Verdan...Fortune favors the bold adventurer!!! (Inactive)

Game Master Shadoven

"You maybe right Rifiki, but the creature promised us "safe passage" if we help it's master. A passage that we are not sure where it leads but if that creature knows it's ways around here then it could be helpful. I'm also curious if it really is a dragon. Oh and thank you Mel, I will also take my share of the treasure."

I see your point. Perhaps we should help this Meepo and see where it leads. Hell, I too would like to see if dragons do exist outside of the stories told to me as a child, with that he takes the jade figurine, plays with it in his palm, tries to determine its value real quick, then tucks it safely away in his belt pouch.

appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Just waiting for Meepo's answer GM.

Also, if Meepo notices the figurines being stolen, S'koth will demand their return to be given into the kobold's safe keeping - S'koth will assuage the grief of those "robbed" of their salvage rights by offering them equal payment for their "loss" in due course, as well as intimating that it is considered ignoble to "salvage" from the living. ;) If Meepo makes no fuss, they can keep their L007!

Melisaria was too busy looking at the makeshift altar and icons to pay much attention to the talk about dragons. "Are you saying there's a live dragon down here? And these kobolds kept it as a pet? In that cage? Surely, they mean a big lizard or something. Dragons don't exist, right?"

She turns a skeptical eye on the drow, pocketing one of the statuettes and a the witch doing the same. "Guess I could've predicted that. No honor either."

She respectfully allows S'koth to hold the rest. Even if she wasn;t exactly sworn to poverty, she had little need for money so far, and these items clearly belonged to others. "Taking coins from dead corpses might be different, but this feels like outright stealing. The poor owner is standing right there."

"Has the little kobold seen any of the heroes who are lost in here? Or any goblins bearing fruit?"

Meepo does not seem to notice, or if he does, does not care that the figurines are being taken. He does keep a suspicious eye on the "slaves" but beyond that he seems fine.

S'koth, you can tell from his tone, as well as the arrangement of his horns and length of his tail that he is indeed a He.

Meepo stands at his best attention in front of S'koth and again rattles off a string of Draconic in response to his question.

GM - BTW what number area is this?

(So as not to bog down in extraneous roleplay with the natives)

S'koth acts cordially with Meepo, assuming the role of benificent and powerful lord. He assures the kravatchi that he and his warband will rescue the "dragon", but in order to do so he needs some important information - he asks the kobold:
* if he has seen the previous party - "slaves I sent as an advance party"
* if this leader Yusdrayl is also kravatchi
* what color/size is Calcryx
* what exactly is Meepo's role/status - keeper of Calcryx? Apprentice?
* what are the kobolds' relations with nasty goblins generally
* do they share/overlap or compete for territory with said scum
* does he know of the goblin's magic apples
* what are the humanoid bones in the fire
* some general layout, including the purpose and outlet of the "keg"
* what does he know of the "Great Dragon, Almighty Ashardalon".
* who might have killed the goblins the party found earlier and scrawled the red runic inscription.

I'm assuming I don't need to make any skill rolls here - Meepo already seems enamored - if S'koth attempts to really pull the wool over the kobold's eyes or ask for something untoward then I can make some Bluff or Diplomacy rolls respectively.

This is area 15 for purposed of mapping.
These are Meepo's answers to S'koth's questions, in order...

The lizardman listens intently while the kobold fawns, wheedles, puffs and races through his answers. S'koth relays what he understands as best he can.

"Hrrrm. Ok, here is what the kravatchi said.

The ones we search for have been here, a warrior with a magic blade and a female arcanisst of ssome kind at leasst - they fought the goblins by all accounts, but where they are now he does not know.

Meepo is/was the dragon-keeper for his tribe, of which Yussdrayl - who claims dragon-blood heritage - is the leader.

Meepo's dragon Calcryx is "white like snow" so likely a frosst/winter/cold drake/dragonling or ssimilar. The goblins, whose territory the kravatchi are encroaching upon have sstolen Calcryx. So if we help Meepo find Calcryx, he ssays Yussdrayl will help uss."

S'koth pauses for a second after favouring Meepo with a lordly smile for his new adherent before turning back to the party and continuing:

"It is important to note that in Voss Drakoss we have a ssaying - "Trust a kravatchi only as far as you can whack him with your tail" - they are atrociouss liars and notoriouss sschemers - Meepo I trusst while he thinks I am Dragonscion and able to return him in glory to his tribe.

Apparently the kravatchi prey upon the goblins as a food source, but not with apples! Meepo sseems to think Yussdrayl might know of the other adventurers and the goblin apples...

According to Meepo, the kravatchi revere Ashardalon as a great progenitor/all father dragon."

S'koth pauses for a moment.

"Zharr - you would be able to communicate with the goblins, yess? You have concernss with uss allying for the moment however briefly or advantageously with the kravatchi? Perhapss we can find ssome advantage playing these two groupss off each other?"

"Yes, I can talk to them. Whether they will listen," he shrugs. "There's goblins and then there's goblins. Some tribes are practically feral. I don't mind alliances or political maneuvering, but the fewer promises we have to break in the process the better. That's to say, if we play 'em right, they can't accuse us of betraying them."

S'koth nods at Zharr's response.

"Well at ssome point, it's likely we'll have to break trusst with ssomeone. Hopefully in a strategic location of our choosing. Another thing, let's keep these ssenssitive disscusssions among ourselves brief and low. I haven't esstablished our friend doesn't speak Common."

Turning to Meepo, S'koth requests some logistic information regarding the likely whereabouts of the goblins and the possibility of material aid:

"Khuss va skepto graash - ness kho tlaa? Platiss kris skho vekk myssta?"

"If this Meepo can help us rescue the missing adventurers, I'm in for helping them with the goblins. Killing two birds with one stone, as it were."

"Well that sounds like we are all in agreement, but let's take it with a little precaution. Just like S'koth said, they're liars. Who knows if he keeps his promise after we help them. So whatever we do, let's always be a step ahead, hope you catch my drift."

Meepo dances over to the opening along the western wall that leads down a hallway, positively beaming with excitement now that his "hero" has arrived. He waves at everyone to follow him, yelping at S'koth.

Assuming the party follows Meepo...
Meepo leads the group through the western opening, into a long hallway that connects to three other rooms. Turning right around a corner, you emerge into a long hall. Deterioration and decay thrive here as everywhere; however, a double row of relief-carved marble columns march the length of the hall. The worn carvings depict entwining Dragons. Three small, horned Kobolds, bigger and stronger looking than Meepo, with fine weapons and armor, patrol the area. As you approach, they swiftly run towards you and level their spears in your direction, barking out commands in their crude Draconic, and questions at Meepo.

This is area 19 for mapping purposes. It connects to...
-Area 15-Meepos Lair, with 3 doors connecting to 17,16a, and a hallway.
-Area 21-Unexplored
-Area 16b-Unexplored
-Area 16c-Unexplored
-Area 13b-Unexplored
-Area 18-Unexplored
-Area 24-Unexplored
-Area 22-Unexplored
-Area 20-Unexplored

S'koth puffs up with immense power, rattling his falchion against his bone-scale armor.
"Skorr vakk! Eshk voss Calcryx? Eshk voss kassk fod? Dett so barr vul dak!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Yenli prepared for this scuffle, silently casts Dancing Lights around S'koth making him more intimidating.

She approaches S'koth and, "Master, they are just protecting themselves and their tribe. They are more than likely surprised to see you here too." as she gives S'koth a bow showing the kobolds that S'koth is of high importance or stature. "At ease, we are not here to hurt or kill you. We are here to help Meepo look for Calcryx. Is there any problem with that?"

Hedrroth postures behind S'koth, attempting to impress the kobolds with how powerful S'koth's warparty is.

Aid S'koth's Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Yenli, your spell and demeanour seem to have an impact, however it is obvious that the Kobolds do not understand common and look at you quizzically as you speak.

S'koth, you can smell the dank stench of fear as the Kobolds back a step away from you, raising their spears in a warding gesture as if they were trying to stand their ground, but failing miserably. At the mention of food and Calcryx, they perk up slightly, but you can tell you have crushed their spirits and terrified them.

Meepo steps forward and speaks up, begging the Elite Guards to hold their wrath and allow the "destined Dragonman" to speak with Yusdrayl. After a tense standoff in which you wonder if S'koth's intimidation would succeed or simply begin a battle, the Kobolds stand to the side and tell you to proceed forward, to "Yusdrayl on her Dragon Throne."

