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Victarion whispers "Mmm, aaamm, mmm... interesting." he seems to be thinking a plan "They may prove to be useful if we capture them. Azruk, do you think you could pose as one of them? I mean, a leader clearly. You are a big guy. I could change your colour with a spell, and then you can talk things out. If the situation goes awry, we swap to combat mode."
"He's twice their height. If an ogre pretended to be a human, would you believe him, no matter what color he was? Let's just mention who sent us. He was a kobold after all."
Azmaria does not have much to offer. she heard the jibberish but has no idea to its meaning. some of the others seems to understand.
Might I suggest we refrain from violence unless provoked. please. she offers in an attempt to keep peace as much as possible.
Shh. I want to see if they say something useful.
Azruk walks incredibly nonchalantly over to where the kobolds are and speaks loud and clear in Draconic:
First, don't try to run because I'm faster than you, and so is the actual demon my back-up has. I was sent here by another kobold, and I want you to tell me everything you know about why this tower fell, and you can go on your merry ways. He gesticulates behind and around him as he speaks, casually brandishing his greatsword as he does so.
[dice=Asking "nicely"]1d20 + 7[/dice]
Bazo grins, viciously. "Oh, please don't listen to him. Please. I'm hungry." He starts to lick his fangs with his long tongue.
He looks taught, like a dog on a leash smelling a female in heat, ready to bust free and attack, but hidden by some force. Dael seems to have his left hand clenched tight around ...something...pure force of will, perhaps?
Sweat is beading on Daelendross's forehead, and he breathes in slowly, and out, like a yoga master in deep concentration.
"You know, it would be easier to let him go. Speak quickly, little ones. For your sake I'm holding him back, but I'm tired, and frankly, I don't know you, and the kobolds I've met aren't worthy of saving from a simple slaughter. Prove. Me. Wrong."
The Kobolds begin arguing amongst themselves in Draconic, the two spear wielding males against the female with the bow essentially amounting to to one of them being knocked out rather swiftly. She steps forward speaking clearly in common, For future reference The other Kobold you speak of is a heretic among our people, or so i have been told. however We have fail our missions twice now returning home would be a death sentence, We wish to parley.
"Well, you can start by answering the lizard's questions."
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Victarion chimes in, grabbing his left arm still wounded and says in clear Draconic "Good day. My partners are dead serious about answering these questions... but if you could spare some time I would love to know your names, your tribe and who is your chieftain." he seems extremely excited to meet alive kobolds "Mind you, I'd rather have you alive. And as you have said, failing your mision and going back is a death sentencw... so if you could answer our question I can assure you no harm will be do to you today."
Azmaria stay to the back, as the situation is in hand, but she is ready to intervene if the party intends violence.
Azruk snaps his fingers twice, still using Draconic
Vic. Focus. These people won't be paying us.
You understand that Kobolds are often lead by a mage and dragon of similar color to the tribe.
They are excellent trap-makers and value history to a high degree.
The local tribe is Known as the Blood Vow tribe and is lead by a Kobold Named Roaghaz
Our leader made a deal with the Mage Archae to lure him here, we were to kill him and leave the tower untouched for whatever reason. An accident resulted in us collapsing the tower. Many of our tribe have begun doubting Aeteperax and Roaghaz of late, many of us believed that killing Archae and collapsing the tower would anger the humans and start war. A war we cannot win.
"Seems like we got our answer. We were sent to find what happened, now we know. Good enough for me. Let's go collect our pay."
Daelendross seems pretty uninterested in the politics of a race of scaly humanoids he knows to be mostly evil.
"I'm not for slaughtering them, obviously, but whatever their petty power squabbles are isn't our problem. Let them tear themselves apart. Less for the humans to fight off in the future."
"If the tender paying us wants to know more, he better be willing to pay more, and we'll have to collect our coin he owes to find out. Wizards, dragons, whatever...that stuff doesn't come cheap."
Bazo blinks silently at his master's coldness, and then grins.
"No, you little s***, you can't kill them now that we have what we want."
Bazo looks dejected.
That's the spirit! Azruk states in agreement.
Course, if you're wondering, yes, the way out is safe. Unless, you happen to have some work of your own for us? He eyes the evidently, lead kobold.
Bad bosses can be rough. Can't always break their noses either. Interested in someone doing it for you?
No...they are still my family no matter how they act or what they do. The heretic has been known to take in those in need, we shall go see him, come on Vroka She begins walking toward the way you guys came in. The unconscious Kobold being dragged across the floor. The other Kobold following Sesserak holding his Spear nervously. you all do see a tunnel on the other side of the room.
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Victarion sits in the floor now that the possible confrontation has passed.
