As they enter the town, Perrin can't help but chuckle at the legality of pickpocketing. He had heard of the law before of course, but he still found it amusing. He figured that it would be pretty hard to steal his coin under all his bundles of winter clothing, so he didn't bother moving his coin pouch. When he notices a few people looking staring at him, he glares back, inwardly smiling at making them uncomfortable. Two could play at that game. Other than that, he trots along silently after the others.
Aubreen looks to Marlede, "I would like to speak with Captain Arlaggath before the burning. We dont have much time, lets find this Captain and the Town speaker. We need to stop this, at least postpone it so we can get some answers." A clear look of perplexed thought crosses his face, he mulls over the possibilities.
"What if we cant find them, is there any way we can stop or slow this procedure down? Where do you think he is being held, any chance we can speak to the damnable wizard himself?"
Sirius tucks all his money pouches into the pockets of the deepest layer of his pants and his medallion and crystal under his undershirt. Should be safe enough there, he thinks. What kind of a town allows for such obscene actions, he mutters to himself.
Sirius speaks to the group of people. ”Where is the damnable wizard being held, do you know?” Sirius really emphasizes his supposed disdain for the wizard to communicate that he isn’t on the wizard’s side. After asking the question, Sirius shoots an apologetic gaze at Marlede. ”Oh and where is the local library?” We’ll surely have time to visit the library after this whole ordeal is dealt with, he thinks.
The man Sirius spoke to thinks for a moment. "Well, probably in the town hall. They've got prisons in the cellars for his kind. Or maybe he's already on the stake. You know, to let him squirm a bit." The man says with crude humor and laughs. "S'gonna be enjoyable I tell you. Not every day Speaker Waylen coughs up this kind of spectacle."
You make your way to the town hall without issue, arriving at the edge of a throng of People. There were small braziers set up that served as a way to keep people warm before the big pyre was lit. The method of execution was visible from quite some distance away: a large pile of wood, stacked in a stairway pattern, forming a rough pyramid. At the top, a long wooden pole, empty at the moment.
The place wasn't as crowded as one might expect, the surrounding public houses instead packed with people. Some guards were making the rounds, ensuring everyone behaved properly. Considering the circumstances, the mood was ecstatic. People talked about this as a big event, alcohol was served. Seemingly half the town was present either around or at the place in front of the town hall. The hall itself had two guards stationed at the main entrance, something normally eschewed.
Marlede is not paying attention to any of you and is just looking around, as if she's looking for someone or something. At one point, she separates from the group when you least expect it. It takes her a little while to come back towards the group.
"Well, should we head inside the Town Hall? Aubreen is right. Let's not wait for the burning. Let's just say we're here to talk with Captain Arlaggath and see what happens."
She makes her way towards the entrance of the Town Hall.
Aubreen doesnt walk, or stride, he marches towards the city hall, anger fueling every step, it simmers and threatens to boil over at any minute. "By all that is holy, this whole situation stinks, it is an abomination, an unholy thing. Burning a 'wizard' at the stake, by Ilmater are we savages." He says wizard with true vehemence, his disgust spilling out with every word.
He stomps towards the town hall, "If these fools are not cooperative, if Captain Arlaggath or speaker Wylan? are not amenable I say we take the wizard by means, this treachery of life has got to stop!" Managing to contain himself as they approach the guards at the town hall. "Good sirs, it is most urgent, truly life and death that we speak with Captain Arlaggath, we come directly from Bran Hoarth, the head preist in Bryn. we must have audience, if not please fetch Speaker Wylan?" He looks earnest and sincere at the guard, yet beneath the fires rage, "Now, it is most urgent." Coming out perhaps a bit stronger than desired.
Aubreen [Persuasion with advantage: 22]: Faced with the large, red-haired warrior, the two guards' stances become more rigid. They look at Aubreen, then give each other a side-eye. "A matter of life and death? Both Speaker Waylen and Captain Arlaggath are inside, I'll go ask. Please remain outside."
One of them heads inside. The other explains the extra security measure: "Normally the town hall is open to all, but the wizard is potentially dangerous even without his means to cast spells. We will not risk citizens getting hurt or their minds twisted by illusion."
