The Strider, Barkley, had behaved—mostly. Only a rabbit had met its end, which was a mercy compared to what it could have done. The horses still eyed the beast warily, their ears flicking nervously, but they seemed unharmed.
Sera moved among them, murmuring in a low, soothing voice as she checked their harnesses, brushing her hands over their flanks to reassure them. They had a long ride back, and she needed them ready to run if it came to that. With practiced ease, she set the cart right, adjusting the straps and buckles, preparing for a swift departure.
Then her eyes flicked to Barkley. The creature was watching her, intelligent and predatory, like a mean dog waiting to be told what to do next. She narrowed her eyes at it but nodded approvingly.
"You behaved... good."
With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the last bits of her dried meat rations to the beast. Her own meals would now consist only of the vegetable portions—hardly a feast, but worth it for keeping Barkley satisfied. It snapped up the offering and crunched it down, tail twitching.
"Don't get used to it," she muttered before turning back to the horses.
Sharn walked behind Merkas with his hands behind his back. He tried to look as nonthreatening as possible, but he had knocked down a couple of kobolds bare handed. He doubted he could not inspire some nervousness, short of having his arms and feet tied. The throne room promised to be a grand design for the sorcerer princess and her fellow dragon one day. What gnarled at him was the source of these blueprints. Who had given them to the kobolds? They were loosely of dwarven design. Would there be a dwarven prince for the kobold princess? The thought made him chuckle for no apparent reason as they continued.
Hastos remained a vigilant, albeit more relaxed looking posture as they approached the throne room. He did a quick check with his hand feeling for the hilt of the sheathed scimitar, the darts, and lastly around to his back making sure the handle of his axe was within reach. His shield in hand, he continued walking silently at the rear. The less they were reminded of his presence, the better.
His thoughts darted back to Sera at the mouth of the entrance before returning to the situation at hand. He hoped she was ok despite knowing that she would be a formidable opponent should someone try their hand at besting her.
Merkas smiles, glad to see some other expressions than pain and anger from those they had previously fought with. “YAbbak, yAbbak, yabBAK, Yabbak.”He works at the proper pronunciation. “Is this a name that only noachi use? I like it, Gramma I will be honoured if you call me Yabbak.” Already living ip to the name he has been given he asks “What does Neerak mean? Daggers or something? I have them but don’t always kill with them. Really just tools for right moments”
Kasi looks a little worried, "Master Merkas no can be noachi in Letni Inhelk. Only queen decide, and queen no like petissethric. Master Merkas," she puts a hand on his shoulder, "already have noachi." She looks to Hastos and Sharn waiting silently in the chamber. "Master Merkas not alone never."
“What does Neerak mean? Daggers or something? I have them but don’t always kill with them. Really just tools for right moments”
"It mean Hidden Blade. Good name for... sneaky warrior..." Kasi struggles to find the word... "assassin. Jamada much strong. Jamada no much smart. Not good name for Merkas. Yabbak much more good."
Once the party makes their way to the step ladders descending into the hallway, you can see that it's lit well enough to provide dim light.
The first crate from Santekh is labelled "1" so you can get an idea for scale. You can see (not pictured, but visible) that the hallway extends to the left, but narrows just enough for carts to get through on the rails and lead out west, in the directions of Khalkist Mountain exterior. The carts on rails are carrying precious minerals and heavy ore, likely dropped from the above chutes by the miners on the second floor. Two kobolds (not pictured, to keep the map from getting too cluttered) push each cart. A full cart rolls by every 5 minutes or so. The ones going in are usable ore, minerals, and gemstones. The ones going out are stone and rubble.
Although the clamor coming from the eastern direction of the cave makes it hard to get exact details, it sounds like the main track branches off into several directions.
The Strider, Barkley, had behaved—mostly. Only a rabbit had met its end, which was a mercy compared to what it could have done. The horses still eyed the beast warily, their ears flicking nervously, but they seemed unharmed.
Sera moved among them, murmuring in a low, soothing voice as she checked their harnesses, brushing her hands over their flanks to reassure them. They had a long ride back, and she needed them ready to run if it came to that. With practiced ease, she set the cart right, adjusting the straps and buckles, preparing for a swift departure.
Then her eyes flicked to Barkley. The creature was watching her, intelligent and predatory, like a mean dog waiting to be told what to do next. She narrowed her eyes at it but nodded approvingly.
"You behaved... good."
With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the last bits of her dried meat rations to the beast. Her own meals would now consist only of the vegetable portions—hardly a feast, but worth it for keeping Barkley satisfied. It snapped up the offering and crunched it down, tail twitching.
"Don't get used to it," she muttered before turning back to the horses.
Barkly seems less pleased by the cooked food, but gobbles it up nonetheless. She twitches her head several times, continuing to watch Sera tend the horses until she gets bored. She finds a spot in the fading sunlight at the length of her bindings, scratches the ground several times until she finds some proper stones, then bellows a small flame onto it to heat it up. Once she's satisfied by the heat waves, she centers herself on it, tucks her legs under her, and sits down where she can keep an eye on the dangerous cleric. Her eyes blink slowly as the soothing warmth soothes her still-battle-sore body.
The skyline is quite peaceful. With the presence of the Giant Strider, the jackals keep their distance, dashing away in a panic when Barkly's gaze finds them.
Hastos remained a vigilant, albeit more relaxed looking posture as they approached the throne room. He did a quick check with his hand feeling for the hilt of the sheathed scimitar, the darts, and lastly around to his back making sure the handle of his axe was within reach. His shield in hand, he continued walking silently at the rear. The less they were reminded of his presence, the better.
His thoughts darted back to Sera at the mouth of the entrance before returning to the situation at hand. He hoped she was ok despite knowing that she would be a formidable opponent should someone try their hand at besting her.
The party makes the climb into the throne room after another pair of kobolds pass through with a cart.
Although the lighting isn't great, it's obvious from the writhing silhouettes cause by the flames, that most of the kobolds are toiling towards the back of the throne room. Carts and railcars are distributed everywhere, and you can see crates filled with treasures: food, water, gemstones, wondrous items, potions, ore. The tracks split to make way for the dais where the queens throne is. And perched atop the throne is the queen, a fierce and penetrating gaze looking out upon the labor of her kin with prideful scrutiny. Her daughter, standing beside her, turns periodically, barking out orders to each mining team, pointing in various directions. Overseers nod at her commands and drive the workers onward to complete their ambitious task. Most of the kobolds are too busy with their work to notice you, but the queen's gaze locks on you, and she raises her hand and rises to a stand. Her voice is surprisingly loud, as if enchanted to be amplified enough to be heard throughout the entire chamber. It booms with enough force to startle the workers, who stop momentarily, and the chamber goes silent.
"Intruders! You surface dwellers dare to enter my chamber unwelcomed?" Her Common is perfect, except for a slight hissing lisp, and the term "surface dwellers" is clearly intended to be derogatory. Princess Harkail wheels on her feet to observe your approach, then immediately turns back to the overseers and barks orders at them again. They scramble to secure their supplies, pushing everything towards the back of the chamber.
Sera sighed, shifting her weight as she leaned against the cart. "The others are probably bored out of their minds..." she muttered, glancing at Barkley. The Strider had curled up, resting, but its ears flicked at every distant sound.
Then a jackal’s howl cut through the desert air.
Her instincts sharpened. Food. For the damn Strider—or maybe even for them, if things got desperate. She reached for her bow, only to smack her forehead with a groan. All my arrows… given to Kasi.
Muttering under her breath, she adjusted her belt and slipped into the darkness, circling carefully to keep the wind in her favor. The jackals wouldn’t catch her scent, at least. She moved lightly, her boots barely disturbing the dry earth.
When she spotted the jackal, her fingers tightened around the hilt of her blade. No arrows, but she still had her magic. She exhaled, steadying her aim, and called forth divine energy. A radiant glow built in her palm, crackling with righteous heat.
“Sorry, little one,” she murmured. Then, with a flick of her hand, she sent Paladine’s fire streaking toward the jackal.
Even if frying jackals wasn’t exactly… sacred, she hoped Paladine had a sense of humor.
Sera sighed, shifting her weight as she leaned against the cart. "The others are probably bored out of their minds..." she muttered, glancing at Barkley. The Strider had curled up, resting, but its ears flicked at every distant sound.
Then a jackal’s howl cut through the desert air.
Her instincts sharpened. Food. For the damn Strider—or maybe even for them, if things got desperate. She reached for her bow, only to smack her forehead with a groan. All my arrows… given to Kasi.
Muttering under her breath, she adjusted her belt and slipped into the darkness, circling carefully to keep the wind in her favor. The jackals wouldn’t catch her scent, at least. She moved lightly, her boots barely disturbing the dry earth.
When she spotted the jackal, her fingers tightened around the hilt of her blade. No arrows, but she still had her magic. She exhaled, steadying her aim, and called forth divine energy. A radiant glow built in her palm, crackling with righteous heat.
“Sorry, little one,” she murmured. Then, with a flick of her hand, she sent Paladine’s fire streaking toward the jackal.
Even if frying jackals wasn’t exactly… sacred, she hoped Paladine had a sense of humor.
( survival 15 for hunting)
The jackal, startled by the sudden eruption of fire, begins to leap away from the strike! But your quicker reflexes win the day, and radiant flame explodes into its ribcage and it drops dead before even yelping.
Assuming Sacred Flame, Jackal rolls DEX save (12) and fails. Jackal is dead. Survival 15: A jackal can provide 10-15 pounds (rations) of meat. Since the DC (20) for finding food is bypassed (you already found a jackal) The base DC is 10 for finding edible meat on the Jackal. You recover 15 pounds of rations. Sera gains 10 XP.
The added threat of a spellcaster, gives other predators all the warning they need, and they scatter, leaving you, Knuckleface, Rocky, and Barkly alone in the desert. With the sun setting, the air gets chillier, and stars are beginning to twinkle amidst the pink and blue sky overhead. Under better circumstances, this would be a beautiful, peaceful night.
After several moments, you hear some bustle coming from inside the cave. It sounds like two kobolds chatting. The tone sounds casual, for kobolds.
After the queens announcement at their arrival, her voice still echoing in the chamber and down the corridors, Hastos lets out a deep sigh.
"I guess that was to be expected." He says with a resigned voice. "At least she speaks common." Forcing an upbeat tone.
Once the supplies are pulled, four kobolds take formation 30 feet from your location. Three are armed with daggers, and one keeps their hands free. The unarmed one wears the robes of a spellcaster. Princess Harkail notices the tattoos on Sharn's face, as well as Kasi's presence. She places a hand on the queen's hand and whispers in her ear. The queen nods and waves at her.
Princess Harkail steps down from her dais, and approaches, remaining behind the guards. "Kashi, you were ssent from thesse halls in peace. Yet you return with warriorss, an unmet Hachakee, and hosstagess. What iss the meaning of thiss? You know that your return meanss death."
Kasi shrinks visibly. Princess Harkail's tone doesn't sound menacing. In fact, she seems to lament executing the banished kobold. But there is a resolute tone behind her words.
Sharn smiled holding back a chuckle at the thought of himself being a warrior. By the estimations of the princess, she was correct, after all Sharn had been fighting, much as everyone. Stars, he had grown introspective.
Sharn cleared his throat, hoping for a prompt to speak. The princess was angered as she was.
(If the princess looks or acknowledges Sharn, then he will speak, otherwise no)
"I hope there won't be need for execution, poor Kasi has gone through plenty of pain as it is.
My name is Sharn, princess. If I was unknown it's because dirt and stars hadn't found a reason for me to be. We came because something was taken," he said looking at the supplies, "something without which many would die.
"And yet we stayed because we say many other things. The work your people do. Their pain, not from beatings but from waning spirits, like a sinkhole. I have heard both of you good and fair, what is darkening the gleam here where there are no skies?"
Sharn smiled holding back a chuckle at the thought of himself being a warrior. By the estimations of the princess, she was correct, after all Sharn had been fighting, much as everyone. Stars, he had grown introspective.
Sharn cleared his throat, hoping for a prompt to speak. The princess was angered as she was.
(If the princess looks or acknowledges Sharn, then he will speak, otherwise no)
"I hope there won't be need for execution, poor Kasi has gone through plenty of pain as it is.
My name is Sharn, princess. If I was unknown it's because dirt and stars hadn't found a reason for me to be. We came because something was taken," he said looking at the supplies, "something without which many would die.
"And yet we stayed because we say many other things. The work your people do. Their pain, not from beatings but from waning spirits, like a sinkhole. I have heard both of you good and fair, what is darkening the gleam here where there are no skies?"
Princess Harkail gestures to Sharn. "You've sseen the plight our landss. The dessert is curssed. Food and water iss sscarce, and Letni Inhelk weepss for Ssantekh. But the surface dwellerss have other placess to go. They can migrate north to verdant landss and find all the food and water they dessire. Letni Inhelk wass here firsst, and there iss no ssafa land in all of Khur for uss to flee. We need the ssuppliess... they do not. Pleasse tell them to evacuate their trade posst."
The claim sounds reasonable enough, but doesn't line up with what you've heard from the kobolds in the floor above. Please roll an Insight Check with Advantage.
A few moments later, Sera had her fried jackal—not much of a meal, but it would do. She worked quickly, slicing it up with her dagger in the cooling desert night. The scent of charred meat mingled with the dry wind, and she glanced back toward the cave, hoping negotiations were going well.
She had just started the delicate process of taming Barkley, offering the Strider a bloody scrap of jackal meat, when she heard movement from the cave entrance. The sound of kobold voices, casual and unhurried.
No sneaking. No battle cries.
That was either very good news or very bad news.
Sera didn’t move, standing her ground if they was to emerged from the dark cave. She kept her weapons in hand but lowered, ready but not hostile. Just in case. With a quick motion, she tossed the rest of the jackal’s carcass to Barkley.
The last thing she needed was for an overeager Strider to snap up an emissary before they could even speak.
