As long as he doesn't see any threats other than the guards, Vrox suddenly stands up and steps out into the open, revealing himself, about 40' away from the guards. He addresses the guards in Elvish, in a loud voice that's meant to carry back to his friends at the edge of the clearing. (He assumes that the Drukhari speak or at least understand the Elvish that the other elves of Eosia speak). Vrox says, "Good day! I am the Warden of Bees and part of the honor guard for, Yôht, an emissary from King Ûthar the Destined. I have heard that we are now in the Gael Wode, home of the Drukhari. Is that true? And can you tell us who dwells here in this great and magnificent tree?" He watches the guards warily as he tries to subtly wave the others forward with his free hand behind his back.
Vrox observes the guards, trying to determine whether they seem actively hostile, suspicious, or welcoming: Insight18
You don't see any hidden guards, but something still feels amiss about the tree and the surroundings. As you approach, the guards just look at you, not raising an alarm, but they are keeping you observed-mostly suspicious by their body language.
Vrox's expression shows a moment of confusion mixed with suspicion. Since the guards did not answer, Vrox tries again, this time in Common: "Good day! I am the Warden of Bees and part of the honor guard for, Yôht, an emissary from King Ûthar the Destined. I have heard that we are now in the Gael Wode, home of the Drukhari. Is that true? And can you tell us who dwells here in this great and magnificent tree?"
Do they respond to his greeting and questions this time? If not, he'll try Sylvan next.
[[OOC: If they don't seem to understand Elvish, Sylvan, or Common, Vrox will start to suspect that these guards aren't really Drukhari elves. Perhaps they're illusions or constructs or undead with no ability to speak.]]
As long as he doesn't see any threats other than the guards, Vrox suddenly stands up and steps out into the open, revealing himself, about 40' away from the guards. He addresses the guards in Elvish, in a loud voice that's meant to carry back to his friends at the edge of the clearing. (He assumes that the Drukhari speak or at least understand the Elvish that the other elves of Eosia speak). Vrox says, "Good day! I am the Warden of Bees and part of the honor guard for, Yôht, an emissary from King Ûthar the Destined. I have heard that we are now in the Gael Wode, home of the Drukhari. Is that true? And can you tell us who dwells here in this great and magnificent tree?" He watches the guards warily as he tries to subtly wave the others forward with his free hand behind his back.
Vrox observes the guards, trying to determine whether they seem actively hostile, suspicious, or welcoming: Insight18
You don't see any hidden guards, but something still feels amiss about the tree and the surroundings. As you approach, the guards just look at you, not raising an alarm, but they are keeping you observed-mostly suspicious by their body language.
Vrox's expression shows a moment of confusion mixed with suspicion. Since the guards did not answer, Vrox tries again, this time in Common: "Good day! I am the Warden of Bees and part of the honor guard for, Yôht, an emissary from King Ûthar the Destined. I have heard that we are now in the Gael Wode, home of the Drukhari. Is that true? And can you tell us who dwells here in this great and magnificent tree?"
Do they respond to his greeting and questions this time? If not, he'll try Sylvan next.
[[OOC: If they don't seem to understand Elvish, Sylvan, or Common, Vrox will start to suspect that these guards aren't really Drukhari elves. Perhaps they're illusions or constructs or undead with no ability to speak.]]
The two guards look at one another, it appears they are conversing with one another. They nod, turn and bow to you, then the double doors open, and they motion for you to enter.
Khessa sighs: "Good... They're definitely not the talkative type, but we've convinced them to let us in. Now all that remains is to convince them to stop serving the Chaos Gods."
The blonde arcane warrior then approaches to enter as well, faithful to her role as diplomatic escort.
As you enter the outer room, you find a blossom-filled antechamber welcoming you into the High Mage’s tree. The walls of this circular chamber are decorated in delicate wooden filigree, and glowing flowers bathe the room in gentle light. An adamantine door shimmers on the east wall, flanked by a pair of enormous willow trees in full blossom. Elvish hymns emanate from within their boughs.