Marlede & Aubreen [P. Insight]: Though the guard doesn't say it outright, they may be afraid that someone would come and rescue the wizard, and you don't think the guard is suspecting your group.
After five minutes, the door opens and the previous guard exits with a haggard and pale man walking after him. The man introduces himself: "Danneth Waylen, Speaker of Easthaven" He offers a handshake. "Captain Arlaggath is making urgent preparations for the burning at the present moment, but I can spare a moment if it's really so important. What is this life and death matter the guard spoke of?"
Aubreen manages to settle his anger into a hot white core, contained, for now. As the Speaker steps out the door a thought occurs. "Speaker Waylan, greetings" A long deep breath "We have discovered a plot by evil druids, worshippers of Auril intent on making this winter permanent. Their goal is to subjugate and destroy the people of Ten-Towns. They are murdering citizens, awakening beasts to terrorize and kill, and preparing for a ritual as we speak." He pauses, as much for dramatic effect as to consider his next words.
"The wizard you hold, has vital information. Information we can not allow to be lost. My companions and I must speak to him, urgently or others in Ten towns will die."
The speaker listens to Aubreen with the well practiced composure of one who has heard a lot of stories and seen a great deal of them play out himself. Aubreen [Persuasion with advantage: 15]: After considering for a moment, Danneth sighs quietly.
"First, may I inquire who you are? You are well informed and I'm not familiar with your faces." Assuming everyone introduces themselves, he nods and continues: "You'll have to make it quick, the man's to be brought out to the pyre soon. Follow me."
The speaker leads you into the town hall interior. Inside, a guard you haven't seen before joins you. The town hall is easily one of the biggest buildings in all of the towns, wide with a thick stone wall and three stories high. You are being led first through an assembly room, looking strange being completely empty and dark, then through an administrative office. Finally, you reach a back room. Low-burning lanterns cast a gentle glow upon a tall, black object in the center of this room. Although one could easily mistake it for a statue, this object is actually the figurehead of a ship and is carved in the likeness of a winged demon. The demon-shaped figurehead stands eight feet tall. Shards of wood jut out of the demon’s back at the points where the figurehead once attached to the hull of a ship. Danneth acknowledges the statue for a moment, but almost waves its presence away. "Don't touch that please, it's a long story."
You are being led down a flight of stairs into the dark of a dungeon under the town hall. There, three more guards and a human woman in more robust equipment are standing in front of one of several prison cells.
"Captain Arlaggath", the speaker says, in introduction and greeting alike. The woman looks over to you to nod, then back to her charge. Inside of the cell, you see a relatively young pale human male, his hands bound and his mouth gagged. On his head, a pointy wizard hat, locks of his brownish-blonde hair falling into his face.
"This is Dzaan, the wizard who murdered the 'Fine Five', an adventuring party." Waylen says. Dzaan looks up, his eyes dull and angry. The town speaker continues, directing his words at Arlaggath. "Captain, these fine folk would like to question the wizard before the burning, as he may know something about the frost druids. I think we can accomodate that."
The leader of the towns guard looks a bit sour at this, but she nods slowly. Taking out a bundle of keys, she unlocks the cell and walks behind Dzaan. She says: "Everyone on guard. This man is eloquent in the arts of illusionary spells. Wizard, do not say anything unless to answer a question that is being asked or I'll be forced to crack the pommel of my dagger into your skull." Upon this, she removes the gag. Dzaan glumly stares into the round, doing as he was told and listening for questions.
Marlede tries to hide her disgust towards Dzaan, but it's evident in her face. She knows that Aubreen is using the information about the Druids of Auril as leverage, but Marlede becomes impatient and begins to question him by adding to what the Captain said:
"And if you try to lie to me, Dzaan, it won't go well for you either. Now, this might not be related to the Druids, but I need to knows three things from you. What did you hire the Fine Five for? Where did you kill them? And lastly, why? What was so important that you felt the need to snuff out their lives?"
Dzaan blows a strand of his shaggy hair aside with his mouth before answering. He has a rough voide, cracked and parched. He groans: "Already told you. Helped me dig up a ruin east. Killed them there. I wanted to ... stop anyone else from finding it. They ... would've told. Avarice and Vellynne would've found out. Wizards from the Brotherhood."