With Meepo leading the way, you proceed west down the hall, through the great opening at the end, and emerge into a large room. A short throne stands near the west wall, constructed of fallen bits of masonry stacked against an old altar. A small, horned figure in red dyed robes, with glowing crimson eyes sits in the throne, and a force of six heavily armed and armored Kobolds guard her. The altar's top contains a variety of of small items, while the portion of the altar that serves as the throne's back features a carving of a rearing Red Dragon. A mettalic key is held firmly in the rearing dragon's open mouth. As you enter, the Guards bound into position around the robed Kobold, who remains seated. She stares at each of you with an inscrutable glare, before speaking in heavily accented and somewhat crude common.
Warm Bloods, why have you intruded upon our sanctuary? Dragonman, speak for these intruders or share in their fate. Meepo, explain this desecration at once! Speak or our wrath shall be as fierce as any Dragon's flame!

As she speaks, you can hear movement behind you. Emerging from area 16c and 19, six more armed kobolds are moving up the great Hall of Dragons, three of which are the guards you just intimidated. All are wielding their weapons in a threatening manner.

What do you do?

You are in area 21, The Dragon's Throne.

Melisaria mutters a quick prayer to Eloria asking her blessing on the S'koth as he tries to keep them all safe by keeping up the facade. He gently brushes him to pass the spell.

Cast Guidance which gives +1 to skill check, attack, or save in the next minute.

Rifiki wil look defer the power/leadership role to S'koth. Hoping the Kobolds will fear him. If a fight is about to break out, Rifiki will attempt to fall back in the shadows and stealth to a better advantage point. He doesn't show weakness to the Kobolds, no matter what transpires between S'koth and Kobold Princess.

GM - Yenli speaks Draconic - I think she just neglected to mention that!

S'koth notes the dozen kobolds now arrayed about menacingly, and takes inthe imperious carriage of the kobold Yusdrayl. He betrays no fear, pauses to look around obviously and equally as imperious. He blinks, and nods as if all is to his liking.

"Fussar ki-kravatchi Yusdrayl, ssussu khi nahto! Chi fess torpass Khar Blasstak Khesskitar truuss juzna Darrein edd Rass edd Votaa edd Andar-khi-ssow! Sko ka sozz erss ik sautar tinkar skepto - ija glar fod - ess fo keess op edd dopp ess skepto-klass of oss ek vashtin skilto drakos Calcryx. Nek kho espa oota sklava (indicates party) evasp tepp - grikh ssa levoss tar, ess kho bekiah tass-plown fentass pullara ski glo.
(Pause for effect) Fussar Yusdrayl, kheb onno biass tudara izzoto shlasta - skoi tabi fintoss niko nar, noi otto sinaa. Cho issian bess kha fogh skhotar sko fess."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

S'koth bows, waiting for Meepo to ruin everything, for the kobolds to rush in or for Yusdrayl to act.

Where do you guys get the draconic translator lol! Yea I just forgot to say thay it's supposed to be in draconic.

Any chance I get any Aid Another on Diplomacy from any party members acting deferential to my supreme presence? We may have to mash some kravatchi, gang !!! ;)

Mel has been playing along with the bluff from the beginning. Bowing and scraping and acting deferential to S'Koth.

Aid Another, Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Yikes, sorry. Her normal derision for the monsters in her midst must show through her guise.

They are always welcome to roll appropiate checks! Thankfully, you have Meepo on hand. He is more useful than he appears...and it isnt relavant now, but don't forget anytime you are telling a falsehood or concealing information to make a bluff check!

Moments pass as Yusdrayl sits, contemplating what you have said. Finally, she stands swiftly, and the Kobolds began to press forward, brandishing their weapons. However, with a swift bark, she silences them all, rising and walking down the Throne until she is standing before S'koth.

She eyes you up and down, measuring you up, and even though you possess no arcane talent yourself, you can feel her power, raw and unrefined though it may be. Finally, she speaks.

She cocks her head to one side, contemplating S'koth's companions, looking at each of you in turn. She gestures dismissively with one clawed hand.

She looks at the rest of the group, the "warm bloods." In Common:
You are not slaves, you are companions. Tell me what you seek from this place, and what you hope to gain from my assistance. Tell me why I should not scour you from my lair.

Her tone is less hostile, and much more reasonable now, with perhaps a hint of respect. The other Kobolds back down, and some even relax, though none leave or truly lower their weapons yet.

I sense the possibility for alot of roleplay and diplomacy experience here in a few posts...and S'koth, you have not heard of anything called the Wandering.

Oops, forgot about the slaves-ruse! Bluff next time! Thx for heads up GM!

S'koth smiles his toothy smile and chuckles at the diminutive ruler. He relaxes his shoulders but retains his stance, tail on the ground to steady him. He speaks first in Common to his allies, as much for Yusdrayl's benefit as for theirs:

"Might Yussdrayl sees all, knows all, gives all. Let uss level with his honor and bring ours forth. I will sspeak first to ansswer charges laid againsst me, then it would perhaps be wise for us to engage Yussdrayl as our confidante."

S'koth turns and addresses Yusdrayl:

"Vess kho sayeil Vusdrayl - tirzhek oss edd faa! (Drops into bow). Kho siskar dekon strepkoss odd belass edd khoi. Kho furtaz mexkik toor spazhd berek shool Calcryx.

Esh pooss kho squrakar-ess, esstel passk or fehko shlator vi. Benaa Khiss, tol menda kri. Seppak khal vish towah huss?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19.

Mel will again shower the lizardman with Eloria's blessing asking her to guide his words.

Another Guidance makes that a 20.

I am here to help out some friends of my family. Their children have gone missing in here and I and my companions are here to find them or at least tell their parents what happened. They are a warrior and arcan caster of some sort. Please let us have safe passage in order to find them. Besides, isn't the "enemy of your enemy your friend"? Rifiki will convey this message after a quick bow to the princess.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

They came here, much as you did, but with much haste. They made there way into the Goblin held portion of the ruins, but they have not returned. My scales reported awful violence, especially from the Holy Warrior and his dreadful sword. In the end, though, the Goblins took them. I would not expect them back. Not unless He has need of them.

No more Diplomacy rolls. Between all of you, you have succesfully brought the Kobold Tribe of the Sunless Citadel to friendly, and in the case of S'koth, helpful.

I'm assuming that last exchange was in Common.

Hedrroth pauses briefly, trying to read the atmosphere of the room, uncertain if he should speak up. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

He finally makes up his mind, bows low towards Yusdrayl, and asks her, "If I may ask, who's this 'He' you speak of?"

"Ah where are my manners? My name is Yenli, I am here to help a neighboring town find someone of their own. I also heard a rumor, that something only heard from legends, can be found here, as a scholar I can't help it but I want to see it for myself. I have no intentions or desire to anger the ones residing in here." and with a slight bow she moves backward a little bit behind S'koth.

Yes, unless I tell you otherwise in a spoiler, assume it is Common.

"He" is the source of the Goblin's power, from what our captives have told us. Tall human in brown robes, he lives one level down. All we know for sure is he provides the fruit, though I do not know what they do with it. They haven't had access to the surface since we began taking over. He is rumoured to have magical powers over the earth.

Melisaria found this all quite interesting. The lost adventurers may be captives of a magical human with powers over the earth. Same man led the goblins. Goblins also had a dragon something not seen for years.

"Oh great Yusdrayl, how do we find the egress to lower level? Is it easy to access? If we brought back the dragon pet and smashed the goblins, would you show us?"

http://postimg.org/image/fuygsv903/ Current Map

Yusdrayl smiles, if you can call what she does with her maw smiling, and looks at Melisaria.

My scales can show you how to find the Goblins, where there filthy lair is. You will find our Dragon...and yes, I can see from the looks on your faces that you are shocked by that. Yes, it is indeed a Dragon. Not some craven mimic that us stupid and foolish Kobolds can't tell apart, im sure thats what many of you were thinking! But it is real, and it is ours! We have proven our power!!!

Her eyes flashing dangerously red, you can see small flames start to gather in her hands. She closes her eyes and takes several deep, shuddering breaths, and as the fire goes away she continues.

I will perhaps tell you more of that, and the Wandering, when, if, you return. My scales will show you the way. Bring back the head of the Goblin chief, and return my Dragon. Meepo will show you the way. Unless you have other questions, or wish to barter, or have other services you can provide me, we are done for now.

To S'koth, she bows with respect, in a much more deferential tone than she has shown the others, speaks to him in Draconic.

With that being said, she stalks back to her throne and sits down, drinking from what appears to be the bottom half of a goblin skull.

For those who wish to barter, she can provide an arcane scroll of Mage Armor, arcane scroll of Spider Climb, a divine scroll of Faerie Fire, and a Quaal's Feather Token Tree, all at normal cost. Each of these items are lying ontop of the altar. There is also a faintly glowing key gripped in the Dragon's mouth on the throne.

When prepared to go, Meepo will guide you towards the Goblin held portion of the Citadel. The door leading north, to area 24, connects to the Hall of Dragons(area 19). This would be the easiest route, but also the most heavily contested, as the Goblin's main entranceway. He can also take you back to his lair, area 15, and the door in the northwest corner of it leads to an area they have not explored much, but may very well connect to the Goblin held portions.

What will you do?

Everyone take 725 experience for overcoming the Kobolds, plus bypassing a few traps, through diplomacy.

Does the map link any of you to the image? It worked before I posted it and now it keeps taking me to my campaign tab.

the link takes me to the campaign tab also. Not sure it's referenced right as when I mouse over it, the campaign tab appears as the path....hmmm.

"I would love to trade for the divine scroll, but don't have enough coin or anything of value to barter. Maybe she'll give to us as rewards?", she thinks.

When they have a moment out of earshot of the kobolds she counsels with the others. "I think we should take the goblins head-on. Killing them is part of our mandate, and we should take the direct path in case the lost adventurers are in trouble. I trust in Eloria for protection and we have the kobolds to backstop us if we need assistance."

"It is still amazing to me that a real live dragon is down here somewhere. Amazing!"

Fixed link

Hedrroth has no interest in barter.

"If we take them head on then I'm afraid we could get outnumbered, compared if we take them in a more subtle way."

S'koth praises Yusdrayl again, and her wisdom, counsel and offer of aid and information.

S'koth confers with the party somewhat apart from the kobolds:

"I assk Hedrroth - what would you counssel? I prefer Melissaria's open approach as it may net us our losst visitors, and I fear the ssubtle path may lead uss further away from our goal, mandate and ssurety of finding the goblins. It is attractive though to ssneak up on the goblins if we know we can find the goblins, let alone the visitors and the dragon." He turns to Yusdrayl, speaking in common:

"Mighty Yussdrayl - of the two paths you sspeak of, which way did the mighty warrior and his arcanisst take - the contessted way, or the ssubtle, unknown path?"

"We were hired to find those idiots. That job takes precedence. We should follow their path."

And once we find them, then we decide what to do about the kobold's job, he thinks grimly.

Zar, how did you fix the link? And thank you! Group, what do you think of the map? Does it help?

Yusdrayl looks at the party.
I know not which path they took, nor do I truly care about their lives. I offer that information only because you deem it important.

Meepo suddenly steps forward, yipping excitedly in Draconic.

Map fantastic

S'koth votes following Meepo in the direction the lost warmbloods went.

Yenli is currently confused with what Meepo just said.

I'm doubly confused Yenli - Meepo is proposing we go the sneaky roundabout route that the warrior/arcanist/villagers we seek took. Or we can take the goblins head on. I thought you wanted the sneaky way?

At first I want the sneaky path so we don't barge into a room full of baddies but Meepo said that Calcryx is against it and it's stupid, plus the fact that they took that route and perished. So why still go that way if we know for sure that taking that route provides no advantage, might as well take them head on but with more caution and battle ready. Just a little change of mind lol.

Hedrroth is still in favor of following their path, half-hoping that they died before they met the goblins and that we can simply haul their corpses out and call it a day.

Waiting for rest of group to chime in with which direction they favor...if I havent been told otherwise by tomorrow, I will assume you are following the route through Meepos lair.

I guess we follow the path through Meepo's lair.

"Meepo, tell us if there's something unusual in your lair. It could be a trap set by those goblins."

I guess I am confused. Is the path through Meepo's lair the direct or circuitous route? Maybe that was in a Draconic Spoiler? I still vote for good honest heads up approach, but will follow the lead.