Mun looks to Sly, whose manner of speaking seems most apt in mercantile dealings with scorpion tailed fiends, and then to Nemmonis, who seems most apt in dealings with scorpion tailed fiends.
Sly steps forward, her floating disk at her side. She makes a hand motion towards the pile of plate on it.
"Well met. I intend to part with these segments of plate armor, which I've ferried here from far away, a locale called 'Leri's Mountain Roost'. Are you receptive to the notion of reciprocating with coins? According to my own appraisal of their quality, they should be worth 37 gold pieces. Alternatively, I propose that you issue credit equal to their worth, which my companions can then redeem in the form of your goods."
[A note for Merlin and Nycrol, we're still in the process of divvying up the loot that we got from the adventure so far, so Sly isn't extending the offer of credit to your characters. For the others: my goal is to sell all the loot and then divide the gold among Bilyur (who is then free to redistribute his share as he wishes), Xarkris and Eggo (whose player is still on break, so Sly may hold her share for a while).]
((Absolutely fine. IC Mun also wouldn’t expect any of your money when she’s not helped you earn it. And anyway, any one of you could be the prophesied Monarch-to-come))
((I was waiting to hear back from Shiver on whether I saw Daewen sneaking up on Xarkris. I will go ahead and play it as if he didn’t))
Xarkris is a conflicted creature. His Oath of Vengeance means everything to him. Because of this, he has made a lot more enemies than friends, and is distrustful of everyone he meets. It has taken a while, but Sly, Eggo Lass, and Bilyur have earned his respect and admiration, and he has vowed to lay down his life for theirs. He has met many deceivers and relishes in rooting them out. Nemmonis Xarkris has found balance in his alliance with his…..friends.
The Dragonborn was lost in his thoughts regarding these 2 new creatures that have made their acquaintance….a talkative sorcerer / warlock and a mute ranger. He was naturally suspicious as soon as he met them and instinctively kept his distance, watching them and his allies…ready to strike if necessary.
He thought he was careful and observant, but he lost sight of the Ranger. Where was she? He instinctively put his hand on the hilt of his Axe, searching the area for the little escape artist. It did not take him long to realize that she snuck up on him and had him dead to rights, and if she had a blade in her hand, he would have been dead. Instead, it was an open hand (of friendship?). Xarkris was flooded with emotions….anger, embarrassment, shame, and fear. There was another emotion that he hated more than all of them and the one he never wanted to rely on. Hope. Hope is the absolute last defense one has when all of the others failed. In a split second, Xarkris hoped he would not be killed by the Ranger.
Xarkris acts on impulse. He releases his hand from his weapon, and reaches out to the Ranger and grasps it…..TIGHT. He then leans his massive head in, so his snout is inches from her nose and in a gravely voice, mutters, “Don’t EVER do that again!”. He makes sure that the fire in his throat is felt by Daewen, then releases the hand and storms off to another section of the room, avoiding the glares of his allies and the newcomers.
Xarkris was embarrassed by the tiny Ranger and his ego took a hit.
But he was impressed with her skill. It seemed so effortless.
Perhaps these 2 will increase his chances to survive this ordeal. Perhaps….
The playful anticipation in Daewen's glowing eyes shifts to surprise at the intensity of Xarkris' grip. The heat from his muttered warning makes her blink, and the sheer force of his hold is unexpected.
A bright blush returns to her alabaster cheeks, her white eyes dropping in immediate embarrassment after the surprisingly firm handshake.
She quickly retracts her hand once he releases it, tucking it behind her back. She offers Xarkris a small, contrite bow of her head, her silent apology clear in the gesture for the unintended alarm.
She then watches him storm off, a thoughtful and slightly chastened expression on her face. Perhaps her brand of playful greeting isn't universally appreciated, and a more cautious approach might be wise in the future...
Mun waits till Sly is speaking to sign to Daewin. ‘I imagine he was just surprised. I thought it was funny, and, at least, we can all see the skills that allowed us to get this far, even if it was in jest.’
’Don’t let it steal your gladness. There will be time for sobriety and melancholy in all the exhibits to come.’
[@Cheez_Weezle, apologies that I forgot to respond on that point, but you're correct in your revised response to assume even Xarkris wouldn't have seen Daewen by my understanding of the ability, so all good!]
Whilst the group gets to know each other and creates bonds between one another (though the way this is done varies wildly across the party), Crataclak clicks his mandibles a few times as he analyses the quality of the iron that Sly has presented, and then does a few mental calculations before cuttingly responding to Sly with an offer of '30 gold pieces. I like to work in wholes, and this isn't worth rounding up for.' Despite his rather blunt reply, it doesn't seem to be in malice, rather it just seems that Crataclak is more of an unforgiving and persistent tradesman compared to Selvidos' generosity.
Sly isn't pleased by the reduced offer, but doesn't show it. This would be noted down in her notes as an unfavorable transaction and would inform her future business decisions.
"Very well", the tiefling says. She ends the spell on the disk, causing the armor pieces to sink to the ground. Then she retrieves the offered money, adding it to the amount she had received from the silver dragon.
Turning around to Bilyur, Xarkris and Eggo, the wizard produces her book and her bag of coins. "As agreed, I shall dispense the amount you have each earned. The total sum of coinage hitherto acquired amounts to 384 gold, 2 silver and 2 copper pieces. Omitting the latter two mintages in the interest of time, and taking into account that I have already received a significant portion of my share - 100 gp to be exact - in the form of a pearl, you each receive 121 gold pieces, and I receive 21."
The tiefling hands out the money.
[I suppose I'll keep Eggos amount on Sly for now, until/if the player returns and dispense the coins then.]
Xarkris looks at the 121 gold pieces in his massive hand and makes them jump in his hand a couple of times (he likes the sound of jingling coins) and stuffs his share in his coin purse. Xarkris nods to Sly in appreciation and understanding of the transaction she just made and looks around the room for anything that might be of interest to him, while periodically keeping an eye on the newcomers.
Bilyur reluctantly takes the 121 gold from Sly, though he does not plan to keep it. Looking at the money with distaste, Bilyur recognizes an opportunity to welcome the two newcomers. Approaching Dawen, Bilyur quietly says, "I cannot take this. It is for you," and gives her 55 GP. Approaching the seeker, Bilyur says, "Along this journey we will require funds, for interactions with other adventurers and even inhabitants of the dungeons," And also gives her 55 GP. Looking at the 11 GP he still has, Bilyur slips it into his pocket, saying to himself, "I suppose it is a necessary evil."
Crataclak takes the metal scraps gladly, and then hands the coins over with much less enthusiasm. With the selling of the loot concluded, and the new members of the party met, you are now welcome to do whatever you wish in this dungeon, be that buying more resources, speaking with the residents or guests, continuing on when you feel prepared, or anything else you can think to do!
“He bade the mighty share their hoard,” mutters Mun with bright eyes, as she accepts the gift but barely seems to care for it. Her eyes fixed feverishly on Bilyur.
She turns away if he meets her gaze.
“I have a mind to meet the dragon, though I am happy to go myself. I wish to know his thoughts on the scale I wear upon my brow.”
Xarkris will walk back to Selvidos‘s lair to talk with him in Draconic. The Paladin will attempt to ingratiate himself with the mighty Dragon and try to learn something. Afterwards, he will explore this level of the dungeon. ((If anyone wants to tag along, they are most welcome))
Daewen watches Bilyur approach, her glowing white eyes following his movements with curiosity. When he offers her the 55 gold pieces, a look of surprise and then genuine gratitude floods her features! A wide, sincere smile spreads across her face, crinkling the corners of her white eyes, clearly showing her immense appreciation for his unexpected kindness.
She carefully takes the coins, her small, obsidian fingers closing around them, her gaze lingering on Bilyur for a moment longer, her smile unwavering...
