Smendor will drop off the bear skin with Oleg.
He has not really said much about this whole ordeal.
Also all of the loot from the dead man has been put into the group coffer.
Well it seems we need to revert to the most simple forms of solving this issue.
We can just pick a fight or aggressively motivate one of them to fight with use. Like take a large bucket of warm wet horse sh## to that big ones face. We should get a nice response.
We could also simply put one of our on in danger by standing out alone where you can be seen. Like a fight or something and one tells the other they need to spend some time alone to calm down. There is a good chance the spooky one will jump to action for that, but we will be waiting.
We can also simply wait and openly follow them. Yes this method is childish, but I will assure you things will happen after you follow them for a while.
Well it seems we need to revert to the most simple forms of solving this issue.
We can just pick a fight or aggressively motivate one of them to fight with use. Like take a large bucket of warm wet horse sh## to that big ones face. We should get a nice response.
We could also simply put one of our on in danger by standing out alone where you can be seen. Like a fight or something and one tells the other they need to spend some time alone to calm down. There is a good chance the spooky one will jump to action for that, but we will be waiting.
We can also simply wait and openly follow them. Yes this method is childish, but I will assure you things will happen after you follow them for a while.
Brett eyes Smendor over the stem of his pipe, and contiues to smoke.
"Ye serious, lad? Fight them? never mind the four lads who's power we don't know nothing about... or the masked bastard who chills the bones... if we be starting violence here, why... we'll have that captain and the whole lot of his lads on us quick fer "disturbing the peace" or some such... Does anything he done or said make ye think that he may be a lad who reason goes well with? He won't buckle his thoughts, and we all get troubles quick; I promise ye that easy. I be liking the idea of following them out of the line of his sight and dealing with them neat as neat... but mayhap we get some facts, first. As o' now, Alaric went to chat with the masked lad, Ariarh went to talk to Drake... and Gan be asking his own words... I think that if we give it a bit o' time, they come back, share the news, we can go from there... Once we get everything all on the table, so to speak, then we able to move on right and good. May even get a better idea on how to move forward good. I ain't saying what to do, or what not to do, I was just saying we should get all the cards on the table first."
Puck shakes his head. "Regrettably, good Master, I do not believe that that is what my lady would have wished for. Were it a battle of arms against arms, it is clear that their large one would have made quick work of her, and save for an exceptionally flattering corpse, or pieces of one," Puck shudders, "I dare say none would be the wiser. There is more cunning involved in this than I can puzzle.
"Say, Master Smendor. You and yours have visited this keep before, correct? Is there one known to you to be skilled in herbs that may assist us to wake the lady?"
O I also think they are all ready bad ideals but we needed something to get our brains going.
na not here but the one living in this shake a few hours ride from here would have the skill. We could have you sneak out and go to him.
"Perhaps Dior and I might... But, nay, the lady Ariarh seemed to me unwilling to part with our wing-ed companion. And if this man in black be interested in healers, like as not the worst idea to draw his attention to this herbalist. Trouble enough for my sad mistress, but one without defense..."
Puck will remain beside his sleeping lady, and will probably do as Brett is like to, ask questions about things that don't make sense to him. And if Ariarh suggests that the group ride out to any known destination, he will immediately veto that idea, for sake of his mistress's health.
Once the party is installed for the evening, Puck will probably go make merry with the soldiers, playing his pipes and telling tales to brighten himself up, knowing that he has tried everything he could to help his lady, and that she would not have liked him waiting on her specifically if it robbed him of his freedom to be social.
”Can you trust me? An odd question, for if you do not fully trust me now, what can I say to persuade you to do so that I have not already done? I have erred, and through the efforts of yourself and that of your companions I have been corrected; I see no reason to return to that dark path and would continue on the one I have chosen currently. Yet it is oft said that actions weigh more then mere words. Therefore, judge me by my actions, if you would. For now, I have done little to suggest we are allied, so that others may not think it so. The bookish man, as you name him, is much more intelligent then one may give him credit for. Even now he will no doubt be suspicious of our dual absence, if he is not already. What he does with this suspicion, I have no way of knowing.”
Drake sighs.
