"No, the campaign has not gone all that well, it is true - many champions of the Light have come, drawn by the excess. As sure as your allies were of violence and destruction, so too are my allies - and my allies hold the upper hand now, your campaign is all but over. As we are on such good terms, and count each other not as enemies, I must ask you in earnest to stay your hand and instead surrender yourself for the while. Should you declare peace and withdraw from the cause I am certain you shall not come to harm, and we can later converse and create some great works together, perhaps a tour of Galt?... though if you seek instead a glorious final act, then tell me, how did you wish to be remembered?"
"So you have clearly taken sides with these champions of light. What a shame. You would really have a much better time with the dragons. So what do you plan to do now? If you interrupt the high wyrmlord down in his chamber, he will be rather angry with you. He is not in a very good mood after hearing of the loss of Abithriax. Shall I assume you have finished Tyrgarun as well? He will not be too pleased to hear of that either."
"It is the time of these champions to shine, and so I walk with them record their stories, and prevent the People from being over-run and killed by the Hobgoblin army. My loyalty will always lay with the People, and I will champion that which sees them free - free to enjoy the art we create, free to dance to the songs we sing and the music we make, for oppression and slavery make for poor places from which to enjoy life - liberte, egalite, fraternite. I offer you what I offer them, a chance. Abithriax and Tyrgarun will ive on in legend and song, as their wills decided. I suspect the High Wyrmlord will probably follow those drakes into a great dirge to be performed in the greatest opera halls of Oppara, but that is a question for him - my question to you is would you like to come and see the great halls of Oppara and the galleries of Magnimar? To the theatres of Westcrown in Cheliax where an actors first big hit is usually his last..."
"The great halls of Oppara and the galleries of Magnimar? Your offer sounds most tempting, my dear Red. I was hoping to finish my own masterpiece and tell the story of Azur Kul's great triumph, but now I am having trouble with the ending. Do you know how difficult it is to tell that story, when all of my main characters are dying?! With the death of Abithriax, Tyrgarun, Regiarix, Ozyrrandion, and Varanthion, I am running out of characters! Well, I suppose that will make the ending all of the more dramatic. Besides, I still have Wyrmlod Kul in my story. You must admit that he is still an interesting one? You would never have suspected that he would have the power to unite all of the different hobgoblin tribes under that red hand of his."
"Truly it is a credit to his leadership, or power. Perhaps you may have started with the idea of your masterpiece talking of his victory, but as the sculptor finds, the true form often reveals itself once you start carving away - no point forcing it to go against its natural order. The best way to ensure you finish the story is to become our guest and surrender your arms. Take only a quill and paper and accept that your active role in this story has concluded - you are now the watcher. I ask this of you because when I face Kul it might be my final song, and without a great artist there to chronicle it... well... my fans would be devastated"
"We parlay too long, my friends will grow uncertain - may I have your weapons and your word?"
Tom continues to concentrate on the aura of the dragonlord.
"I am honored by your request, Red. I would be delighted to accompany you and chronicle these last moments, however they turn out. To think that I was sitting around with writer's block pitying myself when I could've been out there experiencing the glory of what today has to offer. Yes, I will take you up on your offer and bear witness to whatever today will bring, for indeed this will be an exciting ending! Now, what are your terms that I must follow to accompany you? I will give you my bow and shock arrows if needed, but I would prefer to keep my whip and my staff. Now, are you sure that your friends won't mind being accompanied by a Wyrmlord?"
Tomkin concentrates upon Ulwai Stormcaller, but does not sense an aura of evil emanating from her.
Red will accept the terms, after all, he is from Galt.
Lorth's stern expression has not changed, but he offers no counterpoint or complaint to the agreement rendered.
Tirion is unsure of this, but would prefer not to fight further, especially if the party paladin does not speak against.
As long as she is unarmed and without any spell components.
"His heart is not evil. And, your history gives you a better perspective."
Tirion raises his hand and whispers to the halfling paladin:
Pretty sure he is a she.
