'The Flaming Fists? I don't think that I have heard of that group. Who are they?'
"The constabulary or whatever in Beregost. He'd mentioned he was avoiding them."
Upon arrival at Beregost, Whisper keeps her mouth shut and smiles pleasantly at the guards with pursed lips.
'The Flaming Fists? I don't think that I have heard of that group. Who are they?'"The constabulary or whatever in Beregost. He'd mentioned he was avoiding them."
Upon arrival at Beregost, Whisper keeps her mouth shut and smiles pleasantly at the guards with pursed lips.
"If that is the case then he will absolutely want to see us. We have information regarding these happenings, or at least a means to obtain such information". Malstei replies to the guard.
"If that is the case then he will absolutely want to see us. We have information regarding these happenings, or at least a means to obtain such information". Malstei replies to the guard.
The guard looks at you and raises a eyebrow, looking around you all and moving his hand slowly to his sword.
"Happenings? You mean the kidnappings? Tell me now!" he seems very agitated and angry now that you mentioned this. "Tell me where the children are! My son has been missing for weeks. He was the first taken you must tell me all you know."
...
The guards look at the Tiefling, not knowing what she is and not really seeing any obvious difference between her and others who have arrived here. The merchant gets up and hands out to everyone their gold.[/b]...
Badger pockets the gold.
'We can't tell you where your children are but we captured a man screaming Bane's name and saying that the children were going to be murdered for some crazy plan. We've brought him here to see if the priests and your captain can get some more word from him.'
'though, I'm afraid he may need a priest first. He didn't surrender easily and this was after we had already tangled with orcs on the road.'[b]
[b]'We've word on both these matters if you have the whiskey to soften our tongues and the pain in our wounds.'
...
The guards look at the Tiefling, not knowing what she is and not really seeing any obvious difference between her and others who have arrived here. The merchant gets up and hands out to everyone their gold.[/b]...
Badger pockets the gold.
'We can't tell you where your children are but we captured a man screaming Bane's name and saying that the children were going to be murdered for some crazy plan. We've brought him here to see if the priests and your captain can get some more word from him.'
'though, I'm afraid he may need a priest first. He didn't surrender easily and this was after we had already tangled with orcs on the road.'[b]
[b]'We've word on both these matters if you have the whiskey to soften our tongues and the pain in our wounds.'
The man listened to the Gnome for a moment and he looks very angry, but as the Gnome pleaded his case he signed and nodded, moving his hand away from his blade.
"I...I apologise. I've been up the past three days and now you tell me this man claims they are being murdered?" tears become visable on his face as he looks over the group and nods lightly. "Head to the Jovil Juggler, it's just over there."
He points to a Inn with a sign hanging a picture of a Jester's had and the name beneth it, "The Jovil Juggler" which the lights are on inside but it seems very quiet too and there is a message board posted up in front with notices that you can't make out at this distance.
"The captain will be easy to spot. He will be the only soldier with the best looking armour and a symbol of the God, Helm. Speak with him and tell him what you told me. I...have to return to my post." he looks warey as he leaves and you can tell he seems to have trouble walking in a stright line too.
"I will carry our prisoner. Are we sure these binds are tied well I don't need to be stabbed when the man wakes again. Jeez he is heavy". Mal throws the human over his left shoulder obviously burdened by the dead weight.
"Badger, we should probably try to keep the name of the this humans God quiet, who knows how many agents there are in this city", Mal states eyeing the abandoned streets warily.
"I will carry our prisoner. Are we sure these binds are tied well I don't need to be stabbed when the man wakes again. Jeez he is heavy". Mal throws the human over his left shoulder obviously burdened by the dead weight.
"Badger, we should probably try to keep the name of the this humans God quiet, who knows how many agents there are in this city", Mal states eyeing the abandoned streets warily.
'We should not fear to speak the name of evil. Keeping such things in whispers only lends power to the God and his agents in a town. People will be looking to us for an example. Walk tall and you'll see that any such agents soon go scampering to shadows in other towns. They are cowards that look to slip knives into people's back. Shine the light of justice there way and we'll soon have them on the run.'
Badger does signal his hounds to walk behind him and guard his back.
"I will carry our prisoner. Are we sure these binds are tied well I don't need to be stabbed when the man wakes again. Jeez he is heavy". Mal throws the human over his left shoulder obviously burdened by the dead weight.
"Badger, we should probably try to keep the name of the this humans God quiet, who knows how many agents there are in this city", Mal states eyeing the abandoned streets warily.
'We should not fear to speak the name of evil. Keeping such things in whispers only lends power to the God and his agents in a town. People will be looking to us for an example. Walk tall and you'll see that any such agents soon go scampering to shadows in other towns. They are cowards that look to slip knives into people's back. Shine the light of justice there way and we'll soon have them on the run.'
Badger does signal his hounds to walk behind him and guard his back.
1d20+11
** spoiler omitted **
The previous roll was refering to the driver, yes. It was only for a fleeting second but you swear as if he looked like he really didn't want to hurt him.
"Oh yes! Kyras suddenly injects, snapping out of his own thoughts. "We also have the heads of a couple of orcs, one a lieutenant even. We were told to expect a bonty on them." Kyras smiles plesantly to the guards, revealing browned teeth.
"Oh yes! Kyras suddenly injects, snapping out of his own thoughts. "We also have the heads of a couple of orcs, one a lieutenant even. We were told to expect a bonty on them." Kyras smiles plesantly to the guards, revealing browned teeth.
One of the better dressed guards seems a bit revolted at the sight of the teeth, but the one next to him wearing leather so old you think it looks like it's actively rotting gives a similar smile, only with a few teeth missing
The guard looks to him and smiles lightly.
"The captain will take great interest in that too. Show him the heads and I'm sure he'll give you payment. If you want to hunt more the board will tell you how much he'll pay for any other heads." he turns back, continuing his walk back to his post on unsteady legs.
"I disagree Badger, once they know that we are hunting them they will go to ground. Like worms they will burrow and hide. It is to our advantage to operate in secret until the time to strike is right", Malstei frowns.
"I think that hunting Orcs will have to wait my friend".
