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.
Vrox is now starting to think that talking their way into the tree / tower was a bad idea. Even if they find and defeat the high mage, he's starting to keep a tally of the foes that they may have to fight to get back out: this devil, the 2 swamp dryads, and the 2 "elves" guarding the doors.
Vrox thanks Sealh and says, "Thank you for your service. I think that we have everything we need now." He gestures for Yôht to have a seat, but he waits a moment, seeing whether the swamp dryads leave them and close the doors to the first room. (If they end up fighting the devil, it would be better if the swamp dryads are on the other side of the door.) While he waits, Vrox looks to Lord Akkron with a pleasant but somewhat uncertain expression. Internally, he's unsure how to play the current situation. How good is the lich at improvising on-the-spot, he wonders, instead of spending years in study or simply summoning aberrations and shadowy things to crush his enemies? Vrox wonders what the Drukhari High Mage would really do if he brought guests into his tower like this. If Lord Akkron remains, Vrox is sure that the servant will quickly realize that he's a different lich from their High Mage. But it seems dangerous for Lord Akkron to go exploring the tower on his own.
If the swamp dryad remains, Vrox stands there waiting. He looks at Lord Akkron, just glancing at the swamp dryad with his eyes, waiting for the "High Mage" to dismiss her back to her post.
When the swamp dryad leaves the room, Vrox watchers her and looks to see whether she closes the door to the first room. Then Vrox turns back to Lord Akkron and smiles. He switches to Elvish, which seems natural when addressing the "Drukhari High Mage." He knows that Lord Akkron speaks Elvish, and he hopes that the devil does not. Still, he tries to figure out what Lord Akkron wants to do here without revealing too much in case the devil understands.
Vrox asks Lord Akkron in Elvish:
(Elvish) "It seems like this devil is your servant, and I suppose that he will see to our needs. Would you like to sit and talk more now? Or perhaps you need to vanish and attend to a High Mage's business while Yôht and the rest of us rest and have some refreshment here?"
Khessa's quick mind immediately catches the reference to the spell with which she is accustomed to guarantee the privacy of the party every night!
"Your every wish is my command, my master!" the blonde arcane warrior bows her head in respect, then begins the appropriate procedure... and, about ten minutes later, she, who has taken care to finish behind the devil's back, furtively makes the sign of 'thumb-up' to her undead mentor, ready for any future developments of the situation.
Clarac takes a seat at one of the couches but does not accept a drink. When Khessa starts finishes casting her spell, Clarac uses her divine sense to determine the location of any fiends or undead within the area of the sanctum, or within a 60 ft. radius of her, whichever is smaller. She shares what she learns with her companions.
Where was the party seated? The reception area at the north by the stairs, the one in the middle, or the one way at the south and nearest to the chamber with the swamp dryads?
Does Hanaphaen serve the party drinks and then move out of sight when dismissed by Lord Akkron? Or does he hang around nearby?
Could you explain the tunnels of vines in more detail? Vines stretch out from the walls, curling into loose, decorative tunnels that frame paved walkways. Do those tunnels stretch from floor to ceiling, or is there room at the top to see over them? Are the vines dense enough to be opaque, or can we see through them? Basically, Vrox
Vrox's Land's Stride feature says: "you can also pass through nonmagical plants without being slowed by them and without taking damage from them." I'm not sure whether that means that he can move through the walls of vines that form the tunnels. They're not like a Wall of Thorns, but would you still call them "magical"?
Because of the customs in the Feywild, Vrox will not accept gifts, including a "gift" food or drink that a host offers him. He can pay for a meal, or he can make some sort of fair bargain. In this case, he simply tells Hanaphaen confidentially (in Infernal), "Nothing for me. I'm still working," with a dramatic eyeroll and a glance toward Yôht, as though Vrox is some sort of long-suffering servant.
Vrox wants to ensure that Hanaphaen doesn't spy on the party, including during the time that Khessa is casting her spell. If Hanaphaen serves the drinks and then leaves them "alone," Vrox will take them time when Khessa is casting her spell to stroll all along the paths in this room, from the double doors to the stairs. He plays idly on his pan flute from time to time as he walks, but he stops to listen and look around at various points.
Vrox is trying to get a look around at this "room" in the tower in case they have to fight here. He keeps his eyes open for anything that could indicate a trap or some sort of hidden danger to the party. (Perception: 30, advantage from Sentinel Shield) He also wants to ensure that Hanaphaen isn't trying to lurk on the other side of the vines just opposite of where the party is seated. If he finds Hanaphaen lurking near the party's location, let me know. (Let me know if he finds Hanaphaen on his stroll, because Vrox would engage him in conversation. He would both try to learn more from the devil and to lead the devil farther away from the party's position.)
Vrox also wants to figure out whether there are creatures hiding within the walls of vines or whether the vines themselves are living creatures or somehow animated. He'll take out his Baleful Talon and cut some of the vines to see whether they react or move or attack in any way. If the vines seem to be more than simple plants, Vrox tries to identify them based on what he sees of their behavior. (Nature: 23) If anyone challenges him, Vrox just says that he hoped to fashion a sort of wreath or crown from the vines in this garden, which he does attempt to do. (Sleight of Hand: 31)
Vrox tries to arrive back at the party at about the same time when Khessa's finishes casting her spell.
Where was the party seated? The reception area at the north by the stairs, the one in the middle, or the one way at the south and nearest to the chamber with the swamp dryads?
Does Hanaphaen serve the party drinks and then move out of sight when dismissed by Lord Akkron? Or does he hang around nearby?
Could you explain the tunnels of vines in more detail? Vines stretch out from the walls, curling into loose, decorative tunnels that frame paved walkways. Do those tunnels stretch from floor to ceiling, or is there room at the top to see over them? Are the vines dense enough to be opaque, or can we see through them? Basically, Vrox
Vrox's Land's Stride feature says: "you can also pass through nonmagical plants without being slowed by them and without taking damage from them." I'm not sure whether that means that he can move through the walls of vines that form the tunnels. They're not like a Wall of Thorns, but would you still call them "magical"?
]]
You tell me where you are sitting.
The vines that form the walls of the tunnels aren’t closely woven and you can see through them. The do stretch to the ceiling of the chamber, like vines or Spanish moss per say. They are not magical.
Haraphaen does serve the drinks, but he waits near the stairs at the north end of the chamber, in case he is needed.
Because of the customs in the Feywild, Vrox will not accept gifts, including a "gift" food or drink that a host offers him. He can pay for a meal, or he can make some sort of fair bargain. In this case, he simply tells Hanaphaen confidentially (in Infernal), "Nothing for me. I'm still working," with a dramatic eyeroll and a glance toward Yôht, as though Vrox is some sort of long-suffering servant.
Vrox wants to ensure that Hanaphaen doesn't spy on the party, including during the time that Khessa is casting her spell. If Hanaphaen serves the drinks and then leaves them "alone," Vrox will take them time when Khessa is casting her spell to stroll all along the paths in this room, from the double doors to the stairs. He plays idly on his pan flute from time to time as he walks, but he stops to listen and look around at various points.
Vrox is trying to get a look around at this "room" in the tower in case they have to fight here. He keeps his eyes open for anything that could indicate a trap or some sort of hidden danger to the party. (Perception: 30, advantage from Sentinel Shield) He also wants to ensure that Hanaphaen isn't trying to lurk on the other side of the vines just opposite of where the party is seated. If he finds Hanaphaen lurking near the party's location, let me know. (Let me know if he finds Hanaphaen on his stroll, because Vrox would engage him in conversation. He would both try to learn more from the devil and to lead the devil farther away from the party's position.)
Vrox also wants to figure out whether there are creatures hiding within the walls of vines or whether the vines themselves are living creatures or somehow animated. He'll take out his Baleful Talon and cut some of the vines to see whether they react or move or attack in any way. If the vines seem to be more than simple plants, Vrox tries to identify them based on what he sees of their behavior. (Nature: 23) If anyone challenges him, Vrox just says that he hoped to fashion a sort of wreath or crown from the vines in this garden, which he does attempt to do. (Sleight of Hand: 31)
Vrox tries to arrive back at the party at about the same time when Khessa's finishes casting her spell.
