Soar begins to help Tobin unlatch the harness. "Sure thing! I bet that's both uncomfortable and potentially undignified for one such as great as yourself near your brethren. Is there a place we can stow this? I assume we've arrived at the Council. Thank you very much for deigning to bring us. I will do my best it make it worth your while. Do we have time before we should go see Protanther, or should we prepare for an audience right away? I'm not sure about how the Council operates."
Did we get a short rest after the fight?
Soar looks around the entrance for anything she failed to notice on arrival. Perception: 8
Otaaryliakkarnos nods in satisfaction and stretches her wings, comfortable and clearly relieved now that the harness is gone. "Perhaps we can find some magical means to return you to Waterdeep afterwards. Though I suppose I should return the thing at some point. I would be pleased never to see it again. Thank you for your aid."
She picks up the harness with a claw, apparently intending to move it somewhere. Soar, you do not see any sign of an entrance, but it's dark and your limited darkvision isn't letting you see much of anything at the moment.
"I would suggest you rest. No, Soar, it is too late now to see the others. I have warned them of the delay. I will escort you to Protanther's chamber in the morning. Before then, you might discuss how you will approach him, and who will speak first. I have no guidance to offer, beyond what I have already said. I leave it to you to think on it. This is a safe place, and I do not believe even the most daring of our enemies would threaten us here. Nevertheless, I have servants on watch, so you may all rest easy this night."
Otaaryliakkarnos flies off, leaving the five of you to make camp, speak, or do whatever you wish.
Soar barely gets to nod in thanks before the powerful dragon departs. She looks around and tries to find some sheltered place to make camp against the elements.
Once the group has some chance to talk, she says, “so, no pressure, right? Ha. I’m fine to try talking, though I don’t know exactly what we should say to him beyond explaining what’s going on, what we have and what we need. What do you think? Anyone else want to talk first? If not, what should we say? Tobin, anything in those books that might help us? Jalt, Bazavur, this is more your domain than mine, would it be bad for a half-elf to talk to them before a dragonborn?”
Once they make camp, Tobin opens up his Scriptorium and descends the ladder to the section he recently populated with books on Dragons from the Academy. His small voice floats up, asking, “Any thoughts on specifically what you want to know, Soar?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Once they make camp, Tobin opens up his Scriptorium and descends the ladder to the section he recently populated with books on Dragons from the Academy. His small voice floats up, asking, “Any thoughts on specifically what you want to know, Soar?”
Tobin rolls a History Check of 19 for Draconic Councils as he consults his books.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Tobin, you spend some time looking through your library, and find a couple of useful books. None mention any of the dragons you've heard of as members of the current council, but there are reports of meetings of the Council of Dragons. Some are quite detailed, as though the author had been present and taken notes, though others are second-hand, vague and possibly apocryphal. You get a sense that formality and strict observance of politeness and courtesy is important when speaking with the dragons, especially with the leader - who is invariably a gold dragon. You also learn that, whether through strong insight or some magical means, liars are always uncovered when in the presence of the Council of Dragons, and no illusion magic can deceive them. You do find a mention of a group of adventurers who appeared before the Council and judged it wise that their two elven members not speak up too much, though the author does not record why, and the group was able to leave with what they had sought - an artifact useful in defeating a fire giant.
“Hmm, okay. I can try to be more formal. Our host can hopefully help with that. It’s a good thing we weren’t planning on lying. This is pretty straightforward. Interesting to know about elves. I wonder if I will count in their eyes. Maybe I can just introduce and contextualize, serve as point and hand over our letter of introduction, but then hand things over to the people they will listen to more - Jalt and Bazavur? I can say who we are, that we are the champions of the council, and we come with both an offer and an urgent plea in the fight against Tiamat. Then hand things over to Jalt to give a first-person summary of what the cult has done, and what we’ve done - outline our capabilities and what armies we bring to bear. Bazavur and I can describe what we’ve learned about the cult’s plans, and make a charismatic plea, that we are doing all we can but we truly need the great power of the metallic dragons to end this threat. Tobin can add in any historical key points whenever he feels necessary. Titus, maybe you can try to read the room and get a sense of what they are hearing and not hearing. Does that work? Anything else?” Soar says in response.
She asks if anyone has arcane means to boost persuasion. All she has is the heroism which can keep two people from being frightened for a minute. But something that gives adv on charisma checks would be good, or some bardic inspiration would be good. Anything else that might even the odds a bit?
”Sounds good to me,” says Tobin, stifling a yawn. “I’ll see you guys in the morning,” he adds, finding a likely out of the way place and curling up for an evening’s rest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Titus nods as Tobin checks off the information he uncovered in his studies, making discreet notes in a small notebook. 'Polite. Respectful, Truthful, Non-elven. Seems straightforward enough. The truth isn't my specialty - in fact, you could say it's unfamiliar ground for me in general - but I'm happy to Help in anyway I can'
Soar nods at Titus' admission. "We all have our strengths. Doomguides are paladins, though we tend to deal with more of the greyer, liminal parts of life and death. What I'm trying to say is, I don't get offended easily. I'm grateful for your help, however you choose to lend it. I have noticed that you tend to notice everything, so I'd appreciate your keen eyes and ears and mind to be working hard when we're in there. I won't notice much, but if you can read dragons as well as you read people and foes, we might stand a chance. But feel free to share whatever you like of yourself. I'd love to hear more about your life, what brought you to this point."
She pauses and allows silence or verbal responses, whatever Titus wishes.
Titus gives Soar a tight smile 'Observing is indeed one of my specialties - and happy to use it to our advantage whenever I can. As far as myself... well, I'm sure there's not much of interest to share. I met Tobin here when I was a young man, but took a different path than he - a path that led me along the edges of polite society. A path that led me to you all.'
The thief makes brief eye contact with Tobin as he talks, hoping to signal to the scholar that there's no more to the story that needs to be shared.
Your plans made, you all head off to your bedrolls or whatever appeals, and get a good night's sleep. You wake in the morning having completed a long rest.
In the misty early morning, it takes time for the mountains to reveal themselves, but once sunrise has passed you are treated to a magnificent view of the forested hills below, dark green stretched west further than you can see. It's quite beautiful, and very quiet and peaceful - the ongoing struggles and war against the Cult of the Dragon has not felt so far away in quite some time for Jalt, Soar and Bazavur. With the sky now clear and the bright sun - warming you just enough to take the worst of the chill off - it seems to bode well for the day.
You are just finishing packing up camp as two gnomes approach, each wearing a pristine white robe with gold trim. They smile and wave long before they reach you, and one calls out: "Ho there, travellers. Welcome to this place. Lord Protanther has sent us to fetch you." The other pipes up: "By which my colleague means, you are most welcome and are cordially invited to an audience with Lord Protanther, Leader of the Council of Dragons, foremost among the Gold Dragons, former King of Justice and faithful servant of Bahamut. Would you care to accompany us?"
By the time all this has been said, the two gnomes have arrived and come to a halt about fifteen feet from you.
Titus nods at Soar and steps in behind them, ready to back them up as needed, scanning the heralds carefully for any signs of deception, trickery or misdirection.
(perception check - 21 rolled in game log. Passive is 20)
Titus, a more honest and forthright pair of gnomes you have never seen. Nothing about them seems surprising - this is a bastion of lawfulness and goodness. They seem to belong here completely. 'Titus' on the other hand... how would he be feeling at this point?
The gnomes wait patiently as you variously bow, nod and gesture...
Soar steps forward, making eye contact with both gnomes, a friendly expression on her face. She bows in greeting as best as she was taught, and then looks up again. “I am Soar Jestalle. Thank you for your generous invitation. Might we know your names? This is Rhogar clan Jalt, Bazavur, Tobin, and Titus. We are champions of the Council of Waterdeep, here is our letter of introduction. We would be honored to accompany you. Might I ask what has been happening here of late? I would be happy to provide you with news of the west in any level of detail you wish, in exchange. And if you have any thoughts on how guests of the Council of Dragons might show respect and be received well, I would love to hear them.”
'Titus' catalogs everything about the gnomes, their dialect, speech patterns, the way they shift their shoulders as they walk. This all happens automatically, the constant sizing up of threats, marks and assets a running game that he's been running so long it's drifted back nearly into his subconscious.
This is an unusual job for him. An uncomfortable job. Everyone here is so.....earnest. Eager. Committed to doing what needs to be done. He takes comfort in the rock-solid knowledge that nothing last forever - not even dragons - and that eventually this will all end as everything does - in fire and blood and disappointment.
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Tobin:
”But of course, Otaaryliakkarnos,” responds Tobin, immediately busying himself with the smaller buckles his small hands would work with best.
”The flight was magnificent, great dragon. Thank you,” adds the small librarian.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar begins to help Tobin unlatch the harness. "Sure thing! I bet that's both uncomfortable and potentially undignified for one such as great as yourself near your brethren. Is there a place we can stow this? I assume we've arrived at the Council. Thank you very much for deigning to bring us. I will do my best it make it worth your while. Do we have time before we should go see Protanther, or should we prepare for an audience right away? I'm not sure about how the Council operates."
Did we get a short rest after the fight?
Soar looks around the entrance for anything she failed to notice on arrival. Perception: 8
Otaaryliakkarnos nods in satisfaction and stretches her wings, comfortable and clearly relieved now that the harness is gone. "Perhaps we can find some magical means to return you to Waterdeep afterwards. Though I suppose I should return the thing at some point. I would be pleased never to see it again. Thank you for your aid."
She picks up the harness with a claw, apparently intending to move it somewhere. Soar, you do not see any sign of an entrance, but it's dark and your limited darkvision isn't letting you see much of anything at the moment.
"I would suggest you rest. No, Soar, it is too late now to see the others. I have warned them of the delay. I will escort you to Protanther's chamber in the morning. Before then, you might discuss how you will approach him, and who will speak first. I have no guidance to offer, beyond what I have already said. I leave it to you to think on it. This is a safe place, and I do not believe even the most daring of our enemies would threaten us here. Nevertheless, I have servants on watch, so you may all rest easy this night."
Otaaryliakkarnos flies off, leaving the five of you to make camp, speak, or do whatever you wish.
Soar barely gets to nod in thanks before the powerful dragon departs. She looks around and tries to find some sheltered place to make camp against the elements.
Once the group has some chance to talk, she says, “so, no pressure, right? Ha. I’m fine to try talking, though I don’t know exactly what we should say to him beyond explaining what’s going on, what we have and what we need. What do you think? Anyone else want to talk first? If not, what should we say? Tobin, anything in those books that might help us? Jalt, Bazavur, this is more your domain than mine, would it be bad for a half-elf to talk to them before a dragonborn?”
Tobin:
Once they make camp, Tobin opens up his Scriptorium and descends the ladder to the section he recently populated with books on Dragons from the Academy. His small voice floats up, asking, “Any thoughts on specifically what you want to know, Soar?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Tobin rolls a History Check of 19 for Draconic Councils as he consults his books.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Tobin, you spend some time looking through your library, and find a couple of useful books. None mention any of the dragons you've heard of as members of the current council, but there are reports of meetings of the Council of Dragons. Some are quite detailed, as though the author had been present and taken notes, though others are second-hand, vague and possibly apocryphal. You get a sense that formality and strict observance of politeness and courtesy is important when speaking with the dragons, especially with the leader - who is invariably a gold dragon. You also learn that, whether through strong insight or some magical means, liars are always uncovered when in the presence of the Council of Dragons, and no illusion magic can deceive them. You do find a mention of a group of adventurers who appeared before the Council and judged it wise that their two elven members not speak up too much, though the author does not record why, and the group was able to leave with what they had sought - an artifact useful in defeating a fire giant.
Tobin:
Surfacing after a good hour of research, Tobin says, “Well, I learned three main things from the literature.”
He holds up his small fingers and ticks off each point one by one…
”We should observe manners and formality when dealing with the dragons, especially with their leader.”
”Tell the truth with courtesy but do not mislead—the dragons can sniff out a lie unerringly.”
”Elves to indeed seem to be viewed with some disfavor and should keep their comments to a minimum.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
“Hmm, okay. I can try to be more formal. Our host can hopefully help with that. It’s a good thing we weren’t planning on lying. This is pretty straightforward. Interesting to know about elves. I wonder if I will count in their eyes. Maybe I can just introduce and contextualize, serve as point and hand over our letter of introduction, but then hand things over to the people they will listen to more - Jalt and Bazavur? I can say who we are, that we are the champions of the council, and we come with both an offer and an urgent plea in the fight against Tiamat. Then hand things over to Jalt to give a first-person summary of what the cult has done, and what we’ve done - outline our capabilities and what armies we bring to bear. Bazavur and I can describe what we’ve learned about the cult’s plans, and make a charismatic plea, that we are doing all we can but we truly need the great power of the metallic dragons to end this threat. Tobin can add in any historical key points whenever he feels necessary. Titus, maybe you can try to read the room and get a sense of what they are hearing and not hearing. Does that work? Anything else?” Soar says in response.
She asks if anyone has arcane means to boost persuasion. All she has is the heroism which can keep two people from being frightened for a minute. But something that gives adv on charisma checks would be good, or some bardic inspiration would be good. Anything else that might even the odds a bit?
Tobin:
”Sounds good to me,” says Tobin, stifling a yawn. “I’ll see you guys in the morning,” he adds, finding a likely out of the way place and curling up for an evening’s rest.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Titus nods as Tobin checks off the information he uncovered in his studies, making discreet notes in a small notebook. 'Polite. Respectful, Truthful, Non-elven. Seems straightforward enough. The truth isn't my specialty - in fact, you could say it's unfamiliar ground for me in general - but I'm happy to Help in anyway I can'
Soar nods at Titus' admission. "We all have our strengths. Doomguides are paladins, though we tend to deal with more of the greyer, liminal parts of life and death. What I'm trying to say is, I don't get offended easily. I'm grateful for your help, however you choose to lend it. I have noticed that you tend to notice everything, so I'd appreciate your keen eyes and ears and mind to be working hard when we're in there. I won't notice much, but if you can read dragons as well as you read people and foes, we might stand a chance. But feel free to share whatever you like of yourself. I'd love to hear more about your life, what brought you to this point."
She pauses and allows silence or verbal responses, whatever Titus wishes.
Titus gives Soar a tight smile 'Observing is indeed one of my specialties - and happy to use it to our advantage whenever I can. As far as myself... well, I'm sure there's not much of interest to share. I met Tobin here when I was a young man, but took a different path than he - a path that led me along the edges of polite society. A path that led me to you all.'
The thief makes brief eye contact with Tobin as he talks, hoping to signal to the scholar that there's no more to the story that needs to be shared.
Your plans made, you all head off to your bedrolls or whatever appeals, and get a good night's sleep. You wake in the morning having completed a long rest.
In the misty early morning, it takes time for the mountains to reveal themselves, but once sunrise has passed you are treated to a magnificent view of the forested hills below, dark green stretched west further than you can see. It's quite beautiful, and very quiet and peaceful - the ongoing struggles and war against the Cult of the Dragon has not felt so far away in quite some time for Jalt, Soar and Bazavur. With the sky now clear and the bright sun - warming you just enough to take the worst of the chill off - it seems to bode well for the day.
You are just finishing packing up camp as two gnomes approach, each wearing a pristine white robe with gold trim. They smile and wave long before they reach you, and one calls out: "Ho there, travellers. Welcome to this place. Lord Protanther has sent us to fetch you." The other pipes up: "By which my colleague means, you are most welcome and are cordially invited to an audience with Lord Protanther, Leader of the Council of Dragons, foremost among the Gold Dragons, former King of Justice and faithful servant of Bahamut. Would you care to accompany us?"
By the time all this has been said, the two gnomes have arrived and come to a halt about fifteen feet from you.
Tobin:
Remaining quiet, Tobin bows respectfully, then gets out his journal and summons his quill, ready to take detailed notes...
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Bazavur says nothing as he looks between his companions and makes an ‘after you’ gesture.
Titus nods at Soar and steps in behind them, ready to back them up as needed, scanning the heralds carefully for any signs of deception, trickery or misdirection.
(perception check - 21 rolled in game log. Passive is 20)
Titus, a more honest and forthright pair of gnomes you have never seen. Nothing about them seems surprising - this is a bastion of lawfulness and goodness. They seem to belong here completely. 'Titus' on the other hand... how would he be feeling at this point?
The gnomes wait patiently as you variously bow, nod and gesture...
Soar steps forward, making eye contact with both gnomes, a friendly expression on her face. She bows in greeting as best as she was taught, and then looks up again. “I am Soar Jestalle. Thank you for your generous invitation. Might we know your names? This is Rhogar clan Jalt, Bazavur, Tobin, and Titus. We are champions of the Council of Waterdeep, here is our letter of introduction. We would be honored to accompany you. Might I ask what has been happening here of late? I would be happy to provide you with news of the west in any level of detail you wish, in exchange. And if you have any thoughts on how guests of the Council of Dragons might show respect and be received well, I would love to hear them.”
'Titus' catalogs everything about the gnomes, their dialect, speech patterns, the way they shift their shoulders as they walk. This all happens automatically, the constant sizing up of threats, marks and assets a running game that he's been running so long it's drifted back nearly into his subconscious.
This is an unusual job for him. An uncomfortable job. Everyone here is so.....earnest. Eager. Committed to doing what needs to be done. He takes comfort in the rock-solid knowledge that nothing last forever - not even dragons - and that eventually this will all end as everything does - in fire and blood and disappointment.