The town speaker stands next to you with crossed arms. He elaborates: "He claims to be a member from the Arcane Brotherhood himself. They've got their towers in Luskan, not too far away from the Dale, all things considered." Danneth frowns. "And wouldn't be the first time a wizard from the Brotherhood tried to interfere in Tentown business." He looks over to Arlaggath. "Remember Vaelish Gant?" She nods. "Massive prick."
Aubreen glowers at Marlede, his annoyance at being mislead, his anger finds a new home. His eyes clearly conveying that there will be words between Marlede and himself, in a less public area.
Knowing now that it is probably futile, this man is not connected to the druids, Marlede had her own reasons to confront him, he still had to ask, "Tell me what you know of the Frost Druids of Auril?" This wizard is no innocent, by his own admission. Burning may not be the gentlest of modes but Justice must be served.
Where does her anger come from? Marlede has a brother, hurt? sick? Does she have others? Did she have others? Her preoccupation with the Fine Five is curious. I dont see any other connection. Aubreen ponders to himself.
Perrin's beady eyes flick between Marlede and the wizard, understanding dawning upon him. So he was right in assuming that she had some sort of connection to the adventurers that this wizard had killed. As callous as it sounded, he was almost more interested in the ruins that the wizard had killed people to keep secret than the adventurers themselves. Yes, it was a tragedy that they were murdered in cold blood, but he was quite curious as to why they were murdered in the first place. What was in the ruins that this scum of a wizard wanted to hide?
Clearing his throat, he repeats the wizards words in an unwavering imitation of the man, "A ruin east. Avarice and Vellyn." He cocks his head to the side to indicate he was asking a question, and he could only hope that his intention and meaning was conveyed across the limitations of his speech.
Dzaan meets the eyes of Aubreen, a momentary look of confusion from in between the pain and anger. "Fanatics. Auril worshippers. Vellynne was interested in them. Don't know anything else."
Speaker Waylens expression makes it clear that he isn't satisfied with that answer. The captain, still standing begind Dzaan, makes a move as if to strike the wizard. The man howls: "It's true!" Coughing. "Ask her!", jutting his chin at Marlede.
The speaker turns to you. His face seems to be incapable of showing true anger, so instead he mostly looks confused. "It seems you owe me an explanation."
To Perrin, Dzaan answers: "Yeah, east. Ten miles past Caer Konig. Netherese." "Avarice and Vellynne. Wizards. Opportunists. Searching for power."
Captain Arlaggath grumbles: "He'd have frozen long before he got there without the Fine Five. They knew how to navigate through the wilderness. One of them was a goliath, to boot." She looks dissatisfied with the whole situation, a dark glower in her eyes. "Listen, I questioned him too. I let you do this because I may have missed something. But you're wasting my time. Unless you feel like surpising me, I suggest you leave and let me back to it."
Waylen doesn't elaborate on that, but he clearly agrees with the captain.
Marlede faces towards Captain Arlaggath and nods her head, as if to confirm Dzaan isn't lying, then shifts her gaze towards Dzaan.
"Whatever you did to break him worked, Captain. Now, Dzaan, If this 'Vellynne' was interested enough in the Druids, they would have done their own research on the matter, so I reckon that's our best lead to finding more of those Druids. Tell me what Avarice and Vellynne look like. I heard you're an expert on illusions, so they must have a specialty, too. I suspect they wouldn't think twice about turning you over if they were in your position. So I hope you cooperate while the Captain is still letting us ask nicely."
Any sign of anger, sadness or disgust she had previously displayed fades as she focuses whatever Dzaan says next, ready to detect any deception. She even ignores the Speaker as he asks for explanations.
Aubreen nods at the Speakers words, "I understand Speaker Waylen, but if you would please but give her a moment more, do you mind if we speak over there a moment" He nods to a quiet corner and tries to pull the Speaker after him. In hushed tones Aubreen fills in the Speaker on the groups discovery starting with Yurgunn, the hunt for Sephek, the druid, the tomb and the awakened murderous Moose, all of it.
"I understand there appears no connection between the two but we didn't know that until now. We heard of the wizard and out of hope and perhaps a little desperation had to take the chance. Certainly wasting your time was not what we desired." He glances back at the wizard and his interrogators, the Captain standing behind him. "Ten towns is suffering, this Lottery and sacrifice needs to end. Killing your own citizens to appease the whims of an evil goddess will achieve nothing but pain and heartbreak, I am sure your people would agree." He pauses, letting the weight of his comments sink in. "Is there anything you know, or could do to help us achieve our goal. We will find these druids, end this gods forsaken winter and bring back peace and hope to these lands. It is a tall order and we could use all the help we can get"
When the interrogation is over he would lhead back outside to watch the spectacle. Not the murder of the wizard but the crowd that has gathered, keeping an eye on anything suspicious.
Dzaan replies to Marlede, his head drooping: "Avarice's an albino tiefling. Evoker. Vellynne's an old hag. Eyepatch. Necromancer. *****es both." The wizards spits on the floor. Arlaggath behind him still looks annoyed, but a touch of curiosity has crept into her expression. She follows up on Marledes questioning: "You mean they'd be just as happy to murder people as you are?" The wizard grunts, perhaps in pain, perhaps in confirmation.
Marlede [Insight: 14] spots no sign that would indicate that Dzaan is lying.
Waylen inclines his head and follows Aubreen a few steps farther into the dungeon. After Aubreen has given his explanation and the groups story so far, he is pensive. On his sallow face and steady eyes you read the weight of responsibility, the strength to hold to a decision once made. "The sacrifices are a burden that all of Tentowns is carrying together. It is the last thing we managed to agree on unilaterally. Because it works." His jaw works as if to form the words. "Blizzards have abated enough so our boats don't sink and our people can leave their houses for a few hours."
Upon Aubreens last words, the Speaker looks to Sirius, Perrin and Marlede, then back, taking your measure. Probably deciding if you were joking or dead serious. He seems to lean towards the latter. "I admire your courage and what you have done so far. But frost druids have plagued the Dale for longer than the eternal winter - I fear they are a symptom, not the cause. And it's not just them. I'm getting reports of all sorts of opportunists using the current situation for their own ends."
As the interrogation comes to a close, Waylen walks with you back to the entrance of the town hall. On the way there, he continues, directed at the whole group: "I hope you understand that I need to look out for my people. Talk of ending the eternal winter will not help them, even if it is said in earnest. If you want to help, I've got several fishers missing along the lake."
"I offer as a reward two of the magic items we confiscated from the murderer."
You're once again standing in front of the town hall. It is still some time until the burning. Waylen awaits your response, meanwhile looking grimly down to where the people started crowding around the pyre in earnest. As if in anticipation, there is no snow falling at all. The night sky is visible overhead, a thin sliver of the waning moon emerging from the horizon.
Marlede looks calm after the interrogation. Hearing the speaker's words, she looks to the group for a moment, then says "I can't speak for all of us, but since I'm already here, I'd like to help find the missing people. Just point me in the right direction and I could survey the area, maybe find some clues to their whereabouts."
After they're done getting the details of this mission, Marlede will face him and say "Speaker Waylen, sir. If we get enough results, would you and the other speakers consider halting the sacrifices? You might not believe in us now, but I'd rather put my faith in them," gesturing to the party "than continue to live in fear of whether my family will live through the next lottery or not. And I won't pretend to lecture you on the matter, because you look like you know already how I feel. " As Marlede says this, she stares into the speaker's eyes, trying to convey her feelings of resolve and faith.
Noticing the 'pleasant' weather they're having, Marlede clicks her tongue. "Of course," she mutters to herself in a sarcastic tone.
She waits until Aubreen is alone to approach and says "Tell me, Aubreen. What has you so upset? I mean, aside from the obvious," she says as she looks at the crowd.
Aubreen glances at Marlede then turns to face her. The anger that burned white hot just a short time ago replaced with a sorrow. With a gentle smile, so rarely seen form him, "I felt deceived Marlede, as if you had made a fool of me but no, it was mine own doing." He pauses, as he sorts his thoughts and feelings. "I immediately and incorrectly assumed the wizard was a victim, swept up in the fear and hysteria that so sadly grips these towns. You could have corrected me, informed us all of your true intent and interest."