You can see that Haraphaen is not really paying attention and looks like he would rather be somewhere else then there. The vines cut like natural vines do, no reaction.
Clarac takes a seat at one of the couches but does not accept a drink. When Khessa starts finishes casting her spell, Clarac uses her divine sense to determine the location of any fiends or undead within the area of the sanctum, or within a 60 ft. radius of her, whichever is smaller. She shares what she learns with her companions.
OOC:
Action: Divine Sense (2nd charge used)
Your divine sense is going hay wired, you sense fiends above you, more devils and there is a darkness coursing through the tree, like a dark sap.
Once the comfortable bubble is set up and no one can hear them, Akkron finally breathes a sigh of relief.
"So... do all liches look the same to these people," he mutters, his tone somewhere between mildly amused and slightly offended. "In any case... it is probably in our best interests to get our story straight in case they ask more questions."
He pauses in thought for a moment.
"I would prefer not to engage in wholesale slaughter if it can be avoided. If they had attacked us on sight I would not hesitate... but to deceive them and completely betray their trust feels impure, even if they are fiends."
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"Master Akkron, your good heart does you credit as always!" Khessa smiles. "Okay, we'll abandon the deception that Vrox has so cleverly created. But perhaps we could at least use it a little longer first... perhaps to release some of the contracts that bind the devils to this place! If they believe you are the Master, they would have to obey you, if you let them go back to the Nine Hells without serving you anymore. And if they at least realized that you are another lich... perhaps they would be happy to be freed and could at least tell you where the contract that binds them to the other side's service is. There must be a contract, I suppose... That way, we could at least reduce the number of the other side's forces - just in case it comes to hostilities."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vrox doesn't quite understand the difference Lord Akkron is making. Trickery is fun! And in war, it can also deadly. He's certain that the Golgari and Drukhari who were with Khaine planned something nefarious and deadly after earning the trust of King Ûthar and the Ironkin Dwarves. The party just arrived in time to stop it. To Vrox, the current ruse isn't any different from a military tactic, like a false attack to draw the opponent's army away from the real target or faking a rout to draw the enemy into a trap. Indeed, in the Feywild, it was seen as amusing, smart, and praiseworthy to use illusions and enchantments to trick the enemy before wiping out their forces on the field of battle.
But hearing Khessa suggestion, Vrox says, "I could try talking to Haraphaen, if you'd like, 'servant-to-servant.' I got the impression that he does not like his current role, and perhaps he'd be willing to help us defeat the High mage in exchange for his freedom. I guess we at least all agree that the other lich is a major threat, and we should defeat him before King Ûthar tries to bring the Voltans into the Uhubreen Valley?"
Vrox waits to hear what the others think. If they agree, he'll go look for Haraphaen by the stairs, sneaking along quietly so that he can see what the devil is doing before he approaches. (Vrox smiles as he thinks to himself, "What the devil is the devil up to down there?") Stealth: 29, advantage from Shadowfell Brand Tattoo
Khessa clarifies: "If by chance Haraphaen is also convinced that Master Akkron is ... the other Dark Overlord, I would exploit this belief to have Master Akkron tell him he can return to the Nine Hells and, there, considering himself dismissed by the service. We would thus free ourselves safely and effectively of that opponent".
"I would keep your plan as a second choice," the arcane blonde suggests "in the event that the devil is not deceived. Because, you know, Vrox, the devils are usually so absurdly loyal to contracts (at least to the letter of them)... Haraphaen, although he does not love the High Mage, could very well refuse to fight him and, indeed, help him in battle, as long as we do not invalidate the contract between the two".
Khessa clarifies: "If by chance Haraphaen is also convinced that Master Akkron is ... the other Dark Overlord, I would exploit this belief to have Master Akkron tell him he can return to the Nine Hells...