”As for the nature of the masked one? I do not know if he is a priest, sorcerer, or some charlatan with dark powers to aid him. I have seen him already with a sword, though it is well covered. I suspect he has some martial skill, though much, I cannot say… For now I aid master Oleg, and this, his property. My sympathies align to the young lass, Dasha, a girl who was taken as a slave from Ustalav for some dark purpose. Yet, if I am not mistaken, the masked man would not be looking for her so soon, for he is only recently arrived; unless there was some connection with that nation and this land that covers much distance. Yet of that I cannot say more, for I know naught of it. But we talk overmuch… even now they grow uneasy in our absence. Would that Alaric could twist some details from that dark villain, yet I have no method of knowing how he will proceed with his interrogation; what strategy he would employ, be it magical, a clever use of selected skills, or something more devious… He has not spoken on his plans to me and I would feel it presumptuous to speak on his designs until I knew his tactics better. No doubt he will make pleasantries with the masked man, get some cold brush-off from this person, and return to your friends puzzled as ever. Would that I knew his strategy, I could decipher a better guess. But alas! I am no mind reader, and for me to venture a supposition on this case would be… unfair… I should say.”
He bows once and walks on.
”If only Alaric made his designs clear… perhaps we could do something…”he mutters. ”But we shall see…”
As Robert "The Drake" walks away from her, Ariarh speaks to his entreating back,
"Thank you for speaking with me, Robert. I hope your absence has not been duly noted. I will return to my companions forthwith."
Ariarh watches him walk until he is around the corner (it's better they are not seen walking together) and then starts making her own way back to the courtyard to seek out her other companions and to find a private place in which relay the information she has gained from "Drake".
In her mind, Ariarh is wishing Alaric success in his "questioning" of the masked one. She shivers at the thought of anything untoward happening to the sorcerer. Ariarh's mind goes to the sleeping cleric in the sleeping quarters -- one companion down is already too much.
Even as he walks off, Drake turns to Ariarh, pausing a few feet from her, and offers another insight, after thinking a moment.
”My friend, N’Var… perhaps he is easily misjudged. Through the words and suggestions of good Alaric, N'Var has been motivated to put us all in medical quarantine. N’Var will not lift it to the prescribed time. Those who try to flee, or leave for neutral purposes, if they spread infection, he will stop them with force; perhaps even deadly force, for he has no desire for a plague to spread through the River Kingdoms. Even if your companion awakens to tell that she is fine and hale, N’Var will still hold you in check… until the prescribed time. The only way you would be successful is if your or your companions fled from his guards in secret or in force… in either case; you would make him your enemy, and I do not think you would wish that. Therefore, for me, I would wait until the morrow, until the signs of the “plague” good master Alaric suggested were made manifest, or not. If there is no signs of plague, then nothing will prevent you from leaving to aid your companion. If there is signs… I fear for all of our lives here,”he adds with a shake of his head.
"Now,”he adds politely, ”was there any other words you would have with me? Is there anything else I can assist you with? Please tell me, for I fear we are being watched even as I speak to you.”
Even as he walks off, Drake turns to Ariarh, pausing a few feet from her, and offers another insight, after thinking a moment.
”My friend, N’Var… perhaps he is easily misjudged. Through the words and suggestions of good Alaric, N'Var has been motivated to put in quarantine. N’Var will not lift it to the prescribed time. Those who try to flee, or leave for neutral purposes, if they spread infection, he will stop them with force; perhaps even deadly force, for he has no desire for a plague to spread through the River Kingdoms. Even if your companion awakens to tell that she is fine and hale, N’Var will still hold you in check… until the prescribed time. The only way you would be successful is if fled his guards in secret or in force… in either case; you would make him your enemy, and I do not think you would wish that. Therefore, for me, I would wait until the morrow, until the signs of the “plague” good master Alaric suggested were made manifest, or not. If there is no signs of plague, then nothing will prevent you from leaving to aid your companion. If there is signs… I fear for all of our lives here,”he adds with a shake of his head.
"Now,”he adds politely, ”was there any other words you would have with me? Is there anything else I can assist you with? Please tell me, for I fear we are being watched even as I speak to you.”
"I must admit I had forgotten the quarantine placed on all who are currently within these walls. You are correct, I would not see any of us making enemy of the captain. I shall bide my time, here, then. And as you say, once the quarantine is lifted there is time enough to ride to Bokken's. " Ariarh is a little embarrassed at forgetting all about the quarantine and her face is flushed.
"No, I have nothing further at this time, Robert. But, I may reach out to you again later if there is need and it is safe to do so, if you are amiable."
"With good will, lady... Now, if you do need me for something, I shall be out with the men working on the tower. Gods be with you,"he adds as he walks off.
His tone, manner, and style of speech are radically different then when you last met him. It is as if he has taken on a new persona, or forgotten who he was and recently remembered it... You suspect this may have been largely part of this "captain N'Var"... what the history between Drake and the captain are is largely unknown... yet you suspect that it is both deep and important for Drake to have changed so much since last time you met him.
One other thing to all...
If you have no other specific plan for the end of the night, just let me know what you will do formally regarding going to bed (i.e. where your character would sleep and so forth). When night falls, in-game, if I have not heard from you, I shall simply advance your character as I need to, unless you give me details otherwise....
If/when Ariarh returns from her gathering info session, Puck will object to seeing this guy Bokken at all, because if Smendor can come up with the idea of following these bad dudes to get more information about their habits, the dude in the glasses who seems to like books about cutting up and eating people would definitely be able to think of it, and there's no point in dragging innocents into matters that concern them, again, citing that this man in black seemed to have a particular thing for healers as the crux of his argument.
Puck will sleep beside his lady, probably curled up on the same bunk, so that when she stirs the first face she'll see is friendly to her. They've shared the experience of captivity before, and he has noticed that Hermia prefers to sleep relatively alone among the wilds under a blanket than in a structure. He figures for one night, he can do so as well, to make her feel safer.
Hermia is going to want to know everything when she wakes, provided her mind is still her own...
Before Alaric leaves to go talk to the man in the mask, he asks Puck, Brownies are renowned for their stealth and ability to move unseen. Can you eavesdrop on the other group and see what they are discussing? I would like to know any plans they have or if they let slip anything that could be useful. I believe that the man in the mask is a spell caster of a divine nature. If we could prove that he is worshipping a dark god that could be enough to have him arrested as everyone knows the worship of the dark gods is illegal in Brevoy and the River Kingdoms. As such, Puck if you see him communing with a dark god, report to us at once. I mean to see this man pay for harming one of our own. Puck, also try to find out why the man covers his face, it could be useful. Ry, do everything you can to wake her. Smendor, if you would come with me it would be appreciated. I do not believe any of us should go anywhere alone especially not to the masked man.
Alaric will then wait until Puck returns to make his next move. In the meantime he is going to use every power in his disposal to wake her up, cold water, shaking her gently, clapping in her face, and the like. He will not harm her at all though, just trying to wake her up.
I will only leave if Brett will stay to guard the lady.
Actually Smendor, perhaps it would be better for Brett to accompany me. We need your strong arm here to guard Hermia.
"I be staying to gaurd the lady... but I thought he said he had the mask on because he was sick or something... or did he? I don't know... Odd thing, that... he said something could be dangerous... I be waiting if ye like... or not, if it pleases ye. I be fine either way... "
Brett looks to Alaric, waiting for his cue.
"Oh yeah.. Lady, how be our lad Drake doing... he say anything insightful like?"
Smendor stays to guard the lady, and he is really standing there ready for a fight.
Brevoy is made of various principalities.. and within those principalities are Dutchies, Counties, Baronies, and so forth... within each of those lands are subdivisions of government which are controlled by various political forces. As a united nation, it is indeed Chaotic Neutral... HOWEVER: this does not mean that individual officers will be universaly Chaotic Neutral... Some of them may be Chaotic Neutral, like the Squire Kaid, lord of N'Var... while others may be Chaotic Evil, or even Lawful Good, as this N'Var seems to be... The diverse nature of Brevoy has no form of centralized Kingship with all citizens following a wise or good monarch, but rather each local lord struggling for power (consider the nobles in Scotland via Braveheart... Some of them were good, evil, and neutral, but as a whole Scotland was, from the nobility perspective, Chaotic Neutral - as is Brevoy).
I presume this question is directed to N'Var's nature and attitude. You should have already noticed by now, after recalling the squire, that men like N'Var are not lords, they are minor officers, and their alignment and adherence to the law is how he is personally conducting himself. In other words; a Brevoian noble will probably be much more rude/obnoxious and disregard the law, or look the other way, or accept a bribe, or change his mind... N'Var is not such a man.
Though I should add, that from what you have heard from Brett, his former lord, the Duke, was at least Lawful Neutral, and this is perhaps why he is generally distrusted by other lords; his very honor makes him a threat to their schemes. It may be that this Duke is the only such man, but you have the opinion that there could be other potential alliances here.
Diplomacy 1d20+13
Bluff 1d20+9
It will be tricky to get information, because although those rolls are good, I don't know what you want to bluff about (your background, your parties motivations, your plans, your alliances, your history or power... etectera); I also don't wish to know what you would do via Gather Information under Diplomacy (what questions you would ask, so I will do the best I can and hope to go from there.
Look forward to some answers soon, though in the future, in such a roll, just let me know what type of questions you would have asked, if you can. Thanks!
"Now I do have a question or two for you good sir, tell me what do you know about the man in black and his companions, perhaps where they hail from, what brings them here to the Greenbelt or what they hope to find here? Also if you could what is the connection between Captain N'Var and the one they call Drake?"
Brevoy is made of various principalities.. and within those principalities are Dutchies, Counties, Baronies, and so forth... within each of those lands are subdivisions of government which are controlled by various political forces. As a united nation, it is indeed Chaotic Neutral... HOWEVER: this does not mean that individual officers will be universaly Chaotic Neutral... Some of them may be Chaotic Neutral, like the Squire Kaid, lord of N'Var... while others may be Chaotic Evil, or even Lawful Good, as this N'Var seems to be... The diverse nature of Brevoy has no form of centralized Kingship with all citizens following a wise or good monarch, but rather each local lord struggling for power (consider the nobles in Scotland via Braveheart... Some of them were good, evil, and neutral, but as a whole Scotland was, from the nobility perspective, Chaotic Neutral - as is Brevoy).
I presume this question is directed to N'Var's nature and attitude. You should have already noticed by now, after recalling the squire, that men like N'Var are not lords, they are minor officers, and their alignment and adherence to the law is how he is personally conducting himself. In other words; a Brevoian noble will probably be much more rude/obnoxious and disregard the law, or look the other way, or accept a bribe, or change his mind... N'Var is not such a man.
Though I should add, that from what you have heard from Brett, his former lord, the Duke, was at least Lawful Neutral, and this is perhaps why he is generally distrusted by other lords; his very honor makes him a threat to their schemes. It may be that this Duke is the only such man, but you have the opinion that there could be other potential alliances here.
"Now I do have a question or two for you good sir, tell me what do you know about the man in black and his companions, perhaps where they hail from, what brings them here to the Greenbelt or what they hope to find here? Also if you could what is the connection between Captain N'Var and the one they call Drake?"
I can tell you more answers once I know who you are talking to specifically? Can you please give me more information? Also, please roll a Diplomacy roll at this point via "Gather Information" to get this data. It can be used untrained, as you know.
Alaric and Brett will wait until you have spoken your piece on Drake... Look for a rather long post from "Alaric" and his interview in a little bit... writing it now...
"Now I do have a question or two for you good sir, tell me what do you know about the man in black and his companions, perhaps where they hail from, what brings them here to the Greenbelt or what they hope to find here? Also if you could what is the connection between Captain N'Var and the one they call Drake?"I can tell you more answers once I know who you are talking to specifically? Can you please give me more information? Also, please roll a Diplomacy roll at this point via "Gather Information" to get this data. It can be used untrained, as you know.
Gan is talking to whomever at the tower seems to be in charge a foreman if you will or a chief engineer.
Diplomacy:
As Alaric has volunteered Puck to "observe" the man in black, and... well, being a creature of chaos, and finding his lady well guarded by several he knows that she admires, he will aide.
Puck will cast Detect Magic prior to engaging the Man in Black, and keep concentrated on him to detect any sort of magical activity before it happens, and use spellcraft and Knowledge Arcana to identify if it does
Spellcraft
Knowledge (Arcana)
Puck will use his stealth to keep tabs on the Man in Black while Alaric engages him and keeps him distracted.
Stealth
edit: woops, and a Perception to observe
As for seeing the Man in Black's face, Puck has absolutely no desire to, whatsoever. What he knows is that his lady went with the man in private, and came out sickened, and that she were perfectly fine before that point. He is not going to engage the Man in Black one-on-one because he does not want to get eaten. Thanks.
"Now I do have a question or two for you good sir, tell me what do you know about the man in black and his companions, perhaps where they hail from, what brings them here to the Greenbelt or what they hope to find here? Also if you could what is the connection between Captain N'Var and the one they call Drake?"I can tell you more answers once I know who you are talking to specifically? Can you please give me more information? Also, please roll a Diplomacy roll at this point via "Gather Information" to get this data. It can be used untrained, as you know.Gan is talking to whomever at the tower seems to be in charge a foreman if you will or a chief engineer.
Diplomacy:1d20+7
"Man in black? Why, he be from Ustalav, no wonder there, if ye be hearing his lingo,"says what looks to be like a grizzled sergent with a bit of a belly and muttonchop whiskers. He has a friendly way about him, and happy to talk, as you are helping with the work.
"As for the others... Why, they be hear for some blooming charter, as I understand it, trying to explore the 'Belt and colonize it... make it a province or better to govern. Now it looks like TWO groups be doing it, even though I never read NO WHERE when it said that the Brevoy nobles sent two groups to charter the same land... As I undestand it, yer lads were given the right to chart this land, if they wiped out the bandit scum that infest it like maggot-spawn... Meantime, this other group comes riding in with a charter to do the same thing not too long later... Mayhap you were all supposed to track the trek together, and just got seperated from the get-go. Could have all been mates, if things had gone right, but didn't... Oh well... Oh, and as fer the captain and master Tyrell, him ye be calling "The Drake"... why... they be mates from long ago, as boys growing up... Tyrell be a minor lord who lost his land and such, I think, and went to being outlaw in these lands here... busted up the friendship good between our boss and that one... but they smoothed it sooner then later, as they be right back to being mates now... I think it eases me captain's mind that this Drake lad gave up his outlaw ways and turned over a new leaf; and that yer folk pardoned him and set him on the right course... Must be! Cause he gave Drake a good sword, and some gear besides, being pleased with what he hears... though he don't speak much on it..."
The man rambles on about other misc. details, but as of now has answered your questions in a way that makes you believe he is being honest and up-front.
As Alaric has volunteered Puck to "observe" the man in black, and... well, being a creature of chaos, and finding his lady well guarded by several he knows that she admires, he will aide.
Puck will cast Detect Magic prior to engaging the Man in Black, and keep concentrated on him to detect any sort of magical activity before it happens, and use spellcraft and Knowledge Arcana to identify if it does
Spellcraft 1d20 + 6
Knowledge (Arcana) 1d20 + 3Puck will use his stealth to keep tabs on the Man in Black while Alaric engages him and keeps him distracted.
Stealth 1d20 + 10
edit: woops, and a Perception to observe 1d20 + 4As for seeing the Man in Black's face, Puck has absolutely no desire to, whatsoever. What he knows is that his lady went with the man in private, and came out sickened, and that she were perfectly fine before that point. He is not going to engage the Man in Black one-on-one because he does not want to get eaten. Thanks.
Hmm... first, we'll do this backward... Puck will use Stealth FIRST... to make sure the man in Black does or does not see him...
Perception vs. Puck
If the man in black sees Puck, he may not be inclined to allow him to do what he did... and Puck is smart enough not to be casting spells on someone when everyone is so jumpy; so the other rolls may be negated, but only if the man SEES Puck, if not, I will go from there.
To Hermia
The man in black instantly notices Puck... It is almost like he is looking for the little guy, and almost as if he is waiting for Puck to try something.
Even as you raise your hands to cast Detect Magic, he says cooly and politely
"Now, now... master Puck... we all have our secrets... but if you cast a spell on me, I shall be forced to report you to the captain... Who know what evil may be done on innocent people by wickd spellcasters?"he adds sardonically.
You grind your teeth but leave. You believe that later in the night, when he is sleeping, would be a better time to act anyway. Let Alaric tackle this scum! Such a villian is dangerous, and could (by virtue of striking at you, through "Legal Issues") cause your mistress to suffer more, perhaps.
You go back to your room and wait for a better moment. But even as you stroke the head of your mistress you suddenly wonder "How did he know my name?"and are suddenly very nervous.
"Man in black? Why, he be from Ustalav, no wonder there, if ye be hearing his lingo,"says what looks to be like a grizzled sergent with a bit of a belly and muttonchop whiskers. He has a friendly way about him, and happy to talk, as you are helping with the work.
"As for the others... Why, they be hear for some blooming charter, as I understand it, trying to explore the 'Belt and colonize it... make it a province or better to govern. Now it looks like TWO groups be doing it, even though I never read NO WHERE when it said that the Brevoy nobles sent two groups to charter the same land... As I undestand it, yer lads were given the right to chart this land, if they wiped out the bandit scum that infest it like maggot-spawn... Meantime, this other group comes riding in with a charter to do the same thing not too long later... Mayhap you were all supposed to track the trek together, and just got seperated from the get-go. Could have all been mates, if things had gone right, but didn't... Oh well... Oh, and as fer the captain and master Tyrell, him ye be calling "The Drake"... why... they be mates from long ago, as boys...
"Now pardon me you said they have a charter? Have you seen it and if you have did you happen to notice by whom they were authorized to colonize this land?"
"Now pardon me you said they have a charter? Have you seen it and if you have did you happen to notice by whom they were authorized to colonize this land?""Man in black? Why, he be from Ustalav, no wonder there, if ye be hearing his lingo,"says what looks to be like a grizzled sergent with a bit of a belly and muttonchop whiskers. He has a friendly way about him, and happy to talk, as you are helping with the work.
"As for the others... Why, they be hear for some blooming charter, as I understand it, trying to explore the 'Belt and colonize it... make it a province or better to govern. Now it looks like TWO groups be doing it, even though I never read NO WHERE when it said that the Brevoy nobles sent two groups to charter the same land... As I undestand it, yer lads were given the right to chart this land, if they wiped out the bandit scum that infest it like maggot-spawn... Meantime, this other group comes riding in with a charter to do the same thing not too long later... Mayhap you were all supposed to track the trek together, and just got seperated from the get-go. Could have all been mates, if things had gone right, but didn't... Oh well... Oh, and as fer the captain and master Tyrell, him ye be calling "The Drake"... why... they be mates from long ago, as boys...
"Nah... heard about the charter... same as ye lads got, I reckon, though I ain't looked it over... but as I see it, ye were all sent by lords of Brevoy... but I ain't one for politicking overmuch.. Now; enough talk and HAUL!"he adds, the idea of continuing to talk on this manner and waste the light seems to be something he is now opposed to.
"Yes sir!" Gan turns around and beings hauling stone and lumber to aid the engineers in their work.
"I don't even have a rightful charter yet, and yet these foreigners do? I wonder who authorized them to be here as surely it wasn't the good Duke else he would have mentioned it to me."
The man has many magical aura's on him. They seem to be eminating from a sword on his side, and you also sense they eminate from a point on his chest... though from what you don't know. You only know that
1. The sword he wears is a magical one +2
2. And the other item is a shield bonus +2
When he sees you he will stare at you coldly, his words have been said. If you persist in your concentration at this time, he will make an opposed to roll and we can go from there.
So when supper time approaches or when they stop for the night Gan will go back and inform the others what he has found out.
Concerning Alaric’s Investigation…
Alaric takes a moment and adjust his clothes with a minor spell and then, straightening his back, moves outside the walls and tacks his course to the mysterious “man in black”. The sun is growing dim in the night, and Svetlana has begun preparing food for ten; namely the groups of travelers in the compound. This is no easy task, and Brett has moved off to “assist” her, though he hints he may also be trying to get a private word from Svetlana. Though no one has bothered to question her specifically, her determination to adhere to superstition leads Brett to believe she may have a handle on local legends and lore, at least stories that could give details on what may be going on. The last thing you hear them talk about it “magical mushrooms”… a recipe, perhaps, or is he seeking insight on your new allies to the west?
The man in black has moved up to the top battlement, and is standing on the wide wall, staring to the west, watching the sun lower to horizon. As you approach you see the push of a narrow blade from under his cloak, which you had not noticed before. His chest is covered by a thick leather jerkin, and it is black; as are his gloves, his cloak, his boots, and the leather mask that slides up over the lower half of his mouth and jaw. Two archers are stationed on the south side of the wall, but the western side is bare, even as Alaric moves slowly forward.
”Greetings, friend,”Alaric says politely as the man turns to face him. ”I had not got the chance to thank you for alerting us to trouble our young friend was in… Your shouts brought aid quickly, and I thank you for that,”he says with a bow.
The man turns and regards Alaric, and his eyes smile coldly.
”No need… I am always happy to help a person who is endangered… in any way I can,”he says.
”I am glad of it. My companions and I have been engaged to explore these lands, as you no doubt know from seeing our work so far on the rather large map that master Oleg has in his possession. I presume that you have the same charter? Or at least the men you travel with?”