"Perhaps it is none of my business, or perhaps you should tell us all what drives you. If we are to stick together I do not want any more surprises, that wizard would have been dangerous if we had to fight him. I will not travel with another who endangers my self or those I call friend."
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Marlede's looks angry as the figure finishes talking about what Dzaan did.
"Right... We should head towards the burning. I'd like to talk to Captain Arlaggath afterwards."
She begins to walk towards where the burning will take place in silence.
Currently DMing:
As they enter the town, Perrin can't help but chuckle at the legality of pickpocketing. He had heard of the law before of course, but he still found it amusing. He figured that it would be pretty hard to steal his coin under all his bundles of winter clothing, so he didn't bother moving his coin pouch. When he notices a few people looking staring at him, he glares back, inwardly smiling at making them uncomfortable. Two could play at that game. Other than that, he trots along silently after the others.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Aubreen looks to Marlede, "I would like to speak with Captain Arlaggath before the burning. We dont have much time, lets find this Captain and the Town speaker. We need to stop this, at least postpone it so we can get some answers." A clear look of perplexed thought crosses his face, he mulls over the possibilities.
"What if we cant find them, is there any way we can stop or slow this procedure down? Where do you think he is being held, any chance we can speak to the damnable wizard himself?"
Sirius tucks all his money pouches into the pockets of the deepest layer of his pants and his medallion and crystal under his undershirt. Should be safe enough there, he thinks. What kind of a town allows for such obscene actions, he mutters to himself.
Sirius speaks to the group of people. ”Where is the damnable wizard being held, do you know?” Sirius really emphasizes his supposed disdain for the wizard to communicate that he isn’t on the wizard’s side. After asking the question, Sirius shoots an apologetic gaze at Marlede. ”Oh and where is the local library?” We’ll surely have time to visit the library after this whole ordeal is dealt with, he thinks.
The man Sirius spoke to thinks for a moment. "Well, probably in the town hall. They've got prisons in the cellars for his kind. Or maybe he's already on the stake. You know, to let him squirm a bit." The man says with crude humor and laughs. "S'gonna be enjoyable I tell you. Not every day Speaker Waylen coughs up this kind of spectacle."
You make your way to the town hall without issue, arriving at the edge of a throng of People. There were small braziers set up that served as a way to keep people warm before the big pyre was lit. The method of execution was visible from quite some distance away: a large pile of wood, stacked in a stairway pattern, forming a rough pyramid. At the top, a long wooden pole, empty at the moment.
The place wasn't as crowded as one might expect, the surrounding public houses instead packed with people. Some guards were making the rounds, ensuring everyone behaved properly. Considering the circumstances, the mood was ecstatic. People talked about this as a big event, alcohol was served. Seemingly half the town was present either around or at the place in front of the town hall. The hall itself had two guards stationed at the main entrance, something normally eschewed.
Marlede is not paying attention to any of you and is just looking around, as if she's looking for someone or something. At one point, she separates from the group when you least expect it. It takes her a little while to come back towards the group.
"Well, should we head inside the Town Hall? Aubreen is right. Let's not wait for the burning. Let's just say we're here to talk with Captain Arlaggath and see what happens."
She makes her way towards the entrance of the Town Hall.
Currently DMing:
Aubreen doesnt walk, or stride, he marches towards the city hall, anger fueling every step, it simmers and threatens to boil over at any minute. "By all that is holy, this whole situation stinks, it is an abomination, an unholy thing. Burning a 'wizard' at the stake, by Ilmater are we savages." He says wizard with true vehemence, his disgust spilling out with every word.
He stomps towards the town hall, "If these fools are not cooperative, if Captain Arlaggath or speaker Wylan? are not amenable I say we take the wizard by means, this treachery of life has got to stop!" Managing to contain himself as they approach the guards at the town hall. "Good sirs, it is most urgent, truly life and death that we speak with Captain Arlaggath, we come directly from Bran Hoarth, the head preist in Bryn. we must have audience, if not please fetch Speaker Wylan?" He looks earnest and sincere at the guard, yet beneath the fires rage, "Now, it is most urgent." Coming out perhaps a bit stronger than desired.
