Hemlock reappears, and seeing that the kobold magic user is now out of the fray, and the guard is outnumbered, wanders around to sit next to the caster.
"You did well, considering you were outnumbered", he says as he sits down next to him.
The caster looks at you and lifts his hands in a clear gesture of surrender as you approach. When your intentions become more clear, he speaks briefly in draconic to you, gives a slow, respectful nod, and takes the goodberry. He eats it, and while he looks a little healthier, he is not quite able to hide that the taste is very unpleasant to him, and mutters something else. Still, he seems to be trying to show gratitude and respect.
Lam is still growling, but some primal part of him shows relief at being placed back on the ground. He immediately bounds over to the shield bearing Kobold, his sights locked only on them now, and takes a swing.
Movement: 5ft diagonal and 5ft up, to the other side of the shield bearing Kobold.
Action: Attack. 8, 24 to hit- I am glad of advantage right now! Damage: 14+2= 16!
Reaction: If the shield bearing Kobold tries to leave and it’s not because they’ve been taken out of the game, Lam wants an opportunity attack!
The shieldbearer is looking overwhelmed by the combatants on both sides of himself, and is taken off-guard by the massive battleaxe that crashes into his shield. He avoids being cut, but it is clear that there is intense pain and effort in his small arms and back, as the power of the blow breaks his stance. He is, however, still holding on.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sha-gravis moves adjacent to the shield-bearer kobold. Divested of his notorious warhammer Alptraum, he extracts his claws and attempts to slash the flesh from his opponent. "Let it be known this level of savagery is an uncommon side few ever get to witness."
With the shieldbearer cornered by both Lamand Sha, Saoirsethinks this time the kobold will fall to her attacks, only to discover her hands don't seem to know what they are doing anymore. As a result, both attacks miss their target. The genasi seems to have definitely depleted her energy and focus on this day...
Seeing that Saoirse seems the most injured, the shieldbearer stabs at her twice with his spear, and twice she dodges nimbly out of the way. He is surrounded, failing to land hits, and his companions is already down. The shieldbearer drops his spear and bows to you all, conceding the fight.
Hássan's eyes and gem glow on more time, and he thanks the other kobolds for their participation in the triangle, before addressing all of you. "You have proved that you can figure out mysteries, that you can judge what is right through shares of Grey, that you have the courage and determination to go on when tired in mind and body, and that you can quickly analyse a battlefield, prioritize your enemies, and work to protect each other. Hamza is ready to meet you. Please, step into the center of the old fountain. I will not be coming with you, but I hope to see you after your meeting."
Hemlock stands and inclines his head to the kobolds as he towers above them. Without saying anything, as he knows they wouldn't understand, he makes his way into the centre of the fountain.
"Well done", he says to Saoirse, Sha-Gravis and Lam as he moves. "My apologies for not taking it quite that seriously. We Firbolgs can be quite fierce at times, but tend not to get violent with no great cause".
"It is good the time has finally come. Tell me, Hássan, have you ever met Hamza in the flesh?", he says to the kobold as he enters the fountain.
Lam is still growling, and paces in frustration when he can’t continue battling. While Hássan talks, he walks over to retrieve the javelin he threw. When Hemlock starts talking, reason begins to return to Lam’s eyes, his breath returns to a more normal pace, and he stops growling. He walks over to his two opponents and bows his head to them. He turns to Hássan and says: “Thank you for your help.” Then he follows Hemlock into the center of the fountain.
Letting out a tired sigh, Saoirsesheathes her weapons, glad to see the combat finish. She is quite unhappy with her performance but that doesn't stop her from thanking the kobolds for the fight. So she goes to both of them, bows and tells them that it was a good training and that she hopes to be able to repeat some other time. When it seems clear that they don't speak the same language, she asks Hássanto translate for her.
Though the situation was very different, this combat had reminded her a little bit of home. After all, she and her companions would train several hours a day, and thanking every partner for the time spent in making each other skill grow was a small part - but a very important one - of the training. "Every training fight begins and ends with a bow", her teachers would say. So, curiously enough, after everything that happened that day, and even though she was extremely tired, somewhat hurt and dissapointed with her technique, this combat had let a possitive feeling in her. The genasi smiled at Lam and tapped his arm,noticing that he seemed to have enjoyed it too.
Upon hearing Hemlock, she raised an eyebrow, as she couldn't quite imagine him one as calm and balanced as him being fierce, and then said:
- If you see it as a means of training, it's not really lacking cause, don't you think? I think it was a good fight. We gave everything we had to defeat the opponents, showed them proper respect and all this with the added benefit of knowing that no one was going to be badly hurt. I don't think we'll be able to experience much fighting like this in the future, unfortunately.
