She sighs Victarion, id hate to ruin your studies and beliefs but the gods do exist, i used to be an emissary for Lady Shelyn, Hell Draah'Zhin is meeting with Lord Caydean as we speak. That said, i know of his manikin the gods despise him for it most of them anyway. Some appreciate what he's doing, So regarding people disappearing are you all interested in investigating it with me?
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"I can admit that there are almost infinitely powerful beings that we the not so powerful ones call Gods. Some of them have died before, if we are to trust historians, and therefore aren't infinitely powerful."
"Cayden Caillean, Iomedae... all were mere mortals who achieved such power as to trascend their very existence. I don't deny that they exist, I deny they are Gods. But it's a completely semantic question."
"But let's put philosophy aside, what can you tell us of those disappearances? And before other ask it, as I have already been rude today: what's the pay? I enjoy helping people, but I enjoy doing it happily fed and equiped." says Victarion with no malice, just pure and simple honesty and social awkwardness.
A sum of 500 gold pieces and the knowledge that your saving lives.Do you accept
Sure, why the hell not. I do have to wonder where you're getting all this money you can just hand out though. Usually when I've been paid for a job it was with collateral and a small sum of gold. But yeah, I'll keep working if you're gonna keep paying. I just kind of hope I get to make myself useful at some point.
After cleaning her gun, she holsters it and proceeds to finish writing a letter (she started the night before)
Azmaria was busy writing a letter as the discussion were going on, she perks her head up toward the end, I wonder if these disappearances are tied to my mission? You can count me in. But I have a favor to ask, can you see that this letter gets delivered to my order back in Mendev? it is a report of what I found so far while here.
She seals the letter with a seal of her order and hands it to Anya.
I'm all for helping and getting payed for it is even better.
Anya accepts the Letter it shall be done. The blood vow tribe, the Kobolds from before have been getting a bit more courageous,they began kidnapping and taking people, you mission is to follow the tunnel at the bottom of the tower, from what i've been told it leads straight to the camp where the citizens are being kept.
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"About that... I don't intend on massmurdering a whole kobold tribe unless it's the only way." says Victarion as he pulls out a notebook and pencil "What can you tell us of the Dragon that have subjugated them, Aeteperax was his name? And about that exiled kobold the ones we "rescued" mentioned? They said she opposed the Dragon."
"With enough information, planning and a few broken bones-" he winks at Azruk "-we may be able to turn them on their master, making the kidnapping problem nonexistent."
Azruk starts to speak, he speaks with his hands, swinging a bit too close to the others, but not quite hitting anyone yet.
First, don't wink at me. Second, if this Kobold tribe is anything like your average group of thugs, you mostly just have to show them that you're stronger than whoever they are already following. I've been hired more than once to do just that. This group is already kidnapping people, so this dragon has convinced them this is a better plan than being eaten. We need to convince them otherwise. We may end up fighting the dragon. Sadly.
He doesn't look very broken up over the chance to fight a dragon.
The path doesn't lead to their main camp, it's only the forward encampment. Two of the Exiles are with Draah'Zhin, the frightened male Vroka is running errands for me seeing as i am currently bound to the Tavern with Draah'Zhin Away, he chose to stay. Aeteperax is deeper in the Dragon fen's. If you can convince them to leave the dragon's command then do so, I'd rather not have another massacre. She answers looking rather grim with the mentioning of massacre
Questions first then shoting.Got it.
You all venture on your way down the previously explored tower, the random machines and noises of the tower still running despite it's ruined condition. Luckily you all know the way this time and easily navigate the halls corridors. Passing through the torture room, filled with devices, a small imp body lying on the floor crushed. You come to the acid sludge covered bridged from earlier, only to notice the Jelly has been cleaned up, the bridge isn't slippery unlike before. eventually you make your way to the underground cavern where you met the exiled Kobolds. The small green Kobold Vroka, Stands at the Tunnel to the village. Looking down the dark hall, Shaking a bit. He seems to be talking to himself, Nighttail still alive? Good, good. Vroka can do, Vroka can save, Vroka can fight.
Vroka is brave.Vroka is strong.
Artemis will say as close to the same tone a volume as the kobalt. Adding to his mantra.
Startled Vroka jumps back a bit, Ahh, ooh just you three, with new man. Um, hello i am Vroka, former member of Blood Vow tribe. He holds out his small claw to Artemis. You all see a glow fading from a small pendant he is wearing.
