The silver armored man dispells the Darkness and holds a holy symbol forward, the zombies burst into silver flames and fall into little piles of ash.
After seeing that no one is in an overtly threatening posture, he askes, "Would every one come speak with me outside!" You get the feeling that this is not a request.
On the way out, two clerics brush past you, running to the bodies on the floor. Gaurds seize the red haired man and drag him outside to kneel beside the short woman.
Once outside you see a man in grey robes standing next to a large golem-like construct.
DC 10 Knowledge (arcana)
The silver armored man turns and says, "I don't recognize you six so you must be new in town. So I'm going to be lienient and give you a chance to plead your case before I order your executions for murder, disruption of justice, and animating undead!"
The silver armored man turns and says, "I don't recognize you six so you must be new in town. So I'm going to be lienient and give you a chance to plead your case before I order your executions for murder, disruption of justice, and animating undead!"
Jed holsters his pistols, looking indignant.
"I'm on your side, and I didn't do a damn thing!"
Ashur looks up at the guardsman.
"What was done was done in self defence and the defence of those being attacked. As for animating the dead, I do not have such an ability."
I step forward and say "I apologize for this disruption of your watch and your town. I am merely a traveler passing through. I was staying at this inn for the night but these people (gesturing at the bodies of the thugs) came in and begin attacking people. I defended myself the only way I am able. I apologize for the things that I animated attacked you. When you burst in I thought that you were reinforcements for the thugs and would attempt to harm. But none of your men were hurt so I offer to make reperations."
"Thank you for saving me! These thugs came in and started killing people! I hid as best I could and when that weird darkness came up I started for the door to escape. I thought that you were reinforcements for the thugs. I'm just a traveler who was staying here for the night." I say all of this while snuffling with feigned terror.
"I am Dahak, servant of the dragon Lord Zeranthex. I was merely a road weary traveler when these--" I motion with one hand, indicating the dead 'gang' members, "--brigands came in. I was called on by honor and order to help those in need. I justly assumed that it was the innkeeper being accosted, and strove to protect he who had welcomed me in to share his fire."
As I speak, my other hand slowly moves to hang my flail from a small hook on my side.
Jed holsters his pistols, looking indignant."I'm on your side, and I didn't do a damn thing!"
As melodramatically as possible, the vigilante faces the silver-armored man.
"My name is Jedediah Sparks..."
Jed draws his cloak halfway about him (think Adam West as Batman)
"...but you may call me..."
He drops the edge of the cloak, striking a pose.
"CAPTAIN JUSTICE!"
Ashur looks at the odd fellow calling himself "Justice Man" with some aprehension.
"Moblo nih honoil jt..."
Draconic
Ashur looks at the odd fellow calling himself "Justice Man" with some aprehension.
I roll my eyes slightly when Jebadiah calls himself 'Captain Justice'. "What have I gotten myself into this time? A barbarian warforged who serves a dragon and an insane man with delusions of granduer. Wonderful. I think as I try to keep my expression as convincing as possible.
Ashur looks at the odd fellow calling himself "Justice Man" with some aprehension.
(Adressing the obvious man in charge, or the man in silver)
Our actions were solely in defence of the barkeep, all of us are new to this neck of the woods and we don't know who is who.
(oh, a note about Laucian. He always stands on the balls of his feet, always at the ready for action)
He was born in the floating land of Alvinale. When he was fairly young, somewhere around 50, a ninja took up resedence near where he lived with his family. Laucian was amazed at the agility this ninja moved and decided to become a ninja. Later on in life (4 levels later)he was almost ashamed by the condition of his unarmed strikes. So he "checked in" to a local monk monistary. He spent 2 levels there and, satisfied with his attacks, took up wandering.
My jaw drops as my carefully-crafted Darkness vanishes as though it were nothing. Suddenly I realize that the situation might just be a little more than I bargained for...
When my turn comes to speak, I drop to one knee before the man in silver and bow my head. Time to let my silver tongue go to work yet again.
"Good sir," I speak, my brain scrambling for a halfway believable excuse. "Upon my honor, I swear to you that I had no intentions of becoming involved in the horror that has happened here tonight. I am but a simple traveler, caught in the middle of some crime gone awry, I'm sure. I do not fully understand what's going on-- all I know is that I saw what seemed to be a humble tavernkeep mercilessly cut down in his very own establishment, and I simply could not stand idle and let such a vile crime go unanswered for! I lay myself upon the mercy of your judgment, faith and honor."
"You imbeciles, you nearly ruined my whole opperation and you cost good men their lives. I'll see that your all executed for this," rages the Gaurd Captian as he draws his greatsword from the scabbard on his back.
"Captian Serhan!" shouts the man in the grey robes, "It seems to me that you have forgoten your temper! These travellers acted with good intentions, perhaps execution is a bit to harsh of a punishment. I recomend, as the Lord-Mayor's cheif advisor, that their crimes be forgiven, IF they agree to perform a service for the people of Southshire."
Captian Serhan sheathes his sword and storms away seething. The grey robed man turns to you and says, "You'll have to forgive the good Captians temper, he takes his duty very seriously. My name is Gerard Verlamy, and I will see that you are not held resonsible if you would be so kind as to perform a bit of community service. What do you say?"
"I apologize that we interfered in an operation of the guard and caused the death of some of the good captains men, it was not out intention. I would find assisting the good people of this town infinitly preferable to being executed, as I assume you anticipated. What would this job entail?" I say as I take a seat at the nearest table and gesture for the man who is speaking to join me.
Considering charitable service is far preferable to death, I agree to this plan without hesitation. Without seeing the need to voice my consent or wait for an invitation I simply sit down at the table with the others.
"Sirrah, would you care to tell me if mayhap you would know the current location of the Wyrm Lord Zeranthex?"
Hell yeah, I much perfer not dying! What is the service?
"Well," Gerard says, "I need someone to investigate an attack on a small village on the Corbrian Plateu. Unfortunatly, the Baron can't spare any guards at the moment. The airship leaves in a few hours, I'll send a messenger to retrive you when the time comes to cast off. And no, I've never heard of Zeranthex."
Gerard turns and walks away followed by his Sheild Gaurdian. Just before he turns a corner, he loks back and says, "Oh, and don't think of leaving town, I'll know where you are at all times."
"I will stay here until the airship leaves. What information do you have on the attacks? Do you have any idea who the attackers are or where they come from? What about their motivation?" I say, watching the man's face for any trace of lies.
I breifly attempt to engage the Shield Guardian in conversation, I assume it does not work.
Otherwise, I step back inside, out of the rain.
I breifly attempt to engage the Shield Guardian in conversation, I assume it does not work.
Otherwise, I step back inside, out of the rain.
Formulating a plan in my head to (hopefully) exploit the large warrior, I follow the metal man called Dahak, hoping to speak to him somewhat privately. When he seems to be out of earshot of anyone who might, for whatever reason, be wishing to eavesdrop, I call out to him.
Draconic:
"Mulast Jeho grengoth vir Zeranthex?"
{Draconic}What do you know of Zeranthex? Who are you? Do you know where to find the Dragon Lord? Tell me everything you know?{/Draconic}
{Draconic}What do you know of Zeranthex? Who are you? Do you know where to find the Dragon Lord? Tell me everything you know?{/Draconic}
Happy to see that my ill-founded plan might stand a chance of working, I take a deep breath, dropping the difficult-to-maintain Draconic tongue.
Doing my best to put on a slightly disappointed look, I speak again.
"My name is Revan," I speak as I approach a bit closer, cautiously staying just out of what I estimate his weapon reach is, and offer the metal man a respectful bow. Judging from his reaction, I'd say this plan just might work...
"Alas, I must beg your pardon, as I know little of Zeranthex. Honestly, I was hoping you would be able to provide answers to questions yet unasked. Zeranthex... I first heard the name a few nights ago, in a vision that came to me as I slept, and a voice from that dream bid me come to this place. I did not know why until now. Surely your presence here could not have been a coincidence."
I pause slightly for dramatic effect, then intentionally brighten my facial features as though I had just experienced the elation of a grand destiny come to pass.
"Perhaps it is fate that we should meet here today. Could it be, we were meant to aid one another?"
If I had eyebrows, one would be cocked as I ask "What is a dream?"
If I had eyebrows, one would be cocked as I ask "What is a dream?"
My jaw droops slightly as I see that this... thingamabob is perhaps a bit more naive than I had originally anticipated. I pause, struggling to put the words into proper perspective without sounding completely off his rocker.
"Uh.. A dream is... Well, for you to ask that, I presume you don't have any. It will be difficult for me to fully explain in that case. For now, think of it as being able to see things in different places. When I dreamt, I saw this city. I'd never been here before in my life, but somehow I could see it as clearly as you or I see it now."
"I am quite confused, Zeranthex never told me of dreams... you describe them as some sort of scrying. I witnessed Zeranthex scrying on his enemies, but I did not understand..."
A halfling steps out from the shadows and says, "You guys lookin' for dragons. Word 'bout town is there's a dragon livin' in a cave up yonder, 'bout an hour from the North Gate. I could lead ya up there for a few silvers."
