Olisara nods in agreement with Neya. Then, once the monk approaches Zern, he finds a spot to lay his fellow half-orc down and thanks Neya preemptively: "Thank you for your assistance."
@Neya: You spend a few minutes examining Caah and conclude that she is alive and in a stable condition. She is likely to wake up on her own in about 3 or so hours.
Meanwhile, Yalek also makes his way into the tent. He has ditched his cultist cloak. Separately, Dornal asks Utar and Neya: "Where are the rest of your companions."
Both Senetir and Seranolla refuse Doozey's offer with a polite shake of their head. The gnome also adds: "Save it for those truly in need."
Graxx consoles Senitir on his team's partial failures and then walks off to meet the arriving soldiers. Senetir and Villonah follow, leaving Seranolla and Doozey to talk some more. Seranolla welcomes the chance to talk with the halfling in private. She listens to Doozey as he mentions the Fey Lord and the "Radiant Spring" and then shares her thoughts, lowering her voice so that only Doozey can indeed hear her. She mentions three things:
On the Fey Lord: "Whether the Fey Lord wants your assistance in dealing with the dragon or not, you'd do well getting on his good side. I have mentioned to you that I recognized your last name... that someone with the same name passed through these woods long ago. Well, this Fey Lord surely was already here back then. Do you understand what I am leaving unsaid?"
On the "Radiant Spring": "It is called a Pool of Radiance, and it is some source of magical body of water. I understand it to be a naturally occurring phenomenon. One of them lies somewhere within Phlan, but I heard it has been dormant for nearly a hundred years."
On the Emerald Enclave: "You may recall I asked you about the one called Buhrell Caah last night. I had the chance to adventure with her during this campaign today, and let me assure you my suspicious are correct. I warn you that she is not a member of the Emerald Enclave as she claims. I am, and I have never heard of her."
A few yards away, Graxx leads the soldiers to the barrack's door. He delivers his speech, which is received by laughter and more loud noises from the other side of the door, at least at first. The noises evolve into a real kerfuffle, and then into a renewed brawl. They fight it out some more in there until, eventually, things calm down a bit. A voice then says: "Alright, we surrender... well, those who remain conscious do, at least."
For the next several minutes, the soldiers clear the barricade, confiscate the belongings of those inside, account for the dead, and round up those who are still alive. The situation is now under control. Senitir turns to face Graxx again and says: "Well done. You spoke like a natural-born leader!"
(@Ori: If you think Doozey would be interested in the Pool of Radiance's past, then feel free to roll a history check.)
"I appreciate that. There was a lot riding on those inside surrendering and not fighting to the death. Maybe I can get some answers I've been looking for... Also, I get to keep my word. One of the Mercenaries... Her name is Rhonda. Rhonda was captured out in the wilderness by us. She gave us knowledge that helped us take the keep. She didn't fight along side us as I would have hoped but she could have sounded the alarm as soon as we were in the keep giving us away... But she didn't. For that I want to speak on her behalf. Her rights don't undo her wrongs but they helped us to still be standing here today. I'm going to take a look at these prisoners. Feel free to tag along if you like."
Graxx will walk along the prisoners. He will be doing three things.
First, he will seek out Rhonda.
Second, while he is looking for Rhonda he will look for Tribesman and if he recognizes any of them. However, he will come back to them as finding Rhonda and separating her from the rest of the filth is his priority.
Utar keeps an eye on Yalek, more out of concern than suspicion. He assumes his shadow is keeping close because of their shared heritage and the fact that Utar can confirm he was only playing cultist.
Making himself useful in the healers tent feels like a relief compared to picking through the stark aftermath of the battle. His distraction doesn't last long, but seeing Dornal on his feet is no bad thing.
"Others went back to the south gate, do we need to round them up? I get the feeling we are due a debrief."
(@Lerus: He would indeed have an interest. If not from Redfoot misadventure stories, then at least possibly due in part to tales/passing mentions of sources of magical power/concern to his Order. Though clearly he wasn't paying attention enough either way.)
