Snooping in after the combat ended Monday looks about the room before a glint catches her eye. Going over to what's left of the grub's meal she produces a small emerald with a triumphant "Ha!"
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Vasco flutters over to peck at the shiny pebble.
Monday happily lets the familiar have at the shiny gem.
Tal remains where he is not bothering to search as he looks to Naberius for aid. Should the mage ignore the slimed and grub juice splattered Tal then Tal will try to intervene on Naberius's movement. In all of this Tal keeps his mouth tightly sealed.
CMB? Once wiped off then Tal will open his mouth giving a hearty thanks to the wizard.
Naberius lets out a sigh of annoyance, but stays true to his word. With a snap of his fingers and few arcane words he cleans the bodyguard of both blood and grub juice.
He says, "Be ready. There are skeletons in the next shop, if the tiefling is to be believed..."
The wizard looks at his battered cane and frowns.
Maybe its time for a new one. Darkwood, perhaps...
Hidden in the clothing of some unknown humanoid the tieflings had feed to the grub is small, chipped emerald worth 250gp
"Devilspawn savages," he muttered, exmamining the body, searching at the joints, trying to divine whether the person was fed alive or disposed of this way.
"It's actually quite tasty and warmer than a normal person's, kinda almost has a burnt tinge to it." Monday muses distractedly after mishearing what the rogue said.
As you return back to the dungeon, the tieflings look up from their canoodling and Prashana says, See! Wasn't it like we described? Did we earn some of your trust?
And, we didn't go anywhere, we stayed right here. Quayzark interjects.
"Yep!" Monday cheerily quips upon regrouping with the couple.
"Had you escaped, you would not get far," the masked man said indifferently, thinking of who the unfortunate soul could have been.
Monday blinks. "Um, we've cleared this place out. Corpses don't make the bests obstacles."
"They might actually be clever enough to realise that we have people stationed outside," says Naberius, eyeing the tieflings.
"Not to mention the horrors that plague the streets at night. Not running out there unarmed proves only their lack of self-destructive tendencies. To their credit, they have been honest with us..."
Much for the same reasons, I would imagine...
Monday happily beams at Naberius. "Yes! Yes they have!"
Once cleaned Tal smiles broadly, Thank you kindly. that was filthy and rank to say the least.Come let us finish this place and be gone from here.
As they exit the building and see the tieflings Tal nods in agreement that they had stayed put. While it didn't mean everything at least they were up front and honest. Since the debate seemed to be on hold Tal left well enough alone and looked towards the last doorway. Naberius, if I may have that cane again to a short time I will see about these dogs. I may need somone who can heal me should it take a bit longer than I would like. Naberius your ability to attack from range would be beneficial as well.
not using tower shield but cleaving and power attacking 2-handed.
round 1) for and cleave for
round 2) for and cleave for
round 3) for and cleave for
round 4) for and cleave for
round 5) for and cleave for
Naberius looks ruefully at his cane and nods.
Rounded silver grip... Or perhaps ivory? No, no... That would be far too foppish...
He will move into a position where he will be able to support Tal with his wand, if necessary, but lets him handle most of the work.
Tal opens the door and takes the wolf skeletons by surprise. He quickly bashes one, but misses the other.
On the second, third, and fourth Attack, Tal misses.
But on his fifth attack, Tal brings Naberius' cane down on the skull of the skeleton, cracking it soundly, and not a moment to soon as a blistered, burned Tal could not stand in the fiery presence much longer!
TAl returns from the the task badly singed and short tempered. I hate those foul abominations. They are nothing but a problem. It takes forever to get rid of them and even though they can't even hit me the heat they give off cooks the flesh. Still the task is done and if I can get a bit of healing to keep me off of death's door it will be well worth it. Let's get back to the boss and call it a night.
Naberius nods appreciatively at Tal, moving in to inspect the shop while someone treats the warrior's wounds.
Thus far, all we've got for our extra time and effort (mostly the former) is an extra 250 gp, and a couple of potential new minions. Could be worse, I suppose...
