[[OOC: Would the party recognize the name Khaine? Vrox - History/Religion:13 (or, if he has advantage, 14)
From what you recall, fro0m the ancient war between gods and men that nearly destroyed it. Along with Azash and Slaanesh, were other dark gods of chaos. One of those was a younger god, like Flute is considered one of the younger gods, and this would be Khaine. Khaine as he is worshipped by the Dark Elves is described as a god of murder. .... He is primarily worshipped during times of war, as he is seen to be a bloodthirsty deity and worship of him during peacetime is not considered appropriate. Khaine had a strong influence during the formative period of the High Elven kingdom, as the first Phoenix King, Aenarion, drew Khaine's sword to save the High Elves during their first war. By drawing the sword, Aenarion became a living avatar of the god of war and brought down a great curse upon himself and his family.
At mention of the name Khaine, Vrox recalls hearing of this god. He sucks in his breath through clenched teeth and then hisses to the others in a tense whisper, "The Dark Elves' god of murder? What is he doing here in the halls of the Ironkin Dwarves?" He looks around at the celebration as Khessa goes to introduce herself to King Ûthar. He has heard that the dwarves are fond of feasts, but something here feels 'off' in their exuberance. It reminds him of the wild excesses of magic-infused revelry in the Feywild -- the sort of party that some fey use to ensnare mortals in that realm -- not the sort of celebration that he'd expect among the dwarves of Eosia.
As the power of the statuette envelops him, he seems to come around, like he just realizes he is sitting at the table and he stares down at his mug, then to either side of himself, then up at you. .... The other officers at the head table, now within the shroud, seem to be rubbing their heads and moaning.
Seeing the effect Khessa has on the dwarves at the high table confirms his suspicions. Vrox assumes that she is using some magic and says, "Something is amiss. Some enchantment or trick of the enemy." Looking to the the party's fighters, Vrox says, "What better way to conquer your enemies than to incapacitate them with enchanted drink and then murder them in their stupor? Be ready to contain the threat from the Drukhari elves and the Golgari dwarves! We can try to thwart this trap, but that might just spring it early."
With that, Vrox springs lightly over to the head table, his hooves tapping on the stone floors, and bows to the dwarves. With a wide smile, he says, "King Ûthar! Greetings! I am the 'Warden of Bees' of the Summer Court. Your halls are truly magnificent, and this celebration does you honor! How long will these festivities last? We are loathe to interrupt a feast, but we come on an urgent errand and would meet with you and your advisors." His eyes flick toward Khessa and the smile drops. He gives her a questioning look, trying to see whether she has a plan here.
"...Or maybe not" Khessa continues to stay close to the dwarf leaders, so as to protect them from mental influences. "Uthar... How long have you known Flute? If she and we tell you that Khaine is a god, you should believe us... What reason would you have to prefer to believe him, who until recently you did not even know? Doesn't it seem strange to you, this sudden trust you have in him?"
"Uthar..." the blonde arcane warrior insists. She would also like to answer Vrox... but it seems to her a priority to try to prevent the dwarf from further compromising his already battered judgment. So she fixes her blue eyes in those of the dwarf "you have the responsibility of your people... I certainly do not have to remind you that you cannot afford to give your trust lightly... Khaine has influenced your mind! And he could have done it precisely with the help of the drinks he offered you. Khaine is a god of Murder... What better way, for him, to conquer his enemies, than to incapacitate them with enchanted drink and then murder them in their stupor?"
"Our presence is protecting you from his magical influences..." the tall adventuress concludes "Take this opportunity to think back on what happened, on the uncharacteristic way you reacted to him... and draw your own conclusions. Can't see it? Khaine and his minions were afraid to try to fight you by force - so they are trying to eliminate you by deception. Methods that even Azash and Slaanesh, Chaos gods of his ilk, have tried to employ in other nations, as we will tell you soon. Trust your deepest acquaintances, who are solidly rooted in the past, like the foundations that support mountains. Trust Flute, not this newcomer you knew nothing about a breath ago. Please, Uthar... You are to your people as the strongest and most well-crafted pillar that supports the majesty of the main vault... Don't fall for it!"
Uthar sits back, begins to scratch his beard and think about it. He slowly starts to shake his head, starting to work through it.
"All of this slander against me." Khaine states, "I am looking to bring to long lost families back together after a long separation. No harm in that is there? Isn't that right, dear cousin?"
"Don't dear cousin me you blood thirsty monster," Flute says with great disdain. "I don't know how you escaped but I have my suspicion, and now seeing you here, its starting to make sense with all of the bodies and trouble we have been seeing."
Sparhawk is doing his best to keep Flute in check, but even his eyes are hard as stone. Flute manages to shrug off Sparhawk hand, and climbs up into the lap of Uthar, and begins to play her pipe. The song begins to vibrate off the great hall, and all stop to turn and look at her playing, mesmerized. Khaine's faces drops as he sees the effect the music has on the dwarves, with the exception of the dark dwarves and elves. She has a very serious look on her face but still gets a wink out as she continues to play. You can start to see the purplish haze that had enveloped the dwarves begin to dissipate.
Khaine starts to clap softly. "Bravo cousin, bravo. I guess the tales are true how you are being so vexing to Azash and Slaanesh. No matter, this is but a skirmish, the campaign has only just begun." He turns, and leads the group of dark dwarves and elves away.
Khessa quickly catches up with Khaine before he leaves, meeting his eyes with her extremly serious and self-confident blue ones: "Young as you are you are still a god of War... So you should know better than starting a 'campaign' with allies who, like Aazash and Slaanesh, are collecting one crushing defeat after the other".
"You got your freedom?" the blonde arcane warrior goes on "Don't waste it by diving in a conflict that could spell your end. Stop, while you can. Stay out of this. And... just for your information... the last self-proclaiming god who threatened to harm Flute, met quite recently his doom on the tip of my lance. Don't be such a fool".
"Have a nice day"the tall adventuress finally let's him go, with a confident smile, returning to her friends.
Uthar shrugs, "Oh, only for a few days as this is a special one, I think. Can't think too straight, my head still hurts. Maybe I need to drink more."
Vrox makes a quick movement to snatch the king's mug from the table. He wears a big smile as he does so, as though he's some sort of court jester performing a trick, hoping to deflect any offense such a bold move might imply.
Vrox makes a quick movement to snatch the king's mug from the table. He wears a big smile as he does so, as though he's some sort of court jester performing a trick, hoping to deflect any offense such a bold move might imply. Sleight of Hand: 28
Flute manages to shrug off Sparhawk hand, and climbs up into the lap of Uthar, and begins to play her pipe....You can start to see the purplish haze that had enveloped the dwarves begin to dissipate.
Khaine starts to clap softly. "Bravo cousin, bravo. I guess the tales are true how you are being so vexing to Azash and Slaanesh. No matter, this is but a skirmish, the campaign has only just begun." He turns, and leads the group of dark dwarves and elves away.
As Khaine leaves, Vrox bows to the king again, "I mean no offense King Ûthar," and as he spreads his arms, he dumps out the mug of ale. As he rises from the bow, Vrox suggests, "But perhaps it's time to put away the ale and bring out some casks of good dwarven whiskey instead? A reunion with with false friends is no cause for celebration, but discovering their deception before they had done real harm is! And while the feast continues, Khessa and Clarac and Sir Sparhawk can share news of their recent victories against the rising threat of the gods of Chaos and other ancient foes. And just in time! It seems that this Enemy sought not to break through your masterfully-built stronghold, but to worm their way into your halls of power using deception and enchanted ale."
Persuasion: 23 to avoid offending the king and convince him to welcome the party despite ruining his original celebration
Vrox casts a worried glance at Khessa. He was glad that Khaine was content to leave once the ruse had been exposed and thwarted, and he fears that Khessa will provoke the god into some act of violence before he departs Gurn Borim.
As Flute continues to play, Uthar calls for their own casks to be brought forward, and to have what Khaine brought, removed. He does not seem angry you took his mug, almost like he was appreciative of it. It doesn't take long for his eyes to clear, he sits up straighter, and nods to the music that Flute plays.
"She has a talent for playing, doesn't she?" Uthar asks. "So, intrepid travelers, the fog that for some reason that had settled over my head is clearing. I never thought I would be too old to drink, I am a Dwarf by thunder! His eyes take you all in. "Obviously you weren't here as part of the festivities, nor were you traveling with that merchant Khaine, so why are you here again? I do apologize for keep asking, I don't know why I can't remember what is going on or what has happened in the last day or so. Maybe I am getting too old."
Khessa, who in the meantime, having already given her 'final warning' to the enemy god, has returned with the party, is worried that Uthar does not remember what she told him only moments before and searches with her eyes for her friends... Probably there is still some magical influence to remove...
As Flute continues to play, Uthar calls for their own casks to be brought forward, and to have what Khaine brought, removed. He does not seem angry you took his mug, almost like he was appreciative of it. It doesn't take long for his eyes to clear, he sits up straighter, and nods to the music that Flute plays.
"She has a talent for playing, doesn't she?" Uthar asks. "So, intrepid travelers, the fog that for some reason that had settled over my head is clearing. I never thought I would be too old to drink, I am a Dwarf by thunder! His eyes take you all in. "Obviously you weren't here as part of the festivities, nor were you traveling with that merchant Khaine, so why are you here again? I do apologize for keep asking, I don't know why I can't remember what is going on or what has happened in the last day or so. Maybe I am getting too old."
Vrox fixes a pleasant expression on his face despite his own concern with the king's forgetfulness . He says, "That's perfectly fine, King Ûthar," and repeats his introduction, the explanation of who the party is, what recently happened with Khaine, etc. He hopes the effect will dissipate now that the dwarves are switching to their own casks of spirits. If their befuddlement continues, then perhaps Khessa and Lord Akkron can figure out what's going on and how to return the dwarves to normal.
Vrox politely asks the king, "How long has this celebration been going on? Ever since the Golgari arrived with that merchant? How long ago was that?" He's trying to check whether Ûthar's confusion coincides whenever he started drinking the ale that Khaine delivered. If the timing seems to match, Vrox suggests to the other party members: "When mortals visit the Feywild, the memory of their visit often fades once they leave, and they can remember little of what they did while there. Such is the magic of the Fey. Perhaps the dwarves' forgetfulness is similar. They may never be able to recall what happened here from the moment they started drinking Khaine's ale until now."
Of course, if that's the case, the dwarves may need to spend some time over the next few days figuring out whether Khaine's group or the Golgari did anything while the Ironkin dwarves were in a stupor. It's bad enough if they were just befuddled, but it would be much worse if the Golgari sabotaged the defenses of Gurn Dorim, spoiled their stores, or stole anything of importance!
Clarac uses her Divine Sense to check for remaining traces of celestials or fiends.
"Mr. Honeysweet explained our reason for being here very clearly. We sought an audience with you, and a tour of your fortress if you are willing." Clarac continues, "There are a thousand reasons not to drink ale, Lord Uthar. Here I suspect the problem was with the ale, but my friend will confirm that. She is an expert." If needed, she will supplement Khessa's Dispel Magic (if she ends up casting it) with a Cleansing Touch or Remove Curse.
Khessa, who in the meantime, having already given her 'final warning' to the enemy god, has returned with the party, is worried that Uthar does not remember what she told him only moments before and searches with her eyes for her friends... Probably there is still some magical influence to remove...
As Flute continues to play, Uthar calls for their own casks to be brought forward, and to have what Khaine brought, removed. He does not seem angry you took his mug, almost like he was appreciative of it. It doesn't take long for his eyes to clear, he sits up straighter, and nods to the music that Flute plays.
"She has a talent for playing, doesn't she?" Uthar asks. "So, intrepid travelers, the fog that for some reason that had settled over my head is clearing. I never thought I would be too old to drink, I am a Dwarf by thunder! His eyes take you all in. "Obviously you weren't here as part of the festivities, nor were you traveling with that merchant Khaine, so why are you here again? I do apologize for keep asking, I don't know why I can't remember what is going on or what has happened in the last day or so. Maybe I am getting too old."
Vrox fixes a pleasant expression on his face despite his own concern with the king's forgetfulness . He says, "That's perfectly fine, King Ûthar," and repeats his introduction, the explanation of who the party is, what recently happened with Khaine, etc. He hopes the effect will dissipate now that the dwarves are switching to their own casks of spirits. If their befuddlement continues, then perhaps Khessa and Lord Akkron can figure out what's going on and how to return the dwarves to normal.