After this, she follows the rest to the fountain. With a last look in the direction where they had left Sebastian, she then thanked Hássanand waited to be taken to meet the famous Hamza.
When Saoirse taps Lam’s arm and smiles at him, he looks back at her with a renewed brightness in his eyes as well- he is not quite smiling, but his eyes certainly are. He nods at her words to Hemlock, and grunts his own agreement: “In Outlands you had to be able to fight. It was good to use my skills like this.” Much of the recent fighting in his life had been just about survival- and yet it was one of Lam’s greatest strengths, and something he used to be very proud of. While he still very much wants to learn to be more like Hemlock, getting a taste of the pride he used to feel in a way that hasn’t seemed to hurt anybody has put a new vigor in Lam’s step for now.
Sha replaces the empty potion bottle in his pack. Picks up Alptraum, which he then holsters. He then nods to the shield bearer, bows to the caster. Sha-gravis walks into the fountain basin.
Hàssan bows deeply to you all, and answers Hemlock's question. "Yes, she led us through the underdark. There's just not space for her up here."
The stone base of the fountain groans free, and the circle begins to descend. Once you have been lowered under the floor, you notice that there is a brighter light here than there was above - brilliant blue light and the shining of sapphire light. The stone circle you are standing on continues to lower, gently and consistently, but there is empty air below it and in every direction. The cavern you are on now is a good 100 feet from floor to ceiling, with a few columns of stone spanning that gap. The floor is a wide stone platform in two levels, and around it, there are trenches who-knows-how-deep, from.which the blue light shines. On the higher level of the stone platform, a huge Adult Sapphire Dragon is standing, watching your descent.
She is beautiful, brilliant, luinously blue, most of her individual scales invisible to the eye because they lock so closely in with each other that she appears to be one impossibly huge single gemstone, moving and breathing, with the exception of the tips of her wings and tail, and her claws, which float freely in the air just beside her body, held in place by psionic power. When she speaks, her mouth doesn't move, rather you feel the words rumble into your mind through your body, tremors which condense into clear words.
"WELCOME, YOUNG TRAVELERS. THE KOBOLDS CALL ME HAMZA. I HAVE COLLECTED MANY OTHER NAMES THROUGH MY YEARS. YOU HAVE IMPRESSED ME IN THE SO-CALLED TESTS IN THE CAVES ABOVE, WHICH I ASKED OF YOU BECAUSE I CAN SEE FATE'S HAND AT PLAY IN YOU. IT IS A STRANGE FACT OF HISTORY THAT MANY OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS HAVE BEEN DECIDED BY A SMALL PARTY OF UNLIKELY FRIENDS, CAST INTO AN IMPOSSIBLE PROBLEM. YOU SEEM TO BE ONE SUCH PARTY. A BARBARIAN SEARCHING FOR REDEMPTION, A CLERIC LOOKING TO REVEAL THE TRUE FACE OF THEIR GOD, A DRUID SPURRED BY CURIOUSITY AND A DESIRE TO MANTAIN BALANCE, AND ONE OF THE 'LIGHTBRINGER'S' BLOOD HUNTERS, BOUND TO JUSTICE RATHER THAN TO HIM."
It is strange that you are able to pick up on sarcasm when spoken to in this way, but it is still clear from emphasis. The dragon is not a fan of the late True King.
"YOU COME TO THIS VALLEY AS OTHER FORCES BEGIN TO CONVERGE ON IT, SEEKING A POWER NONE SHOULD WIELD. ONE THAT THREATENS EVEN THOSE AS POWERFUL AS ME. TACTICS ARE BEING EMPLOYED WHICH I HAVE NOT SEEN SINCE THE ILITHID WARS. SO, I WOULD HEAR WHAT YOU KNOW AND HAVE LEARNED SO FAR, TELL YOU WHAT I CAN, AND RECRUIT YOU TO, AS HUMANOIDS LIKE TO SAY, 'SAVE THE WORLD.'
"TO BEGIN, TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW OF THE RELIC IN THIS VALLEY, AND THE FORCES SWIRLING AROUND IT."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the basin magically begins to lower Sha steadies himself reaching out to both Lam and Saoirse.
Lam Vigilante Blessing / Saoirse Guidance 4
The sight of Hamza is overwhelming. Never in his wildest dreams did Sha ever believe such a creature was real, the voice in his head with inflection enough to recognize sarcasm. Sha can’t believe his eyes, (unspoken attempt to communicate), “Is this thought speech both ways resplendent jewel of the world, can you hear my thoughts? If so Saoirse is our greatest repository of information regarding the Crown and he who once wore it. Your lair and your attendees are impressive. The sight of your scales and aura of power, truly I am humbled to be in your presence, most illustrious and majestic living gem.”
