House rule means you get average roll minimum, rounded up. I believe you get 4 hp.
Spells: I think you have to take at least one of fireball and lightning bolt (pretty sure that is an unwritten rule for wizards). Haste is a really nice buff for melee. Fly could be useful. Hypnotic pattern might be useful if there are low wisdom enemies.
You are returned to The Slumbering Dragon by the guards. Their leader has some quiet words with Yillow. She reacts with surprise and looks to you with a stern gaze. She walks over to you all and says in a distinctly reproaching-Mom-voice, "I won't have any of these shenanigans under my roof! Brundil assured me you were attacked. You aren't expecting anyone else to try to murder you tonight are you?" You all sheepishly shake your heads "No" and she sends you up to your rooms. Brundil calls out, "My men will need to gather your arms and armor," as you all head upstairs. The dwarf guards collect your weapons, you are allowed to keep daggers and staff. Shortly after, Yillow and her crew bring plates of warmed meats, cheese, bread and some grapes to your rooms with a pitcher of ale.
A good night of sleep is had by all of you. Questions circle in your heads about the events of the night: Who is this Alamnal and why does he have a bounty out for Trolkarl? Is Trolkarl hiding something dastardly? What about the green-hatted stranger? Why does he also want Trolkarl? How did he and the drow led group all arrive at the same time? What IS the air speed of a fully laden swallow (Chadwick only)?
The morning arrives and you feel better. Trolkarl and Kragen's strength has returned, thankfully. The chilling touch of the shadows was ice to their core, pure emptiness and hate. More guards arrive after you have some breakfast and you are taken to the citadel. There, Lord Granitethew sits in his chair in his hall. You are brought before him. To your right is the sergeant of the guard from last night. To his right is the green-hatted stranger, minus the hat.
Lord Granitethew addresses you, "Well, some night for you. You brought a no-holds-barred fight to my town with wizards and undead and who knows what else to endanger my people and damage property. Our previous opinion is being put to the test. What have you to say?"
All the beady dwarf eyes in the room turn to watch you as you reply.
Hoid says. “Lord Granitethew, first accept our humble apology for disturbing the peace. It was not our intention to do so. Hopefully you will soon understand we did not choose violence, but when it was thrust upon us, we chose to finish what others started.
We were approached by the leader of the miscreants about purchasing a book that we did not offer for sale or even announce was in our possession. We declined to sell what we had not offered. Upon reflection, we decided to engage the leader in discussions, without knowledge of his gang, to determine why he believed we had what he wanted to buy. We went to the inn where he had said he would be available to meet.
Shortly after we announced our arrival and began our discussion, the miscreants attacked us without provocation. We were left with little choice but to finish what they started. They were offered quarter multiple times and declined. It seems unlikely they would have considered moving our disagreement outside the city, although in the heat of battle I failed to offer that we do so. For that failure, I again apologize.”
Lord Granitestead listens as Hoid speaks, describing the events of the night. He gives a small snort at the end of Hoid's description, "Anyone willing to 'take it outside' doesn't have a real reason to fight."
He looks to the rest of you, "Do any of the rest of you have anything to add?"
Taking a deep breath, Trolkarl slowly responds first In dwarven
I offer my sincerest apologies, Lord Granitehew. You are right to be angered by the events of last night. But those before you are the victims of an ambush in this fight.
Switching to common
I can assure you this attack is due to political maneuvering in the southern land of Cormyr. My family, House Raveshield, has no shortage of enemies and intrigues from sources external and within. But my friends and your people shouldn't suffer for it. We fought to protect ourselves, and if we endangered your people, I offer my deepest regrets. I only ask you to understand this was not an act of recklessness but survival. We defended ourselves from the drow after they used deception and then violence.
I do not hide from my past; I stand ready to face whatever other questions you put before me.
My Lord
Bowing slightly to show respect
There is another matter I feel I must raise, not as an accusation, but as part of the concern for your people.
Pausing a moment
The drow was well aware of knowledge that was only shared to those within this great hall. It concerns me that such sensitive information has somehow found its way into the hands of the drow.
Perhaps this was already known, as with my being here. But the drow knew we shared specific information with you and told us of learning things from the mouths of your court. Perhaps, further deceit. But I am concerned that the enemies that watch me may also have ears in places we both do not expect.
I do not question the loyalty of anyone in this court, again the drow is deceitful. I only share as I feel we both must be vigilant, for there are forces at work beyond what either of us can see.
A ripple goes through the audience as Trolkarl speaks of the drow's sources of information. This is quickly silenced with a look from Lord Granitethew.
"Does anyone else have information to add to this account?," he looks to the rest of you.
Lord Granitethew, esteemed council members, and honorable citizens of Granitestead…
I stand before you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility. I am appalled at what traversed in your noble town last night, especially with all the kindness and generosity you and this town have shown us during our stay.
As my other party members mentioned, we were ambushed by a malevolent group led by the Drow elf whose dark intentions led to chaos and destruction within your peaceful community. In the ensuing battle, despite our best efforts to protect your town, the enemy caused damage to your homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
For this, I offer my sincerest apologies. It was never our intention to bring harm or disruption to your lives. We understand the value of every stone and beam that makes up this great town, and we deeply regret the distress and inconvenience our presence has caused.
I assure you that we are committed to making amends. We are committed to restore the damaged buildings with labor and or coin.
Lord Granitethew, I humbly ask for your forgiveness and the forgiveness of your people. Hopefully we can turn this misfortune into an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between your town and our party.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. May the Tyr guide us all.
“Laird Granitethew, by Tyr, my compatriots speak true!” Humbly pausing before continuing.
”You have been gracious in your hospitality and our actions would never jeopardize the folk of Granitestead nor your hospitality .”, “we acted out of self defense.”
”As Sir Chadwick has committed, we will provide recompense with coin and or labor to those affected by the incident. I also offer my services as a Cleric of Tyr and order of the Hammers of Justice.”
continuing ”Master Trolkarl speaks truth, we sought council with your Maesters on some disturbing information we have recovered regarding nefarious actors in the region. We sought more information so as to address our concerns or contact authorities to investigate. We did this expecting we were in trusted company?” Pauses to allow that to settle. “Sensitive information passed from lose lips amongst your advisors which was used to dupe us into a conflict.”
”Respectfully, I ask you investigate this indiscretion.”
(“We are committed to restore the damaged buildings with labor and or coin.” Nice job writing a check for all of us to cash, particularly considering that the only damage I am aware of came from the guy in the hat that we do not know.)
Hoid interjects, while clasping Chadwick’s shoulder in a manner he hopes to be unpleasant if not painful, “Lord Granitethew, to the best of my knowledge my compatriots and I did not cause any property damage, nor did the drow-lead miscreants, although we may have done emotional harm that cannot be cured through labor or coin. To the best of my knowledge, the only damage was caused by the bolt of lightning that emanated from the gentleman I see before us that was wearing a green hat, to whom we have not had the pleasure of introduction. Of course, if there is a need to mop up the bits of the miscreants that were spilled in the street, show me to a mop and bucket.”
Boarding soon, but wanted to add one more thing. This would come towards the end of the discussions.
"Lord Granitethew, I know it is impertinent to ask, but would you allow us to question the prisoners? Given our success against of forces of evil and chaos we have made enemies, so learning more of their plots against us would benefit all that stand against the dark."
“I was escorted to death’s door by these criminals and almost pushed through. I can not find it within me to apologize for defending myself. I do confess that in the heat of the moment I did not think overly much of collateral damage, but upon reflection I do not think there was much, if any, modulo the aforementioned lightning damage. No doubt the weapons and armor of those foul miscreants can be sold to make amends, or their labor as indentured servants used to fix what they caused to be broken. I would, though, ask if I might be allowed to study the lantern one of them carried, as it operated on a principle with which I am not familiar and that I would like to understand.”
Lord Granitethew sits, listening to all of your accounts. At Chadwick's request to question the drow and others he is interrupted by one of the officers near Granitethew's chair, "Do you not understand who is Laird here?! Laird Granitethew possesses the Granite Scepter. He and his officers will do the questioning of suspects, of which, you are." Granitethew makes a calming gesture and the officer relents, allowing the rest of you to speak.
"Very well, thank you for your account. Now," he turns to the green hatted man, "How did you come to be involved in this?"
Taking a half step forward, the man bows to Lord Granitethew, "It is my pleasure to introduce myself, Lord Granitethew. I am Gaius Hartstone, of Cormyr. I came to be in your lands following the drow elf arrested last night as he travelled from Cormyr on a mission of securing the bounty placed on the head of Trolkarl Ravenshield," he says pointing out Trolkarl. There is a gasp and murmur through the assembled dwarves. Quickly, they are silenced and Gaius proceeds, "A bounty that is unrighteously put on his head by another, and even more unscrupulous drow by the name of Almanal Deepwalker. His very name is signed upon the warrant carried by the arrested drow. I know these things because my family has been terribly wronged by the Ravenshield family and have spied upon the Ravenshields using my arcane abilities." Another ripple, more puzzle ripple moves through the crowd.
"Yes, yes. Maybe not quite so many details of the past?" Lord Graniteshield's officer interjects.
"Of course," Gaius responds. "I have followed them for weeks, traveling north. I was able to have the drow 'find' a magical amulet that I owned and he kept it upon his person. This allowed me to follow him through my magic at a safe distance so not to be discovered. He has been in this area for quite some time with another drow companion. I saw them attacked by a manticore one night while observing them magically. It was quickly jumbled and I did not see the results of the fight. However, I did not see the companion again. He found the dead manticore and remained in that area for a few days, then travelled around collecting a group of people around him. Those are the people with whom he attacked Trolkarl Ravenshield, on promise of a share of the generous bounty named on the warrant. Once I found Trolkarl in Granitestead I stayed near him, knowing the drow was coming." He pauses to look directly at Trolkarl, "He is important to me, you see, because I hope to win him to the side of righteousness and assist me in restoring my family to its rightful place in Hartstone Hold, now called Ravenshiled Manor. All at his family's expense, of course," the last he adds turning to Lord Graniteshield and giving a bow. "I am fully expecting you to judge me liable for the damage to structures from the lightning bolt I unleashed in your town. I truly hope no innocent people were hurt."
The room is quiet as Lord Granitethew sits and thinks. "Bring in the prisoner," he says to the officer. The doors open and the drow, Faelix, is bought forward in manacles and leg irons. He clearly has had a rough night, after your interaction that is. Faelix has a fixed scowl on his face as he stares at Lord Granitethew. "Speak, drow! Justify your actions or face the consequences," Lord Granitethew states.
Faelix stands more upright and his face becomes relaxed. "Good, Lord Granitethew. This is all an attempt to correct a wrong done unto me by these," his manacled hands gesture in your direction vaguely, "criminals." There is a quiet murmur in the audience. "This gang of thieves was working in league with a vicious manticore that attacked my partner and I in the night, murdering him, and flying off with his body. I followed the trail to its lair only to find that these...miscreants...double crossed the beast to steal the treasure it took from my partner's dead body." He then continues, "I have pursued them from Cormyr as they fled justice there for committing murder upon Trolkarl's own brother. The trusted family advisor, Alamnal Deepwalker, was given the task of tracking down the perpetrators at any price. Thus my following them to the Spine of the World as Trolkarl sought to flee justice," he says now smiling.
Lord Granitethew's grip tightens upon the Granite Scepter as he turns his evaluating gaze to the group of you. He then stands, "I will need to consider these testimonies." Turning he walks out of the room. Faelix is taken away. Gaius stands to himself across the room. You are asked to remain where you are as you wait for Lord Granitethew's justice.