Waiting in the room are two Elvan maidens, both who bow at the waist as you enter the chamber. "I am Sealh and this is Salix," Introduces the maiden on your left. "How may we be of service? Do you have an appointment to meet with the High Mage?"
The two guards look at one another, it appears they are conversing with one another. They nod, turn and bow to you, then the double doors open, and they motion for you to enter.
Vrox is a little disturbed by the apparently mute guards, but he approaches with a broad smile. He steps aside so that Khessa and Yôht can enter the great tree first, followed by Vrox, Clarac, Tyek, Lord Akkron, and Flute.
[[OOC: Did we decide to ask Lord Sparhawk and the other NPCs to wait outside in case we need outside assistance? Or do we want the whole group to stick together and hope that this isn't just a big death trap? I mean -- Durkhari elves -- I'm sure it's dangerous, but you know what I mean.]]
As you enter the outer room, you find a blossom-filled antechamber welcoming you into the High Mage’s tree. The walls of this circular chamber are decorated in delicate wooden filigree, and glowing flowers bathe the room in gentle light. An adamantine door shimmers on the east wall, flanked by a pair of enormous willow trees in full blossom. Elvish hymns emanate from within their boughs.
Waiting in the room are two Elvan maidens, both who bow at the waist as you enter the chamber. "I am Sealh and this is Salix," Introduces the maiden on your left. "How may we be of service? Do you have an appointment to meet with the High Mage?"
Vrox bows in return and says, "Well-met, Sealh and Salix! I am but the herald of this small group." He produces his pan pipes and plays a brief trilling, arpeggio. (Performance: 30) Then he "presents" Yôht, saying, "May I introduce Yôht, a capable young Ironkin Dwarf from Gurn Borim, an emissary of King Ûthar the Destined. We came to the Uhubreen valley to find the Golgari, but we were surprised to find this mighty tree and its forest here before us in the valley!" He gives the dwarf a moment to say hello, but he continues before the plain-spoken dwarf accidentally reveals their ruse.
"How may you be of service?", Vrox muses to himself. "Perhaps you could tell us how long this tree has been here in this valley? The land and the mountains -- they tell me that it has not always been so! Our hearts tell us that we're in the Gael Wode, of old, but our minds said that it could not be! We thought the Gael Wode was lost -- lo! -- many centuries ago, before even Yôht's father's father's time and certainly many generations ago by the counting in the kingdoms of Men."
Vrox waits for their response. If they confirm that we're in the Gael Wode and/or that the tree and its forest were recently brought here somehow, Vrox presses for more details, "That is certainly a miraculous deed: bringing back the Gael Wode and placing it here!! Was it the act of some god? Or did High Mage Varia himself bring back the Gael Wode?" Vrox isn't sure whether the "high mage" they mentioned is Varia, but among the longest-lived elves, it's possible that he's still alive.
If needed, here's a skill check for Vrox to persuade Sealh and Salix to talk to us and/or to maintain the deception of being mere emissaries Vrox - Persuasion / Deception: 16 (or 25 if Clarac or another party member is able to Help)
[[OOC: To be clear, Vrox does not immediately answer their question about an appointment, but he figures that since it was the last question they asked, it's natural to answer it in order -- that is, last, at the end of their conversation.]]
Khessa is surprised by the mention of the High Mage... she was convinced that Kaine (or some other haughty Chaos God) was involved in the appearance of the magical plant... but at least it's a pleasant surprise!
Wizards of all kinds are united by the lure of knowledge! Perhaps this High Mage, if he doesn't immediately turn hostile, will be willing to share some arcane secrets with her and a repository of magical knowledge such as Lord Akkron!
The two guards look at one another, it appears they are conversing with one another. They nod, turn and bow to you, then the double doors open, and they motion for you to enter.
