"Where are you staying? I'd like to come and read you a bed-time story when I'm done with my little jaunt, if you think you could stay awake for that..."
"Oh my dear, Bofus, I have been here assissting Sellyria in all sorts of matters, so you can find me here in the Keep with her. However, sometimes we are with the others elves at the encampment on the eastern edge of the city near the wall. But, Bofus my sweetie pie, even if I'm already asleep, I'm likely dreaming of you, so you can wake me any time!" When nobody is looking Elyrial lands a gentle tender kiss on your lips that fills you with the warmth of her breath.[/b]
"Lord Jarmaath, are there any powerful clerics still in town? I've got a magic item that I'd like to see about getting recharged..."
"Oh yes, yes, you will want to see Tredora Goldenbrow, she has assumed control of the Cathredral of Peace Through Vigilance. She may be able to help you. Just tell her that I sent you and she will give what assistance she may."
Bofus saunters down the hill to the nearby Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance. The most distinctive building in Brindol has towers rising well over 100 feet in height, supported by flying buttresses and intricately carved pillars. A familiar face greets you as you enter the cathedral.
"Holy Dawnflower, look who's returned to Brindol!" The priest embraces Bofus. "How are you doing my good friend?"
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Matthias?!?! Well I'll be everlastingly gosh-swoggled!! What a surprise!! I take it you're here to bolster the city's defense--and we're better for it!
Hey, look...I want to catch up with you--really. But I've got something of an appointment tonight. A mutual "friend" is jonsing for a visit from Yours Truly and I want to catch them before they retire for the night. I'm here on business. Maybe tomorrow you can spare an hour to see all of us?? But for now, can I have a quick word with Tredora Goldenbrow? I have a favor to ask.
"Certainly, my good friend! I'm so glad to see you. You look great. I hope you are keeping out of trouble. I understand the need for urgency. Nothing has every been the same here, since our discovery of the Red Hand. Well, come with me and I'll take you to Tredora."
Matthias escorts Bofus down the halls of the cathedral and knocks on a door. "Tredora, may we have a moment of your time? A good friend of mine, Bofus, wishes to speak with you."
Turning back to Bofus, Matthias says, "I better let you go, but if you have some time, stop by and see me. I would be glad to catch up with you and the others. I am stationed here at the cathedral for the present. Good luck, my friend!"
"Send him in, Matthias. "she replies. Inside, an ornately decorated office, you are met by a tall, striking, long haired priestess with golden blonde locks of hair. "Well met, Bofus. I have heard much about you. I understand you have done much to help us prepare for the assault of this hobgoblin horde. So, what can I do for you?"
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Bofus gives a deep bow. Greetings... ..Mother Superior. It is the pleasure of myself and my brave company to do whatever we can to save this fair land! I come begging a boon, for which I'm prepared to pay the Church a suitable service.
He brings out the Staff of Life. I have used this staff against the minions of the Ghostlord, both to harm them and to heal my friends. I know it is low on charges, and we don't have a powerful cleric in our group to replenish its magic. I wonder, might you be able to cast a Heal spell today--and maybe even tomorrow too!--in order to charge this up some?
Tredora picks up the staff and looks it over carefully. Her eyes widen as she comes to realize what it is. "This is an actual staff of life! Where did you get this? Are you aware that this device has the power to raise people from the dead! The magic behind this is to be used for far more than simple healing. This device should be used sparingly and only in great need."
Tredora thinks a moment longer and comments, "To recharge this device will require more than the simple casting of a heal spell. I will need to spend a good deal of my time working with this staff to bring its charges back up to full. You do understand that there is a horde imminently preparing to siege our city?!"
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<-oh, for the love of...
My good Mother, you could count on one hand the folks who understand the threat to this city better than I do!! Don't forget that Tirion and I were the ones who swiped the plans, lending the proof required to spur the people of the area to evacuate, and Brindol to mobilize for war. But, pray, understand that while we faced the Ghostlord's minions, we had no cleric to aid us. I'm aware of the staff's power--but why use it to raise the dead when I can use it to *prevent* death instead? Or to save my friends by smiting powerful ghosts?
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I did NOT squander this item's power, I used it to the best of my abilities to keep my friends alive, on our mission to save Brindol--again. And I'm also aware of the time it would require to recharge this item fully; I was only asking for one, maybe two, charges. I would consider asking for it to be fully recharged to be quite ungracious, particularly with the horde approaching!
Diplomacy (not sure if this would be the assist or the primary):
-Although not his best smile, Tirion is much more convincing that his short companion who forgot to wipe some of the crap that the Kaals slung earlier from his clothes.
"Aye, Thordak, we've got yer crossbow built up jist the way yae designed it. It's a beast tae move around, but once we get it up and positioned, it's nae bad. We'll want tae be findin just the richt spot fer that one. Keep yer eyes oot for some noice big targets! Aye, and we've got some smith in the camp if yae be needin fixin fer yer armor. Mind yae Oi dannae think we'll have much time tae be crafted yae any mithril plate any time soon. Tell us what yae hae in mind, young Thordak."
Well Oi know Oi only drew one o' tha crossbows...but Oi was hopin' we mighta gotten more than one built... oh well, we'll hafta use it well then.
Ah well, speakin' o' crossbows, Oi was wonderin' if we had any nice ones brought with us, from yer kingly stores, p'rhaps? Or maybe ye ken of a smith that's p'rticul'rly good at makin' em? Moine is roight good but it takes a mighty fine weapon te pierce a dragon's scales, y'know... Best is magicked up, but with tha roight bolts it should be alright too.
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"Well Oi know Oi only drew one o' tha crossbows...but Oi was hopin' we mighta gotten more than one built... oh well, we'll hafta use it well then."
"Aye, Thordak. The clan has made a goodly number and yae're nae tae worry! We'll hae them set up and ready tae use by the time the horde comes by."
"Ah well, speakin' o' crossbows, Oi was wonderin' if we had any nice ones brought with us, from yer kingly stores, p'rhaps? Or maybe ye ken of a smith that's p'rticul'rly good at makin' em? Moine is roight good but it takes a mighty fine weapon te pierce a dragon's scales, y'know... Best is magicked up, but with tha roight bolts it should be alright too."
"Aye, Thordak, yae always were a bold lad and Oi see that yae dannae mind askin yer king fer help at even the most desperate o' times. Oi'll tell yae what Oi'm gonnae dae. Oi'm gonnae gie yae Shocker, a very special crossbow. Let me call fer it. Suddenly Orthrek calls out, "Yoohoo!" and the next thing you know he is holding a heavy crossbow in his hands. The dwarven king then hands it to Thordak gently. "Here yae are mae lad. Load it richt up and see if yae can fire it."
As Thordak handles the remarkable crossbow, suddenly he hears the king whisper the word, "Yoohoo!" and the crossbow instantly disappears from Thordak's hands and appears in the King's own hands. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Orthrek chuckles, "Thordak, yae were suppose to try it, not me! Oi already know how to fire it." Orthrek hands over the crossbow over to Thordak once again. "Now yae gie it a try, and try not tae hit anyone or anything, especially the good lord's cushions."
Shocker, Heavy Crossbow +1 (with Called, and Shock)
Thordak's ballista is essentially a Huge heavy crossbow fixed in place. Its size makes it hard for most creatures to aim it. Thus, a Medium creature takes a –4 penalty on attack rolls when using a ballista, and a Small creature takes a –6 penalty. It takes a creature smaller than Large two full-round actions to reload the ballista after firing.
A ballista takes up a space 5 feet across.
Damage:3d8
Critical: 19–20
Range Increment: 120 ft.
Typical Crew: 1
"My good Mother, you could count on one hand the folks who understand the threat to this city better than I do!! Don't forget that Tirion and I were the ones who swiped the plans, lending the proof required to spur the people of the area to evacuate, and Brindol to mobilize for war. But, pray, understand that while we faced the Ghostlord's minions, we had no cleric to aid us. I'm aware of the staff's power--but why use it to raise the dead when I can use it to *prevent* death instead? Or to save my friends by smiting powerful ghosts?"
"Well, I'm sure that your need was great, Bofus, but I just want to impress on you the power of this staff and to insist that you do not use it when other healing sources are available. This is no ordinary wand and this staff cannot be recharged as easily as you think."
As Tirion begins to use his diplomacy, Tredora takes a deep sigh and replies. "Very well. I will recharge your staff as soon as I may, but I just urge you to use it wisely in the days to come. I fear many people will lose their lives in the upcoming attack and we are not going to have the luxury of simply restoring life to whomever falls."
"Do you have any other business that I can help you with?"
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No, mum, I believe that would be all. Will you add a charge to this staff? Is there any further service to the town, or the Church, I can offer in exchange? And shall I simply leave the staff here and pick it up...
as they leave the cathedral, Bofus addresses his companions. I believe I'll be taking a little side trip to spy on a dragon. this is probably an outing that is best suited for a solo, if you catch my drift.
bofus winks, then heads in the driection of the Kaal manor.
Tirion will head to some place within a few hundred feet of the Kaal Manor and will cast Message with the Rod of Reach. This should give a range of 720' and a duration of 80 minutes. Might not be enough for Bofus, but should be fairly effective. Tirion will wait in any inn or other place where he can rest, but not be seen by the Kaals.
Not sure which building is which, but if Lord Jarmaath's castle is 18, then that is only like 200 feet from the Kaals' manor.
@Red, Tirion, Mantooth, Thordak
You come upon a sorry scene at the edge of town. Two clerics of Iomedae are working to evacuate an infirmary next to a small shrine. Dozens of injured and sick soldiers are clustered around the wagons, including some mercenaries who moan in pain and fear. One of the clerics, a woman of about fifty, looks up as you pass by. "Can you spare ten minutes, friends?" she asks. "We need to get these poor soldiers away from here before the goblins arrive!"
"We can spare you ten if you can spare us one" Red offers as he produces a fiddle.
Poppy likewise fishes out her flute and blows a few notes to check everything is in tune.
Moments later, she leas the pair of musicians into a well worn revolutionary song from Galt, a song of struggle where the few overthrew the many despite all odds, winning freedom from tyranny.
At the conclusion of their piece, they put their weapons away.
"I am Poppy and that is Red, and we are here to help. Now, lets get those good men moved!"
@Red, Tirion, Mantooth, Thordak
"We can spare you ten if you can spare us one" Red offers as he produces a fiddle.
"What are you suggesting?" One of the cleric replies impatiently. "Are you going to play us a tune while we get these patients loaded into a wagon? We appreciate the music, but we could use some more practical assistance."
However, as the music is played, you see a strength and vigor return to the priests. They stop, rest and reflect for a moment.
"That is an impressive sound, sir. What do you call that music? I've never heard anything like it!"
@Red, Tirion, Mantooth, Thordak
You cannot help but notice that one woman, who is among the wounded, take a particularly keen interest in the company.
I certainly cannot make that Sense Motive.
Red
Poppy + Automatic Detect magic or evil.
"What do we call it? We call it music, like any other. We have traveled far and wide, we have learned many of the classics as well as many songs of obscure origin. We travel the length and breadth of the land chronicling all great events, all glorious battles, and to tell the tales of the mighty - often we get the chance to sit with the greatest generals, the brightest philosophers, the grandest artists, to learn their stories, to immortalise them in songs that shall last the ages. I must say though, we have so few worthwhile on Dragons, so if you hear anything let us know!"
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"We travel the length and breadth of the land chronicling all great events, all glorious battles, and to tell the tales of the mighty - often we get the chance to sit with the greatest generals, the brightest philosophers, the grandest artists, to learn their stories, to immortalise them in songs that shall last the ages. I must say though, we have so few worthwhile on Dragons, so if you hear anything let us know!"
"I don't know what you would sing about dragons for except perhaps to spell out our inevitable doom. They appear to be the most destructive creature I have ever heard of. Their presence indicates the fall of civilization as we know it! From what I understand they have no weaknesses except perhaps their own ego. All I can say is that I pray to the Inheritor that each day she will spare us to fight for one more day."
Unable to find any traps, you nimbly climb up the walls to the estate down the other side to find yourself in a small courtyard of the Kaal family. There are main doors to the mansion that appear to be unguarded. The mansion also has several sets of glass windows that may be able to be open.
Wheeeeo! That is a mighty fine weapon! Thank ye m'lord! Oi'll be shootin' some holes in some scaly dragon- Thordak says, aiming the crossbow for a pillow just before it disappears out of his hands -oh! Wot in Torag's beard-wax!? That's a fine trick as well! Thordak laughs.
Shocker:
He tosses an apple up and shoots it out of the air, pinning it to one of Lord Jarmaath's rafters. Oi! Sorry, M'lord! Umm...Yoohoo? he says halfheartedly, hoping the bolt will return to him. Oh well...Well thank ye, Oi'll put 'er te good use!
Later...
Sense Motive:
Thordak musters the crowd but doesn't notice anything strange. These humans don't spend enough time on their beards. How am Oi supposed te tell 'em apart if they haven't got a distinguishin' beard, eh?
Bofus climbs up the outside wall of the manor and while clinging to some shutters, manages to open the window to let himself in. Climbing through the window he finds himself in a bedroom with fancy tiles, a four poster bed with ornate curtains drawn, a bookcase against the wall filled with various tomes, and an ornate rug on the floor.
Thordak back at Brindol Keep
While Thordak holds onto the crossbow to aim, Othrek calls, "Yoohoo!" and the crossbow disappears from Thordak's grip and reappears in the king's own arms. "Hehe!" The Othrek chuckles. "Oi luv dae'n that! Mind yae, it'll take aboot a day fer him tae know that yae're his new owner, but once he gets use tae yae, Shocker will be a trusted companion! Take gud care o' em!" The fatherly king gives Thordak the crossbow back.
Poppy whispers something to Red who simply looks at her as though she just told him the sky is blue.
"I know, I thought as much, no wonder they are in so much trouble..."
Red keeps singing away, helping the injured, then by sheer luck and coincidence, he finds his way to the injured lady... "Oh look your arm! Such a tragedy! I would soon suffer the injury myself than to see such a blemish or bruise upon the petals of such a magnificent rose, a rose no doubt because although beautiful and talented, a lady like yourself is no doubt just as capable with her thorns, any mans equal..." and so on as he gently comforts the lady on her injury.
Diplomacy
Once they aren't being paid too much attention "So I know what I am and I know what you are, and both of us are pretty much the same, although I collect art, song, and story whereas you are no doubt more concerned with the gold, so maybe I can help you and you can help me?"
The charming Half Elf simply smiles..."By way of explanation, can I sing you a small tune, or perhaps we can converse openly?"
""So I know what I am and I know what you are, and both of us are pretty much the same, although I collect art, song, and story whereas you are no doubt more concerned with the gold, so maybe I can help you and you can help me?"
Holding her arm in a sling, the woman replies with startled eyes. "What is it you know about me? I mean, what could I possibly do for you?"
Kaal Manor
The books look to be of little interest. Mostly old tomes of outdated fiction. You quietly exit the room and step out into a hallway. Meanwhile, you hear voices carrying upstairs. One is clearly Verasa Kaal, but the other is none other than the female monk known as Xemeshlar.
" . . . . The Red Hand will be here soon and at the moment, Kerden does not listen to me in the slightest. He has been following the advice of the Heroes, the ones who gave chase to you earlier when they found you in Nesten's keep."
. . . . The Red Hand will be here soon and at the moment, Kerden does not listen to me in the slightest. He has been following the advice of the Heroes, the ones who gave chase to you earlier when they found you in Nesten's keep."
"Do not worry, my lady. I know its a shame that Jarmaath is allowing the battle to come straight to Brindol, but with some luck, they may prevail in protecting your assets."
"It is not just my assets, Xemeshlar! I feel like I am losing my control over the war council and I detest the thought of what the consortium would think if they knew that I was losing some of my power here in the Elsir Vale. We will just have to see how things turn out by the end of the battle. Perhaps you can ensure that no tragic accidents occur to our heroes. It would be a shame if something happened to them."
"My lady, you do know that things can be rather dangerous in battles. I'm not sure that their safety is guaranteed in any way." She replies with a smile.
Although you cannot see her face, you are certain a knowing smile crosses her lips at those words. Finally she speaks and says, "Perhaps it is time for us to retire for the evening. You have much to do before tomorrow. Sleep well, my dear."
Bofus, with the discussion finished, you hear footsteps coming up a set of stairs to the landing where you crouch listening.
Holding her arm in a sling, the woman replies with startled eyes. "What is it you know about me? I mean, what could I possibly do for you?"
"We're both collectors of course, although whilst I call it legends and lore, you call it information and intelligence. Why else would you listen in on a war council, learn all the strategies and plans for the battle ahead, then come and learn as much as you can about the traveler in red and his fae companion? The last part on its own I could easily handwave as just another curious audience member, but when measured with the first fact then perhaps things don't quite wash. So, oh yes, where were we? That's right, how you could help me... well the only question I truly have is which employer you might be working for at this moment, so perhaps we could start there and depending on how that turns out perhaps there's an opportunity for us to continue our partnership, you and I."
Red simply strums gently as he speaks, making sound oh so reasonable.
Diplomacy some more
"So, oh yes, where were we? That's right, how you could help me... well the only question I truly have is which employer you might be working for at this moment, so perhaps we could start there and depending on how that turns out perhaps there's an opportunity for us to continue our partnership, you and I."
"You are a very clever sort, Red. I don't know how you figured me out, but you sound so very reasonable about it all. So if you must know, I report to Wyrmlord Ulwai Stormcaller. She listens to everything I have to tell her and in the end, I will find myself with a tidy sum in my pocket and a nice security in knowing that I am on the winning side. Now, what do we need to do to keep this matter between ourselves. I mean, nobody else needs to know about this . . . . do they?"
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Consortium??
Does Bofus have any idea what consortium she might be referring to?
Knowing that this monk is very dangerous, Bofus will stay at the opposite side of the balcony to her. He'll keep pace with her to stay opposite, going whatever direction is appropriate (probably the same direction she goes--if she goes clockwise, he'll do the same to stay on the opposite side).
This could be very damming for the Kaal family. I wonder if there is any incriminating evidence lying about...
Once Sinead O'Connor enters a room and closes the door, Bofus will try another door--not hers--first listening, then checking for traps, finally opening (if no sound and no traps). Looking for a library or office, ideally.