Time to go Thursday April 29th, 2004 3:48:35 AM
As the group steps together, one of the monks states flatly, "When you complete your deliberations, use a sending spell to contact me. If you are unable to do this, one of our people will contact you in three days."
With this, Nonam activates his ring, and the group surroundings shift suddenly. The group finds themselves within a comfortable room, with a suprised Tericus looking up from a private dinner alone, an open book beside his plate.
Funny what happens when non-specific teleports are used. The group is back in the Big Float, within a room in the Temple of Alemi.
(My apologies for the late post.)
Onrad Thursday April 29th, 2004 8:56:48 AM
"Wow, what a rush!"
Onrad sits in a chair besides Tericus. "Greetings. Sorry to disturb your studying."
He looks around.
"So this is where you guys live now. Kinda.....religious don't you think Nonam? Have you found gods?"
Nonam Thursday April 29th, 2004 9:58:47 AM
Nonam stretches his angelic wings and brings his hands up to his chest in a suggestion of prayer. Then he looks down at Onrad and says, "Peace, my child. Our dwelling is elsewhere, and there is no need to fight in these hallowed halls of Alemi."
Then he looks over to Tericus, "Father Tericus, it is good to see you again. Whatever happened to you in the forest?" Instead of the familiar mage, Tericus sees a 9 foot green angel.
Tericus Thursday April 29th, 2004 10:47:30 AM
after almost spilling his drink all over his book, Tericus sets his glass down and stands up. "Welcome, my friends!" Tericus says happily. "Come, sit down and join me for dinner. Ill summon a servent." Tericus says as he picks up a bell on the table and rings it. "Thats a new look for you." Tericus says to Nonam. "Ive been here, in the Temple of Alemi, studying. What have you all been up to?"
Addinein Thursday April 29th, 2004 1:59:50 PM
Nodding in acknowledgement of Nonam, Addinein states, " Getting to know our new neighbors and such that are in the Jungle. If I didn't see the sun outside, I'd swear we were back in the Underdark."
Sighing, Addinein pulls up whatever seat is available, and gets comfortable, after putting his weapons away.
Looking at the rest of the group, Addinein adds, "So now what do we do?"
Jus (B.Strength: +4; Stoneskin: 150hp (31 min used); GMW to Bow (11 min used); AC: 34; HP: 85) Thursday April 29th, 2004 6:03:08 PM
"Didn't you find out before you left?" Jus asks Onrad. "This was Nonam's true form all along! He always got in fights with you just to test your character."
Welcoming Tericus with a hug, Jus gushes words of thanksgiving that Tericus is okay. "I was truly worried when you disappeared in the forest. I take it there wasn't some Black Bladder conspiracy to remove you."
You rang? - Dm Ian Thursday April 29th, 2004 6:49:46 PM
Soft, hurried footfalls in the corridor outside preview the opening of the door into Tericus' suite by a fresh-faced young acolyte.
"Yes, High Priest Tericus?"
The acolyte tries to avoid glancing at each of the visitors, and fails. He keeps his mouth shut, but his expression expresses suitable levels of awe for finding an angel in Tericus' quarters.
Gareth Thursday April 29th, 2004 8:50:16 PM
Relieved of their departure, the warrior stands down immediately and smiles as his friend is clearly OK. "I was concerned for you, my friend. It's good to see you. I think a meeting with the Overlord is in order...".
Jandar Friday April 30th, 2004 1:31:10 AM
Jandar hangs back a bit, giving the friends as much time to reunite themselves as they need. He says nothing, becoming a bit unsure of his place in the group now.
Angelic Nonam Friday April 30th, 2004 7:57:16 AM
Nonam looks to Jus, "Do not tease him my child. You know that your words are not truthful, and the Great Healer despises the venomous tongue."
Then he turns to the acolyte, "Peace be with you and yours, my son. All is well with Father Tericus."
Clearly the wizard's starting to enjoy this role... and lucky for him, the spell lasts almost 3 hours.
Onrad Friday April 30th, 2004 8:41:33 AM
Looking in surprise at Jus, Onrad's mouth drops open again today for about the 4th time.
"Oh, Holy Lem...oops. sorry. I didn't know....Onrad bows before Nonam. Please forgive sir! I meant no harm."
He then goes and puts his arm on Jandar's shoulder.
"I don't know, Jandar, we may be out of our league here. Truly."
::doing his best to keep a straight face::
Jus Friday April 30th, 2004 9:30:27 AM
Jus loves the teasing, and joins right in in carrying it forward for the acolyte. "My humble apologies," Jus says, bowing before Nonam.
Now, back to the unfortunate business before them. "Gareth, I agree that a meeting with the Overlord is required, but what do we answer when she asks our opinion on what should be done?"
Tericus Friday April 30th, 2004 11:23:53 AM
"The last thing I remember was that a Prismatic sphere exploded and I found myself here. Everything before that is fuzzy." then he looks at Gareth and says "Why do you need a meeting with the Overlord, and," he says as a whisper, "Who is that." he says pointing at Jandar.
The debate begins - Dm Ian Friday April 30th, 2004 7:58:46 PM
The mention of the Overlord in conjuction with an unearthly appearance of the 'angel' is too much for the acolyte. He flees the room, mumbling something respectfully incoherent about something to drink,... and eat. Yes, eating.
The group finds themselves alone in Tericus' finely appointed room.
Jandar Saturday May 1st, 2004 2:19:17 AM
Jandar smiles at Onrad's jest and nods. He is enjoying the friendship adventuring seems to bring out in each other. Sometimes you forget when you are in libraries and temples all day, how a threat of violence can bind people together.
Jandar says,"While you are all getting re-acquainted, I've got some questions for Domi. So, if there are no objections, I'll finda quiet place to do that. I can ask him up to sixteen questions that will be answered yes or no. I already have a few in mind, but if you all have any specific questions, I will ask them. I'm sure you will want to catch Tericus up on what has happened."
Nonam Saturday May 1st, 2004 8:38:53 AM
"Tericus, this is Brother Jandar of the Gold Dragons. Jandar, Tericus."
As Jandar goes to pray, Nonam suggests, "You might try to figure out if either group told us the truth."
"And to catch you up to speed, after you disappeared, we discovered a group of drow in the jungle."
"They gave us a map that shows our location in the Wold in exchange for trade deals and a war against a nest of liches. They seemed reasonable at the time, so we agreed."
Then there was this little side show with some mad treants, and we found an ancient temple. We went in it and discovered the liches. They're followers of Morlas. They said that the drow are aligning themselves with Lathiese, you remember the big black dragon, and the Black Dudders. They say side with them against the drow because our destinies are entwined with Morlas. Then the drow showed up. There was going to be a battle and rather than choose a side, we came here."
"Obviously, one if not both groups lied to us. We know that Morlas isn't trustworthy, and these drow do not appear to be either. We've not had the opportunity to discuss these matters in private until now."
Nonam looks around at everyone, "Is that pretty much how things stand? While there I was willing to agree with the liches. We're going to double-cross someone, but they'd both double-cross us. So, I don't see much of a problem there."
Jus Saturday May 1st, 2004 10:47:56 PM
Jus pulls Jandar to the side, away from the others, before he leaves. Jus is somewhat embarrassed to ask his questions, with a bit of not wanting to cause a stir mixed in. Privacy would probably be prudent here.
"Would you mind, if you have a spare question, asking if the baby dragon can grow up non-evil?", Jus whispers his question to Jandar. "I mean, I know blacks are evil, but do they have to be, or is it their upbringing? He might be young enough that he doesn't have to be." With a shrug, Jus hesitantly steps back, then goes back to the table to see what Tericus was reading.
You doing alright? Jus concentrates to the dragon-in-the-box. I got a delivery from the Catacombs that I thought you'd appreciate. It satisfies your desire and need for food and drink. Care to give it a try?
Jus looks around, deciding if this room is large enough to open the box so he can give his dragon, make that the dragon, the Ioun Stone.
Onrad Monday May 3rd, 2004 9:27:38 AM
Onrad nods as Jus takes Jandar aside. He doesn't know for sure what Jus is asking of Jandar, but he's pretty sure. If Jus didn't want questions about his dragon answered, he sure did.
When Jus finishes, Onrad gives his request to Jandar. "Ask about the visions that you and I had. Find what you can about their meanings and who sent them. If it wasn't a god, I could get pretty paranoid right about now thinking of who could invade my mind like that and send me a vision."
Addinein Monday May 3rd, 2004 10:53:29 AM
Smiling as the pleasantries are exchanged. Addinein waits for the conversations to get started.
Addinein waits patiently as he listens and waits for his chance to speak.
"As of right now I tend to think that Morlas " Addinein pauses as he tries to make sure he's pronouncing the name right. "and his crew could have been doing more lying overall. We didn't get a chance to make sure that the other family was out there. It seemed convenient that they were attacking at the time we were being asked to make a decision. Jandar you might ask to make sure that these drow were actually there about to engage us, or whether there was some kind of trickery involved."
Addinein does quite catch on to the subtle humor right at first. After being able to clear his mind of his thoughts, it hits him that the group was playing a little with the young human.
Divinations and Investigations - Dm Ian Monday May 3rd, 2004 8:18:40 PM
Jandar prepares his prayer, and the discussion continues. There is a hesitant knock at the door a few minutes later, and a half dozen acolytes enter one by one to drop off a surprising array of meat, fresh fruit, tea, wine, and pastries. Then, as quickly as they came, they retreat. You get the impression that they came to disprove their companions "bragging" and went away impressed.
Jus slips the gateway-box open, and passes a delicate ioun stone to a black scaled claw. Then, the gateway is closed once again.
(Any specific spellcasting, investigations, messages, contacts, etc? Which questions are proposed and asked? Feel free to email if you have any questions on possible actions.)
Gareth Monday May 3rd, 2004 8:19:05 PM
At Jandar's offer the warrior listens to the questions the Storms request. "Why not ask who we should align ourselves with? Ask about the drow/dragon/Black Dragons alliance. Is it real or did the liches lie? Would we be better off not aligning with anyone? Delaying? Those are my thoughts...".
The warrior smiles as he relises his good friend Tericus is safe. "Two clerics... now THAT is some serious firepower! So Tericus, are you rejoining us?".
Tericus Monday May 3rd, 2004 9:53:28 PM
Tericus hears what Gareth says and nods in his direction. "Yes, im going to rejoin you. Its time for us to unite once again." then he says, addressing everyone, "I dont think we should ally with anyone. All of this sounds to conveinent to me. I belive both sides are trying to set us up for something."
Onrad Tuesday May 4th, 2004 9:03:05 AM
Yes, that would be the simplest way to be sure that we don't get taken. However, can we stand against both groups alone? If we choose that path, I think that we should contact the Consortium and see if there are any groups that we could call in to help us.
Also, if we choose that path, we have to go after one group or the other first. And by doing so, we inadvertently aid the other.
I think that is the most important thing to discover: who to ally with if anyone.
Nonam Tuesday May 4th, 2004 11:08:53 AM
"I say we continue to meet with both sides. They seek to play us because we come to the game late, but we should try to play them instead. What we really need is an intelligence network. I understand the Gold and Red Dragons both had such a group. Why don't we? Perhaps Alicia... er the Overlord, can help us in that regard."
Jus Tuesday May 4th, 2004 6:03:45 PM
"I once had a network of kids that I used," Jus admits. "But that was quite a long time ago. I could try and find some to recreate the network."
The discussion continues - Dm Ian Tuesday May 4th, 2004 7:25:35 PM
The discussion continues.
Jandar Wednesday May 5th, 2004 1:15:02 AM
Jandar nods at everyone's requests. He then asks,"Does anyone have an item that came from Lathiese's lair when you fought her? I will attempt to find out who her mate is. Morlas's abbott thought we might find it amusing, so it's worth the attempt."
If anyone offers an item, he takes it and heads to a secluded spot. He sits down and focuses his thoughts on his God. He begins to pray, focusing on the events that took place and asks his sixteen questions.
He will then begin his divination spells, requesting Domi to show him or tell him who Lathiese's mate is.
Onrad Wednesday May 5th, 2004 8:40:56 AM
Onrad moves to the door used earlier by the clerics and steps outside to see that Jandar is not interupted.
He nods to Gareth so that Gareth sees what he's doing.
Tericus Wednesday May 5th, 2004 10:55:40 AM
Tericus folds his arms and says "Im not interested in meeting with any of them. All they are going to say is a bunch of lies."
Nonam Wednesday May 5th, 2004 3:50:37 PM
"True, Tericus, but if we don't meet with either of them, we'll be caught in the middle."
"Jandar, that thing Jus is carrying around is the only thing we have from the lair. Lathiese is a male, so I can at least surmise that you're looking for a female. We've established in the past that the Overlord isn't a dragon, and no one else would surprise me."
Jus Wednesday May 5th, 2004 5:55:12 PM
Jus pulls out the box and gives it to Jandar. He's not exactly thrilled to part with it, but does so anyway; it may help get his questions answered, too.
Gareth Wednesday May 5th, 2004 10:49:13 PM
The warrior listens to everyone and sees Jandar go to his prayers. "I think we should meet with the Overlord and hear what Jandar has to say. Then we may be able to make a better decision. Also, how about the treant? Maybe he can help us gather information?".
The discussion wraps up - Dm Ian Thursday May 6th, 2004 1:14:13 AM
The group makes plans for their next move.
Jandar Thursday May 6th, 2004 2:02:38 AM
After a long while, Jandar finally finishes his spells. He returns to the group and says,"I have many answers. As always, some were clear, others not. Some meant nothing to me, but might mean something to you all, so please listen carefully and I will detail what was important.
First, Jus, about your dragon....it is not evil because of its upbringing, and there is greater than a thirty percent chance it will be able to be good, or at least neutral if it stays in your possession. It was unclear whether it could be deadly against the Storms in the future.
Next, both Morlas and the drow were honest in their offer of an alliance and neither was lying about that. Neither, of course, told us the whole truth. And it was unclear whether or not either would betray us in the future. Also, we would not be protecting the Float if we allied ourselves with Morlas. Nor are the drow planning an attack on the Float.
There really is a traitor within the city, and the Black Doorknobs are definitely allied with Lathiese and are plotting something.
The priest in my vision was actually Tericus, but I hadn't realized he had become a priest of Alemi. He wore two holy symbols, which confused me until now.
We should return to the altar that I was beginning to inspect, there is something there that will benefit us, although it could be a copper piece or ten million in gold, the extent of the benefit was unclear.
And lastly, I received a divination when I prayed about the connection of Lathiese and his mate. The amswer came back cryptically as follows,'Yhe cracks in an egg follow years after the shattering of its foundation. Yet, when even the broken are betrayed, seek the loving night in the smiling sun'.
That's all of it. Boy, doesn't this give us more to talk about?"
Tericus Thursday May 6th, 2004 7:08:29 AM
after hearing everything that has been said, Tericus turns to Jus and says "You have a dragon? Can I see it?"
Addinein Thursday May 6th, 2004 7:53:26 AM
"If there is someone moving against the float, especially within the Blacks, should we not maybe bring the Overlord here, under some kind of cloak of secrecy. For surely someone at the float it watching for us, or anyone that might inform the Overlord of what we are doing. Or should we just talk via our communication devices?
(ooc sorry for missed posts. Mon and Tues are a change of schedule, and this week was once again a challenge of TV production. :( ;) )
Onrad Thursday May 6th, 2004 9:13:58 AM
No, she is more secure in her palace. And less likely to be overheard there with her likely magical protections against such stuff.
Plus there is no need to hash this through more than once and then be on our way while surprise of action could lie with us.
Nonam, I say we should mass teleport to the palace entrance now and ask to see the overlord and let her lead our discussions of Jandar's findings.
He stands and puts his hand on Nonam's arm, holding his other towards Tericus.
Nonam Thursday May 6th, 2004 12:16:34 PM
"The ring only works once per day, so we can walk. It's good for you, you know."
Jus Thursday May 6th, 2004 6:46:37 PM
Jus laughes at Nonam's response to Onrad. The chance, however small, that the dragon could be good is good to hear. It has put him in a very good mood.
"I guess Onrad is used to popping into places. Isn't that how he keeps meeting us?" Jus says.
Taking the box back, Jus lets Tericus know about Kieran. "I'd love to introduce him, but we need a big place to let him out and we'd better head to the Overlord soon anyway."
Crosstown Traffic - Dm Ian Thursday May 6th, 2004 8:07:24 PM
The group exits the Temple of Alemi, and makes their way across town without much ado.
(Feel free to make spot checks).
The group makes it to the Overlords palace with only a little recognition from the average man on the streets. The townsfolk's reactions are friendly and complimentary.
As the group comes to the bottom of the steps, they see Addinein sitting on the steps, apparently waiting for them. Except that Addinein is walking along with the group. Two of them... can't be good, eh?
The sitting Addinein smiles at the group, and says, "I know you are probably on your way somewhere important... have a few moments to talk?"
At about this point, Jus looks down for a moment, and sees one of his pouches bulging slightly where it should be empty.
Gareth Thursday May 6th, 2004 9:48:36 PM
The warrior eyes the other Addinein suspiscously. "Yes, we are on our way somewhere. I suppose you should explain why you look like my friend...".
Jandar d20+17=32 d20+17=34 d20+17=26 d20+17=32 d20+17=19 d20+17=36 Thursday May 6th, 2004 11:25:37 PM
Jandar queitly goes along with the group and keeps his head down for the most part, not feeling comfortable with the attention that adventuring groups seem to attract.
Every so often, though, he does look at rooftops, in alleyways, and at people who are looking at the group.
Tericus d20+14=18 Friday May 7th, 2004 6:59:10 AM
"Thats fine." Tericus says to Jus. "I guess a dragon would need alot of room." then, after seeing the second Addinein, Tericus begins to search the area.
Onrad d20+16=36 Friday May 7th, 2004 9:13:20 AM
Onrad complains the whole way of aching limbs and cramps which he wants Nonam to rub for him.
Once there, he sees the double and goes alert with the others. He doesn't see the need to add anything to what Gareth has queried and since Gareth is at the front of the party, he reverses and surveys the rear of the party looking for others who might be with this guy.
[Spot check of 36.]
Nonam Friday May 7th, 2004 1:31:42 PM
Nonam shapeshifts back into his normal form before leaving the temple. "This doesn't feel nearly as... pleasant."
On the way he gives Onrad a disgusted look, "I could turn you into an ooze, then your joints wouldn't hurt so much. Couldn't talk either. Sounds like a good idea. Now, how did that spell go?"
On meeting the 2nd Addinein, Nonam gives him the once over with his arcane sight while Gareth quizzes him.
Jus d20+14=23 Friday May 7th, 2004 6:53:59 PM
"Addinein?" Jus begins, only to be distracted by the pouch contents that shouldn't be there. This whole trip he's been very conscience of keeping any prying hands out of his backpack [Spot = 23] that he managed to let something slip in the front instead.
Tentatively feeling the outside, Jus then listens to Gareth and the "new" Addinein, but otherwise peaks at what is in his pouch.
A little chat in the plaza - Dm Ian Friday May 7th, 2004 11:14:53 PM
Standing on the steps of the Overlords palace, at the edge of the plaza, the group looks around and sees nothing more than a half dozen nobles going to and from the place, a merchant shuffling through documents on a bench about thirty feet away, and a few passerbys on the bordering street maybe fifty feet away. Certainly nothing out of the ordinary.
The second Addinein replies, "I was quite pleased when I found one of my cousins had achieved a kind of fame here in this city. It makes it so much easier when one can adopt a trusted face. It is I, Fai'fasal. After you decided to talk to the liches instead of fighting them, I thought it prudent to discover your state of health and intentions."
"Allow me to begin with an apology for wearing this form... it was the shortest path to a meeting in a public place."
Peeking into the pouch, Jus sees a plain piece of parchment rolled and folded.
Gareth Sunday May 9th, 2004 12:08:39 PM
"Sounds like a reasonable approach. The truth of it is that we are still deciding what to do. There are many things you have not told us yet. There are many things the liches have not told us yet. We are on our way to the city leaders to decide what we will do. I would suggest that if there is anything that could play in your favor that you tell us now. Why should we trust you and not the liches? Why should the city leaders work with you instead of them? You do realize - at least I hope you do - that the Black Dragons are on their way out. They will not be able to delivermuch to you in the way of influence in the city...".
Jus Sunday May 9th, 2004 2:04:29 PM
Jus can't help but be suspicious. Dragons also often take human form, and there is one Black Dragon who would do well to interfere with the Storms.
Jus listens to the others, something he's been doing a lot more of as of late. He has no intent on sharing thought with this supposed drow.
As the conversation continues, Jus pulls out the note and reads it, folding it and putting it back when he is done. He then checks his other pouches, doing a mental inventory as he contemplates what he saw in the note.
Jandar Sunday May 9th, 2004 5:55:13 PM
At the back of the group, Jandar accidentally drops his pack and says,"Jeez, my fingers are lead. I need some rest." While he turns around to pick up his pack, so his back is to the group, Jandar casts 'True Seeing' under his breath. He picks up his pack and turns around, apologizing for his clumsiness. He looks around, just glancing at the dark elf, hoping his spell casting went unnoticed.
Addinein Sunday May 9th, 2004 6:14:16 PM
Have been caught with a loss of words, Addinein adds his troubled thoughts out to where some of the group can hear them.
I still distrust this one very much. Having not heard or seen his females in the last encounter, or this one. I wonder if he is who he says he is. I also so wonder how he was able to find us so fast. (ring)
"There are still those that do not have a liking to what my family has done. Walking alone can still be a dangerous pasttime around here."
Onrad d20+16=29 Monday May 10th, 2004 9:01:47 AM
Kinda speaking to the wind, Onrad says, "Why is it that everyone who wants to contact us uses subterfuge first and then tries to justify it?"
To Nonam, he says, "For safety reasons, we can't take this guy inside to the Overlord. We shouldn't be talking on the streets either. I'm assuming that your place has the appropriate protections on it for such a meeting? Maybe we should pop there quickly to handle this first?"
Onrad continues to spot the crowd for unwanted ears. [Spot check of 29]
Nonam Monday May 10th, 2004 10:16:34 AM
"Let me speak plainly because all of this creeping around irritates me, The liches told us that you plot against us, that you have allied yourselves with the Black Dragons and Lathiese, and that a drow army plans to invade this city. They offered an alliance against you. I've learned in the past not to trust the leader of the liches, but their words troubled us. We don't trust them, but you did leave in the company of represenatives of the Black Dragons. So, we decided to stand down and come back here to try to reach a conclusion. So far you and yours have not given us a reason to distrust you and the liches have in the past, but the involvement with the blacks in unsettling."
A little more to go on - Dm Ian Monday May 10th, 2004 6:38:54 PM
Glancing at the second Addinein, Jandar sees the seated figure revealed as Fai'fasal, the dark elf the group spoke with in the jungle. Jandar also sees a faint ring of illusion in a circle about ten feet in radius around the group.
Fai'fasal states, "Only the fact that you earned the blue knives has permitted this conversation. At the same time, what you did in another city, under unknown circumstances requires caution. I have enacted a ward around us so that onlookers cannot see me as other than a seated human merchant, cannot see our mouths move, and cannot hear any of our conversation."
"I am Fai'fasal Yntyrin, Protector of House Yntyrin, and noble of the same. I have been authorized by my Matron to offer certain information to your group for one simple reason. We have the same adversary. This, in combinations with the blue knives should offer a basis for communication and potential alliance."
"We know the wyrm Lathiese. We do not count him an enemy. We know the Black Dragons. They were available mercenary troops. The price they asked did not involve immediate payment. Mercenaries who do not need to be paid if they fail are an excellent bargain."
"A little over a year ago, House Yntyrin and one other House was driven from our city, which lies under the mountains we met near. We withdrew from our home after a protracted struggle with the lich known as Morlas. We revealed ourselves to you, as we had been reliably informed that the Storm Dragons had been instrumental in assaulting the army Morlas helped lead, and would be interested in disrupting any power base the lich sought to build."
Fai'fasal then addresses Nonam, and replies, "Our House is not planning to attack any surface areas. I cannot speak for other cities or Houses in other parts of the Wold."
Under the cover of the remainder of the team, Jus retrieves the note, and finds that it is an intelligence dossier page.
"Lathiese. Black dragon male of considerable size and age. Last known contact with a mate was same species, name unknown. Progeny of union divided with mate. Known alliance with dark elves for the concealment and defense of primary lair within an underground city. Known spellcasting talents include waterbreathing, greater invisibility, dispel magic, bears endurance, and dimension door. Temperment is aggressive and unwilling to negotiate in any fashion."
"Addenum. Mate discovered in human city, masquerading as a human. Holds political position within city. Willing to offer assistance to Lathiese, although on a limited basis. Initial findings suggest female wyrm of lesser personal power and greater allied power."
At the bottom there is an added note in the same hand.
"If you chose to act on this, use a sending spell to communicate this. We propose that the current lair of the wyrm Lathiese would be a good first target, and am willing to supply both location information and combat assistance towards that goal."
Jus does not find anything else missing, or added to his equipment.
Onrad sees no one around them trying to spy on their conversation.
Tericus Monday May 10th, 2004 10:28:28 PM
"I see no reason why we should help either you or Morlas." Tericus says to the drow, then looks at the others. "I really dont know why you all are even considering his proposal. You cant bargan with evil."
Jus Tuesday May 11th, 2004 12:11:45 AM
"Not everything evil remains evil," Jus says, obviously indirectly referring to the dragon. "However, we definitely have a choice to make. Both claim much, and give compelling reasons we should consider them allies."
Jus passes the note to Gareth, trusting the Storm's leader to handle this additional revelation, whether here or in later discussions. Whatever Gareth decides, it appears that the Storms time to decide may be extremely limited.
Jandar Tuesday May 11th, 2004 12:41:43 AM
Jandar says from behind,"Nonam, remember my Commune answer came back that they do NOT plan to attack Floating City with an army of drow. And what he says about the area around us is true. I can see the illusion...and through his illusion. In this, at least, he speaks the truth. I can't say that he does about anything else."
Onrad d20+16=23 Tuesday May 11th, 2004 9:56:18 AM
Not knowing these enemies personally like the others, he shrugs to Gareth and then slowly backs out of the illusionary area until he is clear of it.
[Spot check of 23]
Then he continues his vigilance of the area looking for the curious and interested--the out of place.
Nonam Tuesday May 11th, 2004 12:47:54 PM
"Tericus, Addinein isn't evil. Faifasal isn't necessarily evil either. He's done nothing to suggest that he is. As near as I can tell, he has been trustworthy in his dealings with us."
Then turning to the drow, "Faifasal, I just want to point out that I can not forsee a situation in which we would ally ourselves with Morlas. My gut tells me that we should strike a bargain with your house, and that is what I want to suggest to the Overlord when we meet with her. But, I still have a couple of concerns that I would appreciate it if you addressed."
"First, you do not count Lathiese as an enemy. We do, and I'm certain that he counts us amongst his enemies. I can accept that you have dealings with him, but I need to know if your family would remain neutral in a conflict between us and the wyrm."
"Second, I have similar concerns about the Black Dragons. However, these concerns are not as great."
"Third, when we witnessed your people assaulting the liches, someone (you perhaps) shouted something about betrayal not being forgiven. I do not know what that meant specifically, but it gives me great pause. I wonder in what way have the liches have betrayed your house."
Addinein d20=1 Tuesday May 11th, 2004 3:13:05 PM
Addinein listens intently to the information that Fai'fasal offers to the group. Hearing the various names, Addinein does as much analyzing as he can in order to try to help out with the current conversation.
Nonam Tuesday May 11th, 2004 4:24:52 PM
Nonam pauses and adds, "And I can imagine that you might have some similar concerns about us. If so, mention them, and I'll do my best to clarify our views."
An offering of passion - Dm Ian Tuesday May 11th, 2004 7:00:41 PM
Stepping outside the area Jandar indicated, Onrad can see that Fai'fasal is apparently telling the truth about his warding. All Onrad sees is the Storms and a human merchant standing on the steps, apparently waiting quietly. The nearby townsfolk move past with the brisk efficiency that speaks of a city at work.
Fai'fasal listens to each comment in return, and considers for a moment before replying. The more sensitive in the group can tell the drow is forcing himself to respond as he is. Fai'fasal is slowly becoming angry.
"The concept of evil is a pile of offenses, greater and lesser. Perhaps vengeance, or capriciousness, or hate, or temptation... any of these things might be right or wrong in any culture. I can... understand that you might choose to fight any of those, or to step aside and let them continue to occur to others."
"However, I did not think you would stand aside when faced with the clear evidence and location of the liches. These are not members of our own races who have decided to steal, or enslave, or plot. They have chosen to transform themselves into things that no longer share the same needs and ties that we living creatures have. I will not ask why, however. It is clear you are beings of caution. Are you not also beings of necessity?"
"I had not thought I would have to explain this to a cleric of Alemi." Fai'fasal then forces himself to pause before continuing. He begins speaking again, directly addressing Tericus and Nonam.
"I will explain this as simple as I can, surfacer. Morlas and his six Chosen have gathered their vampiric minions and carved themselves a lair in the drow city. You did not pursue them after your victory over their army, and now they are entrenching themselves. I have no idea what your complaint or struggle with Lathiese is, and I truly do not care. He at least understands who the real enemies are here."
"They will not leave my family and House be, so I will go wage war on them, alone if necessary, and with untrustable mercenaries if I must. Yet, if I should fall, how many weeks, or months, or years do you think your city will go unmolested so close to the liches home?"
"I care little for your past struggles with your own people. If you turn aside from this and fight Lathiese, I will stand aside and the wyrm will grind you into the Wold... I know, I've seen him fight. I offer you a chance at sanity and your own interests. Speak to your Overlord if you wish. I will wait a short time before acting."
With this, he stands, and with a visible effort, smooths his composure. Then, he moves to leave.
(Sense motive checks if you like.)
Tericus Tuesday May 11th, 2004 8:48:58 PM
realizing that he talked without thinking, Tericus moves to Fai'fasal and says "I apologize for my hasty words. Ive just recently rejoined my companions and am not aware of the entire situation. You are right, of course, I should of known the difference." then Tericus bows in front of Fai'fasal and moves out of his way so he may go.
Jandar d20=11 Wednesday May 12th, 2004 1:26:43 AM
Jandar replies,"Well, I, for one, would like nothing more than to return to destroy the undead. Never have I known one that I wanted to let stay in unlife on this Wold. While I am postitive that you are not telling us everything, I feel you are being fairly honest, but it is not my decision to make."
Jandar pauses for just a second and adds,"And Lathiese, while powerful I am sure, would have a difficult time grinding us anywhere. Something to remember."
Gareth Wednesday May 12th, 2004 6:29:57 AM
The warrior listens carefully to the drow warrior. "I would not have you leave in anger. We would see the liches destroyed as well. And we have no reason to oppose an alliance with you and your house - except your activity with the Black Dragons. They are not well thought of in the city and if you are known to work with them it will hurt your creditability here - so don't advertise it. Please understand that we had no idea the power of Morlas' band until right now. By parlaying we gathered much needed information. We do appreciate your words. One question you did not answer: Will your house stay neutral if we attack Laithese with the liches destroyed - or if we launch it without the liches? This will give us what we need to formulate a plan. And yes, we have seen him fight too. My sword has cut his flesh - and will again if I get the chance.".
Nonam Wednesday May 12th, 2004 9:01:45 AM
Nonam's quiet for a moment and offers, "Faifasal, you will have my support at least, and I will use my influence on the others and the Overlord."
Then the wizard turns to Jandar and says for his ears as much as Faifasal's, "Jandar we fought Lathiese not long ago because he had subjugated a human village. He's an ancient black, more powerful than any I have seen. The match was a standoff. We freed the village and drove him from his lair, but the battle was not without cost to us because we fought him in his lair upon his terms. That was a mistake which won't... can't be repeated."
"Now, shall we all go see the Overlord?"
Onrad Wednesday May 12th, 2004 9:22:04 AM
Onrad smiles at those passing as if waiting for a friend, which is what he's doing--waiting for them to finish their discussion.
He trusts them to make the right decision and he doesn't have the frame of reference to offer anything further.
When they emerge to enter the Overlord's Palace, he follows.
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