DM Talomyr's Kingmaker

Game Master Talomyr

"I have another form of scrying available to me. It does not reach as far as the spell, but it is much faster to use. Should I? I would wish to know if the elves are mobilizing to search for their missing guards, or if the dragon is coming out."

Send Senses school ability is 150', standard action to use, only lasts 2 rounds, but can use 6/day. Works as either Clairvoyance or Clairaudience. I don't know how far we are from the cave right now. It doesn't need line of effect so we could set up 100' sideways from the cave entrance and see inside.

"Anything we can know about what’s in there before we set foot there ourselves is advantageous. Go ahead and scry what you can, Wulfric. You might just save Celebeth from walking directly into a dragon’s jaws."

"Makes sense." Rhiannon says, cleaning blood off of her blade before picking up the troll's discarded spear and looking it over. "We should move to the sides of the cave to be ready for whatever we find."

Azen reassures her sister and checks the bodies while they wait to see what Wulfric's scrying reveals.

Nope, I am mistaken. Clairvoyance/Clairaudience does not require line of sight or line of effect, but the Send Senses school ability does.

Okay, then.

Wulfric approaches the cave from an oblique angle so that he cannot be seen from foes deep within the cave. And he will use Clairaudience to listen to the area at the cave entrance. He does not speak Elven, but he does speak Sylvan, Draconic, Aklo, and Undercommon.

He will be 150' away from the cave entrance, at an angle as I said, and using Stealth (counting on the distance modifiers to help him here).

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Setting the butt of the spear in the ground beside her, Rhiannon picks up her bow, nocking an arrow in case something or someone is alerted by Wulfric's spell.

The others wait nearby while Wulfric tries to get a bit more information about the party was about to face.

"I think the elves are mobilizing to investigate. Let us try to spare them. Disarm, Trip, Grapple, nonlethal damage, and the like, should it be at all possible. Even better if the casters among us can dispel or suppress the enchantment on some of them so that they might become our allies.
I have a Protection from Evil spell prepared that might work for that purpose."

If we really think they are going to be on our side, maybe Celebeth and I can talk to them rather than attacking them in the first place. Should we wait until they come out, and try?

"Yeah, I'm fluent in Elvish and Sylvan, and my sister's a charmer, too. Though I'm told my Sylvan accent is terrible."

Rhiannon considers Wulfric's words in silence, turning to the sisters as they agree to try a peaceful approach first.

"I agree with trying, but if they take lethal action against us, everyone here making it through this safely is my primary concern, and I will do whatever is necessary to make that happen. On a side note, if your spells to remove mental influence have no effect, that will tell me what I need to know to act accordingly."

If we really think they are going to be on our side, maybe Celebeth and I can talk to them rather than attacking them in the first place. Should we wait until they come out, and try?

"I think they are under some magical mental control from the dragon based on what I saw earlier. Just speaking with them is unlikely to remove it, but if they are only under a Charm then they might be willing to talk. A Charm makes you act as the caster's friend but not as their mindless thrall."

"You also may be able to persuade them to accept a Protection from Evil spell. Make up some lie about evil fey in these woods if you wish - or whatever you can think of. It would be greatly preferable if I could cast it on them with their agreement; the spell can be resisted by an unwilling target."

"If that spell fails, I will try Dispel Magic."

Azen drags the bodies away so they hopefully won't interfere with diplomacy, clears away the drag marks, and then casts Prestidigitation to clean herself up from the exertion. She does the same for her sister, if needed, and then they wait for the elves to come investigate.

As soon as she sees them coming towards their location, far enough from the cave to not disturb the dragon (at least in theory), she shows herself and calls "hello" in Elven, hopeful to start a dialogue and avoid any immediate misunderstandings.

Celebeth mumbles, "Typically very hard to charm elves. Wonder what's really going on."

"And if this dragon has enslaved other elves, it's demise is all the more necessary."

Garethane will position himself near Azen, ready to show Elven solidarity. But he will also keep his mouth shut unless she needs an assist as he as subtle as a greatclub.

As the party of elves approach, Tove touches Azen gently on the arm and embues her with a divine blessing, casting Enhanced Diplomacy, before stepping back to let the bard speak.

Azen receives a +2 competence bonus on a single Diplomacy or Intimidate check made within the next minute. She must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies.

As you watch the cave entrance, two elves carrying bows emerge. They appear to be looking around for the trolls.

Azen waits until they move away from the entrance (I am assuming Tove also waits to give me the bonus, since she said "as they approach," but let me know if you judge differently.) If they don't seem like they are going to come further away from the cave, and Tove has already blessed her, she will step out and start talking to them, albeit in a voice designed not to carry beyond them.

Once they do approach, she steps out and says in Elven

Greetings, friends, and well met. Have you seen trolls nearby? We encountered a couple just recently and they seemed to be coming from this general direction.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 = 20

The elves eye Azen suspiciously, and one replies in Elven. "Filthy beasts abandoned their posts again? Where did you see them?"

The other raises his bow. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

Azen keeps her hands off her weapons and speaks in a soothing tone.

I'm Azen. The trolls attacked us, and we were making sure there was no further danger . . . but wait. Their post? Were they working for you, then? If so, we must apologize for killing them. We thought they were endangering the wildlife, not safely leashed. I assure you, we mean you no harm. There is no need to threaten us. If you were attacked by trolls in a forest, would you not do the same?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

The elf with the readied bow narrows his eyes before lowering the weapon, arrow still knocked. "I suppose your reasons make sense. Again I ask, what are you doing here?"

We're exploring, and occasionally hunting. Have you heard of Elkmark or Oleg's trading post? We're from up near there. We've also heard of a dragon that lives in this area somewhere. Have you heard of it?

She grins up at him.

"Heard tale of a settlement on the Tuskwater." the less aggressive elf says. "Pretty sure anyone that has been in the region the last decade or so knows of the trading post."

The elf with the knocked arrow somewhat sinisterly says, "Aye, we've heard of the dragon. What of it?"

Has it bothered your settlement down here? I've heard tales that it is hurting people, and is a danger to the area. Do you think that's true?

Azen tries to be as sincere as she can be... these elves seem to be thinking for themselves, as far as she can tell, but that bard in the town was under an enchantment and didn't have much choice, so maybe these are too. She wants to find out if they are enchanted, and is bending over backwards to help them have the chance to prove they aren't evil.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"Not many people in the region honestly. Lots of lizardfolk, goblins, and other...lesser entities." the bow wielding elf says dismissively

The other elf shakes his head, seemingly trying to regain his senses.

Have you seen a dragon around here then? Even flying overhead?

The less aggressive elf looks back at his more aggressive companion. The bow wielder plainly states, "We've seen him...both on the ground and in the air."

Do you need help taking him down, or... are you working for him for some reason?

The more friendly of the elves hangs his head, seemingly in shame, while other responds. "We don't see a need to take him down...and no, we do not work for the dragon."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Friends, I am not offended, but I know that is no more than a half-truth at best. Please tell us the full truth of the situation. We only wish to help you, and do the right thing for the people of this land.

Of course, we did meet someone who was somehow compelled to act against us, and if that were the case here, that would explain your words perhaps. I hope of course that you are free agents, and I think that if you wanted to harm us, you probably would have acted on those feelings already... so perhaps there is a way forward, even if you can't share the entire truth.

... If you are in fact unable to explain, perhaps you would consider coming to our camp and having a meal with us? That might feel a little less confrontational, and you would feel more free to talk, of your life, your hopes... we would be happy to know you better.

The more friendly of the pair seems ready to take you up on your offer, when the other shakes his head. "This isn't your settlement and those who would expand such things into the Greenbelt are not welcome here. I'd suggest you and your...friends leave."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

I mean, that's been the risk this whole time. It would be a shame, but not sure what I can do about it *except* talk it through. We could walk away, but this is why we came.

I can sense that you are angry, and I would like to understand that a little bit. You mentioned our settlement... you think we are trying to take over your land perhaps? If you tell me your concerns, perhaps we can address them. If we just go our separate ways, this is bound to come up again. Wouldn't it be better to at least try to solve it?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

"It is the very existence of your settlement that threatens our territory. Territory that we will protect at any cost, even allying ourselves with those we normally would not." the more aggressive of the two says.

"Those who have settled at the banks of the Tuskwater have claimed that area by might and right. To avoid a conflict, I would urge them not to expand their influence to these lands." he says, seemingly more willing to negotiate.

Celebeth waits with bated breath. She follows everything in the conversation, hoping that her sister asks where they are from... are these elves representatives of Kyonin, to the southwest? Or just on their own?

Still, Azen knows what she's doing. Celebeth quietly cheers her sister on (with her inside voice).

I think we are willing to negotiate peace between our peoples, as long as it is a benefit to both sides. We want our people to be safe and to respect our neighbors. Hostilities hurt everyone. What group, or groups do you represent? The elves, or others as well, since you seem to be working with ... allies that you normally would not? If we are trampling on your boundaries, I don't know about it. I would love to learn more about the problem, and we can talk about your concerns. Perhaps we should have that meal after all? There must be a way to work out an agreement that both our groups would find acceptable.

Having overflown most of the surrounding region, the hunter tries to remember any settlement, gathering spot, or other point of note that the elves would be interested in protecting.

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Whelp. So much for helping.

"We represent those who wish to be left alone." the angrier of the pair responds coldly. "Go back across the river and there won't be any problems."

Azen is confused by the angry elf who doesn't seem able to decide whether he wants to negotiate or not. She sighs internally. It sounds like she is just going to have to stand here and keep talking to this guy until he tries to kill her, but she really hopes there is a better way.

So the river is the boundary that you are claiming? Is that for the elves, or for everyone you are allied with? And how far does that boundary extend? I'd really like to understand a little more about the different groups involved here and see if we can work out a way to coexist. I'm not sure why you are so angry, but I would like to understand, and try to solve the problems between us, if we can.

Won't be any problems? Why don't you tell that to the lizard folk 'those you represent' massacred?

Tove clenches her fist and bites her tongue, her face turning red as she stares at the ground and leaves the talking to her cooler-headed friend.

"Indeed the river is the boundary. I can only speak for my people, the trolls are...unpredictable." the elf says, calmer than before. "If your people stay north of the river, you will have no problems with my people."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Azen can sense that the elf is fighting some kind of external control, which she isn't sure she can help with, since she doesn't know how it works, but she decides to address it, since it will alert her friends, and hopefully help the elves as well... if that is possible.

Friend elf, I can sense that you are fighting some kind of external control. If that is something that we can help you with, please allow us to. We would not wish any sort of slavery upon anyone.

She continues quickly after this offer, trying to give the elf something else to focus on in order to keep himself under control if he can.

We are willing to negotiate in good faith with the elves, and if the trolls are unpredictable, we may have to deal with that threat separately. Was it the trolls that recently wiped out a village of lizard folk?

The elf looks almost relieved ever so briefly before his demeanor snaps back to aggression. "Be gone!" he growls, while the other elf's head drops seemingly resigned to an unfortunate fate.

While the conversation continues, all but Tove and Rhiannon - who were both too focused on making sure Azen didn't get herself killed - notice a large shadow glide by going toward the cave. Glancing up, you briefly see the form a large, green-scaled, winged creature.

If we want to save the elves, we need to do something to break the enchantment. I have been as persuasive as it is possible for me to be, which is very, and it doesn't work. If we can save them, I would like to... and it might help us later if we meet more elves. Not sure it is possible though, if they are enchanted as deeply as the bard. He was under a geas or something, wasn't he? What do you guys want to do here? try to disarm them and tie them up and then go kill the dragon, hoping that will break the enchantment? ... At least we know the dragon is home now. :)

We want to help.

Azen glances at her friends, hoping they can do something to help, then steps forward and kisses the elf she has been talking to, knowing that more talking won't do any good, but perhaps a different kind of distraction could help, if it was mentally engaging enough. She hopes it will give her team time to take some action.

This isn't meant to make anyone uncomfortable, or even be romantic at all. Seriously, just trying to find a way to distract the mind control long enough for us to solve this without killing them.

Sadly I'm a level away from having dispel magic, so I don't know of an alternative way to break them out of a charm. We may be able to defeat them without killing them, but then we have to tie them up and march them back to a town and hold them until the magic wears off or we can disrupt it.

There is the cleric spell suppress charms and compulsions, but that's only a temporary fix.