Eberron - Echoes of the Past (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Harry

Apologies about the delay in posting- had to deal with some browser based de-cluttering and all that really "fun" stuff.

Gauntlet of Sharn wrote:

Pink-Eye wrote:

bump and waiting for diplomacy minded players to approach Fallin

Erix d'Orien wrote:

Erix is opting to hang back atm. He doesn't want the first person Fallin sees to be a member of the House that exiled him.

That basically leaves Xetovia or Ama to talk to him then...otherwise someone will need to come get Gauntlet to talk to him if neither wants to do it. NOTE: No diplomacy should be needed here...yet. He should be expecting us? Right?

Heh, what sorta guy wouldn't wanna get the chance to speak with two perfectly fine ladies (all at once) out of the blue in some rundown bar? ;p

On a more serious train of thought, if Erix doesn't wish to initiate conversation with Fallin (Xetovia will inquire Erix about the whys but will agree with his reasoning) but wishes to monitor the situation just in case of trouble, then either Ama or Xetovia will have to go up to Fallin while the other goes to inform Caelan and Gauntlet of the latest development (a message spell could work as well?).

Grateful for both the offered drink from Meridian and the impromptu "cleanup" of their immediate seating arrangement, via prestidigitation, by Ama, Xetovia expresses her verbal "blessings of the flame" to the both of them while awaiting the results of Erix's preliminary scouting sortie inside of the rundown tavern commons.

When the little kobold goes up to Meridian and starts to babble to the taller Dragon-Touched in a language decidedly unfamiliar to Xetovia's ear, the Thranish Vampire Hunter pretty much writes it off as some possible acquaintance of Meridian's that was here to make some small talk (but only after making certain that it wasn't some sort of thievery attempt on the part of the kobold)... although the bemused look upon Ama's face as the kobold kept "speaking" had Xetovia wondering if there wasn't something more going on than was readily apparent at first glance.

Taking a 10 to both Perception on the kobold and Sense Motive to Ama with a 16 to both.

Alternatively, either Erix or Pink-Eye (I'm guessing that Pink-Eye is sitting with the party then or is he off in his own corner of the bar?) could also go and inform Gauntlet and Caelan, since Meridian will have her hands full dealing with a drunken, love-struck kobold? ;)

As soon as Erix arrives back to report his findings to his fellow party members (plus one drunken kobold!) that are inside of the tavern, Xetovia will ask Erix (after a bit of some belching interruption by that very same kobold), "Should we all just go and make ourselves known to this Fallin then or should just the one of us still inside of here, perhaps two, go up to him and his hobgoblin friends?"

When Erix mentions of his reluctance to initially go to Fallin, Xetovia will be understanding of his reasons why (if openly mentioned). The Thranish Vampire Hunter would be willing to go up to Fallin if asked to do so, whether singly or in a paired group; She'll definitely ask if there's some special sort of passphrase to use.

Naturally, Dol Durand would likewise partake of the ale (while Xetovia is busy conferring with Erix) by dipping a pinky finger or two inside of the drinking cup and its' liquid contents although it remains unknown if the possessed hand could actually ingest anything that way...

Come to think of it, would Erix understand the Draconic language so that he'd know what the kobold just said?

Meiridan looks at the kobold, trying to hide a mixture of amusement and embarrasment, replying in draconic.

When he mentions knowing Fallin, she turns to Erix and Xetovia, "Do you need an introduction, this fellow here claims to know him."

Pink Eye sits and sips his drink and looks at his friends as they all sit trying to decide who is going to go talk to this guy and what they might say and so Pink Eye says why are we talking to this guy in the first place again? He have a job for us or some such? For Balinor's sake, I will go and have a word with the damned fellow if no one else will just to get this over with and get out of this stink.

He's our contact for the next leg of our journey...into the Mournland. He knows where we are going exactly or is planning on leading us to it. I think.

Holy crap, I totally forgot to pick Erix's languages! He gets 4 extra, Draconic would definitely be one! Good catch Xet!!

Erix turns to the Kobold

Holy crap, I totally forgot to pick Erix's languages! He gets 4 extra, Draconic would definitely be one! Good catch Xet!!

No worries, Erix; glad to be of help with you getting those language choices. :)

Taking a 10 to both Perception on the kobold and Sense Motive to Ama with a 16 to both.

On further thought, perhaps I should've reversed the actions to where Xetovia had to Sense Motive on the Kobold for any thievery attempts and Perception to Ama to see if Xetovia notices the Librarian trying to hold back her amusement at the Kobold's expressed drunken verbal antics? Either way, with a Take 10 (although I could still roll for both upon request), both should still be at 16 repectively.

After Xetovia finishes asking Erix if they should all go or if just some of them should go and make contact with Fallin, Meridian pipes in about how the Kobold, who had been "conversing" with the Dragon-Touched, knew of this mysterious Fallin person.

At that point, Pink-Eye, feeling a bit impatient about all of the hesitation at going up to Fallin, expresses his displeasure at all of this dawdling around in no uncertain terms. Instead of making any further explanations, Erix immediately turns to the Kobold and starts to converse with the small-sized humanoid in its' very own language (as far as Xetovia is aware of, at any rate), much to the Thranish woman's surprise.

Had this silly thought, if the drunk Kobold were to take all of the ladies to see Fallin like Erix suggested, would Pink-Eye still want to go with all of them anyways (not understanding Draconic, irregardless)? :)

Pink eye is a gentleman regardless and a loyal friend, so he would go

Ama listened to the exchange with some curiosity, and then looked down at her drink, then to the others who seemed to be listening in to the exchange between Erix and the kobold that had approached Meridian. This was not her area of expertise, and did not have the faintest idea of what the "proper" method to approach someone in a place like this. She had read a fair amount of stories about seedy taverns and proper ways to approach or else the worst would happen to the individual who inquired in the wrong manner. In this kind of city, there was no telling what kind of thing the "worst" was. It would not have surprised her to learn that the hand that was nailed to the sign was someone that approached someone in here the wrong way.

Put like that, she realized that being the one to approach was not something that she was going to volunteer for, and shrunk into her chair a little further, trying to look unobtrusive.

Pink eye is a gentleman regardless and a loyal friend, so he would go

Sounds good to me, ooc-wise. :)

Luckily, while Xetovia wouldn't really understand what's going on due to her lack of familiarity with the draconic language, if the exchange between the kobold and Erix ever does get spelled out in the common language for her, she'll definitely have that moment of confusion when Pink-Eye comes along for the moral support ("Wait, you're a Lady too?"). ;)

Put like that, she realized that being the one to approach was not something that she was going to volunteer for, and shrunk into her chair a little further, trying to look unobtrusive.

More opportunities for misunderstandings to abound (Erix didn't just tell off that kobold, did he?). ;)

Ok this is getting ridiculous, somebody come get Gauntlet and I'll talk to the guy. We aren't going anywhere otherwise...

Caelan nudges Gauntlet and says, "I'm not seeing anything out here and this is taking too long. C'mon, let's go see what's happening inside."

Guys, I have us a potential in for the others to be introduced to our man. We're just waiting for Shadow to reply. He's just been having a crappy last couple of months.

So...do you want us to wait a little longer then? A day or week?

For the GM? I mean, let's say I post right now that I come outside and get you and Caelan, and then you immediately post talking to the the NPC. Then what? We still have to wait for Shadow. You guys make it seem like this has taken a long time in game, when in reality, it's probably been only a few minutes. We walked in, got drinks, talked to the kobold, how long do you think all that took??

I geti, it's frustrating that the game is moving at such a slow pace, but the GM is getting his ass kicked IRL. You don't like it, leave. Nobody is forcing you to stay.

Me? I love Shadow's games, even if the pace and the fact that I gotta sometimes wait extra long for a post kills me. So I'll stick around till either the game is successfully completed or he kills it off. Knock on wood, the latter never happens.

For the GM? I mean, let's say I post right now that I come outside and get you and Caelan, and then you immediately post talking to the the NPC. Then what? We still have to wait for Shadow. You guys make it seem like this has taken a long time in game, when in reality, it's probably been only a few minutes. We walked in, got drinks, talked to the kobold, how long do you think all that took??

I geti, it's frustrating that the game is moving at such a slow pace, but the GM is getting his ass kicked IRL. You don't like it, leave. Nobody is forcing you to stay.

Me? I love Shadow's games, even if the pace and the fact that I gotta sometimes wait extra long for a post kills me. So I'll stick around till either the game is successfully completed or he kills it off. Knock on wood, the latter never happens.

Ok...relax. I promise its just a question. I never meant any offense to you or the GM. I honestly was just asking for a time estimate in your opinion. The slow pace isn't bothering me. I was just worried that (it seemed) like everyone was not wanting to talk to the guy for some odd reason. I was also worried the GM was waiting for one of US to step up and speak to the guy first. That's all. Again, no worries here if you've already got something planned. I'm in 3 different games from Shadow currently. If I was frustrated with him or this game, he'd know it by now. Some GM's like for the PCs to take some role-playing license when they are away in order to keep things going. That's all I was suggesting. I have no problem keeping Gauntlet right where he is. Especially since we (as a group) seem to have lots of bad things happen in these alcohol-infused kinds of establishments...

I'm waiting on Shadow to reply as the kobold, to see if he'll introduce the ladies to our man, as I believe that's the best option. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who is actively avoiding talking to him, but I'm not sure.

I should be taking my fair share in being partly to blame for all the in-character "dithering about" towards approaching Fallin. :(

Admittedly, from Xetovia's standpoint, she had asked Erix about how we should approach him (not sure if Erix made it verbally clear to the group in-game that neither he nor Caelan didn't want to be the ones to approach Fallin first due their house affiliation) but might or might not have really gotten the chance to ask him about why he was reluctant to do so before Meridian informs them both about the Kobold knowing Fallin personally.

From there, Pink-Eye chimes in about wanting to go up and directly talk to Fallin if no one else would and Erix goes and makes his offer to the smitten Kobold in the draconic language (Ama being the only other one besides Meridian, the kobold, and Erix to understand what's being said).

At that point, from Caelan's timely prompting, should both Gauntlet and Caelan enter into the bar at that same exact moment or should it occur either earlier or later? Either way, they both would have to approach our table first to find out what's going on and why there's a Kobold with us, if unless Caelan would also immediately recognize who Fallin is and is able to point him out to Gauntlet.

I suppose there's a case to made that things could be far more simpler for the GM to update with by going for the more direct approach, as it were, but Erix does make a compelling point about the kobold though. :)

Rhukaan Draal - The Clenched Claw - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago

Sorry for the delay there folks!

The Kobold grins at Erix, and responds in slurred common, "Fallin cant'sssh apprecciate a good womansss like thissss onesss. But for a drink I'ss will doesssh it".

Once he gets the drink he was promised, he motions for Meridian, Ama, and Xetovia to follow him to the man's table.

"Fallin, thesshe ladies want to speak to you. For um ah um.. whashissh for anyhow?"

The two hobgoblins chuckle and stand up one turns to him,

Fallin nods to the Hobgoblins as they step away, "Thank you Feesh. I am sure they have business like anyone else would. How can I help you". HIs tone is even his face neutral.

Feesh stands there grinning at Meridian clearly infatuated.

The rest of the group observes the interaction with a bit of tension at first as the Hobgoblins rose. They walked away without incident though and are not looking back at the table as they make their way to the bar.

Reminder, you are here for the Rose Quarry.

Pink Eye stands up and makes his way to the bar and orders a second drink and sips standing at the bar watching the group as they interact with Fallin.

Thank you again, GM the Dragon Above; hopefully, this meeting with Fallin will give us our next clue on where to go to next. :)

Seeing how Ama starts to shrink into her chair, Xetovia half wonders for a moment if Erix had said something untowards to the drunken kobold. Fortunately, the kobold gives his reply in the common tongue about getting a drink and... something about appreciating a good woman?

From the way the kobold was still keeping his eye, tipsy as it was, firmly upon Meridian while Erix was busy purchasing a fresh drink as promised, it slowly starts to dawn upon the Thranish Vampire Hunter that the innocuous appearing conversation between those two "acquaintances" may not have been quite as innocent as was first thought.

That does explain both Meridian's abashedly reluctant sounding tone of reply to that drunken kobold and Ama's earlier amused expression from before. But if that's all that it was- and Erix made just a friendly offer for a drink, then why is Ama looking so...uncomfortable?

That answer becomes all too obvious once the smitten kobold has his fresh drink in hand (complements of House d'Orien indeed!) and starts motioning to Meridian, Ama, and... herself!? Xetovia shoots a questioning look over to Erix, who gives his (nonverbal?) cue of assent to the three ladies of the party that this is all part of the plan.

I'm guessing that Meridian would certainly have to go or else the kobold wouldn't go over to Fallin without her; does Ama end up going along too? An argument could be made that the kobold wouldn't leave with all three ladies though. ;)

As the kobold's new entourage slowly make their way towards where Fallin and the two hobgoblins are sitting at, Xetovia asks in a low whisper to the others, "Just what is going on?"

During the tense moment with the two hobgoblins, Xetovia (and even Dol Durand) waited to see what would occur with bated breath- and a conscious effort towards being ready to draw weapons at a moment's notice. Whether thanks should be given to the unseen, blessed hand of the Silver Flame, such a grim result would never come to pass and Fallin makes his calm query to the those gathered before him.

Giving a quick glance to the others accompanying her (except for that drunken kobold), Xetovia steels herself with a sharp intake of breath and says to Fallin, "We come at the bequest of the Lady of House Cannith West; we were told to seek you out for the Rose Quarry.", in as calm and authoritative of a manner as she could muster (under the circumstances).

The tankard was too small to hide behind, but Ama brought it anyway. She was so far out of her depth with this situation that she tried to make sure that all she was doing was showing support by coming, but she had no idea how she appeared to anyone else looking on. At least she was appreciative that she was not the most obvious one, in that Pink-Eye and Gauntlet almost made her seem invisible just by their presence. When Xetovia spoke up, she tried to seem neutral about it, but was aware that it was probably a pointless effort.
________________________
I clearly belong here! Bluff check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Rhukaan Draal - The Clenched Claw - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago

Failin smiles at Ama who is so clearly out of place he cannot fail to see it, "House Cannith eh? Well, as you all are here it's you who will employ me so I care not who you all work for.

The Rose Quarry is very far away. Near the border, near the gray mist an abandoned mining town. I can take you. Yes. But it will cost you. Sixty gold each, forty up front. You bring your own supplies.”

Meridian's smile falters a little at the price, and she glances around to see the others' reactions.

Negotiators note: Group treasure = 500 gp in the magical backpack! That should cover the fee easily for everyone.

Pink eye for a moment considers turning the guy into smashed goo as a negotiation tactic but then pauses and waits to hear what the group might say.

Should we "handwave" gathering everybody else besides Meridian, Ama, and Xetovia to meet Failin or should we play out getting all the others together to meet him as well? Xetovia would've definitely asked Ama to get Caelan and Gauntlet inside though (having noted the former Librarian's nervousness). And what should be done with our kobold associate in the meantime?

Failin smiles at Ama who is so clearly out of place he cannot fail to see it, "House Cannith eh? Well, as you all are here it's you who will employ me so I care not who you all work for.

The Rose Quarry is very far away. Near the border, near the gray mist an abandoned mining town. I can take you. Yes. But it will cost you. Sixty gold each, forty up front. You bring your own supplies.”

Sense Motive to notice Ama's Bluff brave front: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12.

Know:Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11.

Sense Motive on Failin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24.

Heh, probably should've taken 10 for the Know:Local... ;)

Seeing that Failin seems willing to be helpful for now (?), Xetovia will answer the former member of House Orien with furrowed brow and a questioning look, "The border of the grey-mist?". Xetovia frantically tries to recall if she's ever heard of a mining town by that name.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Local

Try as he might, Erix can't recall what the grey-mist means, but then Xetovia asks, so it doesn't matter.

"Hmm, sixty gold a piece seems like an awful lot. How about forty each, and a cut of anything we find?" Erix offers, finally breaking his silence. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Diplomacy

Ama's drink was forgotten as she paid close attention to the negotiations. In truth, she was also trying and failing to not pale at the thought of going into the Mournland. She was going to have to have some sort of a plan ready for where they were going, because if she got caught off-guard, things were not going to look good for them.

Caelan glances about the room for his companions as he and Gauntlet return inside, and he signals with two fingers toward Xetovia to let her know that he's spotted them. When he notices that negotiations are already underway, he hangs back for a moment, but seeing that Erix has decided that House Cannith affiliation is not a barrier for now, he makes his way over to the team.

Gauntlet hesitates to enter further into the bar at first, his kind are often not allowed inside such establishments since Warforged need no food or drink. But since no persons inside seem to object outright, he approaches obviously and carefully, intending not to disturb the meeting too much with his obvious bulk. Hanging out a bit behind Ama, in a vague attempt to reassure her that he is there if she needs help, he tries to listen in on the haggling.

Rhukaan Draal - The Clenched Claw - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago

Failin frowns at Erix as he looks him over, "Very well, that seems like a reasonable deal. NO time like the present to start purachasing supplies eh?"

He gives a quick glance at the group as you all assemble, "Wow a lot of you". Leaving the leering drunken Kobold behind he heads out of the Clenched Fist. "My land cart is hidden nearby. I can take you to the best stall in the market for supp..."

Before he can finish his sentence, another Kobold steps out from a side alley, "Failin, you cheat us! You cheated Snogg foremost and Snogg does not like that one bit".

"I've the funds to pay your Master back as soon as I finish this job Kleex".

"Oh, I think it's too late for that, you'll need to come with me human".

Failin pauses with your group behind and the Kobold just 8' ahead.

Actions?

go away you little bug before you get smashed and left to rot. He is getting paid you'll get paid. Pink eye snarls a bit really just wanting to be out of this filth hole.

intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Erix steps forward, hand gently resting on his whip. "Look friend, there's six of us, which means even if you have a group with you, any sort of fight will be at best, unpleasant, for all involved. We need Fallin to be our guide, and after we pay him, he'll in turn pay your Snogg. As a scion of House Orien, you know my word is good."

Ama looks startled by the appearance of the Kobold and Pink-Eye interjects first. She was looking a bit aggreived at this point, wanting to take the time to get these scrolls into her spellbook, and a delay that was possible with this was taxing. She did look a bit relieved when Erix stepped in, and waited to see what the response would be.

Gauntlet realizes he may not know goblins or kobolds very well, but a gang is always a gang regardless of what you know...

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Just trying to get a sense of whether pissing off this kobold is a good idea or not...

Rhukaan Draal - The Clenched Claw - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago

Failin turns to Erix in shock at his pronouncement.

Gauntlet considers the city in which the group stands now is not exactly a good place to threaten a Kobold, though Pink-ye IS a Minotaur. Gauntlet's musings are quickly confirmed as true as 8 burly Bugbears step out from the alley way behind the Kobold each carries a large club some with spikes protruding from them.

The Kobold chuckles, "If you've coin now, why should we wait? Hand it over now, what's the difference eh? I'm sure Failin will make good on his promise, so long as you keep him in sight".

Seeing how this sudden encounter is leaning, Gauntlet tests the tightness on the group's magical backpack strapped to his shoulders as he comments in his normal deadpan voice.

"We do not have time for distractions my scaly friend. Failin is needed now and in good health, and we currently have a binding contract for his services. Whatever deal or problems you have are none of our concern, unless you intend to take him away or harm him, then we must interject. While it is obvious you have brought plenty of friends of your own, I can assure you we are a determined and experienced group. You will not dissuade us from our goal, so do you not think it best for all parties involved that you put aside your...objections to Failin leaving with us and talk to him again once he returns?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Yuch. OK, with all that said he spends 3 points from his Magis pool to summon his Largest Mindblade: Shadows and dust seem to coalesce into a large two-hand blade of black material that seems to eat the light, but does not glimmer like normal metal.

Caelan rolls his head to one side and then the other, his right hand tightening until the knuckles are white. "If we're gonna dance, let's do it," he says in a deadpan voice.

"Who said anything about having the coin now? We're on a recovery mission."

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 Bluff

Pink eye turns completely upset at the news that the coin is lost muttering just like a human to lose our money. grumbling

Rhukaan Draal - The Clenched Claw - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago

The Kobold scowls at Erix's words and he narrows his eyes at Pink-Eye's mutterings, "Then we will need collateral or dance we shall".

Dragon, as it's been quite some time, is there anything we have that could serve as collateral? I'm sure Erix would know, but Monkeygod has forgotten, lol

We have some gold and platinum coins in the magical backpack, but a lot of it is to pay our guide and other expenses. I wouldn't trust the Kobold's group with cash anyway. I'm pretty sure this is going to end in a fight if we want to leave with the guide intact any time soon. Now if we paid the guide in advance, and then he paid his debt...or at least some of it...then we might avoid a fight. Possibly. Convincing Failin to do that? I know I can't do it, especially if we want him to work with us rather than ditch us the first chance he gets."

Xetovia, while keeping her focus upon the gathered group of Kobolds and Bugbears, will lean in close to Failin and whisper to the indebted Guide, "Just how much in debt are you to this Snogg person?".

Of course, if it came down to a "dance", Xetovia was certain that with Dol Durand's assistance, she'll be ready for whatever comes, Silver Flame willing.

I think we had some gems that we haven't traded for coins yet, if those would be of any help?

Rhukaan Draal - The Streets - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago

Failin whispers back, "About half of what I am charging al of you".

Gauntlet and Xetovia are correct, there is a mix of GP, PP, and Gems in the bag that could be used to pay this creature or you could just try and kill all of them. Of course, if anyone from the streets decide to jump in that could be trouble...

"How much does he owe you? We don't have much, but I will gladly offer you some of my own personal coin as collateral. It's about the best I can do. I would really rather not die, nor would I wish any of you to die either."

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Diplomacy. It would be *really* good if a few of you can assist me, just in case!

Pink eye looks at Erix and says I am all for him paying his coin for what he lost let's settle this fairly for all

I am playing that your earlier bluff worked on me

aid another,diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 12(get +2 from me!)

"This town runs on graft, eh?" says Caelan. He brushes back his hair with one hand, though his other hand stays on his baldric. "Look, let's just get this over with and maybe we can get through a day without any maiming?"

Diplomacy: Aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Dismissing his large black blade, Gauntlet nods.

"Every town runs on graft my friend. In most places however, it is just not as obvious about it."

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

A 2 then a 1. I'm so glad we're not in combat now. My diplomacy is soooooo bad.