Doozey cringes at the initial question, but silent accepted -- if grudgingly so now -- that there would be little hope of hiding behind the others when it came to inevitable talks with the Fey Lord. As for the Pool, a look of thoughtfulness provoked by the tale is soon washed away by the distracting more interesting tell of Caah that was soon to follow.
"I'd ask if you were sure. But, I'd rather not shame Mum's spirit in not trust'n the words of the more experienced now of all times." He admits, and while rubbing the back of his neck continues in a lowered voice. "So, what do you think then? Double agent? Third Party? Maybe even, uh.. the Speaker of the Dragon?" At any confused looks from Seranolla, Doozey elaborates a bit more regarding the note and their findings. "Either way, she's not to be left alone as-is, I take it. So, how might aid in... persuading her into an interrogation?"
History: 3. (adv. if somehow related to Fey, Fiends, or Undead: 10)
"We had arrived here via the south gate and trapped a good amount of their number in their own barracks before we heard a fight coming from the western part of this fort." Neya explains. "We were intending to give you some reinforcements but we were seen by some of their leadership. The rest, they say is history."
"I believe Graxx said he would try to convince those in the barracks to surrender."
@Doozey: Unfortunately, from memory alone, you cannot recall any specific lessons or stories that mention the words "Pool of Radiance." Perhaps some research/books/scholars could help if you are interested in revisiting this topic at a later date.
Seranolla thinks for a moment before answering Doozey's questions. She eventually says: "I do not know. I know little about her so I cannot accuse her of anything but making up this lie. There are many reasons someone may pretend to be something they are not. These reasons could range from nefarious to naïve. I am simply warning you to be careful. I am sure you'll use the information wisely. She fought bravely here today and did her part. Almost gave her life too. Remember that."She then lets her shoulders fall: "And I hope it doesn't have to come to an interrogation. That sounds unnecessarily violent."
A few paces away, Senitir welcomes the information shared by Graxx regarding Rhonda, and promises to help him pass on the message. He cautions: "I'd still expect her to live inside a dungeon for quite some time under Phlan's current state of martial law."
Graxx recognizes Rhonda among those who are being disarmed and arrested. He also recognizes five other faces in the crowd. Four of them belong to tribesmen that are a generation younger than Graxx, so he doesn't really know their names. The fifth face is grizzled with experience, and it belongs to Hakmar, the Sky Ponies' lead weaponmaster and instructor of the way of the battle to the younger warriors-to-be. Graxx knows him well.
Noticing the sudden change in Graxx's facial expression, Senitir offers to take the burden of clarifying Rhonda's role in this victory on his behalf.
Dornal and Zern welcome Utar's and Neya's reports, thanking them for both blocking the enemies reinforcements and taking down two members of their leadership. In response, they share that they unfortunately were not able to bring down Alandra, the other Cult lieutenant, but succeeded in taking down the siege weapon.
Olisara approaches: "Perhaps we should start our debrief with the nobles. The rest of the teams can join once they are ready. What do you think?"
Yalek remains close to Utar, but not too close. He is even being helpful around the tent.
Graxx feels a sickness in the pit of his stomach. He’s not sure how to handle this situation. He thought this day would come but not so soon. Not like this.
Graxx slowly walks up and looks in Hakmar’s eyes and says quietly with concern in his voice...
”Are you too far gone... My teacher?”
Graxx will approach the closest ranking soldier.
”I need to take this one aside to answer some questions. I will return him once I am done.”
Graxx does not wait for permission and walks back up to Hakmar.
”It’s time to catch up... Come...”
Graxx will not force Hakmar but will motion with his head in a direction to walk with him. If Hakmar follows he will lead him out of earshot of the other captives but still in line of sight of Graxx’s allies in case the weapon master decides to attack.
"I would still rather confront her on this. We can hardly afford in unexpected leaks, regardless of a 'good show' being put on." Doozey said frankly. "But... a non-violent approach then. As soon as we have the chance. Though that may not be for a bit." He added, glancing over to the retinue at work. "... *sigh*... If'n a chance comes to you sooner than later tho'. To look further into that one, that is, do let us know. And I'll be sure to pass this along to the others..." The voice trails as the stoutling notes Graxx movements, and attempt to draw one of the prisoner aside.
