"We cannot assume that what Rathene told us is the truth," Hildigrim counters, frowning thoughtfully. "And even if Krulek was wrongly convicted, that gives him no excuse to begin committing crimes. The law is the law. If he wanted to clear his name, there were better paths than turning to banditry."
He pauses, glancing toward the camps above. "Justice must be impartial, or it ceases to be justice at all. Whatever grievances he may have had, his actions have made him no better than the tyrants he claims to oppose. And now, allying himself with the likes of Jeralla? That only deepens his guilt."
The halfling breaths out a low tone of discontent. "I don't disagree that Jeralla seems to be the greater threat, but that doesn't mean we should ally with Krulek. Now or in the future."
Hex frowns, clearly disagreeing with something that Hildigrim says, and begins to speak before stopping herself. She decides to keep her thoughts to herself instead and shrugs again. "It's all I can come up with right now. I'd just prefer to come up with a concrete, or a least some what more clear, plan before we head up there." She looks up to the cliffs and at the two camps above. "I'd rather we avoid another lizardfolk tribe situation."
Carl nods when Hildigrim speaks, saying “Yeah, I don’t think that we’re gonna talk ‘em out of this alliance on our own. We can look and try to find some other clues or evidence, but I think it is going to take some trickery to blow up this meeting and turn these two groups against each other, fighting each other. Thas what I think we should do, but I may be wrong….” He looks up at Auriel, and then Hex, trying to gauge what they are thinking. He acts a little ashamed, looking down at his hands, clenching his fists and looking over to where Squirt stands, ready to begin in whatever manner they decide.
"You are right, Hildigrim. Krulek's supposed innocence doesn't excuse his crimes, and I completely agree that justice must be blind and impartial to all. What kind of follower of the God of Justice would I be if I ignored those precepts?"Auriel begins. "But as much as I would like everyone to pay for their crimes—Krulek and whoever framed him, if that’s true—our priority must be freeing the Iron Route and ensuring stability in Phlan. People's lives must come first, even above bringing Krulek to justice."
He pauses. "Let’s focus on the numbers. The Gray Patriots number fifteen, while Jeralla commands thirty. There’s no way the five of us can defeat them outright, and if we force them to fight each other, there’s one side I’d clearly prefer to win—the side with the least likelihood of ties to the Cult of the Dragon. That’s Krulek’s side. But with only fifteen against thirty, he’s unlikely to win without our intervention."
"Hildigrim, you weren’t with us on our last mission. You didn’t meet the hag, Jenny Greenteeth, nor did you see what she’s capable of. And that started because an envoy of the Cult of the Dragon sought to convince her to sever the pact that ties the fey of the Quivering Forest to protecting Phlan in its time of need. Now, I don’t know for certain if Jeralla is connected to this, but if there’s even the smallest chance, she must be stopped."
Auriel stops, frowning as he gazes toward the cliffs, and sighs. "Do we at least agree that Jeralla's defeat and freeing the Iron Route must take priority above everything else? I know we don’t have a plan figured out yet, but the longer we linger here, the greater the chance they’ll spot us. Why don’t we enter the caves? Perhaps we’ll think more clearly once we’ve had a closer look at the camps."
Hildigrim nods silently despite the faint scowl tugging at his lips. Having worked alone for so many years, navigating the turbulent waters of cooperation feels as unfamiliar as the boat beneath his feet. The others clearly share a history, a bond forged through past trials, and their reputation speaks volumes. For now, it's wiser to observe and adapt rather than risk upsetting the balance.
It’s easier to steer a moving ship, he thinks, glancing toward the looming cliffs of King’s Pyre. The phrase settles in his mind like a mantra, a reminder that even if he doesn’t fully agree with their approach, subtle guidance may prove more effective than outright resistance. For now, the halfling resolves to play his part, even as his instincts urge caution.
Hex nods as Auriel suggests heading into the cave and flips up her hood. She follows behind the rest of the party, bow already drawn and hidden underneath her cloak.
The fog is thick near the caves, but as you draw close with your ship, you see that the longship near the large cave opening is anchored to the statue's sunken hand. The ship's mainsail is tightly furled, but its lines are set for a quick cast off. Two gray-cloaked figures patrol the deck.
Beyond the ship, you can see what looks to be a small rowboat drawn up alongside a landing inside of the sea cave.