Whisper taps Badger on the shoulder and adds very quietly to him, "Don't forget to show the captain the coins that were on our prisoner here.
Badger nods to Mals point of view. Maybe he was correct. Elves had long lives and they were said to have more experience than others in such matters. Still, it went against Badger's nature to show fear of a few lunatics when a town needed someone to inspire them and give them hope.
Badger heads into the tavern looking for someone with a fist of Helm on their armour and in obvious command of their surroundings.
'Captain? A word of your time on matters deep and grim. I am Badger and this is Mastei, Whisper, and Kyras.' Badger indicates each of the companions in turn. 'We just rode in as guards on a shipment of iron for your smith. We bring word of the orcs that have been interrupting caravans on the road and a prisoner that might be connected to the disappearance of the children in your town.'
'We've heard there is a bounty to be paid for the former and we hope to help deal justice in the matter of the latter. Though, I must admit that are journey has been far from lite on bone and blood. Might there be a place where we can properly discuss these matters and a way to summon a priest to help tend our wounds and our prisoners?
Getting a tap of reminder from Whisper.
'And we have some curious things to show you that we found upon our prisoner when we have a moment of peace.'
Badger nods to Mals point of view. Maybe he was correct. Elves had long lives and they were said to have more experience than others in such matters. Still, it went against Badger's nature to show fear of a few lunatics when a town needed someone to inspire them and give them hope.
Badger heads into the tavern looking for someone with a fist of Helm on their armour and in obvious command of their surroundings.
'Captain? A word of your time on matters deep and grim. I am Badger and this is Mastei, Whisper, and Kyras.' Badger indicates each of the companions in turn. 'We just rode in as guards on a shipment of iron for your smith. We bring word of the orcs that have been interrupting caravans on the road and a prisoner that might be connected to the disappearance of the children in your town.'
'We've heard there is a bounty to be paid for the former and we hope to help deal justice in the matter of the latter. Though, I must admit that are journey has been far from lite on bone and blood. Might there be a place where we can properly discuss these matters and a way to summon a priest to help tend our wounds and our prisoners?
Getting a tap of reminder from Whisper.
'And we have some curious things to show you that we found upon our prisoner when we have a moment of peace.'
[spoiler=If you all leave]
The caravan driver smiles as he drives off, leaving the man in the group's capable hands and making his way down the road the quiet becomes more deafening as you hear the hooves of the horse trot off, hitting the hooves into the cobblestone path.As the group enters you see that there are so many armed and armoured men and women in this location. Few wear the sign of Helm, but one of them was sat at a table with four other heavily armed mercinaries. All their eyes turn to Badger as he introduces the group. The one with the huge symbol on his breastplate seems to take interest in what Bader says.
He seem's visably impressed and relaxed when the group introduce themselves, though the others nearby have their hands on their own hips, close to the handles of their blades. The talk about arriving here and battling Orcs on the way visably interests him and he let's go of his tankard, looking at the group with intense interest as Badger speaks about the man who might lead them to where the children has dissappeared from. He leans back and stands, putting his hand out for you to shake it.
"My name is Captain Jonathan Frakes. I command the platoon of Flaming Fist you see before you and here are my guards. At ease." he says the last part to the soldiers who were at his table and moved their hands away from the weapons and relax. As they do this he looks over the group. If what you say is indeed true and you appear to be keeping something from me then I propose we move this conversation to the backroom. I use it for interrorgation ever since we came down here. he turns to the nearest soldier of his group, tapping him on the shoulder. "Go get someone from the temple of Lathander. We'll need some spell casting to make sure this man they've brought us isn't lying." After this the man get's up and leaves the inn, only to return straight away with the Elf from earlier.
"Ahh, I see you've taken notice of this group. Don't worry, if your spells are able to do the work then we will find your daughter soon. She only went missing yesterday." he pats the clearly distressed Elf wearing the symbol of Lathander. He bows low to the captain before straightening up. "Now everyone. Follow me and bring the man with you. My bodyguards will wait outside in case of any trouble, I hope you understand but there have been attempts on my life from groups claiming to have found similar information. Nearly killed the cleric here, but I put the bastards in their place." he smiles towards the Inquisitor, suggesting what will happen to the group if they dare to strike out at him. He now leads the group towards the back room with the cleric behind him as they both wish to know what information the group has. The bodyguards get up too, ready to follow the group and wait outside the room just in case.
Badger follows Captain Frakes.
'Where to start? Where to start the tale of this days deplorable events? I suppose that I should start first with what is most important first and proceed back to what is least important. And while, it may seem that this man and his information is most important, I have something more important to say now that we are beyond prying ears.'
'If I were you, I might keep an eye on the caravan driver that drove us hear. I can not be sure, but, well, I feel fairly sure that the driver knew this prisoner and may have even had some connection to him. I can not say for sure, my feelings though are that the driver is guilty of some crime and has an association with this man.'
'A feeling is not proof and there is a long road between suspicion and guilt. I have thus chosen to speak to you quietly of this; so, you can quietly have the man's movements watched and possibly gather more information on who the driver visits and speaks to within the town. He is already within the hangman's noose; so, it is just a question of whether the driver chooses to fall and cinch it tight around his throat.'
Badger turns to the elf of Lathander. He shows the prisoner's purse of coins and in particular the black coin with the Z on it.
'We found this purse on the prisoner. He also made several cries out to Bane with promises that Bane would murder the children.
'When we first found the man, he was claiming to be avoiding the Flaming Fist to gather herbs for medicine in the woods. I think, good captain, that you can see from the arms and equipment the man carried,' Badger shows the masterwork arms and hand crossbow, 'that we had reason to doubt the man's story. We decided that it was best to bring the man back here for further questioning. Unfortunately the man attacked us with a hidden knife and we were forced to batter the man unconscious. We did try to bring the man in without hurting him.
'I might suggest that if you need a reason to hold or question the driver, it might be so that you can hear his testimony of the events that occurred upon the road. A complete report should have the testimony of all witnesses.'
Badger says with a grin.
Whisper felt it was best to let the holy gnome do the talking, but as Badger shared his suspicions, she couldn't help but interject.
