DM Cayzle - Survival and Intimidation d20+6=12 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=23 ; Monday November 29th, 2010 7:36:36 AM
Jet, Garret, and Alexi make more-or-less inept attempts to intimidate the prisoners, who, as it turns out, do speak common. Or as they put it, "The tongue of slaves."
Now, the purpose of the Intimidate skills is to cow a target into reacting as if they were "friendly," and the party's attempt to do so is pretty much a dismal failure. However, that does not mean the prisoners want to die. In fact, the three seem more than willing to bargain for their lives.
The middle thrul seems the least cowed, and he speaks up to answer Jet when Jet threatens either immediate death or, with cooperation, trial and slavery. "Yess, I understand you, hairy thing," the thrul says. "And I am willing to speak under your magic. For I am a citizen of Al Mathir, and I have no need to lie to such as you."
"You offer death now, or death later or maybe slavery. Those choicess taste foul to me. Have you any better oness? You have questionss. If I answer you well, then I have given you something of value. What will you give me in return that has value to me and my brotherss? Your choice of death or slavery has no value to me."
Keela and Zeph have ideas on what to ask. But what can you do to entice honest answers?
[DM OOC: With a successful intimidate, you would have gotten answers for "free." Failing that, the lizards will argue rationally for something in exchange. I'm open to creative offers, by the way.]
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HASTED HP: 20/53) Monday November 29th, 2010 9:13:24 AM
"I do not see any chance of us letting you go back to your people so that you will one day fight against us, again. If you are not willing to serve like you have been served by these two people here," He points to Galin and Marilsaya, "I don't see much reason to keep you around." Jet raises his falchion high above his head waiting for someone else to figure out what to do with prisoners in a land without prisons.
If no one has an idea and unless Galin tells Jet to stop, jet continues, "Then by the power invested in me, by and in the name of Pantheon, you three have been found guilty of crimes against humainty, including but not limited to, false imprisonment, torture and slavery. The penalty for these crimes is death and the sentence is to be carried out immedietly."
Jet remembers seeing Galins back from the years of whip marks left behind. jets back looks similar to his, from the times he was caught thieving for food, but it does not look as bad as his. he remembers the pain with every slash, ripping apart skin and can only imagine what a life of that would be like. he has no trouble convincing himself that these lizards deserve to die and in a better way then they likely kill people, quickly.
DM Cayzle - Bargaining? (extra post) Monday November 29th, 2010 11:03:55 AM
"We would rather serve than die," says the lizard man firmly, faced with imminent death. "If you will swear to treat us decently and allow us to work for our freedom. A term of seven yearss is standard in Al Mathir for captured warriorss."
His tongue flicks in and out. "We will not stand for your so-called justice, nor that of the barbarianss. But we will bargain with honorable warriorss for a deal."
"If you want answerss, maybe we can trade information for months and years of service," he suggests.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Monday November 29th, 2010 11:52:39 AM
Garret winces as he sees Jet raise his weapon above his head near the lizards. But he knows these are foul creatures and must be dealt with harshly, for they would quickly kill the group if they were given half a chance. He goes back to watching while he silently wishes Jet well and hopes he continues to get the information the groups needs to survive, no matter the cost.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Monday November 29th, 2010 12:12:02 PM
ooc: I apologize. I meant to say, "unless Garret tells Jet to stop". I'm sure this won't be the only time I make this mistake. :)
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday November 29th, 2010 1:50:18 PM
Alexi had no intention to torture them, but a Trial, so to speak, is well within his reason. The option of Sentence: Death or Slavery, is quite reasonable as well. Having chosen Servitude, Alexi nods.
"You will serve the Ahote. It will be up to them to determine the time of service. Thay are an honorable people and will honor your survitude."
A weird sense that something like this has happened before washes over Alexi. Bryn Baraz ended up with a few new 'helpers' from the bandits that raided the caravan on its way to Bryn Baraz due to a bargain with Jet and the group.
"We can't guarantee that seven years will be what the Ahote agree to, but we can start with that. The thing of value that you receive from us is your life, assuming you value that, and it appears you do."
Alexi lets Jet take over the questioning part. Alexi whispers in Jet's ear, "If you can cast your Zone of Truth without them knowing about it, we can at least see how truthfull he is on him not needing to lie."
Keela Monday November 29th, 2010 9:36:10 PM
Idly, Keela pulls the Wand of Magic Missiles out of her belt. With a careless flick, she fires a ball of glowing energy at the prisoners.
"Oops," she says.
[If the DM allows, Keela would like to aim the missile so that it hits the ground between two of the prisoners. Normally, a patch of ground isn't a valid target for a spell, but I'm hoping you'll stretch the point. If not, I'll hit one of the ones who is not speaking; it can't possibly do enough damage to kill him.]
DM Cayzle - A Captive Deigns to Lecture Tuesday November 30th, 2010 6:56:55 AM
Jet and Alexi continue to speak to the captives. Jet threatens them with death or servitude. The latter is accepted, and Alexi says that the Ahote will honor their servitude. Garret watches carefully and Keela adds a bit of arcane intimidation.
The thrul who has been speaking to the party shudders suddenly, but you do not know enough about lizard-man body language to know what that means -- that is, unless you can make a Sense Motive check beating a DC25 (Galin and Marilsaya get a +5 on the check), in which case Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense that it is breaking a small cultural taboo, or deigning to say that which usually goes unsaid.}
"You are mammalss and sub-lizardss, but you seem sincere, after your fashion, so let me explain how it is that civilized peoples act. And if there iss any modicum of honor in you, you will see the clear superiority of civilized practicess and adopt them as your own, if fate allowss."
"In war or battle, enemiess captured are bonded to serve for a period of time. If they surrender when they are in a position to still inflict harm, then the period iss shorter. The duration iss in proportion to the damage they could have otherwise inflicted on the victor. Thus, an early surrender, given while still strong and unwounded, might result in a very short bonded period. The hallmark of a great commander iss one who can judge exactly when a battle iss lost and who surrenderss in time enough to save the livess of hiss warriorss with a very short bonded period. The duration of the bond iss part of the surrender negotiations."
"The far end of the scale iss for those taken when the battle iss over, who have no capacity for inflicting harm, usually because they are unconscious, or bespelled. The duration of their bond iss traditionally seven years, but that term can also be lessened through negotiations."
"Those who are bonded are bound not by chains, but by honor. The one who iss bonded -- there iss no word in your language for such a one. Slave iss not valid. Indentured iss the closest. The most honorable use of a bonded one iss to use their best skillss to the master'ss use, for example, ass guardss or warriors. But the bonded hass rights, and iss not a slave. He iss entitled to good food and sleep, shelter and gear. He may not be ordered to hurt or attack hiss former side. To use him for menial or degrading labor iss a dishonor to hiss bond."
"And although the master hass the right to give or sell the bond to another party, the indentured hass the right to veto the transfer, especially if the one to whom the bond iss given iss of lesser station or honor. So we refuse to accept transfer of our bond to these Ahote barbarians, until we know them better."
"Now we find ourselvess here, ass bound to you, humiliating ass that iss for a noble people such ass ourselves. Still, we have honor, and will keep our bond. But we seek to negotiate with you, not with the Ahote, ass to the termss of our bond. We are also willing to negotiate with you to lessen the duration of our bond, n exchange for information that you seek. We invite you to tell uss what you want to know, and we will tell you if we can answer you, and if so, we can bargain for the value of such information."
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 d20=18 ; d20=14 ; Tuesday November 30th, 2010 8:36:06 AM
The rage in Galin's Eyes says it all Galin Replies " I am sub to no one and here are my terms you tell me what you know and I do not kill you and your friends. You speak of honor and rights but have you ever been made to serve someone in a mine or fight in a pit I doubt it so Here is my final offer Talk or DIE with that said he will load is crossbow and put it point blank to the lizards face... Do you want a new face or what, now answer the questions and do so NOW I will not ask again as you can see your trial is over and death can be arranged I DO NOT DEAL WITH YOUR KIND my offer is FINAL answer and you may GO where we tell you but I do hope you chose not to talk
to Garrett in halfling These creature have no honer anyone that can enslave another is not a honorable race, Any arrangement that they make I do not think that they will honor, and any information gained will have to be taken with a lot of skeptically even magically questions unless you ask the right questions you may only get what you ask for not what you need
if the creatures will not answer Galin will kill one of them right then and there but not the one talking
Intimidate 19 SM 13
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) d20+5=11 ; Tuesday November 30th, 2010 9:39:06 AM
Jet laughs out loud, "You dare preach to us about honor?" Jet is about to ask, when the freed slave Galin goes off on the lizard. Jet lets him finish and when done, he reaches down and removes the bolt fom the crossbows string with two large fingers and with his other hand lowers the tip to point to the ground, :"There will be plenty of time for revenge, but for your souls sake, do not kill them like this. You are to invested right now to think clear. Go enjoy your wifes embrace and your new freedom. We will take care of this." Jet slaps him on the shoulder once, to bring him around and move him along, Then looking back at the lizard, "For a people really civilized, you sure don't know how to take care of your guests. He says he was born into servitute and raised in a fighting pit. When was he going to earn his freedom, eh?"
Jet pulls Garret and the others aside, "I don't like it nor do I trust it. I doubt if we had them following us around for our own servants, that they would not give away our position or even turn on us, if we are attacked by their own kind. We can't really come out and lie to them, negotiate for their indentured servitude, then kill them. I woul dhave a hard time explaining that to Pantheon."
Jet sighs, "I suggest we take them back toward the Ahote or have the mage woman deal with them. If she knows we have a flying machine and captives, maybe she will come out for a visit herself?"
ooc: Sorry Jon, but Jet doesn't know if you are trying to intimidate or if you are serious.