Vrox is a little disturbed by the apparently mute guards, but he approaches with a broad smile. He steps aside so that Khessa and Yôht can enter the great tree first, followed by Vrox, Clarac, Tyek, Lord Akkron, and Flute.
[[OOC: Did we decide to ask Lord Sparhawk and the other NPCs to wait outside in case we need outside assistance? Or do we want the whole group to stick together and hope that this isn't just a big death trap? I mean -- Durkhari elves -- I'm sure it's dangerous, but you know what I mean.]]
As you enter the outer room, you find a blossom-filled antechamber welcoming you into the High Mage’s tree. The walls of this circular chamber are decorated in delicate wooden filigree, and glowing flowers bathe the room in gentle light. An adamantine door shimmers on the east wall, flanked by a pair of enormous willow trees in full blossom. Elvish hymns emanate from within their boughs.
Waiting in the room are two Elvan maidens, both who bow at the waist as you enter the chamber. "I am Sealh and this is Salix," Introduces the maiden on your left. "How may we be of service? Do you have an appointment to meet with the High Mage?"
Vrox bows in return and says, "Well-met, Sealh and Salix! I am but the herald of this small group." He produces his pan pipes and plays a brief trilling, arpeggio. (Performance: 15) Then he "presents" Yôht, saying, "May I introduce Yôht, a capable young Ironkin Dwarf from Gurn Borim, an emissary of King Ûthar the Destined. We came to the Uhubreen valley to find the Golgari, but we were surprised to find this mighty tree and its forest here before us in the valley!" He gives the dwarf a moment to say hello, but he continues before the plain-spoken dwarf accidentally reveals their ruse.
"How may you be of service?", Vrox muses to himself. "Perhaps you could tell us how long this tree has been here in this valley? The land and the mountains -- they tell me that it has not always been so! Our hearts tell us that we're in the Gael Wode, of old, but our minds said that it could not be! We thought the Gael Wode was lost -- lo! -- many centuries ago, before even Yôht's father's father's time and certainly many generations ago by the counting in the kingdoms of Men."
Vrox waits for their response. If they confirm that we're in the Gael Wode and/or that the tree and its forest were recently brought here somehow, Vrox presses for more details, "That is certainly a miraculous deed: bringing back the Gael Wode and placing it here!! Was it the act of some god? Or did High Mage Varia himself bring back the Gael Wode?" Vrox isn't sure whether the "high mage" they mentioned is Varia, but among the longest-lived elves, it's possible that he's still alive.
If needed, here's a skill check for Vrox to persuade Sealh and Salix to talk to us and/or to maintain the deception of being mere emissaries Vrox - Persuasion / Deception: 21 (or 21 if Clarac or another party member is able to Help)
They listen to the sound of the pipes and nod in appreciation. "It has been some time we have heard such wonderful music to our hears, it is quite welcoming." They turn and bow deeply to Yoht, who does look at them in suspicion. "We welcome the emissary of the great dwarves, and ask what can we do to be of service?"
"As for the age of our tree, it took root right after the Great War from what Great Mage told us. He pruned it, grew it, and helped it to become this wonderful site you see." She spreads her arms wide to show the chamber, with a smile on her face."The Great Mage wanted to create a new version of the Great Wode here, to heal this wound."
[[OOC: As @Mister_Whisker pointed out last time this came up in Count Glauer's keep:
He (Lord Akkron) only usually does that in specific situations because (the Hat of Disguise) is an uncommon magic item that requires attunement, which would be a bit of an issue most of the time since he's attuned to a legendary item and two very rare items...
Therefore, I think that you can assume that Lord Akkron is currently in his regular (skeletal) lich-y form:
When the two Elven women lay their eyes on Lord Akron, they look at each other in surprise, then back to Akron, and bow even deeper.
"My Lord, why didn't you tell us you had left to tree to travel, as we are your stewards were should have been informed."