Aubreen [Persuasion with advantage: 22]: Faced with the large, red-haired warrior, the two guards' stances become more rigid. They look at Aubreen, then give each other a side-eye. "A matter of life and death? Both Speaker Waylen and Captain Arlaggath are inside, I'll go ask. Please remain outside."
One of them heads inside. The other explains the extra security measure: "Normally the town hall is open to all, but the wizard is potentially dangerous even without his means to cast spells. We will not risk citizens getting hurt or their minds twisted by illusion."
Marlede & Aubreen [P. Insight]: Though the guard doesn't say it outright, they may be afraid that someone would come and rescue the wizard, and you don't think the guard is suspecting your group.
After five minutes, the door opens and the previous guard exits with a haggard and pale man walking after him. The man introduces himself: "Danneth Waylen, Speaker of Easthaven" He offers a handshake. "Captain Arlaggath is making urgent preparations for the burning at the present moment, but I can spare a moment if it's really so important. What is this life and death matter the guard spoke of?"
Aubreen manages to settle his anger into a hot white core, contained, for now. As the Speaker steps out the door a thought occurs. "Speaker Waylan, greetings" A long deep breath "We have discovered a plot by evil druids, worshippers of Auril intent on making this winter permanent. Their goal is to subjugate and destroy the people of Ten-Towns. They are murdering citizens, awakening beasts to terrorize and kill, and preparing for a ritual as we speak." He pauses, as much for dramatic effect as to consider his next words.
"The wizard you hold, has vital information. Information we can not allow to be lost. My companions and I must speak to him, urgently or others in Ten towns will die."
The speaker listens to Aubreen with the well practiced composure of one who has heard a lot of stories and seen a great deal of them play out himself.
Aubreen [Persuasion with advantage: 15]: After considering for a moment, Danneth sighs quietly.
"First, may I inquire who you are? You are well informed and I'm not familiar with your faces." Assuming everyone introduces themselves, he nods and continues: "You'll have to make it quick, the man's to be brought out to the pyre soon. Follow me."
The speaker leads you into the town hall interior. Inside, a guard you haven't seen before joins you. The town hall is easily one of the biggest buildings in all of the towns, wide with a thick stone wall and three stories high. You are being led first through an assembly room, looking strange being completely empty and dark, then through an administrative office.
Finally, you reach a back room.
Low-burning lanterns cast a gentle glow upon a tall, black object in the center of this room. Although one could easily mistake it for a statue, this object is actually the figurehead of a ship and is carved in the likeness of a winged demon. The demon-shaped figurehead stands eight feet tall. Shards of wood jut out of the demon’s back at the points where the figurehead once attached to the hull of a ship.
Danneth acknowledges the statue for a moment, but almost waves its presence away. "Don't touch that please, it's a long story."
You are being led down a flight of stairs into the dark of a dungeon under the town hall. There, three more guards and a human woman in more robust equipment are standing in front of one of several prison cells.
The leader of the towns guard looks a bit sour at this, but she nods slowly. Taking out a bundle of keys, she unlocks the cell and walks behind Dzaan. She says: "Everyone on guard. This man is eloquent in the arts of illusionary spells. Wizard, do not say anything unless to answer a question that is being asked or I'll be forced to crack the pommel of my dagger into your skull." Upon this, she removes the gag. Dzaan glumly stares into the round, doing as he was told and listening for questions.
Marlede tries to hide her disgust towards Dzaan, but it's evident in her face. She knows that Aubreen is using the information about the Druids of Auril as leverage, but Marlede becomes impatient and begins to question him by adding to what the Captain said:
"And if you try to lie to me, Dzaan, it won't go well for you either. Now, this might not be related to the Druids, but I need to knows three things from you. What did you hire the Fine Five for? Where did you kill them? And lastly, why? What was so important that you felt the need to snuff out their lives?"
Currently DMing:
Dzaan blows a strand of his shaggy hair aside with his mouth before answering. He has a rough voide, cracked and parched. He groans: "Already told you. Helped me dig up a ruin east. Killed them there. I wanted to ... stop anyone else from finding it. They ... would've told. Avarice and Vellynne would've found out. Wizards from the Brotherhood."