There is a hint of wry amusement in the words that rumble into all your minds now, and of simple practicality. "AH, YES, BASIC TELEPATHY GUIDELINES: YES, YOU CAN RESPOND TELEPATHICALLY WHEN I CONTACT YOU IN THIS WAY, AND NO, I CANT HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO SPEAK OUT LOUD, HOWEVER, AS YOU CAN NOT HEAR EACH OTHER'S TELEPATHIC MESSAGES THROUGH ME."
Saoirse was not prepared for Hamzabeing a dragon. She had pictured the kobold leader as a strong and mighty figure, yes, and not being a kobold at all, but she had imagined a humanoid. Definitely, not a dragon. So for a moment she just stares at her, breath contained, eyes open wide, util her rumbling voice starts resonating in their minds.
The second thing the genasi didn't expect was for Hamzato show such clear disdain for the Lightbringer, and this put her in an unconfortable position. Having spent most of her life living in an closed community where everybody revered the True King, she wasn't really used to so many opposed opinions. Tesfaye's, Saffi's, and now, Hamza's. And though she tried to be open minded an accept different opinions - as long as they were spoken with some measure of respect - she was finding it difficult to bear with them. Could it be possible that the Lightbringer wasn't a figure deserving of such respect...? No .... no, it couldn't be, could it?
Trying to ignore that line of thought for the moment and focus on the present moment, Saoirsebows to Hamza and says:
- It is an honor to finally meet you, Hamza. I am sorry that it has to be in such dire cirumstances, and after the death of several of your people...
"...at the hands of one of my own."
- Regarding the Crown of Divine Right, I do hope you didn't expect me to have a deep knowledge about it just for belonging to the Order of the True King. Nothing further from the truth. We blood hunters have always known the story that this Crown was given to him by a Celestial God, but all I really know is that it has been missing since his death, at the hands of his followers. I don't know the aspect of the Crown and it wasn't until we entered this mine and decoded the text and read the Journal of Secrets the human sorcerer, Samantha, was carrying, that we have learned more.
She then proceeds to read the decoded text, and also begins to explain what they have found in the Journal of Secrets. She begins mentioning that the journal belonged to Tux Strixwell, but after this first piece of information she stops because she remembers that, at least Hemlock, will not understand a word.
- Excuse me Hamza: but our experience with the information obtained by reading the Journal of Secrets is that not all of us understand what we say when we speak of its contents. Do you know of a way of supressing this effect?This is going to be a difficult conversation if it is active.
Ok, I imagine a being as powerful as Hamza will not have trouble understanding the Journal, but as I wasn't sure what to do with Hemlock not understanding it, I've just mentioned a slight piece of information and see what happens first, and then can continue later.
Lam had expected Hamza to be big and strong, especially after Hássan’s comment about there not being space for her, but he could not have expected the true sight of her. Having never seen a dragon in person, Lam is in awe.
When they can start feeling words in their minds, Lam jumps a bit in surprise. When he recovers, he starts doing his best to follow and understand the words, which is simpler than expected thanks to the dragon’s straightforward way of speaking. He looks around at each of his friends as Hamza describes them and names a motivation of theirs. He looks back at Hamza with wide eyes, seeming to just understand the magnitude of what they are being asked to do.
When Saoirse bows, Lam remembers to bow as well. He happily lets Saoirse do all the talking, and then nods when she mentions that Hemlock won’t be able to understand if they continue talking about the journal. He says, wanting to be helpful: “Does it have to do with mind tingle?”
Hemlock as been stood by listening to the conversation whilst openly staring at the huge luminescent dragon.
"Might I interject. It is a very good question, about the journal and the fact I cannot yet understand it's contents, but I have to ask and forgive me for doing so", he says looking up the Hamza.
He looks around at the others as he chooses his words. "You want to recruit us...us...to save the world?", he says in a bit of disbelief.
"Do not get me wrong, I would trust each of them with my life after what we have been through, but are you sure? No disrespect, but how good are you at reading this hand of fate?".