"Be simpler jes bleed her here than later after she betrays us." Mirrin grumbles quietly.
"So at last I get to meet the illustrious Heroes of Elsir Vale! I am Ulwai Stormcaller at your service." The beautiful woman in her silk see through gown curtsies unabashedly. "Well, the paladin is certainly much shorter than the stories tell. However, the dwarf is about as grumpy as I was expecting. And who is this stern one? You appear to be mighty one! But where is the halfling thief we've all heard about? Where is the one they call the Beerswizzler Sting? Did you all forget him and leave him behind? And my dear dark gnome, you certainly are not very trusting are you? You should seek out some help when you finish your adventure. It is not healthy to live as such! Now, Red, when do we begin? I am eager to see where this story goes. No doubt, with such a cast of characters, I could make this into one of the greatest operas of all time."
Tirion looks over at Tom:
It is only an opera if my magic missiles hit below the belt line.
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Grinning, Bofus steps out of the ahadows and into plain sight. Beerswizzler Sting?! Hah! I think I can get behind that moniker! Greetings lady, and my apologies for the subterfuge--it's how I roll. If you promise to behave and not endanger us, I shall promise to try to keep these grim-looking folks from hanging your guts on a fence...savvy?. ;-)
Tirion shakes his head at Bofus:
If we are going to hang her head somewhere, I am certainly not going to ruin a fence that someone spent a great deal of time working on.
Grinning, Bofus steps out of the ahadows and into plain sight. Beerswizzler Sting?! Hah! I think I can get behind that moniker! Greetings lady, and my apologies for the subterfuge--it's how I roll. If you promise to behave and not endanger us, I shall promise to try to keep these grim-looking folks from hanging your guts on a fence...savvy?
"Naturally, I look forward to seeing you in action, Beerswizzler Sting. I would not think of hindering such brave adventurers. Now give me a moment to change and I will be ready to accompany you shortly!"
Ulwai Stormcaller escorts you to the door and closes it.
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Grinning, Bofus steps out of the ahadows and into plain sight. Beerswizzler Sting?! Hah! I think I can get behind that moniker! Greetings lady, and my apologies for the subterfuge--it's how I roll. If you promise to behave and not endanger us, I shall promise to try to keep these grim-looking folks from hanging your guts on a fence...savvy?"Naturally, I look forward to seeing you in action, Beerswizzler Sting. I would not think of hindering such brave adventurers. Now give me a moment to change and I will be ready to accompany you shortly!"
Ulwai Stormcaller escorts you to the door and closes it.
Bofus trusts her half as far as he could throw her. As the rest of the crew shuffles out, he sneaks in under/behind the nearest bit of furniture and hides there.
As you hide discretely behind a bureau in the room, you watch as the naked Ulwai Stormcaller gets dressed. First she puts on a mithral anklet followed by her undergarments. Next a layer of silk garments followed by a breatplate of mithral and a pair of black gloves and boots. She then proceeds to adorn herself with mithral bracelets, rings, earrings and a necklace. You estimate the value of this jewelry is over one thousand gold pieces. Once she is fully dressed, she takes a masterwork whip off the wall and attaches it to her belt. She then attaches a quiver full of about 20 arrows and picks up a short bow. She does not appear to notice you watching her get dressed.
If/when the hopefully former Wyrmlord returns, Tirion will cast Detect Magic to determine what items she has, and whether any may be dangerous.
If necessary, spell craft alphabetically (Amulet, Bracelet, Crown, etc.):
Spellcraft 1:
Spellcraft 2:
Spellcraft 3:
Spellcraft 4:
Spellcraft 5:
Spellcraft 6:
Ulwai Stormcaller emerges from her room in what feels like takes a solid fifteen minutes. She is dressed in a black outfit including black gloves and black leather boots and she wears mithral breatplate on top of it. She is adorned in a glittering set of mithral jewelry including bracelets, rings, earrings and a necklace which appears to be worth thousands of gold. She wears a quiver of arrow and has a short bow slung over her back and she wears a whip that hangs from her belt. She carries an ornately decorated walking staff.