Upon seeing the two gray cloaked figures on the deck, Hex clicks her tongue in annoyance. "Damn, was hoping no one would be there." She taps her chin and hums to herself, trying to think how to get pass them, when a sudden look of clarity appears. "I don't really do this often but... I can turn into Rathene. Make them think we're allies and let us get close enough to knock them out. I could say you guys helped break me out if prison?"
Hex looks at Auriel with an apologetic look. "I know you don't want to resort to trickery but sometimes its what we need to do to avoid a more... violent confrontation."
Carl starts chuckling, then indicates to Squirt that he should move aside, and as he turns toward the rear of the boat he uses just somatic components, making subtle wave like motions to create a wave moving their boat along quickly to approach. “Sounds good ta me. Glad we could help you out… Rathene…” He gives her a wink and goes back to assisting their approach, readying himself for the next step in the ruse.
Hildigrim nods appreciatively, his expression softening ever so slightly. "That is a good plan," he concedes. But as quickly as the approval appears, a scowl creeps across his face, and he taps his chin thoughtfully. "Your accent, though — it's not quite right. Depending on how well these guards know her, they might see through your disguise, and that could put us all in jeopardy."
He takes a step closer to Hex, his tone shifting to one of gentle authority as he gestures for her attention. "Here, listen carefully. Rathene’s cadence has a sharper edge — more clipped and deliberate. And her vowels? They’re broader, especially in words like 'camp' or 'land.' Try elongating those, but don’t overdo it. Less is more."
The halfling folds his arms, then gives a quick demonstration, flawlessly mimicking Rathene’s speech patterns. "Like this. 'We’re heading to the Pyre — make sure there’s no trouble.' See how the emphasis shifts? Now you try."
His sharp eyes stay on Hex, his demeanor both encouraging and exacting, clearly invested in making sure the plan succeeds.
Auriel gives Hex an appreciative nod. "If this spares bloodshed, so be it." He grips his halberd, stepping back to let Hex take the lead as their sailboat nears the Grey Patriot. Standing in the background, he silently prepares himself, ready to act in case anything goes wrong.
Hex nods and listens to Hildigrim carefully, imitating him as best she can. "We're heading to the Pyre — make sure there's no trouble." She repeats his words as she casts Disguise Self, the image of Rathene in prison clear in her mind.
She maintains the ragged appearance Rathene had after spending so long in that dark and damp cell - dark eye bags with an unhealthy complexion, wearing dirty and torn clothes. The skin on her wrists is slightly red and raised, sore from the shackles she hung from. She gives Hildigrim a cocky grin and croaks back in a voice that sounds in desperate need of water. "I'm sure they won't mind my voice sounding weird. It ain't like the jailors gave me food and water whenever I asked."
"If someone can take over sailing the boat, I'll go stand at the front so they can see me. Here's hoping they don't attack on sight." Once everyone is ready, Hex stands at the front of the sailboat as Rathene, her hood down so her face is clear to those on the longship. She raises a hand to hail them, trying to convey that they're friendly and their approach means no harm.
Auriel takes over sailing the boat while Hex hails the two guards. His gaze remains fixed on them, wary of any sudden movement. He makes an effort to soften his expression, attempting something friendlier—or at the very least, something less severe than the furrowed brow he's currently wearing.
Carl is kneeling at the back of the rowboat, using his shape water hand motions, hopefully blocked from being seen at the back of the boat to speed their approach and ease them up close in the most efficient manner. He instructs Squirt Mudbottom to wait in the boat, getting ready to assist if possible. Every now and then he turns to look at their approach, watching the reaction of the guards.
The pair of humans standing aboard the longship notice your approach. Even from dozens of feet away, the fog still shrouds their faces, but the pair of crossbows that they level in your direction is unmistakable, as is the click of bolts as they arm them.
"King's Pyre is occupied," one of them growls. "Turn your ship around and sail the other way, else we use lethal force."
The sound of the sea is oddly calming against the threat.
Auriel turns to the Gray Patriot who addressed them, his expression neutral but his arched brow betraying a hint of incredulity. His gaze flicks to "Rathene", then back to the guards, as though silently asking: "Really? You're going to provoke her—today of all days?"
"We cannot assume that what Rathene told us is the truth," Hildigrim counters, frowning thoughtfully. "And even if Krulek was wrongly convicted, that gives him no excuse to begin committing crimes. The law is the law. If he wanted to clear his name, there were better paths than turning to banditry."