"Oh! I understand you now," Vrox says. "Yes, much like a Bargain in the Feywild, the wording of a devil's contract is very important. But I thought that contracts were usually a tool that devils use to bind and ensnare mortals. When a wizard binds a devil to his will, wouldn't they use their own magic to do it? If that's the case here, then Lord Akkron cannot free them, and attempting to do so will reveal the deception."
Vrox explains that he was just proposing to talk to the demon to find how it came to be serving drinks to the High Mage's guests. He's not intending to recruit the Haraphaen or reveal that Lord Akkron is not the High Mage yet. More like, "I'm surprised that you'd consent to such a low position among the High Mage's servants. Are you being punished? Or are you getting something particularly good in exchange?" Perhaps Haraphaen will reveal how they became bound to the High Mage's service and what the limits of the contract or spell are. Then the party can use that information to determine whether they can free the High Mage's devils.
Khessa then pats the Fey on the shoulder, laughing, and agrees: "Oh, ok, Mr Sweet Tongue! Then go and have your talk with the Butler from the Nine Hells!"
Vrox doesn't quite understand the difference Lord Akkron is making. Trickery is fun! And in war, it can also deadly. He's certain that the Golgari and Drukhari who were with Khaine planned something nefarious and deadly after earning the trust of King Ûthar and the Ironkin Dwarves. The party just arrived in time to stop it. To Vrox, the current ruse isn't any different from a military tactic, like a false attack to draw the opponent's army away from the real target or faking a rout to draw the enemy into a trap. Indeed, in the Feywild, it was seen as amusing, smart, and praiseworthy to use illusions and enchantments to trick the enemy before wiping out their forces on the field of battle.
But hearing Khessa suggestion, Vrox says, "I could try talking to Haraphaen, if you'd like, 'servant-to-servant.' I got the impression that he does not like his current role, and perhaps he'd be willing to help us defeat the High mage in exchange for his freedom. I guess we at least all agree that the other lich is a major threat, and we should defeat him before King Ûthar tries to bring the Voltans into the Uhubreen Valley?"
Vrox waits to hear what the others think. If they agree, he'll go look for Haraphaen by the stairs, sneaking along quietly so that he can see what the devil is doing before he approaches. (Vrox smiles as he thinks to himself, "What the devil is the devil up to down there?") Stealth: 26, advantage from Shadowfell Brand Tattoo
The devil appears to be of all things, daydreaming. He is not even looking at the group, rather he is looking off in the distance, towards the western wall.
The devil appears to be of all things, daydreaming. He is not even looking at the group, rather he is looking off in the distance, towards the western wall.
Vrox emerges from the shadows and then approaches the devil. Vrox usually walks with a quiet, light step, but here he intentionally steps a little louder, ensuring that his hooves click audibly on the paved path as he approaches the devil. He says, "Hullo, Haraphaen. Do you mind if I sit here?" He points to one of the two benches (the one opposite Haraphaen, if the devil is currently seated). As long as Haraphaen does not object, he sits and arranges his shield and gear by his feet or next to him on the bench.
Vrox looks around pleasantly and takes out the wreath of cut vines that he was making. While he talks with Haraphaen, he continues working on it as though just passing some idle time while waiting for Yôht and the High Mage to finish talking. He braids the vines so that the wreath won't unwind and ensuring that as many leaves are visible and facing the "top" or "outside" of the wreath. Vrox switches to Infernal while speaking with the devil, thinking that that makes him seem less suspicious as an ally of the High Mage and these other devil/demon-aligned factions: "It seems like they might be a while." He tosses his head generally in the direction where he left Yôht and the others. Then he gives Haraphaen a quizzical look as though something just occurred to him, and he asks, "If you don't mind my asking, how does a devil like yourself come to be here, serving refreshments? Or do you have some other role when the High Mage isn't entertaining guests?" He tries to keep his tone neutral but with the implication that this work is beneath someone as powerful as Haraphaen.
[[OOC: @Aaggie - I know that Vrox rolled a Deception 22 earlier. Let me know whether he needs one or more additional CHA checks for this conversation.]]