Vrox politely asks the king, "How long has this celebration been going on? Ever since the Golgari arrived with that merchant? How long ago was that?" He's trying to check whether Ûthar's confusion coincides whenever he started drinking the ale that Khaine delivered. If the timing seems to match, Vrox suggests to the other party members: "When mortals visit the Feywild, the memory of their visit often fades once they leave, and they can remember little of what they did while there. Such is the magic of the Fey. Perhaps the dwarves' forgetfulness is similar. They may never be able to recall what happened here from the moment they started drinking Khaine's ale until now."
Of course, if that's the case, the dwarves may need to spend some time over the next few days figuring out whether Khaine's group or the Golgari did anything while the Ironkin dwarves were in a stupor. It's bad enough if they were just befuddled, but it would be much worse if the Golgari sabotaged the defenses of Gurn Dorim, spoiled their stores, or stole anything of importance!
Uthar shakes his head, "I don't recall, some days now I think?"
Yôht Grendok looks gravely at Uthar, even though he is rubbing his own head. He calls for the guards. "Send out patrols, inspect all of the posts and defenses. Send scouts into the supply rooms and larders to make sure nothing, and I mean nothing from this trade party has made it into our stocks."
He then looks at the group as Uthar sits in contemplation. "It may sound odd top invite you to sit, seeing what we may have been exposed to. But your friend there is correct, our whiskeys are the best int he land, we also have some fine vintage wines we have received from the human lands. I am very interested in hearing what you have to say about this Khaine, and what may be happening outside of our borders. I am hoping you are correct, and in a few days all of this is behind us, and we can think straight. I offer you hospitality until then. So tell us, what is this all about?"
You are led to fine quarters, informed this is where human and Elven traders come to stay as they are made to fit your size. The following day, Yoht comes to the group in the morning, and leads you to a smaller hall. Food and drink is being brought for breakfast.
"Uthar is still recovering from whatever was in the drink, and other influences that may have been working on his mind. He hates to admit he had been tricked, so his pride may be a little hurt at the moment. He is a tough one, so he should come around soon. So tell me, from what we have heard here int he mountains, there is trouble a foot. Granted, what we get is from tradesman who are more concerned about their coin then anything else, but is war on the horizon?"
He calls for a runner, who leaves and after a short while, returns with a map. He rolls it out, using tankards to hold the corners down. It's a map of Eosia. Except on this map, there is an area you have not seen.
"This is Uhubreen, the home of the Golgari, or at least the ruins as I was told. As the tales would say, from that great war a thousand years ago, just like our Legions served for the Army of Light, the Golgari served for the darkness. After the war ended, just like the Zemochs I believe you humans called them was purged, we never heard what happened to the Golgari. We had always thought they had been purged or wiped out in the war. Yet here they were in our halls, with dark elves non the less. I am sure the High Elves would love to hear about that."
Flute walks over and looks at the map, then wrinkles her nose.
"Ugh, that place! I remember it, it was horrible back then. Not a pretty city like the one here. The Golgari were not true craftsmen or the pursuers of the finer arts from what I remember. I hate to say Yoht, your cousins had rocks for brains. I think that's why they were used as front line troops to take all the damage before the Zemochs and the others engaged the armies."
"If that is what happened in history..." Khessa muses aloud "maybe we could, in principle, have them realize this... and leave the Nefarious Duo (or Trio, now?) alone".
"After all, we were able to change the mind of the rock-headed trolls..." the blonde arcane warrior continues "We might succeed with Golgari dwarves as well!"
"We may have to see what they may be up to." Uthar enters the room and nods to everyone as he comes up to the table and look at the map.
"My apology for the other night, though I hate to say, I was not of the right mind or of the right head. I believe you are correct, either we convince our wayward cousins to turn off this dark path as you have stated been successful in doing with the Trolls to the north, or we will have to see this threat immediately crushed."
Uthar stares at the map with a hard look, tracing his fingers on what appears to be routes from your location to the north.
"I hate being duped and being made the fool. With that in mind, I considered on what you said, that what they were trying was to undermine my authority, weakened our defense, and perish the thought that even for a dwarf to sink so low, murder us in our stupor. I would ask, if you are willing to take this quest for me, go north into Uhubreen, scout out and confirm what they are up to. See if they are truly consorting with this Khaine, and these dark elves. I will prepare the legions, we will march north and meet you there, and see justice is dealt."
He looks at the map, thinks for a moment, then back at the group.
"Yoht may be a head strong lad, but he is my best. He can lead you there if you will have him. If you need anything from our armories or smithies, make your preparations, restock your supplies while I see to forming the Legions. What say you?"