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Tuesday November 30th, 2010 10:37:35 AM
OOC Both Galin is both intimidating and very serious if they do not co-operate then he is prepared to kill to get what he wants
he has little to no love for the lizards
DM Cayzle - OOC Extra Tuesday November 30th, 2010 10:46:36 AM
OOC comment for those who do not mind some meta-game thoughts. Feel free to stay in character and ignore this! Or Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Just saying ... if you do end up killing them instead of trading for info, your clever-but-put-upon DM will have to think of some other way to feed you the vital clues you need for your compelling side quest! LOLOL! But play your characters as you will! I'll think of something! :-)}
Keela Tuesday November 30th, 2010 10:52:17 AM
"Well, if we turn them over to the Ahote, they won't tell us anything," Keela says. "It would be nice to figure out a solution where they can give us the information we need."
To the spokes-lizard, she says, "The problem is, we don't need guards or warriors. And your bonds of honor may or may not hold you; we don't know you well enough to judge. We don't have the time or the resources to guard you day and night until we can see for ourselves whether you are as honor-bound as you say. So where does that leave us? You refuse to tell us what you know; you refuse to be held prisoner by people who do have the resources to guard you; you refuse to do any work except the kind that involves giving you weapons. What are we supposed to do with you?"
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Tuesday November 30th, 2010 11:38:37 AM
OOC just to be clear Galin was only going to kill 1-2 and hope that it would intimidate the other one into talking. I think that by killing one that would add a fear factor into the intimidate roll .... Would it not ?? He may have to love but he is not that dumb as to kill them all before getting the info he wants..
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Tuesday November 30th, 2010 12:34:21 PM
Garret watches Galin's reaction. After Jet slows him, Garret pulls Galin aside so he's not facing the enemy. He says, "Indeed, they are foul evil creatures. I do not trust them, either. Come with me, and bring your lovely bride. Let us watch to ensure their friends do not show up to attack us. Let Jet continue the questioning. While I am sure you would relish killing them, but not yet, not yet."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday November 30th, 2010 1:56:50 PM
'Feisty fellow, that hafling,' Alexi muses. 'Glad he's on our side, heh.'
Alexi turns to the spokes-lizard, anger in his voice.
"Only a few weeks ago, your army came to the mining town of Bryn Baraz. We put up a good fight but saw we would loose in the end. Your Sorceress leader required a tenth of all valuables. To buy our lives, that would have been a good bargain. But she didn't stop there. She required one for every twenty adults to be handed over as TEN-year-bonded servants. She also said she would return each year for more tribute and bond-servants."
Alexi glares at the lizardman. "Are you saying that a warrior would have kept his weapons and served as a warrior? Ha, I doubt it! You took over our town and brought slaves in to work it. You won't work it yourselves!"
Alexi tries to contain his anger but it is hard. "OUR civilization has people who mines, farms, or whatever, by THEIR OWN FREE WILL! But your civilization is better because YOU won't do those things? So you enslave others to do it? POOH on your civilization! You are OUR prizoners and you will go by OUR rules for prizoners. Or die!"
Alexi pulls Jet aside and whispers. "We can't send them to the Ahote. By their own word, they would not honor any bargain made here. I see only one thing. Talk or no talk, we have to pass them on to the Stonehelm Mining and Exploration Company. Let Stonehelm deal with them as they see fit. If they don't talk, or they are revealed to be lying by your spell, then kill one as sign to co-operate. Executing a warrior for crimes against our people is fair, just as it was fair for the Ahote to stone their children's kidnaper.
That's the deal as I see it. Although we are not exactly employees of Stonehelm anymore, we are still acting on their behalf to return Bryn Baraz to them. So passing them off to Stonehelm should fit 'their' code. How Stonehelm treats them afterwards is not our concern."
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 d20+13=28 ; Tuesday November 30th, 2010 2:57:45 PM
Zeph whispers to Alexi, Jet, Garret, and anyone else who wants to help in the decision making: "Screw honor."
Then Zeph approaches the lizards and speaks, "My companions may not be willing to deal with you, but I am. Tell ya what, I'll take your seven-year deal if you can write out specific instructions for how to operate the flying craft and how they are created. I'll knock off a couple of months to a year or two, depending on details, if you reveal the size and strength of the Lizard army, how many of you are occupying Bryn Baraz, and an overview of the structure of the society. Entrances to the city that will go unnoticed by patrols will earn you many more years of freedom."
Bluff = 28. Zeph fully intends to kill them when the information is revealed.
Zeph looks at Jet and makes a wide circular motion with his hand that indicates, Zooooooooonnnneeee
(OOC: Zeph worships a god of trickery and revenge... What do ya want?)
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Tuesday November 30th, 2010 4:27:33 PM Jet takes in everyone's account of what and what not to do with the lizards. Ut seems, for right now, many of the group are venting their anger more then anything. This isn't a feud, it is a war and these lizards are just soldiers of the enemy, doing as they are told and living as they were brought up, but clearly, despite their culture, they are people too and need to be treated like it.
He has no intentions of letting others deceive them and then kill them. That is what mercenaries would do, but not men and women of valor. Despite Jet being rude, crude and socially unacceptable at most holiday parties, he is steadfast in his honor and if he has to stop one of his friends from doing something, by force, that would condemn their soul, well, he can at least mend their body if not their ego, when he lets them go.
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 Tuesday November 30th, 2010 7:25:50 PM
Addendum:
Zeph can somehow sense Jet's disapproval of the plan, so he beckons the sword-wielding cleric over and whispers to Jet before speaking to the lizards,
"Friend, trust me. You may disagree with my tactics, but this is the best way. Honor is a made up word in my opinion, so let me take the burden of this decision. My soul will not be condemned by trying to bluff instead of intimidate. And lastly, we both owe it to the Ahote and the colonizers of Bryn Baraz to get this information- it will help us. We waste too much time as it is with these three, neither of us can do this alone, but our tactics together can get us what we want."
Zeph hopes that his words can sway any doubt in this course of action.
Charek AC 22; HP 47/47 Tuesday November 30th, 2010 8:14:55 PM
(OOC sorry akll I have been out of pocket, out of town and out of computer for the past week plus. I hope Posting can get better now.)
Charek listens to the posturing, the threats and word trading and waits for a moment of silence before putting in his piece. Nodding finally as Zeph seems to say something at least sensible.
" A warrior's honor is an acceptable offering, despite the differences of how that honor may be viewed by others, particularly an enemy that has been, in his or her mind wronged by those same warriors."
"I too agree that the 7 year term is acceptable and that we may be able to work out something for the information that we seek. However, you indenturehood will need to be served with our honorable allies, the Ahote as if they were us. And we will have your warrior's honor oath upon that if we come to agreement or all negotiations are moot as we can not have you tagging along with us."
With all that said, possibly the most you have ever heard him speak at a single time, Charek steps backward and leans his chin on top of his great axe.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday November 30th, 2010 8:57:17 PM
Alexi tells Jet, "I don't want to burden the Ahote with them and risk them not abiding by the terms of servitude. But let's get this over with. We are wasting time. Start the questioning and let's see where that takes us."
DM Cayzle - A Thul Who Can't Stop Talking. d20+6=11 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=24 ; Wednesday December 1st, 2010 8:04:40 AM
[OOC to Galin: Sorry, you take a -4 size penalty on intimidate checks, so your 19 is only a 15. The opposed rolls are 11, 24, and 24.]
Galin threatens a thrul, not the one who has been talking, and seems about to kill him. The thrul cowers down and says, in a less-proficient common, "No kill me! I not ready to die! I tell you all you want! I talk!"
The spokes-thrul looks contemptuously at the cowering thrul, and does not say anything to this.
Jet tries to lead Galin away.
Keela speaks sensibly and calmly to the thrul. He blinks, as if seeing her for the first time. "You speak intelligently, so let me answer you ass best I can."
He pauses to consider his answer. "We are not in any position of power. If we refuse your terms, we will die. Our only leverage iss that we know thingss you will find valuable."
"My people are bargainerss. We negotiate. We make dealss. We seek to bargain for more honorable work ass warriors, but we will accept lesss. We prefer to serve those who defeated us, but we may accept a compromise. The problem iss that what you see ass a 'refusal' we see ass a 'bargaining position.' It makess me wonder if earlier negotiationss were not poisoned by thiss fundamental misunderstanding."
"To answer the slave'ss words," he says, referring to Galin's emotional speech, "Yes, when we conquer a place, we take some portion of the population ass tribute, and they are slavess in your language. But even slavess are rewarded for hard work. A laborer can earn hiss way to a better job, such ass a gladiator. Some few even advance out of slavery. Otherss gain the satisfaction of knowing their children will not be slaves, but rather, bound workerss. The system functionss to reward those who accept it and work within itss constraintss. On the other hand, we are harsh with those who rebel or fight convention. So must it be for a complex, civilized society to function."
"Thiss information I give you freely, despite itss clear value to you, ass a sign of good faith."
"Let me make our bargaining strength more clear. We know much about the flying craft you are interested in, and will tell you all we know, but we are not pilots, and the Guild of Flight guardss itss secretss close. We will not pretend to know how to operate it."
"You say you do not need guardss. We are expert trackers, and we will work ass menialss if we must. Perhapss you will need advisorss or translatorss to teach you about the great glory of Al Mathir. So why have you saved uss from death on the battlefield? Did you think we would surrender useful knowledge with no gain to ourselvess. Perhapss your thought to frighten uss into speech?"
He looks at the cowering thrul with disgust, and says in hiss native tongue, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Get up! Get up! You shame us."}
Garret tries his best to calm and reassure Galin to one side, while Alexi has some tough questions for the thrul. Alexi starts by recounting the negotiation with the lizard-sorceress. The thrul answers, "The Respected Karkasan, blessed be her race, wass negotiating. Presumably that wass her First Offer. Did you offer a counter-proposal? Wass there any dickering? What wass your First Response? I heard that a fight broke out immediately. Now I wonder if you even understood that she had no expectation of achieving her First Offer."
Alexi accuses the thrul of not working the mine themselves.
"Yes, we took your mine by right of conquest. And of course we brought minerss in to mine. Do you expect warriorss to dig? Minerss to cook? Cookss to take up arms? We appreciate a regimented order, with each doing the right job. How else?"
Alexi says that the thrul will abide by the party's ruless for prisoners, not the thrul's. The thrul sneers at this. "It seemss to me that you have no rules, or that your ruless are to make thingss up ass you go along. I have eyess. Each of you hass a different reaction to uss. No one stepss forward to lead. I consider agreeing to obey your ruless if you can say what they are."
