Kora drops the entaglement once the girl is secured. As Halp starts taking her to the King, she steps back to keep out of his way. He seemed to be on a mission about it, she would have suggested going to get the one that introduced them to the King, but she holds her tongue and lets them go.
If Father Halp is heading to the king, then Sólmyrkvi will walk go with him. As they depart, he grabs one of their helpers to let them know that they can continue the work now. "I think that the danger has passed. It should be fine to continue gathering the bodies now. We'll be back soon to help. I'm sorry; we're in a hurry, but I can explain more later. Just continue the work. We want to finish gathering the dead before nightfall."
If allowed, Sólmyrkvi will move about 10-ft in front of Halp and Griss so that he can try to keep anyone else from interfering. (For example, if someone approaches: "Please stand aside. We are on king's business.") Slight-of-build and barely 5-foot-6, Sólmyrkvi is not intimidating, but he does still have his Longsword in his hand. He's also currently rimed with frost as though he just stepped in from a blizzard. He hopes that even if people are curious, they'll be too busy with important tasks for setting up the camp and ensuring their own survival to interfere.
Leif will follow 10’ behind the parade, shield swinging with his stride, other hand empty. He is guarding the rear in case a scuffle occurs with the escort. He wants to observe the people as we pass, listening for murmurs as we pass and keeping an eye out for the men who had issues with her the previous night. Would they try and strike while she is subdued?
Eldon you go back to your work, making preparations for tomorrows ceremony. What thoughts do you have regarding the construction of the pyres?
Kora and Richter do you stay at on the beach or follow old Halp and his prisoner?
With Sólmyrkvi clearing the way up front and Leif taking the rear, Halp you lead the girl toward the kings tents. She does not resist as she shuffles along at your side, her head bowed and eyes lowered.
When you are about half way, there comes a shout from the north of where you walk. Veldir and his men from the Firewing have received word of the altercation at the beach and they are marching through the settlement toward you.
When you are about half way, there comes a shout from the north of where you walk. Veldir and his men from the Firewing have received word of the altercation at the beach and they are marching through the settlement toward you.
Halp ignores them and keeps on to his King...If they try to intercede he will activate Shillelagh on his club, so they can see it's powered up but he'll keep going.
[[ OOC: @Godster1 - If I understand the map correctly, the king's tent would be farther north. Veldir and his men are currently on a path to intercept / block us. ]]
As soon Sólmyrkvi sees Veldir approaching, he again casts Blade Ward. When the men get within speaking distance, he waves a greeting to them. He ignores the demand to hand over the girl and simply addresses Veldir: "Hail, Veldir! I hope the day finds you happy and healthy! Yes, Fortune smiles upon us. The girl slipped away last night, but we were able to find her today. As you see, Father Halp helped us to apprehend her."
If the men are blocking their way, Sólmyrkvi slows and stops about 10-ft away from them. He still holds his Longsword, but he gestures with his off-hand as he continues: "We are under King Alaric's orders, and we're on our way to bring this girl to the king and his advisors to hear her case. Please make way. Or...would you like to come with us? Your testimony of what you witnessed aboard the Firewing would be valuable." Sólmyrkvi is trying not to be overtly hostile, speaking like he would to a neighbor or other acquaintance in the village. He's friendly but firm. (Persuasion: 12)
If any of Veldir's men try to pass him or approach the girl, Sólmyrkvi moves to put himself in the way, holding out his off hand and saying, "Stand aside, sir. We must take this girl to the king. Do not interfere."
Concentration: Blade Ward, round 1 of 10 Until the spell ends, subtract 1d4 from all attack rolls against Sólmyrkvi.
“Yes, yes. Accompany us in our procession to bring her case before our King. You all may walk with me, if you’d like.”
Leif pivots ever so slightly, utilizing his shield to hide his free hand reaching under the root ball of his cudgel in its loop. He doesn’t draw it, he is just making ready. He studies the men’s body language and their next words and actions to determine if conflict is escalating, de-escalating and or if they are attempting to deceive just to be close to the girl.
Halp they do indeed move closer and you activate your Shillelagh. At your words the girl glances upwards but makes no answer.
Sólmyrkvi (with a 12) some of the men do advance though Veldir himself hangs back. You give your warning and there is a tense moment before Veldir calls out. "Let them pass, we will follow and witness the kings justice."
Leif (with a 17) you see that several of the men are on the edge of violence and it would take little to tip the balance. One of them, a one eyed man with lank black hair spits on the sand at your feet in response to your offer before falling in with his fellows and walking behind.
(Kora and Richter where are you at this point?)
It is a short walk now to the kings tents but as you arrive Alaric is nowhere to be seen. Instead you see Merros his blue robed advisor. He sits atop a barrel eating an apple. He takes a healthy bite as you approach and then speaks with a full mouth,
"What is this? Did one of the departed come back to life?" he points toward the bedraggled form of Griss in jest, completely ignorant of the truth behind his words.
*
Back at the beach...
Eldon your work for the day is near complete. Is there anything you wish to accomplish before the day ends?
As the group starts off with Griss, Kora looks at the bedraggled girl and then back towards the work that Eldon went back to and decides curiosity wins over hard labor. She decides to follow the group, walking with Leif as she goes, not wanting to be up front of the walk towards the King. She isn't sure how she feels about 'working' for the King as it is. But she is glad that he can be the one that decides Griss's fate, not them. But she finds she doesn't want the girl loose to wreak more havoc upon the camp if she felt so inclined.
When they happen upon the men that she pushed off last night, she stands tall alongside Leif, glaring at the men and ready for a fight if need be. But she doesn't provoke it. She wasn't ready for Sol to invite them along and when they decide to follow, she moves up next to Hal not wanting the men at her back. She looks at Griss, wondering about her, about her mark and why she has it. Finally, she asks, "Why do you have the Mark of Loki?"
When they get to Merros, she finds she is glad the King is otherwise occupied and waits for the others to respond.
Sólmyrkvi (with a 12) some of the men do advance though Veldir himself hangs back. You give your warning and there is a tense moment before Veldir calls out. "Let them pass, we will follow and witness the kings justice."
Sólmyrkvilets out a tense sigh. He tries to sound relaxed and casual about what just happened, and he nods to Veldir and thanks him for coming. But the more observant among the party might notice that he was gripping his sword so tightly that his knuckles are white or that his off-hand is visibly shaky.
Richter admittedly knew nothing of what was happening. He could onlybwatch silently as the others began dragging this twig of a child away, a frail thing of meagre flesh and greyed complexion. Something of her appearance made the man feel ill, yet it was not his fight, nor his victory, and so remained silent. His eyes glittered the shadows of his tired eyes, thoughtfully regarding the otherwise contentious situation.
There was a pang of... guilt, perhaps? He was useless up to and throughout the scuffle, lost to his own torrid machinations. Truly not the inspiration his king had heralded of him. Twas shameful, even in his tattered state. So it was, when the party began dragging the putrid girl, Richter followed. Not so much in participation, but pennance. If anything happened, he'd react hitherto. No more onlooking.
It is a short walk now to the kings tents but as you arrive Alaric is nowhere to be seen. Instead you see Merros his blue robed advisor. He sits atop a barrel eating an apple. He takes a healthy bite as you approach and then speaks with a full mouth,
"What is this? Did one of the departed come back to life?" he points toward the bedraggled form of Griss in jest, completely ignorant of the truth behind his words.
Leif glances around during the pregnant pause. Several eyes from the camp followed the group to the king’s banner, yet few approached. The master craftsman Eldon had taken his leave, but the Skald Richter had joined the group.
Leif clears his throat and breaks the silence brought about by the prescient inquiry, “This young woman has performed Dark magics in front of many witnesses. Rather than dispatching her ourselves”, at this Leif inclusively waves to the entire group including the men from the Firewing, “we seek a hearing with King Alaric wherein justice can be rendered according to our customs and his ordained wisdom.”
Halpwaits to see if Leifhas anything further to say.
No? So he adds, "Last eve she was set upon by some among us claiming they witnessed witchery at sea. At the time I..."he looks around but then continues, "I intervened on her 'half. If she has done evil since, that is on my shoulders as much as hers."
He finishes but then thinks to add one more thing, "I would see evil punished and ended. But I would not see a child murdered by the mob."
He nods, deciding that that's it. He has said his piece.
Kora you ask "Why do you have the Mark of Loki?" but realise too late that Halp has gagged the girl and get only a withering look in response.
Leif you speak eloquently and your words clearly spark the interest of young advisor, "Dark magics you say?" he hops lightly down from the barrel and tosses the apple core to the ground. He begins to make a study of the girl as you speak up Halp.
He looks to you with a smile, "No good deed goes unpunished eh master Halp? I will advise the king to have you thrashed if you wish it, but I have a feeling he will decline."
You say your last words and he claps a hand on your shoulder, "Indeed no. Mob rule is no way to restart civilisation, we have a king after all." there is some mumbling in the crowd at that and one of the Firewing crew gives a harsh curse.
"What was that?" Merros asks looking at the man, who says nothing more, "No? Thought not... oh my!" he spots the mark on the girls arm.
All levity leaves his voice as he calls over three guards, "We will take her from here master Halp. Thank you all for your assistance."
"What about our justice?" Veldir calls out.
The crowd is getting restless and Merros is clearly setting about removing the girl from your custody and taking her away somewhere. How do you all respond?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Leif is happy to relinquish this charge but he retorts quickly, “Will none of our testimonies be needed? Are the markings on her arms enough to condemn her?”
He is suddenly quite skeptical at the process unfolding before him. He focuses on Merros and his reply, if offered. He looks for ‘knowing’ looks he might make towards Griss. Could Merros be in cahoots with this disciple of Loki? Could his arms bear the same markings? He dare not divulge any of these silly conspiracy theories that cross his mind lest he finds himself in a stock or worse.
Insight: 23 (game log giving me all kinds of troubles)
Leif is happy to relinquish this charge but he retorts quickly, “Will none of our testimonies be needed? Are the markings on her arms enough to condemn her?”
Sólmyrkvi is also surprised when Merros moves to take custody of Griss. He expected that they'd all be present to hear her defense of herself before the king. On the other hand, Merros seemed to be one of King Alaric's trusted advisors. Maybe this is how it normally works? He realizes that he doesn't know that much about how their community worked even before Ragnorök: he spent those years in "less serious" pursuits and never thought to ask his parents about it before they were killed in the fighting and the cataclysms.
Sólmyrkvi looks to old Father Halp and takes his lead from him.
Leif (with a 23) Merros is clearly rattled at seeing those marks and is moving quickly to manage the situation. For the first time since you have met him he seems nervous, though most would not notice. He looks at you seriously,
"You have done well and the king will be pleased. Now howver is not the time to hold court." he then begins to order his men to take her away and makes to follow.
"The king will hear of this." Veldir calls out angrily.
And with that Merros and his men are moving away with Griss in custody leaving the crowd behind in anger and confusion.
You may try to follow if you wish but otherwise the day grows late, and your work is complete. What would you do before you take your nights rest?
Kora smirks at Veldir, "Well yeah, that is what Merros is doing. Telling the King."
She walks away from the group and away from the bodies that now litter the beach. She finds her eyelids are feeling heavy and honestly she wants to just lie down, but where? She keeps an eye on the fellows that she has met this day and Drekise, but heads further inland trying to understand this place and what the land had to offer.
Kora drops the entaglement once the girl is secured. As Halp starts taking her to the King, she steps back to keep out of his way. He seemed to be on a mission about it, she would have suggested going to get the one that introduced them to the King, but she holds her tongue and lets them go.
Eldon is content to watch the others finish up. Once he is satisfied that the problem is over he goes back to his work
DnD is awesome!
If Father Halp is heading to the king, then Sólmyrkvi will walk go with him. As they depart, he grabs one of their helpers to let them know that they can continue the work now. "I think that the danger has passed. It should be fine to continue gathering the bodies now. We'll be back soon to help. I'm sorry; we're in a hurry, but I can explain more later. Just continue the work. We want to finish gathering the dead before nightfall."
If allowed, Sólmyrkvi will move about 10-ft in front of Halp and Griss so that he can try to keep anyone else from interfering. (For example, if someone approaches: "Please stand aside. We are on king's business.") Slight-of-build and barely 5-foot-6, Sólmyrkvi is not intimidating, but he does still have his Longsword in his hand. He's also currently rimed with frost as though he just stepped in from a blizzard. He hopes that even if people are curious, they'll be too busy with important tasks for setting up the camp and ensuring their own survival to interfere.
Leif will follow 10’ behind the parade, shield swinging with his stride, other hand empty. He is guarding the rear in case a scuffle occurs with the escort. He wants to observe the people as we pass, listening for murmurs as we pass and keeping an eye out for the men who had issues with her the previous night. Would they try and strike while she is subdued?
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
Eldon you go back to your work, making preparations for tomorrows ceremony. What thoughts do you have regarding the construction of the pyres?
Kora and Richter do you stay at on the beach or follow old Halp and his prisoner?
With Sólmyrkvi clearing the way up front and Leif taking the rear, Halp you lead the girl toward the kings tents. She does not resist as she shuffles along at your side, her head bowed and eyes lowered.
When you are about half way, there comes a shout from the north of where you walk. Veldir and his men from the Firewing have received word of the altercation at the beach and they are marching through the settlement toward you.
"So you caught the *****." Veldir calls over.
"Hand her over." shouts one of his men.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Halp ignores them and keeps on to his King.
If they try to intercede he will activate Shillelagh on his club, so they can see it's powered up but he'll keep going.
He mutters to Griss, "I'll not see you lynched. If I have to let you go, run to the King and beg Sanctuary...
"Do some last thing right in your life. Please."
[[ OOC: @Godster1 - If I understand the map correctly, the king's tent would be farther north. Veldir and his men are currently on a path to intercept / block us. ]]
As soon Sólmyrkvi sees Veldir approaching, he again casts Blade Ward. When the men get within speaking distance, he waves a greeting to them. He ignores the demand to hand over the girl and simply addresses Veldir: "Hail, Veldir! I hope the day finds you happy and healthy! Yes, Fortune smiles upon us. The girl slipped away last night, but we were able to find her today. As you see, Father Halp helped us to apprehend her."
If the men are blocking their way, Sólmyrkvi slows and stops about 10-ft away from them. He still holds his Longsword, but he gestures with his off-hand as he continues: "We are under King Alaric's orders, and we're on our way to bring this girl to the king and his advisors to hear her case. Please make way. Or...would you like to come with us? Your testimony of what you witnessed aboard the Firewing would be valuable." Sólmyrkvi is trying not to be overtly hostile, speaking like he would to a neighbor or other acquaintance in the village. He's friendly but firm. (Persuasion: 12)
If any of Veldir's men try to pass him or approach the girl, Sólmyrkvi moves to put himself in the way, holding out his off hand and saying, "Stand aside, sir. We must take this girl to the king. Do not interfere."
Concentration: Blade Ward, round 1 of 10
Until the spell ends, subtract 1d4 from all attack rolls against Sólmyrkvi.
Conditions/Effects:
THP from Armor of Agathys
“Yes, yes. Accompany us in our procession to bring her case before our King. You all may walk with me, if you’d like.”
Leif pivots ever so slightly, utilizing his shield to hide his free hand reaching under the root ball of his cudgel in its loop. He doesn’t draw it, he is just making ready. He studies the men’s body language and their next words and actions to determine if conflict is escalating, de-escalating and or if they are attempting to deceive just to be close to the girl.
Insight: 17
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
Halp they do indeed move closer and you activate your Shillelagh. At your words the girl glances upwards but makes no answer.
Sólmyrkvi (with a 12) some of the men do advance though Veldir himself hangs back. You give your warning and there is a tense moment before Veldir calls out. "Let them pass, we will follow and witness the kings justice."
Leif (with a 17) you see that several of the men are on the edge of violence and it would take little to tip the balance. One of them, a one eyed man with lank black hair spits on the sand at your feet in response to your offer before falling in with his fellows and walking behind.
(Kora and Richter where are you at this point?)
It is a short walk now to the kings tents but as you arrive Alaric is nowhere to be seen. Instead you see Merros his blue robed advisor. He sits atop a barrel eating an apple. He takes a healthy bite as you approach and then speaks with a full mouth,
"What is this? Did one of the departed come back to life?" he points toward the bedraggled form of Griss in jest, completely ignorant of the truth behind his words.
*
Back at the beach...
Eldon your work for the day is near complete. Is there anything you wish to accomplish before the day ends?
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
As the group starts off with Griss, Kora looks at the bedraggled girl and then back towards the work that Eldon went back to and decides curiosity wins over hard labor. She decides to follow the group, walking with Leif as she goes, not wanting to be up front of the walk towards the King. She isn't sure how she feels about 'working' for the King as it is. But she is glad that he can be the one that decides Griss's fate, not them. But she finds she doesn't want the girl loose to wreak more havoc upon the camp if she felt so inclined.
When they happen upon the men that she pushed off last night, she stands tall alongside Leif, glaring at the men and ready for a fight if need be. But she doesn't provoke it. She wasn't ready for Sol to invite them along and when they decide to follow, she moves up next to Hal not wanting the men at her back. She looks at Griss, wondering about her, about her mark and why she has it. Finally, she asks, "Why do you have the Mark of Loki?"
When they get to Merros, she finds she is glad the King is otherwise occupied and waits for the others to respond.
Sólmyrkvi lets out a tense sigh. He tries to sound relaxed and casual about what just happened, and he nods to Veldir and thanks him for coming. But the more observant among the party might notice that he was gripping his sword so tightly that his knuckles are white or that his off-hand is visibly shaky.
Richter admittedly knew nothing of what was happening. He could onlybwatch silently as the others began dragging this twig of a child away, a frail thing of meagre flesh and greyed complexion. Something of her appearance made the man feel ill, yet it was not his fight, nor his victory, and so remained silent. His eyes glittered the shadows of his tired eyes, thoughtfully regarding the otherwise contentious situation.
There was a pang of... guilt, perhaps? He was useless up to and throughout the scuffle, lost to his own torrid machinations. Truly not the inspiration his king had heralded of him. Twas shameful, even in his tattered state. So it was, when the party began dragging the putrid girl, Richter followed. Not so much in participation, but pennance. If anything happened, he'd react hitherto. No more onlooking.
Leif glances around during the pregnant pause. Several eyes from the camp followed the group to the king’s banner, yet few approached. The master craftsman Eldon had taken his leave, but the Skald Richter had joined the group.
Leif clears his throat and breaks the silence brought about by the prescient inquiry, “This young woman has performed Dark magics in front of many witnesses. Rather than dispatching her ourselves”, at this Leif inclusively waves to the entire group including the men from the Firewing, “we seek a hearing with King Alaric wherein justice can be rendered according to our customs and his ordained wisdom.”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
Halp waits to see if Leif has anything further to say.
No? So he adds, "Last eve she was set upon by some among us claiming they witnessed witchery at sea. At the time I..." he looks around but then continues, "I intervened on her 'half. If she has done evil since, that is on my shoulders as much as hers."
He finishes but then thinks to add one more thing, "I would see evil punished and ended. But I would not see a child murdered by the mob."
He nods, deciding that that's it. He has said his piece.
Halp waits on Merros' bidding.
Kora you ask "Why do you have the Mark of Loki?" but realise too late that Halp has gagged the girl and get only a withering look in response.
Leif you speak eloquently and your words clearly spark the interest of young advisor, "Dark magics you say?" he hops lightly down from the barrel and tosses the apple core to the ground. He begins to make a study of the girl as you speak up Halp.
He looks to you with a smile, "No good deed goes unpunished eh master Halp? I will advise the king to have you thrashed if you wish it, but I have a feeling he will decline."
You say your last words and he claps a hand on your shoulder, "Indeed no. Mob rule is no way to restart civilisation, we have a king after all." there is some mumbling in the crowd at that and one of the Firewing crew gives a harsh curse.
"What was that?" Merros asks looking at the man, who says nothing more, "No? Thought not... oh my!" he spots the mark on the girls arm.
All levity leaves his voice as he calls over three guards, "We will take her from here master Halp. Thank you all for your assistance."
"What about our justice?" Veldir calls out.
The crowd is getting restless and Merros is clearly setting about removing the girl from your custody and taking her away somewhere. How do you all respond?
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Leif is happy to relinquish this charge but he retorts quickly, “Will none of our testimonies be needed? Are the markings on her arms enough to condemn her?”
He is suddenly quite skeptical at the process unfolding before him. He focuses on Merros and his reply, if offered. He looks for ‘knowing’ looks he might make towards Griss. Could Merros be in cahoots with this disciple of Loki? Could his arms bear the same markings? He dare not divulge any of these silly conspiracy theories that cross his mind lest he finds himself in a stock or worse.
Insight: 23 (game log giving me all kinds of troubles)
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
Leif Pedersen - Human Druid - Beyond the Ragnarök
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
Sólmyrkvi is also surprised when Merros moves to take custody of Griss. He expected that they'd all be present to hear her defense of herself before the king. On the other hand, Merros seemed to be one of King Alaric's trusted advisors. Maybe this is how it normally works? He realizes that he doesn't know that much about how their community worked even before Ragnorök: he spent those years in "less serious" pursuits and never thought to ask his parents about it before they were killed in the fighting and the cataclysms.
Sólmyrkvi looks to old Father Halp and takes his lead from him.
Leif (with a 23) Merros is clearly rattled at seeing those marks and is moving quickly to manage the situation. For the first time since you have met him he seems nervous, though most would not notice. He looks at you seriously,
"You have done well and the king will be pleased. Now howver is not the time to hold court." he then begins to order his men to take her away and makes to follow.
"The king will hear of this." Veldir calls out angrily.
And with that Merros and his men are moving away with Griss in custody leaving the crowd behind in anger and confusion.
You may try to follow if you wish but otherwise the day grows late, and your work is complete. What would you do before you take your nights rest?
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters
Kora smirks at Veldir, "Well yeah, that is what Merros is doing. Telling the King."
She walks away from the group and away from the bodies that now litter the beach. She finds her eyelids are feeling heavy and honestly she wants to just lie down, but where? She keeps an eye on the fellows that she has met this day and Drekise, but heads further inland trying to understand this place and what the land had to offer.
Kora please give me a perception or investigation roll and as it is the end of the day and you are taking your time you can make it a straight roll.
DM - Caves of the Kobold Slave Masters