"Meiva, Jaylen, perhaps you two should stay out of sight so we don't reveal our full numbers. Hide behind the house on the SE corner of the square and keep an eye out."
He then looks to the others,
"Beedo, Vark. You are with me as are you two guards. This concerns your town. Let's see who the visitors are."
Devin waits a moment to allow the others to move off and hide if they choose. When discussion is done he'll move forward.
Moving to the bottom of the town square he will call out to the newcomers.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Both Beedo and Vark look at each other after the claim. After a brief debate in goblin, the two nod their heads in agreement. As soon as Devin turns to start moving forward, and then later look back to his guards, only Vark One finger is at his side, scimitar at the ready and mildly annoyed look about him. If confronted on the matter, Vark just shrugs without letting his then wary eyes off the men in black. Meanwhile, Beedo catches up to Torunn, and directs him to the back window that Vark had apparently used to get out in the first place.
The party splits up as agreed and Devin, Vark, Torem and Kaelen move about 30 feet into the Village Square before Devin calls out to the new comers "Hail and well met friends."
Upon hearing Devin’s voice the strangers and Kella turn around; Kella seeing only Devin and Vark in the partys take a quick look around the Square. The leader a half-elf descends from his square and you hear something along the lines of “Tiny stay here, the rest spread out.”The rest of the strangers spread out in what is obviously a well practiced move, with the Halfling and Gnome taking cover behind the wagon, the Half-orc and the Dwarf spreading out to the right and left rspectively and one of the strangers (looks like a Tiefling) takes to the air. The half-elf, Kella and the Human, trailed by Blik and Flik, comes to within 10 feet of Devin and Co. (see map). The Half-elf doffs his hat, which has a large feather in it and bows deeply and says “my name is Xolkin Alassandar”, at Xolkin’s genuflection Kella rolls her eyes as if she has seen it all before. Knowing the reaction his actions will have had on Kella, Xolkin gives her a quick grin before going on to say “I have the honour to represent a group on investors - from down south - looking for a village such as this to convert into a base from which they can provide services and such to the surrounding region and places further north."Looking around the Village and particularly at the palisaded wall and keep he continues "I must say this deserted village looks ideal for their purposes. Mind you some of the buildings will need a bit of TLC but I’m sure that can be arranged!”
"You seem to know our new friend, Kella. Are you from the same group also then?" Devin asks before going on to say "as for me, I am Devin, Holy Cleric in service to Her Ladyship , Mystra."
Xolkin replies “I have the honour to be one of Kella’s greatest – if not the greatest of her admirers.”At Xolkin’s latest statement, Kella’s eyes are now positively spinning in their sockets and a sigh escapes her lips. Xolkin continues “let me introduce my colleagues, the big bloke over the back we call Tiny and then in front of him are Grumpy”pointing to the Halfling who waves with a grin “and Fiddles” pointing to the Gnome who looks up from where he has been checking his crossbow. “Top Cover is Sleepy” pointing to the Tiefling who is constantly scanning the village and the horizon, “and on the flanks we have Gentle the Half-Orc and Happy the Dwarf” both of whom scowl at the party. “Finally behind me we have “Abnormal, because he is anything but”; the human he is referring to is so normal he wouldn’t stand out in a crowd of two people. In response to Devin’s statement that he is a cleric of Mystra, Xolkin says “one of my favourite Goddess for through the Weave she influences all possibilities put in front of us.”
"So you seek a village to 'set up shop' so to speak? Well, it is not my village but I do know that it is not entirely empty. Here is Torem and Kaelen who belong to this town."
He gestures to the two guards,
"The rest of the villagers are nearby from my understanding."
Out of everyone introduced, Vark kept a wary eye on Grumpy and Fiddles. Antsy too ever since hearing D.O.R.K. muffled words earlier. But nevertheless, on the wary side. Though his scimitar stayed lowered, he looked ready to raise his shield(Dodge) at the first sign of trouble. That is, after stepping on to Devin's right, to put himself a little more plainly between the cleric and the two talkers. After a moment or two, he barks something in goblin at Blik and Flik.
"What's the real skinny wit dese tall ones? Wat they got on ya?"
Meanwhile...
"This way, this way!" Beedo says just barely at a whisper before leading the short dash behind the next house. As soon as Torunn safetly crossed he starts again to the next corner, peeks out, then mutters something along the lines, "Those stupid turncoats."as he hid back behind the corner. "Psst! BLT. Think ya can do somethin' to my arrows? Like, uhhhhh -- ah! Make'm go boom after I shoot?" He asks Torunn as he swaps to the armament.