Zeph tries to trick his way into getting the thrul to talk. But no opposed check is needed -- the thrul calmly answers each question.
"We can tell you the size and strength of those at the mine. I have already revealed much about our society, and can answer more questionss. I can tell you how to enter the mining village, or how to enter even great Al Mathir. All of those piecess of information can be negotiated."
Finally, the thrul nods respectfully at Charek's words. "We will swear such oathss ass you require, if you will do the same, when our bargaining iss done. That iss why a Bound Servant iss called 'bound' -- they are bound by their oath. And we will consider bargaining the transfer of our bond to these Ahote, if you will swear that they will keep the bargain we negotiate. Or we will serve them on the condition that you retain ownership and responsibility to our bond -- that way you will be oathbound if we are abused by the barbarianss."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Wednesday December 1st, 2010 9:36:37 AM
"The first time we met your people, they came out of the sky and started killing the people of Bryn Baraz. We were unprepared for the assault and were able to defeat them anyway. It was not until then, the your kraken priestess attempted to negotiate. I tire of this nonsense. You claim superiority over us, but it is you that are bound right now and not by your oath, but with my ropes. You will do as you are told and I am not going to have you serve the barbarians we call friends, the Ahote. I am going to send you to serve my very best friend. He is a powerful warrior and not to be trifled with, lest he kick you in the face and bite off one of your ears! He saved my life a couple of times and is an honorable warrior to serve. His name is Bantom. Either that or the lady from the mages guild will want to have some quality one on one time with you all.
As you said before, the person doing the negotiating is the one to set the time. I have been given the authority, by our leader, to do this job, so we will begin with the same amount of imprisonment that we were offered after your people killed some of my people. Ten years. For every answer you give, that I detect no deceit, we will take two months off of your time. If you hesitate to answer my questions and waste the duration of my spell, you will pay for it with pain, most likely my fist in your face, to help you come up with the answer quicker."
Jet gathers his friends together, "Alright, don't waste this spell. If you have a question ask it, but don't linger with threats or promises of eternal night. Four minutes is not very long.
Jets first string of questions after he casts Zone of Truth.
Are there any spell casters in Bryn Baraz, Divine or Arcane and what is their experience?
How many warriors are in the town proper and how many are in the mines? Kothrulls and thrulls?
What areas are most and least guarded?
When is a big red ball expected back with reinforcements?
Where is al Mithir right now and what is it's destination?
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Wednesday December 1st, 2010 11:17:51 AM
Galin sit quietly on the side near his wife while waiting for Jet to get information
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Wednesday December 1st, 2010 11:52:03 AM
Garret nods to Jet to encourage him to continue as Garret continues to attempt to distract Galin from his murderous intent by trying to get him to help Garret keep an eye out for others.
DM Cayzle - Extra Wednesday December 1st, 2010 12:55:35 PM
Hopefully before Jet casts his spell, the Spokes-Thrul shouts, "DEAL!"
He stands and says powerfully, "By the triune godss of Al Mathir, I, Makar of Brood Tarkiss, swear that I and my comradess will be oathbound by these termss: To be indentured for ten yearss to serve these creaturess or a warrior they name who will agree to thiss deal, by oath and honor bound, the term to be decreased by two monthss for each answer honestly given to an agreed-on question. This oath is contingent on, one, fair treatment, consisting of food, gear, and shelter sufficient to preserve life and limb, and, two, freedom from mortal attack by these creaturess or their alliess, and, three, that we not be required to attack the alliess or forcess of Al Mathir, and, four, that at least one of these creaturess swear an equivalent oath by a Power they hold sacred agreeing to thiss deal. Lest I be cast down into death should I break this oath, I so swear it!"
The other two thrul rise and say, "I, Togunder of Brood Tarkiss, so swear it" and "I, Tharss of Brood Tarkiss, so swear it."
They look to someone to swear an oath before Jet casts his spell. Will anyone?
[OOC: You note the traditional three parts of a Woldian oath: Appeal to a Power, Terms of the Oath, and Penalty for Breaking it.]
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Wednesday December 1st, 2010 1:20:35 PM
Jet growls a little bit with their prompt agreement and looks over at Zeph and Galin, whom seem to be most likely to want to hurt these creatures after the deal is struck, so Jet tells them both to come swear the oath with Jet, along with everyone else, since their is no one master of the party, just a leader.
"If you are going to be on this team, you will do as you are told, just as I do as I am told, so get over here and let us get this over with?"
Jet makes sure that each party member is willing to swear the oath or it is all for nothing, which would be a shame. Jet can picture having several dozen of these creatures following the group around doing as they are commanded. Perhaps a little to much power, maybe, but Jet does have a large ego to support it.
Jet adds to their oath of fealty, "You will include in your oath that you will in no way attempt to escape and if somehow found by your people, you will not give any information on us or our friends and allies, for ten years after you are released from service, when that time comes."
Jet gets out his robe and begins a few rituals to Pantheon and instructs everyone afterward, "In the name of the Faceless one, Pantheon, let this ritual begin. Since there is no appropriate Oathbound present to see to these proceedings, by the powers given to me by all the gods, I will be the acting Oathbound today, without the divine powers of one. I say with all witness, I may execute the proceedings as if one were here. Consequently, if the terms of these agreements made today are broken by any, I will be the acting Justicar, to seek the proper justice for the wrong doer. If any object, speak now your reasons for not seeing justice administered and executed."
Jet wants to cast Zone of Truth, at this point, so he can hear everyones oath, theirs and ours. If the lizards swear well, it won't be necessary when we question them further.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Wednesday December 1st, 2010 1:32:15 PM
ooc: Jet would include, "somehow found by your people, you will not give, sell or barter for any information on us or our friends and allies, nor can you lead them to us or in any way relate our position to others,"
These guys are lawful, we better be as specific as possible.
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 Wednesday December 1st, 2010 4:43:05 PM
Zeph listens to the lizards and begins writing down everything they are saying so that he can inform Katarina when she contacts the group.
Zeph says, "Sure. I vow to not allow your servitude to extend any longer than it absolutely must. And you will tell me how to enter both the mining village and Al Mathir for a reasonable price." to the lizards with a smile.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Wednesday December 1st, 2010 5:10:12 PM
ooc: lol
"I will bear witness to all the oaths, under the Zone of Truth spell as everyone will be witness to my own."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday December 1st, 2010 5:19:16 PM
Alexi nearly belts out a laugh when Jet mentions Bantom and has to turn away for a moment. He turns back with as stern a countenance as he can muster, "Fitting servitude, i'd say."
'Ah! To have Fatine here to see THIS!' he muses as Jet gives the Oath Terms. When he is done, and the lizardmen agree, Alexi puts away his flail but takes out his dagger. As Jet starts his ritual, Alexi walks over to Makar. The Mailed Fist warrior makes a cut in his palm, then asks Makar to hold out his palm...
OOC: i know they are tied, but if he at least offers to do hold out his palm...
waiting for DM response...
Charek AC 22; HP 47/47 Wednesday December 1st, 2010 11:12:21 PM
Charek listens and bears watch over the procedings and as Jet and Zeph finish speaking, adds his agreement.
"I too will stand for this agreement. But know this, should you break bond and injure any of your holders without true lawful cause I will hunt you down and shave the skin off of you one half an inch at a time, using my axe."
Keela Thursday December 2nd, 2010 12:21:07 AM
Keela listens carefully to the bargaining and the oaths. Her friends' hearts are in the right places, but the lizard-man seems to be expecting a very formal oath, and it's important to get the terms just right. She takes a deep breath and begins:
"By the Might of Domi and the Mercy of Alemi, I, Keela Larch, vow to uphold the terms of the oaths given by Makar of Brood Tarkiss and Jet Stormway, and to do my utmost to ensure that my companions do the same. Should I break this oath, may--" she breaks off. She hadn't gotten this far in her head. She thinks frantically for a moment.
"Should I break this oath, may I never see my family again," she concludes. It's the worst thing she can think of.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Thursday December 2nd, 2010 9:35:29 AM
ooc: I call foul Zeph. You asked Jet a question and after i answer it, you used your DM privilidges to totally change your post.
After Jet sees that everyone takes the oath, he will finish the ceremony, "I, Jet Stormway, priest of all Woldian Gods, do hearby swear in the name of Pantheon that Markar, Togunder andTharss of Brood Tarkiss will be treated well while in our care as so long as they abide by this agreement, in addition, I also swear in the name of Pantheon that I will be the one to track down and punis, with or without asistance, any here today that break their oaths in the future."
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Thursday December 2nd, 2010 9:56:37 AM
OOC Galin has not answered yet
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Thursday December 2nd, 2010 11:34:28 AM
Galin walks over to where the prisoners are giving there oaths and watches the group in turn give a oath.. with a lot and emotion heart Galin says I want nothing to do with this display of stupidity.. Two wrongs do not make a right and enslaving these creature with oath or chain is still wrong He closes his eyes from a moment to breath and clam himself when he opens his eyes there seams to be more hope in them But if there is little to no way that I can see around this problem at the moment there is no choice, as a group we can't let you leave and death is not a punishment but a release so, I too will take your oath if only to show you that which to do to your only people and other races that you have conquered is wrong.Sometimes the only way to learn is first hand but know that I have seen your mines and how you treat people and we are far more fair then your more lenient masters. I Galin Burfoot Former Slave to your Race to swear by the Gods Alemi and Domi to up hold all terms said here today and If you break your oath I shale join the hunt for the oath-breakers and bring them to JUSTICE and the gods have mercy on your souls Galin will stock off to find somewhere to be alone and think
DM Cayzle - Extra Thursday December 2nd, 2010 11:44:55 AM
OOC: If you have the ability to edit posts, you should not use them as players. Now, I'll look away from edits for typos or to add a quick thought, but wholesale revision that changes stuff dramatically is not okay.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Thursday December 2nd, 2010 12:09:54 PM
Garret, standing away from the interrogation while watching for other enemies, listens as the oaths are exchanged. He ponders for a moment, the meanings of these oaths and glances upwards, checking to see if any of these gods are watching. He thinks, "I know of these gods of which these people speak, but also know that looking within is more important. I do not know what power these oaths have over these people, but they only have the power that these people will give them." He looks over at the lizards as and thinks, "I do not believe these creatures can be trusted with their oath. I think that they are evil and will break their word when they have the chance. But my friends are true and will retain their oaths, to the best of their abilities. I worry for our future."
As he thinks, he wanders past a tree and over a hill, if possible, to be out of sight of the questioning.
OOC: Not trying to cause problems here. Garret, as a monk, believes in the gods, but does not believe in their power over individuals. He honestly believes that these lizards will do harm to the party the first chance they get, but that the party will uphold their oaths. So Garret is trying to step away, so he will not be seen as participating, nor actively refusing these oaths. Again, I'm not (as a player) trying to slow things down or make things difficult. Instead, I think Garret would want to have an out. He's Lawful Neutral, and he sees the evil and the good. He thinks that if he does not participate, he will be able to balance the good and evil when the lizards break their oath without making anyone angry or forcing any of the group to break their oath.
At the same time, if this action will greatly anger Jet and his sense of honor, Garret will just come back and join in to keep things moving. I'm hoping that Jet will perhaps just not notice that Garret has joined in and might forget that Garret isn't saying an oath since he's out of sight and keeping watch.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Thursday December 2nd, 2010 12:58:24 PM
ooc: Just a few problems with your thinking though.
If they would not uphold their oath, Jet would have a chance to detect it with the Zone of Truth, if they are not sincere.
Second, Players can not have characters in the Wold that are not good. Your monk should be Lawful Good. How you have got Garret to this level without being called on it baffles me.
With Jet, He's a pretty smart cookie and wise. He will notice and if everyone does not pledge the oath, then he can't trust that the lizards will be safe. It will indeed throw a monkey wrench into the works.
DM Cayzle - Oaths are Sworn Thursday December 2nd, 2010 1:22:18 PM
Jet urges all his comrades in arms to take the oath offered by the prisoners, with the addition of a gag clause. He casts the truth-detection spell as he sees fit to make sure that oaths are sincere.
Zeph keeps a record, and says he will swear, though it is not easy to tell if he is serious or ironic.
Alexi offers his oath if it is sealed in blood. The lizardmen are willing to do this, though with some distaste, it seems.
Charek is willing to swear too, and he promises retribution to oathbreakers.
Keela, knowing the power of words, frames her oath carefully and well, invoking the gods and drawing their wrath to herself should she betray her word. The lizards bow at the waist to hear the conviction of her oath.
Jet follows her good example, although the priest does not call any doom on himself if betrays his word, except, maybe oddly, promising to track down and punish himself if he should foreswear his oath.
Galin stands silently, taking the scene in. After some reflection, he worries that enslaving these prisoners is no more right than they enslaving him had been. But he thoughtfully decides it is the least bad option, and joins in taking the oath. Not sure he has done the right thing, he goes off to think.
Garret chooses not to say any oath, and walks away to show he is not participating. The thrul accept this: They only demanded that one of the party take the oath, and a majority have.
Finally, the three thruls make their oaths, with the gag proviso added. They do not resist the truth magic, and they swear truthfully (they choose to fail their saves, if any). Then, satisfied, they sit still, waiting for any orders or questions their new masters might have.
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Thursday December 2nd, 2010 1:30:43 PM
OOC ... Galin is with Garret on this and is only going along with it because he see no other choice
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 Thursday December 2nd, 2010 4:12:07 PM
OOC: My bad. My question's answer was "no". So I didn't think it would really make a difference in the matter. I could have just posted what I edited later for the same results. I didn't realize anyone cared. thus I certainly didn't use my editing privileges to benefit myself anyways. Nonetheless I apologize.
Cayzle comments: As a frequent ex post facto editor of his characters' posts, I say unto you, my friend, "No problemo."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Thursday December 2nd, 2010 7:08:49 PM
OOC: So sorry to all on the alignment issue. I thought somewhere I had read "non-evil," but I guess it was "good" and my brain decided to move the words around on me. Very sorry to all, especially as that's really how I'd been playing Garret. I'll squish some stuff around in his head, as to me there's a world of difference between good and neutral... so since it will mess with Jet, Garret will need to walk up and declare the oath as well:
BIC: Garret walks up as the others proclaim their oath. Garret looks the lizards up and down and says, "I do not know if your kind can be trusted. However, I shall give you this chance. Should you break your oath, you will pay with your life, as you have requested."
"I, Garret Goodbarrel, monk of the Windbourne Hills, do swear on my life that you shall be treated fairly by us, as long as you shall uphold your oath.."
Garret steps away, heading back to watch as he says to Jet, "Go get 'em."
He then heads to a vantage point where he can keep watch in the direction of the settlement, should others be sent after them.
Charek AC 22; HP 47/47 Thursday December 2nd, 2010 8:20:14 PM
Charek listens to his companions and the two lizard men and hears the ring of truth in all voices. Strapping his ax back on his back, He turns to the others.
"So I guess our next step after getting what info we need is to get these guys back to the Ahote and explain the situation."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday December 2nd, 2010 10:27:47 PM
Noticing the rather disdain to make an oath in blood, Alexi explains, "The Oath of Blood is the most powerful oath that can be made, aside from that of a devine being, that is."
He carefully cuts the palms of one hand of each and clasps it with his cut palm.
"I, Alexi Komonov, having saved your lives by administering healing aid to each of you when you were unconscious and bleeding to death, vow to uphold the Oath as stated by Jet. Sealed by Blood, we are Blood Oath Bonded, and as such, cannot, unless the Oath is broken, fight each other again, or do anything that would cause harm to the Blood Oath Bonded.
My family will treat you as Blood Brother of mine, and your clan will treat me as a Blood Brother of yours."
Alexi then wraps their hands in a piece of cloth, as well as his, to stop any blood flow, then steps back to let Jet commence the interrogation.
OOC: i think jet covered what i was thinking, ie. how often does the mine receive re-inforcements/provisions from the floating city and when is the next one due. but add this question if it isn't covered yet.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday December 2nd, 2010 10:36:38 PM
OOC: with respect to Garrett, Galin, et al. that's why this game is a Role Playing game. if you feel you need to add an OOC: to explain your PC's actions/words, so much the better. Play your PC how you envisioned him/her to be. Any alignment conflict can be dealt with offline with the DM to fine tune.
Often an alignment is chosen at the beginning before we fully understand how the PC will be or because we want the full range of possibilities. But if you've been playing your PC consistently in a certain alignement, stick to that. Even a True Neutral isn't so inconsistent that his friends don't trust him.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Thursday December 2nd, 2010 11:15:30 PM
ooc: I am not offened by any of this guys and please don't think I am. It just seemed my answer post was way out of place and didn't make sense, after you did that. As a player, I didn't have the right to delete my post, so I called you on it. :) I don't believe in using DM rights when I post with numbers rolled, as is clear in the past, but I too am guilty of "prettying up" posts from time to time in role play situations.
I just want us to have straight facts with this game, so there is no party issues down the road. I have found, it is easier to clear the air then let things get worse and please, if you feel you need to call me on something Jet does, do so. What might seem obvious to everyone else, I very well could be oblivious too.
As for the alignment situation, Jet was going to pull Garret aside a bit later and give him a stern warning on killing things incapicated. Given the current discussion, that is something to consider. Perhaps, the DM will allow the creature to not be killed in such a brutal/effecient fashion after all? It would give the party much more information then one might have planned, but I would have asked if it was the Thrull leader or any of the others.
Great to get this clear.
DM Cayzle - Questions? Friday December 3rd, 2010 9:18:01 AM
[OOC: Kudos to all who are having the role-play / alignment discussion, but no, there will be no retconjuration to allow the resurrection of the pilot, sorry! :-) FWIW, also no alignment hit for killing unconscious enemies in battle, nor for killing those who have surrendered and are pleading for mercy ... this time!]
Oaths are sworn and the lizard-warriors are satisfied that a deal has been made.
Charek, thinking ahead, plans for the time after the questioning when the prisoners will have to be given into safekeeping..
Alexi repeats Jet's questions:
(1) How often does the mine receive re-inforcements and provisions from the floating city?
(2) When is the next one due?
The spokes-lizard, who you now know as Makar, stands and says, "Are you agreed on the first two questionss, paid for with four monthss of liberty for myself and my comradess?" He repeats the questions your kindly DM has posted above. He addresses this inquiry, eye-to-eye, to Keela, whose oath was most complete, and who he seems to feel therefore has the most direct authority over him and his clutch-mates.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Friday December 3rd, 2010 9:24:15 AM
'I ill decide if your answers are worthy of the two months of freedom. If you answer a question without knowledge, then it does not count."
He doesn't care if they look to keela or anyone else, as long as they do as they are told and answer questions we can use.
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Friday December 3rd, 2010 10:45:32 AM
Galin is going to sit on a rock and think ..... while waiting for the group to decide what to do
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Friday December 3rd, 2010 3:10:21 PM
Garret nods to Galin, remaining silent and still trying to keep watch.
Keela Friday December 3rd, 2010 6:22:05 PM
"Yes, provided you answer truthfully," Keela replies.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday December 3rd, 2010 9:46:52 PM
Alexi waits in silence.
Charek AC 22; HP 47/47 Sunday December 5th, 2010 9:21:06 AM
Letting the other do the questioning, Charek moves a bit away from the group and takes up a mobile watch pattern around the camp site.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Monday December 6th, 2010 9:12:17 AM
When DM Cayzle feels the lizards are satisfied, we will begin the questioning again.
Are there any spell casters in Bryn Baraz, Divine or Arcane and what is their experience?
How many warriors are in the town proper and how many are in the mines? Kothrulls and thrulls?
What areas are most and least guarded?
When is a big red ball expected back with reinforcements?
Where is al Mithir right now and what is it's destination?
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Monday December 6th, 2010 9:40:13 AM
Galin Listen and watches the "show " as he meditates on his own problems
DM Cayzle - Answers Monday December 6th, 2010 12:41:22 PM
(1) How often does the mine receive reinforcements and provisions from the floating city?
Al Mathir sends a provisioning flight to the mining camp once per week. The next flight is due tomorrow. Each flight brings a week's worth of supplies. The camp keeps a three-week buffer in case of emergency, so after a flight leaves, there is a four week supply of food and gear on hand. [OOC note from your kindly DM: As it turns out, the flight comes each week two days before your weekly contact with Katarina the dwarf mage, which is three days from now.]
(2) When is the next one due?
See above.
(3) Are there any spell casters in Bryn Baraz, Divine or Arcane and what is their experience?
There is a mathir priest who cannot raise the dead but who can cause corpses to walk again, and a mathir acolyte with him of small powers. No mages nor witches.
(4) How many warriors are in the town proper and how many are in the mines? Kothruls and thruls?
The standard mining workforce with a standard guard. That is, 20 slaves with 5 kothrul overseers and a kothrul master make up the work detail. The guard detail consists of 24 thrul with 4 hounds and 1 officer of rank, as well as 2 heavy mathras cavalry and 1 kothrul pilot with a small carrier. Of course, you have defeated 3 of the 4 hounds, 9 of the 24 thrul, the pilot kothrul, and the current officer.
(5) What areas are most and least guarded?
There are 4 thrul on the wall at all times, and another 2 at the top of the cliff. A hound is kept staked at the gate. The slaves in the mines are guarded by their kothrul guards, and the tunnel exit in the mines has been thoroughly collapsed. The thrul thinks that after the slave escape, the path they took has been better secured.
(6) When is a big red ball expected back with reinforcements?
See above number 1.
(7) Where is Al Mathir right now and what is its destination?
The Great City is probing the north for new lands to conquer. Other than that, he cannot say.
After giving these answers, the thrul want to know how much time they have earned before they will say any more. They think this is fair since they are acting in good faith according to their oath.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Monday December 6th, 2010 3:46:12 PM
Garret sits and listens to the Thrul, but also keeps watch as the questioning continues.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday December 6th, 2010 4:34:14 PM
Alexi mumbles, low enough that the Thrulls cannot hear, "At least that rules out swimming".
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Monday December 6th, 2010 4:38:58 PM
Jet looks a bit angry and will go over #3 again, to keep them on their toes. "You did not mention sorcerers. Are there sorcerers there or any other arcane spell caster that we might not have encountered before? Since you did not fully answer the question on Arcane caster the first time, your next answer will not count toward your time off. If you are going to make me be very specific with you, I will show you less and less favor."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Monday December 6th, 2010 4:41:29 PM
"What about druids or other divine casters we have not encountered before?"
Highlight to display spoiler: {ooc: Ugh, I hate this part of DnD.}
Keela Monday December 6th, 2010 9:14:46 PM
"I make it 10 months," Keela says, going over their answers, "if we don't count the duplicates. And Jet, not everyone understands the different types of magic."
Turning to Makar, she asks. "I think what we mean to ask is: Is there anyone, anyone at all, who can do magic of any kind, aside from the priest and the acolyte?"
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 Tuesday December 7th, 2010 7:22:35 AM
Zeph continues to write down information so he can hand it over to Katirana when she contacts them next.
"And about this flying device. I want to know the command word as well as your knowledge on the construction of it." Zeph says, knowing Katirana would probably be interested in such information.
(OOC: Jet/Buzz. I appreciate your willingness to get things in the open, and it's probably a smart move. My only problem with your actions is that you are restricting other players' actions, which stops the fun for everyone but yourself. It seems that everytime somebody tries to do something that Jet may not agree with, Jet interrupts them and then makes a decision for them. You even threatened to physically hurt a party member if they don't comply with your way of doing things, which I don't think we are allowed to do in the Wold. Maybe Galin wanted to kill one of them, so what? All I wanted to do was use Bluff instead of Intimidate to get the information we need, but you said no. But, to be fair, such disagreements shouldn't get in the way of gameplay or fun, so we should not let them.
And there should never be an alignment hit for killing an enemy after a battle that should have been killed during the battle... unless it is done in a torturous fashion, which is not my intention. But of course that is up to the DM.
Also, on alignment: NG, N, LG, LN etc are just labels. They are meaningless. What matters is a person's actions, decisions, and words, of which Garret's have never been anything but honest and good.
And on Oaths: An Oath is a series of words, and as such tend to have as much power as a Law would. And as previously stated, words mean little, actions mean a lot. So breaking an oath would make a person Chaotic, but not Evil. And if a person couldn't go back on their words, then what's the point of the Bluff skill? Also, when determining whether a character's actions will condemn their soul, you must ask yourself which god will do the condemning. Quite frankly, Domi and Alemi mean little to Zeph, which I suppose is the heart of the disagreement.
And in conclusion, how we get the information does not matter, what matters is that we get it and that we have fun in doing so.)
DM Cayzle - More Answers Tuesday December 7th, 2010 7:56:40 AM
Makar nods to Keela. "No spellcasterss other than the cleric and hiss acolyte." But he says that there are likely a wizard or sorcerer -- maybe two to six -- on each of the giant red floating resupply vessels.
He adds that he cannot operate the flying machine, nor does he know how. "The Guild of Skyfarerss is very jealous of itss secretss, and only initiatess can learn to fly. Except for witchess of the lake."
"I do know that it iss the iron skeleton of the craft that makess it fly. The wood and cloth merely providess a way to let otherss sit and ride. I also know that the part in the rear iss a danger, and can slice off armss or fingerss if one is so foolish as to reach into it. It is a common craft, and there are a great many like it in Al Mathir -- these are the most secure and navigable of the swift flying devicess, and only the Rhl, which is to say, the Army, is permitted to use them."
He hopes that that's another question, and seems eager to answer more. "Come, learn more about the vast unbeatable glory of Al Mathir, so that you soft-skinss will understand the impossibility of resistance and give up your ill-thought war. You have shown that you can make a deal; the more I tell you, the more likely you will stop fighting and make a deal with the crowning awe that iss Al Mathir."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Tuesday December 7th, 2010 9:23:17 AM
ooc: I'm sorry if you don't like the way I play Jet, but I always have played him this way. Likewise, I will continue to play Jet the way I always have. Now, if you have a specific situation, your character wants to talk to my character about, in character, then play that.
Whenever Jet does something, he talks to the party first about it, when out of battle. Galin did not talk to the party first before his bluff, so how would Jet have known, this ex-slave did not intend on killing the thrull?
As for questions, any one of you could be asking questions. I never stopped you from that. Mostly what I am seeing is people walking off to be with themselves or others while I do the questioning, when did I write for anyone to do that?
As for hurting characters, if I feel someone is doing something that isn't good, like killing an unconcious creature, I will have problems with it, so, prepare to have issues with Jet if you do that, period, any of you.
All the things you said, I kind of disagreee with, but that doesn't make you right or me wrong, it makes our gaming styles different and that is something we will just have to deal with.
Lastly, if you have a problem with me, send me an email and we can discuss it. I will likely be more receptive to you, then to bring it to tell the world I suck at this game, when I believe your reasoning is completely unfounded as is your ideas of Jet "hogging the ball" I called you on something that effected the post of my character post. I felt I had to explain a post that did not make sense. However, if I had taken it personally, I can guarantee you, DM Cayzle and yourself would have had a letter from me in your box.
I strongly suggest you stop worrying about how I play my character and get into your own role play mode.
Thank you though for the opinion. :)
DM Cayzle - Extras Tuesday December 7th, 2010 9:27:34 AM
I encourage all you players to be talking with each other. That's good. I also encourage e-mail as a good tool for long OOC stuff. And I encourage everybody to throw questions at the lizards, like Zeph did with the one about the flying machines.
Thanks!
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Tuesday December 7th, 2010 10:09:08 AM
Jet looks over at Keela, like, he hadn't really thought of that. Before he became a cleric, it is true, a "finger bender" was a "finger bender".
He looks down at the thrull and nods his head at her words, "Very well, carry on."
Finger bender = a derogatory slang word used by thugs for spell casters. That's not official, I just made it up. :)
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Tuesday December 7th, 2010 11:30:16 AM
OOC " Whenever Jet does something, he talks to the party first about it, when out of battle. Galin did not talk to the party first before his bluff, so how would Jet have known, this ex-slave did not intend on killing the thrull?" Who say anything about a bluff Galin would have kill the reptile to get what he wants as there is no love for them and little in the way of reason to...
I did not see anything wrong in Jet or anyone else's actions so GAME ON lol, its like real life somethings other people do you will not agree with but if you do not ask/talk about it then nothing can be done so if there are problems with anyones actions Role-play it out or and Cayzle said email a OOC and chat about it
IC Galin sees that most of his question are answered will wander over toward where his wife is sleeping still and comfort her
OOC again Galin is very introverted so walking off is his thing he is not sure how to deal with people or how to have a opinion his whole life he was told what to do so unless asked to do things or someone is talking to him he will be off with his mate or sitting and watching/meditating
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Tuesday December 7th, 2010 2:03:14 PM
Garret is content to let those who know the questions ask them. As he watches, he tries to think of any other questions that they are missing.
Keela Tuesday December 7th, 2010 8:59:46 PM
Keela looks over at the craft, then back at her companions. "Well, maybe Zeph and I can figure it out, given enough time and study," she says.
"Who are the witches of the lake?" she asks Makar.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday December 7th, 2010 9:29:05 PM
OOC: best policy is that if you are having your PC do something that may be mis-interpreted by the others, ie. Bluff, Intimidate, play your PC as you should, then OOC: the true intent, that way we can play our PCs in response to your PCs actions and avoid a bunch of OOCs afterward.
It's just a matter of keeping Player knowledge separate from PC knowledge.
Alexi believed Galin would kill the Thrull, and still might. :) Alexi would have killed them also, except he's grown a little wiser with his years in the Fist. He didn't make it to Sergeant for nothing. :)
IC: Alexi smirks at Makar's attempt to weazle out questions that are irrelevant to the moment and changes the subject. "We can discuss your great civilization, your superior gods, and how life would be better under your rule at a later time. Perhaps you could teach me your language so that I can understand your ways better. But for now, I want to know if your guards expect a password before allowing anyone to pass by and what it is. Also, is the password the same for both the gate and the mine entrance? Does the password change and how often. Teaching me how to pronounce the current password, and the next one if you know it, correctly and there will be a bonus month."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday December 7th, 2010 9:42:24 PM
OOC: er, forgot that Keela already changed the subject. :) Just make the first line say, 'Alexi smirks at Makar's attempt to weazle out questions that are irrelevant to the moment. Curious as to what these Witches of the Lake are, he waits for their response before speaking up.'
etc.
and add:
"Is there any direct family member of yours at the mine? If I can distinquish them from the others, perhaps, in battle, I can manage to spare them. In battle, nothing can be promised, but as you were unconscious and I spared you, it may be possible to spare a relative too."
OOC: i wasn't sure how to word it in the Blood Oath, but the idea was that if we did manage to make it to their city, his clan might be obliged, by the Blood Oath, to keep us as Guests, and so forth. Oh well, I'm not sure exactly of all the ramifications, but I saw a potential for the future. :}
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 Wednesday December 8th, 2010 12:44:51 AM
(OOC: Jet/ Buzz:
First you say: "I have found, it is easier to clear the air then let things get worse and please, if you feel you need to call me on something Jet does, do so. What might seem obvious to everyone else, I very well could be oblivious too."
Then You say: "Lastly, if you have a problem with me, send me an email and we can discuss it."
So, I am confused. What do you want?
My point is this, and I am calling Jet on it: You are restricting other's actions by your own. That is not fun for anyone." I don't care how you play your character, except when it interrupts how others wish to play theirs. If Galin wants to kill an enemy, then he should. If I want to lie to them, then I should. And killing an unconscous enemy is NOT evil... but that is up to DM descretion. And also... my editing the post did not change anything, so get over it.
But you are correct in one thing: Our playing styles are different, and that should be handled in-character. )
In character: ALexi, good wording of the Blood Oath. Being a guest in Al-Mathir would be sweet.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Wednesday December 8th, 2010 12:51:43 AM
ooc: Give me an example of who I restricted? If Galin is your only example, I think you re being very petty and blowung this way out of proportion, but we can continue. I say it does not matter what DM Cayzle thinks is breaking the grounds of good, but the characters that have to deal with other characters. DM Cayzle is not going to stop you from killing a defensless creature, but Jet has the right to, if he thinks that is wrong, just as your character has the right to stop Jet if he thinks he is doing something wrong. That is called roll playing.
So get over it.
:)
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 Wednesday December 8th, 2010 1:00:16 AM
(OOC: good point. conversation to be continued via email? I'd hate to bog this page any further with our pettyness. Alexi's words that we need to keep player and PC knowledge separarate are true.
And perhaps I am blowing this out of proportion... let's talk.)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Wednesday December 8th, 2010 1:16:19 PM
Garret smiles and waits, hoping the lizards will provide information that will help the group.
Charek AC 22; HP 47/47 Wednesday December 8th, 2010 3:39:57 PM
Continues walking Patrol
DM Cayzle - Witches and Ransoms Wednesday December 8th, 2010 4:57:53 PM
Galin makes sure to check in with his wife. He sees that she is taking this whole thing pretty hard. Maybe the best thing would be for her to recuperate -- maybe with these friendly Ahote people?
Garret watches and tries to think of more questions.
Jet gives some positive feedback to Keela as she continues to play a vital role in talking with the thrul. They seem to be directing their attention primarily to her.
Keela asks about the witches of the lake. Alexi is also curious about the witches.
Alexi asks about being taught the language of Al Mathir. He also asks if there are any of Makar's relatives at the mine. He angles for an angle, and Zeph nods appreciatively at that line of questioning.
Makar settles in to tell the story of the witches. It seems from his manner that he is reciting from memory, or retelling a tale he knows well.
"The Witchess are the Piloteerss of Al Mathir. It iss whispered that the Karkasan Piloteerss of the Lake of Eyess wear nothing save a ball of reptilian eyess around their neckss. The Piloteerss of other racess are not bound by convention or code, and they usually have neither abode nor possessionss, for they are sacred. They are afforded the utmost respect, and citizenss may not turn away a Witch of the Lake, and must supply them with shelter, food and drink at any need. They are often thrul and kothrul, and even lesser racess are sometimess honored by a call to the Lake. They have freedom of the skiess of Al Mathir, and even the Skyfarerss may not deny them. They have no Holy Dayss, they offer no sacrifice, unlesss it iss their very sanity."
Makar says he will teach his language, at a cost in months or years to be bargained.
He looks thoughtful at the prospect of contact with his clan. He says that his bond requires no concession from his relatives or the army, but either or both might be willing to ransom him and his brothers. He suggests you could trade a warrior thrul's bond for maybe five or ten mining slaves' bonds.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday December 8th, 2010 10:32:17 PM
Alexi whispers to Keela, "Any more questions about The Witches of the Lake should wait until afterwards, when we are not spending our Service time," and winks at her.
OOC: Makar didn't answer the question about whether the guards at the mine have a password. waiting...
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday December 8th, 2010 10:41:15 PM
OOC: between us all, the idea of having a leader was so there would be some measure of organization in combat situations and in situations such as this. Someone needs to be the one to say, "OK folks, i've listened to the ideas, now here's the Plan", or in this case, "Ok, let's get these questions down and have a primary person to ask them."
The idea of a primary questioneer is so a raport can be built and some confidence and trust.
That's not to say others can't pipe in, it just creates some order to get things going.
Right now it looks like Keela's got the attention and trust.
Of course, she's prettier than all of us too, so that makes sense.
Keela Thursday December 9th, 2010 1:02:44 AM
"Thank you for your answers, Makar," Keela says, glancing around at her companions. "Uhm...my friends and I need to speak together for a time; we may have more questions after that."
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 Thursday December 9th, 2010 7:56:35 AM
Zeph continues to write down the information and then when Keela calls for a private conference, Zeph has an idea, and speaks up.
"Makar. You say that you cannot directly fight against your own side. I can respect that... But by answering questions you are indirectly doing the same. So, I want to know what is the limitations of this. I don't want you to wield a weapon against another lizard... but... could you theoretically walk into the mine and free the slaves?"
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Thursday December 9th, 2010 8:48:31 AM
Galin seeing that the group want to talk about things will wander over and listen to the conversation. He does not have anything to add that would be helpful. After a few minutes he will get bored of this and wander away this time to help Charek patrol the camp.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Thursday December 9th, 2010 11:00:01 AM
jet patiently waits and listens. Maybe Keelas touch is a bit better and agrees with one thing for certain, "Important facts now, small talk later."
Zeph asked an interesting question. How far does their loyalty go? He can only imagine, if they agreed to that, then he couldn't trust them, but what the shadows does he know about these people. If only they weren't so much into enslaving creatures, he could respect them. Conquering, that is understandable and in many cultures, human or lizards fairly common, but keeping people as livestock makes Jet feel a bit ill thinking about it.
If Jet has his way, he will see that flying city crash into the Cruesa Sea before Gargul finally claims his soul. Let their people understand what it is like to loose a home. He hopes, all the slaves on that floating island know how to swim.
DM Cayzle - Passwords and Limits Friday December 10th, 2010 7:57:15 AM
Makar is somewhat flustered when he realizes he has not answered a question. "I ask your forgivenesss," he hisses.
He explains that there is no password per se. Instead, every creature in the army has a tattoo that shows position, rank, and power to command others. A raw recruit starts with a small tattoo, and ranks and positions are added each year. In this way one's tattoo clearly shows not only one's current rank, but one's path up through the ranks.
In addition, there are orders, which each soldier carries. One's orders are embossed on a small square metal plaque. You realize that you have collected a number of these so far, taking them for coins. Makar explains that coins are round, but orders are square. Rank Tattoos and Order Plaques are more than sufficient to allow passage of soldiers to go wherever they need to go.
Civilians in military jurisdictions must be accompanied by a soldier escort, so that soldier's tattoo and orders suffice for the civilians.
"However, to gain passage in the way you describe," the thrul says, "is possible. A Lake-Eye Witch can pass freely and no one will ever dispute the witch'ss whim. But such witchess usually stay out of sight at their Lake."
"And any member of the Royal Line can pass anywhere at any time. Of course, the coloration and scent of the Royals is unmistakeable. But the Royals seldom leave their residences. Well, except for those in retreat."
Zeph asks about the limits under which the thrul are operating. What limits are there? "You may think I betray my people with these answerss," says Makar, "but it is not true. You are all but gnatss -- hairy, smelly gnatss -- who can do no damage to the Glory of Al Mathir. Perhaps you can annoy, and you will eventually be swatted -- and when that time comess, maybe we will be recaptured by my brethren. So long as we do not betray our personal honor, neither by combat nor deception, then we can act as you command."
"If you command us to free mine slavess, we will try, but not with deception, theft, or combat. I expect we would fail, and be recaptured." He pauses. "I could negotiate for you, if you like, and if I entered under a flag of negotiation, I would not be recaptured."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Friday December 10th, 2010 11:25:47 AM
Unfortunately, Makar is correct. This small group of adventurers turned heros will eventually meet the full wrath of his people. That is why, with every thinking minute, Jet gets more and more angry with the mining company and that little dwarven mage that has us out here collecting information for them. This group has been lucky so far, but with each encounter, they get stronger and stronger.
"What is there to negotiate Makar? One more thing, you call me a gnat or anything else besides sir and you will be waking up without any teeth to chew whatever it is your people eat."
Jet wants to move this along asap. He has a private conference with the others. If they want to be warriors, maybe we should let them. There are thousands of miles of land still unexplored, we haven't got to yet. Instead of sending them to the Ahote, we should have them go adventuring for us and they can bring back any loot they find as well as mapping and other key information. They are out of our hair. The Ahote will not be compromised and they will be happy to serve, without us looking over their shoulders. What do the rest of you think?"
DM Cayzle - An Answer for Sir Friday December 10th, 2010 1:09:58 PM
Makar nods at "sir," and says, as if giving a lesson, "In any bargaining, you must think about what you can offer, and what you want. It seems to me, that you can offer these thingss, which are not insubstantial:"
1) To cease your war on the mining settlement. 2) To return the fairly-given war-bonds of three thrul warriors. 3) To return the war-won flying craft you have taken. 4) If you can, to negotiate with the barbarians you seem to know, in regard to their war on us, and in regard to captives or booty they have won from us.
"In return, you can negotiate as well, and the optionss available to you are vast:"
1) To gain amnesty and clemency, so that you will have rights as visitors, not the status of enemies of Al Mathir. 2) To gain goods or chattals, perhaps very rich rewards and wealth. 3) To gain the ability to travel, visit, and even settle in the most magnificent city in the Wold. 4) To oversee the mine for Al Mathir, if the running of it as it is now offends you. 5) Even to regain ownership of the mine, in complete sovereignty from Al Mathir, with a negotiated settlement likely to include some token of regard, such as a quarter of the mine's production given freely each year.
"That, sir, givess you some sense of what you might negotiate. No doubt other optionss will occur to you."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Saturday December 11th, 2010 8:23:07 PM
Alexi nodds, satisfied with Makar's answer and looks at the tatoo on Makar. "So what does your tatoo mean? What rank have you reached?"
After the answer, Alexi joins Jet. After Jet speaks Alexi chimes in. "Well, we sure are in a dilema. I didn't know it would cause this much trouble saving their lives. I just wanted some information. We risk loosing them if we bring them along and leave them outside. We risk loosing them if we let them go exploring. And i'm having second thoughts on burdening the Ahote with them.
If we are going to loose them, I'd rather it be with them as far away from Bryn Baraz as possible. I don't suppose they could go exploring the Black Rock Labyrinth, eh?"
OOC: Black Rock Labyrinth is the desolate area we went through to rescue the Ahote children.
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 d20+10=30 ; Sunday December 12th, 2010 4:59:50 AM
Zeph thinks for a moment and makes a sidenote about the Witches' abilities on his parchment.
He says to Makar, "One more question I want answered in detail. The size of the standing army of Al Mathir. Population of civilians as well. General headcount, including royalty."
After this, Zeph will ask to speak to the group of Heroes in private... so that the Lizards cannot hear them..
Zeph says to everyone, "Well. It seems that we have come across some useful information for our employers. I was unaware that peace treaties could be negotiated with the city. Think about it- isn't that what Katarina and the Star-Mage guild wants? To be allowed to mine? Less resources would be spent on war and thus more could be spent on mining. Perhaps the Star-Mages and the Mining guild can even negotiate to have Al Mathir as a sort of body guard... similar to paying off a bully for "protection".
But.. I do not think we have the right to say what the Star Mages or the Miners want. We need to talk to Katarina and tell her this and she can decide if she wants to negotiate. If not... which I suspect... then, she can declare full out war over the mine. Either way, I believe it is her decision... No?
Then Zeph realizes he may sound like a complete moron to suggest cutting a deal with the Lizards when he was employed to kill them... so he adds, "Though personally... I say we just kill every lizard we see until the race is extinct and write Katarina up a bill at the end..." Zeph adds the last part as an after-thought.
Knowledge Arcana on the tatoos, the coins, the necklace flying tablet to see if they are magical = 30, nat 20....
Zeph, after considering the larger problem, then focuses on the smaller one: what to do with the Lizards. He agrees with Alexi and says, "I truly care little what their fate is. I can think of many ways to dispose of them usefully- such as to allow one to see if a hallway is trapped. Or maybe order one to dig a moat for my yard. Personally, I say we give em swords, release them from the bonds as if their years are up an then say "defend yourself"... one-on-one. Tournament style. Galin gets the first one.... but of course that would lose their value as a bargaining chip for freed slaves, which is probably the most productive use."
Galin HP 23/58 AC 19 Monday December 13th, 2010 7:52:21 AM
Galin's sits listening to the party babble able this and that (things that he does not understand or have any information about) so he sits back down after walking around and seeing nothing . His eyes light up at the thought Zeph says about killing the lizards and even more when he say he gets first shot ( his hand slip to his sword and it almost leaves the sheath before the idea is squashed). Galin seams to be torn between revenge and mercy or maybe compassion was not quite beating out of him ether way he never full draws his rapier.
If you do not have the right to decide what to do with these creatures then call your mage and miners and let them have them. If you all say here much longer we will need some walls and a roof. Are we back to the kill them don't kill them again He shakes his head and walks away with a final comment " Domi help me "
DM Cayzle - More answers Monday December 13th, 2010 1:09:29 PM
Alexi asks about Makar's tattoo, and he explains that he is the Second Officer of the Daylight, elevated from Officer of the Claw, elevated from Warrior of the Mark. [Sort of like Lieutenant from Sergeant from Private] Now he will have to add a Bonded circle to his tattoo, to his disgrace. He says this without obvious emotion.
Zeph asks about the number of lizard folk in Al Mathir. The thrul can only answer in general terms, since he really does not know. There are dozens of Ruling Royals in two clans, one Mathir, one Karkasan. There are many dozens more of others of these two high-caste races, hundreds of the Mathras, and thousands of the thrul and kothrul. He does not bother to count the lesser, hairy races. BTW, the serpent mage who led the final assault on Bryn Baraz was a Karkasan, and the giants carrying the rams were Mathras. You have not encountered a Mathir, the eldest race, after which the city was named.
Zeph casts his cantrip, and yes, the pilot's plaque is magical. The tattoos and order-coins are not.
OOC: Feel free to advance the time by making a camp and waiting for contact with Katarina.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Monday December 13th, 2010 1:35:02 PM
Jet listens as they speak.
'Obvously, being disgraced is better then being dead. As well, when we are contacted again by our boss, we will know if you are needed as truce negotiators with your people or what else they want us to do with you/ Do not fear, I will die before you are harmed. My word is my bond and that is why I did not offer a repercussion to the oath, cause it ain't going to happen. (Plus, Jet is Chaotic and had to leave something out.)
Jet offers no more suggestions to the group, other then, "We can't camp here. Let us heal up and move away from this area, in case they come out looking for them. If they are conquering the north, that means reinforcements will be coming in from that direction tomorrow. I do not think we have the power to take one just yet. We also, do not want to be seen by it as it passes over head."
DM Cayzle, is it possible to carry or make a sled for the aircraft, to move it out of the area?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Monday December 13th, 2010 2:22:35 PM
Garret watches the wind blow through the trees as he keeps watch. His eyes dart from one location to another, expecting to see more giant hounds and lizardmen jump from any opening. To all outward appearances, he sits peacefully as he keeps watch.
After the questioning starts to wind down, Garret heads back to the group, nodding his head. "Indeed, I think we have reached a point where we need to seek guidance of Katarina. Let us set up camp a short distance away and hope a patrol is not sent out looking for these creatures before our contact. In any case, our camp should be set up to be defensible, in case we are attacked. I do not know of Katarina will be inclined to accept any agreements with the lizardmen, but there are alternatives to always being at war. Let us rest now and be vigilant."
Charek AC 22; HP 47/47 Monday December 13th, 2010 6:08:37 PM
Swings back around in second trip this time zig zagging the loop and moving about 50 ft further out than before.
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 d20+7=27 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=20 ; Monday December 13th, 2010 11:04:43 PM
Rolling some spellcraft checks to scribe some spells into Pathfinder Zeph's book eh? Sounds like a good thing to do for a few days camping.
Zeph will also spend the time speaking with any of the lizards that wish to tell stories of Al Mathir. Not any serious questions, but stories.
Oh yeah, And Zeph volunteers to learn the language of the Lizards
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday December 14th, 2010 12:41:49 AM
Alexi understands Gallin's sentiment. Putting a big arm on his shoulder as he walks a short distance away with the newcomer, he encourages the halfling, "I understand your hatred for this race. I'd just kill them as sure as you. Only reason I bandaged their wounds was to hopefully keep one alive for questioning. Didn't know I was so good at it I'd save three.
"Anyway, what's done is done. We made a deal with them, and even though I hate them as much as I hate Gnolls and Orcs, we will be better served in the long run by abiding by our oaths. I don't ask you to buddy up to them, just respect the deal Jet has made with them for the Honor of our Team. It's amazing how word can spread about misdeads. I would not want any such thing mar any future dealings we may have with their kind."
He then leaves the halfling and joins the others again.
"I agree with Garret that, if possible, we should pass them off to Katarina. They could serve as guards there with no danger of being recaptured or otherwise foil our work here. Second best option would be to send them to the Black Rock Badlands to explore. There are gnolls there so their survival will be difficult but possible. Barring that, send them to the Ahote."
In preparation for moving out, he checks on the horses. A bigger task now since fewer members are horse savvy. Beren and Calnin knew how to tend to their horses. Keela has learned as much as any decent horseman. But the newcomers still are a bit raw in the saddle. Besides, Alexi does most of his best thinking while caring for horses.
When ready to move out, Alexi suggests to Garret, "Let's keep the Thrulls in the middle of our group. Mind you, though, that everything we do, they will be watching. Let us not use our hats, or other tricks, in their sight."
Keela Tuesday December 14th, 2010 1:56:40 PM
Keela makes ready to depart with the others.
"Perhaps, now that we know how these people negotiate, the Company would like to send somebody important to talk to their leaders," she says.
DM Cayzle - Camp and Katarina Tuesday December 14th, 2010 6:19:38 PM
Jet looks at the flying craft. It is the size of a small wagon. If you could somehow add wheels to it, you could pull it with, say, four humans or two horses or one of those giant lizard mount things. But without wheels, it is hard to imagine. A Grease spell cast under it, or rollers, would let you move it, but of course a Grease spell does not last long.
If all the creatures here, including the thrul, lent a hand and just carried, it, you could move it, your kindly DM supposes, as if you were moving under heavy encumbrance. After all, there are, what, 10 or 11 of you, plus horses. You'd have to jury rig something to let a few of the horses to help, but that's why the gods created untrained craft checks, right?
Garret seems inclined to set up camp here, with defenses as good as can be contrived, to wait for Katarina's scrying and messaging.
Charek continues his patrol. There are no signs of danger.
Zeph figures it's a good time to work on his spell book, and so it is. He also begins language training with the thrul. (OOC: Laying the groundwork for spending a rank on Linguistics when you convert to PF.)
Alexi talks with Galin. He and Keela make ready to move out.
Your DM assumes that you choose not to stay here. Instead, you go a-looking for a hidey-hole not too far off. The best you find is a low hill with a stream running at its base. Erosion has cut away from the hill, making a bit of a cliff where the stream's course has bit into it. You base yourselves at the foot of the cliff, between the cliff and the stream, where some trees have sprung up in the lee of the hill, their roots enjoying the water. You spend a day hauling the aircraft to your site.
Two more days go by. You see some herd animals and hear some wolves in the night, but otherwise you are left alone. On the morning of the third day, you might make a will save and perceive the magical sensor of Katarina's scrying device ... and a few moments later you hear her voice whispering in your ears. Your DM assumes all of you are within scrying reach, and all are affected by the message spell, so everyone can converse with the dwarf mage, Katarina. She is your contact with the merchant company that has hired you to find out about Al Mathir and report back on the chance of retaking the mining settlement.
OOC: I have a big job for you all, but one I hope you will not mind. I need to know what loot you have on site, that you might want to trade in for. Also note items that may weigh more than 50 lbs -- those cannot be sent back for disposal.
Katarina whistles, and comments on how you have been busy. "Your job was to spy, not to engage, but I'm not complaining. Tell me what has happened, and what you know."
OOC: You can summarize, of course.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Tuesday December 14th, 2010 9:49:13 PM
ooc: Feeling like crap. To avoid being snarky with the dwarf mage, I will post in the morning when I feel better. I hope.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:19/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday December 14th, 2010 9:59:12 PM
Alexi helps move the contraption but is not happy about it.
"Look at the trampled grass! From the air, it's a road straight to our hiding place!"
However his fears were unfounded, as the days passed and no Thrull scouting party came into sight.
Alexi lets the leader, Garret, do the talking to Katarina.
Galin HP 58/58 AC 19 d20=10 ; Wednesday December 15th, 2010 8:15:25 AM
Before the party leaves Galin thanks Alexi for the support and points out that if he would like more practace as a medic he could poke a few more holes into the lizards and he could try again but does not sound that serious about it.
Galin after helping move the craft and setup a camp will take the time to have a bath and talk to his new found friends going to each of them and asking about there life just to pass some time.
When the mage whispering in his ears he jumps looking for who is talking and where its coming from at a few moments and things get explained a bit to him he will pipe up " My lady I am Galin Burfoot former slave of Al Mathir your adventures saved mine and my wife lives by engaging the creature and I am thankful for it although I know little what knowledge I have is at your disposal"
Galin Will also take time to study the creatures. How the interact with the group and themselves as well as what they do when not tasked to a job by a party member. He will however several time send them to fetch a few things around camp like wood or water just to see there reactions to the work given. He will say little at this point but keeps a close eye on all they do.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) Wednesday December 15th, 2010 10:27:37 AM
Jet heals the party first, before tending to the wounds of the lizards over the next few days. Soon, everyone is healthy and the message spell comes in.
Jet replies, "If you wanted spies, then you sent the wrong people. Spies are watchers and we are doers. Besides, they would have hurt these escaped slaves and we couldn't let that happen. So, what is your plan? Is the mining company going to try and bring in a army to fight Al Mathir or you going to let them keep it, because the few of us here can't hold it for you. Likewise, we have given you in writing and with indentured servants, all the info you need on this civilization."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/22 no dex, HP: 26/53) d20+5=14 ; Wednesday December 15th, 2010 12:42:36 PM ooc:Oh, I forgot about the lizard hound also.
Jet is really intrigued with the creature the thrulls used to track the halflings as they ran. He will spend time with it and heal it as necessary. Maybe it knows tricks?
Handle Animals: 14
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:34/33] PF Garret Wednesday December 15th, 2010 1:42:19 PM
Garret tries to help the group move the large flying craft, but his size does not allow him to reach in and provide much physical support. Instead, he helps guide the horses and runs back and forth to ensure that the ropes are holding. He is glad when the group quickly finds a place to rest and helps cover up the flying craft as much as possible so it cannot be easily viewed from above, should another craft come looking for it.
As the group settles in to wait, Garret ensures that the lizards are fed. He presumes they eat the same things that the others in the group do, but until he offers them food, he is not sure. Garret also keeps a close eye on Galin, knowing that Galin likely still harbors a strong grudge against these creatures. In fact, Garret wouldn't even hold it against Galin, should Galin attempt to slash one of their throats during the night. However, Garret gave his word, so he helps ensure the creatures are safe. During his night watches, Garret looks inward as much as outward to protect the lizards perhaps even more than the group, even though he doesn't like it, knowing the creatures would have killed him in a minute.
Garret is puzzled that in some ways the lizard-men seem to be civilized, but at the same time so savage. They are so sure that their way is the best, yet their way only involves killing and enslavement. He idly wonders if it would be possible to open their eyes enough to see that there is another way to live.
When the message comes, Garret jumps. He smiles as Jet explains that their group is a group of action, and not just watchers. After Jet gives the brief version, Garret gives a longer explanation of everything that has transpired since their last contact. While he does so, he checks with Zeph to see if he has been keeping up with the items that are to be transported back at such a time (just because Zeph always has the loot list...).
Garret then asks Katarina what they should do next. He says, "We have these prisoners, and they have agreed to serve us, but perhaps they could serve you? Also, now that we know that the lizards may be interested in talking and trade, perhaps an emissary could be sent to open communications with them? It would be nearly impossible for us to openly attack the city now, but these captured creatures may be used as bargaining chips. We would certainly like to see the slaves freed, but I'm not sure that's an option with these lizards. I think at this point we have learned that if you want to take the city back and hold it from the lizards, it is going to take a small army and not just a group of adventurers. I am honestly not sure what else we can do for you here at this time."
Zeph 3.5 AC22 HP 32/42 Zeph Pathfinder HP 71 AC 23 d20+7=25 ; Wednesday December 15th, 2010 6:58:24 PM
(OOC: Yeah Cayzle, I was planning on taking a point in linguistics for this purpose. And I asked Cayzle for the loot from the battle with the Large Lizards a couple of times. I figured it was a moot point with the whole Pathfinder conversion things. In all, we have been in like 3 fights since then. So we have equipment of 4large lizards, like 9-12 thruls, and a pilot. Right? I'm just estimating here.)
Zeph's will is pretty good and his own magical abilities allow him to sense the presence of Katarina. Will =25
Zeph will summarize with the others as to what happened. He speaks to Katarina, "If it is possible, you could alert your other mage members of what we have captured and perhaps set up a teleportation of this flying craft back to the tower to be studied. Here is the activation token for it. I feel understanding the lizard's magic is key to fighting them successfully. There are also large red orb blimp thingys floating about. One of those is my next target." he says.
He will also make sure to give the coins with orders and information about the population of the city.
Then Zeph thinks about Bryn Baraz and speaks his mind to the mage and the group, "I believe there are 20slaves, 5 kothrul overseers, 15thrul, a couple of hounds and 2heavy mathras cavalry remaining. Our group can probably infiltrate the base and release the slaves, beginning the assault. If your mages can teleport a small supporting army in when we cause the chaos, we can take back Bryn Baraz with little casualties."
Lastly, some friendly roleplaying. Zeph sees Garret's good nature towards the Lizards and prompts the debatable question, "Friend, do you really think that we can undo a lifetime of them believing slavery is right? I'd like to change their minds and convert them, but I doubt they have the wisdom for it." Zeph expresses his doubts in a Lizardman's ability to befriend the other civilized races.
When Galin asks about Zeph's history, he replies. "I was happy once. My parents were killed when I was 8years old. I've been hunting for their killers ever since. It was some organized army. I haven't found many clues, and now I'm distracted with killing other people's enemies... I don't mind though. I figure dealing out revenge is a good as occupation as any."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday December 15th, 2010 10:26:30 PM
Alexi laughs at Gallin's take on practicing healing.
After Zeph speaks to Katarina, Alexi explains their dillema with their captives. "They have pledged to serve us, but here, they could be recaptured. It would be best if they served us there, with you."
He explains the deal they made and the Terms of Service and Length of Service. "They would serve as guards of sorts, not lackies."
Then he gives his opinion about Bryn Baraz. "I think we should retake Bryn Baraz. Once done, and a sizable force well entrenched, we would have some bargaining leverage with the Lizards. Alternatively, once the mine is retaken, we collapse the entrances and use Gates such as this to shuffle the ore to you. That way, if the lizards want some tribute, they'll have to dig for it themselves, and we will be ready for them."
"But they definitely need to be removed. They have no right to plunder the mithril that they didn't find or work for."
He then tells Katarina about the Ratmen that live in the caves and a possible alliance with them.
When Zeph points out to Garret the improbability of the Lizards changing their ways, Alexi points out, "Think of the Drow. They are considered to be a highly civilized race. But they also hold slaves, and torture, and worship a demon, and... well you get my drift."
"So, being civilized or not has nothing to do with practicing slavery. The Ahote are a civilized people and they live very simply. But 'Civilized' is a term that varies in definition, depending on who you are."
Charek AC 22; HP 47/47 Wednesday December 15th, 2010 10:38:22 PM
Charek relays what info he can add to what the others has said, but then also asks how those that came through to the city are doing and if they have been settled yet, and what the overall sentiment is in regards to the mine and the settlement.
Keela Thursday December 16th, 2010 1:14:50 AM
Keela prepares her Alarm and Rope Trick spells each day they camp. The Rope Trick is by now entirely inadequate to conceal the party, but it is a good vantage point to watch from.
She reports as completely as possible to Katarina, adding, "They seem to have only divine casters on-site, although there may be arcane casters available to them." And she explains about the lake-witches.
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