The devil appears to be of all things, daydreaming. He is not even looking at the group, rather he is looking off in the distance, towards the western wall.
Vrox emerges from the shadows and then approaches the devil. Vrox usually walks with a quiet, light step, but here he intentionally steps a little louder, ensuring that his hooves click audibly on the paved path as he approaches the devil. He says, "Hullo, Haraphaen. Do you mind if I sit here?" He points to one of the two benches (the one opposite Haraphaen, if the devil is currently seated). As long as Haraphaen does not object, he sits and arranges his shield and gear by his feet or next to him on the bench.
Vrox looks around pleasantly and takes out the wreath of cut vines that he was making. While he talks with Haraphaen, he continues working on it as though just passing some idle time while waiting for Yôht and the High Mage to finish talking. He braids the vines so that the wreath won't unwind and ensuring that as many leaves are visible and facing the "top" or "outside" of the wreath. Vrox switches to Infernal while speaking with the devil, thinking that that makes him seem less suspicious as an ally of the High Mage and these other devil/demon-aligned factions: "It seems like they might be a while." He tosses his head generally in the direction where he left Yôht and the others. Then he gives Haraphaen a quizzical look as though something just occurred to him, and he asks, "If you don't mind my asking, how does a devil like yourself come to be here, serving refreshments? Or do you have some other role when the High Mage isn't entertaining guests?" He tries to keep his tone neutral but with the implication that this work is beneath someone as powerful as Haraphaen.
[[OOC: @Aaggie - I know that Vrox rolled a Deception 22 earlier. Let me know whether he needs one or more additional CHA checks for this conversation.]]
You catch him by surprise, as he was obviously not paying attention and you find it strange to see a devil embarrassed. He looks over your shoulder at Akron, believing it to be the High Mage.
"I am surprised that old bastard is not relishing how he has bound us to his service. And not a normal binding either, but to the very bloody end and with that damn lich over there, there is no such thing as an end. He summoned us through his circle of summoning, then with that damnable black magic of his, bound us to his service until the utter end, and that means his end."
He looks once more to make sure he is not being overheard or observed, then motions you close to him so he can whisper.
"Ok, I understand that even you Fey would be a little cautious to hear from a devil about making a deal, but I will make one with you and it won't cost you anything, except my freedom to get away from this place and return to the depths of hell. Higher in the tree, is a chamber for his greatness (he spits on the ground) does his necromancy. In that chamber is his magical summoning circle. Destroy the circle, and all of the devils will be unbound and released."
He looks once more to see what Akron is doing.
"You shouldn't be listening to him. Do you know how he got his power, why he is a lich? When he was a battle mage all those years ago, he discovered a cryptic tome on the corpse of an enemy wizard, and he set his sights even higher—for the tome contained a ritual to keep his vigor and power forever. After many late nights spent deciphering the text, he succumbed to the irresistible pull to complete this ritual... and sacrificed his own best friend in the process. And they give us devils a bad rep. Are you sure you want to be associating with someone drunk on power, sacrifices his own friend, and has a dark, evil heart?"
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Vrox is now starting to think that talking their way into the tree / tower was a bad idea. Even if they find and defeat the high mage, he's starting to keep a tally of the foes that they may have to fight to get back out: this devil, the 2 swamp dryads, and the 2 "elves" guarding the doors.
Vrox thanks Sealh and says, "Thank you for your service. I think that we have everything we need now." He gestures for Yôht to have a seat, but he waits a moment, seeing whether the swamp dryads leave them and close the doors to the first room. (If they end up fighting the devil, it would be better if the swamp dryads are on the other side of the door.) While he waits, Vrox looks to Lord Akkron with a pleasant but somewhat uncertain expression. Internally, he's unsure how to play the current situation. How good is the lich at improvising on-the-spot, he wonders, instead of spending years in study or simply summoning aberrations and shadowy things to crush his enemies? Vrox wonders what the Drukhari High Mage would really do if he brought guests into his tower like this. If Lord Akkron remains, Vrox is sure that the servant will quickly realize that he's a different lich from their High Mage. But it seems dangerous for Lord Akkron to go exploring the tower on his own.