"Choices, choices... should we continue or should we retreat to lick our wounds? I hadn't had the chance to further my studies... but I think the smartest move would be to retreat now and come back with our wounds healed already."
You all wind up walking alongside the kobolds on your way out, the only noises from the mechanics of the awakened building. Eventually making it out into the daylight, Anya and Draah'Zhin awaiting your arrival . Although the small lizard is laying on the ground a few bottles of wine around him .
Assuming you all approach Anya asks Well how did it go?
Azruk will wait for someone more talk-savvy to talk.
Don't suppose yer in a mood to share the booze?
"Fine enough. A few bugs and a dead guy got in the way. These kobolds f***ed the tower up trying to kill some wizard."
Bazo opens his mouth to start to talk and Dael shakes his head.
"I've had enough of your big mouth. Time to do something about that."
He closes his eyes and concentrates, and Bazo's mouth starts to shrink, as well as the teeth in it - but his body starts to gain more and more mass.
"Hm...not quite the result I wanted...oh well..."
I apologize for Draah'Zhin he gets like this sometimes. For now you all should rest, thank you for the assisstance she hands each of you a small satchel of gold pieces each fill with 500 gp
She looks at the three Kobolds You three will wait until he wakes as well
Looking back to the group If you would like to earn a bit more money there is something i would like you to look into personally, Draah'Zhin is not to find out. If your interested i'll be at the tavern She slings the small lizard over her shoulder and begins walking back to town
Actually, I was wondering more about that tunnel. Do you other kobolds know anything about it?
Azruk starts to wait for an answer, but sees Bazo's metamorphosis. His hand goes out.
You telling me you could have done that this whole time?
It leads home... a twisting corridors and mazes of traps...War is coming...few will stand against him. Sesserak responds wincing in pain from the sunlight
Vroka tugs the Sesserak's sleeve saying quietly What about Nighttail, she stood against him.
We have no money Vroka, and the clan has surely killed her by now. We can't go back to get her i apologize
"Not really, no, I couldn't. The longer we're bonded the more control I have over his physical form. I'm kind of...playing it by ear. I just intrinsically felt enough time passed where our bond was stronger."
It leads home... a twisting corridors and mazes of traps...War is coming...few will stand against him. Sesserak responds wincing in pain from the sunlight
Vroka tugs the Sesserak's sleeve saying quietly What about Nighttail, she stood against him.
We have no money Vroka, and the clan has surely killed her by now. We can't go back to get her i apologize
Who's this Nighttail? Someone of interest to you? Azruk continues the conversation.
Dael, Vic, Azmaria? What are your plans next?
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Dael, Vic, Azmaria? What are your plans next?
Victarion takes the big barbarian by the shoulder and says "That's a wonderful quedtion, my big friend. I, for one, would like to drink some wine and relax a bit. But it's my desire to continue teaming up with all of you if so you desire." he then turns to Anya and says "Oh! A mysterious and secret mission! How entertaining. Lady, you can count on me. My lips will be sealed."
Vroka tugs the Sesserak's sleeve saying quietly What about Nighttail, she stood against him.
We have no money Vroka, and the clan has surely killed her by now. We can't go back to get her i apologize.
"Mmmh, who is that "him", that you fear so much even in the freedom of exile? And who is "She" whom stood against "Him"? Mind you, if you explain things we may be able to help you."
Dael shrugs, and shakes his pouch of coins. "I certainly have enough to rest for a while, but I have no plans otherwise. Provided the rewards remain profitable and we aren't doing anything overtly villainous, I don't mind traveling with you. We make a good team it appears."
The small Kobold Vroka speaks very quietly still clearly frightened
Nighttail is friend keeps Vroka safe ... Nighttail is quick and strong Kobold,know's how to fight big things well, Many thing's bigger than us. know's region better than anyone, even know's were big scaly Dino's live.
Him is two, Aeteperax and Roaghaz, dragon and our tribe leader. he speaks quickly making many hand gestures trying to explain as best he can. But Nighttail was caught, not quick enough. tried to kill Roaghaz but failed, his magic too strong
Anya answering Victarion I need a few braves souls to go and investigate Archae's manor, Draah'zhin refuse to send anymore guards after the last one's never came back. Point being the old mage know's what's going on and his secrecy could jeopardize the town. Dael you in particular might be interested to meet him, the drow all despise him.
Switching to Draconic Azruk muses Huh. I guess investigating a house would be faster than tearing through a warren. I'm willing to do a rescue mission, but I'll need more information if that's what you want.
Back to Common: So, before we go to this manor, there's a few things I want to get in town.