"It will be done!" Khessa pats the dwarf enthusiastically on the shoulder "Send Yoth to guide us. We will see that the treath is coped with, one way or another".
The blonde arcane warrior's blu eyes meet them of her friends... Are they also ready? Or there is something they wish to ask, first?
Uthar shakes his head, "I don't recall, some days now I think?"
That's alarming, and Vroxmentions to the others that it leaves a long gap of time when Khaine and his followers could have done quite a bit of harm that has yet to be discovered.
Yoht comes to the group in the morning, and leads you to a smaller hall. Food and drink is being brought for breakfast.
"Uthar is still recovering from whatever was in the drink, and other influences that may have been working on his mind. He hates to admit he had been tricked, so his pride may be a little hurt at the moment. He is a tough one, so he should come around soon. So tell me, from what we have heard here int he mountains, there is trouble a foot. Granted, what we get is from tradesman who are more concerned about their coin then anything else, but is war on the horizon?"
Vrox does not want to alarm Yoht, but he feels it's important to emphasize: "War is not on the horizon: it has started! The Enemy has broken the ancient pact and seeks to return to this world. They have been working to undermine the Free Peoples across Eosia, and the first battles have already been fought! The Duke of Veldos in Elania was corrupted by Nefarious Duo, and his whole court was overrun by cultists and demons. The entire town was massacred in a blood ritual to summon the Chaos gods. We killed many Bloodletters and several Bloodthirster demons and their many followers: warlocks, cultists, vampires, and undead knights. We were barely in time to interrupt the ritual and prevent them from opening the portals to let the Nefarious Duo through."
After the war ended, just like the Zemochs I believe you humans called them was purged, we never heard what happened to the Golgari. We had always thought they had been purged or wiped out in the war. Yet here they were in our halls, with dark elves non the less. I am sure the High Elves would love to hear about that."
Vrox nods, "Yes, the elves are aware. We have already been to Eldamar -- before we came here -- and spoke with Lord Ulthran and his counselors. His General Surinthiel Mihrendelas said that the Druhkhari had already been spotted on the Asuryani's northern border," he points to the map, "and they had reports of them in the northern kingdoms in Dearia and Kondo, too." Vrox looks up at Yoht and says, "You should also know that the dragons have been spotted outside their vale. When we went to speak with the troll gods and -- as Khessa said -- convinced them not to fight for the Nefarious Duo, we found dragon emissaries of the enemy already there, trying to sway the troll gods with the lies of the Enemy."
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At mention of the name Khaine, Vrox recalls hearing of this god. He sucks in his breath through clenched teeth and then hisses to the others in a tense whisper, "The Dark Elves' god of murder? What is he doing here in the halls of the Ironkin Dwarves?" He looks around at the celebration as Khessa goes to introduce herself to King Ûthar. He has heard that the dwarves are fond of feasts, but something here feels 'off' in their exuberance. It reminds him of the wild excesses of magic-infused revelry in the Feywild -- the sort of party that some fey use to ensnare mortals in that realm -- not the sort of celebration that he'd expect among the dwarves of Eosia.
Seeing the effect Khessa has on the dwarves at the high table confirms his suspicions. Vrox assumes that she is using some magic and says, "Something is amiss. Some enchantment or trick of the enemy." Looking to the the party's fighters, Vrox says, "What better way to conquer your enemies than to incapacitate them with enchanted drink and then murder them in their stupor? Be ready to contain the threat from the Drukhari elves and the Golgari dwarves! We can try to thwart this trap, but that might just spring it early."
With that, Vrox springs lightly over to the head table, his hooves tapping on the stone floors, and bows to the dwarves. With a wide smile, he says, "King Ûthar! Greetings! I am the 'Warden of Bees' of the Summer Court. Your halls are truly magnificent, and this celebration does you honor! How long will these festivities last? We are loathe to interrupt a feast, but we come on an urgent errand and would meet with you and your advisors." His eyes flick toward Khessa and the smile drops. He gives her a questioning look, trying to see whether she has a plan here.
Uthar shrugs, "Oh, only for a few days as this is a special one, I think. Can't think too straight, my head still hurts. Maybe I need to drink more."