The two begin to shimmer, and then transform from Elven maidens, into Swamp Dryads. Sealh comments, "Oh how I hate wearing the guise of these do gooders! And to speak so prim and nice, bah!"
Salix also comments as she almost shakes to get back into her true Dryad form.
"Well, this explains how these humans got through the pass and the keep, why didn't you say that in the first place my lord? If I may be so bold, what is it that you needed to do on the outside that you left us here? Who are these people?"
Vrox is startled by their reaction to seeing Lord Akkron and even more so by their transformation, but he tries not to show it. At first, he glances at Lord Akkron, wondering how the wizard is related to these creatures. But as they talk, he realizes that they're mistaking him for someone else. Something else that lives in the tree/tower. While they talk, Vrox studies these creatures. Nature: 31 (advantage to recall information about Fey because they are one of his Favored Enemies)
Does Vrox recognize what they are? Does he know anything about Swamp Dryads and their abilities?
Akkron pauses, appraising the two swamp dryads carefully. He has his suspicions that they've mistaken him for someone else, and that could be used to the party's advantage... if he was a silver-tongued Bard rather than a dusty intellectual. So... he opts to say as little as possible while hopefully satisfying them.
"I had to meet with someone of some importance," he says after a moment. "It was something that needed to be dealt with both quickly and in secrecy. As for them... they are indeed emissaries, with whom I have much to discuss."
He silently hopes that the dryads won't ask any more questions... and, honestly, that they can just talk with whoever the real lord of this place is and stop the "deceiving the dryads" thing. Subterfuge is not a skill that he ever felt the desire to hone.
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Akkron pauses, appraising the two swamp dryads carefully. He has his suspicions that they've mistaken him for someone else, and that could be used to the party's advantage... if he was a silver-tongued Bard rather than a dusty intellectual. So... he opts to say as little as possible while hopefully satisfying them.
"I had to meet with someone of some importance," he says after a moment. "It was something that needed to be dealt with both quickly and in secrecy. As for them... they are indeed emissaries, with whom I have much to discuss."
He silently hopes that the dryads won't ask any more questions... and, honestly, that they can just talk with whoever the real lord of this place is and stop the "deceiving the dryads" thing. Subterfuge is not a skill that he ever felt the desire to hone.
The two dryads bow to you. "Our mistake my lord, is there anything we can do do to facilitate?"
Even though she had had been the one to bring up the diplomatic approach, Clarac stays quiet in front of Sealh and Salix. It seemed like they don't take kindly to do-gooders or humans. They would, however, listen to Lord Akkron, which was convenient, but also makes Clarac worry that the Great Mage they spoke of is also a lich.
She wants to suggest to the two dryads that they show the group to the throne room, or a reception hall, or some other facility appropriate for hosting diplomatic talks, but worries that her speaking at all would do more harm than good at this stage, so she says nothing.
Nature: 30 (advantage to recall information about Fey because they are one of his Favored Enemies) Does Vrox recognize what they are? Does he know anything about Swamp Dryads and their abilities?
[[OOC: @Aaggie - unless these dryads are the only Swamp Dryads in all of Eossia and the Feywild, I guess Vrox does recognize what they are. What does he learn/remember about them? Perhaps he has encountered Swamp Dryads before. If they're not strictly evil, maybe the Summer or Winter Courts in the Feywild had some Swamp Dryad allies. Or perhaps Vrox has fought against Swamp Dryads before in the battles against the Unseelie Court?]]
He silently hopes that the dryads won't ask any more questions...
Vrox has to remind himself not to laugh. He normally finds it difficult to read Lord Akkron's bare skull of a face, but Vrox practically imagine a grimace of discomfort on Lord Akkron's "face" when he is suddenly put on the spot in this ruse.
Vrox bows to the "high mage" Lord Akkron and "suggests" to him and "his" swamp dryads, "High Mage, you are a gracious host, and we are pleased with your hospitality. We have traveled a long distance to reach this tower, and we frail beings are not so untiring. Yôht may want to rest and refresh himself before any further discussions." He looks around the current "room" but, seeing no furniture, he looks toward the Swamp Dryads as though looking for help from the "staff" for arranging these matters without bothering the emissary or the High Mage himself: "Is there a sitting room or some private quarters within the tower where we could rest ourselves before the further activities of the day?"
Vrox is startled by their reaction to seeing Lord Akkron and even more so by their transformation, but he tries not to show it. At first, he glances at Lord Akkron, wondering how the wizard is related to these creatures. But as they talk, he realizes that they're mistaking him for someone else. Something else that lives in the tree/tower. While they talk, Vrox studies these creatures. Nature: 30 (advantage to recall information about Fey because they are one of his Favored Enemies)
Does Vrox recognize what they are? Does he know anything about Swamp Dryads and their abilities?
You know thatSwamp dryads mirror the trees to which they are bound. Some stand uncannily tall, with twisting, elongated torsos easily mistaken for tree trunks. Others expand laterally, sporting up to six long arms dripping with moss. Unlike their more common cousins, swamp dryads begin life as mortals, usually as herbalists and other swamp dwellers who spent their lives becoming one with their home. Those who are clever, powerful, or lucky enough may meet an existing swamp dryad who teaches them the secret of binding. Though this process is arduous and can be fatal, a successful binding transforms the mortal into a fey and links them to their chosen tree. Once bound, the new fey and their tree share the same restrictions as a typical Dryad.
Nature: 30 (advantage to recall information about Fey because they are one of his Favored Enemies) Does Vrox recognize what they are? Does he know anything about Swamp Dryads and their abilities?
[[OOC: @Aaggie - unless these dryads are the only Swamp Dryads in all of Eossia and the Feywild, I guess Vrox does recognize what they are. What does he learn/remember about them? Perhaps he has encountered Swamp Dryads before. If they're not strictly evil, maybe the Summer or Winter Courts in the Feywild had some Swamp Dryad allies. Or perhaps Vrox has fought against Swamp Dryads before in the battles against the Unseelie Court?]]
He silently hopes that the dryads won't ask any more questions...
Vrox has to remind himself not to laugh. He normally finds it difficult to read Lord Akkron's bare skull of a face, but Vrox practically imagine a grimace of discomfort on Lord Akkron's "face" when he is suddenly put on the spot in this ruse.
Vrox bows to the "high mage" Lord Akkron and "suggests" to him and "his" swamp dryads, "High Mage, you are a gracious host, and we are pleased with your hospitality. We have traveled a long distance to reach this tower, and we frail beings are not so untiring. Yôht may want to rest and refresh himself before any further discussions." He looks around the current "room" but, seeing no furniture, he looks toward the Swamp Dryads as though looking for help from the "staff" for arranging these matters without bothering the emissary or the High Mage himself: "Is there a sitting room or some private quarters within the tower where we could rest ourselves before the further activities of the day?"
Sealh nods, "But of course, if you follow me. Salix, go talk to those two guarding the door and ask them why they didn't tell us the master was back." As Salix heads towards the front door, Sealh leads you through the doors set in the back of the room and leads you into another chamber.
This chamber contains a lush garden rich in fragrant pink and white springtime blossoms. Vines stretch out from the walls, curling into loose, decorative tunnels that frame paved walkways. The tunnels open into three intimate reception areas with benches, tables, and light refreshments. A prim elf servant stands with a tray of glasses at the ready. The sound of childish laughter fills the halls, as spectral images of young elves chase each other through the tunnels.
As you enter, Sealh waves her hand, "Hanaphaen, these are guests of the master, there is no need for the disguise." She also turns and with a snap of her fingers, the illusion of the children playing disappears. Where the prim Elven servant was standing, a devil retainer now stands. Sealh motions to the chairs and couches for you all to sit and then motions for Hanaphaen to serve the drinks.