If the swamp dryad remains, Vrox stands there waiting. He looks at Lord Akkron, just glancing at the swamp dryad with his eyes, waiting for the "High Mage" to dismiss her back to her post.
When the swamp dryad leaves the room, Vrox watchers her and looks to see whether she closes the door to the first room. Then Vrox turns back to Lord Akkron and smiles. He switches to Elvish, which seems natural when addressing the "Drukhari High Mage." He knows that Lord Akkron speaks Elvish, and he hopes that the devil does not. Still, he tries to figure out what Lord Akkron wants to do here without revealing too much in case the devil understands.
Vrox asks Lord Akkron in Elvish:
(Elvish) "It seems like this devil is your servant, and I suppose that he will see to our needs. Would you like to sit and talk more now? Or perhaps you need to vanish and attend to a High Mage's business while Yôht and the rest of us rest and have some refreshment here?"
Lord Akkron waits until everyone has been served, then dismisses "his servants" with a wave of his hand.
"Leave us," he says. "I have important matters to discuss with our guests."
As soon as the servants are gone, he glances at Khessa.
"Would you mind giving us a bit more privacy?" he asks, his tone neutral, not wanting to risk alerting the staff that something is off.
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Khessa's quick mind immediately catches the reference to the spell with which she is accustomed to guarantee the privacy of the party every night!
"Your every wish is my command, my master!" the blonde arcane warrior bows her head in respect, then begins the appropriate procedure... and, about ten minutes later, she, who has taken care to finish behind the devil's back, furtively makes the sign of 'thumb-up' to her undead mentor, ready for any future developments of the situation.
Clarac takes a seat at one of the couches but does not accept a drink. When Khessa starts finishes casting her spell, Clarac uses her divine sense to determine the location of any fiends or undead within the area of the sanctum, or within a 60 ft. radius of her, whichever is smaller. She shares what she learns with her companions.
OOC:
Action: Divine Sense (2nd charge used)
[[OOC: @Aaggie - A few questions:
Vines stretch out from the walls, curling into loose, decorative tunnels that frame paved walkways.
Do those tunnels stretch from floor to ceiling, or is there room at the top to see over them? Are the vines dense enough to be opaque, or can we see through them? Basically, Vrox
]]
Because of the customs in the Feywild, Vrox will not accept gifts, including a "gift" food or drink that a host offers him. He can pay for a meal, or he can make some sort of fair bargain. In this case, he simply tells Hanaphaen confidentially (in Infernal), "Nothing for me. I'm still working," with a dramatic eyeroll and a glance toward Yôht, as though Vrox is some sort of long-suffering servant.
Vrox wants to ensure that Hanaphaen doesn't spy on the party, including during the time that Khessa is casting her spell. If Hanaphaen serves the drinks and then leaves them "alone," Vrox will take them time when Khessa is casting her spell to stroll all along the paths in this room, from the double doors to the stairs. He plays idly on his pan flute from time to time as he walks, but he stops to listen and look around at various points.
Vrox is trying to get a look around at this "room" in the tower in case they have to fight here. He keeps his eyes open for anything that could indicate a trap or some sort of hidden danger to the party. (Perception: 30, advantage from Sentinel Shield) He also wants to ensure that Hanaphaen isn't trying to lurk on the other side of the vines just opposite of where the party is seated. If he finds Hanaphaen lurking near the party's location, let me know. (Let me know if he finds Hanaphaen on his stroll, because Vrox would engage him in conversation. He would both try to learn more from the devil and to lead the devil farther away from the party's position.)
Vrox also wants to figure out whether there are creatures hiding within the walls of vines or whether the vines themselves are living creatures or somehow animated. He'll take out his Baleful Talon and cut some of the vines to see whether they react or move or attack in any way. If the vines seem to be more than simple plants, Vrox tries to identify them based on what he sees of their behavior. (Nature: 23) If anyone challenges him, Vrox just says that he hoped to fashion a sort of wreath or crown from the vines in this garden, which he does attempt to do. (Sleight of Hand: 31)
Vrox tries to arrive back at the party at about the same time when Khessa's finishes casting her spell.