As Xarkris announces his intention to speak with Selvidos and invites others to join, Daewen's attention shifts. Her white eyes follow the large dragonborn as he moves. After a brief, almost imperceptible glance at Seeker Mun, Daewen seems to make a decision. With a quite determination, she moves to follow Xarkris, keeping a respectful distance but clearly intending to accompany him on his exploration of the dungeon. Perhaps this fellow loner, despite his initial gruffness, holds some interesting insights or knowledge that she could learn from!
Seeker Mun follows also. When she reaches Selvidor, she wants to see if the dragon recognises or otherwise has a strong reaction to the Amethyst, but she will let Xarkris speak to the dragon first.
(FYI: Mun’s languages are Common, Common Sign Language, and Draconic. So she’ll understand what is said, if Xarkris was hoping for privacy — she would say she understands if it becomes clear that if that is the case and she realises Xarkris wasn’t expecting an eavesdropper.)
Xarkris does not have specific questions for Selvidos. His intention is to bond with the Dragon and maybe become friends. I will listen to any information and advice it will offer about this dungeon and any others it knows about. Xarkris will flatter and glorify Selvidos to get the most he can from the Dragon.
Selvidos is happy to see Xarkris again, and the pair, whilst differing in demeanours, seem to be able to talk about almost anything whilst Sly purchases the supplies she sees necessary from Dilitia, all for the expected price. The pair's conversation focuses mainly on dragon-kind, and Selvidos brings up a suspicion that she has about the Blood Archivist's accomplice, the one you think summoned the Shadow Weave. 'I believe the culprit is likely a dragon themselves. Dragons are the species most closely suffused with pure magic, if you believe the Elegy For The First World, and their connection with dungeons is undeniably. Truly, the hoard of a mighty dragon is the rawest of dungeons. However, my theory does not stem just from my own personal draconic bias; it also has evidence to support it. Whilst I haven't met the man myself, I have had decades worth of adventurers come through and tell the tale of Arganth the Red in the third dungeon. He is one of the few that has came face to face with the Blood Archivist, although has no clue about their appearance of course, and says they heard some sort of titanic roar when the Shadow Weave was cast to seal him in the sewers. I believe that roar likely belonged to the dragon that created the Shadow Weave, though I have no idea which dragon that could be, or any additional evidence to support my point. Just a thought to dwell on.'
She then analyses Mun's crystal, greeting her warmly when she enters. 'What an exquisite item; it's definitely steeped in draconic magic. Whilst I of course prefer pure crystals myself, I'm impartial to any gem, and this amethyst is no exception. It's such a shame that you all can't dwell here longer; if you stayed about a year, some of my latent magic would likely wear off on this to improve its capabilities, but without that time, there's not much I can do. Well, there is a way to fast-track the process and release my inner magic all at once to steep the item over night, but that would mean you'd have to slay me, and whilst I'm sure you'd never do such a thing, especially with Nemmonis to stop you, if you somehow did, you'd have to answer to Dilitia for your crime, who's far stronger than you would guess.' she says with a knowing and easy-going grin.
Seeker Mun gasps. “I would never dream of it. You are majestic, and the world is richer for your existence, noble Selvidos,” she says and inclines her head. “Long ago, on my journey to the first of the archivist’s dungeons, I saved an amethyst hatchling, half out its shell, from an egg hunter. The little Wyrmling gave me this scale from its eggtooth in thanks, and I guarded it until it had the strength to head out into the world in gratitude. But, I thank you for your wisdom. I had felt that there was room to enrich the magic that it holds within.
“Perhaps, in time, a less barbaric route will become clear.”
Xarkris is repulsed by the idea of anyone killing Selvidos for any reason. In Draconic he replies, “We would NEVER harm a scale on your marvelous body. I, Nemmonis Xarkris VOW, that if I find out anyone has harmed you, I will track them down to the ends of the earth and destroy them!!” He then unsheathes his axe, kneels before Selvidos, and bows his head.
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Mun looks to Sly, whose manner of speaking seems most apt in mercantile dealings with scorpion tailed fiends, and then to Nemmonis, who seems most apt in dealings with scorpion tailed fiends.
Sly steps forward, her floating disk at her side. She makes a hand motion towards the pile of plate on it.
"Well met. I intend to part with these segments of plate armor, which I've ferried here from far away, a locale called 'Leri's Mountain Roost'. Are you receptive to the notion of reciprocating with coins? According to my own appraisal of their quality, they should be worth 37 gold pieces. Alternatively, I propose that you issue credit equal to their worth, which my companions can then redeem in the form of your goods."
[A note for Merlin and Nycrol, we're still in the process of divvying up the loot that we got from the adventure so far, so Sly isn't extending the offer of credit to your characters. For the others: my goal is to sell all the loot and then divide the gold among Bilyur (who is then free to redistribute his share as he wishes), Xarkris and Eggo (whose player is still on break, so Sly may hold her share for a while).]
((Absolutely fine. IC Mun also wouldn’t expect any of your money when she’s not helped you earn it. And anyway, any one of you could be the prophesied Monarch-to-come))
((I was waiting to hear back from Shiver on whether I saw Daewen sneaking up on Xarkris. I will go ahead and play it as if he didn’t))
Xarkris is a conflicted creature. His Oath of Vengeance means everything to him. Because of this, he has made a lot more enemies than friends, and is distrustful of everyone he meets. It has taken a while, but Sly, Eggo Lass, and Bilyur have earned his respect and admiration, and he has vowed to lay down his life for theirs. He has met many deceivers and relishes in rooting them out. Nemmonis Xarkris has found balance in his alliance with his…..friends.
The Dragonborn was lost in his thoughts regarding these 2 new creatures that have made their acquaintance….a talkative sorcerer / warlock and a mute ranger. He was naturally suspicious as soon as he met them and instinctively kept his distance, watching them and his allies…ready to strike if necessary.
He thought he was careful and observant, but he lost sight of the Ranger. Where was she? He instinctively put his hand on the hilt of his Axe, searching the area for the little escape artist. It did not take him long to realize that she snuck up on him and had him dead to rights, and if she had a blade in her hand, he would have been dead. Instead, it was an open hand (of friendship?). Xarkris was flooded with emotions….anger, embarrassment, shame, and fear. There was another emotion that he hated more than all of them and the one he never wanted to rely on. Hope. Hope is the absolute last defense one has when all of the others failed. In a split second, Xarkris hoped he would not be killed by the Ranger.
Xarkris acts on impulse. He releases his hand from his weapon, and reaches out to the Ranger and grasps it…..TIGHT. He then leans his massive head in, so his snout is inches from her nose and in a gravely voice, mutters, “Don’t EVER do that again!”. He makes sure that the fire in his throat is felt by Daewen, then releases the hand and storms off to another section of the room, avoiding the glares of his allies and the newcomers.
Xarkris was embarrassed by the tiny Ranger and his ego took a hit.
But he was impressed with her skill. It seemed so effortless.
Perhaps these 2 will increase his chances to survive this ordeal. Perhaps….
((Well met, Daewen))
The playful anticipation in Daewen's glowing eyes shifts to surprise at the intensity of Xarkris' grip. The heat from his muttered warning makes her blink, and the sheer force of his hold is unexpected.
A bright blush returns to her alabaster cheeks, her white eyes dropping in immediate embarrassment after the surprisingly firm handshake.
She quickly retracts her hand once he releases it, tucking it behind her back. She offers Xarkris a small, contrite bow of her head, her silent apology clear in the gesture for the unintended alarm.
She then watches him storm off, a thoughtful and slightly chastened expression on her face. Perhaps her brand of playful greeting isn't universally appreciated, and a more cautious approach might be wise in the future...
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Mun waits till Sly is speaking to sign to Daewin. ‘I imagine he was just surprised. I thought it was funny, and, at least, we can all see the skills that allowed us to get this far, even if it was in jest.’
’Don’t let it steal your gladness. There will be time for sobriety and melancholy in all the exhibits to come.’