“Stay!” she commanded sharply, pointing at the beast like it was a misbehaving dog. Barkley gave a huff, eyeing her first, then listening at approaching kobolds in the cave then back to her.
A few moments later, Sera had her fried jackal—not much of a meal, but it would do. She worked quickly, slicing it up with her dagger in the cooling desert night. The scent of charred meat mingled with the dry wind, and she glanced back toward the cave, hoping negotiations were going well.
She had just started the delicate process of taming Barkley, offering the Strider a bloody scrap of jackal meat, when she heard movement from the cave entrance. The sound of kobold voices, casual and unhurried.
No sneaking. No battle cries.
That was either very good news or very bad news.
Sera didn’t move, standing her ground if they was to emerged from the dark cave. She kept her weapons in hand but lowered, ready but not hostile. Just in case. With a quick motion, she tossed the rest of the jackal’s carcass to Barkley.
The last thing she needed was for an overeager Strider to snap up an emissary before they could even speak.
“Stay!” she commanded sharply, pointing at the beast like it was a misbehaving dog. Barkley gave a huff, eyeing her first, then listening at approaching kobolds in the cave then back to her.
Sera narrowed her eyes.
The damn thing actually looked disappointed.
The kobolds emerge from the cave, carrying large, heavy sacks, and are about to turn right, away from you, when they see you standing near a Giant Strider. They freeze in place, wide-eyed and panicked. They're smallish, like the kobold workers you saw on the second floor, unarmed and starving. One of them looks to be barely more than a child.
The figures emerging from the cave weren’t warriors or messengers—just a tiny, frail kobold worker and what looked like a kobold child. Their wide, terrified eyes darted between her, the Strider, and the vast desert night behind her.
Sera’s thoughts flickered back to her friends. Were they safe? Were they even still alive? But whatever fate had befallen them, these two kobolds had nothing to do with it.
With a quiet sigh, she sheathed her sunblade’s hilt and set her shield down on the ground, making herself appear less threatening.
It was painfully obvious these kobolds were starving. She had heard them seemed to offer what little food they had to feed a baby dragon, prioritizing it over their own survival. It felt wrong to her, but it was clearly their way.
Her own rations were pitiful—dried nuts and vegetables, whatever was left after sharing with the strider. Kasi had eaten meat like a wolf. She doubted kobolds even ate vegetables, but she still held out what little she had in offering with a gentle smile.
“I hope Hastos likes very skinny girls…” she muttered to herself as she nibbled on a handful of nuts, feeling her own stomach tighten with hunger.
Barkley shifted beside her, eyeing the newcomers. Sera shot the Strider a sharp look. " may the gods help me..." ( give herself guidance)
“Stay” she repeated hoping it learned that word.
The beast flicked its tail and ate its jackal sensing Sera considered give it to the kobolds and it not wanted to share ( animal handling 12 with guidance)
Everything was playing out as Hastos expected, although he had thought there would be more guards than this. He keeps his eyes lowered and uses his peripheral vision to place the kobolds that rushed to formation. “The spell caster has to go first.” He thinks to himself. “The daggers we can handle, I bet the wizard has some nasty tricks up his sleeve which is why they only need 4.” He continues to plan, “If things really go sideways, I’m going to need a meat shield that can absorb any mind altering or necrotic spells… or fire… or lightening… lucky for me I have all these kobolds to choose from…” Hastos puts the plan together…”Once the battle starts… grab one of these kobolds - the smaller one… rush the mage with the little guy as a shield. Be the only one they care about so Merkas and Sharn can figure out what they want to do and hopefully execute before they regain attention… get to the mage and beat him with whatever’s left of the meat shield. Don’t let him touch you, then switch to the scimitar and get to work”
A small smile creeps up in the corner of Hastos’ lips. “Like the old days.”
The full meaning of the phrase sinks in and his smile vanishes. “Probably best that Sera isn’t here if this turns ugly. If they attack, it’s going to get messy. I’ll make sure of it.”
The figures emerging from the cave weren’t warriors or messengers—just a tiny, frail kobold worker and what looked like a kobold child. Their wide, terrified eyes darted between her, the Strider, and the vast desert night behind her.
Sera’s thoughts flickered back to her friends. Were they safe? Were they even still alive? But whatever fate had befallen them, these two kobolds had nothing to do with it.
With a quiet sigh, she sheathed her sunblade’s hilt and set her shield down on the ground, making herself appear less threatening.
It was painfully obvious these kobolds were starving. She had heard them seemed to offer what little food they had to feed a baby dragon, prioritizing it over their own survival. It felt wrong to her, but it was clearly their way.
Her own rations were pitiful—dried nuts and vegetables, whatever was left after sharing with the strider. Kasi had eaten meat like a wolf. She doubted kobolds even ate vegetables, but she still held out what little she had in offering with a gentle smile.
“I hope Hastos likes very skinny girls…” she muttered to herself as she nibbled on a handful of nuts, feeling her own stomach tighten with hunger.
Barkley shifted beside her, eyeing the newcomers. Sera shot the Strider a sharp look. " may the gods help me..." ( give herself guidance)
“Stay” she repeated hoping it learned that word.
The beast flicked its tail and ate its jackal sensing Sera considered give it to the kobolds and it not wanted to share ( animal handling 12 with guidance)
Barkly reaches the end of their tether before even making it close to the kobold cave. And you can tell she has a practiced ease with this, like she's been testing the limits of her rope all afternoon. She seems familiar with kobolds though, and not expressly hostile. Just curious as the two kobolds consider the offer of snacks and see you eat some to prove they weren't poisoned. The older of the two kobolds approaches, gesturing for the younger one to stay back. As the sack he's holding makes a bunch of gravelly sounds, you can tell they're just here to deposit some rubble, and that likely more would be approaching to dump rubble soon enough. He takes a bit of the rations and tastes it, smacking his lips with the same kind of relish you've seen Kasi do. Once he's convinced it won't harm the boy, he scurries back toward him with a handful of the food, yipping happily. He looks back at you and says something in Yip-yak, then translates again in Draconic. When he sees that you don't speak either language, he scratches his head, then tries in broken Hachakee. You recognize the dialect, which is a derivative of Common. The accent is thick and difficult to decipher, but you make out words you recognize as "trade" and "ally".
Kasi looks a little worried, "Master Merkas no can be noachi in Letni Inhelk. Only queen decide, and queen no like petissethric. Master Merkas," she puts a hand on his shoulder, "already have noachi." She looks to Hastos and Sharn waiting silently in the chamber. "Master Merkas not alone never."
"Oh, yeah I meant are names only used in the noachi you belong to? But it's okay Gramma, you're part of my noachi too" Watching the carts go back and forth."You are storing lots of materials, you need all of them for your big build I guess" As the light increases the glowing doppelganger fades out and disappears.
"Intruders! You surface dwellers dare to enter my chamber unwelcomed?" Her Common is perfect, except for a slight hissing lisp, and the term "surface dwellers" is clearly intended to be derogatory.
Princess Harkail steps down from her dais, and approaches, remaining behind the guards. "Kashi, you were ssent from thesse halls in peace. Yet you return with warriorss, an unmet Hachakee, and hosstagess. What iss the meaning of thiss? You know that your return meanss death."
Kasi shrinks visibly. Princess Harkail's tone doesn't sound menacing. In fact, she seems to lament executing the banished kobold. But there is a resolute tone behind her words.
Princess Harkail gestures to Sharn. "You've sseen the plight our landss. The dessert is curssed. Food and water iss sscarce, and Letni Inhelk weepss for Ssantekh. But the surface dwellerss have other placess to go. They can migrate north to verdant landss and find all the food and water they dessire. Letni Inhelk wass here firsst, and there iss no ssafa land in all of Khur for uss to flee. We need the ssuppliess... they do not. Pleasse tell them to evacuate their trade posst."
The claim sounds reasonable enough, but doesn't line up with what you've heard from the kobolds in the floor above. Please roll an Insight Check with Advantag
"Please forgive our rude behaviour, Your Highness, but in our travels and information gathering we found that we had little choice but to risk insulting you to bring forth a matterthat only you and your Noachi can help solve." Bending low as he speaks, he raises his head at the princesses accusations towards Kasi "She is here at our request, and to help prevent a war that some parties seem to want to happen between the Santekh people and yourselves. We do not wish this to occur." As he speaks he starts removing the various weapons that were confiscated from the kobolds they had fought earlier and placing them on the ground, including his staff and Ylkwa. He proceeds to undo the bindings on Ipmeerk and Jamada, . "Part of what you say may be true Princess, but all people in Santekh are like the Letni Inhelk, they are all hiding from an enemy they cannot defeat on their own. They are called refugees, hunted by the evil dragon armies with nowhere else to go without risking death, just as the Letni Inhelk risk anywhere else."After freeing the Kobold "hostages" he says "The large crates you have are needed for the survival of Santekh, Are you aware that the merchants you took the supplies from have been killed? And that their deaths are being blamed on the Letni Inhelk?" "Motioning to Jamada, he says "Jamada tells us that your people did not kill any of the merchants but used sleeping gas to take the crates. We believe him and we believe that there is someone that is trying to harm the Letni Inhelk and Santekh both by making us fight each other. We are here to prevent that, protecting your Noachi and our own"
( Persuasion check: Nat 20 for a total of 26, Advantage using Heroic Inspiration)
Insight- 15. Wasn't sure if this was just for Sharn so disregard if I wasn't supposed to roll.
Will be placing a staff, Ylkwa, and the three daggers he kept on the floor as a show of peaceful intentions
Hastos is impressed with Merkas’ eloquence and manners towards the princess, but as Merkas frees the kobolds, Hastos briefly considers using Merkas as his alternate meat shield. He inhales and exhales slowly. “He’s lucky I like him so much.” Hastos think begrudgingly.”The plan remains.” He says to himself.
The old kobold tried to speak, his voice raspy and uncertain, but when Sera caught the word "ally," she gave a small nod and pressed the last of her food into his trembling hands. He hesitated, then took it, sharing it with the younger kobold beside him. They ate quickly, their sunken eyes flickering with something unreadable—caution, gratitude, or just simple hunger.
Above them, the stars stretched endlessly, the constellations of the gods shining like distant watchers. Sera let herself breathe it in for a moment, the quiet beauty of the night. But beneath it all, the reality remained—so many were suffering, forced into desperate choices. The Dragonarmies didn’t need to conquer by force when hunger and fear did the work for them.
She glanced at the kobolds again, noting how they shivered in the cold desert air. They weren’t built for this. But she had no firewood, no real way to keep them warm.
So, she made do.
Showing her palm against a large, flat stone, she bowed her head.
"Please, Father… give us warmth."
A golden light flared as sacred fire engulfed the rock. Heat radiated from it as it turned red with warmth, the glow casting a faint red hue across the sand.
Sera sat near it, holding her hands toward the warmth like a campfire. Taking a blanket around her. She open her blanket invited the cold kobolds closer—she doubted they’d trust her enough for that—but she left the choice to them. If they wanted the warmth, it was there. Like a motherbird would cover her cold babies under her wings. If not, the heat was hers alone.
( persuasion 11 to act ...friendly persuasive)
Either way, the cold wouldn’t bite as harshly tonight.
Sera had been somewhat glad for the company, even if the kobolds didn’t understand her words. Speaking softly, more to herself than to them, she let her thoughts wander.
"Merkas was quick to see the deception... Sharn’s Hachakee roots, their ties to the kobolds, and even Kasi being with us—it was only a matter of time before we figured something was wrong."
The logic settled in her mind, but with it came an unsettling realization.
"And if whoever set this up is even a little bit smart… they’d know we’d catch on."
Her words trailed off. The warmth of the glowing rock suddenly felt less reassuring.
"Which means they’d make sure we never return."
Her stomach tightened. Slowly, carefully, Sera turned her head and scanned the darkness around her. The desert night was vast, open… but was it empty?
She exhaled softly, reaching for her weapon hoping she was not in someones aim right now. Like some Vengeful thugs. That would fit the suspicion perfectly.
Sharn took out the Jackal's knuckles, not threateningly. He didn't even grab them by the right side, had he wanted to put them on, but to inspect them for a second.
"I know this cursed land all too well, yes." Sharn knelt down and got the knuckles as close to the princess as he could without approaching. "Princess, those are of kobold and kender make, using the same elements from this accursed land. Letni Inhelk Lweeps for Santekh, and yet you had the means to feed your people before. Had, I need to emphasize, because now your people are as ragged and pained as the surface dwellers above. They cannot leave, because the trails beneath their feet have guided them to those ruins. They will face the unfathomable, but they cannot do it alone. I do not know why you need these many supplies and a royal chamber this big, but the Hachakee could have the means to help. Both of you could be stronger. You do not owe us an explanation, I don't think. We all have our reasons to follow the guiding firmament. If you tell us where you're trying to go, there won't be a star we can't follow."
(I don't have proficiency in persuasion, but I am trying to be real wise at her. 19+3 for 22 to impart some words of wisdom)
Kasi looks a little worried, "Master Merkas no can be noachi in Letni Inhelk. Only queen decide, and queen no like petissethric. Master Merkas," she puts a hand on his shoulder, "already have noachi." She looks to Hastos and Sharn waiting silently in the chamber. "Master Merkas not alone never."
"Oh, yeah I meant are names only used in the noachi you belong to? But it's okay Gramma, you're part of my noachi too" Watching the carts go back and forth."You are storing lots of materials, you need all of them for your big build I guess" As the light increases the glowing doppelganger fades out and disappears.
"Intruders! You surface dwellers dare to enter my chamber unwelcomed?" Her Common is perfect, except for a slight hissing lisp, and the term "surface dwellers" is clearly intended to be derogatory.
Princess Harkail steps down from her dais, and approaches, remaining behind the guards. "Kashi, you were ssent from thesse halls in peace. Yet you return with warriorss, an unmet Hachakee, and hosstagess. What iss the meaning of thiss? You know that your return meanss death."
Kasi shrinks visibly. Princess Harkail's tone doesn't sound menacing. In fact, she seems to lament executing the banished kobold. But there is a resolute tone behind her words.
Princess Harkail gestures to Sharn. "You've sseen the plight our landss. The dessert is curssed. Food and water iss sscarce, and Letni Inhelk weepss for Ssantekh. But the surface dwellerss have other placess to go. They can migrate north to verdant landss and find all the food and water they dessire. Letni Inhelk wass here firsst, and there iss no ssafa land in all of Khur for uss to flee. We need the ssuppliess... they do not. Pleasse tell them to evacuate their trade posst."
The claim sounds reasonable enough, but doesn't line up with what you've heard from the kobolds in the floor above. Please roll an Insight Check with Advantag
"Please forgive our rude behaviour, Your Highness, but in our travels and information gathering we found that we had little choice but to risk insulting you to bring forth a matterthat only you and your Noachi can help solve." Bending low as he speaks, he raises his head at the princesses accusations towards Kasi "She is here at our request, and to help prevent a war that some parties seem to want to happen between the Santekh people and yourselves. We do not wish this to occur." As he speaks he starts removing the various weapons that were confiscated from the kobolds they had fought earlier and placing them on the ground, including his staff and Ylkwa. He proceeds to undo the bindings on Ipmeerk and Jamada, . "Part of what you say may be true Princess, but all people in Santekh are like the Letni Inhelk, they are all hiding from an enemy they cannot defeat on their own. They are called refugees, hunted by the evil dragon armies with nowhere else to go without risking death, just as the Letni Inhelk risk anywhere else."After freeing the Kobold "hostages" he says "The large crates you have are needed for the survival of Santekh, Are you aware that the merchants you took the supplies from have been killed? And that their deaths are being blamed on the Letni Inhelk?" "Motioning to Jamada, he says "Jamada tells us that your people did not kill any of the merchants but used sleeping gas to take the crates. We believe him and we believe that there is someone that is trying to harm the Letni Inhelk and Santekh both by making us fight each other. We are here to prevent that, protecting your Noachi and our own"
( Persuasion check: Nat 20 for a total of 26, Advantage using Heroic Inspiration)
Insight- 15. Wasn't sure if this was just for Sharn so disregard if I wasn't supposed to roll.
Will be placing a staff, Ylkwa, and the three daggers he kept on the floor as a show of peaceful intentions
Princess raises an eyebrow at the mention that the merchant caravan was killed, and her face grows angry as she realizes that Letni Inhelk has been played. Mentally, she replays the scenario, her wings beginning to close, as she loses focus on her own body.
Behind her right wing, in the distance, you make out a shape. At first it looks like a shiny, metal rain barrel.
Anyone can Roll an Arcana check.
"We have been played for foolss." She looks at Dawnbound. There is desperation in her eyes. "It wass a dangerouss move to invoke the wrath of Shantekh, but we are in great need. We do not want war with Shantekh. I am under the impression that replacement supplies will be arriving for them ssoon. Of coursse, we will grant them ssafe passage passt our territory. And when we can sspare more ssupplies, we will repay what we have taken."
She looks to Ipmeerk and Jamada as Merkas unties them. They rub their wrists and look to Dawnbound, the back to the princess, who bids them to come forward. They do so hesitantly, and kneel before her, making whining sounds of apology. She responds to them in Yip-yak, and during their brief conversation she looks back towards Dawnbound several times, nodding occasionally.
"Jamada ssays you fought with honor, and showed mercy to my people once they were defeated. That iss unussual for ssurface dwellerss, who often take the hidess of koboldss for their trophiess. But they alsso ssay there wass one other amongsst you. A holy warrior baring the mark of the Platinum Dragon. Are you sservants of Paladine?"
The old kobold tried to speak, his voice raspy and uncertain, but when Sera caught the word "ally," she gave a small nod and pressed the last of her food into his trembling hands. He hesitated, then took it, sharing it with the younger kobold beside him. They ate quickly, their sunken eyes flickering with something unreadable—caution, gratitude, or just simple hunger.
Above them, the stars stretched endlessly, the constellations of the gods shining like distant watchers. Sera let herself breathe it in for a moment, the quiet beauty of the night. But beneath it all, the reality remained—so many were suffering, forced into desperate choices. The Dragonarmies didn’t need to conquer by force when hunger and fear did the work for them.
She glanced at the kobolds again, noting how they shivered in the cold desert air. They weren’t built for this. But she had no firewood, no real way to keep them warm.
So, she made do.
Showing her palm against a large, flat stone, she bowed her head.
"Please, Father… give us warmth."
A golden light flared as sacred fire engulfed the rock. Heat radiated from it as it turned red with warmth, the glow casting a faint red hue across the sand.
Sera sat near it, holding her hands toward the warmth like a campfire. Taking a blanket around her. She open her blanket invited the cold kobolds closer—she doubted they’d trust her enough for that—but she left the choice to them. If they wanted the warmth, it was there. Like a motherbird would cover her cold babies under her wings. If not, the heat was hers alone.
( persuasion 11 to act ...friendly persuasive)
Either way, the cold wouldn’t bite as harshly tonight.
Sera had been somewhat glad for the company, even if the kobolds didn’t understand her words. Speaking softly, more to herself than to them, she let her thoughts wander.
"Merkas was quick to see the deception... Sharn’s Hachakee roots, their ties to the kobolds, and even Kasi being with us—it was only a matter of time before we figured something was wrong."
The logic settled in her mind, but with it came an unsettling realization.
"And if whoever set this up is even a little bit smart… they’d know we’d catch on."
Her words trailed off. The warmth of the glowing rock suddenly felt less reassuring.
"Which means they’d make sure we never return."
Her stomach tightened. Slowly, carefully, Sera turned her head and scanned the darkness around her. The desert night was vast, open… but was it empty?
She exhaled softly, reaching for her weapon hoping she was not in someones aim right now. Like some Vengeful thugs. That would fit the suspicion perfectly.
"Paladine, let me be wrong...."
The kobolds approach the fire, and hesitantly sit down in the dirt, grabbing the blanket for warmth. The younger one gestures at the sacks of rocks, speaking to the older one, who nods. He looks at you, showing the sacks, which are filled with rubble as suspected. Some of the rocks glitter with ore particles, but aren't large enough to be used for smelting. He points at Barkly, then at the rocks, and opens his maw wide, breathing out as if he was breathing fire out of it. The kobolds seem to be fairly familiar with Giant Striders, but don't have the same fear and hatred of them that Kasi does.
The Strider, Barkley, had behaved—mostly. Only a rabbit had met its end, which was a mercy compared to what it could have done. The horses still eyed the beast warily, their ears flicking nervously, but they seemed unharmed.
Sera moved among them, murmuring in a low, soothing voice as she checked their harnesses, brushing her hands over their flanks to reassure them. They had a long ride back, and she needed them ready to run if it came to that. With practiced ease, she set the cart right, adjusting the straps and buckles, preparing for a swift departure.
Then her eyes flicked to Barkley. The creature was watching her, intelligent and predatory, like a mean dog waiting to be told what to do next. She narrowed her eyes at it but nodded approvingly.
"You behaved... good."
With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the last bits of her dried meat rations to the beast. Her own meals would now consist only of the vegetable portions—hardly a feast, but worth it for keeping Barkley satisfied. It snapped up the offering and crunched it down, tail twitching.
"Don't get used to it," she muttered before turning back to the horses.
Sharn walked behind Merkas with his hands behind his back. He tried to look as nonthreatening as possible, but he had knocked down a couple of kobolds bare handed. He doubted he could not inspire some nervousness, short of having his arms and feet tied. The throne room promised to be a grand design for the sorcerer princess and her fellow dragon one day. What gnarled at him was the source of these blueprints. Who had given them to the kobolds? They were loosely of dwarven design. Would there be a dwarven prince for the kobold princess? The thought made him chuckle for no apparent reason as they continued.
Hastos remained a vigilant, albeit more relaxed looking posture as they approached the throne room. He did a quick check with his hand feeling for the hilt of the sheathed scimitar, the darts, and lastly around to his back making sure the handle of his axe was within reach. His shield in hand, he continued walking silently at the rear. The less they were reminded of his presence, the better.
His thoughts darted back to Sera at the mouth of the entrance before returning to the situation at hand. He hoped she was ok despite knowing that she would be a formidable opponent should someone try their hand at besting her.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
"It mean Hidden Blade. Good name for... sneaky warrior..." Kasi struggles to find the word... "assassin. Jamada much strong. Jamada no much smart. Not good name for Merkas. Yabbak much more good."
Once the party makes their way to the step ladders descending into the hallway, you can see that it's lit well enough to provide dim light.
The first crate from Santekh is labelled "1" so you can get an idea for scale. You can see (not pictured, but visible) that the hallway extends to the left, but narrows just enough for carts to get through on the rails and lead out west, in the directions of Khalkist Mountain exterior. The carts on rails are carrying precious minerals and heavy ore, likely dropped from the above chutes by the miners on the second floor. Two kobolds (not pictured, to keep the map from getting too cluttered) push each cart. A full cart rolls by every 5 minutes or so. The ones going in are usable ore, minerals, and gemstones. The ones going out are stone and rubble.
Although the clamor coming from the eastern direction of the cave makes it hard to get exact details, it sounds like the main track branches off into several directions.
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Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Outside Letni Inhelk...
Barkly seems less pleased by the cooked food, but gobbles it up nonetheless. She twitches her head several times, continuing to watch Sera tend the horses until she gets bored. She finds a spot in the fading sunlight at the length of her bindings, scratches the ground several times until she finds some proper stones, then bellows a small flame onto it to heat it up. Once she's satisfied by the heat waves, she centers herself on it, tucks her legs under her, and sits down where she can keep an eye on the dangerous cleric. Her eyes blink slowly as the soothing warmth soothes her still-battle-sore body.
The skyline is quite peaceful. With the presence of the Giant Strider, the jackals keep their distance, dashing away in a panic when Barkly's gaze finds them.
Inside Letni Inhelk...
The party makes the climb into the throne room after another pair of kobolds pass through with a cart.
Although the lighting isn't great, it's obvious from the writhing silhouettes cause by the flames, that most of the kobolds are toiling towards the back of the throne room. Carts and railcars are distributed everywhere, and you can see crates filled with treasures: food, water, gemstones, wondrous items, potions, ore. The tracks split to make way for the dais where the queens throne is. And perched atop the throne is the queen, a fierce and penetrating gaze looking out upon the labor of her kin with prideful scrutiny. Her daughter, standing beside her, turns periodically, barking out orders to each mining team, pointing in various directions. Overseers nod at her commands and drive the workers onward to complete their ambitious task. Most of the kobolds are too busy with their work to notice you, but the queen's gaze locks on you, and she raises her hand and rises to a stand. Her voice is surprisingly loud, as if enchanted to be amplified enough to be heard throughout the entire chamber. It booms with enough force to startle the workers, who stop momentarily, and the chamber goes silent.
"Intruders! You surface dwellers dare to enter my chamber unwelcomed?" Her Common is perfect, except for a slight hissing lisp, and the term "surface dwellers" is clearly intended to be derogatory. Princess Harkail wheels on her feet to observe your approach, then immediately turns back to the overseers and barks orders at them again. They scramble to secure their supplies, pushing everything towards the back of the chamber.
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Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Sera sighed, shifting her weight as she leaned against the cart. "The others are probably bored out of their minds..." she muttered, glancing at Barkley. The Strider had curled up, resting, but its ears flicked at every distant sound.
Then a jackal’s howl cut through the desert air.
Her instincts sharpened. Food. For the damn Strider—or maybe even for them, if things got desperate. She reached for her bow, only to smack her forehead with a groan. All my arrows… given to Kasi.
Muttering under her breath, she adjusted her belt and slipped into the darkness, circling carefully to keep the wind in her favor. The jackals wouldn’t catch her scent, at least. She moved lightly, her boots barely disturbing the dry earth.
When she spotted the jackal, her fingers tightened around the hilt of her blade. No arrows, but she still had her magic. She exhaled, steadying her aim, and called forth divine energy. A radiant glow built in her palm, crackling with righteous heat.
“Sorry, little one,” she murmured. Then, with a flick of her hand, she sent Paladine’s fire streaking toward the jackal.
Even if frying jackals wasn’t exactly… sacred, she hoped Paladine had a sense of humor.
( survival 15 for hunting)
After the queens announcement at their arrival, her voice still echoing in the chamber and down the corridors, Hastos lets out a deep sigh.
"I guess that was to be expected." He says with a resigned voice. "At least she speaks common." Forcing an upbeat tone.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Outside Letni Inhelk...
The jackal, startled by the sudden eruption of fire, begins to leap away from the strike! But your quicker reflexes win the day, and radiant flame explodes into its ribcage and it drops dead before even yelping.
Assuming Sacred Flame, Jackal rolls DEX save (12) and fails. Jackal is dead.
Survival 15: A jackal can provide 10-15 pounds (rations) of meat. Since the DC (20) for finding food is bypassed (you already found a jackal) The base DC is 10 for finding edible meat on the Jackal. You recover 15 pounds of rations.
Sera gains 10 XP.
The added threat of a spellcaster, gives other predators all the warning they need, and they scatter, leaving you, Knuckleface, Rocky, and Barkly alone in the desert. With the sun setting, the air gets chillier, and stars are beginning to twinkle amidst the pink and blue sky overhead. Under better circumstances, this would be a beautiful, peaceful night.
After several moments, you hear some bustle coming from inside the cave. It sounds like two kobolds chatting. The tone sounds casual, for kobolds.
Inside Letni Inhelk...
Once the supplies are pulled, four kobolds take formation 30 feet from your location. Three are armed with daggers, and one keeps their hands free. The unarmed one wears the robes of a spellcaster. Princess Harkail notices the tattoos on Sharn's face, as well as Kasi's presence. She places a hand on the queen's hand and whispers in her ear. The queen nods and waves at her.