As you walk back to the rendezvous point, a look of disgusted anger comes over Arael's face when he sees the tieflings in tow. I thought it was clear. No Prisoners! He says as he pulls his longsword from its scabbard. A shocked Janiven also moves for her weapons.
Monday flails up her arms frantically as she steps inbetween the two couples. "Not prisoners! Friends! They didn't like the Bastards to begin with and now they want to work with us! Good guys! No stabby!"
She speaks true and as best as we can ascertain these 2 are not like the others. Tal interjects quickly in support of Monday. pointing at the 3rd tiefling that I am assuming Raveen is dragging along, That one is a different story. I will let the others speak on Palaveen.
Arael looks at you all wide-eyed. What madness is this? Has someone cast a spell that affected your minds? Arael asks incredulously.
Janiven shrugs her shoulders. Tiefling recruits? Not what I would have imagined, but if you all vouch for them, I see no reason why not.
Arael looks at Janiven like she is equally mad. I do not see good things coming from putting trust in ones such as these, but it seems I am out-voted. But let me say, whatever mischief they cause, will be on all of you! Bah! Tiefling recruits!
Quayzark says, Uhh..We are standing right here! We can hear you!
Arael ignores him and motioning to Palaveen says, Palaveen you say? Now he is one that could serve a purpose before we give him the fate he deserves! What have you learned so far?
Quayzark says, Really? You are not making us feel welcome here!
"I thought it was clear. No Prisoners!" He says as he pulls his longsword from its scabbard.
"I admire your enthusiasm, captain," the masked man interjected calmly, turning to the tieflings, and back. "But I believe they have information we might find valuable. If you would hold your verdict until tomorrow, and hear the two's side in the matter, we should all be better off."
" I do not see good things coming from putting trust in ones such as these, but it seems I am out-voted. "
"Hardly. This course is not unanimous between us," he assured Arael, before pointing at Monday and Tal. "Let them make their case to you back at our base, and I will put my voice when we are finished with Palaveen, so you might see the full picture."
"Palaveen you say? Now he is one that could serve a purpose before we give him the fate he deserves! What have you learned so far?"
"In due time, sir I assure you, you will hear a full report," he reported, heaving Pavaleen over his shoulder. "Not a secret will remain here, not a fact he will contort.
"Raven and I will press this man for information--if you wish, we will also take the tieflings with us--away from the base, and in a place of safety."
"For. The. Last. F&%%ing. Time. You're not taking Quizzy and Prasha anywhere they don't want to go." Monday growls through gritted teeth without turning to face the rogue.
"I cannot compromise the security of our base," the man returned, looking at Arael. "This is the most reasonable (and responsible) course of action."
"Compromise it how!?! Are they gonna run and tattle to the remaining Bastards? Oh, wait, THEY'RE AREN'T ANY LEFT CAUSE WE KILLED THEM ALL!"
"Lower your voice," he replied quietly, eyes shifting to the motionless Palaveen, hoping he didn't wake up. "We're in the middle of the night--someone could hear.
"That said, Captain," he continued. "Since we are not all omniscient as Squirrel is (and she is unable to back her claim), it is the best course of action to take this as cautiously as possible. Give me the word, and I will escort them promptly."
He then added with a note of finality. "This is my opinion of the matter."
"The Captain's word can suck it, and if you come anywhere near them the only thing you'll be escorting is your pallbearers."
Naberius sighs wearily as he sees another heated debate brewing. He clears his throat and opens his arms in a cordial gesture, saying to everyone, "I am willing to be reasonable about this, even if my former—not inconsiderable—experience on fiends and their spawn tells me to repudiate this proposition outright. However, this is not the time or place for this discussion..."
Turning to Monday, the wizard continues, "While your belief in their innocence and potential is admirable in its sincerity, we must make sure these two are not a threat. If they truly have the aptitude and motivation to change their ways towards something productive, they should not object to some initial supervision. They certainly can not be allowed free reign of our operation, not until we are certain of their dedication to our cause, such as it is... This is no less than we should require of any potential member, not to mention one recruited straight out of an enemy's stronghold!"