Meanwhile, MEANWHILE....
If D.O.R.K. can properly hear the conversation, she calls out, "Clarification. He is correct. If you wish to appropriately initiate proper negotiations in an expedient manner, you may assist in correcting their current predicament. If this is not acceptable, you may leave, and come back later upon their return."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"So you seek a village to 'set up shop' so to speak? Well, it is not my village but I do know that it is not entirely empty. Here is Torem and Kaelen who belong to this town."Devin gestures to the two guards.
Upon hearing their names the guards look at each other as if deciding what to do and who should speak. Eventually Torem says “what’s in it for us?” Xolkin looks them up and down and says “well I’m sure the new owners will be able to find you and your colleagues jobs, and while I cannot make an iron-clad commitment on their behalf, it is possible that continuing as guards in the village if that is your preference, could be arranged." Torem looks at Kaelen and says “given the lady is dead” at which point Kaelen glares at him “oops shouldn’t have said that” Torem says “can we forget I let that cat out of the bag?”. He then stands up straighter and says “I will have to consult with my superiors.” He looks at Kaelen and says “you stay here, while I go seek instruction!’and he turns and leaves the square.
Meanwhile from behind the stable door you hear words such as “expedient manner … this is not acceptable” and “upon their return." Xolkin turns back to Devin and says “would you colleague like to come out and join this conversation or does she, Kella tells me she thinks it is a she, want to continue yelling through a shut door. It can lead to misunderstandings you know?”
Beedo gives the biggest, toothiest smile back and just barely catches himself before he can go into a full blown cackle. "Don't light'em yet. But-But, here's two! Hohoho, this is gonna be so good." Beedo says as he passed over the arrows.
There's a long, tense moment of silence from the barn following the request. One eventually broken by what sounded like muffled prayers. Soon after, the creaking of wood follows as the door is cracked open just enough to allow an arm through, but little else. The whole time D.O.R.K had a death grip on the door to at least try to resist any attempt at suddenly forcing the door further than that.
"Warning. This will have to suffice as a compromise. Any further demands will be consider an act of subterfuge, and will be responded to accordingly. Query: Do I make myself clear?"She said, managing sound flatter than usual. "Further Clarification. I expressed only that he was correct. And that if you and your compatriots wish to appropriately initiate proper negotiations in an expedient manner, you will assist in correcting their current detainment." She shouts out for good measure.
"And that if you and your compatriots wish to appropriately initiate proper negotiations in an expedient manner, you will assist in correcting their current detainment."
Xolkin looks at Devin with a slight smirk on his face and says "it would seem you're colleague wants to enter into negotiations with me." He then looks around at his forces and the three with Devin plus up at the damaged keep and continues "but I'm not sure why I need to enter into negotiations at all. I mean I have the advantage of numbers, the Lady of the Keep is dead" Kalen looks a bit shamefaced at the fact that Torem had given this important piece of information away "and the Village is deserted. It is as they say in the classics a case of Finders Keepers; my colleagues and I found this Village and we certainly plan to keep it for our investors." He thinks for a minute and say "but perhaps in the spirit of getting our occupation off on the right foot - so to speak - you could explain exactly what he means by 'correcting their current detainment.'"
Sorry forgot this bit
"What's the real skinny wit dese tall ones? Wat they got on ya?"
Blik and Flik look at each other and then Blik responds in Goblin "well Vark, you and Beedo jus lef us behind like and we and the nice lady got to talkin' and she says if we work for 'er she'll give us 5 new shiny nibs" he thinks for a minute and then continues "I aint neva 'ad a nib of me own before let alone dis many" as he holds up the finger on one hand.
For those who are interested I am assuming that characters are speaking at an average of two words per second. Having just counted all the spoken words in the posts 474 to 480 (see what I do for you lot) I count over 600 words have been said in the conversation in the Square. By my calculations this means approximately five minutes have passed.
"Well, from what we understand and what these goblins have told us," Devin indicates the two goblins with Kella, "their tribe has them captured nearby."
Xolkin says "as I understand it, these Goblins" pointing to Blik and Flik "now work for Kella. So you and your goblin friend there" pointing to Vark "and the mouthy one in the Stable, two Priests and a Goblin, are going to mount a raid on a Goblin Camp that is somewhere nearby but you don't know precisely where and has unknown forces in it; have I got that right? And you want me to commit forces to help? Pardon me if I say I don't like your chances of success! Furthermore if I were to help out I would be guilty of throwing my forces, for which I have better uses by the way, away on a venture that has obviously not been thought through!"