"A VERY WiSE QUESTION, STARGAZER. NO, I HAVE NO PROPHECY OR PARTICULAR KNOWLEDGE THAT IT WILL BE YOU ALL THAT SAVE US FROM THIS THREAT. I SIMPLY RECOGNIZE PATTERNS IN THE TURNING OF TIME, AND YOU FOUR COULD WELL BE FATE'S TOOL IN THIS. IT IS JUST AS LIKELY THAT AS YOU TRY TO INTERCEDE, YOUR LIVES WILL BE LOST, AND NO GREAT CHANGE MADE. YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PLAN I HAVE, BUT I THINK YOU ARE A GOOD ONE. SO YES, I AM RECRUITING YOU TO SAVE THE WORLD. SHOULD YOU FAIL, I WILL TRY TO FIND ANOTHER WAY TO DO IT. THAT IS WHY I HAVE BROUGHT AN ARMY OF KOBOLDS SO CLOSE TO THE VALLEY, AFTER ALL. MANY COURSES OF ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME." The great dragon's gaze passes between you, resting especially om Hemlock. She likes that you have the audacity to question her, but you are also reminded of the fact that she could swallow you in a single motion.
"AS FOR THE JOURNAL OF SECRETS IN YOUR POSSESSION, I HAVE ALLOWED ITS AURA OF ENCODED INFORMATION TO AFFECT ME. AS LAM WOULD SAY, I LET THE MIND TINGLE TAKE ME. I HAVE A COUPLE SUCH JOURNALS IN MY COLLECTION, THEY ARE A VERY CLEVER DEVICE. WERE I TO SUPPRESS ITS MAGIC, NONE OF US WOULD UNDERSTAND ANYTHING RECORDED IN IT. ITS EFFECT IS TO ALLOW THOSE UNDER ITS POWER TO UNDERSTAND ITS ENCODED CONTENTS. THESE JOURNALS WERE INVENTED BY THE ONE WHO LATER CALLED HIMSELF LIGHTBRINGER, IN THE TIME OF THE ILITHID WARS. SUCH TACTICS WERE NECESSARY WHEN BATTLING CREATURES WHO WOULD REACH INTO MINDS AND TURN WARRIORS TO THEIR SIDE. YOUR TRUE KING INVENTED OTHER TACTICS, SOME I WOULD CALL EVIL, TO BIND HIS SOLDIERS TO HIM, AND KEEP THEM FROM BEING TAKEN BY THE ILITHIDS. I KNOW OF NO WAY TO REMOVE THE ENCHANTMENT ON A JOURNAL OF SECRETS. TO LEARN ITS INFORMATION AND RETAIN IT WITHOUT THE JOURNAL, YOU MUST CONFIRM IT IN LIVED EXPERIENCE. AH, IT IS FRUSTRATING THAT I WILL NOT RETAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION FROM OUR TALK TODAY. THE JOURNALS ARE NOT DANGEROUS IN THEMSELVES, BUT IF THE STRIXWELLS HAVE THEM NOW, THEN THEY MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF SOME OF THE 'LIGHTBRINGER'S' KNOWLEDGE, AND HAVE LEARNED TO CREATE THEM THEMSELVES. THIS IS A FRIGHTENING THOUGHT."
Saoirse can feel genuine sympathy from Hamza, as she challenges beliefs from your core.
"I DO NOT BELIEVE CROWN WAS A GIFT FROM A GOD. BUT WHEN THE LIGHTBRINGER BEGAN TO WEAR IT, HE TOLD THOSE WHO WOULD LISTEN THAT IT WAS A GIFT FROM SELŬNE, AND THAT SHE WAS A PURE AND GOOD GODDESS. THOSE WHO HEARD HIM BELIEVED, AND THEY SHARED THE STORY. THIS BECAME THE LEGEND YOU KNOW, AND ALSO - PERHAPS ACCIDENTALLY - CREATED A CHURCH THAT WORSHIPS SELŬNE'S LIGHT FACE, AND ONLY THAT FACE."
Sha-gravis is surprised by this revelation. Could this have been the schism within? “Do you know the truth? Are you aware of the atrocities done in the Goddess’ name? Hamza if the truth is corrupted into this lie which exists now, I fear she will take a much more active hand in this. I for one will do as you request Hamza, it is true that some dragons hoarde knowledge above gold and gems, such as yourself I believe. You are a great wonder in this desparate time. Please accept my service.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
SEA MISTRESS CREW
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Hemlock reappears, and seeing that the kobold magic user is now out of the fray, and the guard is outnumbered, wanders around to sit next to the caster.
"You did well, considering you were outnumbered", he says as he sits down next to him.
He then offers him a goodberry.
Movement: 30ft towards caster kobold
Action: Dash to be next to the caster kobold and sit down
The caster looks at you and lifts his hands in a clear gesture of surrender as you approach. When your intentions become more clear, he speaks briefly in draconic to you, gives a slow, respectful nod, and takes the goodberry. He eats it, and while he looks a little healthier, he is not quite able to hide that the taste is very unpleasant to him, and mutters something else. Still, he seems to be trying to show gratitude and respect.