Though tempted -- regardless of how things play -- to rejoin the barbarian's side, Doozey knew better than to intrude. Rather, he would keep a close side-eye on any conversation. Then, he has a thought, which lead to him chittering something to get Taters to poke his head out. After whispering something to the beast, Taters seems to nod, before scrabbling its way out of the pack. Then like the little ninja it was, it zips over just close enough to the pair (if the instructor accepted/could be called over) to listen in on the conversation. And by extension, Doozey could do so as well.
"I will have to agree. Perhaps we can suss out how the intelligence we were working with had erred so much with respect to the dragon's identity, as well." Neya says, while folding her arms. "That was, almost certainly, a deadly mistake had we not had support from the fey lord."
"I did what I had to do in order to keep fighting to honor Tempus." Hakmar says to Graxx after recognizing his former student. The man looks saddened but not apologetic. Once Graxx nods him over, he stands up, hands bound behind his back, and walks toward his fellow tribesman. No soldier seems to have an issue with this.
Seranolla simply nods as Doozey details his argument concerning Caah. It is hard to tell whether she is agreeing with the halfling or if she is simply accepting and respecting his choice. At the request to stand by and pretend to talk, the old gnome snickers (not meanly) and instead calls Villonah over to do the job: "I think it'd be more believable if others think you are interested in this one instead." The wise druid has a knowing look in her eye and a pesky smile on her face. She walks away and remounts her strange archaic-looking bird.
A sneaky Taters approaches Graxx and Hakmar and listens in unnoticed.
Olisara agrees with Neya and invites some of the others to join her. Dornal, Zern, and Captain AHB all agree to join.
Yalek is not invited, but it doesn't look like he feels very comfortable with the idea of being left behind. He'll likely follow from a distance, judging by his behavior so far.
(OOC: Waiting to see if Utar wants to do anything else in the tent before proceeding.)
"Your teachings in fighting have served me well these past few years... For that I will always be grateful."
Graxx shakes his head.
"But you seem to have forgotten the teachings of Tempus. Surely, you can't really believe what you doing here serves Tempus my teacher!'
Graxx frowns.
"This constant suffering of death or torment being caused only provides more power to gods of those domains. Tempus teaches that once a battle is over it is OVER! We are not to ravage the land of the enemy or bound them into slavery... Or worse... This is not the way of Tempus... The Tribe has strayed..."
Graxx nods his head.
"Why are the Sky Ponies so far from home, Hakmar? Our only concern use to be the Orcs till the Drow came with their help... Is this their doing? Have the Drow forced you into siding with this Dragon cult? How long have you been gone from home? How is my..."
The oddly dense ranger looks confused back at the druid and even cants his head to the side. And yet, Doozey only watches as she departed prior to looking back awkwardly to Villonah. "Uh.. are you... That was, uh... Ah forget it. Do you mind, uh, pretending to hold a conversation with me while I spy on Mr. Graxx there, fer a bit. Make sure things don't get a little, uh... out of hand? I'm using a bit, ah, a trick I, uh... remembered. And, I... I know its probably weird doing thigns this way, but-..." He trailed off with a halplessly look about him.
But if agreed upon, Doozey manages a brief smile and lets Villonah start things off while he sunk apart of his focus on listening in on Graxx.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Villonah laughs at Doozey's awkwardness but agrees to help out. She is curious too. It is a pity Doozey then focuses his hearing abilities onto Taters' senses; Villonah might be sharing some really interesting tidbits about herself, but Doozey would never know.
Over yonder, Hakmar has quite the defeated look on his face. He keeps silent for a while after Graxx is done speaking. A single tear rolls out of his eye and slowly makes its way to his chin. He agrees: "The Tribe has strayed..."
Over the next several minutes, Hakmar summarizes what he knows. He is not a mam of many words, as Graxx is well aware, so the tale does not have a lot of detail attached to it, or adjectives. Nonetheless, he mentions that the Tribe continued to find slaves for the Drow after the orcs in the mountains had all been captured. Caravans, merchants, villagers, passersby, anyone they could lay their hands on. Until, that is, the mountains and the surrounding areas earned enough of a dangerous reputation that no traveler braved the mountain passes, and no settler dared plant their standard. At first, the tribe simply continued to travel farther and farther, but that soon became logistically complicated. The Drow then started demanding slave tributes from the Tribe directly. Aurock, the chieftain, agreed to the demand and delivered the old and wounded as tribute. When those ran out, he began delivering warriors. Some were sent deep into the earth for reasons unknown to Hakmar. Others, like the fighting instructor, followed young Drow in their quest to join the Cult of the Dragon in far away lands. The Drow had struck some deal with the Cult. The Tribe was not aware of such deal, it seems. Nonetheless, like many other tribesmen, Hakmar welcomed this opportunity. With the Cult, they were treated like warriors again instead of slaves. Referring to joining the Cult, he concludes: "And that is the choice I made so I could continue fighting... like Tempus intended."
(@Grx: Some of the tale is familiar to Graxx. He left when they were starting to enslave travelers, right?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
AT THE NORTHEAST GATE:
DM's Screen:
7
Neya, Utar, Olisara, Dornal, Zern, and Aleyd join Valero Brokengulf and Dala Silmerhelve at their commanding post. Valero is the first to speak: "Ah, here they are. Representatives from each of our tactical teams. Your infiltration was a success. It paved the way for our forces' arrival!" He raises a mug of something, drinks from it, and then lowers it toward some page or squire who quickly refills it.
"Where is my advisor, Senetir?" He looks around but does not wait for the aarakocra mage to arrive. "Today's victory was full of glory, but not all is good news. The dragon still lives and, if my eyes do not deceive me, that was Old Gnawbones herself. That wretched beast fooled me once again! I doubt she ever had spawn of her own to begin with!" He is becoming more irritated as he arrives at his conclusion. "A trap! Could all of this have been a trap? So that winged vermin could laugh at the Brokengulf name once more. So she could continue to slowly bring ruin to our legacy? She has made the House of Brokengulf her plaything!"
He goes silent for a moment after that. His face is incredibly red with anger at this point. Lady Dala silently tries to help him cool down by offering him some water instead of whatever he is drinking.
Quickly deciding that Valerno Brokengulf might be tired and emotional, Utar hopes that Lady Dala takes over the debrief. Waiting a moment and hoping that someone else might step up to the plate, Utar shoots a look at Burral, Dornal, Neya, Zern, Olisara, hoping one of the others might read his mind and take the lead with the nobles.
(OOC: Yes, he was there for the first part and unfortunately partook in some.)
“Like Tempus intended...” Graxx echoes.
”Hakmar...” Graxx says as if he has lost his breath.
”The weak and the old... Did they... Did they take my grandmother... Edith? You are first from the Tribe I have been able to talk with...” Graxx says a sick feeling hits him.
”But you are not the first I have encountered... The others tried to kill me... They called me a traitor... I can still hear their voices.”
Graxx looks in Hakmar’s eyes.
”Hakmar, I will succeed and in completing a deed so great I will be able to challenge Aurock for Chieftain. Then I will get the Tribe back on the true path.”
Graxx looks at the Young Ponies.
”If there is a Tribe left by the time I do... Hakmar... I can’t get you out of the coming imprisonment but I will try to send for you and the others that are scattered all among this land once I am Chieftain. I would much rather have you here for a little while than out fighting for this Cult..”
Graxx sighs...
”Maybe if I can kill that Dragon. That would surely be a deed worthy of challenging the Chieftain... I just don’t know how to do it quite yet. It stayed up in the air there whole time I faced it so I couldn’t use the great weapon tactics you taught me... Not once...”
"Let's take a step back for a moment," Neya begins, "Kryptgarden Forest and the Quivering Forest are a long distance apart, yes? Not only that, the dragon intends to corrupt this forest for its own purposes. That seems to be a lot of effort to be merely spite"
"Something has drawn it to the Moonsea area. Something that it felt was more than important enough to leave its previous lair of hundreds of years."
AT THE NORTHEAST GATE:
Olisara nods in agreement with Neya. Then, once the monk approaches Zern, he finds a spot to lay his fellow half-orc down and thanks Neya preemptively: "Thank you for your assistance."
@Neya: You spend a few minutes examining Caah and conclude that she is alive and in a stable condition. She is likely to wake up on her own in about 3 or so hours.
Meanwhile, Yalek also makes his way into the tent. He has ditched his cultist cloak. Separately, Dornal asks Utar and Neya: "Where are the rest of your companions."
AT THE SOUTHERN GATE:
(@Grx: What a time for a Nat20!)
Both Senetir and Seranolla refuse Doozey's offer with a polite shake of their head. The gnome also adds: "Save it for those truly in need."
Graxx consoles Senitir on his team's partial failures and then walks off to meet the arriving soldiers. Senetir and Villonah follow, leaving Seranolla and Doozey to talk some more. Seranolla welcomes the chance to talk with the halfling in private. She listens to Doozey as he mentions the Fey Lord and the "Radiant Spring" and then shares her thoughts, lowering her voice so that only Doozey can indeed hear her. She mentions three things:
A few yards away, Graxx leads the soldiers to the barrack's door. He delivers his speech, which is received by laughter and more loud noises from the other side of the door, at least at first. The noises evolve into a real kerfuffle, and then into a renewed brawl. They fight it out some more in there until, eventually, things calm down a bit. A voice then says: "Alright, we surrender... well, those who remain conscious do, at least."
For the next several minutes, the soldiers clear the barricade, confiscate the belongings of those inside, account for the dead, and round up those who are still alive. The situation is now under control. Senitir turns to face Graxx again and says: "Well done. You spoke like a natural-born leader!"
(@Ori: If you think Doozey would be interested in the Pool of Radiance's past, then feel free to roll a history check.)
Graxx turns to Senitir.
"I appreciate that. There was a lot riding on those inside surrendering and not fighting to the death. Maybe I can get some answers I've been looking for... Also, I get to keep my word. One of the Mercenaries... Her name is Rhonda. Rhonda was captured out in the wilderness by us. She gave us knowledge that helped us take the keep. She didn't fight along side us as I would have hoped but she could have sounded the alarm as soon as we were in the keep giving us away... But she didn't. For that I want to speak on her behalf. Her rights don't undo her wrongs but they helped us to still be standing here today. I'm going to take a look at these prisoners. Feel free to tag along if you like."
Graxx will walk along the prisoners. He will be doing three things.
First, he will seek out Rhonda.
Second, while he is looking for Rhonda he will look for Tribesman and if he recognizes any of them. However, he will come back to them as finding Rhonda and separating her from the rest of the filth is his priority.
Perception: 17
Utar keeps an eye on Yalek, more out of concern than suspicion. He assumes his shadow is keeping close because of their shared heritage and the fact that Utar can confirm he was only playing cultist.
Making himself useful in the healers tent feels like a relief compared to picking through the stark aftermath of the battle. His distraction doesn't last long, but seeing Dornal on his feet is no bad thing.
"Others went back to the south gate, do we need to round them up? I get the feeling we are due a debrief."
(@Lerus: He would indeed have an interest. If not from Redfoot misadventure stories, then at least possibly due in part to tales/passing mentions of sources of magical power/concern to his Order. Though clearly he wasn't paying attention enough either way.)
Doozey cringes at the initial question, but silent accepted -- if grudgingly so now -- that there would be little hope of hiding behind the others when it came to inevitable talks with the Fey Lord. As for the Pool, a look of thoughtfulness provoked by the tale is soon washed away by the distracting more interesting tell of Caah that was soon to follow.
"I'd ask if you were sure. But, I'd rather not shame Mum's spirit in not trust'n the words of the more experienced now of all times." He admits, and while rubbing the back of his neck continues in a lowered voice. "So, what do you think then? Double agent? Third Party? Maybe even, uh.. the Speaker of the Dragon?" At any confused looks from Seranolla, Doozey elaborates a bit more regarding the note and their findings. "Either way, she's not to be left alone as-is, I take it. So, how might aid in... persuading her into an interrogation?"
History: 3. (adv. if somehow related to Fey, Fiends, or Undead: 10)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We had arrived here via the south gate and trapped a good amount of their number in their own barracks before we heard a fight coming from the western part of this fort." Neya explains. "We were intending to give you some reinforcements but we were seen by some of their leadership. The rest, they say is history."
"I believe Graxx said he would try to convince those in the barracks to surrender."
Extended Signature
AT THE SOUTH GATE:
@Doozey: Unfortunately, from memory alone, you cannot recall any specific lessons or stories that mention the words "Pool of Radiance." Perhaps some research/books/scholars could help if you are interested in revisiting this topic at a later date.
Seranolla thinks for a moment before answering Doozey's questions. She eventually says: "I do not know. I know little about her so I cannot accuse her of anything but making up this lie. There are many reasons someone may pretend to be something they are not. These reasons could range from nefarious to naïve. I am simply warning you to be careful. I am sure you'll use the information wisely. She fought bravely here today and did her part. Almost gave her life too. Remember that." She then lets her shoulders fall: "And I hope it doesn't have to come to an interrogation. That sounds unnecessarily violent."
A few paces away, Senitir welcomes the information shared by Graxx regarding Rhonda, and promises to help him pass on the message. He cautions: "I'd still expect her to live inside a dungeon for quite some time under Phlan's current state of martial law."
Graxx recognizes Rhonda among those who are being disarmed and arrested. He also recognizes five other faces in the crowd. Four of them belong to tribesmen that are a generation younger than Graxx, so he doesn't really know their names. The fifth face is grizzled with experience, and it belongs to Hakmar, the Sky Ponies' lead weaponmaster and instructor of the way of the battle to the younger warriors-to-be. Graxx knows him well.
Noticing the sudden change in Graxx's facial expression, Senitir offers to take the burden of clarifying Rhonda's role in this victory on his behalf.
AT THE NORTHEAST GATE:
Dornal and Zern welcome Utar's and Neya's reports, thanking them for both blocking the enemies reinforcements and taking down two members of their leadership. In response, they share that they unfortunately were not able to bring down Alandra, the other Cult lieutenant, but succeeded in taking down the siege weapon.
Olisara approaches: "Perhaps we should start our debrief with the nobles. The rest of the teams can join once they are ready. What do you think?"
Yalek remains close to Utar, but not too close. He is even being helpful around the tent.
Graxx feels a sickness in the pit of his stomach. He’s not sure how to handle this situation. He thought this day would come but not so soon. Not like this.
Graxx slowly walks up and looks in Hakmar’s eyes and says quietly with concern in his voice...
”Are you too far gone... My teacher?”
Graxx will approach the closest ranking soldier.
”I need to take this one aside to answer some questions. I will return him once I am done.”
Graxx does not wait for permission and walks back up to Hakmar.
”It’s time to catch up... Come...”
Graxx will not force Hakmar but will motion with his head in a direction to walk with him. If Hakmar follows he will lead him out of earshot of the other captives but still in line of sight of Graxx’s allies in case the weapon master decides to attack.
"I would still rather confront her on this. We can hardly afford in unexpected leaks, regardless of a 'good show' being put on." Doozey said frankly. "But... a non-violent approach then. As soon as we have the chance. Though that may not be for a bit." He added, glancing over to the retinue at work. "... *sigh*... If'n a chance comes to you sooner than later tho'. To look further into that one, that is, do let us know. And I'll be sure to pass this along to the others..." The voice trails as the stoutling notes Graxx movements, and attempt to draw one of the prisoner aside.
Though tempted -- regardless of how things play -- to rejoin the barbarian's side, Doozey knew better than to intrude. Rather, he would keep a close side-eye on any conversation. Then, he has a thought, which lead to him chittering something to get Taters to poke his head out. After whispering something to the beast, Taters seems to nod, before scrabbling its way out of the pack. Then like the little ninja it was, it zips over just close enough to the pair (if the instructor accepted/could be called over) to listen in on the conversation. And by extension, Doozey could do so as well.
Tater's Stealth: 27.
Though, right before things come to that he asks mysteriously to Seranolla, "Mind covering for me a bit? Just pretend to be talking for a bit more?"
.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I will have to agree. Perhaps we can suss out how the intelligence we were working with had erred so much with respect to the dragon's identity, as well." Neya says, while folding her arms. "That was, almost certainly, a deadly mistake had we not had support from the fey lord."
Extended Signature
AT THE SOUTH GATE:
"I did what I had to do in order to keep fighting to honor Tempus." Hakmar says to Graxx after recognizing his former student. The man looks saddened but not apologetic. Once Graxx nods him over, he stands up, hands bound behind his back, and walks toward his fellow tribesman. No soldier seems to have an issue with this.
Seranolla simply nods as Doozey details his argument concerning Caah. It is hard to tell whether she is agreeing with the halfling or if she is simply accepting and respecting his choice. At the request to stand by and pretend to talk, the old gnome snickers (not meanly) and instead calls Villonah over to do the job: "I think it'd be more believable if others think you are interested in this one instead." The wise druid has a knowing look in her eye and a pesky smile on her face. She walks away and remounts her strange archaic-looking bird.
A sneaky Taters approaches Graxx and Hakmar and listens in unnoticed.
AT THE NORTHEAST GATE:
Olisara agrees with Neya and invites some of the others to join her. Dornal, Zern, and Captain AHB all agree to join.
Yalek is not invited, but it doesn't look like he feels very comfortable with the idea of being left behind. He'll likely follow from a distance, judging by his behavior so far.
(OOC: Waiting to see if Utar wants to do anything else in the tent before proceeding.)
Graxx is pleased Hakmar came willingly.
"Your teachings in fighting have served me well these past few years... For that I will always be grateful."
Graxx shakes his head.
"But you seem to have forgotten the teachings of Tempus. Surely, you can't really believe what you doing here serves Tempus my teacher!'
Graxx frowns.
"This constant suffering of death or torment being caused only provides more power to gods of those domains. Tempus teaches that once a battle is over it is OVER! We are not to ravage the land of the enemy or bound them into slavery... Or worse... This is not the way of Tempus... The Tribe has strayed..."
Graxx nods his head.
"Why are the Sky Ponies so far from home, Hakmar? Our only concern use to be the Orcs till the Drow came with their help... Is this their doing? Have the Drow forced you into siding with this Dragon cult? How long have you been gone from home? How is my..."
Graxx voice trails off as he recomposes himself.
The oddly dense ranger looks confused back at the druid and even cants his head to the side. And yet, Doozey only watches as she departed prior to looking back awkwardly to Villonah. "Uh.. are you... That was, uh... Ah forget it. Do you mind, uh, pretending to hold a conversation with me while I spy on Mr. Graxx there, fer a bit. Make sure things don't get a little, uh... out of hand? I'm using a bit, ah, a trick I, uh... remembered. And, I... I know its probably weird doing thigns this way, but-..." He trailed off with a halplessly look about him.
But if agreed upon, Doozey manages a brief smile and lets Villonah start things off while he sunk apart of his focus on listening in on Graxx.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
AT THE SOUTH GATE:
DM's Screen:
14
Villonah laughs at Doozey's awkwardness but agrees to help out. She is curious too. It is a pity Doozey then focuses his hearing abilities onto Taters' senses; Villonah might be sharing some really interesting tidbits about herself, but Doozey would never know.
Over yonder, Hakmar has quite the defeated look on his face. He keeps silent for a while after Graxx is done speaking. A single tear rolls out of his eye and slowly makes its way to his chin. He agrees: "The Tribe has strayed..."
Over the next several minutes, Hakmar summarizes what he knows. He is not a mam of many words, as Graxx is well aware, so the tale does not have a lot of detail attached to it, or adjectives. Nonetheless, he mentions that the Tribe continued to find slaves for the Drow after the orcs in the mountains had all been captured. Caravans, merchants, villagers, passersby, anyone they could lay their hands on. Until, that is, the mountains and the surrounding areas earned enough of a dangerous reputation that no traveler braved the mountain passes, and no settler dared plant their standard. At first, the tribe simply continued to travel farther and farther, but that soon became logistically complicated. The Drow then started demanding slave tributes from the Tribe directly. Aurock, the chieftain, agreed to the demand and delivered the old and wounded as tribute. When those ran out, he began delivering warriors. Some were sent deep into the earth for reasons unknown to Hakmar. Others, like the fighting instructor, followed young Drow in their quest to join the Cult of the Dragon in far away lands. The Drow had struck some deal with the Cult. The Tribe was not aware of such deal, it seems. Nonetheless, like many other tribesmen, Hakmar welcomed this opportunity. With the Cult, they were treated like warriors again instead of slaves. Referring to joining the Cult, he concludes: "And that is the choice I made so I could continue fighting... like Tempus intended."
(@Grx: Some of the tale is familiar to Graxx. He left when they were starting to enslave travelers, right?)
AT THE NORTHEAST GATE:
DM's Screen:
7
Neya, Utar, Olisara, Dornal, Zern, and Aleyd join Valero Brokengulf and Dala Silmerhelve at their commanding post. Valero is the first to speak: "Ah, here they are. Representatives from each of our tactical teams. Your infiltration was a success. It paved the way for our forces' arrival!" He raises a mug of something, drinks from it, and then lowers it toward some page or squire who quickly refills it.
"Where is my advisor, Senetir?" He looks around but does not wait for the aarakocra mage to arrive. "Today's victory was full of glory, but not all is good news. The dragon still lives and, if my eyes do not deceive me, that was Old Gnawbones herself. That wretched beast fooled me once again! I doubt she ever had spawn of her own to begin with!" He is becoming more irritated as he arrives at his conclusion. "A trap! Could all of this have been a trap? So that winged vermin could laugh at the Brokengulf name once more. So she could continue to slowly bring ruin to our legacy? She has made the House of Brokengulf her plaything!"
He goes silent for a moment after that. His face is incredibly red with anger at this point. Lady Dala silently tries to help him cool down by offering him some water instead of whatever he is drinking.
Quickly deciding that Valerno Brokengulf might be tired and emotional, Utar hopes that Lady Dala takes over the debrief. Waiting a moment and hoping that someone else might step up to the plate, Utar shoots a look at Burral, Dornal, Neya, Zern, Olisara, hoping one of the others might read his mind and take the lead with the nobles.
(OOC: Yes, he was there for the first part and unfortunately partook in some.)
“Like Tempus intended...” Graxx echoes.
”Hakmar...” Graxx says as if he has lost his breath.
”The weak and the old... Did they... Did they take my grandmother... Edith? You are first from the Tribe I have been able to talk with...” Graxx says a sick feeling hits him.
”But you are not the first I have encountered... The others tried to kill me... They called me a traitor... I can still hear their voices.”
Graxx looks in Hakmar’s eyes.
”Hakmar, I will succeed and in completing a deed so great I will be able to challenge Aurock for Chieftain. Then I will get the Tribe back on the true path.”
Graxx looks at the Young Ponies.
”If there is a Tribe left by the time I do... Hakmar... I can’t get you out of the coming imprisonment but I will try to send for you and the others that are scattered all among this land once I am Chieftain. I would much rather have you here for a little while than out fighting for this Cult..”
Graxx sighs...
”Maybe if I can kill that Dragon. That would surely be a deed worthy of challenging the Chieftain... I just don’t know how to do it quite yet. It stayed up in the air there whole time I faced it so I couldn’t use the great weapon tactics you taught me... Not once...”
"Let's take a step back for a moment," Neya begins, "Kryptgarden Forest and the Quivering Forest are a long distance apart, yes? Not only that, the dragon intends to corrupt this forest for its own purposes. That seems to be a lot of effort to be merely spite"
"Something has drawn it to the Moonsea area. Something that it felt was more than important enough to leave its previous lair of hundreds of years."
Extended Signature