"I don't recall saying that I was going to embark on such an adventure or that that was the plan. Nor did I ask you to aid us. You asked what correcting their current detainment meant and I answered you."
Devin shrugs.
"Perhaps we will do so, perhaps not. That has not yet been decided. Also, I am not a priest. You seem to have misunderstood much of what I said. I hope this clears things up. "
"Nor did I ask you to aid us. You asked what correcting their current detainment meant and I answered you" Devin replies.
Xolkin says "my apologies if I misunderstood you but it illustrates my point that shouted conversations through closed doors can lead to misunderstandings as I thought that was precisely what your colleague in the Stable was demanding of us."
About now Sydiri, accompanied by a shamefaced distinctly brow-beaten looking Torem, enters the square. She says "I understand that you and your colleagues, on behalf of your investors wish to take-over the village, and because of this fool" she looks angrily at Torem "you know that our Lady is dead. You would understand of course that I can not make such a decision on behalf of the family and nor can I stop you!" At this point, Xolkin coaxes a flying snake out of his sleeve where it had been resting and says "if it would help, I will make Flightssss here available to you to send a message to the Family asking for a decision on the matter. I estimate it will take him two days to travel to Waterdeep, get an answer and come back?" Looking relieved at having the decision taken out of her hands, Sydiri thanks Xolkin and says "give me five minutes to draft a message."She then turns and accompanied by both Torem and Kaelen ducks into the Trading Post.
"I do say that you are insulting me, good sir! How rude! Why if I were not a proper lady, I would come out right now and give you a stern talking! And maybe slap for good measure!"D.O.R.K yells out, voice taking on strange mix of exotic yet familiar lisp to it, like a foreign dignitary's attempt at copying the tone of waterdhavian nobles. "However, as such a maneuver is in conflict of Protocol Sixteen, this operative shall abstain from such a needlessly dramatic measure." She goes on to say, voice returning its normal synthetic and dryly delivered tone.
"Query: Is it, however, correct to assume that until you are given further instructions on the matter? Clarification. You would have a measure of surprise on your side, as their leader would not expect a raid if we act quickly. Today. Furthermore, we both possess allies that know the terrain well, can furnish further answers as needed, and upon success, the residents of Nightstone will feel indebted to you and your compatriots in assisting on this matter." She offers. "I believe the terms is 'It will "smooth" things over', thus improving the long term success of your occupation of this location. I can offer other reasons, but I do not wish to insult your intelligence further in the process."
Stealth: 13
Perception: 16
Torunn looks back at the group and whispers, "I am going to see if I can find a way to sneak around the back and into the stable and assist D.O.R.K"
And he does exactly that, to the best of his abilities.
Devin gives Torunn a thumbs up.
"Meiva, Jaylen, perhaps you two should stay out of sight so we don't reveal our full numbers. Hide behind the house on the SE corner of the square and keep an eye out."
He then looks to the others,
"Beedo, Vark. You are with me as are you two guards. This concerns your town. Let's see who the visitors are."
Devin waits a moment to allow the others to move off and hide if they choose. When discussion is done he'll move forward.
Moving to the bottom of the town square he will call out to the newcomers.
"Hail and well met friends."
Both Beedo and Vark look at each other after the claim. After a brief debate in goblin, the two nod their heads in agreement. As soon as Devin turns to start moving forward, and then later look back to his guards, only Vark One finger is at his side, scimitar at the ready and mildly annoyed look about him. If confronted on the matter, Vark just shrugs without letting his then wary eyes off the men in black. Meanwhile, Beedo catches up to Torunn, and directs him to the back window that Vark had apparently used to get out in the first place.
Beedo's Ninja SkillsStealth: 11.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Meiva nods, eyeing Jaylen for a second before sneaking off.
Stealth: 19
(Let the fun begin :/ )
And that's all I have to say about that.
Talking to the Strangers in the Village Square
Upon hearing Devin’s voice the strangers and Kella turn around; Kella seeing only Devin and Vark in the partys take a quick look around the Square. The leader a half-elf descends from his square and you hear something along the lines of “Tiny stay here, the rest spread out.” The rest of the strangers spread out in what is obviously a well practiced move, with the Halfling and Gnome taking cover behind the wagon, the Half-orc and the Dwarf spreading out to the right and left rspectively and one of the strangers (looks like a Tiefling) takes to the air. The half-elf, Kella and the Human, trailed by Blik and Flik, comes to within 10 feet of Devin and Co. (see map). The Half-elf doffs his hat, which has a large feather in it and bows deeply and says “my name is Xolkin Alassandar”, at Xolkin’s genuflection Kella rolls her eyes as if she has seen it all before. Knowing the reaction his actions will have had on Kella, Xolkin gives her a quick grin before going on to say “I have the honour to represent a group on investors - from down south - looking for a village such as this to convert into a base from which they can provide services and such to the surrounding region and places further north." Looking around the Village and particularly at the palisaded wall and keep he continues "I must say this deserted village looks ideal for their purposes. Mind you some of the buildings will need a bit of TLC but I’m sure that can be arranged!”
