Randrak listens to the High Shield's words, but then a thought springs to mind.
"Well, how do we know that you are the real you? If an imposter sits on your seat, how do we know he is the fake one and that you are the real one? If you threw yourself into the lava, how did you survive? More importantly, if you have been in hiding, how did you know we were back from the mission? How exactly did you see us 'scheming with the Drow witch' as you put it?"
Randrak takes a step closer and takes a whiff at the High Shield.
(Perception: 8)
He then pulls out his dagger, "You better explain yourself and quickly."
(Intimidation: 11)
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“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Reggarn will look at Alanis and sees the pain in her face. "Alanis, we don't have many options right now. If what the High Shield says is true then the city has been infiltrated at the deepest levels. While I would like to stay and bring peace to the city, it may be better to remove both Grub and the dragon's egg from the city for the time being."
Alanis erratically combs her hair out of her face.
”If any of this is true, than that… Drow… is definitely one more person we don’t want to have the egg, that is for certain.“
Looking at Grub, she adds.
“And I doubt Master Reggarn would just leave you for the wolves, if he can help it, Grub. Neither would I, strangely enough.”
She looks over to where Randrak is interrogating the High Shield and begins nestling in her supplies.
”Randrak raises a good point, though. Let me have a closer look at this one.”
Alanis pulls a small vial and holds it in her hand, concentrating. The liquid seems to start boiling and emitting a blueish steam. She uncorks the vial and inhales the steam quickly, promptly starting to cough.
There is more reason than just conserving arcane power that she usually prefers to do this the slow way.
When she opens her eyes they sport a blueish tint reminiscent of the steam and she moves to examine the high shield for magic.
The High Shield snarls at your accusations Randrak and you see some of that Lordly pride return as he takes in your threat. "Fools, nobody takes note of a filthy tramp roaming the streets. I waited and I watched and that's how I saw you return and then earlier in the tavern I was watching as you consorted with with creature. As to how I survived, let's just say I have some useful friends and that is as far as my trust currently extends. Moradin knows I am a fool myself to trust you at all." He eyes the point of your dagger fiercely.
Alanis as your eldritch enhanced vision scans the High Shield you spot the fierce glow of Abjuration and Conjuration magic emanating from his right hand. You catch a glimpse of a golden ring before he balls his fist to hide it from sight.
Alanis eyes wander from the aura surrounding his hand to the face of the High Shield.
”… no illusion and no transmutation as far as I can see. Spells of that kind would be most likely used to hide one’s identity. So this seems, indeed, to be the High Shield. Please, Randrak, lower your dagger.”
She takes a deep breath.
”This ‘creature’ has a name, and that is Grub. He was among goblins we had to fight to free an abbey upon request of a wounded cleric. Master Reggarn, true to his beliefs, offered a peaceful exchange, and Grub took that offer. He has yet to betray that agreement, leaving him among the less deceptive people around this area, according to your account, High Shield.”
Looking Eldron in the eyes, she continues.
”…you are branded as ursurpator in this part of the city. Foolish or not, I suspect your selection of potential allies is limited even with those ‘friends’ of yours in mind.”
Randrak still doesn't understand how magic works. How it could be used to disguise one creature for another. Yet, he knows that Alanis seems to have a better understanding of magic. Deciding to trust her, he nods his head and sheathes his dagger. Then he takes a step back from the High Shield just in case he decides to try and take another swipe.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
"Alanis is very correct Grub. You have done nothing to deserve the mistreatment you have received and I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. If the High shield is correct about the drow, and I've no reason to NOT believe him, then we may be in the perfect spot to end this business with the drow."
"It all depends my friend. Since you would do it in the defense of the Dwarves then we would say no. To a Drow, they would say yes. It is one of the reasons the Dwarves will call you murderer but the Goblins would hail you as a hero for killing a dwarf."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mercwri gently pats Eldron on the shoulder, "Please High Shield, believe we have the best interest of the your city at heart. We too, have been deceived by those foul creatures, you remember they tried to kill us a time or two. As for Grub," he points to the goblin. "Who is to say what lies in a creatures heart? A god can tell, perhaps, but for us mortal creatures, only actions can give us a clue as to the nature of a being, Raggarn, stubborn idealist that he is, is right about that. Grub has been faithful to his word to us, as we have been faithful to our word to you. This is just the sort of thing that the evil which is trying to ruin your city can not abide by and it is the thing that will defeat them in the end, no matter what. If they cannot divide us, they can not conquer us!" The last said with a forceful emphasis.
Persuasion 16
The last word ends in a slight coughing fit, rendering Mercwri's dramatic oration slightly . . . off, but sincere.
The High Shield seems to be starting to come round, though none of have as yet completely convinced him. "If you all value actions over words as you say then act and prove yourselves."
He reaches over and gingerly sits himself on the end of the bed. "I know of a secret way in to the Shield Hall. If you can avoid the guards and expose the murderous Drow witch then we can seek to end this nightmare and make ready for the coming war. What say you?"
Mercwri looks at the High Shield, a grin, startling in its ferocity, broadens on his face. “Well, I think I can speak for all of us and say, rare is a good drow that ain’t dead and this imposter ain’t good and ain’t dead so, we need t’ fix that and right smartly.” He turns, spreading his arms, “What says ye, friends?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
Alanis looks a little dubious, though not entirely unwilling.
”Do we have anything to disrupt that supposed disguising spell? Because if not we are in high risk to look like we are attacking the ambassador. Did your ‘friends’ by any chance supply you with additional boons on top of the means for your spectacular escape, High Shield?”
The High Shield covers his hand almost as a reflex and seems to think for a moment. "If we move fast I can take you to one of my friends and see what aid they might be able to give us. Right now the false ambassador will see you as inconsequential pawns. A small piece in the grander strategy. We should be able to move unnoticed as I have done thus far... if we are careful."
Randrak grunts, "Fine with me. Although, I would be far more comfortable with keeping you in my sights for now. You'll have to lead the way. I really don't know why no one around here never seems to want to get their own hands dirty. You order us to do the dirty work and step back, instead of fighting alongside us."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
The High Lord looks you up and down Randrak, "You are a very unusual soldier boy and if you do not recognise why you fight while your superiors command you were probably a very bad one. I am the ruler of this entire damned Island and when I get my palace back you better hope I forget what an insubordinate little shite you are and remember how useful you have been in winning back my city."
Eldron stands and winces in pain, "Besides, I could not fight for shit right now. Let's go."
Anything to be said or done before you follow the High Shield out?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
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Randrak listens to the High Shield's words, but then a thought springs to mind.
"Well, how do we know that you are the real you? If an imposter sits on your seat, how do we know he is the fake one and that you are the real one? If you threw yourself into the lava, how did you survive? More importantly, if you have been in hiding, how did you know we were back from the mission? How exactly did you see us 'scheming with the Drow witch' as you put it?"
Randrak takes a step closer and takes a whiff at the High Shield.
(Perception: 8)
He then pulls out his dagger, "You better explain yourself and quickly."
(Intimidation: 11)
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Reggarn will look at Alanis and sees the pain in her face. "Alanis, we don't have many options right now. If what the High Shield says is true then the city has been infiltrated at the deepest levels. While I would like to stay and bring peace to the city, it may be better to remove both Grub and the dragon's egg from the city for the time being."
Grub nods his head. "I am a danger, if they catch me, save yourselves... I took the risk."
Alanis erratically combs her hair out of her face.
”If any of this is true, than that… Drow… is definitely one more person we don’t want to have the egg, that is for certain.“
Looking at Grub, she adds.
“And I doubt Master Reggarn would just leave you for the wolves, if he can help it, Grub. Neither would I, strangely enough.”
She looks over to where Randrak is interrogating the High Shield and begins nestling in her supplies.
”Randrak raises a good point, though. Let me have a closer look at this one.”
Alanis pulls a small vial and holds it in her hand, concentrating. The liquid seems to start boiling and emitting a blueish steam. She uncorks the vial and inhales the steam quickly, promptly starting to cough.
There is more reason than just conserving arcane power that she usually prefers to do this the slow way.
When she opens her eyes they sport a blueish tint reminiscent of the steam and she moves to examine the high shield for magic.
Detect Magic
Alanis |lvl 3| |gnome artificer| (Stonebound)
The High Shield snarls at your accusations Randrak and you see some of that Lordly pride return as he takes in your threat. "Fools, nobody takes note of a filthy tramp roaming the streets. I waited and I watched and that's how I saw you return and then earlier in the tavern I was watching as you consorted with with creature. As to how I survived, let's just say I have some useful friends and that is as far as my trust currently extends. Moradin knows I am a fool myself to trust you at all." He eyes the point of your dagger fiercely.
Alanis as your eldritch enhanced vision scans the High Shield you spot the fierce glow of Abjuration and Conjuration magic emanating from his right hand. You catch a glimpse of a golden ring before he balls his fist to hide it from sight.
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Alanis eyes wander from the aura surrounding his hand to the face of the High Shield.
”… no illusion and no transmutation as far as I can see. Spells of that kind would be most likely used to hide one’s identity. So this seems, indeed, to be the High Shield. Please, Randrak, lower your dagger.”
She takes a deep breath.
”This ‘creature’ has a name, and that is Grub. He was among goblins we had to fight to free an abbey upon request of a wounded cleric. Master Reggarn, true to his beliefs, offered a peaceful exchange, and Grub took that offer. He has yet to betray that agreement, leaving him among the less deceptive people around this area, according to your account, High Shield.”
Looking Eldron in the eyes, she continues.
”…you are branded as ursurpator in this part of the city. Foolish or not, I suspect your selection of potential allies is limited even with those ‘friends’ of yours in mind.”
Alanis |lvl 3| |gnome artificer| (Stonebound)
Randrak still doesn't understand how magic works. How it could be used to disguise one creature for another. Yet, he knows that Alanis seems to have a better understanding of magic. Deciding to trust her, he nods his head and sheathes his dagger. Then he takes a step back from the High Shield just in case he decides to try and take another swipe.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Grub nods at Alanis for the description. "Didn't know dwarves could be nice. Most just snarl and fart and swing a pick at your head."
"Alanis is very correct Grub. You have done nothing to deserve the mistreatment you have received and I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. If the High shield is correct about the drow, and I've no reason to NOT believe him, then we may be in the perfect spot to end this business with the drow."
"Question, if I kill a drow, is that murder?" Grub is asking on all seriousness. No guile.
"It all depends my friend. Since you would do it in the defense of the Dwarves then we would say no. To a Drow, they would say yes. It is one of the reasons the Dwarves will call you murderer but the Goblins would hail you as a hero for killing a dwarf."
Mercwri gently pats Eldron on the shoulder, "Please High Shield, believe we have the best interest of the your city at heart. We too, have been deceived by those foul creatures, you remember they tried to kill us a time or two. As for Grub," he points to the goblin. "Who is to say what lies in a creatures heart? A god can tell, perhaps, but for us mortal creatures, only actions can give us a clue as to the nature of a being, Raggarn, stubborn idealist that he is, is right about that. Grub has been faithful to his word to us, as we have been faithful to our word to you. This is just the sort of thing that the evil which is trying to ruin your city can not abide by and it is the thing that will defeat them in the end, no matter what. If they cannot divide us, they can not conquer us!" The last said with a forceful emphasis.
Persuasion 16
The last word ends in a slight coughing fit, rendering Mercwri's dramatic oration slightly . . . off, but sincere.
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
(retroactive bardic inspiration? Because I forgot I have it)
Mercwri glows a little more brightly?
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
The High Shield seems to be starting to come round, though none of have as yet completely convinced him. "If you all value actions over words as you say then act and prove yourselves."
He reaches over and gingerly sits himself on the end of the bed. "I know of a secret way in to the Shield Hall. If you can avoid the guards and expose the murderous Drow witch then we can seek to end this nightmare and make ready for the coming war. What say you?"
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Mercwri looks at the High Shield, a grin, startling in its ferocity, broadens on his face. “Well, I think I can speak for all of us and say, rare is a good drow that ain’t dead and this imposter ain’t good and ain’t dead so, we need t’ fix that and right smartly.” He turns, spreading his arms, “What says ye, friends?”
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
Alanis looks a little dubious, though not entirely unwilling.
”Do we have anything to disrupt that supposed disguising spell? Because if not we are in high risk to look like we are attacking the ambassador. Did your ‘friends’ by any chance supply you with additional boons on top of the means for your spectacular escape, High Shield?”
She gestures towards his hand bearing the ring.
Alanis |lvl 3| |gnome artificer| (Stonebound)
The High Shield covers his hand almost as a reflex and seems to think for a moment. "If we move fast I can take you to one of my friends and see what aid they might be able to give us. Right now the false ambassador will see you as inconsequential pawns. A small piece in the grander strategy. We should be able to move unnoticed as I have done thus far... if we are careful."
"Well? what say you all, do we go?"
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Randrak grunts, "Fine with me. Although, I would be far more comfortable with keeping you in my sights for now. You'll have to lead the way. I really don't know why no one around here never seems to want to get their own hands dirty. You order us to do the dirty work and step back, instead of fighting alongside us."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
The High Lord looks you up and down Randrak, "You are a very unusual soldier boy and if you do not recognise why you fight while your superiors command you were probably a very bad one. I am the ruler of this entire damned Island and when I get my palace back you better hope I forget what an insubordinate little shite you are and remember how useful you have been in winning back my city."
Eldron stands and winces in pain, "Besides, I could not fight for shit right now. Let's go."
Anything to be said or done before you follow the High Shield out?
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain