Abishai's Dragons of Icespire Peak

[[Definitely the boots, had repressed the wings]]

Zephyros enters the gnomish workshop and quickly takes in the scene. Using his trident to lower to a kneel, the bearded veteran comes face to face with Lyra, saying, "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, tis but a scratch." He gives a single raised eyebrow to Meira as she suggests the warrior needs healing, "...as usual..." but shrugs off the comment as good natured. 

The red cloaked bull of a man remains kneeling as he addresses the gnomes inquiry, "We are confident the monster infestation is at an end. You can return to eastern Gnomengarde at your leisure." As he finishes his statement, he looks up to see two of his companions fly overhead. 'I hope these gnomes don't take offense to my companions liberties.'

Insight check to gage the gnomes reaction: 10

Zephyros tries to keep the gnomes attention as he continues the conversation, "That auto-reloading rapid fire ballista in the eastern wing is quite something!" The warrior states excitedly. "I would love to see the schematic for the device, and maybe with your permission, make a copy of it. That weapon would make a huge difference in the defense of Phandalin if the dragon attacks."

The ranger follows the others into the workshop and is pleased to see Lyra safe and apparently having a good time with the gnomes. He glances at the various gnomish devices on display, but he's not as interested in mechanical contraptions like Alisande or even Rasziel. The ballista had been an exception. That was a fine weapon. Zephyros had a good point that it would be useful against the dragon.

"That is partially why we came, to see if you had anything that could help defeat the dragon," Gareth explains. "That ballista might just do the trick. Ingenious device, by the way. Very impressive. It made short work of one of those monsters."

Meira,

Fibblestib responds to you, "We've not encountered any of the monsters over here, thankfully. The only one that attempted to come over was cut down in Professor Brindlewick’s Self-Accelerating Defensive Rotational Entry Management Apparatus, or BREMA for short."

Alisande,

You see several half-finished inventions cluttered throughout the workspace, but one item does stick out amongst the chaff. You see an interesting looking clockwork amulet. As you fly closer to the leatherbound book placed in a position of honor, you see the book itself is compact but thick, its cover reinforced with thin copper plates etched in looping gnomish script and tiny mechanical diagrams. Hinges along the spine allow the book to expand slightly, accommodating added pages, folded schematics, and scraps of parchment tucked between chapters. To you, this book looks to be filled with schematics, drawings, and workshop notes.

Rasziel,

Uninterested in the other trinkets in the room, you get a better look at the book on the pedestal. In addition to the description given to Alisande, you immediately recognize it as a spell book, but more than that. It's a repository for what you surmise is the gnomes most treasured inventions, accomplishments, and closely guarded ideas.

Zephyros,

Lyra smiles as she places a hand on your face. At first you think it's a loving caress, but then she quickly pulls her hand back and lightly slaps your cheek and laughs, "Haha, oh Zephyros! Meira's right, you're always running towards the danger." She gives you a wink as you regain 11 HP from Lyra's slap.

Dabbledob nods approvingly at your report and says, "Thank goodness for that!" His eyes turn upward towards Alisande and Rasziel before you regain his attention. "You like that invention do ya? I fine machine if I do say so myself, one of mine own design I might add." He says it with an air of pride and is clearly loving the way in which you talk about it.

Insight check:

 "Hmm... you want to reproduce my design do ya? Well, that could have some unintended consequences. Yes, very dangerous."

[[OOC: Make a persuasion check with advantage thanks to Gareth's help.]]

Gareth,

Dabbledob beams with joy as you praise the ballista invention.

Fibblestib turns to you as you as you mention the help you came to request. "Help, yes! The least we can do, I'm sure for helping us make our home safe again." He rummages through a pile of gears and springs before pulling out what looks to be a 1' long rod. He continues the search on a nearby workbench. Grabbing two more items, Fibblestib hands them over to you while describing in detail their function and how to use them. "Thank you for your help! Take these as a sign of our appreciation."

[[OOC: I have added a wand of pyrotechnics, a hat of wizardry, and a pole of collapsing to the party inventory.]]

"BREMA," Meira says, repeating the acronym. "We turned it off to get through. Should we turn it back on?" She isn't quite sure how they intend to use the device in everyday life here. 

While more focused on speaking to Fibblestib, she may have also been keeping tabs on what Lyra was doing and notices her reaction to Zephyros. She grins at her unique healing method, fully agreeing with her comment to him.  She follows the gnome over to where he presents the items to Gareth. "Those should be very useful. Thank you," she says. "We were hoping for things more effective against the dragons. I think though that ballista thing might be such an item. What sort of range would that have? Like out in the open. Could it hit a flying dragon?"  

Meira finds herself getting more interested in possible uses of the device, or maybe even modifications. "It's not portable really, but we could put one at Axeholm perhaps. Do you think Phandalin could use one? Or should there be more? What would it even take to build such a thing?" 

"I believe the book might hold spells. Perhaps I can persuade the gnomes to let you have a peek, assuming you would accept my assistance." Rasziel says quietly to the red-haired lady hovering beside him before descending to address the gnomes below. "Would you all also be interested in establishing a trade connection with the outside world? It could get you materials and components you need for your projects, among other things. It could also mean your ingenious inventions would get the attention they and you deserve with the world." He offers with a polite smile.

Perusasion if relevant: 9 Another roll if Azazel can assist his master by coaching him, not that this particular coaching was of much use: 11 :-P

Persuasion: 9/10

"Just think of the renown you would proffer. The famous inventor, Dabbledob the magnificent! Protector of the realm with his wonderous..." The warrior thinks for a moment. "...Does your ballista have a name?" 

Meira,

Fibblestib responds to your question, "Not to worry, we created it to keep those monsters out. Since the monsters are gone, we will disasemble BREMA. Although..." He strokes his grey beard for a moment before continuing, "Yes, yes! I can incorporate BREMA's design with my PCAGCP! Yes, that could work!" He excitedly grabs some tools and runs into the room with the gnomish turnstiles. Two of the other gnomes join him, leaving Dabbledob and three other gnomes left in the room with you.

Dabbledob gives you a side eye as he considers Zephyros' request. "Hmm... well I imagine its effective range is 50' to 200' based upon Brimblewick's third law of physics. You see..." He begins going into the mathmatical calculations used to calibrate the device and what level of force is applied to the ballista bolt to allow it fire. He ignores your second question and addresses the third, "A portable one... hmm. That's what we have crossbows for, but..." He continues to think as Zephyros flatters him with thoughts of renown.

[[OOC: Give me a persuasion check.]]

 Rasziel,

As you float down to ask about trade, a third gnome that goes by the name of Korboz speaks up. "We already trade with Phandalin, Torben I think his name is. We give him mushroom wine, and he gives us give us some coins we use to purchase supplies for our inventions. I'll admit, it would be nice having a more consistent access to rare earth materials such as gold and silver. How could you help us with that?"

 Zephyros,

Dabbledob returns his attention to you. His eyes narrow slightly as he speaks, giving you a critical look, "No I think not. Much too dangerous for humans to have the ability to create SMADEKs. They would most certainly use them for war. I cannot abide. No sir, not now, not ever." His thoughts turn back to Meira as he thinks out loud. "A portable one... hmm."

(Meira Persuasion: 21) 

Already practically slavering over the fascinating clockwork amulet, Alisande arches a brow when Rasziel confides his suspicions about the contents of the tome. "Is that so?" The wizard says, arching a brow. She has no interest whatsoever in theft - such things were beneath a woman who sought to restore the good name of her House - but if a fair bargain could be struck for the gnomish artillery, the amulet and the spellbook, then commerce and diplomacy would merely be an extension of her  ambitions, both scholarly and noble. 

As the negotiations begin in earnest, she joins the rest of her comrades. "We have recently liberated the ancient dwarven fortress of Axeholm. At its peak some five centuries ago, Axeholm grew extravagantly affluent as a result of trading its gemstones and ores with Neverwinter. It later suffered an untimely demise, as a result of a most insidious curse, but the company you see before you has excised the blight that afflicted its underground halls. Axeholm is reclaimed."

"We plan on establishing the city as a refuge for the people of Phandalin, but the mountain's veins were not bled dry. Axeholm did not perish through an exhaustion of its natural riches - it stands to reason there may be substantial deposits yet untapped."

Her gaze flickers across Fibblestib and Dabbledob before alighting upon Korboz.

"We have rendered you a service here in Gnomengarde - without an invoice, I might add. But now we seek an alliance with you. The dragons that menace the Sword Mountains will do so indiscriminately - their avarice and love of destruction will respect no border. We ask of you these ingenious inventions - the artillery, the amulet and that extremely curious tome that lies above. Aid us now, and when Axeholm's mines resound once more with the sound of hammer and pick, we shall see to it that you receive a proportionate share of its revived prosperity."

Persuasion: 23 (Natural 20) 

The young dark-kaired purple-robed man nods in agreement with the red-haired lady as she lays out her grand proposition, being ready to step in with some good arguments to further sweeten the deal but noticing that it was all already clearly in good hands. "Regarding the rare earth materials I can make sure to negotiate a good deal for you with the Miner's Exhange in Phandalin. I'm certain you will find them able to provide you with any rare earth materials you might need for developing new inventions, but I would suggest you also take my help with marketing them as that could see you with enough wealth to remove any practical limitations to your ingenious inventions."

Meira,

Dabbledob continues to think out loud about the ability to make his SMADEKs portable, "Hmm, perhaps we could create a rail system linking Phandalin and Gnomengarde that would allow the SMADEK to travel as needed between the two... hmm, yes, that could work, but would take a lot of work to install a rail line... hmm." The gnome jumps in excitement as an idea comes to his mind. "I know! We'll use our barrel crabs as a makeshift mobile SMADEK platform, yes, that should work just fine!" He grabs some tools and heads out the door to the east, taking two more gnomes with him. Dabbledob sticks his head back through the door and says, "If I can make it work, I'll send one to Phandalin when it's done." This leaves Korboz the last remaining gnome in the room. 

 Alisande,

Fibblestib, Dabbledob, and company listen to your story about Axeholm before departing to their tasks. Korboz listens to your story of Axeholm and request for aid. He gives you a confused look as he listens, and you're not entirely sure he understands everything you've said, but after you finish your request, he responds, "It sounds like Dabbledob has already agreed to get to work on something for Phandalin, but..." He climbs up the ledge with the leatherbound book and opens it. He thumbs through the book for a moment before stopping, "Ah, here it is. The schematic for the Self-Reloading Multi-Angular Defensive Engagement Kinetic-chair. Make a copy, I keep the original. Take the clockwork amulet, I don't mind. As for this here book..." He caresses it lovingly. "This is not for barter, but I'll let you pick one spell to copy into your spellbook. I'll even supply the ink. If you want to copy more, you'll need to use your own ink." As Korboz shows you the spells located in the tome, he shares each spell's name. While following along, you immediately recognize the next hurdle to overcome. All of the spells are written in Gnomish.

[[OOC: The spellbook contains the wizard spells burning hands, detect magic, identify, mage armor, magic missile, shield, and sleep.]]

Rasziel,

The gnomes agree to your proposal, with Korboz going so far as to say, "I don't know why people are so worried about the quality of gnomish engineering. Us gnomes produce the highest quality of goods around! Very well, here's a badge of station that allows you to negotiate on our behalf for the transferance of rare earth minerals/metals in exchange for services and goods of Gnomengarde's finest." He hands you a small circular patch with a hammer and spring design on it. "Just make sure any agreement is one most favorable to your Gnomengarde business partners."

(OOC - woops! I think i didn't send my post from yestetday after I posted my roll!)

Meira listens to the various offers the gnome makes. She's relieved as the demands for what is clearly a cherished book to this group is not met with more hostility. These gnomes seem truly generous. 

"You seemed concerned about others using these devices for war. I fear a mobile SMADEK could lead to such use in the future. If it were permanently set in place it would be a defense rather than weapon." She pauses before going on. "Unless it needs to be mobile to be useful against the dragon?" 

After that she looks at Alisande and Rasziel then Dabbledob. "Axeholm is an interesting thought. But, it happens that we own an interest in an operating mine. At least, some of the group." She looks over at the two newer members of the group, trying to recall if they were part of that deal. 

Returning to talk to Dabbledob, Meira says, "It's the Mountains Toe Gold Mine. I'll bet we could figure out some way to get you some gold from there in return for goods to sell. But I'm sure Rasziel can figure all that out since he is some sort of an expert, I guess."

Alisande's disappointment is palpable. Having believed she made an incontestable case, to be denied the prize she most coveted is evidently hard to take. Nevertheless, her pride and good breeding reassert themselves, along with the recognition of the potential value of the schematic to the group as a whole. She receives the items from Korboz with a gracious incline of her head. "I pray we are able to make use of them for the benefit of all. Thank you for your assistance." The wizard responds, before setting to penning a copy of the schematic that Zephyros, Gareth, and Meira in particular seemed most intrigued by.

When she is done putting quill to parchment and duplicating the blueprint for the SMADEK, she turns to the three warriors. "I believe this belongs in one of your hands. He who had the tactical foresight to bring the ballista to bear, he who loosed it with such unsurpassable, peerless aim, and she whose strategic mind thinks to put it to use against our great enemies." The noblewoman smiles approvingly, then unfurls her fingers to reveal the whirring, ticking, gear-laden amulet. "There is also the matter of this curious item. Are there any among us who possess the talent to eke its secrets into service?"

Once those items are divested from her possession, she congratulates Rasziel on forging a valuable compact. "I have only known you upon the road, but now I bear witness to your skills as a formidable negotiator - your command of commerce and covenant is most enviable. Well done, Rasziel." As she flicks through the pages of the spellbook, she lets out an exasperated sigh. "... I don't suppose you are familiar with Gnomish?"

((OOC: She'll copy Magic Missile, costing 0GP and 2 hours. She'll spend 50 GP and a further 2 hours copying Mage Armor. In order to pay for this, she withdrew her share of the money from Axeholm which was in the Party Inventory - that amount was 119GP, 4SP, and 4CP.))

"Thank you for allowing us to copy the schematic," Gareth says to the gnomes. "If we can build this, it should prove most useful against the dragon."

The ranger accepts the copy but holds it out to Meira and Zephyros. "Would one of you rather hold onto it for now? I've noticed I have a tendency toward falling in streams and getting soaking wet lately," he says wryly. "It might be safest in your hands, Meira."

The ranger also thanks the gnomes for the magical items they provided. He admires the wand and the hat, but he has little use for such items. Instead, he offers them to the rest of the party to examine and do with what they will. 

Gareth examines the clockwork amulet, intrigued by its craftmanship. "Perhaps any of us could use it," he suggests, looking at Meira or Zephyros. "Who wants to try it out?"

Gareth listens to the negotiations with a growing amount of respect for Rasziel's business acumen. "Well done," he says to the man in purple robes. "Little did I know when I ventured forth from Neverwinter that I'd end up entangled in such profitable ventures, even owning a partial share in a gold mine. Maybe I'll be able to retire from adventuring early." He chuckles.

"Sure, I'll take the drawing for safe keeping," Meira says. "And you keep the amulet Gareth if you wish. I presume wand and hat go to Alisande? Or would you use that wand Rasziel? Perhaps I could try to find a use for that rod." 

"Of course, I consider it being in my best interest to build good and robust business relations in the region, with Gnomengarde in particular. You will hear from me again as soon as negotiations in Phadalin are concluded." Rasziel assures Korboz with a small but sincere smile, gratefully and accepting the badge with businesslike politeness and conduct. He gives the stylish bard a nod as well as she brings up the Mountains Toe Gold mine. He wasn't an owner himself but he would certainly have the mine and it's gold in mind when negotiations in Phandalin started in earnest.

There is a quite uncharacteristic hint of a blush with the sinister looking purple-robed young man at the praise from the Neverwintan lady. "Thank you milady, but negotiations have barely started yet, I admit I am hopeful for prosperous commerce in the region though. It is a long term endeavour to be sure, but I'm convinced that it eventually will bring wealth and means to properly defend it from the threat dragons even." He says with calm confidence. "Alas I do not know the language of the gnomes, but I'm fairly confident our hosts do." He says with a small smile.