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
"You seem to know our new friend, Kella. Are you from the same group also then?"
Devin replies,
"As for me, I am Devin, Holy Cleric in service to Her Ladyship , Mystra."
Talking to the Strangers in the Village Square
Xolkin replies “I have the honour to be one of Kella’s greatest – if not the greatest of her admirers.” At Xolkin’s latest statement, Kella’s eyes are now positively spinning in their sockets and a sigh escapes her lips. Xolkin continues “let me introduce my colleagues, the big bloke over the back we call Tiny and then in front of him are Grumpy” pointing to the Halfling who waves with a grin “and Fiddles” pointing to the Gnome who looks up from where he has been checking his crossbow. “Top Cover is Sleepy” pointing to the Tiefling who is constantly scanning the village and the horizon, “and on the flanks we have Gentle the Half-Orc and Happy the Dwarf” both of whom scowl at the party. “Finally behind me we have “Abnormal, because he is anything but”; the human he is referring to is so normal he wouldn’t stand out in a crowd of two people. In response to Devin’s statement that he is a cleric of Mystra, Xolkin says “one of my favourite Goddess for through the Weave she influences all possibilities put in front of us.”
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
Devin smiles at his response,
"So you seek a village to 'set up shop' so to speak? Well, it is not my village but I do know that it is not entirely empty. Here is Torem and Kaelen who belong to this town."
He gestures to the two guards,
"The rest of the villagers are nearby from my understanding."
Out of everyone introduced, Vark kept a wary eye on Grumpy and Fiddles. Antsy too ever since hearing D.O.R.K. muffled words earlier. But nevertheless, on the wary side. Though his scimitar stayed lowered, he looked ready to raise his shield(Dodge) at the first sign of trouble. That is, after stepping on to Devin's right, to put himself a little more plainly between the cleric and the two talkers. After a moment or two, he barks something in goblin at Blik and Flik.
"What's the real skinny wit dese tall ones? Wat they got on ya?"
Meanwhile...
"This way, this way!" Beedo says just barely at a whisper before leading the short dash behind the next house. As soon as Torunn safetly crossed he starts again to the next corner, peeks out, then mutters something along the lines, "Those stupid turncoats." as he hid back behind the corner. "Psst! BLT. Think ya can do somethin' to my arrows? Like, uhhhhh -- ah! Make'm go boom after I shoot?" He asks Torunn as he swaps to the armament.
Meanwhile, MEANWHILE....
If D.O.R.K. can properly hear the conversation, she calls out, "Clarification. He is correct. If you wish to appropriately initiate proper negotiations in an expedient manner, you may assist in correcting their current predicament. If this is not acceptable, you may leave, and come back later upon their return."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Conversations Galore
Upon hearing their names the guards look at each other as if deciding what to do and who should speak. Eventually Torem says “what’s in it for us?”
Xolkin looks them up and down and says “well I’m sure the new owners will be able to find you and your colleagues jobs, and while I cannot make an iron-clad commitment on their behalf, it is possible that continuing as guards in the village if that is your preference, could be arranged."
Torem looks at Kaelen and says “given the lady is dead” at which point Kaelen glares at him “oops shouldn’t have said that” Torem says “can we forget I let that cat out of the bag?”. He then stands up straighter and says “I will have to consult with my superiors.” He looks at Kaelen and says “you stay here, while I go seek instruction!’ and he turns and leaves the square.
Meanwhile from behind the stable door you hear words such as “expedient manner … this is not acceptable” and “upon their return."
Xolkin turns back to Devin and says “would you colleague like to come out and join this conversation or does she, Kella tells me she thinks it is a she, want to continue yelling through a shut door. It can lead to misunderstandings you know?”
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
Torunn grins at Beedo and then whispers, "I am sure I can come up with something. Just pass me a few arrows, when you want me to rig them."
"Yes that would probably be for the best. Just, well, she's a bit, uh... eccentric. So please bear with her please.."
