Hássan responds first to Saoirse: "You are very strange. Perhaps the whole surface has some sun-madness! If everyone takes whatever role they want in society, mixing and matching, how does anyone become an expert at anything? I suppose all is possible in a place where there is enough green plants to chose not to eat flesh even from fish. Very strange to me. If you do man things and act like a man, then you are a man, right? I guess perhaps there is more to it. Do you - um - nevermind. That is a private question." He turns for a moment to Jamíl, and speaks back and forth in draconic, giving a brief summary of the exchange and passing on the praise.
ظنت أنك امرأة رغم أنك محارب! وتقول إنه كان شرفًا لي أن أقاتلك.
'هي؟' تقصد أنها امرأة رغم أنها تقوم بعمل الرجل؟ هل ترغب في أن تكون مع النساء؟
لا! تقول ظاهريًا ، الرجال والنساء جميعًا يفعلون كل شيء ، ويبدو أنها سعيدة تمامًا بالبقاء هنا.
أوه! واسأل ما إذا كان بإمكاني رؤية خنجرهاكلا الدورين؟ هذا يبدو متعبًا. أخبرها أنها ستصبح رجلًا جيدًا ، وآمل أن تظل محاربة. انها جيدة جدا في ذلك.
She thought you were a woman, even though you're a warrior! And she says it was an honor to fight you.
'She?' You mean she is a woman, even though she does a man's work? Does she wish to be with the women?
No! She says on the surface, men and women all do everything, and she seems perfectly happy to stay here.
Have both roles? That sounds tiring. Tell her she would make a fine man, and I hope she keeps being a warrior. She's very good at it. Oh! And ask if I can see her dagger!
"Jamíl says it is an honor to meet you to, and that you would make a very fine man if you wished. He hopes you do not leave the sword for the cooks knife or the anvil, and asks if he may look more closely at your dagger."
Hássan looks a little offended when Hemlock refuses to eat the fish, and surprised when both he and Saoirse say 'your first wife.' "She is not just my first wife, she is first wife to all! It means she is the boss of the women, and the woman boss for the colony. And that she has first pick if she wants to mate. First husband is the spellcaster you fought. He is the man boss of the colony. He is first husband to all. And he is the only man who can ask a woman if she wants to mate, instead of waiting to be asked. I hope to be first husband one day... anyway, it would be most unusual for you to go and speak with first wife directly, especially in the middle of a feast. I can ask if she would be willing to meet you?"
Hemlock smiles at Hássan, "I would not wish to break custom, please pass on my thanks, and my apologies for any offence caused".
With that he eats the food left on his plate, and drinks the milk, before discreetly taking out the dragon's gift and holding it in his closed fist. He concentrates on it for a little while, unless someone decides to talk to him.
Saoirse raises her eyebrows at the unasked question and imagining what it would be about she feels relieved for the change in topic. Hearing Hássan's translation she smiles widely, pulls out the dagger and explains how it works - waiting for Hássan to translate - while simulating a few moves with it. She then hands it to Jámil, offering it by the hilt, so he can examine it closely.
- I've really only had it since yesterday and I still need much training with it, but I've liked the results so far. And you know what? Next time we meet I may even be able to combine it with a flaming sword! Let's show each other what we have learned next time we meet, yes?
When the conversation shifts to the first wife and husband, Saoirse is opens her mouth in surprise. She glances to her companions, to see their reactions, wondering if they are as surprised as she is.
- Oh. May I ask ... how are the first wife and husband chosen?
Later, the genasi will ask their friends:
- So, it's getting pretty late. Shall we stay here for the night and leave in the morning?
The look on Lam’s face during this conversation is one of deep confusion. He looks at one of the best cooks he knows- Hemlock- and one of the best fighters he knows- Saoirse. He seems particularly confused by the question: “If everyone takes whatever role they want in society, mixing and matching, how does anyone become an expert at anything?“ He wants to ask a million questions, having never before considered the concept of gender this thoroughly. Not finding the words to his questions, he sticks to his food. When Jamíl’s comment is translated, particularly the part where he tells Saoirse not to leave her dagger for the cooks knife or the anvil, Lam looks over at Hemlock with confusion and slight sadness. He notices Hemlock concentrating on something and opts not to disturb him.