It is a few hours later that Lord Granitestead returns to the hall. All stand to take their places and he enters, taking his seat. The Granite Scepter is laid across his lap as he holds it. He looks about the room and finally turns his gaze to you. "Bring him," is all he says. The doors open and Falonir walks into the room. He is escorted by guards, but has no chains on him. He approaches and stands between you and Gaius Hartstone. He gives a quick side glance towards you and then continues to look straight ahead. Lord Granitethew addresses him, "Repeat what you said."
Falonir then recounts a story of being recruited by Faelix to capture Trolkarl and kill any who attempt to defend him. He was promised a share of the bounty plus looting the dead in payment. He planned to take several of the dead for use in experiments that he wishes to perform. There is a grim stare from Lord Granitethew and the rest of the audience at his words. "You swear this to be true?" Lord Granitestead asks. Falonir reponds that he does. Looking to his right, Lord Granitethew sees his head priest nod in confirmation. "Bring the rest," he states.
Firch, Floria and Faelix are led in, all in chains. Falonir is moved to the side for them to stand in the middle. All stare grimly at Falonir. You can see Firch mouth I WILL KILL YOU to Falonir. Once in place, Lord Granitethew continues, "Be it known that I find these three, and their two dead compatriots...GUILTY....of attempting murder and recklessly endangering Granitestead. Furthermore, Alamnal Deepwalker is included in this judgement. Any who bring murder to the lands of Granitestead shall find the same judgement waiting for them." Faelix stares silently at Lord Granitestead with a cold glare. Firch and Floria struggle against their chains to move at Lord Granitestead. He sits calmly as the guards bring the to their knees with the butt end of their glaives. "Firch and Floria, you are consigned to the mines to work for the benefit of the dwarves in payment for your crimes. Falonir, you too are guilty. Given your cooperation you are banished from these lands. Return again and your sentence will be changed to death by hanging. Faelix, you will hang as the morrow's rising sun fills your eyes." Lord Granitethew stands and walks out of the audience hall.
After his departure, the guards with you return you to the Slumbering Dragon. Yillow has sweet breads, bacon and morning ale sitting out for you as she asks, "I had hoped to see you back. That is good, right?"
Shortly after you return to the Slumbering Dragon, Belgger enters the common room. "I am so happy for you all to be safe and recovering well," he says. "My cousin has asked for me to check on you. He is unable to directly since you were in court and he needs to be seen as impartial." His eyes trail off to Yillow as she refreshes the sweet breads and acknowledges Belgger with a slight curtsy. He refocuses on you, "The attackers were questioned through the night. Seems that the wizard cracked when plans were made to remove a finger and consign him to the mines for the rest of his life." Belgger laughs a bit at this. "He gave up all of their meetings and plans as well as the location of their camp an hour or so out of town where the rest of their gear was stowed. In return he was banished, instead of consignment or hanging." He helps himself to a third sweet bread and another flagon of ale, "My goodness these are good!"
Yillow, I can see why Belgger had so much resilience and courage in overcoming that blue dragon. The food back home and perhaps one particular baker kept him motivated.
winking at Belgger
Granitestead is fortunate to have honorable men like you and your cousin. Thank you for sharing this with us.
By the way, was anything shared by the Hartstone man? What was the ruling for him?
One other thing, the liar claimed I was wanted for slaying my brother. In the testimony of the wizard, was anything mentioned about my brother, or was this all another part of the big fabrication?
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You get to add two new spells to your spell book for free. Can be 1st, 2nd or 3rd level.
House rule means you get average roll minimum, rounded up. I believe you get 4 hp.
Spells: I think you have to take at least one of fireball and lightning bolt (pretty sure that is an unwritten rule for wizards). Haste is a really nice buff for melee. Fly could be useful. Hypnotic pattern might be useful if there are low wisdom enemies.