"...Or maybe not" Khessa continues to stay close to the dwarf leaders, so as to protect them from mental influences. "Uthar... How long have you known Flute? If she and we tell you that Khaine is a god, you should believe us... What reason would you have to prefer to believe him, who until recently you did not even know? Doesn't it seem strange to you, this sudden trust you have in him?"
"Uthar..." the blonde arcane warrior insists. She would also like to answer Vrox... but it seems to her a priority to try to prevent the dwarf from further compromising his already battered judgment. So she fixes her blue eyes in those of the dwarf "you have the responsibility of your people... I certainly do not have to remind you that you cannot afford to give your trust lightly... Khaine has influenced your mind! And he could have done it precisely with the help of the drinks he offered you. Khaine is a god of Murder... What better way, for him, to conquer his enemies, than to incapacitate them with enchanted drink and then murder them in their stupor?"
"Our presence is protecting you from his magical influences..." the tall adventuress concludes "Take this opportunity to think back on what happened, on the uncharacteristic way you reacted to him... and draw your own conclusions. Can't see it? Khaine and his minions were afraid to try to fight you by force - so they are trying to eliminate you by deception. Methods that even Azash and Slaanesh, Chaos gods of his ilk, have tried to employ in other nations, as we will tell you soon. Trust your deepest acquaintances, who are solidly rooted in the past, like the foundations that support mountains. Trust Flute, not this newcomer you knew nothing about a breath ago. Please, Uthar... You are to your people as the strongest and most well-crafted pillar that supports the majesty of the main vault... Don't fall for it!"
Uthar sits back, begins to scratch his beard and think about it. He slowly starts to shake his head, starting to work through it.
"All of this slander against me." Khaine states, "I am looking to bring to long lost families back together after a long separation. No harm in that is there? Isn't that right, dear cousin?"
"Don't dear cousin me you blood thirsty monster," Flute says with great disdain. "I don't know how you escaped but I have my suspicion, and now seeing you here, its starting to make sense with all of the bodies and trouble we have been seeing."
Sparhawk is doing his best to keep Flute in check, but even his eyes are hard as stone. Flute manages to shrug off Sparhawk hand, and climbs up into the lap of Uthar, and begins to play her pipe. The song begins to vibrate off the great hall, and all stop to turn and look at her playing, mesmerized. Khaine's faces drops as he sees the effect the music has on the dwarves, with the exception of the dark dwarves and elves. She has a very serious look on her face but still gets a wink out as she continues to play. You can start to see the purplish haze that had enveloped the dwarves begin to dissipate.
Khaine starts to clap softly. "Bravo cousin, bravo. I guess the tales are true how you are being so vexing to Azash and Slaanesh. No matter, this is but a skirmish, the campaign has only just begun." He turns, and leads the group of dark dwarves and elves away.
Khessa quickly catches up with Khaine before he leaves, meeting his eyes with her extremly serious and self-confident blue ones: "Young as you are you are still a god of War... So you should know better than starting a 'campaign' with allies who, like Aazash and Slaanesh, are collecting one crushing defeat after the other".
"You got your freedom?" the blonde arcane warrior goes on "Don't waste it by diving in a conflict that could spell your end. Stop, while you can. Stay out of this. And... just for your information... the last self-proclaiming god who threatened to harm Flute, met quite recently his doom on the tip of my lance. Don't be such a fool".
"Have a nice day" the tall adventuress finally let's him go, with a confident smile, returning to her friends.
Vrox makes a quick movement to snatch the king's mug from the table. He wears a big smile as he does so, as though he's some sort of court jester performing a trick, hoping to deflect any offense such a bold move might imply.
Sleight of Hand: 28
[[OOC: I'll assume that that was a success!]]
As Khaine leaves, Vrox bows to the king again, "I mean no offense King Ûthar," and as he spreads his arms, he dumps out the mug of ale. As he rises from the bow, Vrox suggests, "But perhaps it's time to put away the ale and bring out some casks of good dwarven whiskey instead? A reunion with with false friends is no cause for celebration, but discovering their deception before they had done real harm is! And while the feast continues, Khessa and Clarac and Sir Sparhawk can share news of their recent victories against the rising threat of the gods of Chaos and other ancient foes. And just in time! It seems that this Enemy sought not to break through your masterfully-built stronghold, but to worm their way into your halls of power using deception and enchanted ale."