His confusion continues, mixed with fascination, as Hássan describes their society. When Saoirse looks at Lam, she sees that he is surprised as well, and staring at Hássan. He listens with curiosity for Hássan’s answer to Saoirse’s question.
When Saoirse asks them all if they should stay the night, Lam nods- if the kobolds are ok with it, he is happy to stay. Then he asks, “Can we tell Tesfaye if we stay? With stone?”
Sha-gravis gratefully accepts the fish, which he devours. He excuses himself from the duergar and goes off to find the dwarf guard, maybe she’d like an extra portion of chicken.
Hemlock, whilst holding the gem and concentrating, wonders about it's power to allow him to understand the kobold's language. It had been a surprise when it happened, although that likely didn't show on his face.
He whispers under his breath, wondering if he can somehow speak draconic as well.
"First wife is chosen by the women, I don't know how. Sometimes a new first wife is chosen. Then she will announce it to us. First husband is chosen by us. When someone has done something that we all see he should be honored for, like me speaking for Hamza or Jamìl being a champion today, he is allowed to challenge first husband to a nonlethal dual for the title. But each man is only allowed to challenge each first husband once during his turn as first, so we would only do it if we knew we could win, or if first husband says that he will allow us to take the title. Now first husband has been doing a very good job, and has everyone's support. I don't think Jamìl or I will ask to challenge him."
Hemlock can't quite seem to make the throaty, draconic language come from his own mouth. Then again, he hasn't fully attuned to the gem yet. Who knows!
Sha-Gravis hears laughing ahead as he approaches the dwarf captive, but it is a strange laughter - a little monotonous, and to regular and rhythmic. It is a bit unsettling, but the tone is similar to the voice of t duergar he had just been speaking to. When you round the corner, you can see that 6 duergars, a mix of male and female, are sitting in with the captive, and talking back and forth with her. They hang on her every word. Right now she's trying to describe the sound of rain on a tin roof, and the idea that water falling from the sky onto one's home is somehow relaxing is very confusing and amusing to all of the duergar. Between them, there is a high pile of chicken bones, and some stacked plates. The dwarf captive does have a long chain connecting her ankle to the wall, but seems otherwise happy. When she notices Sha approaching, she gestures towards him while continuing to talk to the duergar.
"Og det her, det er ham som fanget mig! Det sidste jeg husker før jeg var kaptiv her, trukket ind i hulen af Kobolder, var at denne katte-mand pejet på mig og fik mig til at sove. Har i katte herned? De ligner jo ham, men de er små og går på fire ben, og kan godt lide at blive nusset.
"Men han ligner jo en rovdyr!"
"Ja, selvfølgelig. Katte er også rovdyr. De jagter efter rotter og mus og sådan noget."
Oh, and this is the guy that caught me. Last thing i remember before i was a captive being dragged into the cave was this tabaxi pointing ar me and petting me to sleep. Do you have cats down here? They look like him, but they walk on four legs and like to be pet.
But he looks like a predator!
Ja, of course. Cats are predators too. They hunt rats and mice and that sort of thing.
Finding his throat incapable of making the guttural speech pattern of the kobolds, Hemlock looks around and notices Saoirse and Lam looking at him expectantly.
"What? Oh yes, you mentioned about staying the night", he replies distractedly but bringing his full attention to bear now.
"I think it is a good idea in truth. We have likely stayed too long to make it back before the light is gone now. If they will have us, then I am happy to accept their hospitality a little longer".
He turns to Hássan, "In my culture, it is proper and respectful to offer a gift of service to one's hosts. Now I would normally request the opportunity to help with the cooking of a meal, but I sense that would not be right here. Is there a task that would be suitable for me to perform to help with the morning meal were we to stay?".
"A gift of service! That would not feel right at all! We wish to honor you, so we will take care of your needs. You have spoken to Hamza, and been accepted by her. I suppose you may be welcome to gather the morning's eggs with our flock-tenders in the morning, but you are not obliged in any way. We would be very glad to have you stay. First husband will give you his chambers tonight. I am sorry that we do not have a separate chamber for each of you."
Sha looks at the group smiles, “Would it be okay if I spoke to you privately? I have some questions.”