He pauses, glancing toward the camps above. "Justice must be impartial, or it ceases to be justice at all. Whatever grievances he may have had, his actions have made him no better than the tyrants he claims to oppose. And now, allying himself with the likes of Jeralla? That only deepens his guilt."
The halfling breaths out a low tone of discontent. "I don't disagree that Jeralla seems to be the greater threat, but that doesn't mean we should ally with Krulek. Now or in the future."
Hex frowns, clearly disagreeing with something that Hildigrim says, and begins to speak before stopping herself. She decides to keep her thoughts to herself instead and shrugs again. "It's all I can come up with right now. I'd just prefer to come up with a concrete, or a least some what more clear, plan before we head up there." She looks up to the cliffs and at the two camps above. "I'd rather we avoid another lizardfolk tribe situation."
Carl nods when Hildigrim speaks, saying “Yeah, I don’t think that we’re gonna talk ‘em out of this alliance on our own. We can look and try to find some other clues or evidence, but I think it is going to take some trickery to blow up this meeting and turn these two groups against each other, fighting each other. Thas what I think we should do, but I may be wrong….” He looks up at Auriel, and then Hex, trying to gauge what they are thinking. He acts a little ashamed, looking down at his hands, clenching his fists and looking over to where Squirt stands, ready to begin in whatever manner they decide.
"You are right, Hildigrim. Krulek's supposed innocence doesn't excuse his crimes, and I completely agree that justice must be blind and impartial to all. What kind of follower of the God of Justice would I be if I ignored those precepts?" Auriel begins. "But as much as I would like everyone to pay for their crimes—Krulek and whoever framed him, if that’s true—our priority must be freeing the Iron Route and ensuring stability in Phlan. People's lives must come first, even above bringing Krulek to justice."
He pauses. "Let’s focus on the numbers. The Gray Patriots number fifteen, while Jeralla commands thirty. There’s no way the five of us can defeat them outright, and if we force them to fight each other, there’s one side I’d clearly prefer to win—the side with the least likelihood of ties to the Cult of the Dragon. That’s Krulek’s side. But with only fifteen against thirty, he’s unlikely to win without our intervention."
"Hildigrim, you weren’t with us on our last mission. You didn’t meet the hag, Jenny Greenteeth, nor did you see what she’s capable of. And that started because an envoy of the Cult of the Dragon sought to convince her to sever the pact that ties the fey of the Quivering Forest to protecting Phlan in its time of need. Now, I don’t know for certain if Jeralla is connected to this, but if there’s even the smallest chance, she must be stopped."
Auriel stops, frowning as he gazes toward the cliffs, and sighs. "Do we at least agree that Jeralla's defeat and freeing the Iron Route must take priority above everything else? I know we don’t have a plan figured out yet, but the longer we linger here, the greater the chance they’ll spot us. Why don’t we enter the caves? Perhaps we’ll think more clearly once we’ve had a closer look at the camps."
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia
Hildigrim nods silently despite the faint scowl tugging at his lips. Having worked alone for so many years, navigating the turbulent waters of cooperation feels as unfamiliar as the boat beneath his feet. The others clearly share a history, a bond forged through past trials, and their reputation speaks volumes. For now, it's wiser to observe and adapt rather than risk upsetting the balance.
It’s easier to steer a moving ship, he thinks, glancing toward the looming cliffs of King’s Pyre. The phrase settles in his mind like a mantra, a reminder that even if he doesn’t fully agree with their approach, subtle guidance may prove more effective than outright resistance. For now, the halfling resolves to play his part, even as his instincts urge caution.
Hex nods as Auriel suggests heading into the cave and flips up her hood. She follows behind the rest of the party, bow already drawn and hidden underneath her cloak.
The fog is thick near the caves, but as you draw close with your ship, you see that the longship near the large cave opening is anchored to the statue's sunken hand. The ship's mainsail is tightly furled, but its lines are set for a quick cast off. Two gray-cloaked figures patrol the deck.
Beyond the ship, you can see what looks to be a small rowboat drawn up alongside a landing inside of the sea cave.
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Upon seeing the two gray cloaked figures on the deck, Hex clicks her tongue in annoyance. "Damn, was hoping no one would be there." She taps her chin and hums to herself, trying to think how to get pass them, when a sudden look of clarity appears. "I don't really do this often but... I can turn into Rathene. Make them think we're allies and let us get close enough to knock them out. I could say you guys helped break me out if prison?"
Hex looks at Auriel with an apologetic look. "I know you don't want to resort to trickery but sometimes its what we need to do to avoid a more... violent confrontation."
Carl starts chuckling, then indicates to Squirt that he should move aside, and as he turns toward the rear of the boat he uses just somatic components, making subtle wave like motions to create a wave moving their boat along quickly to approach. “Sounds good ta me. Glad we could help you out… Rathene…” He gives her a wink and goes back to assisting their approach, readying himself for the next step in the ruse.
Hildigrim nods appreciatively, his expression softening ever so slightly. "That is a good plan," he concedes. But as quickly as the approval appears, a scowl creeps across his face, and he taps his chin thoughtfully. "Your accent, though — it's not quite right. Depending on how well these guards know her, they might see through your disguise, and that could put us all in jeopardy."
He takes a step closer to Hex, his tone shifting to one of gentle authority as he gestures for her attention. "Here, listen carefully. Rathene’s cadence has a sharper edge — more clipped and deliberate. And her vowels? They’re broader, especially in words like 'camp' or 'land.' Try elongating those, but don’t overdo it. Less is more."
The halfling folds his arms, then gives a quick demonstration, flawlessly mimicking Rathene’s speech patterns. "Like this. 'We’re heading to the Pyre — make sure there’s no trouble.' See how the emphasis shifts? Now you try."
His sharp eyes stay on Hex, his demeanor both encouraging and exacting, clearly invested in making sure the plan succeeds.
Auriel gives Hex an appreciative nod. "If this spares bloodshed, so be it." He grips his halberd, stepping back to let Hex take the lead as their sailboat nears the Grey Patriot. Standing in the background, he silently prepares himself, ready to act in case anything goes wrong.
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia
Hex nods and listens to Hildigrim carefully, imitating him as best she can. "We're heading to the Pyre — make sure there's no trouble." She repeats his words as she casts Disguise Self, the image of Rathene in prison clear in her mind.
She maintains the ragged appearance Rathene had after spending so long in that dark and damp cell - dark eye bags with an unhealthy complexion, wearing dirty and torn clothes. The skin on her wrists is slightly red and raised, sore from the shackles she hung from. She gives Hildigrim a cocky grin and croaks back in a voice that sounds in desperate need of water. "I'm sure they won't mind my voice sounding weird. It ain't like the jailors gave me food and water whenever I asked."
OOC: I'd like to get an idea of how the party is intending to approach the figures on the boat now that Hex is Rathene, and then I'll advance!
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"If someone can take over sailing the boat, I'll go stand at the front so they can see me. Here's hoping they don't attack on sight." Once everyone is ready, Hex stands at the front of the sailboat as Rathene, her hood down so her face is clear to those on the longship. She raises a hand to hail them, trying to convey that they're friendly and their approach means no harm.
Auriel takes over sailing the boat while Hex hails the two guards. His gaze remains fixed on them, wary of any sudden movement. He makes an effort to soften his expression, attempting something friendlier—or at the very least, something less severe than the furrowed brow he's currently wearing.
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia
Hildigrim hides and readies his bow in case their ruse is uncovered and they need to stop an alarm from being raised.
Carl is kneeling at the back of the rowboat, using his shape water hand motions, hopefully blocked from being seen at the back of the boat to speed their approach and ease them up close in the most efficient manner. He instructs Squirt Mudbottom to wait in the boat, getting ready to assist if possible. Every now and then he turns to look at their approach, watching the reaction of the guards.
The pair of humans standing aboard the longship notice your approach. Even from dozens of feet away, the fog still shrouds their faces, but the pair of crossbows that they level in your direction is unmistakable, as is the click of bolts as they arm them.
"King's Pyre is occupied," one of them growls. "Turn your ship around and sail the other way, else we use lethal force."
The sound of the sea is oddly calming against the threat.
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"It's Rathene. Just let us through." Hex fakes a few coughs and groans in pain. "Urgh. I've had a rough week and I ain't in the mood to argue."
Auriel turns to the Gray Patriot who addressed them, his expression neutral but his arched brow betraying a hint of incredulity. His gaze flicks to "Rathene", then back to the guards, as though silently asking: "Really? You're going to provoke her—today of all days?"
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia