DMDM's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Douglas Muir 406

And Takka, Balek and Sir Constantine are nearby as well, discussing what (if anything) to do today. None of them are really in the mood for a festival, but it is a beautiful sunny day...

Meanwhile, Sir Robert (the Andoran) stops by your table for a moment to nod hello and pass the time of day. What he's actually doing is publicly stating that even though you're monsters who've been kicked out of the Crusade, he doesn't consider you pariahs.

A shadow falls over Osei's table. "And a good Armasse morning to you, my friend," says the Marquis politely. He is dressed in the full formal regalia of a Chelaxian envoy. It's impressive! All red and black and gold, with a hideously gorgeous holy symbol of Asmodeus on his chest.

Two people accompany him: a weasel-faced man in black and a young woman with dark hair. "My aide-de-camp Sir Domitian, Baronet of Titus-on-the-Slode. And my daughter Felice." Weasel-face gives you a condescending smirk. Felice nods hesitantly.

A few yards away, Sir Robert frowns. "Damned devil-lovers..." he mutters under his breath.

"I had a most disturbing dream last night, the wardstone was wounded and bleeding everywhere, I could not stop it."

assuming the momentary pause
"Ah welcome Sir Robert, thank you."

"Any word on what it would take for us to plead our case to the great dragon or at least to the commandant?"

sense motive (Marquis): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
sense motive (weasel face): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
sense motive ( Felicia): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

sense motive (Laurine, how would she react to Haruka sanding up and greeting the Marquis, followed by sitting down again): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Balek greats Sir Robert politely, glad to see someone acknowledging his friends. Outwardly, it's all "Good day, Sir Robert. May your hunts all prosper."

Most of his attention, thugh, is on pondering Erastil's message. Stick together goes without saying: it takes a village to keep a village going. Everyone knows that. So for the Old Hunter to emphasize the message like that...

I will not leave their sides all day.

First, "don't split the party" and "paid ads" -- I laughed aloud. Also, the date: well played.

"Ah!" Osei puts the enchanted doll down on the bench beside him, stands and smooths his simple grey robes (cleaned especially for today's celebrations).

"Lord Lambert-Adzel - you certainly make a striking figure in your regalia. Sir Domitian - a pleasure. And Lady Felice - you look lovely." Osei delivers the greetings with a polite bow, a not-so-polite nod and a small, friendly smile - respectively.

"How do you find the celebration thus far? I was entertaining myself by considering the simple enchantments placed upon these poppets. Quite cleverly woven," Osei says while stifling a yawn.

Takka looks a little tired, but he seems more preoccupied with his thoughts at the moment. He tries to participate in the festivities when the chance permits (given his interactions yesterday, he's wary off approaching others), but he seems to be constantly glancing in the direction of the Kite.

When Sir Constantine mentions his dream about the Wardstone, however, he sparks back to life and looks wide-eyed. "-the Wardstone? You saw it too!?" He asked, standing up on his seat to meet the half-orc eye to eye. "Sir Constantine, what did you see exactly? Please, tell me. Where was it damaged? What did the stone look like? Did anything speak to you?" Hearing the details made Takka's heart sink. His dream... no, his vision! Something was going to happen, he could sense it!

At Sir Robert's arrival, Takka turned up to him and started speaking quickly. "Ah! Sir Robert! Please, you have to hear me out! I... I think something terribly bad is going to happen! I think the Wardstone is in danger!" Takka quickly started to explain his dream - his description of the Wardstone, the warm glow, the expanding crack, the voice that knew of him, the burgeoning singing and the green glow of the fracture.

"Sir Robert, please, you must believe me. I don't know what to do... I'm just a kobold, and nobody will pay me heed. But you... you might be able to alert someone! Please, I tried to last night with Sergeant Kir, but... he wouldn't listen. He told me... well, then I tried to tell Lady Irabeth, but it was late and I... listen, please, I know this may sound ridiculous. Even I am not certain if this was real or not... but, could you please check on it?"

"Any word on what it would take for us to plead our case to the great dragon or at least to the commandant?"

Sir Robert shakes his head. "These things go through channels. You might appear before the Commandant. Great Terendelev... has her own agenda." He's still keeping a distrustful eye on the Chelaxians.

@Balek
"Did you too dream last night"

@Takka
"It bleed from a wicked cut near the base, I fell upon my knees trying to stem the spurting blood, then the blood was emptied and the crystal shattered as if hollowed to the core under my hands.....I was told redemption can not stand alone, that restoration is also required of me."

@Sir Robert
"Indeed with us both having such dreams, please can you warn someone?"

[various Sense Motives]

A more cruel DM would give you some amusingly wrong result for that nat 1... well, maybe next time. Anyway, you got nothin'. (The Marquis, in particular, is a hard one to read. Professional diplomat, his Bluff is probably off the scale.)

Laurine doesn't look in danger of imminent meltdown or freakout, if that's the question.

"How do you find the celebration thus far? I was entertaining myself by considering the simple enchantments placed upon these poppets. Quite cleverly woven," Osei says while stifling a yawn.

"Delightful! Kenabres gets few enough opportunities for celebration. We should take what we have." The Marquis and his party pull up three chairs. "And, yes, the enchantments are professionally interesting. A glamer, rather than a proper transmutation, and it will fade at sundown. Still, impressive work."

"It's a beautiful day for a festival!" says the doll, as if on cue.

The Marquis smiles. "Speaking of professional matters. You wished to consult with me...?"

Takka stared in wide-eyed fear at Constantine's mention of the Wardstone's base. He'd never seen the Wardstone, yet he knew what it looked like, where the damage was, what being close to it felt like. How? And why him?

"Sir Robert! The Wardstone! It's... it's in danger! The voice told me that it would be repaired in due time, but I fear something may be trying to damage it further!" Takka tugged pleadingly at Sir Robert's cape, looking up at him. "I know this sounds absurd - I felt the same last night - but people may be in grave danger! Wh...what do I do?"

The Marquis smiles. "Speaking of professional matters. You wished to consult with me...?"

Osei lowers his voice so that even the Marquis must strain a bit to hear, but maintains the same expression on his face so that distant observers would see a continuation of the same conversation. He picks up the doll, and gestures to and around it while speaking.

Osei lowers his voice so that even the Marquis must strain a bit to hear, but maintains the same expression on his face so that distant observers would see a continuation of the same conversation. He picks up the doll, and gestures to and around it while speaking.

That's exactly one of the uses of the Bluff skill. (Seriously, it's in the skill description.)

Ah, apologies for missing that.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Sigh. Osei kinda sucks at bluffing, being a cloistered scholar and all. Tomes don't have sense motive or perception (at least *most* don't ...).

Haruka waits till Osei has finished his current buisness with the Marquis.

The miko stands up, walks over to the marquis group, bows to him(formal and polite) "greetings Marquis", bows to weasel-face(just not disrespectfull) ",baronet" and bows to Felicia (formal and respectfull, but friendly) "and Lady Felicia".

"I do not want to further interrupt your proffesional discussion" and returns to her seat

The Marquis steeples his fingers. "You did well to bring this to me. You are quite correct -- false leads of this sort are often planted to bring foolhardy or careless readers to ruin. On the other hand, if your find is real, it could be quite valuable to your future studies. A true name greatly simplifies the conjuration of outsiders! In the case of devils, it can also lead to complications of various sorts... but the knowledge to be gained is potentially quite vast." The Marquis arches an ironic eyebrow at you, as if to say Forbidden knowledge! Does this interest you? I think perhaps, yes?

"There are... techniques, for testing the validity of a true name. First, though, we should start with a detailed description of exactly how and where you found it. That will give us a preliminary idea of whether we have something worth further investigation."

-- Wait a moment, I don't want to dabble in summoning devils! I'm Lawful Good!
-- Shh... not so loud!
-- Wait, I'm not sure I want to tell you all that.
-- Oh hell yes. Forbidden knowledge? Bring that. Bring it right here.

-- Wait a moment, I don't want to dabble in summoning devils! I'm Lawful Good!

-- Shh... not so loud!
-- Wait, I'm not sure I want to tell you all that.
-- Oh hell yes. Forbidden knowledge? Bring that. Bring it right here.

All of the above, actually (though neutral good).

Osei continues quietly.

At a more conversational level, Osei says, "Now is the celebration of Armasse."

Sir Robert seems to be friendly. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Balek coughs politely. "How would one go about getting an appeal before the Commandant? I am afraid that I never knew very much about the command arrangements of the Crusade. Would a local witness help, or hinder?"

Probably hinder. They hate us of Sarkoris' blood. But needs must -- and Kenabres needs help from both local and afar, not to drive defenders away.

Diplomacy to get Sir Robert's assistance in moving the matter forward: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17.

Sense Motive to see how helpful Sir Robert is likely to be, and if anything is left out of his reply: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Weasel-face -- Sir Domitian -- sneers at you. "You know my master the Marquis already has your letter? He has but to pass it to that doddering mummy Quednys and you'll find your Library privileges revoked quickly enough!"

The Marquis turns and frowns at his colleague. "Baronet, please. There's no need for that sort of talk." He turns back to you. "If you're not comfortable with the details... that's fine. Truly. But, you know, I really can't help you without more information."

"I do not want to further interrupt your proffesional discussion" and returns to her seat

"A pleasure to meet Crusaders from distant lands. We of Cheliax are guests her ourselves. And we understand the virtues of discipline and unity." The Marquis' voice is polite and friendly, but his eyes give nothing back.

1d20 ⇒ 15 Weasel-face catches the implication in your bow. He sneers at you but does not respond otherwise.

Felice gives you a correct and friendly bow in return.

"Kenabres is protected by the Wardstone, which guards us against the terrors of the Worldwound!"

A pause.

"The Little Brothers of the Flowers have many fine floral arrangements! You can find their shop by Southgate!"

"Sir Robert! The Wardstone! It's... it's in danger! The voice told me that it would be repaired in due time, but I fear something may be trying to damage it further!" Takka tugged pleadingly at Sir Robert's cape, looking up at him. "I know this sounds absurd - I felt the same last night - but people may be in grave danger! Wh...what do I do?"

Sir Robert frowns. 1d20 ⇒ 10

"I'm... a simple fighting man, kobold. Dreams and, well, dreams are not really my area of expertise." He scratches his head. "Have you tried talking to a priest?"

He seems a bit distracted. 1d20 ⇒ 13 He's still keeping an eye on the Chelaxians.

Sense Motive to see how helpful Sir Robert is likely to be, and if anything is left out of his reply: 1d20+9

Sir Robert is a very competent fighting man and an experienced Crusader, but he's not the leader of the Andoran delegation. That's his boss. Maybe that guy could help you?

(The rescue group that showed up was a scratch team... basically the four highest-ranking, most powerful combat types they could throw together, fast. Normally none of the other three would be in the same room with the Marquis, but he was the only person in the building who had a teleportation spell prepped when the alarm came.)

Sense Motive: Sir Robert dislikes the Marquis and really dislikes the Baronet. He's watching them closely.

Osei looks to Sir Domitian, expressionless, as the latter threatens. He says nothing, but locks his gaze on weasel-face during the Marquis' response and for a few moments afterwards, then returns his attention to the Marquis.

"Thank you for your understanding. I realize I haven't provided you much to go on, but I merely wanted to initiate a conversation on the matter and determine your level of interest. It could be that you found it to be beneath you and boring, I had no way of knowing. If you are keen on the matter, I would like to discuss further with you at some point after Armasse with a bit more privacy." Osei gestures to the crowds and flicks his eyes to weasel-face upon the word 'privacy'. "Surely, you understand."

"There is a second matter, and that is regarding a scrap of arcana I found. It seems to be a minor conjuration, capable of healing - but it most likely requires the blood of Hell. That seems to be a rather rare component in these parts ... "

Takka felt his spirit sink even further at Sir Robert's reply. Why...? Why show such a vision to me? I... can't do anything! I can't get anyone to help me do anything! Why show me that if nobody will listen to me about it?

Takka looked over at the Marquis, following Sir Robert's clear interest in them. He... did show an interest in helping him before, at the safe house. Everyone seemed so preoccupied with other things... and he was growing terribly desperate to get some help. From anyone. "Then, Sir Robert, if you would be so kind, please let those over you know. I would feel much better if someone were to inspect the stone."

Slowly lowering himself down off his seat, Takka turned to Balek and Constantine. "I... may need help getting somewhere in a moment. Please... wait for me." he asked, before turning and hobbling as quickly as he could to the Marquis.

"...Master Marquis!" Takka called on his approach. "Please... I need help, and I cannot seem to find anyone who will listen. I was- ah." Takka looked between the two associates, the weasel man and the lady, bowing quickly, but as formally as possible, to both, before continuing. "Master Marquis, please. You must hear me out. I... I think something terrible might be wrong with the Wardstone. I have this... fear... that something disastrous might be coming, and nobody will listen to me."

Would like to retcon this investigation prior to the Marquis' party's arrival.

Osei cocks his head at the doll, and takes a seat at one of the festival tables. He waves his hand over it, casting detect magic in attempts to find out all the details of the magic woven into it. If it is a spell like magic mouth, there should be some triggering mechanisms. He assumes the gourd holds the magic, as intrinsically it would be more stable than the cloth.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Perception(Felicia, race(human,tiefling,...) age(young woman can be used for quite a long timespan), anything else interesting): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Would like to retcon this investigation prior to the Marquis' party's arrival.

Osei cocks his head at the doll, and takes a seat at one of the festival tables. He waves his hand over it, casting detect magic in attempts to find out all the details of the magic woven into it. If it is a spell like magic mouth, there should be some triggering mechanisms. He assumes the gourd holds the magic, as intrinsically it would be more stable than the cloth.

Ha. -- Okay, your eyes widen in surprise. The spell is not terribly high level; it's beyond your current capabilities, but not grossly so. Think a mass Magic Mouth; fixed repeating phrases instead of one triggered phrase, and it expires when the sun goes down. However, to cast it on dozens or hundreds of the dolls must have required tapping into some deeper power source. You could do that with some really expensive material components. But that can't be what's going on here; the dolls are being handed out free, after all. Certain types of sacrifice could empower them, but that's pretty unlikely... So, they're running off of something. What?

"I would like to discuss further with you at some point after Armasse with a bit more privacy." Osei gestures to the crowds and flicks his eyes to weasel-face upon the word 'privacy'. "Surely, you understand."

"Oh, you must excuse Sir Domitian. As my aide, he is completely discreet." The Marquis' dark eyes rest upon his colleague for a moment... does the Baronet flinch, just the tiniest bit?

"There is a second matter, and that is regarding a scrap of arcana I found. It seems to be a minor conjuration, capable of healing - but it most likely requires the blood of Hell. That seems to be a rather rare component in these parts ... "

"The Transfusion of Infernal Puissance! Yes, I've used that many times myself. It beats having to beg a cleric for help every time you've been in a scrap, let me tell you! With that, you can fix yourself right up and let the greedy cleric just fall screaming down a chasm... good times, good times..." The Marquis' eyes grow misty for a moment. Then: "But yes, the current leadership of the Crusade is narrow-minded about this sort of thing. You couldn't buy devil's blood in either of Kenabres' component shops, nor will you find it at your Library. As it happens, though, I enjoy diplomatic status, which includes the use of special items related to my religious duties. So I have," the Marquis smiles broadly, showing very even white teeth, "several flasks of the stuff on hand, back at the Chancellery. Enough to bring you back from death's door a hundred times over, should the need arise!"

"...Master Marquis!" Takka called on his approach. "Please... I need help, and I cannot seem to find anyone who will listen. I was- ah." Takka looked between the two associates, the weasel man and the lady, bowing quickly, but as formally as possible, to both, before continuing. "Master Marquis, please. You must hear me out. I... I think something terrible might be wrong with the Wardstone. I have this... fear... that something disastrous might be coming, and nobody will listen to me."

The Marquis raises an eyebrow. "Takka of the Toad, I believe it was? Ah yes."

He makes a polite little "just a moment, please" gesture in Osei's direction, then turns back to the kobold. "If memory serves, I made you an offer of employment some little while back. You refused. Are you reconsidering? Because it is one thing to hear a petition of concern from a vassal, and another entirely to listen to the ravings of a masterless outlaw."

Perception(Felicia, race(human,tiefling,...) age(young woman can be used for quite a long timespan), anything else interesting)

Human, apparent age late teens or early 20s. Olive skin, dark eyes, dark hair, has her father's aquiline nose. Well dressed, wears a small holy symbol of Asmodeus. Armed only with an ivory-handled dagger. Is wearing a single, expensive looking ring.

[dice: 1d20 ⇒ 7 She doesn't notice you checking her out.

Takka frowned up at the Marquis. "...if I agree... will you please..." His little clawed hand raised up slowly, as if offering to shake hands and agree. He couldn't see any other route. Nobody would listen to him... if it meant saving lives, what real loss would it be to compromise himself?

Be true.

His hand stopped, as his little yellow eyes looked at it, then back up to the Marquis. This was wrong. He knew it. He knew what this road - dealing with devils - would bring. His own tribe was succored in by such promises. Takka's hand suddenly snapped back, clenching into a fist as he looked up.

"No. I'm afraid I cannot agree to such an offer. I was desperate for someone with some degree of authority to hear my pleas. I should've known better. Asmodeus may fool the rest of my kin with his politics and contracts... but I see through his ruse. Please excuse my interruption." Takka bowed to the 3 again politely, before returning to Balek and Sir Constantine.

Takka clambered back into his seat, sighing. "...I could use another sticky bun." he mused. "What am I to do? Who can I speak to that can do something?"

"It's a beautiful day for a festival!"

Pause.

"Armasse is a day of fun and exciting activities for Crusaders and civilians alike!"

Balek inquires politely, "Might I then ask your courtesy in securing an appointment with the leader of the Andoran delegation?" His face is firm and courteous. "I understand the press of business, but surely salvaging two loyal warriors for the defence of the borders is worthwhile. Each man -- well, person -- may serve, each according to their talents."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Inwardly... Andorans are meddling foreigners who scorn the wisdom of the past, but at least they mean well. It could be worse... like the devil-worshippers. Then his gaze tracks past Sir Robert's attention, over beyond the next table.

Oh, Osei. What have you and Haruka got yourselves into now?!

Was hoping for a handoff of a vial, but I suppose TANSTAAFL. Especially from an Asmodean.

"That is a very generous offer, I shall bear it in mind if I or my compatriots are ever at death's door. Preferably less than one hundred times."

Osei picks up the doll again.

"You know, I agree with your analysis of the glamer, but I can't seem to determine the power source for these little curiosities. Glamers do not typically last until sundown. Hmm." Osei takes the doll and hides it up the hanging sleeve of his robe, out of any sunlight. "A bit foolish of me, but my curiosity is piqued."

SCG places his hand on Takka's shoulder.

"Courage my friend we know not when the events of the dreams may happen nor if the dream itself was meant only to help guide our path in stopping the storm."

"I was told my path is both redemption of persons and restoration of objects a two fold path that is not clear ahead of me."

"I am glad you forwent the help of the Marquis, I think that would have wrought too great a price upon you my friend."

"I will tell you now that I have been petetioning the Lords of the Empyrean, those who through good transcended their mortal forms, to keep and protect the spirit of Sleek so that one day he may return as as a faithful mount for us to share on the long road ahead."
Subject to DM approval/5th level paladin of course ; )

Someone nearby clears their throat. You look up. It's a plump man in late middle age, dressed like a wealthy merchant.

"Good Armasse, my dear Marquis! Is this a good time? Do you have a moment?"

"Ah, Alderman Gwerm. I... should be free in just a minute or two." The Marquis turns towards Osei. "Yes, that's a good point. In Cheliax we sometimes trap and bind devils for that sort of thing. That's probably not what's happening here, though..."

The crowds on the square are thickening, as the morning's events are about to start soon. A juggler strolls by, colored balls in the air. Across the square, a group of musicians are tuning their instruments. On the reviewing stand, Lord Hulrun has appeared, and is chatting with a group of local dignitaries.

"Help keep Kenabres clean!"

(The doll's voice is slightly muffled, as it is inside Osei's sleeve just now.)

"Your friend there seems to be getting awfully chummy with the devil-worshippers," murmurs Sir Robert. "Half of Kenabres must have seen him sitting and chatting with the Marquis. What can he be thinking?" He sighs, and gestures towards a serving-boy for a beer.

Osei snaps back to reality after focusing on the magical trinket, and looks up at Alderman Gwerm. He stands from the table.

"Ah, I thank you for your company, Lord Lambert-Adzel - I'll not keep you. Besides, I have a previous commitment to join my teammates nearby." Osei bows to the Marquis, a nod to weasel-face, and a bow to Lady Felice. "Do enjoy the rest of your Armasse."

"HEY LIZARD LAD! HEY! HEY!!!"

A familiar figure is shoving her way across the square.

"I GOT SOME NEW STICKY BUNS TODAY! THEY HAVE RAISINS!"

Takka looks back over at Osei, frowning a little before shaking his head. "That he is carrying on a conversation with them. I trust Master Osei to have the mental fortitude to know not to make deals with them. Once one agrees with those contracts... that's where it becomes slippery..."

Takka's fringes perk up at hearing the yelling, and he turns his attention to Crazy Molly as she approaches. A twinge of relief ran through him as he got to his feet and hobbled towards her. "Hello, Lady Crazy Molly... I think I could use one. Very much."

As Molly approaches you, she seems to notice the Chelaxians for the first time. She waves happily at Felice. "HEY GIRLY YOU WANNA STICKY BUN? I GOT ALL KINDS HERE!"

Felice blinks in surprise. "Oh! Well, I -- "

"Of course she doesn't want one of your filthy buns, beggar-woman! Off with you!" Sir Domition makes a brisk shooing motion at Crazy Molly, and then turns to Alderman Gwerm. "Alderman! Can the city do nothing about these nuisances?"

On the platform, Lord Hulrun is stepping forward, raising his arms to motion the crowd to quiet. The heralds are bringing their trumpets up to their lips to announce him.

Sir Robert grits his teeth visibly. "The Marquis is a snake, but the other one is a rat," he mutters. "For two coppers I'd -- "

Two tables away, Laurine suddenly raises her hands in front of her. "No, wait," she says. "Do you feel -- "

The doll in Osei's sleeve says, "It's a beautiful day for a -- "