He turns to the tieflings, doing his best to maintain a respectful tone of voice, "What say you? Are the two of you willing to be held somewhere safe until you have proven your worth? I would hope you are able to make your own decisions, at least..."
"I don't see how holding them somewhere before moving them to our place would really do anything, can't we just go to another tavern and have Jan and Ary interview them?"
A neutral site would be preferable, one that the new recruits are not intimidated in but quiet enough to conduct business. Our safe house is not acceptable yet as even we were invited first by our leaders before we arrived there. As for where exactly I don't really care about the specifics or what happens to Palaveen. As far as I see it the job is done and the Bastards have been dealt with. Unless there is other pressing business I wish to be healed slightly and then go home. Never mind about the healing I will just grab one of these potions that we have an abundance of.
Looking at Areal and Janiven tiredly, Anything else boss? The teifling heads are rounded up as well if you want to send a message. I don't care right now I just want sleep and rest. If you give me the say so I will consider this over and wait for you to alert me for our next meeting.
Arael listens to the arguments and he sorely wants to deal with the tiefligs recruits by using his longsword to stab them in the heart. He does realize that sometimes in a revolution, you must deal with those you would rather destroy. Besides, these two could be a liaison to the tiefling population. He furrows his brow and can't believe what he is about to say. We will let J take the new uh..recruits..to another location to debreif them. M and T can accompany them if they would like. Arael has to choke down the bile that all of a sudden formed in his throat. We will take Palaveen to another location for interrogation. Those wishing to be a part may do so. He smiles at the thought of giving Palaveen the end that he deserves. He looks at Tal and smiles. You all have done well tonight and wiped a great scourge from the city. The residents of Westcrown can rest easy tonight. Any who want to take their leave and return home are more than welcome. We will contact you shortly.
T, No need to drink a potion.
Arael will then call on Iomedea to heal Tal's wounds.
He will then channel positive energy for anyone else wounded.
"You are joining us, I presume," the masked man asked Arael. "Follow me, captain."
He turned to Janiven, and then to Arael, and then said, "Please withhold any declaration of responsibility before we learn all we can. I will conduct an extensive operation as soon as I can to spread the word throughout the city."
The masked man will lead the two unconscious tieflings (Palaveen and Vethamer), Naberius, and whoever else joins him to the specified place.
Monday bows graciously once Arael refers to the couple as recruits, and once more once the uses his divine bestowed gifts to heal everyone. Walking up to the captain she'll stand on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."
She then traipses back over to the couple happily grinning.
Naberius nods curtly at Arael, satisfied to see the group reach some sort of a compromise on the issue. He turns his head to study the tiefling couple...
The wizard then follows Raveen, briefly lifting his mask to rub at his eyes. It has been a long night...
Tal nods appreciatively at Areal for both the dismissal and the healing. Thank you sir. I will excort MT back home if she wishes and then head home myself. Good luck getting any information and I am glad to see that wisdom prevailed over prejudice in the other matter. Good night.
Tal will return Mera if she wants unless she is staying for the torture. Then he heads home to shower, sleep and spend the day off.
"What say you? Are the two of you willing to be held somewhere safe until you have proven your worth? I would hope you are able to make your own decisions, at least..."
The tieflings shrug realizing that their fate is no longer in their hands. We don't care where we go or what happens to us as long as we are together! Prashana states resignedly as her and Quayzark clasp hands. Lead us where you will, ask us what you want, you will find our intentions are true.
"You are joining us, I presume," the masked man asked Arael. "Follow me, captain."
A cruel smile appears on the normally friendly face. I wouldn't miss it!
Walking up to the captain she'll stand on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."
Arael is surprised at the woman's concern for the tieflings, but this group has not failed to surprise him and they are an effective lot at that.