"أنت لطيف ، آمل ألا يخونك تفانيك في السلام."
"هذا مرير جدا!"
Sha's turn -
Lam; Sha; Kobold Caster; Saoirse; Kobold Shield; Hemlock
https://www.owlbear.app/room/5nRs1L_uFdxM/HeavyistheHeadPBP
DM: Heavy is the Head
Lam is still growling, but some primal part of him shows relief at being placed back on the ground. He immediately bounds over to the shield bearing Kobold, his sights locked only on them now, and takes a swing.
Movement: 5ft diagonal and 5ft up, to the other side of the shield bearing Kobold.
Action: Attack.
8, 24 to hit- I am glad of advantage right now! Damage: 14+2= 16!Reaction: If the shield bearing Kobold tries to leave and it’s not because they’ve been taken out of the game, Lam wants an opportunity attack!
The shieldbearer is looking overwhelmed by the combatants on both sides of himself, and is taken off-guard by the massive battleaxe that crashes into his shield. He avoids being cut, but it is clear that there is intense pain and effort in his small arms and back, as the power of the blow breaks his stance. He is, however, still holding on.
Now it's actually Sha's turn.
Lam; Sha; Kobold Caster; Saoirse; Kobold Shield; Hemlock
https://www.owlbear.app/room/5nRs1L_uFdxM/HeavyistheHeadPBP
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha-gravis moves adjacent to the shield-bearer kobold. Divested of his notorious warhammer Alptraum, he extracts his claws and attempts to slash the flesh from his opponent. "Let it be known this level of savagery is an uncommon side few ever get to witness."
20 damage 6
SEA MISTRESS CREW
With the shieldbearer cornered by both Lam and Sha, Saoirse thinks this time the kobold will fall to her attacks, only to discover her hands don't seem to know what they are doing anymore. As a result, both attacks miss their target. The genasi seems to have definitely depleted her energy and focus on this day...
Attack with rapier: 12 to hit.
Attack with dagger: 12 to hit.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Seeing that Saoirse seems the most injured, the shieldbearer stabs at her twice with his spear, and twice she dodges nimbly out of the way. He is surrounded, failing to land hits, and his companions is already down. The shieldbearer drops his spear and bows to you all, conceding the fight.
Hássan's eyes and gem glow on more time, and he thanks the other kobolds for their participation in the triangle, before addressing all of you. "You have proved that you can figure out mysteries, that you can judge what is right through shares of Grey, that you have the courage and determination to go on when tired in mind and body, and that you can quickly analyse a battlefield, prioritize your enemies, and work to protect each other. Hamza is ready to meet you. Please, step into the center of the old fountain. I will not be coming with you, but I hope to see you after your meeting."
We are out of initiative.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock stands and inclines his head to the kobolds as he towers above them. Without saying anything, as he knows they wouldn't understand, he makes his way into the centre of the fountain.
"Well done", he says to Saoirse, Sha-Gravis and Lam as he moves. "My apologies for not taking it quite that seriously. We Firbolgs can be quite fierce at times, but tend not to get violent with no great cause".
"It is good the time has finally come. Tell me, Hássan, have you ever met Hamza in the flesh?", he says to the kobold as he enters the fountain.
Lam is still growling, and paces in frustration when he can’t continue battling. While Hássan talks, he walks over to retrieve the javelin he threw. When Hemlock starts talking, reason begins to return to Lam’s eyes, his breath returns to a more normal pace, and he stops growling. He walks over to his two opponents and bows his head to them. He turns to Hássan and says: “Thank you for your help.” Then he follows Hemlock into the center of the fountain.
Letting out a tired sigh, Saoirse sheathes her weapons, glad to see the combat finish. She is quite unhappy with her performance but that doesn't stop her from thanking the kobolds for the fight. So she goes to both of them, bows and tells them that it was a good training and that she hopes to be able to repeat some other time. When it seems clear that they don't speak the same language, she asks Hássan to translate for her.
Though the situation was very different, this combat had reminded her a little bit of home. After all, she and her companions would train several hours a day, and thanking every partner for the time spent in making each other skill grow was a small part - but a very important one - of the training. "Every training fight begins and ends with a bow", her teachers would say. So, curiously enough, after everything that happened that day, and even though she was extremely tired, somewhat hurt and dissapointed with her technique, this combat had let a possitive feeling in her. The genasi smiled at Lam and tapped his arm, noticing that he seemed to have enjoyed it too.