Persuasion: 23 to avoid offending the king and convince him to welcome the party despite ruining his original celebration
Vrox casts a worried glance at Khessa. He was glad that Khaine was content to leave once the ruse had been exposed and thwarted, and he fears that Khessa will provoke the god into some act of violence before he departs Gurn Borim.
As Flute continues to play, Uthar calls for their own casks to be brought forward, and to have what Khaine brought, removed. He does not seem angry you took his mug, almost like he was appreciative of it. It doesn't take long for his eyes to clear, he sits up straighter, and nods to the music that Flute plays.
"She has a talent for playing, doesn't she?" Uthar asks. "So, intrepid travelers, the fog that for some reason that had settled over my head is clearing. I never thought I would be too old to drink, I am a Dwarf by thunder! His eyes take you all in. "Obviously you weren't here as part of the festivities, nor were you traveling with that merchant Khaine, so why are you here again? I do apologize for keep asking, I don't know why I can't remember what is going on or what has happened in the last day or so. Maybe I am getting too old."
Khessa, who in the meantime, having already given her 'final warning' to the enemy god, has returned with the party, is worried that Uthar does not remember what she told him only moments before and searches with her eyes for her friends... Probably there is still some magical influence to remove...
The blonde arcane warrior attempts a ritual to understand if Uthar is under the influence of a spell - and if so, which one. If she discovers that the dwarf is affected by some spell that a Dispel Magic might be able to remove, she goes on and tries that solution.
Vrox fixes a pleasant expression on his face despite his own concern with the king's forgetfulness . He says, "That's perfectly fine, King Ûthar," and repeats his introduction, the explanation of who the party is, what recently happened with Khaine, etc. He hopes the effect will dissipate now that the dwarves are switching to their own casks of spirits. If their befuddlement continues, then perhaps Khessa and Lord Akkron can figure out what's going on and how to return the dwarves to normal.
Vrox politely asks the king, "How long has this celebration been going on? Ever since the Golgari arrived with that merchant? How long ago was that?" He's trying to check whether Ûthar's confusion coincides whenever he started drinking the ale that Khaine delivered. If the timing seems to match, Vrox suggests to the other party members: "When mortals visit the Feywild, the memory of their visit often fades once they leave, and they can remember little of what they did while there. Such is the magic of the Fey. Perhaps the dwarves' forgetfulness is similar. They may never be able to recall what happened here from the moment they started drinking Khaine's ale until now."
Of course, if that's the case, the dwarves may need to spend some time over the next few days figuring out whether Khaine's group or the Golgari did anything while the Ironkin dwarves were in a stupor. It's bad enough if they were just befuddled, but it would be much worse if the Golgari sabotaged the defenses of Gurn Dorim, spoiled their stores, or stole anything of importance!
Clarac uses her Divine Sense to check for remaining traces of celestials or fiends.
"Mr. Honeysweet explained our reason for being here very clearly. We sought an audience with you, and a tour of your fortress if you are willing." Clarac continues, "There are a thousand reasons not to drink ale, Lord Uthar. Here I suspect the problem was with the ale, but my friend will confirm that. She is an expert." If needed, she will supplement Khessa's Dispel Magic (if she ends up casting it) with a Cleansing Touch or Remove Curse.
From what you could detect, it was an influence, some of it magical and some of it you deduce was in the drink.
Uthar shakes his head, "I don't recall, some days now I think?"
Yôht Grendok looks gravely at Uthar, even though he is rubbing his own head. He calls for the guards. "Send out patrols, inspect all of the posts and defenses. Send scouts into the supply rooms and larders to make sure nothing, and I mean nothing from this trade party has made it into our stocks."
He then looks at the group as Uthar sits in contemplation. "It may sound odd top invite you to sit, seeing what we may have been exposed to. But your friend there is correct, our whiskeys are the best int he land, we also have some fine vintage wines we have received from the human lands. I am very interested in hearing what you have to say about this Khaine, and what may be happening outside of our borders. I am hoping you are correct, and in a few days all of this is behind us, and we can think straight. I offer you hospitality until then. So tell us, what is this all about?"
You are led to fine quarters, informed this is where human and Elven traders come to stay as they are made to fit your size. The following day, Yoht comes to the group in the morning, and leads you to a smaller hall. Food and drink is being brought for breakfast.
"Uthar is still recovering from whatever was in the drink, and other influences that may have been working on his mind. He hates to admit he had been tricked, so his pride may be a little hurt at the moment. He is a tough one, so he should come around soon. So tell me, from what we have heard here int he mountains, there is trouble a foot. Granted, what we get is from tradesman who are more concerned about their coin then anything else, but is war on the horizon?"
He calls for a runner, who leaves and after a short while, returns with a map. He rolls it out, using tankards to hold the corners down. It's a map of Eosia. Except on this map, there is an area you have not seen.
"This is Uhubreen, the home of the Golgari, or at least the ruins as I was told. As the tales would say, from that great war a thousand years ago, just like our Legions served for the Army of Light, the Golgari served for the darkness. After the war ended, just like the Zemochs I believe you humans called them was purged, we never heard what happened to the Golgari. We had always thought they had been purged or wiped out in the war. Yet here they were in our halls, with dark elves non the less. I am sure the High Elves would love to hear about that."
Flute walks over and looks at the map, then wrinkles her nose.
"Ugh, that place! I remember it, it was horrible back then. Not a pretty city like the one here. The Golgari were not true craftsmen or the pursuers of the finer arts from what I remember. I hate to say Yoht, your cousins had rocks for brains. I think that's why they were used as front line troops to take all the damage before the Zemochs and the others engaged the armies."
"If that is what happened in history..." Khessa muses aloud "maybe we could, in principle, have them realize this... and leave the Nefarious Duo (or Trio, now?) alone".
"After all, we were able to change the mind of the rock-headed trolls..." the blonde arcane warrior continues "We might succeed with Golgari dwarves as well!"
"We may have to see what they may be up to." Uthar enters the room and nods to everyone as he comes up to the table and look at the map.
"My apology for the other night, though I hate to say, I was not of the right mind or of the right head. I believe you are correct, either we convince our wayward cousins to turn off this dark path as you have stated been successful in doing with the Trolls to the north, or we will have to see this threat immediately crushed."
Uthar stares at the map with a hard look, tracing his fingers on what appears to be routes from your location to the north.
"I hate being duped and being made the fool. With that in mind, I considered on what you said, that what they were trying was to undermine my authority, weakened our defense, and perish the thought that even for a dwarf to sink so low, murder us in our stupor. I would ask, if you are willing to take this quest for me, go north into Uhubreen, scout out and confirm what they are up to. See if they are truly consorting with this Khaine, and these dark elves. I will prepare the legions, we will march north and meet you there, and see justice is dealt."
He looks at the map, thinks for a moment, then back at the group.
"Yoht may be a head strong lad, but he is my best. He can lead you there if you will have him. If you need anything from our armories or smithies, make your preparations, restock your supplies while I see to forming the Legions. What say you?"
"It will be done!" Khessa pats the dwarf enthusiastically on the shoulder "Send Yoth to guide us. We will see that the treath is coped with, one way or another".
The blonde arcane warrior's blu eyes meet them of her friends... Are they also ready? Or there is something they wish to ask, first?
That's alarming, and Vrox mentions to the others that it leaves a long gap of time when Khaine and his followers could have done quite a bit of harm that has yet to be discovered.
Vrox does not want to alarm Yoht, but he feels it's important to emphasize: "War is not on the horizon: it has started! The Enemy has broken the ancient pact and seeks to return to this world. They have been working to undermine the Free Peoples across Eosia, and the first battles have already been fought! The Duke of Veldos in Elania was corrupted by Nefarious Duo, and his whole court was overrun by cultists and demons. The entire town was massacred in a blood ritual to summon the Chaos gods. We killed many Bloodletters and several Bloodthirster demons and their many followers: warlocks, cultists, vampires, and undead knights. We were barely in time to interrupt the ritual and prevent them from opening the portals to let the Nefarious Duo through."
Vrox nods, "Yes, the elves are aware. We have already been to Eldamar -- before we came here -- and spoke with Lord Ulthran and his counselors. His General Surinthiel Mihrendelas said that the Druhkhari had already been spotted on the Asuryani's northern border," he points to the map, "and they had reports of them in the northern kingdoms in Dearia and Kondo, too." Vrox looks up at Yoht and says, "You should also know that the dragons have been spotted outside their vale. When we went to speak with the troll gods and -- as Khessa said -- convinced them not to fight for the Nefarious Duo, we found dragon emissaries of the enemy already there, trying to sway the troll gods with the lies of the Enemy."