Khessa paces the room with apparent indifference, but now convinced that she is in yet another den of evil to be purged... Too bad! An exchange of arcane knowledge with a good High Mage would certainly have been very interesting! But now the prospect seems rather unlikely to her... Considering the servants he surrounds himself with, the lich-high-mage is probably an evil one - who will probably not react with a simple laugh to the fact that an intruder has passed himself off as him. Probably the best bet for the party is to eliminate the servants before the high mage returns, so as to be able to face him alone.
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Vrox's expression shows a moment of confusion mixed with suspicion. Since the guards did not answer, Vrox tries again, this time in Common: "Good day! I am the Warden of Bees and part of the honor guard for, Yôht, an emissary from King Ûthar the Destined. I have heard that we are now in the Gael Wode, home of the Drukhari. Is that true? And can you tell us who dwells here in this great and magnificent tree?"
Do they respond to his greeting and questions this time? If not, he'll try Sylvan next.
[[OOC: If they don't seem to understand Elvish, Sylvan, or Common, Vrox will start to suspect that these guards aren't really Drukhari elves. Perhaps they're illusions or constructs or undead with no ability to speak.]]
The two guards look at one another, it appears they are conversing with one another. They nod, turn and bow to you, then the double doors open, and they motion for you to enter.
Khessa sighs: "Good... They're definitely not the talkative type, but we've convinced them to let us in. Now all that remains is to convince them to stop serving the Chaos Gods."
The blonde arcane warrior then approaches to enter as well, faithful to her role as diplomatic escort.
As you enter the outer room, you find a blossom-filled antechamber welcoming you into the High Mage’s tree. The walls of this circular chamber are decorated in delicate wooden filigree, and glowing flowers bathe the room in gentle light. An adamantine door shimmers on the east wall, flanked by a pair of enormous willow trees in full blossom. Elvish hymns emanate from within their boughs.
Waiting in the room are two Elvan maidens, both who bow at the waist as you enter the chamber. "I am Sealh and this is Salix," Introduces the maiden on your left. "How may we be of service? Do you have an appointment to meet with the High Mage?"
Vrox is a little disturbed by the apparently mute guards, but he approaches with a broad smile. He steps aside so that Khessa and Yôht can enter the great tree first, followed by Vrox, Clarac, Tyek, Lord Akkron, and Flute.
[[OOC: Did we decide to ask Lord Sparhawk and the other NPCs to wait outside in case we need outside assistance? Or do we want the whole group to stick together and hope that this isn't just a big death trap? I mean -- Durkhari elves -- I'm sure it's dangerous, but you know what I mean.]]
Vrox bows in return and says, "Well-met, Sealh and Salix! I am but the herald of this small group." He produces his pan pipes and plays a brief trilling, arpeggio. (Performance: 30) Then he "presents" Yôht, saying, "May I introduce Yôht, a capable young Ironkin Dwarf from Gurn Borim, an emissary of King Ûthar the Destined. We came to the Uhubreen valley to find the Golgari, but we were surprised to find this mighty tree and its forest here before us in the valley!" He gives the dwarf a moment to say hello, but he continues before the plain-spoken dwarf accidentally reveals their ruse.
"How may you be of service?", Vrox muses to himself. "Perhaps you could tell us how long this tree has been here in this valley? The land and the mountains -- they tell me that it has not always been so! Our hearts tell us that we're in the Gael Wode, of old, but our minds said that it could not be! We thought the Gael Wode was lost -- lo! -- many centuries ago, before even Yôht's father's father's time and certainly many generations ago by the counting in the kingdoms of Men."