Upon hearing Hemlock, she raised an eyebrow, as she couldn't quite imagine him one as calm and balanced as him being fierce, and then said:
- If you see it as a means of training, it's not really lacking cause, don't you think? I think it was a good fight. We gave everything we had to defeat the opponents, showed them proper respect and all this with the added benefit of knowing that no one was going to be badly hurt. I don't think we'll be able to experience much fighting like this in the future, unfortunately.
After this, she follows the rest to the fountain. With a last look in the direction where they had left Sebastian, she then thanked Hássan and waited to be taken to meet the famous Hamza.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
When Saoirse taps Lam’s arm and smiles at him, he looks back at her with a renewed brightness in his eyes as well- he is not quite smiling, but his eyes certainly are. He nods at her words to Hemlock, and grunts his own agreement: “In Outlands you had to be able to fight. It was good to use my skills like this.” Much of the recent fighting in his life had been just about survival- and yet it was one of Lam’s greatest strengths, and something he used to be very proud of. While he still very much wants to learn to be more like Hemlock, getting a taste of the pride he used to feel in a way that hasn’t seemed to hurt anybody has put a new vigor in Lam’s step for now.
Sha replaces the empty potion bottle in his pack. Picks up Alptraum, which he then holsters. He then nods to the shield bearer, bows to the caster. Sha-gravis walks into the fountain basin.
SEA MISTRESS CREW
Hàssan bows deeply to you all, and answers Hemlock's question. "Yes, she led us through the underdark. There's just not space for her up here."
The stone base of the fountain groans free, and the circle begins to descend. Once you have been lowered under the floor, you notice that there is a brighter light here than there was above - brilliant blue light and the shining of sapphire light. The stone circle you are standing on continues to lower, gently and consistently, but there is empty air below it and in every direction. The cavern you are on now is a good 100 feet from floor to ceiling, with a few columns of stone spanning that gap. The floor is a wide stone platform in two levels, and around it, there are trenches who-knows-how-deep, from.which the blue light shines. On the higher level of the stone platform, a huge Adult Sapphire Dragon is standing, watching your descent.
She is beautiful, brilliant, luinously blue, most of her individual scales invisible to the eye because they lock so closely in with each other that she appears to be one impossibly huge single gemstone, moving and breathing, with the exception of the tips of her wings and tail, and her claws, which float freely in the air just beside her body, held in place by psionic power. When she speaks, her mouth doesn't move, rather you feel the words rumble into your mind through your body, tremors which condense into clear words.
"WELCOME, YOUNG TRAVELERS. THE KOBOLDS CALL ME HAMZA. I HAVE COLLECTED MANY OTHER NAMES THROUGH MY YEARS. YOU HAVE IMPRESSED ME IN THE SO-CALLED TESTS IN THE CAVES ABOVE, WHICH I ASKED OF YOU BECAUSE I CAN SEE FATE'S HAND AT PLAY IN YOU. IT IS A STRANGE FACT OF HISTORY THAT MANY OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS HAVE BEEN DECIDED BY A SMALL PARTY OF UNLIKELY FRIENDS, CAST INTO AN IMPOSSIBLE PROBLEM. YOU SEEM TO BE ONE SUCH PARTY. A BARBARIAN SEARCHING FOR REDEMPTION, A CLERIC LOOKING TO REVEAL THE TRUE FACE OF THEIR GOD, A DRUID SPURRED BY CURIOUSITY AND A DESIRE TO MANTAIN BALANCE, AND ONE OF THE 'LIGHTBRINGER'S' BLOOD HUNTERS, BOUND TO JUSTICE RATHER THAN TO HIM."
It is strange that you are able to pick up on sarcasm when spoken to in this way, but it is still clear from emphasis. The dragon is not a fan of the late True King.
"YOU COME TO THIS VALLEY AS OTHER FORCES BEGIN TO CONVERGE ON IT, SEEKING A POWER NONE SHOULD WIELD. ONE THAT THREATENS EVEN THOSE AS POWERFUL AS ME. TACTICS ARE BEING EMPLOYED WHICH I HAVE NOT SEEN SINCE THE ILITHID WARS. SO, I WOULD HEAR WHAT YOU KNOW AND HAVE LEARNED SO FAR, TELL YOU WHAT I CAN, AND RECRUIT YOU TO, AS HUMANOIDS LIKE TO SAY, 'SAVE THE WORLD.'
"TO BEGIN, TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW OF THE RELIC IN THIS VALLEY, AND THE FORCES SWIRLING AROUND IT."
DM: Heavy is the Head
As the basin magically begins to lower Sha steadies himself reaching out to both Lam and Saoirse.
Lam Vigilante Blessing / Saoirse Guidance 4
The sight of Hamza is overwhelming. Never in his wildest dreams did Sha ever believe such a creature was real, the voice in his head with inflection enough to recognize sarcasm. Sha can’t believe his eyes, (unspoken attempt to communicate), “Is this thought speech both ways resplendent jewel of the world, can you hear my thoughts? If so Saoirse is our greatest repository of information regarding the Crown and he who once wore it. Your lair and your attendees are impressive. The sight of your scales and aura of power, truly I am humbled to be in your presence, most illustrious and majestic living gem.”
SEA MISTRESS CREW
There is a hint of wry amusement in the words that rumble into all your minds now, and of simple practicality. "AH, YES, BASIC TELEPATHY GUIDELINES: YES, YOU CAN RESPOND TELEPATHICALLY WHEN I CONTACT YOU IN THIS WAY, AND NO, I CANT HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO SPEAK OUT LOUD, HOWEVER, AS YOU CAN NOT HEAR EACH OTHER'S TELEPATHIC MESSAGES THROUGH ME."
DM: Heavy is the Head
Saoirse was not prepared for Hamza being a dragon. She had pictured the kobold leader as a strong and mighty figure, yes, and not being a kobold at all, but she had imagined a humanoid. Definitely, not a dragon. So for a moment she just stares at her, breath contained, eyes open wide, util her rumbling voice starts resonating in their minds.
The second thing the genasi didn't expect was for Hamza to show such clear disdain for the Lightbringer, and this put her in an unconfortable position. Having spent most of her life living in an closed community where everybody revered the True King, she wasn't really used to so many opposed opinions. Tesfaye's, Saffi's, and now, Hamza's. And though she tried to be open minded an accept different opinions - as long as they were spoken with some measure of respect - she was finding it difficult to bear with them. Could it be possible that the Lightbringer wasn't a figure deserving of such respect...? No .... no, it couldn't be, could it?
Trying to ignore that line of thought for the moment and focus on the present moment, Saoirse bows to Hamza and says:
- It is an honor to finally meet you, Hamza. I am sorry that it has to be in such dire cirumstances, and after the death of several of your people...
"...at the hands of one of my own."
- Regarding the Crown of Divine Right, I do hope you didn't expect me to have a deep knowledge about it just for belonging to the Order of the True King. Nothing further from the truth. We blood hunters have always known the story that this Crown was given to him by a Celestial God, but all I really know is that it has been missing since his death, at the hands of his followers. I don't know the aspect of the Crown and it wasn't until we entered this mine and decoded the text and read the Journal of Secrets the human sorcerer, Samantha, was carrying, that we have learned more.
She then proceeds to read the decoded text, and also begins to explain what they have found in the Journal of Secrets. She begins mentioning that the journal belonged to Tux Strixwell, but after this first piece of information she stops because she remembers that, at least Hemlock, will not understand a word.
- Excuse me Hamza: but our experience with the information obtained by reading the Journal of Secrets is that not all of us understand what we say when we speak of its contents. Do you know of a way of supressing this effect? This is going to be a difficult conversation if it is active.
Ok, I imagine a being as powerful as Hamza will not have trouble understanding the Journal, but as I wasn't sure what to do with Hemlock not understanding it, I've just mentioned a slight piece of information and see what happens first, and then can continue later.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam had expected Hamza to be big and strong, especially after Hássan’s comment about there not being space for her, but he could not have expected the true sight of her. Having never seen a dragon in person, Lam is in awe.
When they can start feeling words in their minds, Lam jumps a bit in surprise. When he recovers, he starts doing his best to follow and understand the words, which is simpler than expected thanks to the dragon’s straightforward way of speaking. He looks around at each of his friends as Hamza describes them and names a motivation of theirs. He looks back at Hamza with wide eyes, seeming to just understand the magnitude of what they are being asked to do.
When Saoirse bows, Lam remembers to bow as well. He happily lets Saoirse do all the talking, and then nods when she mentions that Hemlock won’t be able to understand if they continue talking about the journal. He says, wanting to be helpful: “Does it have to do with mind tingle?”
Hemlock as been stood by listening to the conversation whilst openly staring at the huge luminescent dragon.
"Might I interject. It is a very good question, about the journal and the fact I cannot yet understand it's contents, but I have to ask and forgive me for doing so", he says looking up the Hamza.
He looks around at the others as he chooses his words. "You want to recruit us...us...to save the world?", he says in a bit of disbelief.
"Do not get me wrong, I would trust each of them with my life after what we have been through, but are you sure? No disrespect, but how good are you at reading this hand of fate?".
"A VERY WiSE QUESTION, STARGAZER. NO, I HAVE NO PROPHECY OR PARTICULAR KNOWLEDGE THAT IT WILL BE YOU ALL THAT SAVE US FROM THIS THREAT. I SIMPLY RECOGNIZE PATTERNS IN THE TURNING OF TIME, AND YOU FOUR COULD WELL BE FATE'S TOOL IN THIS. IT IS JUST AS LIKELY THAT AS YOU TRY TO INTERCEDE, YOUR LIVES WILL BE LOST, AND NO GREAT CHANGE MADE. YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PLAN I HAVE, BUT I THINK YOU ARE A GOOD ONE. SO YES, I AM RECRUITING YOU TO SAVE THE WORLD. SHOULD YOU FAIL, I WILL TRY TO FIND ANOTHER WAY TO DO IT. THAT IS WHY I HAVE BROUGHT AN ARMY OF KOBOLDS SO CLOSE TO THE VALLEY, AFTER ALL. MANY COURSES OF ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME." The great dragon's gaze passes between you, resting especially om Hemlock. She likes that you have the audacity to question her, but you are also reminded of the fact that she could swallow you in a single motion.
"AS FOR THE JOURNAL OF SECRETS IN YOUR POSSESSION, I HAVE ALLOWED ITS AURA OF ENCODED INFORMATION TO AFFECT ME. AS LAM WOULD SAY, I LET THE MIND TINGLE TAKE ME. I HAVE A COUPLE SUCH JOURNALS IN MY COLLECTION, THEY ARE A VERY CLEVER DEVICE. WERE I TO SUPPRESS ITS MAGIC, NONE OF US WOULD UNDERSTAND ANYTHING RECORDED IN IT. ITS EFFECT IS TO ALLOW THOSE UNDER ITS POWER TO UNDERSTAND ITS ENCODED CONTENTS. THESE JOURNALS WERE INVENTED BY THE ONE WHO LATER CALLED HIMSELF LIGHTBRINGER, IN THE TIME OF THE ILITHID WARS. SUCH TACTICS WERE NECESSARY WHEN BATTLING CREATURES WHO WOULD REACH INTO MINDS AND TURN WARRIORS TO THEIR SIDE. YOUR TRUE KING INVENTED OTHER TACTICS, SOME I WOULD CALL EVIL, TO BIND HIS SOLDIERS TO HIM, AND KEEP THEM FROM BEING TAKEN BY THE ILITHIDS. I KNOW OF NO WAY TO REMOVE THE ENCHANTMENT ON A JOURNAL OF SECRETS. TO LEARN ITS INFORMATION AND RETAIN IT WITHOUT THE JOURNAL, YOU MUST CONFIRM IT IN LIVED EXPERIENCE. AH, IT IS FRUSTRATING THAT I WILL NOT RETAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION FROM OUR TALK TODAY. THE JOURNALS ARE NOT DANGEROUS IN THEMSELVES, BUT IF THE STRIXWELLS HAVE THEM NOW, THEN THEY MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF SOME OF THE 'LIGHTBRINGER'S' KNOWLEDGE, AND HAVE LEARNED TO CREATE THEM THEMSELVES. THIS IS A FRIGHTENING THOUGHT."
Saoirse can feel genuine sympathy from Hamza, as she challenges beliefs from your core.
"I DO NOT BELIEVE CROWN WAS A GIFT FROM A GOD. BUT WHEN THE LIGHTBRINGER BEGAN TO WEAR IT, HE TOLD THOSE WHO WOULD LISTEN THAT IT WAS A GIFT FROM SELŬNE, AND THAT SHE WAS A PURE AND GOOD GODDESS. THOSE WHO HEARD HIM BELIEVED, AND THEY SHARED THE STORY. THIS BECAME THE LEGEND YOU KNOW, AND ALSO - PERHAPS ACCIDENTALLY - CREATED A CHURCH THAT WORSHIPS SELŬNE'S LIGHT FACE, AND ONLY THAT FACE."
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha-gravis is surprised by this revelation. Could this have been the schism within? “Do you know the truth? Are you aware of the atrocities done in the Goddess’ name? Hamza if the truth is corrupted into this lie which exists now, I fear she will take a much more active hand in this. I for one will do as you request Hamza, it is true that some dragons hoarde knowledge above gold and gems, such as yourself I believe. You are a great wonder in this desparate time. Please accept my service.”
SEA MISTRESS CREW
