DM Zyren's Heart of Riddles (Inactive)

Game Master Zyrenity

Winter simply replies in Elvish;

"I am Winter, hailing from the Calphiaks, and we are here to speak with a Leafrider named Eviana, we have been sent by Kwava. Now kindly refrain from pointing bows in the direction of my companions and I, for we are not pointing weapons at you, cousins."

Winter makes no friendly gestures or shows of emotion, simply stating his case until they make their position clearer.

Caterine remains non-threatening... mostly. She keeps silent, and has a hand on the handle of one of her coiled whips.

This made twice in two days that Kabal and his friends had found themselves surrounded and it was the second time that he didnt feel threatened. He let Winter speak.

The speaker lowers his own bow and the other rangers also relax.

Assuming there was an Eviana in our village, what could you want form her?

Caterine considers replying in Drow... just to raise their dander, but thankfully is more than able to quell the impulse.

Even though Sable isn't able to be very diplomatic, the mentioning of the Shin-Rakorath and the drow totally changes the elves' behavior.

So you have come to help us? the elf seems relieved now and he ordes his men to put their weapons down.

I'm sentinel Silsavar and while you passed through the part of the forest that still looks like the Mierani used to look like, I can tell you that the region around Celwynvian is a barren land now.

"We have come to help you, although that help comes conditionally. We expect that you tell us facts in full, and do not leave out information or facts that might be uncomfortable. Kwava has been god to us, I expect you will continue that fine tradition. Lead on, we are here to meet with Eviana, and I wish to see this happens as soon as possible."

Bree unthinkingly puts herself in the middle of the group as much as possible so that she is protected on all sides now that she is not needed to scout ahead.

Silsavar nods You will be brought to Eviana, but you have to understand that we have to be cautious, only two of you are allowed to meet her, the others will stay at one of our guest houses, agreed?

Mercus groans I guess I won't be one of the two, eh?

"Not agreed. We are not here at your leisure, we are here at ours. We will be at the guesthouse where you may join us in concert, for we are a brotherhood, our bonds tight and strong as steel - forged in the heat of battle and tempered in the blood of Demons and Drow. We have no leaders or captains, for we are equal, each of us free to speak their mind and in turn each of us to be given due respect as a decision maker. I will not countenance limited counsel where you ask them to place their lives on the line behind closed doors and via an intermediary; ask them face to face that they may judge your words first hand and have any questions satisfied by asking directly of the source".

Winter smartly dismisses the Elf, clearly his position is final.

"Mercus you are here of your own free will, and you have shown courage and stoicism in the face of great evils, it insults me that they would have you wait about like some wet squire at the baggage train whilst betters talk, or perhaps they feel that by dictating to us what numbers may be permitted to have audience with their Leafrider that they subtly assert their power over us, for if we simply accept their terms and begin bowing to their instructions then we place ourselves as teh submissives. Once they feel we are submissive and subservient they will continue to treat us as their lessers"

Caterine smirks as the envoy is put in his place.

Kabal was a bit shocked at Winter's apparent lack of diplomacy but trusted the priest knew what he was doing. He appreciated the man's viewpoint as well and knew that Mercus would be beaming after hearing that.

Silsavar's expression darkens and he furrows his brows, as he answers very slowly

This is not your home here...I understand your point but wtach your tongue...You will stay at the guest house and I will speak with Eviana. You will be informed of her decision tonight.

The elves lead you into Crying Leaf, through the wall of thorns and to one of the guest houses. A sturdy building made of stone and wood adorned with the carving of a hunt scene.

Oi Winter, me guesses you and the elf won't become super-duper-buddies, eh? Mercus says and winks at the aasimar.

Bree is truly and utterly shocked, she had completely expected Winter to agree to their terms, with ease, and then convince the rest of the group that it was the proper thing to do. However, he refusal was done with such weight that she knows no other way but to instinctively interpret that it means these people are a threat. She does not relax, she keeps at least one hand on a knife at all times and refuses keeps her back to the wall.

"No, I don't believe we will be super duper buddies. First we are implored to come, which we do, and rather than be treated like honoured guests they greet us with drawn bows and haughty attitudes. They then proceed to dictate terms they expect us to abide by with no thought that we might be considered as peers and equals, but rather the whole tone is that we must tip our caps and bow subservience. Rather than take the correction of their assumptions with grace it turns to indignant 'watch yer tongues' just like Riddleport, and they still continue to try assert authority. Outrageous behaviour, truly outrageous. We weren't the ones that allowed our fine city to be over run by Drow, no we repelled the Drow threat from ours. Suppose they don't appreciate the stain upon their honour"

"Let them come to us as allies and equals, let them treat each and every one of us as an esteemed guests, let them ask of us, not command us, remind them that it is us who is here to help them and us who have come here of our own free wills and at the request of their man, and not as mercenaries in employ nor as beggars looking for hand outs."

Kabal was finding himself agreeing more and more with Winter as the man explained how it stood.

Youve got the right of it priest. I aint much for their attitude thats for sure.

"Could be, after decades of getting pushed out of their home to the very edge of the forest, no one ever came along and said, "Hi. We're here to help." I think we took them off their script and they are not very good at improvisation."

"Quite right Sebastian, quite right". Winter begins making himself comfortable. "Perhaps they would not have been pushed so far had they the sense to place their pride to the side and enlist the help of the men of the Calphiaks or the Shoanti of the plains, rather than stubbornly maintaining insularity"

"No less than four of us here have Elven ancestry, some more apparent than others I'll admit, but if thats the warmest greeting they can manage for those that are kin...." Winter lets the rest up to the imagination.

Caterine just shrugs "What do you expect?... they're elves. And I don't think they count bastards as pure enough for their own." as though that was sufficient explanation of their actions.

"And their plight is a dire example to others of when you stick to the 'family' part and not the 'community' part. Erastil implores us to consider both. Whilst good fences make for good neighbours, they can also make for a slow death alone in private with no one coming to aid you."

In turn to Cat, "I don't know, Sable isn't so bad and I'm even getting use to his bird. You others with elf blood are OK too, I suppose. I like Kwava alright. I thought they were just being cautious..."

"Aye, but Sable's an elf - these are elves. Can be perfectly personable as an individual, but put them together in a community and..." shaking her head.

After you had about an hour to settle and place your things into the finely crafted wardrobes and chests, someone knocks on the door of your guest house

Visitors. Mercus says and points at the door with one of his dried sausages.

Kabal wasnt about to put his things in the provided storage in case this whole deal went horribly bad. So he was free to go to the door and open when the knocks came.

"What news then I wonder"

Winter answers the door.

Bree also keeps her belongings, as usual, secure in her bag and within arms reach.

In front of the door, Silsavar, two other guards and a beautiful elven woman with long blonde hair flowing down her back, wearing a white gown that is nearly transparent, wait for you. She wears a crown of leaves and leaves also cover the back of her hands.

Her voice sounds like molten gold and how ever cautious you were, she easily wins your hearts with her aura.

I welcome you to Crying Leaf, friends of Kwava and the Shin-Rakorath. I'm sorry that our weapon master wasn't as welcoming to you as would have been appropriate, but these are dark times and our numbers dwindle with every heartbeat. We can't risk being too friendly to a stranger. I'm Eviana, first of those living here.

"And I am Winter, and these are my fine companions. Bree and Caterine, Sebastian, Sable, Korvax, and Mercus; consider us strangers no longer. When numbers dwindle and the forces of Darkness push hard upon your borders, know that you have allies who would heed your call...we're here to help"

Rising to the occasion, Winter extends his full angelic presence to fill the room, radiant and warming... the area positively glows as he stands and speaks, the notes of his voice almost musical as his accent takes on the note of the language of the celestials. He catches the Elven womans eye with a strong and supportive gaze, looking deep within her, possibly to her soul.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

See? Two of us can play the Galadriel glowy glowy Elf routine! Angel Radiance > Elven Luminance

You're such a blowhard :)

The elves turn around yawning and mumbling something about "not this again"...j/k

-----

Eviana returns the warm smile and even Silsavar's expression lights up, Winter seems to have broken the ice entirely.

It is good to hear that we still have friends and allies beyond the forest's border. You have the demeanour of a prince, of a true leader, Winter. And even though I already know you wouldn't see yourself as the leader of this small fellowship, you are exactly that. Maybe you can extend your leadership to the armed men and women left here in Crying Leaf. I'm no fighter and my strategic advice has often been ill in the past...sadly our traditions forbid us to choose a different war leader than than me, only a foreigner may take that post.

Eviana says and Silsavar's expression darkens again - something that doesn't go unnoticed

Certainly no super-duper buddies. Mercus mumbles.

Kabal stood against the wall with his arms crossed. He wasnt sure why he wasnt introduced but... Sable's god's damned bird was... but it had him fuming...and then this b*!@& assumes Winter's our leader?...Bah! Ive half a mind to make a few decisions against the grain just to prove it aint so... He spit to the floor and butted into the conversation.

What the feck are you talking about? Taking over as leader of your military? Bah! We're only here so you can point the way to Cledwyndon or whatever the feck its called so we can save Bree's brother.

Mercus nudges Kabal and under his breath comments

Yeah, use all your diplomatic mojo, don't hold back!

Caterine chuckles at Kabal's outburst, but keeps her mouth shut.

Sebastian does a graceful bow when introduced.

Upon Kabal's outburst, he steps forward. "What friend Kabal means is that, of course we can aid in any defenses while we are here, working with your veteran troops and the weapon master to perhaps better fortify this location. But our true mission is to take the fight to the enemy. Cledwyndon is our goal. It is more than a skirmish that we seek to prevent."

Diplomacy -> 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Have to be careful not to outshine Glow-boy. ;-)

Bree rushes to Kabal's side, loops her arm through his and gently tugs him back as she raises to her tiptoes and whisper's quietly in his ear, "Oh be quiet, you brute! No one meant any insult to any of us. Please now, calm down. Please?" She continues to try to convince the man to move his feet and follow her to the back of the group. She's seen what can happen when he gets upset, she knows how easy it is for him to go over the edge and she desperately doesn't want that to happen. Not here, not now.

Kabal was surprised at Bree's reaction and more so by her arm through his and stifled the warning growl that threatened to rumble in his chest. He let her lead him away knowing he'd only look like a bigger fool if he resisted.

Winter can't resist the smile forming, as though things are going just the way he wants them to.

"And here is Kabal, who is exactly the man you need for the honour, and you can see why. Strong, forthright, commanding, demanding, and with a taste for battle, he is quick to rise to the fight and is the correct man to take the battle to the Drow. With his guidance you will push back into your territories and the Leaf will Cry no more. This fellow is my nominee for War Leader, of course that is should he accept, and I know he will... Kabal?"

There's that look in Winters eye that simply and silently says to Kabal, 'Thanks for being you'.

Ha! Nice cover, Winter :P

Bree thanks Kabal quietly for not destroying the whole village over a perceived slight. At Winter's words, she realizes she's still clinging to the man and hastily removes her arm from his, her face flushing red now that everyone is likely looking. She trains her eyes on the ground.

As Bree let go Kabal realized that she had somehow calmed him down. He raised an eyebrow and listened to the proposal and at first he thought Winter might be toying with him. He dismissed that notion handily as he didnt think the priest would kid around in such a situation. He threw up his hands in a sign of defeat.

Fine. I'll do it but only if this lot can assure me that theyre committed. Once blood starts spilling we dont stop spilling it until all of those dark hearted bastards are sent to the Nine Hells to rot. We finish them for good. Savvy?

Before Eviana is able to asnwer, Silsavar makes a step forward and tears a small bag from his belt. He opens it and in it are about 40 canines.

23 dead drow...I'm as committed as you can be, believe me. the elven weapon master seems happy with the decision that it is not Winter who has become the leader, but Kabal.

Whether or not Eviana feels the same way is hard to tell, but she accepts Winter's decision and says I think your friend...Kabal..is a wise choice. We still have forty men and women under arms, all eager to reclaim the ruins of Celwynvian. Now, what do you need of us?

Smiling Sable bows, "Well met, my lady. I would like to thank you for hosting our flock, and I do assure you our plight is the same. We share a common foe in the predators the fly unseen, our black feathered cousins. We have faced their talons already, and we are eager to break their wings before they gain a foothold in their nestings. My friends are true and the winds have brought us together for this cause. Storms have hindered our flight, so perhaps we are not in the best of moods for song and birdcalls. I am Sable Eboncrow, at your service as long as you need it. Any information or assitance you could aid us against these drow would be welcome and appreciated."

After Sable has finished, Bree steps forward, "I have reason to believe that they hold my brother captive. I have spent years searching for him. I offer my personal assistance only under the condition that your men and women are all informed to be looking for, and attempt to rescue any human men they find." She goes on to explain that she can't give an exact description of his appearance because he was still so young the last she saw him, but offers her estimation of what he might look like and that his name is Brandon.

Winter looks at the teeth with a slightly appreciative expression "A commendable effort, commendable indeed. Of course, one measures a fighter by the number of lives he has taken, whereas one measures the worth of a warrior by the number he has saved" he then moves away from the mans gauche display.

"Eviana, Kabal is most assuredly the person for this job, an uncompromising man for an uncompromising foe. What we need is any information you may have, on the city itself or the foes in general. Do you have maps? Are there any key buildings needing capture first... that sort of business. As we are partners in this venture, we need also to know what the provisions are for the sharing of any spoils captured or liberated, including Brees requirement to be on the lookout for human captives, or any captives really"

"Now, are we to be confined to our lodgings, or are we free to wander Crying Leaf to admire its beauties and to hear the tongue of the Elves spoken in its native and pure form?"

Kabal disagreed with Winter's assessment of Silsavar's trophies...a man willing to take that from his enemy's corpse is a man willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done...he'll do just fine...

Impressive. Well met Silsavar.

The Brevian will grasp the elf's forearm in the way of kindred warriors. He'll wait to hear Winter's questions answered. While not seeing the priest as leader per say he still greatly respected the man's judgement as well as all of his friends' and would take as much counsel as he could get.

Caterine is happy to keep out of the line of attention for now, idly playing with the handle of her whip. When Winter talks of terms Caterine pipes up "You want us to take any living... or is it Riddleport Grins for all?"

Riddleport Grin = Glasgow Grin - or slit throat.

Silsavar was close to take Winter's judgment of him personally, but Kabal's friendly words made the fighter ignore the aasimar for now.

Well met Kabal, I would even follow you into the cold wastelands of Hell, if the drow hid there.

Eviana lays her hand on Winter's forearm and her surprisingly warm touch makes you wonder if she is some kind of sorceress or priestess; she nods and smiles

I have no worries that Kabal could be the wrong man for the mission, I trust your judgement. Of course you are allowed to explore Crying Leaf. I can't say much about the division of spoils, shouldn't the leader of the war band decide that? He should also tell his soldiers about the human captive, this is now all Kabal's responsibility.

Bree turns to Kabal with possibly the biggest smile anyone has ever seen on her, relief is written clearly on her face.

Having watched the interactions between his host and Winter and even Bree and Kabel, he mutters to himself, "Ah...and now we get to add in the melodrama in our saga." He finds himself glancing over at Sable and Caterine and wondering if there was any potential there to further season the story, but when Cat looks over and sees him staring, he quickly looks away.

Mercus just grins and gulps down another piece of his sausage.

Caterine just follows along in silence... still somewhat confused as to how a few minutes ago they weren't even going to speak with them... and now they had wholsesale handed over military control to Kabal. She mutters "Wonders never cease"