"You are joining us, I presume," the masked man asked Arael. "Follow me, captain."A cruel smile appears on the normally friendly face. I wouldn't miss it!
The masked man noted the smile impassively, and led the way, noting Naberius.
"Thank you for coming along," he said quietly to the wizard, navigating the streets.At an intersection he knew well, he asked Arael without turning, "Tell us more about yourself, Arael. I am afraid I know little about you."
"Thank you for coming along," he said quietly to the wizard, navigating the streets.
Naberius answers with a curt "Hm.", lowering his mask. After a while of walking he asks, "How are you planning to make them talk? Palaveen is clearly a crazed fanatic, so we are not likely to get anything out of him by force. I have no real taste for torture, regardless. It's awfully messy, and often an ineffective method of receiving factual information. That is, if these two know anything useful at all..."
At an intersection he knew well, he asked Arael without turning, "Tell us more about yourself, Arael. I am afraid I know little about you."
Shooting a sidelong glance at at Arael, Naberius concurs, saying, "Yes, I think that would only be fair, seeing as you and Janiven already know so much about us. I have been wondering how an Iomedaean ended up leading a group of revolutionaries... Do you think you have Her blessing in this endeavor?"
The conjurer makes little effort to hide the tone of disbelief in his own voice at his final question.
"Yes, I think that would only be fair, seeing as you and Janiven already know so much about us. I have been wondering how an Iomedaean ended up leading a group of revolutionaries... Do you think you have Her blessing in this endeavor?"
The man first said nothing, thinking about how to answer Naberius.
"Quite true," he said. "But one is more tractable if they believe the information they give is not of a threatening nature."He sighed and remained silent for a moment.
"Stress indeed does not help one remember things well--and where one forgets, one may instead make things up instead.
You may find this...unorthodox or unconventional, but I have found that gaining the subject's trust is a better way to elicit information from them. We must be their 'friends', or at least look nonthreatening, stupid, or ignorant," He then paused.
"Palaveen and Vethamer may consider themselves dead already, in which case they would reasonably not speak at all, or begin to act in a self-destructing manner. If we are to get through, we must consider the greater good--and essentially give them a better option than dying. Would we be ready to release them if they gave us useful enough information?"
The last part he directed pointedly at Arael. "And considering my method of interrogation, we are looking at possible days of interaction. We will be foolish to think that we can get everything we need so soon--but I need only enough information."
Edit: Forgot to add my Diplomacy (to befriend the two tieflings)
Arael ponders the question for a moment thinking it strange that it is being brought up now. Very well. My family is a long-established Westcrown family. I grew up hearing the stories of the way things used to be. When people were free to live their lives and not be afraid to walk down the street at night. When thugs like Palaveen there would not be allowed to prey on the innocent. Too many people accept things the way they are and only talk about the good old days. Gentlemen, I don't believe in talk, I believe in action. That is why I formed this group. To let others know we are out there and to give them hope.
When Naberius brings up Iomedea, Arael stops, considers Naberius and Raveen and sighs. Neither of you seem like the religious type, so this is probably above either of your understanding. The Inheritor believes in justice for all. Tell me. Is justice being served by House Thrune? By the Hellknights? The justice they practice is abhorrent to the Inheritor! So to answer your question, yes! the Lady of Valor is with me and us! He then grins slyly at Naberius and Raveen I am not here to convert you. I believe there is room in this organization for all followers of some deity or those that follow no deity. Except Rovagug. I can't see us allowing any followers of that one in.
"Very well. My family is a long-established Westcrown family. I grew up hearing the stories of the way things used to be. When people were free to live their lives and not be afraid to walk down the street at night. When thugs like Palaveen there would not be allowed to prey on the innocent. Too many people accept things the way they are and only talk about the good old days. Gentlemen, I don't believe in talk, I believe in action. That is why I formed this group. To let others know we are out there and to give them hope."
"The way things used to be--as in before Thrune took over, I presume," the man stated, retaining his mask. "In this case, what are you really after? Stopping small-timers and petty thievery? What do you believe the Inheritor will back you up on?