Search check DC 15
A few notes about Danport
The city is set up in tiers, kind of like Minas Tirith(sp?) from the LOTR movies. The lowest tier is the fortress dock. The second tier houses the airship docks, a few slums, and some businesses (mostly stinky stuff like tanners). The third tier is home to the Scurvy Kobold and most of the shops. The fourth tier is mostly high end residential areas. And the fifth and higest tier is home to the Cathedral of the Silver Flame the the Lord-Mayor's Estate. The city had three gates, leading to the mountian side, the West, North and East gates. The North Gate is on the fifth tier, the East Gate is on the fourth tier, and the West Gate is on the third tier. There is currently not a fortress docked in the city. I'll get a map up on the site soon.
"I am sorry child, you seem confused, I seek not any dragon, but the Lord Zeranthex. Would you know if this dragon in the hills is he?"
"I am sorry child, you seem confused, I seek not any dragon, but the Lord Zeranthex. Would you know if this dragon in the hills is he?"
I notice Metal Man's discovery, and see that he seems almost as confused by the contents of the bag as he does by the concept of dreams. This plan is already working out great. I think to myself, with a slight grin.
"AHA! You found them, I was wondering where I had lost those." Slowly, casually, nonthreateningly I take the bag from his hand. "I suppose you don't know much about these big fella, so let me explain!"
I pour about two or three coins from the pouch, and then hold one up for Dahak to see.
"These here are called 'coins.' People use 'em to buy stuff that they want, like food, fancy clothes, or a bit o' pleasant company." I stop and consider this a moment. "You probably don't know anything about that either. Don't worry, we'll hook you up with a nice Loading Crane or something... Anyway. Seeing as you found these for me, obviously I was right about our being meant to help each other. So I'm gonna give you half of these, alright?"
Quickly, I silently count out 10 coins, and place them in his hand. "Now, keep those safe. There are some questionable folk around here who might try and take those from you simply because they want to buy things for themselves. First lesson about the world, my friend! Not everybody you meet will be trustworthy like m'self!"
A halfling steps out from the shadows and says, "You guys lookin' for dragons. Word 'bout town is there's a dragon livin' in a cave up yonder, 'bout an hour from the North Gate. I could lead ya up there for a few silvers."
Dragon you say? Can you tell us more?
"Ah, yes, coins, Zeranthex spent a great deal of time speaking of coins and treasure. Apparently he lost a great deal to his enemies...
"...Much as you seem to have lost your ability to count. The bag weighed more than thrice this much. If you offer half it would be wise to give me half."
I take a half step forward, the links of chain on my heavy flail jangling against each other as one hand sweeps to the hilt.
Bloody hell!! I think to myself, mentally kicking myself for being overconfident. By the abyss, Who would have thought this thing could actually count?!
"...Huh?" Is, to my frustration, the best I can come up with. I open the bag and pour the remaining coins out into my hand. I then make a very slow, painfully deliberate process of counting each one.
"...18....19.....20. Well I'll be! I guess I did miscount at that. An excellent catch, my fine metallic friend! Your keen senses have not failed you, and I am most impressed!"
Grinning like an idiot, I hand him five more coins. "That should do it, I do believe! I do hope you will not think less of my for my addled brain."
I follow at a discreet distance behind the warforged and the human, listening to their conversation. I roll my eyes at the humans pathetic attempts at lies. "How inept. He couldn't tell a convincing lie if his life depended on it. Still, the other one seems rather too perceptive for my taste. I'll have to watch him, as well as what amount of the truth that I tell in his presence." I think to myself as I close the distance between us.
"I was merely walking on this pleasant evening and I could not help but overhear your conversation. I would like to offer my services om such a task. I have no small amount of talent with Eldritch magics and the rewards of defeating a dragon could make it worth my while." I say ina friendly voice. I extend one of my pale, long-fingered hands to the human and offer a respectful bow to the warforged "I am Merillias Davith, master of eldritch powers and secrets."
Almost inperceptibly, my eyes fixate on the horizon unseen through the walls, "Master Zeranthex, with these coins I found my contribution to your new horde, with it you will grow strong, and through strenght defeat your enemies..."
Myrkar arrives, and speaks.
"If the dragon this child speaks of is Zeranthex, there will be no bounty horde, if it is not, there will be no mercy," I respond, crystaline eyes flickering as though narrowing.
My eyes dart across the form of the newcomer, just as my hand goes to the hilt of my rapier. Cute face I suppose but...not my type. Ah well. Still, there seems something odd about her, and I'm pretty sure those walking dead things were the least of her abilities. Better not let my guard down around this one.