Princess Harkail steps down from her dais, and approaches, remaining behind the guards. "Kashi, you were ssent from thesse halls in peace. Yet you return with warriorss, an unmet Hachakee, and hosstagess. What iss the meaning of thiss? You know that your return meanss death."
Kasi shrinks visibly. Princess Harkail's tone doesn't sound menacing. In fact, she seems to lament executing the banished kobold. But there is a resolute tone behind her words.
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Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Sharn smiled holding back a chuckle at the thought of himself being a warrior. By the estimations of the princess, she was correct, after all Sharn had been fighting, much as everyone. Stars, he had grown introspective.
Sharn cleared his throat, hoping for a prompt to speak. The princess was angered as she was.
(If the princess looks or acknowledges Sharn, then he will speak, otherwise no)
"I hope there won't be need for execution, poor Kasi has gone through plenty of pain as it is.
My name is Sharn, princess. If I was unknown it's because dirt and stars hadn't found a reason for me to be. We came because something was taken," he said looking at the supplies, "something without which many would die.
"And yet we stayed because we say many other things. The work your people do. Their pain, not from beatings but from waning spirits, like a sinkhole. I have heard both of you good and fair, what is darkening the gleam here where there are no skies?"
Inside Letni Inhelk...
Princess Harkail gestures to Sharn. "You've sseen the plight our landss. The dessert is curssed. Food and water iss sscarce, and Letni Inhelk weepss for Ssantekh. But the surface dwellerss have other placess to go. They can migrate north to verdant landss and find all the food and water they dessire. Letni Inhelk wass here firsst, and there iss no ssafa land in all of Khur for uss to flee. We need the ssuppliess... they do not. Pleasse tell them to evacuate their trade posst."
The claim sounds reasonable enough, but doesn't line up with what you've heard from the kobolds in the floor above. Please roll an Insight Check with Advantage.
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My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
A few moments later, Sera had her fried jackal—not much of a meal, but it would do. She worked quickly, slicing it up with her dagger in the cooling desert night. The scent of charred meat mingled with the dry wind, and she glanced back toward the cave, hoping negotiations were going well.
She had just started the delicate process of taming Barkley, offering the Strider a bloody scrap of jackal meat, when she heard movement from the cave entrance. The sound of kobold voices, casual and unhurried.
No sneaking. No battle cries.
That was either very good news or very bad news.
Sera didn’t move, standing her ground if they was to emerged from the dark cave. She kept her weapons in hand but lowered, ready but not hostile. Just in case. With a quick motion, she tossed the rest of the jackal’s carcass to Barkley.
The last thing she needed was for an overeager Strider to snap up an emissary before they could even speak.
“Stay!” she commanded sharply, pointing at the beast like it was a misbehaving dog. Barkley gave a huff, eyeing her first, then listening at approaching kobolds in the cave then back to her.
Sera narrowed her eyes.
The damn thing actually looked disappointed.
Outside Letni Inhelk...
The kobolds emerge from the cave, carrying large, heavy sacks, and are about to turn right, away from you, when they see you standing near a Giant Strider. They freeze in place, wide-eyed and panicked. They're smallish, like the kobold workers you saw on the second floor, unarmed and starving. One of them looks to be barely more than a child.
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My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
The figures emerging from the cave weren’t warriors or messengers—just a tiny, frail kobold worker and what looked like a kobold child. Their wide, terrified eyes darted between her, the Strider, and the vast desert night behind her.
Sera’s thoughts flickered back to her friends. Were they safe? Were they even still alive? But whatever fate had befallen them, these two kobolds had nothing to do with it.
With a quiet sigh, she sheathed her sunblade’s hilt and set her shield down on the ground, making herself appear less threatening.
It was painfully obvious these kobolds were starving. She had heard them seemed to offer what little food they had to feed a baby dragon, prioritizing it over their own survival. It felt wrong to her, but it was clearly their way.
Her own rations were pitiful—dried nuts and vegetables, whatever was left after sharing with the strider. Kasi had eaten meat like a wolf. She doubted kobolds even ate vegetables, but she still held out what little she had in offering with a gentle smile.
“I hope Hastos likes very skinny girls…” she muttered to herself as she nibbled on a handful of nuts, feeling her own stomach tighten with hunger.
Barkley shifted beside her, eyeing the newcomers. Sera shot the Strider a sharp look. " may the gods help me..." ( give herself guidance)
“Stay” she repeated hoping it learned that word.
The beast flicked its tail and ate its jackal sensing Sera considered give it to the kobolds and it not wanted to share ( animal handling 12 with guidance)
Everything was playing out as Hastos expected, although he had thought there would be more guards than this. He keeps his eyes lowered and uses his peripheral vision to place the kobolds that rushed to formation. “The spell caster has to go first.” He thinks to himself. “The daggers we can handle, I bet the wizard has some nasty tricks up his sleeve which is why they only need 4.” He continues to plan, “If things really go sideways, I’m going to need a meat shield that can absorb any mind altering or necrotic spells… or fire… or lightening… lucky for me I have all these kobolds to choose from…” Hastos puts the plan together…”Once the battle starts… grab one of these kobolds - the smaller one… rush the mage with the little guy as a shield. Be the only one they care about so Merkas and Sharn can figure out what they want to do and hopefully execute before they regain attention… get to the mage and beat him with whatever’s left of the meat shield. Don’t let him touch you, then switch to the scimitar and get to work”
A small smile creeps up in the corner of Hastos’ lips. “Like the old days.”
The full meaning of the phrase sinks in and his smile vanishes. “Probably best that Sera isn’t here if this turns ugly. If they attack, it’s going to get messy. I’ll make sure of it.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Outside Letni Inhelk...
Barkly reaches the end of their tether before even making it close to the kobold cave. And you can tell she has a practiced ease with this, like she's been testing the limits of her rope all afternoon. She seems familiar with kobolds though, and not expressly hostile. Just curious as the two kobolds consider the offer of snacks and see you eat some to prove they weren't poisoned. The older of the two kobolds approaches, gesturing for the younger one to stay back. As the sack he's holding makes a bunch of gravelly sounds, you can tell they're just here to deposit some rubble, and that likely more would be approaching to dump rubble soon enough. He takes a bit of the rations and tastes it, smacking his lips with the same kind of relish you've seen Kasi do. Once he's convinced it won't harm the boy, he scurries back toward him with a handful of the food, yipping happily. He looks back at you and says something in Yip-yak, then translates again in Draconic. When he sees that you don't speak either language, he scratches his head, then tries in broken Hachakee. You recognize the dialect, which is a derivative of Common. The accent is thick and difficult to decipher, but you make out words you recognize as "trade" and "ally".
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
"Oh, yeah I meant are names only used in the noachi you belong to? But it's okay Gramma, you're part of my noachi too"
Watching the carts go back and forth. "You are storing lots of materials, you need all of them for your big build I guess" As the light increases the glowing doppelganger fades out and disappears.
