You reach the top of the stairs, careful not to touch anything, even if it looks out of place. When you reach the top, you see a very different scene than the one before on the first floor. This landscape appears to be a replica of the surface world! You marvel at the intricate details of the grass beneath your feet, and the trees littering the landscape. Fields of wheat off in the distance and rolling hills giving way to snow-capped mountain tops farther out into the horizon.
A Female Voice - "Beautiful, isn't it? Welcome to my home away from home away from home. The name's Ylsa. I believe we have business to attend to, Halfling?" the woman sits behind you in a luxurious throne with Derro attendees serving her wine and fanning her with large paper fans.
"Lads, this is Ascore fescue... some of the finest grass around. I believe it's from the valleys beneath the spine of the world. So plush, reminds me of a time we were campaigning and I fell asleep on grass.. "
Ylsa - Raising an eyebrow she replies, "You know of grass?" the look of intelligence behind her eyes is both calculated and immeasurable. "More importantly...are you a citizen of the Adbar Citadel by chance, Dwarf?"
"Aye Milady I am. Gremryl of the Clan Stonebreaker. Soldier of Adbar, Captain in the Gutbuster brigade, Adbar Division, Servant of Moradin at ye service Milady. Its an honor to meet you Ysla"
He does a slight bow out of respect and whispers to Elmo (see that lad. hospitality.)
“The world is indeed falling to pieces milady. We are in a time of troubles to be sure. More the reason to show manners when addressing a lady such as yourself. Back in adbarr we are taught at a young age to treat ladies proper. Back in my day I was known as Gremryl the Gent! Before me gutbusting days. “
Ylsa - "Hmm...times of trouble, you say? I have heard rather disturbing reports with regards to some of the other Underdark civilizations...usually I'd chalk that up to the Drow being...well, Drow." she lets out a laugh that would make any male, regardless of race, smile to hear. There's something uniquely feminine and obviously very accomplished about Ylsa which lends itself to an attractive quality that can't be overlooked. She goes on, "So I hear one of you has come into possession of something that I'd be interested in?" and waits for a response.
“Aye me lady. I am Elmo lightpocket. I am honored to be in your establishment and to finally be able to meet Ye. I was not prepared to meet a lady of your grand beauty. ( Elmo bows and winks at Ylsa). I apologize for the We Bit of confusion a moment ago. We were not prepaired to meet a representative of your establishment who was both very rude, and very cowardly. Nature has a way of doing away with creatures who have both personality defects. I didn’t think we’d run into one in such a harsh place as The under dark.” ( Elmo pulls out the piece Of paper and holds it out to Ylsa and approaches her slowly and cautiously) “ please know that we have been nothing but polite and peaceful since entering your establishment. Your wet pantsed underling let his cowardice turn a well returned verbal barb into needless alarm. He deserves a Good slapping if ye ask Ol’Elmo. I’m sure me dwarven friend here would love to help ye in that regard”
Ylsa examines Elmo and his words carefully then smiles as any good host would. She then takes the receipt from Elmo and before reading it, she glares sternly at Elmo and says, "Some would say that cowardice is hiding behind a Dwarf..." glancing over at Gremryl she flashes her smile again and says, "Nothing personal."
She reads the receipt meticulously and then laughs deeply and yet somehow still in a very feminine way. Looking next at each of her guests, Ylsa imagines some of the many adventures they must have had collectively and apart. Settling her eyes back on Elmo, lips parting as she begins to say something but pauses, as if she'd instantly changed her mind on what to say next.
Ylsa - Leaning in towards the group just a bit from the waist, she says, "I'll give it to you, Mr. Elmo Lightpocket. But on one condition. I get to decide who you kill with it first. Still interested?" she leans back against her chair and carries a somber look on her otherwise perfectly featured face.
"Of course, there's always a catch when something seems too good to be true." Rowland mutters "Just shake hands and let's be done with this business Elmo. We know you want the weapon, she wants to give it to you. So just take it and let's get the hell out of here so we can get on to more important matters!"
Elmo looks very confused, he looks around and steps in front of Grem,
“who’s hiding behind a dwarf malady? The only one I know who’s doing that is your rude and cowardly friend. Despite representing her poorly, He’s very confident hiding behind a lovely and powerful dwarven lady. ” (Elmo bows politely)
Elmo says confidently and dismissively,
“Aye, I am sure that there are those who would equate a Derro who, upon getting his medicine returned to him, wets himself then runs away crying and falsely claiming intruder. With a halfling who has yet to flinch (Elmo motions to all the hidden crosshairs on the party) despite the clear danger around he finds himself in. I’m sure there are those who would agree with your statement about cowardice, but the thought of fools has never interested a busy halfling such as me-self. You didn’t get to where you are by Being foolish. So I assume your recent words on cowardice were about displaying dominance in this predicament, not about accuracy.” (Elmo smiles)
” I agree with me mate Rowland here, this experience has been less pleasant than it had any right to be. Not that your lovely presence hasn’t been a highlight, but I came a long way for a crossbow. This is a dangerous town for assassination. Not to mention that I’m much more at home theiving than I am as a cut throat. This town is very secure, It won’t be worth any amount of weaponry if it gets me dead, or worse yet, a prisoner or slave in this town. Tell me, do all of your customers have to kill somebody? Even after you have been paid honest homey for yer work? Is your “Brave” Derro door greeter not up to the challenge of killing for ye me lady?” (Elmo chuckles condescendingly before acknowledging the danger he is in and bows again to Ylsa)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gremryl casts a sidelong glance to elmo.. hes become harsher than he remembered. What happened to Elmo in his adventures here in the underdark?
"Miladay, was master Elmo here is saying is that your Derro down did not represent your name with his harsh tongue and weak bladder milady. Our apologies for any breach of hospitality we may have broached. I merely figured the Derro was in for a battle of it's of sorts. I erred, and personally apologize. Why do ye need us to kill? I'm one not for being a professional assassin milady. Has this person wronged you?"
Charisma check 14 +3 (forgot to add it in the roll.,) 17 total.
Ylsa - “Ooohhh. The brave Halfling got his feelings hurt by a cowardly Derro...hahahaha!” She laughs softly. Wiping a tear from her eye, she says, “You’ve taken this receipt off a corpse, Halfling. I know this because a messenger of mine went to great lengths to deliver it to the person for whom Duergar’s Spite was made for...my late husband. It was handcrafted right here in Gracklstugh by Themberchaud’s own breath. Payment for that weapon was made in blood. And it wasn’t yours...”. She leans in again to say, “...so unless you’ve managed to find your ballsack and take the dick out of your ass, Duergar’s Spite isn’t the weapon for you. It demands a fearless and cunning master who wouldn’t back down from a sanctioned opportunity to unleash the weapon’s hate through death. Maybe you’re that guy. I don’t know. Are you?” Slightly intrigued with equal parts annoyed and bored, Ylsa awaits Elmo’s response.
“It wasn’t the poor company that ye choose to keep that offended me lady, as I said, it was yer foo(Elmo stops)... yer words that chose to ignore reality that offended me most. And this did cut me briefly they did. But after talking to ye for a wee bit, I seem to have lost me appetite for impressing ye, and yer words have lost more than a wee bit of weight in Elmo’s eyes.(Elmo pauses) I too wish it wasn’t so me lady...” Elmo sighs
To Grem under his breath,
“if I die, I’ll do it on my feet, with pride, telling the truth. I think ye and this harsh place has rubbed off on me. Death would be a pub crawl compared to what I went through with the box.”
Elmo takes a bold step forward.
“Yer right about the crossbow. We came upon this piece of paper by chance. We didn’t pay a blood price for it. If ye find that I am not worthy of your crossbow, I accept it. Though I am no assassin, me friends and I are very capable. We don’t consider ourselves the pant wetting types (Elmo smiles). We have been killing, escaping, and outwitting countless dangers since we have been down here. We have had the strength to withstand the demonic corruption that has been consuming the underdark. That same darkness that finds itself invading yer city. Do I have enough “ball sack” fer yer weapon? I do. (Elmo looks at his battle hardened team mates) all of us do. I don’t claim to be fearless, because only a fool would do so, or require it. But I am cunning. If ye wish a target dead, ye could be talking to worse group of individuals. If ye don’t think us capable, well then I politely disagree with ye on this and how ye judge cowardice equally. If ye think us up to the task, let us know who ye wish gone. Otherwise we shall politely take our leave.” Elmo bows again.
At the mention of Thumberchaud Rowland becomes interested in the exchange.
"Ha, I believe our little friend would prefer to leave whatever is up his ass right where it is. That's just his style madam nothing against your beauty." He pauses considering his words. "I sense great wisdom in you madam and wonder if we might do business. If there is some task you need assistance with, perhaps I might be of use in exchange for some of your wisdom in regards to this realm."
“ you see wisdom in her? And where the hell might that be? She seems like a wee bit of a bullshitter Who surrounds herself with yes men...Er... derros. “
Perception check to see if I can identify the type of grass... gremeyl used to be a bit of a gardener
18
To the group
"Lads, this is Ascore fescue... some of the finest grass around. I believe it's from the valleys beneath the spine of the world. So plush, reminds me of a time we were campaigning and I fell asleep on grass.. "
To Ysla: "compliments mi lady on the fine grass!"
Gremryl nods, stands a bit straighter and replies
He does a slight bow out of respect and whispers to Elmo (see that lad. hospitality.)
“The world is indeed falling to pieces milady. We are in a time of troubles to be sure. More the reason to show manners when addressing a lady such as yourself. Back in adbarr we are taught at a young age to treat ladies proper. Back in my day I was known as Gremryl the Gent! Before me gutbusting days. “
“Aye me lady. I am Elmo lightpocket. I am honored to be in your establishment and to finally be able to meet Ye. I was not prepared to meet a lady of your grand beauty. ( Elmo bows and winks at Ylsa). I apologize for the We Bit of confusion a moment ago. We were not prepaired to meet a representative of your establishment who was both very rude, and very cowardly. Nature has a way of doing away with creatures who have both personality defects. I didn’t think we’d run into one in such a harsh place as The under dark.” ( Elmo pulls out the piece Of paper and holds it out to Ylsa and approaches her slowly and cautiously) “ please know that we have been nothing but polite and peaceful since entering your establishment. Your wet pantsed underling let his cowardice turn a well returned verbal barb into needless alarm. He deserves a Good slapping if ye ask Ol’Elmo. I’m sure me dwarven friend here would love to help ye in that regard”
"Of course, there's always a catch when something seems too good to be true." Rowland mutters "Just shake hands and let's be done with this business Elmo. We know you want the weapon, she wants to give it to you. So just take it and let's get the hell out of here so we can get on to more important matters!"
Elmo looks very confused, he looks around and steps in front of Grem,
“who’s hiding behind a dwarf malady? The only one I know who’s doing that is your rude and cowardly friend. Despite representing her poorly, He’s very confident hiding behind a lovely and powerful dwarven lady. ” (Elmo bows politely)
Elmo says confidently and dismissively,
“Aye, I am sure that there are those who would equate a Derro who, upon getting his medicine returned to him, wets himself then runs away crying and falsely claiming intruder. With a halfling who has yet to flinch (Elmo motions to all the hidden crosshairs on the party) despite the clear danger around he finds himself in. I’m sure there are those who would agree with your statement about cowardice, but the thought of fools has never interested a busy halfling such as me-self. You didn’t get to where you are by Being foolish. So I assume your recent words on cowardice were about displaying dominance in this predicament, not about accuracy.” (Elmo smiles)
” I agree with me mate Rowland here, this experience has been less pleasant than it had any right to be. Not that your lovely presence hasn’t been a highlight, but I came a long way for a crossbow. This is a dangerous town for assassination. Not to mention that I’m much more at home theiving than I am as a cut throat. This town is very secure, It won’t be worth any amount of weaponry if it gets me dead, or worse yet, a prisoner or slave in this town. Tell me, do all of your customers have to kill somebody? Even after you have been paid honest homey for yer work? Is your “Brave” Derro door greeter not up to the challenge of killing for ye me lady?” (Elmo chuckles condescendingly before acknowledging the danger he is in and bows again to Ylsa)
Charisma: 15
Gremryl casts a sidelong glance to elmo.. hes become harsher than he remembered. What happened to Elmo in his adventures here in the underdark?
"Miladay, was master Elmo here is saying is that your Derro down did not represent your name with his harsh tongue and weak bladder milady. Our apologies for any breach of hospitality we may have broached. I merely figured the Derro was in for a battle of it's of sorts. I erred, and personally apologize. Why do ye need us to kill? I'm one not for being a professional assassin milady. Has this person wronged you?"
Charisma check 14 +3 (forgot to add it in the roll.,) 17 total.
Ylsa looks terribly bored.
Ylsa - “Ooohhh. The brave Halfling got his feelings hurt by a cowardly Derro...hahahaha!” She laughs softly. Wiping a tear from her eye, she says, “You’ve taken this receipt off a corpse, Halfling. I know this because a messenger of mine went to great lengths to deliver it to the person for whom Duergar’s Spite was made for...my late husband. It was handcrafted right here in Gracklstugh by Themberchaud’s own breath. Payment for that weapon was made in blood. And it wasn’t yours...”. She leans in again to say, “...so unless you’ve managed to find your ballsack and take the dick out of your ass, Duergar’s Spite isn’t the weapon for you. It demands a fearless and cunning master who wouldn’t back down from a sanctioned opportunity to unleash the weapon’s hate through death. Maybe you’re that guy. I don’t know. Are you?” Slightly intrigued with equal parts annoyed and bored, Ylsa awaits Elmo’s response.
“It wasn’t the poor company that ye choose to keep that offended me lady, as I said, it was yer foo(Elmo stops)... yer words that chose to ignore reality that offended me most. And this did cut me briefly they did. But after talking to ye for a wee bit, I seem to have lost me appetite for impressing ye, and yer words have lost more than a wee bit of weight in Elmo’s eyes.(Elmo pauses) I too wish it wasn’t so me lady...” Elmo sighs
To Grem under his breath,
“if I die, I’ll do it on my feet, with pride, telling the truth. I think ye and this harsh place has rubbed off on me. Death would be a pub crawl compared to what I went through with the box.”
Elmo takes a bold step forward.
“Yer right about the crossbow. We came upon this piece of paper by chance. We didn’t pay a blood price for it. If ye find that I am not worthy of your crossbow, I accept it. Though I am no assassin, me friends and I are very capable. We don’t consider ourselves the pant wetting types (Elmo smiles). We have been killing, escaping, and outwitting countless dangers since we have been down here. We have had the strength to withstand the demonic corruption that has been consuming the underdark. That same darkness that finds itself invading yer city. Do I have enough “ball sack” fer yer weapon? I do. (Elmo looks at his battle hardened team mates) all of us do. I don’t claim to be fearless, because only a fool would do so, or require it. But I am cunning. If ye wish a target dead, ye could be talking to worse group of individuals. If ye don’t think us capable, well then I politely disagree with ye on this and how ye judge cowardice equally. If ye think us up to the task, let us know who ye wish gone. Otherwise we shall politely take our leave.” Elmo bows again.
Gremryl out the side of his mouth.
"Ye mastered the art of seduction have ye lad? Well... as they say in adbar. In for nugget in for a vein..."
At the mention of Thumberchaud Rowland becomes interested in the exchange.
"Ha, I believe our little friend would prefer to leave whatever is up his ass right where it is. That's just his style madam nothing against your beauty." He pauses considering his words. "I sense great wisdom in you madam and wonder if we might do business. If there is some task you need assistance with, perhaps I might be of use in exchange for some of your wisdom in regards to this realm."
Under his breath to Rowland,
“ you see wisdom in her? And where the hell might that be? She seems like a wee bit of a bullshitter Who surrounds herself with yes men...Er... derros. “