Fireball!!!
Chadwick gets hold person as an oath spell so it's always prepared, so you can probably skip that.
Remember that Haste gives you a round of inaction. So if concentration is lost in mid-combat, affected person is immobile for their next round.
You are returned to The Slumbering Dragon by the guards. Their leader has some quiet words with Yillow. She reacts with surprise and looks to you with a stern gaze. She walks over to you all and says in a distinctly reproaching-Mom-voice, "I won't have any of these shenanigans under my roof! Brundil assured me you were attacked. You aren't expecting anyone else to try to murder you tonight are you?" You all sheepishly shake your heads "No" and she sends you up to your rooms. Brundil calls out, "My men will need to gather your arms and armor," as you all head upstairs. The dwarf guards collect your weapons, you are allowed to keep daggers and staff. Shortly after, Yillow and her crew bring plates of warmed meats, cheese, bread and some grapes to your rooms with a pitcher of ale.
A good night of sleep is had by all of you. Questions circle in your heads about the events of the night: Who is this Alamnal and why does he have a bounty out for Trolkarl? Is Trolkarl hiding something dastardly? What about the green-hatted stranger? Why does he also want Trolkarl? How did he and the drow led group all arrive at the same time? What IS the air speed of a fully laden swallow (Chadwick only)?
The morning arrives and you feel better. Trolkarl and Kragen's strength has returned, thankfully. The chilling touch of the shadows was ice to their core, pure emptiness and hate. More guards arrive after you have some breakfast and you are taken to the citadel. There, Lord Granitethew sits in his chair in his hall. You are brought before him. To your right is the sergeant of the guard from last night. To his right is the green-hatted stranger, minus the hat.
Lord Granitethew addresses you, "Well, some night for you. You brought a no-holds-barred fight to my town with wizards and undead and who knows what else to endanger my people and damage property. Our previous opinion is being put to the test. What have you to say?"
All the beady dwarf eyes in the room turn to watch you as you reply.
Hoid says. “Lord Granitethew, first accept our humble apology for disturbing the peace. It was not our intention to do so. Hopefully you will soon understand we did not choose violence, but when it was thrust upon us, we chose to finish what others started.
We were approached by the leader of the miscreants about purchasing a book that we did not offer for sale or even announce was in our possession. We declined to sell what we had not offered. Upon reflection, we decided to engage the leader in discussions, without knowledge of his gang, to determine why he believed we had what he wanted to buy. We went to the inn where he had said he would be available to meet.
Shortly after we announced our arrival and began our discussion, the miscreants attacked us without provocation. We were left with little choice but to finish what they started. They were offered quarter multiple times and declined. It seems unlikely they would have considered moving our disagreement outside the city, although in the heat of battle I failed to offer that we do so. For that failure, I again apologize.”
Lord Granitestead listens as Hoid speaks, describing the events of the night. He gives a small snort at the end of Hoid's description, "Anyone willing to 'take it outside' doesn't have a real reason to fight."
He looks to the rest of you, "Do any of the rest of you have anything to add?"
Taking a deep breath, Trolkarl slowly responds first In dwarven
I offer my sincerest apologies, Lord Granitehew. You are right to be angered by the events of last night. But those before you are the victims of an ambush in this fight.
Switching to common
I can assure you this attack is due to political maneuvering in the southern land of Cormyr. My family, House Raveshield, has no shortage of enemies and intrigues from sources external and within. But my friends and your people shouldn't suffer for it. We fought to protect ourselves, and if we endangered your people, I offer my deepest regrets. I only ask you to understand this was not an act of recklessness but survival. We defended ourselves from the drow after they used deception and then violence.
I do not hide from my past; I stand ready to face whatever other questions you put before me.
My Lord
Bowing slightly to show respect
There is another matter I feel I must raise, not as an accusation, but as part of the concern for your people.
