The drow spreads his hands upon hearing the translation of Ackam’s message. I’ve no intention on seeing any of my “folk” anytime soon, my fierce friend. I intend to board a ship and be gone from here as soon as I am able. I dare say you’ll be seeing drow before I do. Please do me a favor and tell any that you see that I died and then kill them with my blessing. All I know of the kidnappings is that they’re taking them underground and working them hard. Oh! They have a passage to the depths somewhere in the city! I don’t know where, though, that’s more knowledge only our leader was privilege to. Somewhere towards the city center if I recall. What else can I be of assistance with?
The drow spreads his hands upon hearing the translation of Ackam’s message. I’ve no intention on seeing any of my “folk” anytime soon, my fierce friend. I intend to board a ship and be gone from here as soon as I am able. I dare say you’ll be seeing drow before I do. Please do me a favor and tell any that you see that I died and then kill them with my blessing. All I know of the kidnappings is that they’re taking them underground and working them hard. Oh! They have a passage to the depths somewhere in the city! I don’t know where, though, that’s more knowledge only our leader was privilege to. Somewhere towards the city center if I recall. What else can I be of assistance with?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thorok Earthhand saunters forward. "Awrigh' then, so this Rasgouda Von Diner be eh one behind thesee disapperationings in ter city then?" he asks. "Aen Oi agree wit Ackam, seems roit convenient what wit yeh knowing all but teh most useful details o' yer plan."
Persuasion: 5.
"Ah will now we're gettin' someewhere, a secret passage sounds like jus' teh thing fer gettin' yeh ootta here aen on ter teh seas, aye tha's a good start night elf."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With the tap of a finger onto his temple, Varris casts Guidance onto himself and approaches the group interrogating the Drow.
Friend, your plot frankly seems quite wise given your current predicament. As my companion has mentioned...there seems to be a... distinct lack of information when it comes to things that might lead us directly this organization. Now, depending on how useful the information you provide us is, we might be in a position to assist with your departure plans. Is there anything you might have...left out of your previous answers? Especially after a battle like we just had, I can understand not having all of the details at the tip of the tongue. (Persuasion).
Persuasion+Guidance: 17 + 6 = 23
Forgot my proficiency bonus in the roll...whoops! Also I should have rolled a D4 but accidentally rolled a d6. Mark feel free to what you want to make up for that.
Look, my friends, I had no desire to come on this raid. For the first time in my non illustrious military career I was unable to weasel my way out of combat duty. I do not share my people’s drive or bloodlust. I’ll be quite content to sail away from here and spend the rest of my life hiding from my aunt and any assassins she decides to send after me. If you could kill her and topple our house I would be forever in your debt. I didn’t pay much attention to the plan beyond my role in it.
I didn’t dare surrender until my compatriots were dead. I couldn’t risk them bringing that tidbit back to the depths, you can be sure. I assure you I’m being as transparent as is possible. Any pertinent information I can think of I’m giving to you. L is a human, and a man. My aunt wasn’t excited about dealing with a partner of either ilk. Path to the depths in the center of the city, create diversionary chaos... is there anything specific you’d like to ask?
Ackam scratches underneath his chin as he paces the short distance back and forth in the cell and listens to the Drow turn into a stool pigeon. "So yer sayin' this L fella is league with yer auntie, eh? Do you know this L fella's full name? A now that yer tellin' us da truth, can ya pinpoint on da map where exactly this entrance to da depths? Does yer auntie or dis L fella have anyting on da Council or da Thirteen? Come on now lad, speak up."
Earthhand stands in silence for a moment, contemplating the drow. "Oi've always had a mind fer second chances, aen while yeh aen yer fellows besetee us at teh mos' inconveenient o' times yeh've been roit helpful in our search. Oi leave yer fate in teh hands of the guard, teh winds o' change, and the paws o' Ularian, but know this: if'n yeh waste aen squanter yer opportunity fer a new aen more dignified life then by the beak aen talons o' Felmoor Oi cursee yeh; by teh claws o' Paen'neth yeh'll not knowee peace nor teh mercy o' a therd chance." Thorok makes a resolute and dismissive series of gestures and walks away from the cage. "Oi leave yeh ter moy companions questioning." As he walks away, Earthhand examines the map of the city, looking for the 'center of the city', and cross referencing it with the location of the dock that Kalsh mentioned.
We've a target and a destination. More than I had hoped for from this coward. Now, someone said something about about a bar? Hearing you all talk so much is making me thirsty.
“You are Drow. Stories say it is within your nature to act as your brethren - even if, as you say, you find no pleasure in battle... even if you run from the Drow. You will still be Drow. Those you meet in the future will see you as Drow. They will treat you as Drow. You will always be trying to escape your destiny.
What will you do? What drive is strong enough to push you into a life that may be harder based simply on the life you are running from?
I hope you find this purpose, Drow. For as dark as it has been - I can only imagine darker days ahead.”
BASTIONS soft glowing eyes flicker for a moment before turning back to the group.
“Though some of you may see his act as cowardly - I must say I admire anyone who so freely questions their fate.”
The drow laughs sardonically It’s been over a century since someone called me lad. L is in league with my aunt, yes. All I know about the entrance in the city is that it is centrally located. I do not know any other name for this man other than L. I can only speculate that he has some kind of sway in this city, on what side I cannot say. By your gods and mine dwarf, I’ll not serve the Matrons again. I’ll strike out from here and forge what life I can for myself. Hear me, Druid. My name is Talist Val’Dinara and by my good right hand, this I swear. By my sight, this I swear. By my bonds to the earth, this I swear. You are witness, Druid, thrice sworn, thrice bound. I’ll not go back.
“You are Drow. Stories say it is within your nature to act as your brethren - even if, as you say, you find no pleasure in battle... even if you run from the Drow. You will still be Drow. Those you meet in the future will see you as Drow. They will treat you as Drow. You will always be trying to escape your destiny.
What will you do? What drive is strong enough to push you into a life that may be harder based simply on the life you are running from?
I hope you find this purpose, Drow. For as dark as it has been - I can only imagine darker days ahead.”
BASTIONS soft glowing eyes flicker for a moment before turning back to the group.
“Though some of you may see his act as cowardly - I must say I admire anyone who so freely questions their fate.”
Talist looks at Bastion and begins speaking to the construct in dwarven. It is a heavy burden to have people think they know your heart from your appearance,he looks at Bastion for a moment more in consideration. but I am quite accustomed to the darkness. I thank you, Guardian.
Earthhand pauses and turns back to Talist, pleasantly surprised by his use of dwarven to Bastion, and replies in such. "Moy name is Thorok Earthhand aen by teh name o' teh foive Oi witness thee; thrice sworn thrice bound." He turns back to the party, Mikkael [present?], and Desquin [Rastave?], reverting back to common. "Ter teh tavern, friends?"
May your path be blessed with the light of Mishakal as you embark on your new journey, friend. I wish you the best..... and shall pray for your success. With that,Varris caps off his blessing and gives a small nod towards the Drow.
We’ll discuss your situation further when I return, Talist. Now, let’s head over to the Ease. I’ll arrange rooms for you lot there as well if you care to stay. Follow me. Desguin leads you out of the cells and past Col at the front desk. Try to get something done today, Col, you disagreeable shit. The dwarf makes a rude gesture without looking up from the books he’s reading.
You follow Desguin a few blocks to The Soldier’s Ease. A sturdy stone and timber building, it’s construction as plain, but sturdy, and high quality. It reminds you of Desguin himself in that way. He opens the great oak door into a common room full of off duty watch, quite a few militia, and even a few mercenaries. The room is lively and many people call out to Des as you pass. He greets them warmly but keeps walking as he takes you to a private room in the back.
He speaks to a serving girl and soon a cook and some scullery boys arrives with a pot of a hearty root vegetable stew, trenchers of roast pork, and loaves of hearty black bread still steaming from the oven with butter and jam. Lastly a large bald man with a small keg which he puts on one end of the bar with several tankerds. Desguin pours himself a draught, takes a sip and smacks his lips in appreciation. Something of my own creation, Watchend I call it, it’s a mild black. Enough to take the edge off with out causing a row in my common room. But now to more serious matters. I asked you to come here out of gratitude, yes, but also for the privacy this room affords us. Much of what the curious droo said confirmed me own findings and suspicions. I’ve long thought who ever is behind this has some kind of hold over the Twelve or that it’s even one of them. Ive met too much resistance from higher up for it to be otherwise. I’ve worked long enough against the Thirteen, some would say alongside, and they may be right, but this isn’t them. In fact, and my saying this does not leave this room, the Thirteen may be quite an asset to yous in this matter. They’re not bound by the same rules as I. I don’t know who this “L” could be, but he’s powerful so we’d best use a light step. We can speak freely here, do you have any questions?
Ackam shakes his head at some of his new comrades in arms. Out of earshot from the Drow and some his new companions, Ackam says to Aedra "Feckin' droo is always a feckin' droo. Even under some spell I wouldn't trust em' as much as dey go sun tannin', if you gettin' me." Ackam takes one last good look at the Drow, burning his face in his memory and thinks to himself I bet me feckin' drinking monies we'll run into this droo and he'll be standing behind a blade pointin' it at us,and then leaves.
BASTION takes a small bit of fat from the pork and begins to massage it into the joints on its fingers. It watches the party begin to eat and drink with mild curiosity.
"Our first excursion yielded far more information than one usually procures on an initial lead - and while these results may incite us to follow the new information we have - I believe it may be in our best interest to follow up on our other leads before making plans based on our new information."
Upon entering the oak room Ackam by passes the stew, pork, and bread and goes right over to the keg and pours himself a mug full of Watchend and then raises his glass to his fellow adventurers, cheers them, and then take two big gulps followed by a burp. "Dis ale is perdy feckin' good, Dessy. If'n all else fails, ya could make a livin' as a brew masta'," he says and slaps Desquin on the back.
Ackam wanders over to a chair, jumps into it, and puts up his hairyfeet up on the table. He leans back and takes another big sip of ale and watches Bastion as he greases himself up. "Oye, Bastion, if ya need some help with da back o' you, I don't mind. Back when I used ta bare-knuckle fight we'd grease ourselves up before each bout." He then listens to Desquin speak and then waits to hear what the others have to say first.
With a look of disgust on her face after getting a waft of the noxious air emitted by Ackam, Agency lifts a mug with her tail, nods to the rest of the group and Des and takes a sip. The look of disgust only slightly faded. She shook her head and addressed Desguin, Might you enlighten us on which of the thirteen you have placed the most suspicion on? Also, since you mention it, I'm sure we would all be interested in which of them would be the most amenable to our cause.
The drow spreads his hands upon hearing the translation of Ackam’s message. I’ve no intention on seeing any of my “folk” anytime soon, my fierce friend. I intend to board a ship and be gone from here as soon as I am able. I dare say you’ll be seeing drow before I do. Please do me a favor and tell any that you see that I died and then kill them with my blessing. All I know of the kidnappings is that they’re taking them underground and working them hard. Oh! They have a passage to the depths somewhere in the city! I don’t know where, though, that’s more knowledge only our leader was privilege to. Somewhere towards the city center if I recall. What else can I be of assistance with?
The drow spreads his hands upon hearing the translation of Ackam’s message. I’ve no intention on seeing any of my “folk” anytime soon, my fierce friend. I intend to board a ship and be gone from here as soon as I am able. I dare say you’ll be seeing drow before I do. Please do me a favor and tell any that you see that I died and then kill them with my blessing. All I know of the kidnappings is that they’re taking them underground and working them hard. Oh! They have a passage to the depths somewhere in the city! I don’t know where, though, that’s more knowledge only our leader was privilege to. Somewhere towards the city center if I recall. What else can I be of assistance with?
Thorok Earthhand saunters forward. "Awrigh' then, so this Rasgouda Von Diner be eh one behind thesee disapperationings in ter city then?" he asks. "Aen Oi agree wit Ackam, seems roit convenient what wit yeh knowing all but teh most useful details o' yer plan."
Persuasion: 5.
"Ah will now we're gettin' someewhere, a secret passage sounds like jus' teh thing fer gettin' yeh ootta here aen on ter teh seas, aye tha's a good start night elf."
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
With the tap of a finger onto his temple, Varris casts Guidance onto himself and approaches the group interrogating the Drow.
Friend, your plot frankly seems quite wise given your current predicament. As my companion has mentioned...there seems to be a... distinct lack of information when it comes to things that might lead us directly this organization. Now, depending on how useful the information you provide us is, we might be in a position to assist with your departure plans. Is there anything you might have...left out of your previous answers? Especially after a battle like we just had, I can understand not having all of the details at the tip of the tongue. (Persuasion).
Persuasion+Guidance: 17 + 6 = 23
Forgot my proficiency bonus in the roll...whoops! Also I should have rolled a D4 but accidentally rolled a d6. Mark feel free to what you want to make up for that.
Look, my friends, I had no desire to come on this raid. For the first time in my non illustrious military career I was unable to weasel my way out of combat duty. I do not share my people’s drive or bloodlust. I’ll be quite content to sail away from here and spend the rest of my life hiding from my aunt and any assassins she decides to send after me. If you could kill her and topple our house I would be forever in your debt. I didn’t pay much attention to the plan beyond my role in it.
I didn’t dare surrender until my compatriots were dead. I couldn’t risk them bringing that tidbit back to the depths, you can be sure. I assure you I’m being as transparent as is possible. Any pertinent information I can think of I’m giving to you. L is a human, and a man. My aunt wasn’t excited about dealing with a partner of either ilk. Path to the depths in the center of the city, create diversionary chaos... is there anything specific you’d like to ask?
Ackam scratches underneath his chin as he paces the short distance back and forth in the cell and listens to the Drow turn into a stool pigeon. "So yer sayin' this L fella is league with yer auntie, eh? Do you know this L fella's full name? A now that yer tellin' us da truth, can ya pinpoint on da map where exactly this entrance to da depths? Does yer auntie or dis L fella have anyting on da Council or da Thirteen? Come on now lad, speak up."
Earthhand stands in silence for a moment, contemplating the drow. "Oi've always had a mind fer second chances, aen while yeh aen yer fellows besetee us at teh mos' inconveenient o' times yeh've been roit helpful in our search. Oi leave yer fate in teh hands of the guard, teh winds o' change, and the paws o' Ularian, but know this: if'n yeh waste aen squanter yer opportunity fer a new aen more dignified life then by the beak aen talons o' Felmoor Oi cursee yeh; by teh claws o' Paen'neth yeh'll not knowee peace nor teh mercy o' a therd chance." Thorok makes a resolute and dismissive series of gestures and walks away from the cage. "Oi leave yeh ter moy companions questioning." As he walks away, Earthhand examines the map of the city, looking for the 'center of the city', and cross referencing it with the location of the dock that Kalsh mentioned.
Dom, you're blue in this game ;)
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
Oops, sorry. Went back and fixed it.
We've a target and a destination. More than I had hoped for from this coward. Now, someone said something about about a bar? Hearing you all talk so much is making me thirsty.
“You are Drow. Stories say it is within your nature to act as your brethren - even if, as you say, you find no pleasure in battle... even if you run from the Drow. You will still be Drow. Those you meet in the future will see you as Drow. They will treat you as Drow. You will always be trying to escape your destiny.
What will you do? What drive is strong enough to push you into a life that may be harder based simply on the life you are running from?
I hope you find this purpose, Drow. For as dark as it has been - I can only imagine darker days ahead.”
BASTIONS soft glowing eyes flicker for a moment before turning back to the group.
“Though some of you may see his act as cowardly - I must say I admire anyone who so freely questions their fate.”
The drow laughs sardonically It’s been over a century since someone called me lad. L is in league with my aunt, yes. All I know about the entrance in the city is that it is centrally located. I do not know any other name for this man other than L. I can only speculate that he has some kind of sway in this city, on what side I cannot say. By your gods and mine dwarf, I’ll not serve the Matrons again. I’ll strike out from here and forge what life I can for myself. Hear me, Druid. My name is Talist Val’Dinara and by my good right hand, this I swear. By my sight, this I swear. By my bonds to the earth, this I swear. You are witness, Druid, thrice sworn, thrice bound. I’ll not go back.
Talist looks at Bastion and begins speaking to the construct in dwarven. It is a heavy burden to have people think they know your heart from your appearance, he looks at Bastion for a moment more in consideration. but I am quite accustomed to the darkness. I thank you, Guardian.
Earthhand pauses and turns back to Talist, pleasantly surprised by his use of dwarven to Bastion, and replies in such. "Moy name is Thorok Earthhand aen by teh name o' teh foive Oi witness thee; thrice sworn thrice bound." He turns back to the party, Mikkael [present?], and Desquin [Rastave?], reverting back to common. "Ter teh tavern, friends?"
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
May your path be blessed with the light of Mishakal as you embark on your new journey, friend. I wish you the best..... and shall pray for your success. With that, Varris caps off his blessing and gives a small nod towards the Drow.
I am ready to depart whenever.
We’ll discuss your situation further when I return, Talist. Now, let’s head over to the Ease. I’ll arrange rooms for you lot there as well if you care to stay. Follow me. Desguin leads you out of the cells and past Col at the front desk. Try to get something done today, Col, you disagreeable shit. The dwarf makes a rude gesture without looking up from the books he’s reading.
You follow Desguin a few blocks to The Soldier’s Ease. A sturdy stone and timber building, it’s construction as plain, but sturdy, and high quality. It reminds you of Desguin himself in that way. He opens the great oak door into a common room full of off duty watch, quite a few militia, and even a few mercenaries. The room is lively and many people call out to Des as you pass. He greets them warmly but keeps walking as he takes you to a private room in the back.
He speaks to a serving girl and soon a cook and some scullery boys arrives with a pot of a hearty root vegetable stew, trenchers of roast pork, and loaves of hearty black bread still steaming from the oven with butter and jam. Lastly a large bald man with a small keg which he puts on one end of the bar with several tankerds. Desguin pours himself a draught, takes a sip and smacks his lips in appreciation. Something of my own creation, Watchend I call it, it’s a mild black. Enough to take the edge off with out causing a row in my common room. But now to more serious matters. I asked you to come here out of gratitude, yes, but also for the privacy this room affords us. Much of what the curious droo said confirmed me own findings and suspicions. I’ve long thought who ever is behind this has some kind of hold over the Twelve or that it’s even one of them. Ive met too much resistance from higher up for it to be otherwise. I’ve worked long enough against the Thirteen, some would say alongside, and they may be right, but this isn’t them. In fact, and my saying this does not leave this room, the Thirteen may be quite an asset to yous in this matter. They’re not bound by the same rules as I. I don’t know who this “L” could be, but he’s powerful so we’d best use a light step. We can speak freely here, do you have any questions?
Ackam shakes his head at some of his new comrades in arms. Out of earshot from the Drow and some his new companions, Ackam says to Aedra "Feckin' droo is always a feckin' droo. Even under some spell I wouldn't trust em' as much as dey go sun tannin', if you gettin' me." Ackam takes one last good look at the Drow, burning his face in his memory and thinks to himself I bet me feckin' drinking monies we'll run into this droo and he'll be standing behind a blade pointin' it at us, and then leaves.
BASTION takes a small bit of fat from the pork and begins to massage it into the joints on its fingers. It watches the party begin to eat and drink with mild curiosity.
"Our first excursion yielded far more information than one usually procures on an initial lead - and while these results may incite us to follow the new information we have - I believe it may be in our best interest to follow up on our other leads before making plans based on our new information."
Upon entering the oak room Ackam by passes the stew, pork, and bread and goes right over to the keg and pours himself a mug full of Watchend and then raises his glass to his fellow adventurers, cheers them, and then take two big gulps followed by a burp. "Dis ale is perdy feckin' good, Dessy. If'n all else fails, ya could make a livin' as a brew masta'," he says and slaps Desquin on the back.
Ackam wanders over to a chair, jumps into it, and puts up his hairyfeet up on the table. He leans back and takes another big sip of ale and watches Bastion as he greases himself up. "Oye, Bastion, if ya need some help with da back o' you, I don't mind. Back when I used ta bare-knuckle fight we'd grease ourselves up before each bout." He then listens to Desquin speak and then waits to hear what the others have to say first.
With a look of disgust on her face after getting a waft of the noxious air emitted by Ackam, Agency lifts a mug with her tail, nods to the rest of the group and Des and takes a sip. The look of disgust only slightly faded. She shook her head and addressed Desguin, Might you enlighten us on which of the thirteen you have placed the most suspicion on? Also, since you mention it, I'm sure we would all be interested in which of them would be the most amenable to our cause.