You tell me where you are sitting.
The vines that form the walls of the tunnels aren’t closely woven and you can see through them. The do stretch to the ceiling of the chamber, like vines or Spanish moss per say. They are not magical.
Haraphaen does serve the drinks, but he waits near the stairs at the north end of the chamber, in case he is needed.
You can see that Haraphaen is not really paying attention and looks like he would rather be somewhere else then there. The vines cut like natural vines do, no reaction.
Your divine sense is going hay wired, you sense fiends above you, more devils and there is a darkness coursing through the tree, like a dark sap.
He bows and moves to the far side of the room, near the stairs going up. "I'll be here if you need me, master," he states as he moves away.
Once the comfortable bubble is set up and no one can hear them, Akkron finally breathes a sigh of relief.
"So... do all liches look the same to these people," he mutters, his tone somewhere between mildly amused and slightly offended. "In any case... it is probably in our best interests to get our story straight in case they ask more questions."
He pauses in thought for a moment.
"I would prefer not to engage in wholesale slaughter if it can be avoided. If they had attacked us on sight I would not hesitate... but to deceive them and completely betray their trust feels impure, even if they are fiends."
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"Master Akkron, your good heart does you credit as always!" Khessa smiles. "Okay, we'll abandon the deception that Vrox has so cleverly created. But perhaps we could at least use it a little longer first... perhaps to release some of the contracts that bind the devils to this place! If they believe you are the Master, they would have to obey you, if you let them go back to the Nine Hells without serving you anymore. And if they at least realized that you are another lich... perhaps they would be happy to be freed and could at least tell you where the contract that binds them to the other side's service is. There must be a contract, I suppose... That way, we could at least reduce the number of the other side's forces - just in case it comes to hostilities."
Vrox doesn't quite understand the difference Lord Akkron is making. Trickery is fun! And in war, it can also deadly. He's certain that the Golgari and Drukhari who were with Khaine planned something nefarious and deadly after earning the trust of King Ûthar and the Ironkin Dwarves. The party just arrived in time to stop it. To Vrox, the current ruse isn't any different from a military tactic, like a false attack to draw the opponent's army away from the real target or faking a rout to draw the enemy into a trap. Indeed, in the Feywild, it was seen as amusing, smart, and praiseworthy to use illusions and enchantments to trick the enemy before wiping out their forces on the field of battle.
But hearing Khessa suggestion, Vrox says, "I could try talking to Haraphaen, if you'd like, 'servant-to-servant.' I got the impression that he does not like his current role, and perhaps he'd be willing to help us defeat the High mage in exchange for his freedom. I guess we at least all agree that the other lich is a major threat, and we should defeat him before King Ûthar tries to bring the Voltans into the Uhubreen Valley?"
Vrox waits to hear what the others think. If they agree, he'll go look for Haraphaen by the stairs, sneaking along quietly so that he can see what the devil is doing before he approaches. (Vrox smiles as he thinks to himself, "What the devil is the devil up to down there?")
Stealth: 29, advantage from Shadowfell Brand Tattoo
Khessa clarifies: "If by chance Haraphaen is also convinced that Master Akkron is ... the other Dark Overlord, I would exploit this belief to have Master Akkron tell him he can return to the Nine Hells and, there, considering himself dismissed by the service. We would thus free ourselves safely and effectively of that opponent".
"I would keep your plan as a second choice," the arcane blonde suggests "in the event that the devil is not deceived. Because, you know, Vrox, the devils are usually so absurdly loyal to contracts (at least to the letter of them)... Haraphaen, although he does not love the High Mage, could very well refuse to fight him and, indeed, help him in battle, as long as we do not invalidate the contract between the two".
"Oh! I understand you now," Vrox says. "Yes, much like a Bargain in the Feywild, the wording of a devil's contract is very important. But I thought that contracts were usually a tool that devils use to bind and ensnare mortals. When a wizard binds a devil to his will, wouldn't they use their own magic to do it? If that's the case here, then Lord Akkron cannot free them, and attempting to do so will reveal the deception."
Vrox explains that he was just proposing to talk to the demon to find how it came to be serving drinks to the High Mage's guests. He's not intending to recruit the Haraphaen or reveal that Lord Akkron is not the High Mage yet. More like, "I'm surprised that you'd consent to such a low position among the High Mage's servants. Are you being punished? Or are you getting something particularly good in exchange?" Perhaps Haraphaen will reveal how they became bound to the High Mage's service and what the limits of the contract or spell are. Then the party can use that information to determine whether they can free the High Mage's devils.
Khessa then pats the Fey on the shoulder, laughing, and agrees: "Oh, ok, Mr Sweet Tongue! Then go and have your talk with the Butler from the Nine Hells!"
The devil appears to be of all things, daydreaming. He is not even looking at the group, rather he is looking off in the distance, towards the western wall.
Vrox emerges from the shadows and then approaches the devil. Vrox usually walks with a quiet, light step, but here he intentionally steps a little louder, ensuring that his hooves click audibly on the paved path as he approaches the devil. He says, "Hullo, Haraphaen. Do you mind if I sit here?" He points to one of the two benches (the one opposite Haraphaen, if the devil is currently seated). As long as Haraphaen does not object, he sits and arranges his shield and gear by his feet or next to him on the bench.
Vrox looks around pleasantly and takes out the wreath of cut vines that he was making. While he talks with Haraphaen, he continues working on it as though just passing some idle time while waiting for Yôht and the High Mage to finish talking. He braids the vines so that the wreath won't unwind and ensuring that as many leaves are visible and facing the "top" or "outside" of the wreath. Vrox switches to Infernal while speaking with the devil, thinking that that makes him seem less suspicious as an ally of the High Mage and these other devil/demon-aligned factions: "It seems like they might be a while." He tosses his head generally in the direction where he left Yôht and the others. Then he gives Haraphaen a quizzical look as though something just occurred to him, and he asks, "If you don't mind my asking, how does a devil like yourself come to be here, serving refreshments? Or do you have some other role when the High Mage isn't entertaining guests?" He tries to keep his tone neutral but with the implication that this work is beneath someone as powerful as Haraphaen.
[[OOC: @Aaggie - I know that Vrox rolled a Deception 22 earlier. Let me know whether he needs one or more additional CHA checks for this conversation.]]
You catch him by surprise, as he was obviously not paying attention and you find it strange to see a devil embarrassed. He looks over your shoulder at Akron, believing it to be the High Mage.
"I am surprised that old bastard is not relishing how he has bound us to his service. And not a normal binding either, but to the very bloody end and with that damn lich over there, there is no such thing as an end. He summoned us through his circle of summoning, then with that damnable black magic of his, bound us to his service until the utter end, and that means his end."
He looks once more to make sure he is not being overheard or observed, then motions you close to him so he can whisper.
"Ok, I understand that even you Fey would be a little cautious to hear from a devil about making a deal, but I will make one with you and it won't cost you anything, except my freedom to get away from this place and return to the depths of hell. Higher in the tree, is a chamber for his greatness (he spits on the ground) does his necromancy. In that chamber is his magical summoning circle. Destroy the circle, and all of the devils will be unbound and released."
He looks once more to see what Akron is doing.
"You shouldn't be listening to him. Do you know how he got his power, why he is a lich? When he was a battle mage all those years ago, he discovered a cryptic tome on the corpse of an enemy wizard, and he set his sights even higher—for the tome contained a ritual to keep his vigor and power forever. After many late nights spent deciphering the text, he succumbed to the irresistible pull to complete this ritual... and sacrificed his own best friend in the process. And they give us devils a bad rep. Are you sure you want to be associating with someone drunk on power, sacrifices his own friend, and has a dark, evil heart?"