Feel free you should be able to find everything you need, there's a doctor in town if any of you are hurt although you look to be find. I'll be at the tavern, waiting for Draah'Zhin to wake up. If you wish to rest we have plenty of spare rooms
you all arrive at the town after a while of walking things seem to have finally calmed down. Anya separates from the group heading south in the direction of the tavern with the Kobolds. Around you in the town square you see many types of shops. One that stands out is a poorly kept Alchemy shop the sign is poorly written and says that it also handles injures and medical emergencies. A rather Large and dark manor looms over the square.
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Victarion claps his hands and says "Gentlemen and beautiful lady, if you allow me, I'll go get my wounds tended to before I get any ill infection." he starts walking but stops before entering and turns "Oh, I forgot to say, I agree with Azruk. Investigating a manor, Archae's one to boot, sounds like a finde and dandy adventure hahahaha! If you want, we can all gather in this very same place in... I don't know, how about 30 minutes? That way we can purchase and all before meeting Anya."
Azruk decides to purchase:
There are some things you just can't buy... Azruk says when meeting back up with the others.
Azmaria was feeling a little bit down, she didn't know what to say. she was sent to look into dragons and found kobolds. of course thier little tale did mention dragons, but there was not indication of them aligning with demons.
Azmaria finally answers the lizardman's question, I am not sure yet. I was sent here to investigate the possibility that the demons of the worldwound were forming an alliance with dragons. and these fellows here seem to have some idea that war is coming. perhaps there is some truth to that, but I will need more proof than this.
looking back at the tower remains, I would like to learn more of what is down there, I feel we have only scratched the surface of what lies below.
she pauses a bit, but for now, a rest a hot meal and a bath would be best. Then perhaps we can learn more of what lies below at this manor?
You enter the Wise Piper inn,Anya appears to be serving what few guests are here at the moment, Vroka appears to be helping by running food to table.
Draah'Zhin is sprawled out on a table in the corner, Sesserak and the third Kobold who was formerly unconscious is now awake sitting at the same table chatting.
You enter the shop, dozens of odd smells assault your nostrils all at once. Jar's filled with various liquids and herbs line the walls. a man is perched on a chair in front of a chalk board, dressed in a tattered old white coat, rather old pants, and a bright red scarf kept in much better condition. He has rather messy white hair and looks like he hasn't slept in some time, his teeth seems to be sharper than a normal humans, and he seems to be around 23 years of age.
The chalk board has many odd symbols, all a mix of arcane, divine and alcehmical. He turns to see you How may I help you
Azmaria will accompany Vic to the Alchemy shop. she will look for reagents she needs for more powder and shot for her pistol.
I hope we are not in too much of a rush, I, for one, need to work on my weapon some, the hammer is sticking a bit, and the barrel is not quite locking in place.
doubting there is a gunmith here, Azmaria will eventually find herself at the local blacksmith hoping to find what she can to make some repairs on her gun.
Azmaria politely walks about the shop looking to see if anything catches her eye, eventually finding her way to the man at the chalkboard. pulling out some powder wrapped in paper from one of her pouches.
I am looking for more of this. I don't know if you sell such stuff here but if you have the ingredients, I am sure I may be able to mix a batch.
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Victarion wanders around the shop for a while, astonished by all the reagents, components and different bizarre extracts.
He seems to forget about his wounds until he hears the... man. "Oh my, what a lovely shop you have. It has everything I could dream of... healing included, I think. I... you seem to need some health too, sir. Lack of sleeping provockes... " and he closes his eyes trying to remember "Impaired brain activity, cognitive dysfunction, memory problems and a whole plethora of maladies that are disturbing for one of your profession."
"My name is Victarion, nice to meet you... I wanted healin-" he sees the chalkboard and stops, his brain working full speed"Oh! Mmmm... Ah! Marvelous. Simply marvelous. I understand most of the symbols, but their correlation seems to escape me. If I had to guess I'd say that's an alchemical formulae, a wondrous one. Allow me to introduce myself better. Victarion Gauss, wizard, mathematician and scholar. I wanted to be healed, but now I want to understand that, if you may help me. And acid. A vial of acid, a finely made one, for a present. Please."
Looking at Azmaria You don't see these around here to often, I have the supplies you need. It would take me a bit but i could fix that gun up for you. I have a workshop in the should have everything needed. The odd alchemist stands up from his chair he is tall or would be if he wasn't slouching.
Looking at Victarion Tristan Frostwing...Nothing's wrong i just don't sleep much, busy working. He reaches under the counter pulling out a bubbling blue liquid, and a small glass vial of greenish Acid hmm, nothing to serious this should to the trick. 70 gold pieces for both. He looks back to his work yes, i've been trying to figure out how to combine the three...putting defined limits and numbers to divine magic. He takes a quick swig of a viscous red liquid.
umm, yea around here somewhere He fidgets beneath the counter returning with a small silver sphere attached to a thin chain. there is a seal able hole at the top. Hmm, oh yea no big deal about the clan thing. I keep telling people most of them were jerks anyway, idiots decided to snack on some inky black blood and died...Anyway no big deal the work keeps me busy.
You manage to deduce from his name and appearance that he is a Skinwalker specifically one of the bloodmarked.
You remember from you studies that there was a clan of werebat's massacred in Irrisen not to long ago. the only survivors were a brother and sister with last name Frostwing
With that roll you also know he is an unarmed combat expert and one of the greatest doctors in the inner sea.
You manage to successfully figure out that the Arcane and alchemical symbols appear to be related to the dispel magic spell. He seems to be trying to strengthen it a great deal
The divine aspects you manage to relate them to Nethys but can't quite figure out how the relate any further
You can tell it is blood of some kind, by the thickness it is a bit old
He turns to Azmaria , Your gun if you please, i'll get started right away. And yes I have plenty, i use the stuff myself when i'm making fireworks to the annual festivals. Help yourself
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"Jolly good fine. Perhaps do you have a fancier vial for it? Maybe one that could be worn as a pendant, but that weren't too weak to break easily?." as he handles 90 gold pieces.
After Tristan's explanation of the chalkboard, Victarion meditates... ...and he recalls. "Frostwing... Frostwing... Frostwing! By Fibonacci's serie, how could have escaped me so long! Doctor, I am mostly pleased to meet you. I have heard and read about your work, and sadly about your clan. My most sinceres condolences. I would gladly help you with your research, but I'm no expert on the divine. That said, if there's anythinf I can do to help you, please don't doubt to tell me."
Dael and Bazo decide to accompany the wizard shopping, because frankly, nothing else to do, and he seemed to be the only one not freaked out by the demon in tow.
He decides to buy a masterwork chain shirt while out and about and sell his old hide shirt.
"Yeah, Vic, that's um...a lot of stuff. I have pretty much no idea what you're talking about. I'll be honest, nobody ever really taught me magic, so I'm not sure how much of this stuff will help."
He swats Bazo on the nose when the demon starts to try to eat a random alchemical item.
"No! That's a bad fiend from the abyss!"
Azmaria seems rather delighted to hear that this shop can accommodate her. If you don't mind, this weapon is a bit, ahhh, finicky. best if I work on it or at least assist you.
Ah yes well then help yourself to my workshop in the back then, should find all the tools you need back there The man points to a door behind the counter.
Young elf, may i ask you a question? are you by chance a Drow? The mans says looking toward Dael
Entering the room, you see dozens of precision tools, brushes, oils, such. everything seems to be a bit scattered about, although you do find everything you need. including a small hammer made of a heavy dark metal and an odd Furnace in the back of the room.
The furnace is cold to the touch and seems to lack smoke, or anything to ventilate the room.
"Not exactly. My father was human. I only am half drow. If you know anything about drow, they made sure to make it abundantly clear that I was not truly one of them, in their eyes."
"Yeah, by on the bright side, many of them are now half-my-stool, so really, who has it worse?"
I know only what I heard from a friend of mine Archae in our chats, He owns the mansion just over there. If your not working for them then their is nothing to worry about. Well anyway is there anything you need?
Dael gasps. "Bazo...did you just...comfort me?!"
"Um...no. I ate half your family. I was pointing that out. There was no intent to comfort the emotions of yours I for some reason feel due to this damned bond we have. Shut up. I hate you."
He snarls and grumbles and trots outside in a huff.
Dael smiles at the shopkeeper and just points out he's here with his new friend the wizard, but isn't browsing himself.
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Victarion laughs at Bazo's sudden display of emotions, but manages to get ahold of his sides soon. "Hahahaha-ay! Laughing still hurts, I fear. Tell me, Doctor. How much would cost us to be healed?" he then turns to Dael and extends his hand, offering him the fancy acid vial "No arcane education? Quite unfortunate, but fortunate enough that's something easily solved."
He then opens a book and draws two blobs, writing in one acid magic and the other acid vial.
"First lesson: Energy isn't destroyed nor created, just transforms... and you can funnel it at your will." says as he draws arrows form the vial to the magic "Using a physical element for your magic, you can transfer some of its resident energy to a spell being cast. I saw effects of acid before encountering you all, and unless Azruk's is half-green dragon, I suppose that was you. Consider this an arcanist helping hand to another arcanist." he finishes with a smile.
That blue bottle i gave you is a simple potion, drink it and you'll be fine. it was included in the original 70 gold pieces... he comments now back to working at his chalkboard.
(plus any bonuses from the workshop)
Azmaria set up a stool and a work area and get to work on her gun. she fumbles about a bit trying to gather all the tools, finding some she has no clue as to what they can be used for, and others she isn't sure she wants to know what they are.
Once situated she gets to work