"Wait--you think they were allies? 'Cause he was hellsbent on killing our friend here... which if you're right, that means he wanted him to stay quiet.
"And if he has any idea you know, he'll be getting out of here right quick."
"Besides, his story made no sence at all. Everyone knows that no medicinal herbs grow anywhere near there!" Kyras ads indignantly.
"And the look on the drivers face did spell concern, yes, when he struck the assassin down."
Whisper felt it was best to let the holy gnome do the talking, but as Badger shared his suspicions, she couldn't help but interject.
"Wait--you think they were allies? 'Cause he was hellsbent on killing our friend here... which if you're right, that means he wanted him to stay quiet.
"And if he has any idea you know, he'll be getting out of here right quick."
'Aye, he'll want to get out of here real quick but he paid us each 150gp for a day's work. I don't know many ore carters that can afford a 100gp in bonus money much less 400gp in wage. The driver has business in this town and he won't try to leave till that business is done. A fee of 600gp is too much to stake and not get what the man aimed for done.'
'If nothing else and he thinks that we knew too much then he would arrange for us to be silenced. Likely figuring to do it personally and recover the money he gave us in gold. Dead men tell no tales and spend no gold.'
Badger follows Captain Frakes.
'If I were you, I might keep an eye on the caravan driver that drove us hear. I can not be sure, but, well, I feel fairly sure that the driver knew this prisoner and may have even had some connection to him. I can not say for sure, my feelings though are that the driver is guilty of some crime and has an association with this man.'
'A feeling is not proof and there is a long road between suspicion and guilt. I have thus chosen to speak to you quietly of this; so, you can quietly have the man's movements watched and possibly gather more information on who the driver visits and speaks to within the town. He is already within the hangman's noose; so, it is just a question of whether the driver chooses to fall and cinch it tight around his throat.'
The captain nods at what the Gnome says, knowing that even though he had no evidence, he was going to have to hold him somehow. He focused on the group for a moment as he thought on this.
"As you say. There is no evidence to suggest that he was involved if at all. There are many haters of Bane due to the many people who follow the Deity. Zhenterium and other woreshippers of Bane are not welcome, but if your suspecions are true, then many of us have even more hate for that temple, but they have never done anything this gutsy in the past..." he fades off for a moment and stares at this man for a few moments as he contemplates everything else.
'We found this purse on the prisoner. He also made several cries out to Bane with promises that Bane would murder the children.'When we first found the man, he was claiming to be avoiding the Flaming Fist to gather herbs for medicine in the woods. I think, good captain, that you can see from the arms and equipment the man carried,' Badger shows the masterwork arms and hand crossbow, 'that we had reason to doubt the man's story. We decided that it was best to bring the man back here for further questioning. Unfortunately the man attacked us with a hidden knife and we were forced to batter the man unconscious. We did try to bring the man in without hurting him.
I might suggest that if you need a reason to hold or question the driver, it might be so that you can hear his testimony of the events that occurred upon the road. A complete report should have the testimony of all witnesses.'
The captain looks at the coins with surprise and interest.
"That's a aweful lot of money for someone who was hiding about the place and those weapons appear to be finely crafted. I once caught a Zhent. If this man is one of them, he's very low in rank. The one I killed he had magical items and his armour was made from mithril and finely crafted." he looks to the rest of the group and hands the weapons back. "If he is indeed guilty of this crime then all of his possessions will be given to you. The money however was probably given to him over blood. The town would do greatly from this, if you have no objections?"Whisper felt it was best to let the holy gnome do the talking, but as Badger shared his suspicions, she couldn't help but interject.
"Wait--you think they were allies? 'Cause he was hellsbent on killing our friend here... which if you're right, that means he wanted him to stay quiet.
"And if he has any idea you know, he'll be getting out of here right quick."
The man looked at her wonderingly, seeing the teeth and looking a bit disturbed, but then he just shook the thoughts from his mind. There was business to be done.
"Yes...yes that is interesting. If he indeed a Zhent agent we better get questions out of him right away before he's killed. I'll send message for someone to catch up with him and keep a eye out." he walks to the door, knocks a few times and has a whispered conversation before closing the door and looking back to the group. "Some of my scouts will check out the merchant and make sure he doesn't leave.""Besides, his story made no sence at all. Everyone knows that no medicinal herbs grow anywhere near there!" Kyras ads indignantly.
"And the look on the drivers face did spell concern, yes, when he struck the assassin down."
"Seems like his guilt is obvious. It's about time that we had some answeres. Cleric, you know what to do." after saying this he moved over to the man, grabbing him roughly and pushing him into a lone chair violently, re-adjusting his bonds before letting the cleric do his work. "Wake him up, Evilbane!"
[i]You watch the cleric walk over to the man and he looks absolutely filled with rage when he thinks about what he's aboue to do. He concentraits, mutting a chant, putting his hands on the man's shoulders to charge him with energy and after a few moments he wakes up, groaning loudly. The cleric steps back as he casts his other spells. and then nods in the direction of the Captain who looks at the rest of the group. "He's all yours people. I'm going to head out and put the caravan driver in manacles. The cleric here can read deception and since you brought the man here I'll allow you to communicate with him. Ask him whatever you want. The cleric's spell was meant to make him be unable to lie, but if it has failed he can also read deceptions." and with that he leaves the room, leaving all of you alone with the cleric and the man who is now awake, grinning at you all.
"Bane will catch you and make you all feel the pain of a thousand deaths." he starts various religious chants about how Bane will crush his enemies and make them pay for ever standing against him and about his glorious return to the realms after his death.
Whisper surreptitiously winks at the party, letting the man rant a bit, then leans close, murmuring in the prisoner's ear. "Yes, indeed, mighty Bane will return. Praise Bane, praise Bane. And just what may we humble mortals do to assist his mighty plans?"
Whisper surreptitiously winks at the party, letting the man rant a bit, then leans close, murmuring in the prisoner's ear. "Yes, indeed, mighty Bane will return. Praise Bane, praise Bane. And just what may we humble mortals do to assist his mighty plans?"
Badger lets Whisper start the questioning by taking the tack of the man's friend.