The town speaker stands next to you with crossed arms. He elaborates: "He claims to be a member from the Arcane Brotherhood himself. They've got their towers in Luskan, not too far away from the Dale, all things considered." Danneth frowns. "And wouldn't be the first time a wizard from the Brotherhood tried to interfere in Tentown business." He looks over to Arlaggath. "Remember Vaelish Gant?" She nods. "Massive prick."
Aubreen glowers at Marlede, his annoyance at being mislead, his anger finds a new home. His eyes clearly conveying that there will be words between Marlede and himself, in a less public area.
Knowing now that it is probably futile, this man is not connected to the druids, Marlede had her own reasons to confront him, he still had to ask, "Tell me what you know of the Frost Druids of Auril?" This wizard is no innocent, by his own admission. Burning may not be the gentlest of modes but Justice must be served.
Where does her anger come from? Marlede has a brother, hurt? sick? Does she have others? Did she have others? Her preoccupation with the Fine Five is curious. I dont see any other connection. Aubreen ponders to himself.
Perrin's beady eyes flick between Marlede and the wizard, understanding dawning upon him. So he was right in assuming that she had some sort of connection to the adventurers that this wizard had killed. As callous as it sounded, he was almost more interested in the ruins that the wizard had killed people to keep secret than the adventurers themselves. Yes, it was a tragedy that they were murdered in cold blood, but he was quite curious as to why they were murdered in the first place. What was in the ruins that this scum of a wizard wanted to hide?
Clearing his throat, he repeats the wizards words in an unwavering imitation of the man, "A ruin east. Avarice and Vellyn." He cocks his head to the side to indicate he was asking a question, and he could only hope that his intention and meaning was conveyed across the limitations of his speech.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Dzaan meets the eyes of Aubreen, a momentary look of confusion from in between the pain and anger. "Fanatics. Auril worshippers. Vellynne was interested in them. Don't know anything else."
Speaker Waylens expression makes it clear that he isn't satisfied with that answer. The captain, still standing begind Dzaan, makes a move as if to strike the wizard. The man howls: "It's true!" Coughing. "Ask her!", jutting his chin at Marlede.
The speaker turns to you. His face seems to be incapable of showing true anger, so instead he mostly looks confused. "It seems you owe me an explanation."
To Perrin, Dzaan answers: "Yeah, east. Ten miles past Caer Konig. Netherese."
"Avarice and Vellynne. Wizards. Opportunists. Searching for power."
Captain Arlaggath grumbles: "He'd have frozen long before he got there without the Fine Five. They knew how to navigate through the wilderness. One of them was a goliath, to boot." She looks dissatisfied with the whole situation, a dark glower in her eyes. "Listen, I questioned him too. I let you do this because I may have missed something. But you're wasting my time. Unless you feel like surpising me, I suggest you leave and let me back to it."
Waylen doesn't elaborate on that, but he clearly agrees with the captain.
Marlede faces towards Captain Arlaggath and nods her head, as if to confirm Dzaan isn't lying, then shifts her gaze towards Dzaan.
"Whatever you did to break him worked, Captain. Now, Dzaan, If this 'Vellynne' was interested enough in the Druids, they would have done their own research on the matter, so I reckon that's our best lead to finding more of those Druids. Tell me what Avarice and Vellynne look like. I heard you're an expert on illusions, so they must have a specialty, too. I suspect they wouldn't think twice about turning you over if they were in your position. So I hope you cooperate while the Captain is still letting us ask nicely."
Any sign of anger, sadness or disgust she had previously displayed fades as she focuses whatever Dzaan says next, ready to detect any deception. She even ignores the Speaker as he asks for explanations.
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Aubreen nods at the Speakers words, "I understand Speaker Waylen, but if you would please but give her a moment more, do you mind if we speak over there a moment" He nods to a quiet corner and tries to pull the Speaker after him. In hushed tones Aubreen fills in the Speaker on the groups discovery starting with Yurgunn, the hunt for Sephek, the druid, the tomb and the awakened murderous Moose, all of it.
"I understand there appears no connection between the two but we didn't know that until now. We heard of the wizard and out of hope and perhaps a little desperation had to take the chance. Certainly wasting your time was not what we desired." He glances back at the wizard and his interrogators, the Captain standing behind him. "Ten towns is suffering, this Lottery and sacrifice needs to end. Killing your own citizens to appease the whims of an evil goddess will achieve nothing but pain and heartbreak, I am sure your people would agree." He pauses, letting the weight of his comments sink in. "Is there anything you know, or could do to help us achieve our goal. We will find these druids, end this gods forsaken winter and bring back peace and hope to these lands. It is a tall order and we could use all the help we can get"
When the interrogation is over he would lhead back outside to watch the spectacle. Not the murder of the wizard but the crowd that has gathered, keeping an eye on anything suspicious.
Dzaan replies to Marlede, his head drooping: "Avarice's an albino tiefling. Evoker. Vellynne's an old hag. Eyepatch. Necromancer. *****es both." The wizards spits on the floor. Arlaggath behind him still looks annoyed, but a touch of curiosity has crept into her expression. She follows up on Marledes questioning: "You mean they'd be just as happy to murder people as you are?" The wizard grunts, perhaps in pain, perhaps in confirmation.
Marlede [Insight: 14] spots no sign that would indicate that Dzaan is lying.
Waylen inclines his head and follows Aubreen a few steps farther into the dungeon. After Aubreen has given his explanation and the groups story so far, he is pensive. On his sallow face and steady eyes you read the weight of responsibility, the strength to hold to a decision once made.
"The sacrifices are a burden that all of Tentowns is carrying together. It is the last thing we managed to agree on unilaterally. Because it works." His jaw works as if to form the words. "Blizzards have abated enough so our boats don't sink and our people can leave their houses for a few hours."
Upon Aubreens last words, the Speaker looks to Sirius, Perrin and Marlede, then back, taking your measure. Probably deciding if you were joking or dead serious. He seems to lean towards the latter. "I admire your courage and what you have done so far. But frost druids have plagued the Dale for longer than the eternal winter - I fear they are a symptom, not the cause. And it's not just them. I'm getting reports of all sorts of opportunists using the current situation for their own ends."
As the interrogation comes to a close, Waylen walks with you back to the entrance of the town hall. On the way there, he continues, directed at the whole group: "I hope you understand that I need to look out for my people. Talk of ending the eternal winter will not help them, even if it is said in earnest. If you want to help, I've got several fishers missing along the lake."
"I offer as a reward two of the magic items we confiscated from the murderer."
You're once again standing in front of the town hall. It is still some time until the burning. Waylen awaits your response, meanwhile looking grimly down to where the people started crowding around the pyre in earnest. As if in anticipation, there is no snow falling at all. The night sky is visible overhead, a thin sliver of the waning moon emerging from the horizon.
Marlede looks calm after the interrogation. Hearing the speaker's words, she looks to the group for a moment, then says "I can't speak for all of us, but since I'm already here, I'd like to help find the missing people. Just point me in the right direction and I could survey the area, maybe find some clues to their whereabouts."
After they're done getting the details of this mission, Marlede will face him and say "Speaker Waylen, sir. If we get enough results, would you and the other speakers consider halting the sacrifices? You might not believe in us now, but I'd rather put my faith in them," gesturing to the party "than continue to live in fear of whether my family will live through the next lottery or not. And I won't pretend to lecture you on the matter, because you look like you know already how I feel. " As Marlede says this, she stares into the speaker's eyes, trying to convey her feelings of resolve and faith.
Noticing the 'pleasant' weather they're having, Marlede clicks her tongue. "Of course," she mutters to herself in a sarcastic tone.
She waits until Aubreen is alone to approach and says "Tell me, Aubreen. What has you so upset? I mean, aside from the obvious," she says as she looks at the crowd.
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Aubreen glances at Marlede then turns to face her. The anger that burned white hot just a short time ago replaced with a sorrow. With a gentle smile, so rarely seen form him, "I felt deceived Marlede, as if you had made a fool of me but no, it was mine own doing." He pauses, as he sorts his thoughts and feelings. "I immediately and incorrectly assumed the wizard was a victim, swept up in the fear and hysteria that so sadly grips these towns. You could have corrected me, informed us all of your true intent and interest."
"Perhaps it is none of my business, or perhaps you should tell us all what drives you. If we are to stick together I do not want any more surprises, that wizard would have been dangerous if we had to fight him. I will not travel with another who endangers my self or those I call friend."