"Well yes, I'm sure your wife would want you with her as soon as you have arranged for your retirement as a monster hunter, and I will certainly do what I can to assist you with those plans." Rasziel says to the ranger with a reassuring nod. "And no, I'm sure the lady will find better use for the wand than I would ever do." He says as Meira brings up the topic of the gifted trinkets. None of the peculiar items were of obvious use when it came to defeating the dragon terrorizing the region, but he was certain that they could all come handy at some point in their future adventures together.

With that, depending on the hour, Rasziel would be ready to journey back to Phandalin.

Zephyros takes the slap from Lyra good naturedly and bows politely as Dabbledob refuses his request for the schematic for the SMADEKs, resigned to be content with what assistance the gnomes were willing to offer. Ironheart is relieved as his allies stop short of the tome that had caught their eye. Many hostilities were ignited over simple misunderstandings in the bearded warriors past for him to understand the need for tact when in another's home. However, the battle-hardened veteran walked over to the side of the room and leaned against a section of wall devoid of workbenches or schematics. Disappointed in his inability to persuade the gnome, Dabbledob into giving him what he wanted most.

His disappointment turns to approval as Meira seems to find success, in part. The idea of a mobile SMADEK intrigued the warrior and he was curious to see the final result, if one ever came to fruition. Ironheart nods in agreement at Meira's mention of the gold mine, adding, "Indeed, we can negotiate a trade agreement between you and the dwarves at Mountain's Toe. Your wine and some innovative mining equipment for a steady supply of gold and silver."

The bearded veteran raises his eyebrows and strokes his beard as Korboz agrees to provide a schematic for the SMADEK when the inventor of the device had strictly forbade it, but he refused to look a gift horse in the mouth. He knew a weapon such as that could provide a tactical advantage over any adversary. Finding the right person to make the device would be the next challenge.

Zephyros listens quietly as the others talk amongst themselves before he steps out onto the ledge where they first met the gnomes. Taking a moment to himself, he checks in on Felagi and asks the red-tailed hawk to return to the warrior. He then spends the rest of his time in Gnomengarde mending Rasziel's robe after his beautiful wings disapear. He then patrols the rooms and halls as allowed to ensure no monsters still lurk. When everyone is ready to return to Phandalin, Ironheart thanks the gnomes and leads the way back at a steady pace.

Perception w/ Felagi's help: 18/11

"Why, Rasziel... are you blushing?" Alisande's laughter is bright and unguarded, amused by the way his forbidding countenance softens into something more endearing and boyish. "Perhaps your time as a butterfly forced you to undergo a metamorphosis of another sort. Or perhaps my prejudices are proven unjustified. In any case, I am pleased to hear you regard wealth not as an idol, but as a tool for the amelioration and fortification of Phandalin and the Sword Mountains at large. But the prosperity you desire for the region need not demand privation on your part. Take the hat - I am quite sure the diversity of spells it can offer you will synergise well with your existing proficiencies."

She turns to Meira and the rest of the company, idly rolling the pyrotechnic wand between her fingers. "Perhaps someone else should take this also. I already command the means to fashion small illusions and light shows. Yet should we ever be separated, this might signal your location, or in the event of a battle, confound a foe by creating a distraction. And the arcane force is already bound within the device itself - it requires no study of the arcane arts to make use of it. It is quite simple." The red-haired mage raises the wand to demonstrate. "Swish and flick. Swish and flick."

When Alisande approaches her, Meira starts off speaking politely, even sounding sincere. "Why thank you. I appreciate considering me for this."  She watches as she demonstrates the moves of the wand. "Ah, swish and flick. Is that one of those complicated mystical formulations of the arcane that wizards are known for?"  She starts to get a grin on her face. "Plus you look so elegant the way you flick with your wrist. And my goodness, your swish is just... very... swishy." She chuckles softly for a moment. 

"Seriously though, I think I'm ok without the little stick," Meira says. "Perhaps Zephyros would need a little swish and flick in his life?" she arches a brow as she makes the suggestion, pausing for a response. Then, she yells over at the older man, sounding very much like a child tattling on a sibling. "Zephyros, Alisande is swishing at me!"