Stonebound

Freak adds to that, pointing towards Hitticus: "Hitticus is friend, so friend of Hitticus is friend, too."

"The more mouths trying to talk the less words are spoken. I did the practical thing and armed myself and discovered another talented individual in the process. What did the rest of you do that Randrak couldn't have said himself?"

Persuasion to wi in over the council: 13

Uldran looks incredulously at Hitticus, and then calmly explains to him "Randrak, you think to send Randrak as our only representative? No offense to our fine fighting friend here but he's likely to start smashing doors and assaulting naked women. Seriously, and you think you're the smart one?" Uldran just starts laughing at the complete obsurdity of situation. 

Randrak turns to Uldran, "Well, hold on now. We were all down on the lower decks searching for that drow. No else was volunteering to risk themselves by opening those doors. As for the incident with the captain, that was a misunderstanding. I was on edge, I had just witnessed my brothers in arms be consumed by dragons. I was distraught and I did not know who I could trust."

"I understand Randrak and do not mean to make light of your grief. I honestly do not think that it would have been prudent for any of us to go alone. Having us all there adds weight to our story. I am sorry for my rash comments."

OOC: Randrak and Hitticus, your attempts at persuasion have no great effect but no real harm is done either. None amongst you are particularly "political" but you are vaguely aware of the tension between the old royal line and the democratic council of Lords. Alanis as a denizen of the Isle you are aware that the current situation may lead to the High Shield attempting to reclaim old glory... might the High Lord try to revive the royal line and become king?

The High Lord watches the exchange with no small amount of confusion before turning back to Kriell. "You are certain that these..." he glances at you all again and shakes his head, "That they can be trusted with this task?"

Kriell steps forward from the gathered Dwarves. Hitticus and Alanis it is your first time meeting the assistant ambassador, but you know from the conversation the previous night that she holds a full Legion of the Dwarven army under her command and by the hard stare she gives you both you can believe she rules them with an iron fist. 

"I spoke with Captain Blackfire at length before she disembarked and she recommended this group as trustworthy and capable... if a little unorthodox." she shares a look between Randrak and Uldran at this point which indicates that the Captain was quite frank about the details of the your journey. 

"Very well." The High Lord snaps before turning back to you all, "By all accounts the invaders may be upon us any day now. We have work to do to fortify the city and matters to attend to without. We were hoping that you may be of aid in this regard."

Kriell steps forward, "We have lost contact with the third regiment on their way back from the southern stronghold of Shard."

"While at the same time," the high lord interrupts, "We have refugees wandering down from the foothills to the north with wild tales of roving monsters. We need those refugees back in their villages and supplying our soldiers with food."

"We can spare soldiers for one errand but not both." Kriell explains, "You know best where your talents might serve best but we would ask you to support out efforts by taking up one of these causes. Either scouting south to expedite the arrival of my much needed regiment..."

"Or return the rabble to their mountain homes and be rid of what ever creatures have troubled them." says the High Lord.

Uldran frowns, "Rabble? Might want to choose a more fitting term for those that provide your food. This city wouldn't exist without those good folk." Uldran looks down at his homemade leathers and clothing made from plants and animal hides from his region, then looks back to the High Lord and raises an eyebrow, clearly not impressed by his lordiness. 

Hitticus stands rather proud, the only member of the group wearing armor made in this give city. "His Highness calls it like he sees it. If not for strong leadership like his there would be no great cities like this one. And the rabble(hitticus gives weight to the word) would be fighting over their own scraps of food and land."

History   7

Mercwri looks at Eldron and then at Kriell with a slight smirk.  "Well I does bes knowin' thet Oi'd mooch rather bes looking fer munsters what scares, what dija calls 'em Hoighs Laird (the emphasis is barely there), 'rabble'? Aye. Wells as mes were sayin's, Oi'd rathers be 'elpin' folk deal wit munsters 'en go lookin' fer whats tyin' up a Regimaneted whatever. If it kin toies up thet manys armed t' th' teeth dwarves, Oi doesn't suppose wes 'd bes any 'elp."

Mercwri tries to seem gruffly plain spoken and a bit simple.   Performance   12   (OCC hmmm, note to self, don't try so hard)

"Alls Oi wants is t' put the 'ead o' whats troid t' drown mes inna sea o' boilin' stone; nae t' mentions stole mes loivlyhood roight outs frum under mes feets!"  He glances around the room.  "Where's th' beer? 'n mes break fast?"

Randrak puts a hand to his chin pondering the choice.

"Hmm, it might be because of my soldier background and I am somewhat biased. However, I think I would like to find this third regiment. If they have encountered trouble, I think it's best we can see if we can provide them with aid."

He turns to the others, "But what do you all think?"

Uldran nods to Mercwri, "I'm with him, I'd rather be gettin these folks back in their homes even if he (jerks a thumb toward the high lord) thinks it just to make his food."

"And as I said," Mercwri pipes up, "if a regiment of dwarves can't handle it, what are we going to do to make a difference?  I can see us killing various monsters, one-to-one type fighting, tricking them or what have you.  More in turn to our talents and abilities."

Hitticus raises both hands in a 'I'm here but I'm not with them' way when Uldran juts his thumb at the Lord.

Alanis simply keeps quiet - she is an uninvited guest in this meeting after all - and tries her hand at the art of being unmagically invisible by being unassuming.

Randrak turns to Mercwri, "Well you only think that because of a lack of combat experience. A smaller unit can be more stealthy that full regiment. We'd be less noticeable, less likely to be seen as a threat even. Then never underestimate the military advantage of a surprise attack. Many wars have been won through ambush tactics."

Freak offers: "I say we help the villagers. We know they are in trouble. Maybe the soldiers are late to send word because they overslept."

“Well, the balance of opinion though slim seems to sit with the villagers.” Kriell observes. “We are currently tending the wounded and preparing supplies ready for their journey home.”

”Much needed supplies.” Growls the High Lord.

Kriell shakes her head in frustration, “We have already discussed this.” She snaps and he raises his hands in defeat and turns his back on you all. She glares at him as he returns to his counsellors. 

“The civilians will be ready to leave in the morning so you have a day to prepare. I suggest you go to guest hall and speak with master Fredrok. He appears to be their leader though his beard is short. (Meaning he is young). Otherwise the day is yours. Upon completion of the task I have authorised 300 gold from the treasury as payment. You may divide the fee in whatever manner you deem fit.”

”One more thing before you leave, we require loan of the dragon collar for study.”

As the High Lord turns, Freak almost jumps as he turns his back, too. "We should go now. Job to do."

White-faced, he looks over his shoulder to take in the feature of the High Lord's counselors, waiting for the group to get moving.

 Hitticus nods looking at Freak "Are you okay friend?"

"Ah, our apologies, we no longer have the collar," Mercwri said, "though I have a copy of the symbols you can copy if you wish.  I will need to keep mine."  He glances meaningfully at the others.  Fredok, you say? Where is this guest hall again?"