"Are we ready to go?! What are you looking at me like that for, dark gnome? Have you not seen anyone take pride in their appearance when adventuring?"
The gloves, the breastplate, the arrows, and the staff all radiate an aura of magic. She has not given you the opportunity to examine them further to know what they do.
"So, where are we going next? I am eager to see you all perform."
Tirion holds up his hand in a please stop motion:
If I may, I would like to examine your gloves and staff. I know that your armor and arrows are also magic. Actually, if I may, I would like to examine the arrows as well. There are some items which I would not expect one who has suddenly changed sides to still be wielding.
Diplomacy:
Assuming that she agrees, use the above rolls in the order listed.
Spellcraft (Arrows): 33
Spellcraft (Breastplate): 24
Spellcraft (Gloves): 35
Spellcraft (Staff): 27
He also mentions offhand if she declines, or claims that time is of some importance:
You just spent more than a quarter of an hour getting dressed, I believe we can wait another minute or two while I examine your equipment.
Tom bows to the lady.
"I spend longer than that getting dressed. Well done."
"If I may, I would like to examine your gloves and staff. I know that your armor and arrows are also magic. Actually, if I may, I would like to examine the arrows as well. There are some items which I would not expect one who has suddenly changed sides to still be wielding."
"You certainly are rather forward aren't you. Have you not seen the use of magic dark gnome? Not only do my gloves protect my delicate hands, they bring me aid in many unseen ways. As for my staff, it is used to call in the mightiest of storms. What else would you expect Ulwai Stormcaller to carry? As for the arrows, well they give off a sharp burst of electrical force that adds an extra bite to the unlucky recipient. I call them shock arrows. You certainly cannot expect me to relinquish my arrows just because I am now accompanying you?! We are traveling in a rather deadly temple to the most powerful chromatic dragon in existence and you would have me walk around unarmed?! Naturally, the dragons will not be pleased if I change my opera to tell the story from your perspective. If I am ever to finish this opera, you do realize that I must survive first! Your distrust of me is rather banal. You should take notice of your paladin who at least knows how to show manners!"
Turning to Tomkin, Ulwai smiles and curtsies graciously. "You are most kind, brave knight. I am Ulwai Stormcaller at your service. I can see right away that you are going to become the hero of this story!"
"Manners be cheap like words and spilled blood. Trust be a rarer commodity heavier than gold and thrice as valuable." Mirrin grumbles, clearly not happy with this arrangement no matter how the flamboyant fellows around him feel.
Tirion continues to stare at the Wyrmlord, unperturbed by her refusal.
Interesting that you would have electrical arrows. Especially considering that the dragons we have seen hereabouts seem to be BLUE!!!.
Your arrows are specifically designed to not harm the blue dragons.
Now then, unless you wish to complete your story while bound in your chamber, please allow me to examine those magic items you have in your possession. If they are as you claim, then no harm shall be done. If they are otherwise, then we will have a problem.
"Yes it is true that my arrows will not harm a blue dragon, such as Tyrgarun, father of Azur Kul, who by the way, you have now slain. Furthermore, if I had fire arrows, they would not harm Abithriax the red, who by the way you have already slain. I see you are a clever gnome, but if I had acid arrows did you know that they would not harm Ozyrrandion the green, who also happens to be dead? Are you not aware that Tiamat has five heads and is the queen of all chromatic dragons! If she was to attack me, trust me, I would remember not to fire my arrows at her blue head."
"I see what role I will be giving you in my opera! The challenge will be to find somebody willing to play the part of a fool! If you insist, here, you may inspect my items, but if you wish to improve your reputation, I suggest you treat them well and learn to use manners."
Ulwai does not remove her armor. However she hands over the following. Upon concentrating and inspecting the following items, you are able to determine the following.
Gloves of Dexterity +4
+1 Shock Arrows
Staff of Stormclouds
Turning to Tirion, Ulwai remarks,"I trust you see that I am telling the truth. Now, are you satisfied and ready to proceed? It is a wonder that you have made it thus far already."