Vrox waits for their response. If they confirm that we're in the Gael Wode and/or that the tree and its forest were recently brought here somehow, Vrox presses for more details, "That is certainly a miraculous deed: bringing back the Gael Wode and placing it here!! Was it the act of some god? Or did High Mage Varia himself bring back the Gael Wode?" Vrox isn't sure whether the "high mage" they mentioned is Varia, but among the longest-lived elves, it's possible that he's still alive.
If needed, here's a skill check for Vrox to persuade Sealh and Salix to talk to us and/or to maintain the deception of being mere emissaries
Vrox - Persuasion / Deception: 16 (or 25 if Clarac or another party member is able to Help)
[[OOC: To be clear, Vrox does not immediately answer their question about an appointment, but he figures that since it was the last question they asked, it's natural to answer it in order -- that is, last, at the end of their conversation.]]
Khessa is surprised by the mention of the High Mage... she was convinced that Kaine (or some other haughty Chaos God) was involved in the appearance of the magical plant... but at least it's a pleasant surprise!
Wizards of all kinds are united by the lure of knowledge! Perhaps this High Mage, if he doesn't immediately turn hostile, will be willing to share some arcane secrets with her and a repository of magical knowledge such as Lord Akkron!
Akron-are you wearing your hat of disguise or your happy Lich self?
They listen to the sound of the pipes and nod in appreciation. "It has been some time we have heard such wonderful music to our hears, it is quite welcoming." They turn and bow deeply to Yoht, who does look at them in suspicion. "We welcome the emissary of the great dwarves, and ask what can we do to be of service?"
"As for the age of our tree, it took root right after the Great War from what Great Mage told us. He pruned it, grew it, and helped it to become this wonderful site you see." She spreads her arms wide to show the chamber, with a smile on her face. "The Great Mage wanted to create a new version of the Great Wode here, to heal this wound."
Khessa continues to appreciate pleasant surprises... A Great Mage intent on healing wounds... She can't wait to meet him now!
[[OOC: As @Mister_Whisker pointed out last time this came up in Count Glauer's keep:
Therefore, I think that you can assume that Lord Akkron is currently in his regular (skeletal) lich-y form:
]]
When the two Elven women lay their eyes on Lord Akron, they look at each other in surprise, then back to Akron, and bow even deeper.
"My Lord, why didn't you tell us you had left to tree to travel, as we are your stewards were should have been informed."
The two begin to shimmer, and then transform from Elven maidens, into Swamp Dryads. Sealh comments, "Oh how I hate wearing the guise of these do gooders! And to speak so prim and nice, bah!"
Salix also comments as she almost shakes to get back into her true Dryad form.
"Well, this explains how these humans got through the pass and the keep, why didn't you say that in the first place my lord? If I may be so bold, what is it that you needed to do on the outside that you left us here? Who are these people?"
[[OOC:
Huh. I've never heard of swamp dryads before.]]
Vrox is startled by their reaction to seeing Lord Akkron and even more so by their transformation, but he tries not to show it. At first, he glances at Lord Akkron, wondering how the wizard is related to these creatures. But as they talk, he realizes that they're mistaking him for someone else. Something else that lives in the tree/tower. While they talk, Vrox studies these creatures.
Nature: 31 (advantage to recall information about Fey because they are one of his Favored Enemies)
Does Vrox recognize what they are? Does he know anything about Swamp Dryads and their abilities?
Akkron pauses, appraising the two swamp dryads carefully. He has his suspicions that they've mistaken him for someone else, and that could be used to the party's advantage... if he was a silver-tongued Bard rather than a dusty intellectual. So... he opts to say as little as possible while hopefully satisfying them.
"I had to meet with someone of some importance," he says after a moment. "It was something that needed to be dealt with both quickly and in secrecy. As for them... they are indeed emissaries, with whom I have much to discuss."
He silently hopes that the dryads won't ask any more questions... and, honestly, that they can just talk with whoever the real lord of this place is and stop the "deceiving the dryads" thing. Subterfuge is not a skill that he ever felt the desire to hone.