Then again, she did help out in the tavern, maybe she's not all bad. She hasn't really shown any overt reason to be mistrusted... she could be useful. But I'd best be cautious anyway.
I let out a nervous chuckle. "Now hangon. Who said anything about defeating dragons? Mebbe there's a dragon up there, mebbe there's not. Even if there was, maybe 'es friendly. My dear departed mudder used to tell me tales about good, kind dragons who lived beyond the sea, and frolicked in the autumn winds, or somesuch. And if it isn't a friendly dragon, he might be the kind of dragon you leave to its own devices-- if'n ya reckon my meaning. We should get a little more info before forming the lynch mob."
"I have learned that it is best to assume the worst. To lessen dissapointment it is often best to lessen expectations. I have some skill in diplomacy so if it was required that someone talk to a dragon I could manage it. Also, not all rewards are gold and jewels. Treasure comes in many forms; a powerful ally, a reliable friend, a useful connection. All of these are of equal if not greater value than gold. If the dragon is this 'Zeranthex' of which you speak then perhaps I will find a new friend and a dragon could teach me many secrets. If it is another dragon that is friendly than still, perhaps another ally. If it is a hostile dragon I would have no issues slaying it nor any issues with fleein, should it be beyond our capabilities. It occurs to me that you know my name but I don't know either of your's?" I say, still smiling.
The halfling begins to get impatient, "c'mon fellas, if we're gonna go, then lets get a goin'."
"We were instructed 'don't try to leave town' by the pompous one outside, and their thunder wands are nigh frigtening. Do you think it is wise to agitate them yet more?"
Then turning to the halfling, "Tell me more of this dragon child, all that you know." I hand over 3 of the platinum pieces, not realizing the difference between platinum and silver.
The halfling's eyes go wide as the coins drop into his hand. "I wudn' worry 'bout that, it's not very far," He says as he shoves the coins into his pockets. "This way mi'lords." The halfling heads toward the door waving for you to follow.
I wince visibly and smack my forehead as I watch Dahak hand away 3 of his platinum coins almost carelessly, but I say nothing about it to him.
I shrug it off, and focus on more important matters. "He does have a point," I chime in. "His Lordship of the Overpolished Armor over there did say not to leave town. I'm not saying we shouldn't do it anyway, just that we gotta figure out how to do it without being caught."
I almost idly notice a small pool of fluids dripping down Dahak's body to the ground. It looks almost like the golem equivalent of blood.
"Say there, Tall, Dark & Rusty, it looks like you've got a bit of a problem. Let me see if I can take care of that."
With a flick of my hands an a quickly muttered incantation to the Machine Spirit, I offer him back some of what he's lost.
"Mohirro! Dunna."
Draconic
I trot to follow the 'child' out of the room. With magic like that, who needs to listen to sir fancy garb.
"Wait, I may have an invocation that can aid us in going unnoticed. It will allow us to become invisible for some time. Sir, (addressing the halfling) about how long of a journey is it to this dragon's lair?"
I ask, keeping stride with Dahak, the halfling and Revan.
Well, I guess that's that, then. I think to myself, trying to keep up with halfling, who has already set off down the street.
I just hope this fiasco doesn't get me shot. Or eaten.
"Invocation you say? Well, anything is worth a try at this point, I guess. It uh... it doesn't hurt, does it?"
I shiver slightly, thinking of the animated dead back in the tavern.
When the halfling jumps out of the shadows, Laucian's immediately is at the ready, muscles tensed almost to the breaking point, ready for anything. But when Laucian hears what the halfling is saying, he relaxes a little. When the topic of the conversation turns to a possible adventure, Laucian listens closely. But when the War forged finds the money and drops several into the Halfling’s hand he begins to mutter into the cloth draped in front of his face.
"Does that talking hunk of metal know what money is? How can he just throw it away so freely!" he mumbles," But...the next time the machine finds money, I won't be far away!
When the halfling becomes to the rest of the adventurers, Laucian isn't far behind, feeling the thrill of an adventure falling onto him like sheets of elven lace. And giving the man in the silver armor a nasty look (but all the man can see is his startlingly green eyes boring into him as he catches up to the others).
"No it doesn't hurt. Here." I say and then begin to mutter something under my breath. Then I lay a cold hand across Revan's face and he shimmers for a moment before fading entirely from view. "I can do that to all of us. It'll take a few seconds to do all of us but not long."
"By the way, the name's....," he trails off as he turns around to see an empty tavern. The halfling looks around in confusion, then begins to walk away, "Guess they didn't wanna come."