"Please forgive our rude behaviour, Your Highness, but in our travels and information gathering we found that we had little choice but to risk insulting you to bring forth a matter that only you and your Noachi can help solve." Bending low as he speaks, he raises his head at the princesses accusations towards Kasi "She is here at our request, and to help prevent a war that some parties seem to want to happen between the Santekh people and yourselves. We do not wish this to occur." As he speaks he starts removing the various weapons that were confiscated from the kobolds they had fought earlier and placing them on the ground, including his staff and Ylkwa. He proceeds to undo the bindings on Ipmeerk and Jamada, . "Part of what you say may be true Princess, but all people in Santekh are like the Letni Inhelk, they are all hiding from an enemy they cannot defeat on their own. They are called refugees, hunted by the evil dragon armies with nowhere else to go without risking death, just as the Letni Inhelk risk anywhere else." After freeing the Kobold "hostages" he says "The large crates you have are needed for the survival of Santekh, Are you aware that the merchants you took the supplies from have been killed? And that their deaths are being blamed on the Letni Inhelk?" "Motioning to Jamada, he says "Jamada tells us that your people did not kill any of the merchants but used sleeping gas to take the crates. We believe him and we believe that there is someone that is trying to harm the Letni Inhelk and Santekh both by making us fight each other. We are here to prevent that, protecting your Noachi and our own"
( Persuasion check: Nat 20 for a total of 26, Advantage using Heroic Inspiration)
Insight- 15. Wasn't sure if this was just for Sharn so disregard if I wasn't supposed to roll.
Will be placing a staff, Ylkwa, and the three daggers he kept on the floor as a show of peaceful intentions
Loyalty Begets Honour
Hastos is impressed with Merkas’ eloquence and manners towards the princess, but as Merkas frees the kobolds, Hastos briefly considers using Merkas as his alternate meat shield. He inhales and exhales slowly. “He’s lucky I like him so much.” Hastos think begrudgingly.”The plan remains.” He says to himself.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
The old kobold tried to speak, his voice raspy and uncertain, but when Sera caught the word "ally," she gave a small nod and pressed the last of her food into his trembling hands. He hesitated, then took it, sharing it with the younger kobold beside him. They ate quickly, their sunken eyes flickering with something unreadable—caution, gratitude, or just simple hunger.
Above them, the stars stretched endlessly, the constellations of the gods shining like distant watchers. Sera let herself breathe it in for a moment, the quiet beauty of the night. But beneath it all, the reality remained—so many were suffering, forced into desperate choices. The Dragonarmies didn’t need to conquer by force when hunger and fear did the work for them.
She glanced at the kobolds again, noting how they shivered in the cold desert air. They weren’t built for this. But she had no firewood, no real way to keep them warm.
So, she made do.
Showing her palm against a large, flat stone, she bowed her head.
"Please, Father… give us warmth."
A golden light flared as sacred fire engulfed the rock. Heat radiated from it as it turned red with warmth, the glow casting a faint red hue across the sand.
Sera sat near it, holding her hands toward the warmth like a campfire. Taking a blanket around her. She open her blanket invited the cold kobolds closer—she doubted they’d trust her enough for that—but she left the choice to them. If they wanted the warmth, it was there. Like a motherbird would cover her cold babies under her wings. If not, the heat was hers alone.
( persuasion 11 to act ...friendly persuasive)
Either way, the cold wouldn’t bite as harshly tonight.
Sera had been somewhat glad for the company, even if the kobolds didn’t understand her words. Speaking softly, more to herself than to them, she let her thoughts wander.
"Merkas was quick to see the deception... Sharn’s Hachakee roots, their ties to the kobolds, and even Kasi being with us—it was only a matter of time before we figured something was wrong."
The logic settled in her mind, but with it came an unsettling realization.
"And if whoever set this up is even a little bit smart… they’d know we’d catch on."
Her words trailed off. The warmth of the glowing rock suddenly felt less reassuring.
"Which means they’d make sure we never return."
Her stomach tightened. Slowly, carefully, Sera turned her head and scanned the darkness around her. The desert night was vast, open… but was it empty?
She exhaled softly, reaching for her weapon hoping she was not in someones aim right now. Like some Vengeful thugs. That would fit the suspicion perfectly.
"Paladine, let me be wrong...."
Sharn took out the Jackal's knuckles, not threateningly. He didn't even grab them by the right side, had he wanted to put them on, but to inspect them for a second.
"I know this cursed land all too well, yes." Sharn knelt down and got the knuckles as close to the princess as he could without approaching. "Princess, those are of kobold and kender make, using the same elements from this accursed land. Letni Inhelk Lweeps for Santekh, and yet you had the means to feed your people before. Had, I need to emphasize, because now your people are as ragged and pained as the surface dwellers above. They cannot leave, because the trails beneath their feet have guided them to those ruins. They will face the unfathomable, but they cannot do it alone. I do not know why you need these many supplies and a royal chamber this big, but the Hachakee could have the means to help. Both of you could be stronger. You do not owe us an explanation, I don't think. We all have our reasons to follow the guiding firmament. If you tell us where you're trying to go, there won't be a star we can't follow."
(I don't have proficiency in persuasion, but I am trying to be real wise at her. 19+3 for 22 to impart some words of wisdom)
Inside Letni Inhelk...
Princess raises an eyebrow at the mention that the merchant caravan was killed, and her face grows angry as she realizes that Letni Inhelk has been played. Mentally, she replays the scenario, her wings beginning to close, as she loses focus on her own body.
Behind her right wing, in the distance, you make out a shape. At first it looks like a shiny, metal rain barrel.
Anyone can Roll an Arcana check.
"We have been played for foolss." She looks at Dawnbound. There is desperation in her eyes. "It wass a dangerouss move to invoke the wrath of Shantekh, but we are in great need. We do not want war with Shantekh. I am under the impression that replacement supplies will be arriving for them ssoon. Of coursse, we will grant them ssafe passage passt our territory. And when we can sspare more ssupplies, we will repay what we have taken."
She looks to Ipmeerk and Jamada as Merkas unties them. They rub their wrists and look to Dawnbound, the back to the princess, who bids them to come forward. They do so hesitantly, and kneel before her, making whining sounds of apology. She responds to them in Yip-yak, and during their brief conversation she looks back towards Dawnbound several times, nodding occasionally.
"Jamada ssays you fought with honor, and showed mercy to my people once they were defeated. That iss unussual for ssurface dwellerss, who often take the hidess of koboldss for their trophiess. But they alsso ssay there wass one other amongsst you. A holy warrior baring the mark of the Platinum Dragon. Are you sservants of Paladine?"
Outside Letni Inhelk...
The kobolds approach the fire, and hesitantly sit down in the dirt, grabbing the blanket for warmth. The younger one gestures at the sacks of rocks, speaking to the older one, who nods. He looks at you, showing the sacks, which are filled with rubble as suspected. Some of the rocks glitter with ore particles, but aren't large enough to be used for smelting. He points at Barkly, then at the rocks, and opens his maw wide, breathing out as if he was breathing fire out of it. The kobolds seem to be fairly familiar with Giant Striders, but don't have the same fear and hatred of them that Kasi does.
"Keep... bird... hot." he explains in Hachakee.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin