The snake is a bush cobra, a creature normally living close to the savannah zones in Garund. Normally such creatures are not to be found in Avistan. It's pretty poisonous and two bites can kill an adult human easily. Somehow it is coated with a gilded coating which does not seem to bother it.
The snake curls itself around your arm, but seems calm.
Alcheringa looks at one of the snakes to identify it, then picks it up. "Who are you, Brother?"
"So rare and beautiful, you are a long way from home my little friend..."
Alcheringa keeps walking stroking the creature amiably, as though it hasn't dawned on him it might be someones pet.
Perception
Local Knowledge
Kyren carefully walks up along the room toward the dark naga. Once he reaches Sulcer, the Toscobble bows formally and introduces himself.
"Greetings Oh great Sulcher. I am most impressed with your lovely estate. The music and the entire experience is one of great delight. It is truly a pleasure to meet one of such esteemed reputation. I am Burgosh Malteekak, traveller, explorer, and merchantman of exotic goods, and these are my associates. I have come wondering if you have an interest in purchasing some rare eastern artifacts?"
Diplomacy
Seeing the snakes Berry calmly steps away from them. As she does so she discreetly whispers to her companions the number of guards outside. And also the collected cost of the Tzarek tables, expense of feeding lizardfolk and nagas. And the average income required to maintain a household of this size.
Sulcher's crimson eyes have an aura of threat and villainy that is totally unnerving, yet you don't flinch and that seems to impress the naga.
Without the hissing sound his minions always produce, he replies in a deep cold voice
Welcome to my palace traveller Malteetak. I'm elated and honoured that you visited me after your exhausting journeys to the east. Tell me, where did you buy those rare artifacts?
Meanhwile one of the slaves offers you some exotic fruits resting on a layer of ice on a silver plate.
"Thank you, your greatness. I have gathered these rare and precious artifacts from some wonderful villagers in the remote towns of Shingla and Binglu of the Minkai Empire in the far continent of Tian Xia. Their creativity is something beyond what we experience here in the west. I think you will be very pleased with what I have to offer. May I interest you in the legendary Jade Dragon of Kylashnu?"
Bluff
Kyren draws forth the sculpture from his bag and holds it up for all to see.
And are you sure that these items stem from the Minkai Empire?
While the tone is just matter of factly, you sense a tension in the voice of the dark naga.
A slave takes the dragon from your hands and holds it up, so that the large monster can inspect it.
Nice...very nice...I like jade.
Will Save:
I'm most concerned right now with scoping out the area, keeping an eye on threats, and staying near enough to Kyren to protect him.
Will Save
"And are you sure that these items stem from the Minkai Empire?"
"The Jade Dragon of Kylashnu most certainly comes from the old Minklai Empire. I knew there was great unrest in the land, but I had always heard of this legendary artifact that is reputed to give great wisdom to one who possessed it. After many long dangerous days of travel over sea, hill and vale, I finally obtain it! Since I knew that an item of such magnificence could only be offered to the greatest of recipients, I immediately thought of you!"
"Nice...very nice...I like jade."
"Splendid, splendid. I am glad you like it! This could be all yours for only three thousand gold pieces! It is a remarkable piece of work now, isn't it? I simply love how the light glimmers on it! You are already so wise and just, I can only imagine the power and the wisdom you would gain from this item!"
Bluff
Will save.
Will save and +2 if it's a fear, charm, or compulsion effect (I don't think it's any of them).
Perception
Knowledge (local)
Jazz keeps quiet, letting Kyren do the talking, but he's ready to jump into action the moment thing turn sour. He's also continually keeping his eye out for the structure and layout of the palace, trying to see the dungeon or any other significant places.
Even as the tension begins to mount, Kyren keeps going with his bluff and tries to maintain a sense of calm in the troubled sea.
Alcheringa is part watching on, part showing the snake to Blaze, and part admiring the Naga itself as the pinnacle of serpentine evolution.
Salfon begins to sweat in the hot snake den.
Sulcher smacks his lips and shows his impressive fangs, each as long as a short sword. He starts to uncurl and towers now about 4m above your heads. Several hundred kilos of muscles protected by black, dark blue and dark red scales hard as iron.
You want me to pay for these even though you entered my palace and lied to me about their origin?
His voice is not much more than a whisper, but the horrified look on his slaves' faces warn you that he must be quite outraged.
I allow you to leave this place unharmed if you give me all your eastern wares as signs of your worship...otherwise...
Suddenly realizing the extreme danger he has put everyone in, Kyren plays a different card.
"Naturally, that is exactly what I was thinking. Let these be a gift to you, oh great one! May they serve you well and bring you pleasure beyond compare!"
Kyren bows respectfully and hastily departs the receiving chamber. Once out of the room, Kyren sighs and comments, "Crazzleboks! That guy knows how to haggle!"
Alcheringa, of course, does not move. Instead he sits himself down comfortably and continues petting the snake.
"So where do you come from, mighty serpent? I have not seen your like before in the range, planes, and mountains from which I come. So I am curious how far you have travelled to arrive in Kaer Maga"
He looks at the slaves for a moment, then back to the serpent. "Food?" he nods at the slaves suggestingly, as if assuming that is their role here.
Alcheringa, of course, does not move. Instead he sits himself down comfortably and continues petting the snake.
Uh, Al . . . I think we may have overstayed our welcome. We might want to leave. Like now. Please.
Suclher arches a scaly eyebrow and lowers his head a bit, the grotesque mix of human and reptile face is now on Alcheringa's level
Food and amusement...I'm from a hive in the jungles of Garund, near the ruined city of Kho in the Mwangi Expanse...did you ever hear of that place, elf?
Sulcher's tone is a bit more curious now and he seems to find the strange elf at least interesting for the moment.
Sulcher's tone is a bit more curious now and he seems to find the strange elf at least interesting for the moment.
OK, carry on . . .
I take a few steps back, away from Al and Sulcher.
Berry actually seems, strangely enough, relieved and leans in closer to hear the conversation.
Food and amusement...I'm from a hive in the jungles of Garund, near the ruined city of Kho in the Mwangi Expanse...did you ever hear of that place, elf?
"Hmmm as food they aren't too bad I suppose. I wouldn't recommend them personally, but Blaze seems quite fond of the flavour. I don't normally like a meal that complains so much about being eaten. True animals have a greater understanding that their death is simply part of the great circle of life and that this is the natural order of things, they accept life and death, and their remains sustain the next generation the same way the remains of our forebears have sustained us."
"The humanoids do not think this way. They see themselves as special and somehow outside this circle, as though it is remote to them. We see this here in Kaer Maga where they rob the earth by stealing back the bodies of the dead rather than let the owners pay the debt they owe. The humanoids complain that the natural world is there to be mastered, and fail to realise the relationship needs to be mutual."
"Anyhow enough about them, I'm more interested in you at the moment. I have not been to the Mwangi yet on my wanderings, though I have met many of the Mwangi peoples. I have also met a great cat of the Mwangi, one that combines the heart of a lion with the wisdom of the serpent. I spent time in discussion with its great magnificence and found its insight to the natural order fascinating, and now I hope to be equally amazed by your insights. Whilst it combined serpent and feline, you seem to be cast with both serpent and man? Is the Mwangi the heartbeat of the great snakes that formed all the rivers in the world?"
"I would talk to you of other matters, but am more interested in understanding who I am dreaming with"
Alcheringa still sits patiently, stroking his new friend the cobra.
The whole conversation seems to irritate the naga as much as it interests him. At least his slaves relax a bit as he goes on explaining.
So you're a child of the wilds, a druid. I was always fascinated by your view of the world, but now listen to what I have to say. We dark nagas are born in remote places, there we are nurtured until no predator of the jungle, the desert, the oceans or whatever can endanger us. We are the natural peak of any cycle of life and many of us leave the wilderness to rule over cities of humans, orcs, goblins, or other intelligent species. We are like dragons, we love gold and jewelery and we like to toy with more simple creatures. Humans say we are cruel, unforgiving and merciless, but like all snakes, our blood runs cold and we see no need in being kind to the things we eat.
Many dark nagas are from the jungles, but others, like ghost nagas or bright nagas stem from other environments, some even dwell in the vast oceans. Now tell me elf-man have you ever encountered a creature as threatening but also as wise as me on all your journeys?
The whole conversation seems to irritate the naga as much as it interests him. At least his slaves relax a bit as he goes on explaining.
So you're a child of the wilds, a druid. I was always fascinated by your view of the world, but now listen to what I have to say. We dark nagas are born in remote places, there we are nurtured until no predator of the jungle, the desert, the oceans or whatever can endanger us. We are the natural peak of any cycle of life and many of us leave the wilderness to rule over cities of humans, orcs, goblins, or other intelligent species. We are like dragons, we love gold and jewelery and we like to toy with more simple creatures. Humans say we are cruel, unforgiving and merciless, but like all snakes, our blood runs cold and we see no need in being kind to the things we eat.
Many dark nagas are from the jungles, but others, like ghost nagas or bright nagas stem from other environments, some even dwell in the vast oceans. Now tell me elf-man have you ever encountered a creature as threatening but also as wise as me on all your journeys?
"A creature as threatening? possibly not. A creature as wise? I cannot give you that. If indeed you share the same love of wealth and gold as our brother Dragon, then you indeed share the fatal flaw in thier wisdom, that one hole that ruins an otherwise amazing mind."
"You covet that which will kill you."
"Our brother the Dragon, he too comes into this incarnation far from the eyes of those who might hurt them. There he hatches and grows in power, alive and free, king of his domain. Then as his power grows, he falls victim to the malady of man... gold and wealth. Why does he covet that which he cannot eat? that which shall not shelter him from the weather, that which offers him nothing but weight and encumberance? Does it make the cows stand more still on the plain that he may pluck them for his emal easier? no."
"The Dragon eventually becomes problem enough to draw the attention of man, who is aggrieved the dragons hunt his gold and pillage his towns for it, and those men send warriors seeking fame, glory, and revenge... yet the dragon benefits from this by killing the food that so willingly come seeking it. It grows fat, gluttonous, strong. it grows wise as it accumulates knowledge of the ages. Yet it doesn't see that the gold it is piling up and accumulating is not leaving, instead that gold is forming an ever higher mountain... a mountain so high that eyes of the cunning and vicious man start shining in the brightness of it all... humans that are cruel, unforgiving, and merciless; humans with cold blood who see no need to be kind to the dragon they hunt, and oblivious to tragedy of such a magnificent child of nature being killed."
"The dragons are a proud lot, strong and mighty. No creature so noble and proud could accept the deterioration they would have to face as they grew to a venerable age, as their body felt the pull to return to the earth, the feeble frailness the aged feel. So instead they covet and grow a pile of gold large enough to kill them; they gorw it large enough that their lives are cut off in their prime at the end of a human sword... a violent death, but a short one all the same"
"So is that truly wisdom? I say it is flawed."
"I also say that you yourself have tipped the balance that way, that your trespass against the humans is tipping dangerously close to going too far, and that eventually hunters will come for you. At first you will be able to defeat them easily, such is your greatness, but then they will learn of you, they will consult their libraries to unlock your secrets, and then they will come again and you shall not survive"
"As you are snatched from us, the world will have lost another of its remarkable treasures, so I ask you great one, do not let this be what happens. Help me now to save you from such a fate; or tell me that you have resigned yourself to the path of destruction and I may leave and begin grieving that the balance will tip one great life further from greatness."
You can literally hear how the mechanics in Sulcher's head begin to work, he has clearly understood your philosophical threat and answers slowly
Well, you mean those hunters could be already here...could be already preparing to strike against me...
He looks over to his slave, as if to reassure no one has drawn a dagger...
I'll credit you for your insight elf and I will prove you that I'm wiser than all dragons. Tell me, what could I do to make people think I'm not a cruel treasure hoarder that must be destroyed? How could I possibly redirect their greed to something else or diminish it?
"Well..." Alcheringa looks around, looks at his allies, then back to the Naga "There could be some hunters here to strike at you. You have a whole city around you that lacks any pity of compassion, and where people only think of their own gain, so no doubt more than a few are wondering how to gain your spoils. Though I must also remark that your hunting and slaving has gone to the point that the people are unhappy, and their fear has moved past the point of fleeing to the point they are so terrified they seek a way to stop you forever."
"I myself cannot tell you what must be done or what could be done, as I am not one of them, however my friends are wise in the way of men, just not so wise in the way of great snakes... perhaps they could share their man-wisdom, and we can then continue our talk"
Alcheringa goes back to petting the snake.
Then what are you waiting for? Call your wise friends back, I want to hear their judgment and advice...and I hope it will be sound...However, I'm surprised that they can rate the situation, since they are travellers from afar.
Sulcher curls together again and waits for you to call Kyren back.
Without Alcheringa, Kyren would not have gone far. Hearing the opening in the conversation, Kyren steps back into the presence of the great snake and bravely speaks up,
"Oh great Sulcher. I have indeed traveled the land and played music for many fine folk over the years. However, nothing disturbs my people more than to see others enslaved against their will. My own fellow halflings have been enslaved by the Cheliaxians and even here in this city we have met the Mwangi who have only recently been able to escape enslavement only to be hunted down and killed for simply wishing to live a life free of oppression. In your great wisdom can you see that this brings great sadness to these people and in turn causes them to hate you in return. I simply wonder, why do you hunt them as you do?"
Amused Sulcher bares his fangs
Because I'm a slave lord. Selling and buying slaves is the basis of my power, influence and wealth. I will surely not stop that. But tell me, musician, will it help if I let some of them free? will the people think "Sulcher is a good ruler"? If that is the case I will surely spare some lives and set at least a couple of my slaves free.
The great snake smiles malevolently down on the slaves in the throne room and adds
But none of you.
"But tell me, musician, will it help if I let some of them free? will the people think "Sulcher is a good ruler"? If that is the case I will surely spare some lives and set at least a couple of my slaves free."
"That would be most appreciated, oh great one! If you were so willing, freeing the Mwangi slaves and allowing the former Mwangi slaves to live their lives in peace, would make the people think that Sulcher is not only a good ruler, but a great and wise ruler!"
The dark naga muses about this for a moment then his tail slashes through the air and catapults several of the pillows through the room (must be some kind of eureka moment).
Good idea! These are the worst slaves anyhow, I'll send them back to...to...I will just set them free and everyone will say "Look at Sulcher, what a great and just ruler". And you tiny bard will compose a song that praises my deeds and virtue...now.
The monster looks down on you waiting for your stroke of genius to arrive.
"A proud ruler who wished to invite a lot of predators to his lair would have songs crafted that boasted of his wealth and largesse. A cunning ruler would have the same song sung, but would give hints at a feigned weakness to lure the predators into a trap. A wise ruler would have a song sung about his relative modesty and his desire to help others...for a modest fee."
"I think you sell yourself short. You trade in slaves that whine and nag and go unwillingly to their fate. They are from the wilds and ill trained for the rigours of so called 'civilisation'. What does a slave net you in magic mojo money terms? for all the effort you go to in shipping those human cattle here you must find it disappointing that your trade is always second to that of the disgusting undead sellers... they will always beat you here because their wares do not require food or shelter, do not argue or require discipline, and nor do they need to stop work each day for rest."
"If you were wise you would see that your trade here is very limited, and I suppose you could only really trade in 'quick wives'..."
"On the other hand, if you truly wished to be worshipped for your wisdom, perhaps you could find even greater wealth in solving disputes. The rock headed people here always curse and spit about deals being broken and little bits of paper and their intention... their arragements are distasefully complicated compared to the compacts of the wild and the law of the jungle... perhaps you could become... a keeper of contracts, broker od deals, and arbiter of law. As much as I find it humourous that such creatures in this city are lauded and treated to treasure for little more than they can do sitting on their rumps, that is the way of this place. You will be worshipped, and tribute will come... and so will more wealth. People will give you tribute just so they can use your name as their agent in negotiating deals... they will be the pilot fish to your shark, attaching themselves to you that they may get fed just from you being...you, and in turn they will ensure your scales remain ever lustrous and your body and soul remain healthy."
"I would leave it to your wisdom to determine who were the pilot fish, and who were just the parasitic leeches though. Your greatness"
Alcheringa lets the cobra slither away now that he has finished marvelling at its beauty.
"Good idea! These are the worst slaves anyhow, I'll send them back to...to...I will just set them free and everyone will say "Look at Sulcher, what a great and just ruler". And you tiny bard will compose a song that praises my deeds and virtue...now."
Kyren approaches Sulcher and does his best to appear relaxed and confident.
"I am honored that you have asked me to play for you, O Great Serpent. I will create for you on the spot and sing of your legendary wisdom."
Drawing upon his inner creativity, Kyren taps his Touch of Destiny and begins to think of a song very quickly. He pulls out his harp slowly as he begins his creation.
The chords of his harp ring through the hall as his voice begins to sing.
Chrous:
Coiling, curving, crawling, curling,
Soaring, sliding, shimmering, shining -
Creating power and passion,
In Kaer Maga lives the Great Naga!
Verses:
A slender serpent of power, and charm.
Grace and beauty beyond compare.
Sleek and supple, sharp and subtle.
Poised and potent, greatest creature of them all.
With insight and imagination
The serpent weaves the strands of many lands
Into a long and shining tapestry.
as the noble creature dances on frescoed floors.
Chorus
Frightened I felt at first,
but from the bottom of my heart,
courage I found and asked the wise worm:
“Why are you here, great creature?
Isn’t it dangerous for both you and us?”
Chorus
The great snake raised its hood and hissed:
“Wake up! Young Halfling!”
This is a new age!
People fear me now and know my power
but I do not fear them back.
I am the Sacred Serpent,
Prophet and protector, helper and healer.
With a mind of magic,
A tongue of truth,
And eyes of mystic wisdom.
Chorus
Brought to the world with fire and grace.
With power and passion, the snake did stare.
Then in a moment of power and wisdom,
the slaves were let free and I stood wondering in awe.
Bewildered I stood there
Clever and resilient, courage beyond compare.
Humbled by power beyond all the world
I met the greatest creature for all to to be aware.
Chorus
Perform
Sulcher ponders about the implications of changing his business
Give up slave trade...become an arbiter of laws...what a sound idea...if I was interested in keeping the laws, har! No, I think I will just let some slaves free and make them hail my wisdom, that sounds like a much better idea. But still you're right, these necromancers ruin my business, since the slaves they produce don't eat or get sick, always work and never complain...and since their has been an influx of new bodies that is absolutely concerning, I will send my agents to investigate the Godsmouth Ossuary...you are a good advisor, elf. What is your name?
Then, as Kyren begins his song, the large snake-head slowly begins to sway in the rythm of the song.
After you have ended, the slaves look fearfully up to their master and you guess that he kills performers rather often...
But this time he smiles and says
What a nice little tune you played there...I will grant you one modest wish...but choose wisely and don't strain my good will too much, after all, I have already promised to set the Mwangi slaves free.
"I am Alcheringa, I agree the checking of the ossuary is a brilliant endeavour."
Alcheringa bows formally, and prepares to depart.
"I will grant you one modest wish...but choose wisely and don't strain my good will too much, after all, I have already promised to set the Mwangi slaves free."
"Oh great Serpent, your mercy is abundant and I do not wish to impose on your generosity, but since you offer a modest wish, I must first inquire about the fate of a young Tzarek player that befriended me some time ago. His name was Count Varian Jeggare. Do you know what happened to this elf?"
Sulcher's eye narrow, but the naga keeps on smiling...
Jeggare? I found him while he copied a book in my library, sadly I saw no other option than imprisoning him...I guess he now rots in one of my cells under the palace. How come you know such a nasty book thief?
Sulcher cocks an eyebrow and grins cattily.
"I know Count Jeggare from a Tzarek tournament that I recently won. He was one of the competitors that gave me a challenging match in one of my final rounds. I did not realize that he was going to steal your book. I just know that he has an insatiable appetite for information. I do not believe the Count has any ill will towards you, being such a magnificent creature that you are. However, from what I understand of the elf, having spent a great deal of time with one of them myself." Kyren glances over at Alcheringa. "He simply seeks knowledge. Creatures such as him cannot always hold back such strong desires and will often make poor decisions to reach those ends. Oh Great Sulcher, wisest of all creatures, for my modest wish, I ask you to once again extend your mercy and grant this elf your pardon!"
Diplomacy
Your flattering words make Sulcher smile and so he replies
You're right, while I keep this book only since it is costly, it may be worth more for such boring people like this Count Jeggare. I agree with you that he does not mean harm to me and so I will set him free tomorrow morning. Now that your wish is fulfilled, I would like you to leave me. I have to cater for my new propaganda masterpiece. Isn't it impressive how ingenious I am? Setting these slaves free to make them hail me was a very clever idea...of me...
Sulcher now curls together again and the large door is opened by a muscled lizardman who beckons you over.
Kyren bows lowly and then hastily departs past the muscled lizardman and out the door.
"Alchy, you were brilliant! Without your courage and bravery, we would have been completely lost! Thank you my friend, for helping free all of the Mwangi slaves and also my friend, Jeggare! You and Blaze are my heros! Perhaps tonight I can treat you to a delicious meal at the Gryphon Plume. In fact, I would like to offer all of you a tasty treat. I think you are all most deserving!"
"Hmmm I did what needed to be done, to preserve the balance. He is such a rare creature, yet was rapidly hurtling toward his own destruction... I sought to save him from this fate"
"I will still take the dinner though"
Kyren will look for the closest exit and depart before he is tempted to steal anything. Once outside, he addresses the party.
"Congratulations, my friends. The Wee Bluets have done it again. I don't know how, but we certainly can't argue with the results! So now that we have finished that task, let's find the Gryphon Plume. Daggers, in the meanwhile, I need you to tell us more about this next job. Where do we start and what does the job entail?"