will have us trusting one another.” Time. The world felt bitter in his mouth. “By then I will be happy to apologize to anyone who wants one and make additions to your list of things to teach the damned sargh. And you can be sure, my ire is not directed to you. But with one thing I agree - we should start at once.”
Notes: Those who know Dwarvish would understand that "sargh" means "disgusting thing or ocurrance" (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Dwarvish_dictionary).
"Agreed. I assume you called us here because you have a plan? Or are we just gonna sit here and listen to more of pretty boys singing?" She glances at Sibi. "No offense."