”Hmm… They have such a charter. I am merely a visitor, seeking to form an alliance with noble men in Brevoy, who could provide trade routes with my lord in the west.”
”Really?”says Alaric raising his eyes. ”I am surprised that for such a mission that your lord would send only one alone… And not an entire company of men… Tell me, did you not travel with others like you? Perhaps from your homeland?”
”Indeed, I did… but we were, alas, separated. Many outriders, and a gentle priest; but I myself was dispatched for personal errands… I would have met with my companions here… yet it seems they never arrived…”
”What a happy coincidence, then; for my friends and I espied such a company of outriders that match your description, and they traveled with a priest… And had a heraldic device on their chest, but they are not here now… regrettably, they must have moved on to Brevoy to avoid the rains, as they had a rather large company of men, and the weather was, as you may know, seasonably bad…”Alaric says with a sad shake of his head.
”That is a good thing, if indeed we traveled together… yet… my companions bore no heraldry, and my priest… a gentle soul; devoted to the benign Pharasma… Was it such a man that you met?”he asks with a tender look of sorrow.
You bite back your comment at the mention of Pharasma, and force out a smile…
”Who knows what gods the good priest worshipped. We didn’t converse… I do wonder, though… why you wear that mask? If I may be so bold… couldn’t a priest cure you of any particular… er, ailment?”
”Oh… that…”he says rubbing his fingertips over the leather covering his lower face. ”My mask? It’s just that they’re terribly comfortable… I think in a few years everyone will be wearing them… “
You seethe silently, but it doesn’t leave your heart, and your face remains passive and bored.
”Well, why you are here, what can we do to assist you in your quest… I confess my companions have made far more progress then the others… Perhaps,”you say leaning in conspiratorially ”we can assist each other… Forget about those fools, and put your trust in us; in a team devoted to helping friends, and dealing generously with allies… Our holdings now are firmly cemented in the west in any case, and far closer to Ustalav then theirs to the east… We could be very useful to each other, if you let us help you; and to do that, you’d need to tell us what we can do?”
The man in black turns to you… You have exerted fully all the power you have, and believe that anyone would aid you. Based on the facts you have laid out, using cunning, duplicity, and charm… this man should no doubt believe you, and accept your plans are right. He may even be tempted to go along with you now, if you have him in your confidence, and trap himself in folly.
Yet, as he takes your eye with his, you see a look that chills your bone. He is smiling, you think, under his mask, and you suddenly realize that he is done talking to you.
”Oh, son of Fey… do not meddle in the affairs of my lord; for he is subtle and quick to anger. For myself? I cannot speak to your claims of friendship, except to say that I have pressing business, and I have suspicion that your assistance will not help me… But, good sir, it was treat talking to you, and putting a voice to the face that I have so far seen… good evening,”he adds with a smile, then turns from you and leaves you staring at him as he walks down the balcony, over to his personal quarters, goes inside and shuts the door, bolting it from inside.
Only then do you wonder how he knew your bloodline; for he cast no spell – you are sure of it – and you have no mark to show your heritage. Though this interview has answered many questions, it has now left many more to be asked. But as he has retreated to a private room and locked his door for the night to sleep or meditate, you don’t know what to do next; at least until morning.
You share all this informatin with your companions at this time, though.
The man has many magical aura's on him. They seem to be eminating from a sword on his side, and you also sense they eminate from a point on his chest... though from what you don't know. You only know that
1. The sword he wears is a magical one +2
2. And the other item is a shield bonus +2When he sees you he will stare at you coldly, his words have been said. If you persist in your concentration at this time, he will make an opposed to roll and we can go from there.
Nope. Dismissing and rolling out. This guy is confirmed for Boss, because a wealthy 8th level group might have those type of items on them, and I do not understand what a motely group of level 3s and below are realistically supposed to do with this information.
Nope. Dismissing and rolling out. This guy is confirmed for Boss, because a wealthy 8th level group might have those type of items on them, and I do not understand what a motely group of level 3s and below are realistically supposed to do with this information.
The man has many magical aura's on him. They seem to be eminating from a sword on his side, and you also sense they eminate from a point on his chest... though from what you don't know. You only know that
1. The sword he wears is a magical one +2
2. And the other item is a shield bonus +2When he sees you he will stare at you coldly, his words have been said. If you persist in your concentration at this time, he will make an opposed to roll and we can go from there.