"I guess what I am asking is this: how far are you willing to go before you are satisfied? This--" he said, shaking the unconscious tieflings. "Cannot be the extent of your vision. It surely isn't all our potential."
Arael nods as Raveen is speaking taking in his words. My ultimate goal would be to replace House Thrune and return this city to its former glory and I believe the inheritor will support me in those efforts, but I also know that it is a grand plan it may be one that I might not see fulfilled in my lifetime. Every revolution starts small because every revolution needs the support of the people. To speak to the common man about overthrowing House Thrune will get you the 'What's in it for me?' response. Taking out a group of thugs that are targeting them shows them what's in it for them. As they become more and more vested, the goals become bigger and bigger until you have an army to lead against the hellknights and House Thrune itself. He regards the captive tieflings. Their sacrifice will do a lot for our cause and they don't even know it.
The rogue nodded briefly.
As they approached the region with the building in question, "That is for you. How about Lady J? 'What's in this' for her?"
"Quite true," he said. "But one is more tractable if they believe the information they give is not of a threatening nature."
He sighed and remained silent for a moment.
"Stress indeed does not help one remember things well--and where one forgets, one may instead make things up instead.
You may find this...unorthodox or unconventional, but I have found that gaining the subject's trust is a better way to elicit information from them. We must be their 'friends', or at least look nonthreatening, stupid, or ignorant," He then paused.
Naberius nods along sagely. He says, "That seems entirely logical in theory, though it might not be as easy to execute in practise... I trust your expertise, of course."
"Palaveen and Vethamer may consider themselves dead already, in which case they would reasonably not speak at all, or begin to act in a self-destructing manner. If we are to get through, we must consider the greater good--and essentially give them a better option than dying. Would we be ready to release them if they gave us useful enough information?"
The conjurer regards Arael with an appraising answers, "Vethamer might be slightly more tractable, but Palaveen is more likely to actually have useful information. Perhaps we could insinuate that we are to give the latter to the Church of Asmodeus. He is a heretic, after all. I am sure he would prefer a quick death to what they do to his kind... Certainly, nothing we can do is nearly as horrific a fate."
Contemplating for a moment, he adds, "I do not think their continued autonomy is in our best interest, but certainly nothing is stopping us from giving them the impression that they might be set free..."
Gentlemen, I don't believe in talk, I believe in action.
When Naberius brings up Iomedea, Arael stops, considers Naberius and Raveen and sighs. Neither of you seem like the religious type, so this is probably above either of your understanding. The Inheritor believes in justice for all. Tell me. Is justice being served by House Thrune? By the Hellknights? The justice they practice is abhorrent to the Inheritor! So to answer your question, yes! the Lady of Valor is with me and us! He then grins slyly at Naberius and Raveen I am not here to convert you. I believe there is room in this organization for all followers of some deity or those that follow no deity. Except Rovagug. I can't see us allowing any followers of that one in.
The conjurer regards Arael appraisingly, and says, "I have nothing but respect for the Inheritor. That is my main concern, in fact. Many in Cheliax still hold great deference towards Iomedae, or at least Aroden's memory. Do you not think your involvement here might reflect negatively on your peers elsewhere in the empire? Action is well and good, but you are in the rare position where talk might serve you better..."
The rogue nodded briefly.
As they approached the region with the building in question, "That is for you. How about Lady J? 'What's in this' for her?"
The wizard mutters, "You might want to ask her personally. Not that we were afforded the same courtesy..."
Bound to a chair looking around at each of you, Palaveen laughs giddily. Yesterday I was the head of my own criminal organization, and today I am tied to a chair to die a slow painful death. Very well, ask your questions, as I assume that is why I am still alive. Maybe I'll answer, maybe I won't.
I agree with Naberius Arael says. I would no more answer for her reasons than I would for yours. When we recruit, we guess what the reasons would be for someone joining us, but more often than not, it ends up being something entirely different.