[@Cheez_Weezle, apologies that I forgot to respond on that point, but you're correct in your revised response to assume even Xarkris wouldn't have seen Daewen by my understanding of the ability, so all good!]
Whilst the group gets to know each other and creates bonds between one another (though the way this is done varies wildly across the party), Crataclak clicks his mandibles a few times as he analyses the quality of the iron that Sly has presented, and then does a few mental calculations before cuttingly responding to Sly with an offer of '30 gold pieces. I like to work in wholes, and this isn't worth rounding up for.' Despite his rather blunt reply, it doesn't seem to be in malice, rather it just seems that Crataclak is more of an unforgiving and persistent tradesman compared to Selvidos' generosity.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Sly isn't pleased by the reduced offer, but doesn't show it. This would be noted down in her notes as an unfavorable transaction and would inform her future business decisions.
"Very well", the tiefling says. She ends the spell on the disk, causing the armor pieces to sink to the ground. Then she retrieves the offered money, adding it to the amount she had received from the silver dragon.
Turning around to Bilyur, Xarkris and Eggo, the wizard produces her book and her bag of coins. "As agreed, I shall dispense the amount you have each earned. The total sum of coinage hitherto acquired amounts to 384 gold, 2 silver and 2 copper pieces. Omitting the latter two mintages in the interest of time, and taking into account that I have already received a significant portion of my share - 100 gp to be exact - in the form of a pearl, you each receive 121 gold pieces, and I receive 21."
The tiefling hands out the money.
[I suppose I'll keep Eggos amount on Sly for now, until/if the player returns and dispense the coins then.]
Xarkris looks at the 121 gold pieces in his massive hand and makes them jump in his hand a couple of times (he likes the sound of jingling coins) and stuffs his share in his coin purse. Xarkris nods to Sly in appreciation and understanding of the transaction she just made and looks around the room for anything that might be of interest to him, while periodically keeping an eye on the newcomers.
Bilyur reluctantly takes the 121 gold from Sly, though he does not plan to keep it. Looking at the money with distaste, Bilyur recognizes an opportunity to welcome the two newcomers. Approaching Dawen, Bilyur quietly says, "I cannot take this. It is for you," and gives her 55 GP. Approaching the seeker, Bilyur says, "Along this journey we will require funds, for interactions with other adventurers and even inhabitants of the dungeons," And also gives her 55 GP. Looking at the 11 GP he still has, Bilyur slips it into his pocket, saying to himself, "I suppose it is a necessary evil."
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
Crataclak takes the metal scraps gladly, and then hands the coins over with much less enthusiasm. With the selling of the loot concluded, and the new members of the party met, you are now welcome to do whatever you wish in this dungeon, be that buying more resources, speaking with the residents or guests, continuing on when you feel prepared, or anything else you can think to do!
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
“He bade the mighty share their hoard,” mutters Mun with bright eyes, as she accepts the gift but barely seems to care for it. Her eyes fixed feverishly on Bilyur.
She turns away if he meets her gaze.
“I have a mind to meet the dragon, though I am happy to go myself. I wish to know his thoughts on the scale I wear upon my brow.”
Xarkris will walk back to Selvidos‘s lair to talk with him in Draconic. The Paladin will attempt to ingratiate himself with the mighty Dragon and try to learn something. Afterwards, he will explore this level of the dungeon. ((If anyone wants to tag along, they are most welcome))
Daewen watches Bilyur approach, her glowing white eyes following his movements with curiosity. When he offers her the 55 gold pieces, a look of surprise and then genuine gratitude floods her features! A wide, sincere smile spreads across her face, crinkling the corners of her white eyes, clearly showing her immense appreciation for his unexpected kindness.
She carefully takes the coins, her small, obsidian fingers closing around them, her gaze lingering on Bilyur for a moment longer, her smile unwavering...