Hmmm...
Firstly, his items are at least on par with a group of players with a 28 point buy and Powerful Signature Items... though him alone; his items are far beneath yours if you stack Smendor's shield, Gan's swords, Puck and Dior, and so forth. As for his level, you don't know what level it is. You also don't know what level anyone outside the main group. Magic items don't dictate level, as you probably know. If it helps, your guess that he is level 8 is wrong. He is not nearly that high, though he has a few decently powerful items on him.
Second, you are free to do whatever you wish to do with this information. You can act on it as you prefer, or not. It's entirely up to you...
Third; I am presuming Puck has shared this information with the rest of the group.
Puck tells the gang that the Man in Black has a magical sword and shield, and that he's got really sharp eyes for someone who hides his face from the world. Also he's exceedingly intelligent and can tell when people are studying him using magic. From this Puck will argue that if the Man in Black did indeed attack Hermia, he did it knowing exactly what he was doing, and for a distinct purpose that, given Alaric's dealing with him, we are unlikely to be able to discern.
Puck will say that it is likely better that the group is unable to wake Hermia before the dawn, because he believes that his mistress would advise caution before dealing with this man, especially as he may or may not be tied with the bookish man who was reading an Elf cookbook, and neither have shown any disposition to sharing information with the likes of the group.
Once Gan returns he tells all that he got from the foreman and listens to the tales of Puck and Aldric. Then being quiet and pensive for a moment he says, "Perhaps if there was a way to bait them into breaking the law and attacking us first. We could then have us and Captain N'Var and his mens' aide. Open combat would be better with the aid of an ally than alone in the fields of the Greenbelt."
Puck tells the gang that the Man in Black has a magical sword and shield, and that he's got really sharp eyes for someone who hides his face from the world. Also he's exceedingly intelligent and can tell when people are studying him using magic. From this Puck will argue that if the Man in Black did indeed attack Hermia, he did it knowing exactly what he was doing, and for a distinct purpose that, given Alaric's dealing with him, we are unlikely to be able to discern.
Puck will say that it is likely better that the group is unable to wake Hermia before the dawn, because he believes that his mistress would advise caution before dealing with this man, especially as he may or may not be tied with the bookish man who was reading an Elf cookbook, and neither have shown any disposition to sharing information with the likes of the group.
"Sounds like a tough customer, and a right bastard... But maybe, if we get him alone, on the plains somewhere, the bunch of us here can team up to take him down... away from prying eyes, and give him payback fer what he done to yer lass here,"Brett adds to Puck, speaking on Hermia "I say we let him slip by... subtle-like... when he goes, we track him, as able to; when we do that... well, it ain't going to be easy... but I think we can get him; maybe. After all; ye weren't here when we took out 20 outriders, a priest of some dark god, and eight bandits to boot... All with less lads then what we've got here, Puck me fine friend. We can master him, if he strays from the other group... Then, once we take that bastard, we swing about and go after the lads that done did the scouting to the east. Take 'em piecemeal and away from the fray; as may be... But altogether? Nay, that be right tricky, and dangerous to boot... I'll grant ye... But I hear ye, Puck lad; I want vengence for what they be doing to any o' my mates... and though I ain't be the best o' friends with yer lass, it rankles me she be hurting on his account; WHICH it seems bloody likely... Shame we can't prove it to the captain boss.... but we'll get our chance later... Shame, too, that the other four didn't make themselves scarce. I'd just assume them be gone when we do what we do!"he adds thumping his fist into his palm.
Once Gan returns he tells all that he got from the foreman and listens to the tales of Puck and Aldric. Then being quiet and pensive for a moment he says, "Perhaps if there was a way to bait them into breaking the law and attacking us first. We could then have us and Captain N'Var and his mens' aide. Open combat would be better with the aid of an ally than alone in the fields of the Greenbelt."
"Maybe, but I be assuming quitting this place propper, if ye take my meaning,"Brett says to Gan.
"We be stuck surrounded by so much dross... give me the open plain and my steel to handle, and I'll put these bastards down right propper. With yer help, and ours, we'd get it done. But we do it here and I'll be hip deep in dung about "Law" or "Parlimentary proceedure" or something that'll make me have an apolexy!"he adds, nodding at Gan's suggestion, though.