Answering Victarion, Vroka just turn adult fourteen years of age. What you four doing here?
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Victarion concentrates on his inner magical reservoir and focus to discern the abilities of the pendant.
"Fourteen years old... Listen Vroka, we are here to find some friends of us that have disappeared. Alas, we believe that the Blood Vow are responsible of those." he explains in a calm voice "But you shouldn't be here, you should be with Draah'Ziin. You fled your tribe and if they find you they will do horrible horrible things to you... but if you tell us about Nightail we may find her and help your tribe free themselves of that cheeky dragon."
They are indeed responsible, I saw them; It was most unkind. I will help, i am adult now. I fled my tribe out of fear, while you all were gone i work with Angel lady. I be strong and help, Tunnel's are like Maze, Vroka can help guide through
Azmaria tries to peer into the darkness that Vroka was looking into.
Vroka may be of help, I say let him guide us.
You see nothing but endless darkness ahead Azmaria
Wanna have a little spar first, Vroka? Azruk steps a fair few feet away from where the tunnel opens. I'd hate to keep someone out of a fight they deserve, but I'm not interested in leading someone to his death. He readies his great-sword, waiting for an answer.
Artemis will take the offered claw.
Hello it's nice to meet you. By the way what does that little trinket around your neck do?
low is bad
Trinket detect life force, let's Vroka know when people need help. Vroka answers, Vroka not fight big man in combat, Vroka not dumb, Vroka know better. Vroka is mage, uses healing magic, can also use curses and other things
I see. Well I would be honored to fight alongside you .
Azruk places his sword across his back, with a barely visible smile. Good. Suicide doesn't help us. I hope you'll keep making good decisions. Now, lets go fight the good fight.
Yes shall we proceed.
The group proceeds down the darkened long corridor, Vroka skitters quickly tapping each side of the wall every few minutes. Aha here Vroka mutters to himself, he tries to push in a spot on the wall. but nothing seems to be happening. Button stuck, not good. opens passage will take us away from front line, lead around back. passage safer only Vroka know about, I built it. Back less guarded than front
The spot seems to have very thin lines outlining it it also seems to be a small amount out much like a button.
Artemis raises a skeptical brow.
Alright. Azruk presses the button in as hard as he can.
Azruk feels a little resistance but he does push in the button, the stone wall sinks into floor. revealing a separate passage. Vroka rushes you all in. the Stone wall closes behind you.
the hall is small roughly 10 feet wide and high, the walls are oddly smoothed. the hall ways is dimly blue lit by odd glowing moss growing in patches on the walls and ceiling. Odd runes are carved into the walls.
The runes are written in a very old version of draconic, almost recognizably so. The runes seem to tell the history of the tribe, of an event known as Dragon Fall. A day where many dragons and reptilian kind were slaughtered mercilessly by a group known as the Sentinels, dragon riders.
Huh. Whats this Dragonfall day about? Sounds like a good excuse for revenge. Azruk stands at the front of the party, following vroka.
Not revenge, not many know but Kobolds value history. Learn from mistakes, use brain over brawn. Dragon fall was day when many Scaly folk killed by dragon riders, your kind as well. Vroka write because important in history. Kobolds value history, originally made as word so we could record events across walls of our villages. As we go you may see more speaking of many things, Vroka had much time to write so did. he struggles to speak in common but is clearly trying
Azmaria follows along, she takes some time to look over the runes. she clearly can read them, but she seems like she is looking for something.
You all continue down the tunnel you come to another wall, a similar button on the wall. this one activates easily, the door slowly disappears as before. The door disappears revealing a large room filled with white webs. you don't see anything upon first glance with the webs everywhere
What're you eyeballing the walls for?
Azruk readies his weapon at the sign of spiders.
You know, I kinda do. But, go ahead.
I prefer a clear line of sight myself. So if you can get rid of the webs please do.
The webs catch fire slowly but surely burning away. the flames dissipate as the webs around the door are burned away. The room is wide open. the floor damp, puddles everywhere covered in webs. despite the webs you see no signs of enemies. more of the glowing moss lights up the room
@Azruk After you my large friend.
Oh, you noticed? Usually my size is the last thing people mention about me. Azruk leads on, still waiting for a fight.