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The two dryads bow to you. "Our mistake my lord, is there anything we can do do to facilitate?"
Even though she had had been the one to bring up the diplomatic approach, Clarac stays quiet in front of Sealh and Salix. It seemed like they don't take kindly to do-gooders or humans. They would, however, listen to Lord Akkron, which was convenient, but also makes Clarac worry that the Great Mage they spoke of is also a lich.
She wants to suggest to the two dryads that they show the group to the throne room, or a reception hall, or some other facility appropriate for hosting diplomatic talks, but worries that her speaking at all would do more harm than good at this stage, so she says nothing.
[[OOC: @Aaggie - unless these dryads are the only Swamp Dryads in all of Eossia and the Feywild, I guess Vrox does recognize what they are. What does he learn/remember about them? Perhaps he has encountered Swamp Dryads before. If they're not strictly evil, maybe the Summer or Winter Courts in the Feywild had some Swamp Dryad allies. Or perhaps Vrox has fought against Swamp Dryads before in the battles against the Unseelie Court?]]
Vrox has to remind himself not to laugh. He normally finds it difficult to read Lord Akkron's bare skull of a face, but Vrox practically imagine a grimace of discomfort on Lord Akkron's "face" when he is suddenly put on the spot in this ruse.
Vrox bows to the "high mage" Lord Akkron and "suggests" to him and "his" swamp dryads, "High Mage, you are a gracious host, and we are pleased with your hospitality. We have traveled a long distance to reach this tower, and we frail beings are not so untiring. Yôht may want to rest and refresh himself before any further discussions." He looks around the current "room" but, seeing no furniture, he looks toward the Swamp Dryads as though looking for help from the "staff" for arranging these matters without bothering the emissary or the High Mage himself: "Is there a sitting room or some private quarters within the tower where we could rest ourselves before the further activities of the day?"
Vrox - Deception: 24
You know that Swamp dryads mirror the trees to which they are bound. Some stand uncannily tall, with twisting, elongated torsos easily mistaken for tree trunks. Others expand laterally, sporting up to six long arms dripping with moss. Unlike their more common cousins, swamp dryads begin life as mortals, usually as herbalists and other swamp dwellers who spent their lives becoming one with their home. Those who are clever, powerful, or lucky enough may meet an existing swamp dryad who teaches them the secret of binding. Though this process is arduous and can be fatal, a successful binding transforms the mortal into a fey and links them to their chosen tree. Once bound, the new fey and their tree share the same restrictions as a typical Dryad.
Sealh nods, "But of course, if you follow me. Salix, go talk to those two guarding the door and ask them why they didn't tell us the master was back." As Salix heads towards the front door, Sealh leads you through the doors set in the back of the room and leads you into another chamber.
This chamber contains a lush garden rich in fragrant pink and white springtime blossoms. Vines stretch out from the walls, curling into loose, decorative tunnels that frame paved walkways. The tunnels open into three intimate reception areas with benches, tables, and light refreshments. A prim elf servant stands with a tray of glasses at the ready. The sound of childish laughter fills the halls, as spectral images of young elves chase each other through the tunnels.
As you enter, Sealh waves her hand, "Hanaphaen, these are guests of the master, there is no need for the disguise." She also turns and with a snap of her fingers, the illusion of the children playing disappears. Where the prim Elven servant was standing, a devil retainer now stands. Sealh motions to the chairs and couches for you all to sit and then motions for Hanaphaen to serve the drinks.
Khessa paces the room with apparent indifference, but now convinced that she is in yet another den of evil to be purged... Too bad! An exchange of arcane knowledge with a good High Mage would certainly have been very interesting! But now the prospect seems rather unlikely to her... Considering the servants he surrounds himself with, the lich-high-mage is probably an evil one - who will probably not react with a simple laugh to the fact that an intruder has passed himself off as him. Probably the best bet for the party is to eliminate the servants before the high mage returns, so as to be able to face him alone.