Badger himself starts to work on the more interesting questions of the man's garb.
A man's tongue could tell many lies but a man's boot blazed a trail straight to his home. It was a saying that his mentor taught him in the woods.
The saying was like all gnomish teaching in that the wisdom came with constantly reapplying the words to new situations.
Situations like here with this man.
Badger started to go over the man's armour, boots, shirt, and weapons with a fine eye for details.
He looked to carefully collect any details on any forest materials the man had come into contact. He looked to see if the care and upkeep of the weapons. He carefully looked for residue of any poison on the bolts for the hand crossbow. He looked for signs of soot from a hearth or stains of food from meals.
Had the man been spending his days in the woods. Badger and the others hadn't found any food or water on the man which meant that he must have either left camping gear somewhere in the woods or he had been staying in a town or village nearby. Without food and water the man couldn't have expected to hike far from where he was staying.
If he stayed in a village then he must know people around here and people may have seen him.
The type of boots would also tell tales. Did the man normally ride or hike. Was there a mount out there in the woods somewhere that might have more interesting clues? They had found the man close to Beregost; so, it was quite possible that he might have stayed here and walked that distance.
Even looking at the nature of the material of the clothes and the craftsman's marks on the blade forging would give some clue on where the items came from. Did the man obtain the blade in the Zhentarium or from somewhere else?
Badger lets Whisper start the questioning by taking the tack of the man's friend.
Badger himself starts to work on the more interesting questions of the man's garb.
A man's tongue could tell many lies but a man's boot blazed a trail straight to his home. It was a saying that his mentor taught him in the woods.
The saying was like all gnomish teaching in that the wisdom came with constantly reapplying the words to new situations.
Situations like here with this man.
Badger started to go over the man's armour, boots, shirt, and weapons with a fine eye for details.
He looked to carefully collect any details on any forest materials the man had come into contact. He looked to see if the care and upkeep of the weapons. He carefully looked for residue of any poison on the bolts for the hand crossbow. He looked for signs of soot from a hearth or stains of food from meals.
Had the man been spending his days in the woods. Badger and the others hadn't found any food or water on the man which meant that he must have either left camping gear somewhere in the woods or he had been staying in a town or village nearby. Without food and water the man couldn't have expected to hike far from where he was staying.
If he stayed in a village then he must know people around here and people may have seen him.
The type of boots would also tell tales. Did the man normally ride or hike. Was there a mount out there in the woods somewhere that might have more interesting clues? They had found the man close to Beregost; so, it was quite possible that he might have stayed here and walked that distance.
Even looking at the nature of the material of the clothes and the craftsman's marks on the blade forging would give some clue on where the items came from. Did the man obtain the blade in the Zhentarium or from somewhere else?
1d20+11
...
You fail to notice anything out of the ordinary, but there is very little dirt.
Badger studied the clothes. He was sure his mentor could show him a dozen details he was missing because he wasn't taking the time to do a thorough job. Then, his mentor was happy to work investigations in terms of gnomish lifetimes.
Badger had learned that sometimes you had to work with less than perfect answers because you didn't have infinite amounts of time. Children's lives were on the line.
Badger turned to the man in the chair.
'Have you been staying in town? Yes or No. I just ask because you don't have much dirt on your clothes and we didn't see any horse around where we found you. I doubt that you walked far from where you last stayed.'
'Was it where the children are being kept? Yes or No. I mean, you have to keep them somewhere to some auspicious moment. Random deaths rarely give the same magical energy that a precisely timed death does.'
'Is the place where the children are being kept above ground? Yes or No. Knowing Bane and his name the Dark Lord, I should think below ground. But it does speed things up to know that we can eliminate most of the above ground structures in our search.'
'Did you know the driver of the cart? Yes or No. I am fairly sure that he knew you and didn't want to carve you up but had to do it try and keep the secret that you're both agents. I bet that must really make you know that your accomplice was too chicken to help you out but instead to save his own hide stabbed you in the back.
'So, is the driver going to stop at the place where the children are being kept? Yes or No. I doubt the driver is bright enough to pull the strings. Just some message boy bringing in news or items under the cover of making a delivery. Must make you really angry that the man's failed so badly that he's going to lead the Captain of the Flaming Fists to your base's front door.'
'So, tell me, are you angry yet? Yes or No.
"Well your chum, the trader, sure stabbed you in the back didn't he? You were supposed to take care of us and ride with him into town is my guess. Funny how things work out somtimes don't you think? Kyras says to the prisoner in a nonchalant, chatty kind of way as he goes through his stuff.
The man looks around the group and laughs. As he tries to speak he is shocked to find that no words come out and then narrows his eyes at the elf. The elf smiles to the rest of the group
"The spell worked. He can't lie."
The man looks infuriated as he looks at the group and sighs, knowing that he's stuck in this position.
'Have you been staying in town? Yes or No. I just ask because you don't have much dirt on your clothes and we didn't see any horse around where we found you. I doubt that you walked far from where you last stayed.'
The man opens his mouth but again no words come out whilst he shakes his head. He stops and hangs his head "Yes...You made me empty my backpack where all my rations fell on the floor." as he said this he sounds like he's filled with rage.
'Was it where the children are being kept? Yes or No. I mean, you have to keep them somewhere to some auspicious moment. Random deaths rarely give the same magical energy that a precisely timed death does.'
As he's question he smirks as he looks at you and laughs.
"You don't know anything, do you, you stupid little Gnome." he laughs again and just leers at him. "I was making sure to keep an eye out for people like you. Fzoul doesn't want this part of our operation messed up, but even if it is there are still many other things about to reveal themselves." he laughs out loud again, knowing that this was one thing he was keeping secret.
'Is the place where the children are being kept above ground? Yes or No. Knowing Bane and his name the Dark Lord, I should think below ground. But it does speed things up to know that we can eliminate most of the above ground structures in our search.'
At this he gives a wide smirk and leans as forward as he can.
"I'll give you a better deal. I'm going to be silenced tonight. The place is somewhere the Elf and the other people in this town know very well." he turns and smirks at the Elf "You're beautiful little half-breed daughter is there. In the temple of the Dark Goddess." as he says this the Elf's face visably whitens and he backs away, clearly scared at the mere name of the place carrying a heavy significance. "She's grown in power, the Goddess and once Bane's plan is complete she will crush everyone here with her three-headed flail." he seems to laugh manically like a madman and his head sways side-to-side looking at everyone. "You should all head there and praise her. If you do it now Bane might forgive you. The Orcs will be displeased with Bane after this. You're messing up his plan!"
'Did you know the driver of the cart? Yes or No. I am fairly sure that he knew you and didn't want to carve you up but had to do it try and keep the secret that you're both agents. I bet that must really make you know that your accomplice was too chicken to help you out but instead to save his own hide stabbed you in the back.
At this question he appears to button up, closing his mouth and keeping from saying anything. You can see that he's still visably angry though.
'So, is the driver going to stop at the place where the children are being kept? Yes or No. I doubt the driver is bright enough to pull the strings. Just some message boy bringing in news or items under the cover of making a delivery. Must make you really angry that the man's failed so badly that he's going to lead the Captain of the Flaming Fists to your base's front door.'
"We have no base here." he winked as he leered at group. "We've tried to kill him a few times, but the bastard is tough. He cut down mercinaries who were being escorted with Zhent agents. He will die when he returns to Baldur's Gate. Oh yes he will. That is the biggest focus of our power. Her temple is there, hidden from people like you." he grits his teeth, leering at everyone and then something sparks in his eye as he looks at you all.
'So, tell me, are you angry yet? Yes or No.
"My anger is nothing compared to the Black Lord's, which I commend you from calling him by his title. Oh it makes me feel good when I hear it said by his enemies, usually when I drive my sword through their heart." he looks like he would love to do the same to all of you.
"Well your chum, the trader, sure stabbed you in the back didn't he? You were supposed to take care of us and ride with him into town is my guess. Funny how things work out somtimes don't you think?" Kyras says to the prisoner in a nonchalant, chatty kind of way as he goes through his stuff.
"That wasn't part of the plan. I was meant to watch the roads, but your stupid elf friend saw me and the whole plan messed up." he leers at the group "I'm angry, but that won't matter. Post whatever watch you want on me, but I will be dead by morning. Zhents will make sure I don't blab."
All you can tell is that these items are masterworked and usually cost a lot of money, though you see unsure how much.
He now looks up at the elf and smirks, laughing as he looks at him.
"Your daughter is going to be sacrificed soon. Some Xanthar's guild agent wants to buy her, but the cleric won't allow it. We need every sacrifice and when she dies you will feel it just like the remaining children do." as he says this the elf loses his composure and pulls out his longsword. As he points it at the man it begins to glow in a radiant light that covers the area in a goodly aura.
"You tell everyone here all you know, now! I might not adventure any more, but I swear I shall plundge this blade into your wicked heart! of course the man wasn't scared and hst just laughed rocking side-to-side and grinning like a madman singing a song:
"The Lord of Murder shall perish, but in his doom he shall spawn a score of mortal progeny, chaos will be sown by their passage." which he continues to sing, louder and louder and the Elf visable turns white again, but keeps his sword aimed at him.
Kyras gives a little laugh at the mans outrage. "Tsk, tsk. You truly are a pittifull creature aren't you." he says in a calm fatherly maner.
"Is you intellect truly so dim, I wonder, that you would believe a word you are saying? Tho Lord of Murder? Realy?" he says mockingly.
"You are a facinating speciment I'll give you that. I wouldn't mind meeting more of you, if only to see if there truly ARE more of you." looking down the bridge of his nose at the bound man. Playig on his anger Kyras hopes he will save them the trouble of having to look for the temple and send them right to it.
bluff
"What's he goin' on about? Bane ain't the god of murder. That's Cyric, innit?
"What's he goin' on about? Bane ain't the god of murder. That's Cyric, innit?
1d20+5
1d20+6
1d20+6
You still don't notice anything out of the ordinary on his clothing.
You can sense that when questioned about if he knew the driver it hit him hard and pissed him off even more. He is biting his lips trying not to say anything too much to give up all his secrets.
'Dark Goddess with three headed flail? Priest, you seem to know who he's talking about. Who does he mean?'
At this question he appears to button up, closing his mouth and keeping from saying anything. You can see that he's still visably angry though.
"We have no base here." he winked as he leered at group. "We've tried to kill him a few times, but the bastard is tough. He cut down mercinaries who were being escorted with Zhent agents. He will die when he returns to Baldur's Gate. Oh yes he will. That is the biggest focus of our power. Her temple is there, hidden from people like you." he grits his teeth, leering at everyone and then something sparks in his eye as he looks at you all.
Seeing the priest is getting very agitate and pulling out a sword, Badger steps forward and puts his hand lightly on the point of the blade to steer it clear of the prisoner.
Badger mumbles a few words and splashes water on the elf's head.
'There'll be time for such things later. Let's focus on the needs of your daughter. To do that I need information. Tell me, what does the man mean by God of Murder and returning as a mortal?'
While the man answers, Badger will try to get the man to loosen his fingers on the sword and hand it over to Badger. Badger will not be going in for any 'Constable Request Suicides' if he can help it. Demons can infect the tongue and make even a gentle man capable of wrath.
Badger moves back around behind the man and out of sight to listen to his friends work on the man. It was clear the man expected some sort of death was going to occur to him. He was expecting some sort of supernatural event.
It was times like this that Bagder felt it was his gnomish duty to give the man what he expected.
"Juust keep biting your lips there, keep on holding back... and I'll start biting your lips for ya..." Whisper leans very, very close to the man, grinning with her pointed teeth.
"I...heard of a evil cult that rose after the Time of Troubles, but I do not know much. I was never brought up here and don't know where this temple is, but if we question the locals we will have to find one who will remember. The leader of the temple of Lathander should know." he told the group, but kept his blade raised.
As you touch the blade however it feels good. It's as if a goodly aura courses through it and just touching it gives you the feel of ultimate law and good. You feel as if you were able to hold it in your hand all evil and even the very darkness would run from you.
"You are right, young Gnome. I should not strike out with my blade against such a person. I settled down because I no longer wished to travel and I fell in love." he seems to smile to himself as he remembers something from his past and the grip on the blade is visably loosened.
The man appears to be confused, looking up at the strange and vague image. He doesn't know what to think or feel as he feels his doom coming upon him, especially with the intimidating Tiefling in front of him.
"I did know the man. He was a friend of mine, we joined the Zhents together. He'll be out of here now that he knows I've been put in here."" he looked so visably scared of the Tiefling and listens to the voice coming from the great beyond. He seems visably confused as these things were being told to him. "But lord...it is not you're alter and...they are not of the worthy blood. Unless you wish..." he trails off and smirks as he turns to the group "My deity speaks to me in my time of need. The temple is build into the nearby mountain range. Directly south and not far from where you found me. The keen eyed would be able to see tracks here. The door was barred years ago to keep the undead inside, but we've opened it last month before the kidnappings. The evil has been unleashed and will cause chaos, if they havn't already. If you wish to head up there to your deaths you can, but in the afterlife I will come for you and Bane will give me the strength to kill you." he seems to start laughing again and repeating his singing from earlier. It's been clear this entire time that in his eye lies madness. What caused this you have no idea though.
'Well then, it looks like we have a confession from you and you have dammed your fellow accomplice with the words that you were both Zhent agents together. We clearly have enough now to pick up the driver for further questioning and I don't think he can ride faster in that cart with a horse that has traveled all day then Captain Frakes on a fresh horse. No, your man should be as good as caught now, I should say.'
'We appreciate your service Evilbane, but I don't think you should be holding that blade for the moment. Madness is easily contagious and this man has enough for twelve men. Sheath the blade and let me hold it for the moment to make sure the temptation does not again seize the heart. I'm sure your daughter and we will have need of your wits and strength soon enough.'
"My deity speaks to me in my time of need. The temple is build into the nearby mountain range. ... the strength to kill you."
Badger turns to the others so the man can not see Badger wink at them.
'Well, it looks like your God and Goddess have thrown down the gauntlet. They have invited us to a challenge of forces of good verses the forces of chaos. Well, I guess there is little we mortals can do but comply.
'Mal, what say you? Do you think you're up to the challenge of finding this spot after we consult at the Temple of Lathander? I mean, I don't see how we could refuse after we've been summoned by a man hearing the voice of his God speak to him. <chuckle>.
'I think we've learned as much as we're going to learn here. What say we get out of here and plan the rescue of some children.?'
Hmm, a cave? And undead? Plenty of ashes and fungy in those conditions. "Yes lets do! Kyras says exites about the prospect of a journey there. Stoping suddenly in his exitement, his smile fading a little. "But shouldn't we at least see if the trader is still in town? Plus we will need supplies and rest before we go. Kyras looks forward to the prospect of good cooked food and a soft bead as much as he also wants to get a chance to look at what the town has to offer before heading out.
DM
'Yes, let's check on the good captain. I am sure he has placed the driver on watch and may choose to apprehend him now that we have the confession from the Zhent agent.'
'I'm not sure on how much rest we can afford. I know I could use a chance to rest and heal and to have time to pray for divine aid but the lives of children hang in the balance. How do you measure the life a child verses a full belly and restful night of sleep? I'm afraid that even if I were shown a bed, I'd like enough just see the face of Evilbane's daughter looking through some bars waiting form me to come and rescue her.'
'A banquet of food would taste like ash in my mouth knowing that others were suffering for my belly.'
'You are right that too much haste could lead to us being too weak to handle the trouble inside that cave but we can't afford to have everything be perfect as we may want. We are imperfect beings that sometimes need to count upon the kindness of strangers for aid.'
'In this case, I think we will find that Captain Frakes can find several souls that are more than willing to offer aid to us to get us on our way or provide troops to burn this curse from the land. I doubt we could keep Evilbane from joining us even were we to tie him to a dragon's tail and order the dragon to sit upon him. Besides, if there are any undead left then the aid of a Morning Lord will be more than welcome as will the aid of any of the guards who are seeking closure on what has happened to their children.'
Whisper raises an eyebrow at Badger's speech, amazed as she realizes he really believes what he is saying. "You're a rare one, Shorty.
She shakes her head. "I'm no monument to justice, but letting the Zhents do their thing while kids' throats get cut is just stupid. So let's stop yappin' and get going already." And with that she swallows down the contents of a mug of beer (it may not actually have been hers) and heads for the door.
DM** spoiler omitted **
You can, but time is getting on. It was dark when you arrived in the village and you've been travelling most of the day.
'We appreciate your service Evilbane, but I don't think you should be holding that blade for the moment. Madness is easily contagious and this man has enough for twelve men. Sheath the blade and let me hold it for the moment to make sure the temptation does not again seize the heart. I'm sure your daughter and we will have need of your wits and strength soon enough.'
"May I have my blade back before you leave? It was bought long ago when I still fought the forces of darkness. It's very old by your standards and it is very precious to me, but my daughter is far more valuable." as he says this he looks at the blade longingly, though he wants his daughter back first.
Hmm, a cave? And undead? Plenty of ashes and fungy in those conditions. "Yes lets do! Kyras says exites about the prospect of a journey there. Stoping suddenly in his exitement, his smile fading a little. "But shouldn't we at least see if the trader is still in town? Plus we will need supplies and rest before we go. Kyras looks forward to the prospect of good cooked food and a soft bead as much as he also wants to get a chance to look at what the town has to offer before heading out.
"I am sure the Captain will compensate you all for bringing this man here. We'll be hanging him tomorrow but from what he has said, he won't make it through the night." th elf smiles and bows to them. "They serve good food here, but I'd be careful what you say around the owner. He's very protective of this place."
'Yes, let's check on the good captain. I am sure he has placed the driver on watch and may choose to apprehend him now that we have the confession from the Zhent agent.'
'I'm not sure on how much rest we can afford. I know I could use a chance to rest and heal and to have time to pray for divine aid but the lives of children hang in the balance. How do you measure the life a child verses a full belly and restful night of sleep? I'm afraid that even if I were shown a bed, I'd like enough just see the face of Evilbane's daughter looking through some bars waiting form me to come and rescue her.'
'A banquet of food would taste like ash in my mouth knowing that others were suffering for my belly.'
'You are right that too much haste could lead to us being too weak to handle the trouble inside that cave but we can't afford to have everything be perfect as we may want. We are imperfect beings that sometimes need to count upon the kindness of strangers for aid.'
'In this case, I think we will find that Captain Frakes can find several souls that are more than willing to offer aid to us to get us on our way or provide troops to burn this curse from the land. I doubt we could keep Evilbane from joining us even were we to tie him to a dragon's tail and order the dragon to sit upon him. Besides, if there are any undead left then the aid of a Morning Lord will be more than welcome as will the aid of any of the guards who are seeking closure on what has happened to their children.'
Just then the large shape of the captain burst through the door, almost knocking Whisper over and he looks to the group in shock and anger.
"The bastard got away!" he growled and then sat down at a nearby chair, huffing and panting "We found the caravan at the blacksmith. The man claimed the owner left the card for the blacksmith to unpack and left. We tracked him down but he would just dissappear before out eyes and he bought a horse from the stables, riding it out into the night. The bastard was already at the next time by the time we found out." he seems absolutely exhausted and then looks at the group "What did you find out from him then? Do we know where the children are?"
Whisper curses as the captain nearly plows her over. "So he'll warn his buddies what we look like and what we're capable of. Which he surely paid attention to when we were protecting the bastard's rear end."
She tilts her head toward Frakes. "Some Captain you are. Yes, we know where we're going. We need to kit up and move on."
She looked back at the rest of the group. "We got everything off that bastard, right? Some of it might come in handy."
"May I have my blade back before you leave? It was bought long ago when I still fought the forces of darkness. It's very old by your standards and it is very precious to me, but my daughter is far more valuable." as he says this he looks at the blade longingly, though he wants his daughter back first.
'Of course you can have the sword back. It is a wonderous blade and I feel its call for truth and justice but it would sooner slay me then let it be parted from your company. No, my thoughts were to leave it with your master at the Temple of Lathander unless you chose to journey with us in which case I would see it returned before we left. I just wish no problems to occur that would mar the worth of this blade and your service to Lathander.'
'I am sure the Captain will compensate you all for bringing this man here. We'll be hanging him tomorrow but from what he has said, he won't make it through the night." th elf smiles and bows to them. "They serve good food here, but I'd be careful what you say around the owner. He's very protective of this place."
'Surely you jest when you talk of keeping the man here. Didn't you hear what the man said of clearing undead from caves? The enemey could have a virtual army of spirits, ghosts, shadows, and wraiths at their command. No, sir, I am no priest but I do hunt evil. An inn is no proper defence against such problems.'
'He' said Badger pointing to the Zhent agent, ' needs to be held on consecrated ground and preferably in a temple dedicated to the Morning Lord to keep such filth at bay. Preferably inside of a ring of blessed salt and holy water with priests ready to respond to dammed.'
'The man may be dammed to hang but I would have it done on justice's time table and not Bane and his mistress's. But that is a decision for you and the Captain. I have given my warning that you only invite the undead into your inn and homes by keeping the Zhent agent here.'
"The bastard got away!"
Badger slapped his hand to his forehead. That was twice that he had trusted someone that wasn't gnomish to do a simple task and twice they had failed him. He was just one gnome. He couldn't be everywhere at once.
Badger could now understand why is mentor had always looked so old and haggard. A gnome's work never seemed done.
'That is okay, Captain. I'm sure you and your men did their best.'
For a moment, Badger flashed on his past conversations with his mentor.
'Forgiveness. Forgiveness', his mentor had taught him. 'Evil has many tricks; so, we must expect that they will sometimes outwit us. It really wouldn't be much fun for a gnome if it was that easy, right, Badger?'
"What did you find out from him then? Do we know where the children are?"
'Right, Captain. What did we learn?'
The question was clearly rehtorical as Badger gathered his thoughts for a proper report.
'The prisoner is a member of the Zhent that admits to having come to this community to aid in Bane's plans to have some sort of deity rebirth for the Lord of Murder. I really don't understand the ways of gods enough to know the details of such ramblings. The man, mentioned that he worked for Fzoul and this was all part of a larger operation. The man also said that he had come out to this area with the driver. I am sorry to inform you of this but it is clear that we now know of at least three Zhent agents in the area and have just one in custody. My guess though is that there are several more by the man's description that the terror of this village was just one branch of an overall plan.
'The man further mentioned that Bane is working with some minor dark goddess with three flails as her signature. I'm sorry that I don't know enough of the various pantheons to give more details without research. The man did give us the location of her supposed temple being south of where we found him and in a hill. There were undead that had come to dwel there but the Zhents cleared the undead to set it up as a base of operations for their work against the town.'
'The good news is that the man mentioned that Evilbane's daughter was going to be sacrificed.' Badger holds up a hand to stay and harsh words in reference to sacrifice being considered good news. [b]'It is good news because it means that it hasn't happened yet. Evilbane's daughter is still alive and can be rescued if we hurry. Further, if we needed another source of lead to the location and the leader of the Zhents, then we know to track down a Xanther guild agent. The guild agent has dealings with the head cleric of the temple. The prisoner was very confident of their power and indicated the dark goddess had a hidden temple in Baldur's Keep which was a main source of their power in the region.'
'The orcs don't appear to be part of the Zhent's plan and just appear to be causing a general nuiscance to the Zhent's plan. An unexpected goblin in the basement if you catch the phrase.' The phrase was a gnomish saying but it translated fairly well into common.
'Last, the man expects to be killed before sunrise. Since only certain undead can operate in the hours of darkness and the man claimed that there were undead in the closed temple...Well, I believe, that we can expect some sort of attack from something like a shadow, a ghost, or wraith that is targeted upon this agent. The real question will be time and my guess it will be the time it takes for the missing driver to get to this temple, report, and for the temple to dispatch their undead assassin. This is why I recommend that we get this man to consecrated ground, preferably under the watch of priests of the Morning Lord and inside a circle of protection against such filth.'
Malstei looks thoughtful before responding. "I agree with Badger, at the moment we have the element of surprise, if we wait until morning they may be able to prepare a defense for us. It is better to strike now while we have the element of surprise".
Mal looks to Evilbane, "Are there potions that the Temple of the Morninglord can sell to us? We will need healing magics if we are to survive this encounter and return the children to their parents, including your daughter".
"And while we're standing here yappin', kids could be gettin' their throats cut." Whisper rolled her eyes, in part worried other agents could be in earshot. She wasn't happy with what she'd gotten herself into, but she knew she was the one who wanted to be a wealthy adventurer. She had to start somewhere.
The tiefling moved to set off once more, but this time purposefully paused at the door and looked very carefully in all directions before continuing on, to avoid being barreled over by any more oncomers.
'Of course you can have the sword back. It is a wonderous blade and I feel its call for truth and justice but it would sooner slay me then let it be parted from your company. No, my thoughts were to leave it with your master at the Temple of Lathander unless you chose to journey with us in which case I would see it returned before we left. I just wish no problems to occur that would mar the worth of this blade and your service to Lathander.'
He looks hopeful when you said he could have it back, but he then looks downcast and dissappointed when he was told the sword was going to be given over to the high priest. He was more than annoyed that he wasn't getting his sword back since he felt it was cherished, but he had to let him do what he felt was right. The blade was powerful and if the Gnome was evil it would've hurt him and been quite noticable.
"I...see. then please, find my daughter and I will repay you however I can." he bows, hopeful at them finding his daughter.
'Surely you jest when you talk of keeping the man here. Didn't you hear what the man said of clearing undead from caves? The enemey could have a virtual army of spirits, ghosts, shadows, and wraiths at their command. No, sir, I am no priest but I do hunt evil. An inn is no proper defence against such problems.''He' said Badger pointing to the Zhent agent, ' needs to be held on consecrated ground and preferably in a temple dedicated to the Morning Lord to keep such filth at bay. Preferably inside of a ring of blessed salt and holy water with priests ready to respond to dammed.'
'The man may be dammed to hang but I would have it done on justice's time table and not Bane and his mistress's. But that is a decision for you and the Captain. I have given my warning that you only invite the undead into your inn and homes by keeping the Zhent agent here.'
"If what he said was true about the undead being drawn out ages ago, shouldn't the undead have left and invaded this town by now? Of course if you di wish for this when Lathander's clerics such as myself should be trusted with watching him, but I cannot trust myself to watch him. I'll head to my home in the hopes that you will return with my daughter." he smiled weakly as he looked at the wise Gnome "Very wise of you. I had a Gnome companion like you. He had some...interesting perks." at saying this he smils and then bows to theg group "I shall take my leave. Look after that weapon, Inquisitor. I hope to have it returned soon." and with that he turns to leave.
The blade has been visably shrinking whilst in your hand, becoming closer to the size of a longsword for a creature of your size. You continue to feel the goodly energy.
'Well then good, Captain Frakes, please lead us to the temple of Lathander; so, we may properly sequester the prisoner till morning.'
When they get to the temple, Badger asks on what the High Priest knows of a Goddess that uses a three-headed flail as her symbol and might have had a temple in a hill near the town a long time ago.
Badger will also hand over the longsword to the High Priest to hold in trust for Evilbane do to his show of anger towards the prisoner.
'It is a fine blade and I would not see its colour marred with unworthy deeds.'
Badger will also be interested along with Mal and the others in what healing might be available from the priests, on scrolls, or in potion bottles. Badger will also be interested in what sort of armaments might be available from either the temple or the Captain's weapons locker.
Badger has coin from the Orc and what bounty money we might receive for the service of bringing in the heads and the Zhent prisoner.
Badger slapped his hand to his forehead. That was twice that he had trusted someone that wasn't gnomish to do a simple task and twice they had failed him. He was just one gnome. He couldn't be everywhere at once.Badger could now understand why is mentor had always looked so old and haggard. A gnome's work never seemed done.
'That is okay, Captain. I'm sure you and your men did their best.'
"He had light armour and the horse he had was trained. He went straight for Bloodstone. I daren't enter that town." he seems to visably reguard this place with fear They say it's cursed. People enter and they either never return or they return...different."
He seems to be lost for a moment then looks to the group.
"Oh...yes I forgot you brought a few Orc heads? One average and one leader, right? I'll check over the warrent the Earl signed." as he said this he pulled out a wanted sign, looking it over and studying it. "He claims Fifteen gold for a normal head a leader like that is worth 150 gold. If you can bring the head of the one named Dragar Flesheater he will personally invite you all up to Baldur's gate and pay you 500 Gold coins in person."
'Right, Captain. What did we learn?'The question was clearly rehtorical as Badger gathered his thoughts for a proper report.
Stuff
The Captain seems to go silent as he thinks this over, absorbing all this information that he was being told. It seemed he was in deep thought concerning everything he was being told. The mentioning of the Zhents seems to make him visably angry, clearly punshing himself for the escape. The temple he looks up very interested.
"The Temple of the Dark Goddess?" he asks seemingly looking confused "I heard of these roumers. Something involving sacrifice but this is the first time I've heard of Bane having anything to do with it. I was never told where it was though, but that it was nearby and when I sent out two groups of ten only one group returned with five people. They claimed they were attacked by Orcs and I can only assume the same happened to the other group. From their descriptions they made sure to take care with the women, knocking them out and dragging them off. I fear for my soldiers and what these Orcs must be doing with them." he seems to keep his temper though, knowing losing his head will just make things worse."If you believe he is in danger I can arrange guards to watch him in pairs. If he dies they will all be held accountable and I'll make this obvious to them. These new recruits get the job done, but they aren't as trustworthy as the two units I sent out." he sighs and things back to these people that have gone missing "Tis getting dark. The Orc activity is worst at night so I would suggest since you know the location of the children you can all set out tomorrow unless you feel up to going out right away? If so head to the temple where you can be healed up and buy potions. There is a wizard's guild too if you have the money to buy more powerful items. I leave the decision up to you."