As Xarkris announces his intention to speak with Selvidos and invites others to join, Daewen's attention shifts. Her white eyes follow the large dragonborn as he moves. After a brief, almost imperceptible glance at Seeker Mun, Daewen seems to make a decision. With a quite determination, she moves to follow Xarkris, keeping a respectful distance but clearly intending to accompany him on his exploration of the dungeon. Perhaps this fellow loner, despite his initial gruffness, holds some interesting insights or knowledge that she could learn from!
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Seeker Mun follows also. When she reaches Selvidor, she wants to see if the dragon recognises or otherwise has a strong reaction to the Amethyst, but she will let Xarkris speak to the dragon first.
(FYI: Mun’s languages are Common, Common Sign Language, and Draconic. So she’ll understand what is said, if Xarkris was hoping for privacy — she would say she understands if it becomes clear that if that is the case and she realises Xarkris wasn’t expecting an eavesdropper.)
Sly would tag along, mostly busy studying the pearl she got earlier, and attuning to it if time permits.
The wizard also has a shopping list that she would go through, purchasing from anyone that sells them.
[Let me know if any of these aren't available or cost a different amount than what is listed in the PHB Shiver]
Xarkris does not have specific questions for Selvidos. His intention is to bond with the Dragon and maybe become friends. I will listen to any information and advice it will offer about this dungeon and any others it knows about. Xarkris will flatter and glorify Selvidos to get the most he can from the Dragon.
Selvidos is happy to see Xarkris again, and the pair, whilst differing in demeanours, seem to be able to talk about almost anything whilst Sly purchases the supplies she sees necessary from Dilitia, all for the expected price. The pair's conversation focuses mainly on dragon-kind, and Selvidos brings up a suspicion that she has about the Blood Archivist's accomplice, the one you think summoned the Shadow Weave. 'I believe the culprit is likely a dragon themselves. Dragons are the species most closely suffused with pure magic, if you believe the Elegy For The First World, and their connection with dungeons is undeniably. Truly, the hoard of a mighty dragon is the rawest of dungeons. However, my theory does not stem just from my own personal draconic bias; it also has evidence to support it. Whilst I haven't met the man myself, I have had decades worth of adventurers come through and tell the tale of Arganth the Red in the third dungeon. He is one of the few that has came face to face with the Blood Archivist, although has no clue about their appearance of course, and says they heard some sort of titanic roar when the Shadow Weave was cast to seal him in the sewers. I believe that roar likely belonged to the dragon that created the Shadow Weave, though I have no idea which dragon that could be, or any additional evidence to support my point. Just a thought to dwell on.'
She then analyses Mun's crystal, greeting her warmly when she enters. 'What an exquisite item; it's definitely steeped in draconic magic. Whilst I of course prefer pure crystals myself, I'm impartial to any gem, and this amethyst is no exception. It's such a shame that you all can't dwell here longer; if you stayed about a year, some of my latent magic would likely wear off on this to improve its capabilities, but without that time, there's not much I can do. Well, there is a way to fast-track the process and release my inner magic all at once to steep the item over night, but that would mean you'd have to slay me, and whilst I'm sure you'd never do such a thing, especially with Nemmonis to stop you, if you somehow did, you'd have to answer to Dilitia for your crime, who's far stronger than you would guess.' she says with a knowing and easy-going grin.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Seeker Mun gasps. “I would never dream of it. You are majestic, and the world is richer for your existence, noble Selvidos,” she says and inclines her head. “Long ago, on my journey to the first of the archivist’s dungeons, I saved an amethyst hatchling, half out its shell, from an egg hunter. The little Wyrmling gave me this scale from its eggtooth in thanks, and I guarded it until it had the strength to head out into the world in gratitude. But, I thank you for your wisdom. I had felt that there was room to enrich the magic that it holds within.
“Perhaps, in time, a less barbaric route will become clear.”
Xarkris is repulsed by the idea of anyone killing Selvidos for any reason. In Draconic he replies, “We would NEVER harm a scale on your marvelous body. I, Nemmonis Xarkris VOW, that if I find out anyone has harmed you, I will track them down to the ends of the earth and destroy them!!” He then unsheathes his axe, kneels before Selvidos, and bows his head.