Devin then raises his voice and calls out,
"Come on out D! We can't hear you! "
Beedo gives the biggest, toothiest smile back and just barely catches himself before he can go into a full blown cackle. "Don't light'em yet. But-But, here's two! Hohoho, this is gonna be so good." Beedo says as he passed over the arrows.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Conversations Galore
Xolkin looks at Devin with a slight smirk on his face and says "it would seem you're colleague wants to enter into negotiations with me." He then looks around at his forces and the three with Devin plus up at the damaged keep and continues "but I'm not sure why I need to enter into negotiations at all. I mean I have the advantage of numbers, the Lady of the Keep is dead" Kalen looks a bit shamefaced at the fact that Torem had given this important piece of information away "and the Village is deserted. It is as they say in the classics a case of Finders Keepers; my colleagues and I found this Village and we certainly plan to keep it for our investors." He thinks for a minute and say "but perhaps in the spirit of getting our occupation off on the right foot - so to speak - you could explain exactly what he means by 'correcting their current detainment.'"
Sorry forgot this bit
Blik and Flik look at each other and then Blik responds in Goblin "well Vark, you and Beedo jus lef us behind like and we and the nice lady got to talkin' and she says if we work for 'er she'll give us 5 new shiny nibs" he thinks for a minute and then continues "I aint neva 'ad a nib of me own before let alone dis many" as he holds up the finger on one hand.
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
"Well, from what we understand and what these goblins have told us,"
Devin indicates the two goblins with Kella,
"that their tribe has them captured nearby."
Keeping Track of Time
For those who are interested I am assuming that characters are speaking at an average of two words per second. Having just counted all the spoken words in the posts 474 to 480 (see what I do for you lot) I count over 600 words have been said in the conversation in the Square. By my calculations this means approximately five minutes have passed.
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
Conversations Galore
Xolkin says "as I understand it, these Goblins" pointing to Blik and Flik "now work for Kella. So you and your goblin friend there" pointing to Vark "and the mouthy one in the Stable, two Priests and a Goblin, are going to mount a raid on a Goblin Camp that is somewhere nearby but you don't know precisely where and has unknown forces in it; have I got that right? And you want me to commit forces to help? Pardon me if I say I don't like your chances of success! Furthermore if I were to help out I would be guilty of throwing my forces, for which I have better uses by the way, away on a venture that has obviously not been thought through!"
Lapsed Time - 60 seconds (10 rounds)
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
"I don't recall saying that I was going to embark on such an adventure or that that was the plan. Nor did I ask you to aid us. You asked what correcting their current detainment meant and I answered you."
Devin shrugs.
"Perhaps we will do so, perhaps not. That has not yet been decided. Also, I am not a priest. You seem to have misunderstood much of what I said. I hope this clears things up. "
Conversations Galore
Xolkin says "my apologies if I misunderstood you but it illustrates my point that shouted conversations through closed doors can lead to misunderstandings as I thought that was precisely what your colleague in the Stable was demanding of us."
About now Sydiri, accompanied by a shamefaced distinctly brow-beaten looking Torem, enters the square. She says "I understand that you and your colleagues, on behalf of your investors wish to take-over the village, and because of this fool" she looks angrily at Torem "you know that our Lady is dead. You would understand of course that I can not make such a decision on behalf of the family and nor can I stop you!" At this point, Xolkin coaxes a flying snake out of his sleeve where it had been resting and says "if it would help, I will make Flightssss here available to you to send a message to the Family asking for a decision on the matter. I estimate it will take him two days to travel to Waterdeep, get an answer and come back?" Looking relieved at having the decision taken out of her hands, Sydiri thanks Xolkin and says "give me five minutes to draft a message." She then turns and accompanied by both Torem and Kaelen ducks into the Trading Post.
Lapsed time: 90 seconds (15 rounds)
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
"I do say that you are insulting me, good sir! How rude! Why if I were not a proper lady, I would come out right now and give you a stern talking! And maybe slap for good measure!" D.O.R.K yells out, voice taking on strange mix of exotic yet familiar lisp to it, like a foreign dignitary's attempt at copying the tone of waterdhavian nobles. "However, as such a maneuver is in conflict of Protocol Sixteen, this operative shall abstain from such a needlessly dramatic measure." She goes on to say, voice returning its normal synthetic and dryly delivered tone.
"Query: Is it, however, correct to assume that until you are given further instructions on the matter? Clarification. You would have a measure of surprise on your side, as their leader would not expect a raid if we act quickly. Today. Furthermore, we both possess allies that know the terrain well, can furnish further answers as needed, and upon success, the residents of Nightstone will feel indebted to you and your compatriots in assisting on this matter." She offers. "I believe the terms is 'It will "smooth" things over', thus improving the long term success of your occupation of this location. I can offer other reasons, but I do not wish to insult your intelligence further in the process."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.