”Tabaxierne er et nærtstående folk, selvom vi altid er givet til en nysgerrig natur og en vidunderlyst. Jeg kan se den nærhed her, selvom nogle af jer engang var adskilt. I sandhed er vi alle brødre og søstre. Tilgiv venligst min brug af dit sprog, jeg prøver, men noget er for svært til denne gamle mundkurv. Jeg er meget opmuntret af det, jeg ser, du er samlet for at genforene, hvis det ikke er for meget at forlange, men må jeg låne din søster et øjeblik? Jeg har nogle ting, jeg gerne vil diskutere med hende alene.
”The tabaxi are a close people though we are ever given to a curious nature and a wonderlust. I can see that closeness here though some of you once were separated. In truth we are all brothers and sisters. Please forgive my use of your language I try but some is too hard for this old muzzle. I’m very encouraged by what I see you have gathered to reunite, if it is not too much to ask though may I borrow your sister for a moment? I have some things I’d like to discuss with her alone.”
"Jeg har ingen intentioner om overhovedet at skade hende."
“I have no intentions of harming her at all.”
Once they have cleared out Sha asks her for as much intel as he can regarding HMC points of interest. Afterwards he requests that she speak with brother Beerbelly. Sha tells her about the collar Sebastion was freed from. “Please tell Billy we’ve got a lot of work to do, our wererat friend is getting help the lizard person took off and Saffi is ok last I seen her.”
"Whilst I am a guest of yours, I will respect your customs and set aside my instinct to offer service", Hemlock replies.
He looks across to the first husband, "I am honoured that you would give up your room for us". After a moment he asks the first husband a question, "How do you plan to deal with the visitors from the stone fort tomorrow?".
If first husband doesn't seem to understand, he will look expectantly to Hássan to interpret.
Saoirse too thanks Hássan and the first husband for the delicious dinner and for accomodating them.
- We will certainly welcome this night's rest - she says, as she feels tiredness begining to claim her.
To Lam's question about contacting Tesfaye, she says that she'll use the sending stone to inform him of their next steps in the quiet of the room, just before sleeping.
With that, the genasi waits for the companions to be ready to go to the assigned room for a much deserved rest.
After getting as much information as he can, Sha finishes by asking if she wants to go back. If she does not Sha will do everything he can to help her.
Returning and hearing they will be staying the night Sha is very relieved. He thanks Hassan for the hospitality.
Lam listens with intent to Hássan talking about how the first wife and husband are chosen. When he finds out they are allowed to stay, he thanks both Hássan and the first husband. When they are ready to rest, he will follow his friends into the room.
The Dwarf captive lets out a sigh of release when Sha-Gravis speaks kindly to her, but as he asks questions, her body language becomes determined, and defensive. "I thank you for treating me justly and kindly, and for the offer of helping me to stay away from the HMC, but you've got them all wrong. I will gladly return to work with the Hammerstone Mining Company when they return tomorrow, and I will help to broker a treaty between them and the Kobold clan. I think the Duergar will want to join me. They long to meet free dwarves, and to reconnect to the culture that was stolen from them. The collar that you describe sounds almost as evil and awful as what these Duergar have been through - enslaved to an eldritch horror with the head of a squid for generations, who controlled their every movement and action. It's horrible. But you saw how Jonah hated working with Samantha - he saw that what she was doing was evil. And he won't stand for it if Strixwell tries to make him work for people like that. The Mining Company will give them freedom, self-respect, and a reintroduction to the surface world. And, after a few months of working with the HMC, they will be able to go to almost anywhere in the Sprindawn duchy or the neighboring duchies, and with the HMC's mark of approval, find good work and a fresh start, with minimal prejudice." There us a far-off look in her eyes - hope and respect and admiration, and a bit of personal gratitude. Then she turns to look at you, a sharpness and an anger coming onto her face. "That justice was offered to your party as well, though you spit in its face. If you were to surrender to Jonah tomorrow, he may even still allow you to come back to the keep and begin your sentence in earnest. He believes in justice, and if you participate in the system, he will respect it. If you continue to resist him and capture, he will hunt you down for killing Grommit and Aerar. My loyalty lies with Jonah Hammerstone, and the Hammerstone Mining Company. I will not tell you any more information about what they're doing. Though I respect you, we are on opposite sides of this." She looks determined, but also scared. She knows you could hurt or kill her, but for now she is standing fast in her loyalty.
Hássan passes on compliments, and when you seem ready, rises to guide you to the quarters you'll be sleeping in. He bows to the assembled colony members and warriors, who cheer again, looking on at all of you and at Hássan. The kobold will then lead you through the colony, which has occassional reminders of the Mind Flayer who had used it as a hidden palace for so long, but also constant and recent signs of a community actively living and using the space, together. You pass by a corridor lined with practice weapons, leading to a circular training room, and then a corridor that leads off to your left, at the end of which you can jsut barely make out some kobolds in decorative clothing sitting and singing softly to young, or cradling eggs. Hássan quickly turns in the direction away from that, muttering somthing about it being improper for warriors to stare into the hatchery, and women's work, that sort of thing. Finally you pass throug a few connected chambers, each with a few thick carpets around the edges of the room. There are thin sheets to be used as blankets as well. The rooms are decorated, and the sleeping carpets are separated from each other by several feet - this is luxury, as far as Hássan is concerned. to the right of the first chamber, a chamber is blocked off by a curtain, and people with high perception might see Hássan blush slightly when he looks in its direction. The final chamber, larger than the others, has some decorations of the sort that a mind flayer might like - including a large portrait of a mind flayer - but these decorations are covered up by a very different collection - what looks like one of Hamza's scales, various ornate weapons, and a tapestry depicting the kobolds following a shining blue dragon away from dead ilithids and what looks like some sort of an underground city. In this chamber there is only one large sleeping carpet, with many pillows and blankets folded or placed neatly atop it. Hássan immediately goes back into the previous chamber, and laboriously drags four sleeping rugs out of it and into your chamber. He will, reluctantly, allow you to help carry tham in and place them. He then bows to you, and says: "Anything at all you need, myself and the other honored warriors will be sleeping in the chamber next to yours, ready to serve and protect our honored guests."
As you sleep, there is a sapphire blue tint to your Dreams, and some draconic energy feeling the restoration of your bodies. When you wake, you will feel stronger than before, and for some of you, hidden powers or talents will awaken.
"My thanks", Hemlock after Hássan drags in the rugs. He looks several times like he wants to help, but has been put off by the reaction he has been given in response to such offers.
Once Hássan leaves, he speaks to the others in a hushed voice.
"We should be careful what we send to Tesfaye. What we have learned here is very sensitive, and a lot of it needs to be kept to ourselves", he says as he sits on his rug and leans his back against the wall.
"Perhaps it is enough to say that we have made an alliance with the kobolds of the mine, and that the HMC will not found what they seek here?".
He thinks for a moment, "Is there a limit to how much we can say? Can we say more if we want?".
Saoirsejoins Hemlockin the thanks towards Hássan, and when the kobold leaves, answers the druid.
- I was just thinking about that, too. I hate the idea of not sharing everything we've learned here, but Hamza specifically asked us not to share anything of it. Doing it could compromise not only the Chainbreakers existence, but Hamza's. If, as she said, she was to be controlled and put against us ... well ... that possibility scares the hell out of me. So yes, I believe this information should be kept among us. For the moment at least.
She grabs the sending stone, and plays with it between her fingers as she continues speaking:
- The stone's magic only allows twenty five words to be sent, and only once a day. Though I can answer Tesfaye if he's the one sending the message. I already told him that the HMC is looking for the Crown and that it isn't here. So I think we could say that we have allied ourselves with the kobolds, that we have found hints on other places the Crown might be and that our next stop will be The Artificer's tower, where we'll go tomorrow morning. I think this matches Cylence's and Rhys's plan for us, as they also wanted us to visit the artificer. So... I believe this will suffice. What do you think?
Hássan responds first to Saoirse: "You are very strange. Perhaps the whole surface has some sun-madness! If everyone takes whatever role they want in society, mixing and matching, how does anyone become an expert at anything? I suppose all is possible in a place where there is enough green plants to chose not to eat flesh even from fish. Very strange to me. If you do man things and act like a man, then you are a man, right? I guess perhaps there is more to it. Do you - um - nevermind. That is a private question." He turns for a moment to Jamíl, and speaks back and forth in draconic, giving a brief summary of the exchange and passing on the praise.
ظنت أنك امرأة رغم أنك محارب! وتقول إنه كان شرفًا لي أن أقاتلك.
'هي؟' تقصد أنها امرأة رغم أنها تقوم بعمل الرجل؟ هل ترغب في أن تكون مع النساء؟
لا! تقول ظاهريًا ، الرجال والنساء جميعًا يفعلون كل شيء ، ويبدو أنها سعيدة تمامًا بالبقاء هنا.
أوه! واسأل ما إذا كان بإمكاني رؤية خنجرهاكلا الدورين؟ هذا يبدو متعبًا. أخبرها أنها ستصبح رجلًا جيدًا ، وآمل أن تظل محاربة. انها جيدة جدا في ذلك.
She thought you were a woman, even though you're a warrior! And she says it was an honor to fight you.
'She?' You mean she is a woman, even though she does a man's work? Does she wish to be with the women?
No! She says on the surface, men and women all do everything, and she seems perfectly happy to stay here.
Have both roles? That sounds tiring. Tell her she would make a fine man, and I hope she keeps being a warrior. She's very good at it. Oh! And ask if I can see her dagger!
"Jamíl says it is an honor to meet you to, and that you would make a very fine man if you wished. He hopes you do not leave the sword for the cooks knife or the anvil, and asks if he may look more closely at your dagger."
Hássan looks a little offended when Hemlock refuses to eat the fish, and surprised when both he and Saoirse say 'your first wife.' "She is not just my first wife, she is first wife to all! It means she is the boss of the women, and the woman boss for the colony. And that she has first pick if she wants to mate. First husband is the spellcaster you fought. He is the man boss of the colony. He is first husband to all. And he is the only man who can ask a woman if she wants to mate, instead of waiting to be asked. I hope to be first husband one day... anyway, it would be most unusual for you to go and speak with first wife directly, especially in the middle of a feast. I can ask if she would be willing to meet you?"
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock smiles at Hássan, "I would not wish to break custom, please pass on my thanks, and my apologies for any offence caused".
With that he eats the food left on his plate, and drinks the milk, before discreetly taking out the dragon's gift and holding it in his closed fist. He concentrates on it for a little while, unless someone decides to talk to him.
Saoirse raises her eyebrows at the unasked question and imagining what it would be about she feels relieved for the change in topic. Hearing Hássan's translation she smiles widely, pulls out the dagger and explains how it works - waiting for Hássan to translate - while simulating a few moves with it. She then hands it to Jámil, offering it by the hilt, so he can examine it closely.
- I've really only had it since yesterday and I still need much training with it, but I've liked the results so far. And you know what? Next time we meet I may even be able to combine it with a flaming sword! Let's show each other what we have learned next time we meet, yes?
When the conversation shifts to the first wife and husband, Saoirse is opens her mouth in surprise. She glances to her companions, to see their reactions, wondering if they are as surprised as she is.
- Oh. May I ask ... how are the first wife and husband chosen?
Later, the genasi will ask their friends:
- So, it's getting pretty late. Shall we stay here for the night and leave in the morning?
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
The look on Lam’s face during this conversation is one of deep confusion. He looks at one of the best cooks he knows- Hemlock- and one of the best fighters he knows- Saoirse. He seems particularly confused by the question: “If everyone takes whatever role they want in society, mixing and matching, how does anyone become an expert at anything?“ He wants to ask a million questions, having never before considered the concept of gender this thoroughly. Not finding the words to his questions, he sticks to his food. When Jamíl’s comment is translated, particularly the part where he tells Saoirse not to leave her dagger for the cooks knife or the anvil, Lam looks over at Hemlock with confusion and slight sadness. He notices Hemlock concentrating on something and opts not to disturb him.
His confusion continues, mixed with fascination, as Hássan describes their society. When Saoirse looks at Lam, she sees that he is surprised as well, and staring at Hássan. He listens with curiosity for Hássan’s answer to Saoirse’s question.
When Saoirse asks them all if they should stay the night, Lam nods- if the kobolds are ok with it, he is happy to stay. Then he asks, “Can we tell Tesfaye if we stay? With stone?”
Sha-gravis gratefully accepts the fish, which he devours. He excuses himself from the duergar and goes off to find the dwarf guard, maybe she’d like an extra portion of chicken.
SEA MISTRESS CREW
Hemlock, whilst holding the gem and concentrating, wonders about it's power to allow him to understand the kobold's language. It had been a surprise when it happened, although that likely didn't show on his face.
He whispers under his breath, wondering if he can somehow speak draconic as well.
"First wife is chosen by the women, I don't know how. Sometimes a new first wife is chosen. Then she will announce it to us. First husband is chosen by us. When someone has done something that we all see he should be honored for, like me speaking for Hamza or Jamìl being a champion today, he is allowed to challenge first husband to a nonlethal dual for the title. But each man is only allowed to challenge each first husband once during his turn as first, so we would only do it if we knew we could win, or if first husband says that he will allow us to take the title. Now first husband has been doing a very good job, and has everyone's support. I don't think Jamìl or I will ask to challenge him."
Hemlock can't quite seem to make the throaty, draconic language come from his own mouth. Then again, he hasn't fully attuned to the gem yet. Who knows!
Sha-Gravis hears laughing ahead as he approaches the dwarf captive, but it is a strange laughter - a little monotonous, and to regular and rhythmic. It is a bit unsettling, but the tone is similar to the voice of t duergar he had just been speaking to. When you round the corner, you can see that 6 duergars, a mix of male and female, are sitting in with the captive, and talking back and forth with her. They hang on her every word. Right now she's trying to describe the sound of rain on a tin roof, and the idea that water falling from the sky onto one's home is somehow relaxing is very confusing and amusing to all of the duergar. Between them, there is a high pile of chicken bones, and some stacked plates. The dwarf captive does have a long chain connecting her ankle to the wall, but seems otherwise happy. When she notices Sha approaching, she gestures towards him while continuing to talk to the duergar.
"Og det her, det er ham som fanget mig! Det sidste jeg husker før jeg var kaptiv her, trukket ind i hulen af Kobolder, var at denne katte-mand pejet på mig og fik mig til at sove. Har i katte herned? De ligner jo ham, men de er små og går på fire ben, og kan godt lide at blive nusset.
"Men han ligner jo en rovdyr!"
"Ja, selvfølgelig. Katte er også rovdyr. De jagter efter rotter og mus og sådan noget."
Oh, and this is the guy that caught me. Last thing i remember before i was a captive being dragged into the cave was this tabaxi pointing ar me and petting me to sleep. Do you have cats down here? They look like him, but they walk on four legs and like to be pet.
But he looks like a predator!
Ja, of course. Cats are predators too. They hunt rats and mice and that sort of thing.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Finding his throat incapable of making the guttural speech pattern of the kobolds, Hemlock looks around and notices Saoirse and Lam looking at him expectantly.
"What? Oh yes, you mentioned about staying the night", he replies distractedly but bringing his full attention to bear now.
"I think it is a good idea in truth. We have likely stayed too long to make it back before the light is gone now. If they will have us, then I am happy to accept their hospitality a little longer".
He turns to Hássan, "In my culture, it is proper and respectful to offer a gift of service to one's hosts. Now I would normally request the opportunity to help with the cooking of a meal, but I sense that would not be right here. Is there a task that would be suitable for me to perform to help with the morning meal were we to stay?".
"A gift of service! That would not feel right at all! We wish to honor you, so we will take care of your needs. You have spoken to Hamza, and been accepted by her. I suppose you may be welcome to gather the morning's eggs with our flock-tenders in the morning, but you are not obliged in any way. We would be very glad to have you stay. First husband will give you his chambers tonight. I am sorry that we do not have a separate chamber for each of you."
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha looks at the group smiles, “Would it be okay if I spoke to you privately? I have some questions.”
”Tabaxierne er et nærtstående folk, selvom vi altid er givet til en nysgerrig natur og en vidunderlyst. Jeg kan se den nærhed her, selvom nogle af jer engang var adskilt. I sandhed er vi alle brødre og søstre. Tilgiv venligst min brug af dit sprog, jeg prøver, men noget er for svært til denne gamle mundkurv. Jeg er meget opmuntret af det, jeg ser, du er samlet for at genforene, hvis det ikke er for meget at forlange, men må jeg låne din søster et øjeblik? Jeg har nogle ting, jeg gerne vil diskutere med hende alene.
”The tabaxi are a close people though we are ever given to a curious nature and a wonderlust. I can see that closeness here though some of you once were separated. In truth we are all brothers and sisters. Please forgive my use of your language I try but some is too hard for this old muzzle. I’m very encouraged by what I see you have gathered to reunite, if it is not too much to ask though may I borrow your sister for a moment? I have some things I’d like to discuss with her alone.”
SEA MISTRESS CREW
The dwarf woman looks at you and nods, although she looks a little nervous.
The duergar look at each other before turning back to you.
"Hun bliver ikke skadet?"
She will not be hermed?
If Sha agreed not to harm her, the duergar leave without incident or further comments, moving together, fluidly.
DM: Heavy is the Head
"Jeg har ingen intentioner om overhovedet at skade hende."
“I have no intentions of harming her at all.”
Once they have cleared out Sha asks her for as much intel as he can regarding HMC points of interest. Afterwards he requests that she speak with brother Beerbelly. Sha tells her about the collar Sebastion was freed from. “Please tell Billy we’ve got a lot of work to do, our wererat friend is getting help the lizard person took off and Saffi is ok last I seen her.”
SEA MISTRESS CREW
"Whilst I am a guest of yours, I will respect your customs and set aside my instinct to offer service", Hemlock replies.
He looks across to the first husband, "I am honoured that you would give up your room for us". After a moment he asks the first husband a question, "How do you plan to deal with the visitors from the stone fort tomorrow?".
If first husband doesn't seem to understand, he will look expectantly to Hássan to interpret.
Saoirse too thanks Hássan and the first husband for the delicious dinner and for accomodating them.
- We will certainly welcome this night's rest - she says, as she feels tiredness begining to claim her.
To Lam's question about contacting Tesfaye, she says that she'll use the sending stone to inform him of their next steps in the quiet of the room, just before sleeping.
With that, the genasi waits for the companions to be ready to go to the assigned room for a much deserved rest.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
After getting as much information as he can, Sha finishes by asking if she wants to go back. If she does not Sha will do everything he can to help her.
Returning and hearing they will be staying the night Sha is very relieved. He thanks Hassan for the hospitality.
SEA MISTRESS CREW
Lam listens with intent to Hássan talking about how the first wife and husband are chosen. When he finds out they are allowed to stay, he thanks both Hássan and the first husband. When they are ready to rest, he will follow his friends into the room.
The Dwarf captive lets out a sigh of release when Sha-Gravis speaks kindly to her, but as he asks questions, her body language becomes determined, and defensive. "I thank you for treating me justly and kindly, and for the offer of helping me to stay away from the HMC, but you've got them all wrong. I will gladly return to work with the Hammerstone Mining Company when they return tomorrow, and I will help to broker a treaty between them and the Kobold clan. I think the Duergar will want to join me. They long to meet free dwarves, and to reconnect to the culture that was stolen from them. The collar that you describe sounds almost as evil and awful as what these Duergar have been through - enslaved to an eldritch horror with the head of a squid for generations, who controlled their every movement and action. It's horrible. But you saw how Jonah hated working with Samantha - he saw that what she was doing was evil. And he won't stand for it if Strixwell tries to make him work for people like that. The Mining Company will give them freedom, self-respect, and a reintroduction to the surface world. And, after a few months of working with the HMC, they will be able to go to almost anywhere in the Sprindawn duchy or the neighboring duchies, and with the HMC's mark of approval, find good work and a fresh start, with minimal prejudice." There us a far-off look in her eyes - hope and respect and admiration, and a bit of personal gratitude. Then she turns to look at you, a sharpness and an anger coming onto her face. "That justice was offered to your party as well, though you spit in its face. If you were to surrender to Jonah tomorrow, he may even still allow you to come back to the keep and begin your sentence in earnest. He believes in justice, and if you participate in the system, he will respect it. If you continue to resist him and capture, he will hunt you down for killing Grommit and Aerar. My loyalty lies with Jonah Hammerstone, and the Hammerstone Mining Company. I will not tell you any more information about what they're doing. Though I respect you, we are on opposite sides of this." She looks determined, but also scared. She knows you could hurt or kill her, but for now she is standing fast in her loyalty.
Hássan passes on compliments, and when you seem ready, rises to guide you to the quarters you'll be sleeping in. He bows to the assembled colony members and warriors, who cheer again, looking on at all of you and at Hássan. The kobold will then lead you through the colony, which has occassional reminders of the Mind Flayer who had used it as a hidden palace for so long, but also constant and recent signs of a community actively living and using the space, together. You pass by a corridor lined with practice weapons, leading to a circular training room, and then a corridor that leads off to your left, at the end of which you can jsut barely make out some kobolds in decorative clothing sitting and singing softly to young, or cradling eggs. Hássan quickly turns in the direction away from that, muttering somthing about it being improper for warriors to stare into the hatchery, and women's work, that sort of thing. Finally you pass throug a few connected chambers, each with a few thick carpets around the edges of the room. There are thin sheets to be used as blankets as well. The rooms are decorated, and the sleeping carpets are separated from each other by several feet - this is luxury, as far as Hássan is concerned. to the right of the first chamber, a chamber is blocked off by a curtain, and people with high perception might see Hássan blush slightly when he looks in its direction. The final chamber, larger than the others, has some decorations of the sort that a mind flayer might like - including a large portrait of a mind flayer - but these decorations are covered up by a very different collection - what looks like one of Hamza's scales, various ornate weapons, and a tapestry depicting the kobolds following a shining blue dragon away from dead ilithids and what looks like some sort of an underground city. In this chamber there is only one large sleeping carpet, with many pillows and blankets folded or placed neatly atop it. Hássan immediately goes back into the previous chamber, and laboriously drags four sleeping rugs out of it and into your chamber. He will, reluctantly, allow you to help carry tham in and place them. He then bows to you, and says: "Anything at all you need, myself and the other honored warriors will be sleeping in the chamber next to yours, ready to serve and protect our honored guests."
As you sleep, there is a sapphire blue tint to your Dreams, and some draconic energy feeling the restoration of your bodies. When you wake, you will feel stronger than before, and for some of you, hidden powers or talents will awaken.
Please take a long rest, and level up to L3.
https://www.owlbear.app/room/5nRs1L_uFdxM/HeavyistheHeadPBP
DM: Heavy is the Head
"My thanks", Hemlock after Hássan drags in the rugs. He looks several times like he wants to help, but has been put off by the reaction he has been given in response to such offers.
Once Hássan leaves, he speaks to the others in a hushed voice.
"We should be careful what we send to Tesfaye. What we have learned here is very sensitive, and a lot of it needs to be kept to ourselves", he says as he sits on his rug and leans his back against the wall.
"Perhaps it is enough to say that we have made an alliance with the kobolds of the mine, and that the HMC will not found what they seek here?".
He thinks for a moment, "Is there a limit to how much we can say? Can we say more if we want?".
Saoirse joins Hemlock in the thanks towards Hássan, and when the kobold leaves, answers the druid.
- I was just thinking about that, too. I hate the idea of not sharing everything we've learned here, but Hamza specifically asked us not to share anything of it. Doing it could compromise not only the Chainbreakers existence, but Hamza's. If, as she said, she was to be controlled and put against us ... well ... that possibility scares the hell out of me. So yes, I believe this information should be kept among us. For the moment at least.
She grabs the sending stone, and plays with it between her fingers as she continues speaking:
- The stone's magic only allows twenty five words to be sent, and only once a day. Though I can answer Tesfaye if he's the one sending the message. I already told him that the HMC is looking for the Crown and that it isn't here. So I think we could say that we have allied ourselves with the kobolds, that we have found hints on other places the Crown might be and that our next stop will be The Artificer's tower, where we'll go tomorrow morning. I think this matches Cylence's and Rhys's plan for us, as they also wanted us to visit the artificer. So... I believe this will suffice. What do you think?
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hemlock inclines his head to Saoirse, showing acceptance of her proposal, then looks to the others to see what they think.