Tomkin is somewhat upset and moves protectively towards the Wyrmlord.
"My sight into the heart of creatures of power is never wrong, unless powerful magic tries to cover up a person's true nature. If you can make sure none of that is happening, we can keep this unseemly and degrading process to a minimum."
Tom holds out his long glaive and addresses the Wyrmlord.
"My lady, if you would grace this weapon with a favor, then I would propose to protect you from harm while in my charge. Believe me, I far from consider you the fool. You are a beacon of light in a depressing place of evil."
"My dear knight, you are kind to offer your blade. For indeed, you are the beacon of light in this hell hole that was build to summon the greatest of evil and destroy all of humanity. You have asked but a small thing from me, and sadly I cannot give even such a simple gift. However, if you permit me, when battle comes, I will sing a song for you that will lighten your heart and inspire you with courage."
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"Manners be cheap like words and spilled blood. Trust be a rarer commodity heavier than gold and thrice as valuable." Mirrin grumbles, clearly not happy with this arrangement no matter how the flamboyant fellows around him
Bofus edges to Mirrin and whispers conspiratorially yeah, I still don't trust her either. I'll stab her at the first sign of treachery against us!
Tirion shakes his head:
We also killed that watery black. He was so cocky that he didn't even take flight. Pretty much the only one we have not killed to this point is one of the freezing whites. Whites with their icy hearts. It must take a cold heart to turn one's back on their entire race and join with a cause to eradicate all of humanity.
Lorth continues to frown stoically.
Tirion shakes his head:
We also killed that watery black. He was so cocky that he didn't even take flight. Pretty much the only one we have not killed to this point is one of the freezing whites. Whites with their icy hearts. It must take a cold heart to turn one's back on their entire race and join with a cause to eradicate all of humanity.
"So, are we quite finished with the icy heart speech or do have further humiliation to subject me to?! Are we ready to continue?"
Tirion trusts the dragon woman about as far as he can throw her. Nonetheless, he nods before turning to Tom.
She is your responsibility.
Ulwai Stormcaller turns toward the halfling and remarks. "Your have nothing to worry about, my brave knight. You gnome friend appears to have an insecurity complex, but I can assure you, I will not be betraying you. On the contrary, I am looking forward to see what you can do with that blade of yours. I'm also intrigued by this adorable dog that you ride. Please tell me, what do you call this friend of yours?"
"Well, Mister Beerswizzler Sting, do you wish to investigate the accommodations at Chez Tiamat or would you prefer to go fight five wyverns? Although a fight scene serves better for my opera, I cannot complain too much about the accommodations since I arrived. The cooking has been half decent, and the room is clean and comfortable. My only complaint is that they are sorely lacking in entertainment. Well, that is until you fine folks came and rescued me."
"I'd prefer to continue the momentum of the tale and confront our nemesis. If we die then the story has a heroic ending, if we win there will be a nice place to go rest, free of interruption" Red smiles.
Tirion looks at Red and shakes his head:
There is no "if" regarding our winning.
Ulwai Stormcaller waits patiently and smiles as you decide where to go next.
You have doors at AC28 and AC 30 as well as Z30. The other alternative is to proceed north to the double doors at J18. Kindly decide where you wish to proceed.
Tirion looks at the Wyrmlord.
So, what is behind each of these doors? You have been here a while and as a Wyrmlord, I assume you have seen most of the area.
"Naturally I am familiar with these rooms. These are the guest rooms for those who come to visit the Fane of Tiamat. Like I mentioned earlier, you are welcome to explore the accommodations, but you do not appear to be one who takes much time to rest. If you wish to go and meet the high wyrlord, may I suggest you proceed straight downstairs, otherwise, please enter in and give your weary bodies a rest. I've waited plenty already, but what's another few hours?"
"Well my two most powerful litanies were expended on the devil. I can benefit from a rest. But, I defer to others. Do we need to be at 100%?"