Pausing a moment
The drow was well aware of knowledge that was only shared to those within this great hall. It concerns me that such sensitive information has somehow found its way into the hands of the drow.
Perhaps this was already known, as with my being here. But the drow knew we shared specific information with you and told us of learning things from the mouths of your court. Perhaps, further deceit. But I am concerned that the enemies that watch me may also have ears in places we both do not expect.
I do not question the loyalty of anyone in this court, again the drow is deceitful. I only share as I feel we both must be vigilant, for there are forces at work beyond what either of us can see.
A ripple goes through the audience as Trolkarl speaks of the drow's sources of information. This is quickly silenced with a look from Lord Granitethew.
"Does anyone else have information to add to this account?," he looks to the rest of you.
Gneuman shakes his head slowly, as if to say, "no". Then whispers to Ajax, "Do you have anything?"
Lord Granitethew, esteemed council members, and honorable citizens of Granitestead…
I stand before you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility. I am appalled at what traversed in your noble town last night, especially with all the kindness and generosity you and this town have shown us during our stay.
As my other party members mentioned, we were ambushed by a malevolent group led by the Drow elf whose dark intentions led to chaos and destruction within your peaceful community. In the ensuing battle, despite our best efforts to protect your town, the enemy caused damage to your homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
For this, I offer my sincerest apologies. It was never our intention to bring harm or disruption to your lives. We understand the value of every stone and beam that makes up this great town, and we deeply regret the distress and inconvenience our presence has caused.
I assure you that we are committed to making amends. We are committed to restore the damaged buildings with labor and or coin.
Lord Granitethew, I humbly ask for your forgiveness and the forgiveness of your people. Hopefully we can turn this misfortune into an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between your town and our party.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. May the Tyr guide us all.
<Finishes with a deep formal bow>
Ajax whispers into Gneuman's ear while remaining invisible, "Tell them how I mated with the elf above." Gneuman is still a beginner at Draconic....
“Laird Granitethew, by Tyr, my compatriots speak true!” Humbly pausing before continuing.
”You have been gracious in your hospitality and our actions would never jeopardize the folk of Granitestead nor your hospitality .”, “we acted out of self defense.”
”As Sir Chadwick has committed, we will provide recompense with coin and or labor to those affected by the incident. I also offer my services as a Cleric of Tyr and order of the Hammers of Justice.”
continuing ”Master Trolkarl speaks truth, we sought council with your Maesters on some disturbing information we have recovered regarding nefarious actors in the region. We sought more information so as to address our concerns or contact authorities to investigate. We did this expecting we were in trusted company?” Pauses to allow that to settle. “Sensitive information passed from lose lips amongst your advisors which was used to dupe us into a conflict.”
”Respectfully, I ask you investigate this indiscretion.”
Kragen nods his head respectfully to the Laird
(“We are committed to restore the damaged buildings with labor and or coin.” Nice job writing a check for all of us to cash, particularly considering that the only damage I am aware of came from the guy in the hat that we do not know.)
Hoid interjects, while clasping Chadwick’s shoulder in a manner he hopes to be unpleasant if not painful, “Lord Granitethew, to the best of my knowledge my compatriots and I did not cause any property damage, nor did the drow-lead miscreants, although we may have done emotional harm that cannot be cured through labor or coin. To the best of my knowledge, the only damage was caused by the bolt of lightning that emanated from the gentleman I see before us that was wearing a green hat, to whom we have not had the pleasure of introduction. Of course, if there is a need to mop up the bits of the miscreants that were spilled in the street, show me to a mop and bucket.”
Boarding soon, but wanted to add one more thing. This would come towards the end of the discussions.
"Lord Granitethew, I know it is impertinent to ask, but would you allow us to question the prisoners? Given our success against of forces of evil and chaos we have made enemies, so learning more of their plots against us would benefit all that stand against the dark."
/OOC Chadwick gained zone of truth this level.
“I was escorted to death’s door by these criminals and almost pushed through. I can not find it within me to apologize for defending myself. I do confess that in the heat of the moment I did not think overly much of collateral damage, but upon reflection I do not think there was much, if any, modulo the aforementioned lightning damage. No doubt the weapons and armor of those foul miscreants can be sold to make amends, or their labor as indentured servants used to fix what they caused to be broken. I would, though, ask if I might be allowed to study the lantern one of them carried, as it operated on a principle with which I am not familiar and that I would like to understand.”
Lord Granitethew sits, listening to all of your accounts. At Chadwick's request to question the drow and others he is interrupted by one of the officers near Granitethew's chair, "Do you not understand who is Laird here?! Laird Granitethew possesses the Granite Scepter. He and his officers will do the questioning of suspects, of which, you are." Granitethew makes a calming gesture and the officer relents, allowing the rest of you to speak.
"Very well, thank you for your account. Now," he turns to the green hatted man, "How did you come to be involved in this?"
Taking a half step forward, the man bows to Lord Granitethew, "It is my pleasure to introduce myself, Lord Granitethew. I am Gaius Hartstone, of Cormyr. I came to be in your lands following the drow elf arrested last night as he travelled from Cormyr on a mission of securing the bounty placed on the head of Trolkarl Ravenshield," he says pointing out Trolkarl. There is a gasp and murmur through the assembled dwarves. Quickly, they are silenced and Gaius proceeds, "A bounty that is unrighteously put on his head by another, and even more unscrupulous drow by the name of Almanal Deepwalker. His very name is signed upon the warrant carried by the arrested drow. I know these things because my family has been terribly wronged by the Ravenshield family and have spied upon the Ravenshields using my arcane abilities." Another ripple, more puzzle ripple moves through the crowd.
"Yes, yes. Maybe not quite so many details of the past?" Lord Graniteshield's officer interjects.
"Of course," Gaius responds. "I have followed them for weeks, traveling north. I was able to have the drow 'find' a magical amulet that I owned and he kept it upon his person. This allowed me to follow him through my magic at a safe distance so not to be discovered. He has been in this area for quite some time with another drow companion. I saw them attacked by a manticore one night while observing them magically. It was quickly jumbled and I did not see the results of the fight. However, I did not see the companion again. He found the dead manticore and remained in that area for a few days, then travelled around collecting a group of people around him. Those are the people with whom he attacked Trolkarl Ravenshield, on promise of a share of the generous bounty named on the warrant. Once I found Trolkarl in Granitestead I stayed near him, knowing the drow was coming." He pauses to look directly at Trolkarl, "He is important to me, you see, because I hope to win him to the side of righteousness and assist me in restoring my family to its rightful place in Hartstone Hold, now called Ravenshiled Manor. All at his family's expense, of course," the last he adds turning to Lord Graniteshield and giving a bow. "I am fully expecting you to judge me liable for the damage to structures from the lightning bolt I unleashed in your town. I truly hope no innocent people were hurt."
The room is quiet as Lord Granitethew sits and thinks. "Bring in the prisoner," he says to the officer. The doors open and the drow, Faelix, is bought forward in manacles and leg irons. He clearly has had a rough night, after your interaction that is. Faelix has a fixed scowl on his face as he stares at Lord Granitethew. "Speak, drow! Justify your actions or face the consequences," Lord Granitethew states.
Faelix stands more upright and his face becomes relaxed. "Good, Lord Granitethew. This is all an attempt to correct a wrong done unto me by these," his manacled hands gesture in your direction vaguely, "criminals." There is a quiet murmur in the audience. "This gang of thieves was working in league with a vicious manticore that attacked my partner and I in the night, murdering him, and flying off with his body. I followed the trail to its lair only to find that these...miscreants...double crossed the beast to steal the treasure it took from my partner's dead body." He then continues, "I have pursued them from Cormyr as they fled justice there for committing murder upon Trolkarl's own brother. The trusted family advisor, Alamnal Deepwalker, was given the task of tracking down the perpetrators at any price. Thus my following them to the Spine of the World as Trolkarl sought to flee justice," he says now smiling.
Lord Granitethew's grip tightens upon the Granite Scepter as he turns his evaluating gaze to the group of you. He then stands, "I will need to consider these testimonies." Turning he walks out of the room. Faelix is taken away. Gaius stands to himself across the room. You are asked to remain where you are as you wait for Lord Granitethew's justice.
It is a few hours later that Lord Granitestead returns to the hall. All stand to take their places and he enters, taking his seat. The Granite Scepter is laid across his lap as he holds it. He looks about the room and finally turns his gaze to you. "Bring him," is all he says. The doors open and Falonir walks into the room. He is escorted by guards, but has no chains on him. He approaches and stands between you and Gaius Hartstone. He gives a quick side glance towards you and then continues to look straight ahead. Lord Granitethew addresses him, "Repeat what you said."
Falonir then recounts a story of being recruited by Faelix to capture Trolkarl and kill any who attempt to defend him. He was promised a share of the bounty plus looting the dead in payment. He planned to take several of the dead for use in experiments that he wishes to perform. There is a grim stare from Lord Granitethew and the rest of the audience at his words. "You swear this to be true?" Lord Granitestead asks. Falonir reponds that he does. Looking to his right, Lord Granitethew sees his head priest nod in confirmation. "Bring the rest," he states.
Firch, Floria and Faelix are led in, all in chains. Falonir is moved to the side for them to stand in the middle. All stare grimly at Falonir. You can see Firch mouth I WILL KILL YOU to Falonir. Once in place, Lord Granitethew continues, "Be it known that I find these three, and their two dead compatriots...GUILTY....of attempting murder and recklessly endangering Granitestead. Furthermore, Alamnal Deepwalker is included in this judgement. Any who bring murder to the lands of Granitestead shall find the same judgement waiting for them." Faelix stares silently at Lord Granitestead with a cold glare. Firch and Floria struggle against their chains to move at Lord Granitestead. He sits calmly as the guards bring the to their knees with the butt end of their glaives. "Firch and Floria, you are consigned to the mines to work for the benefit of the dwarves in payment for your crimes. Falonir, you too are guilty. Given your cooperation you are banished from these lands. Return again and your sentence will be changed to death by hanging. Faelix, you will hang as the morrow's rising sun fills your eyes." Lord Granitethew stands and walks out of the audience hall.
After his departure, the guards with you return you to the Slumbering Dragon. Yillow has sweet breads, bacon and morning ale sitting out for you as she asks, "I had hoped to see you back. That is good, right?"
Shortly after you return to the Slumbering Dragon, Belgger enters the common room. "I am so happy for you all to be safe and recovering well," he says. "My cousin has asked for me to check on you. He is unable to directly since you were in court and he needs to be seen as impartial." His eyes trail off to Yillow as she refreshes the sweet breads and acknowledges Belgger with a slight curtsy. He refocuses on you, "The attackers were questioned through the night. Seems that the wizard cracked when plans were made to remove a finger and consign him to the mines for the rest of his life." Belgger laughs a bit at this. "He gave up all of their meetings and plans as well as the location of their camp an hour or so out of town where the rest of their gear was stowed. In return he was banished, instead of consignment or hanging." He helps himself to a third sweet bread and another flagon of ale, "My goodness these are good!"
Yillow, I can see why Belgger had so much resilience and courage in overcoming that blue dragon. The food back home and perhaps one particular baker kept him motivated.
winking at Belgger
Granitestead is fortunate to have honorable men like you and your cousin. Thank you for sharing this with us.
By the way, was anything shared by the Hartstone man? What was the ruling for him?
One other thing, the liar claimed I was wanted for slaying my brother. In the testimony of the wizard, was anything mentioned about my brother, or was this all another part of the big fabrication?