Servitor stares at Bulwark for the majority of the conversation, meeting the gaze of the other warforged as the fleshbound spoke. Yet as the Lady Cannith fingers it as the purpose of Bonal's sacrifice, the assassins, everything, the stare shifts and he looks to the Lady. He holds the stare, perhaps uncomfortably long as the conversation continues before admitting in an ashamed tone. "But why? I... I did not retrieve the journal. What purpose does my being here serve? I am only a miner."
She walks over to where Servitor is sitting. "You are much more than a miner Servitor. You are now a champion of House Cannith. You have been since you arrived in New Cyre." She points to your chest. "May I?" If Servitor does not refuse the Lady's request, she reaches out and puts the palm of her right hand on his chest. As she does, the ring on her hand begins to glow with a bright blue hue. Servitor feels warmth and then a strange sensation...pressure relieves from his chest as a switch is triggered and releases. A plate pops open in his chest. Elaydren pauses to make sure the large warforged does not object. She reaches inside the opening in his chest and retrieves a back, leather journal. She closes the small door and places the palm of her hand over his chest again. He feels the switch return to the locked position. Like I said, Provost Geldem knew his sacrifice would be for the better good. He carried a fake journal in his coat." She steps back and motions to her bodyguard. "Bulwark, please pull us up a table." He walks over and lifts a large table with one hand and slides it to the center of the room. "Gather around and let's see what was worth my good friend dying for."
Uriah looks intently, now intrigued.
[b]So Bonal made himself a target and sacrificed himself to ensure that the assassins would not get what the sought. He was a good man, it seems. It is a shame I could not get to know him.[/i]
Tierney observes silently and wracks his brain for something to say or ask, but nothing comes.
Servitor relents to the search and is somewhat startled. My chest, this is why it was heavy? Servitor's steps forward and looks carefully to the journal.
Adir tenses up as Eladryn's ring begins to glow. The she-wolf's head jerks up, responding to his energy. When she reaches into Servitor's chest, they both stand up quite suddenly, his hand gripping his staff tightly. His attention is focused on Servitor's face, searching for any sign of distress in his nearly unreadable features. When she closes it up and Servitor seems fine, the tension from the pair releases.
"That is most disturbing."
Once the book is on the table, he will step to it and observe.
She sets the journal on the table and rests the palm of her hand flat upon the mithral seal engraved in its cover. The threads begin to glow in unison with her signet ring. She speaks a command word and opens the small book. The blank pages immediately begin to fill with delicate puzzle-like script and unidentifiable line drawings. She turns to a specific page, studies it for a moment, and gasps in surprise.
"Bonal, you brilliant man," she says of what is written within those pages. "This is why he was so eager for you to meet with me tonight. The location of the lost foundry is here in Sharn," she proclaims, excitedly. Pulling a sheaf of paper from within her cloak, she unfurls it upon the table and begins working at what appears to be a partially completed map.
She begins marking the map furiously. "The lost foundry is deep within the Dorasharn Tower, fifty-seven levels below the tower's present-day sewer system!" She pauses here as if to measure your commitment. "I hope that six hundred gold each and the good will of my house will be adequate payment for your help," she says, offering such a staggering sum with complete nonchalance. You heard the coffers of House Cannith were deep, but the promise of that sum may well be more gold than you have ever seen at once in your life. She removes a heavy-looking pouch from within her bag, dropping it upon the center of the table. "I will provide three-hundred gold each up front so that you may outfit yourselves for the expedition with the rest held until you return with the relic."
She continues to draw on the map, frequently referring to the notes within the journal, not even looking up as she seems assured that this will be more than sufficient payment for your troubles...
Six hundred crowns you said? Each? Whatever is worth that much to you is probably dangerous....very dangerous. Uriah interjects Now, I'm no coward, hell I like a good scrum, but what are we really getting into here?
Six hundred crowns you said? Each? Whatever is worth that much to you is probably dangerous....very dangerous. Uriah interjects Now, I'm no coward, hell I like a good scrum, but what are we really getting into here?
She looks up from her work and into Uriah's eyes. He sees an ever so slight smile in the corner of her lip as she looks at him fully for the first time. She blushes a bit before gathering her senses. "To be completely honest, I am not completely sure yet. As you have already experienced while traveling with Provost Bonal, at least one powerful group is seeking the schema. We can not be sure there are not others." Her eyes are pleading. "This artifact can not end up in the wrong hands."
Suddenly, Tierney bursts forth with questions. He asks in an excited, rapid-fire manner and moves toward the edge of his seat as he does. With each question, his eyes grow wider. This does little to improve his attractiveness.
"How would the others know about the journal? Was the schema written about anywhere else? And is it something anyone can use?"
Suddenly, Tierney bursts forth with questions. He asks in an excited, rapid-fire manner and moves toward the edge of his seat as he does. With each question, his eyes grow wider. This does little to improve his attractiveness.
"How would the others know about the journal? Was the schema written about anywhere else? And is it something anyone can use?"
Elaydren's eyes get big as Tierney rattles off his questions with fury. She composes herself and responds, "I don't know, I don't know, and it is a part to a whole. The schema is of little use without the other parts. We hope that by finding this first part that we will have a clue to where the rest may be."
The Lady's implied rebuke silences Tierney and causes him to shrink in his chair. Stay quiet! Don't blither like an idiot! he tells himself.
The Lady's implied rebuke silences Tierney and causes him to shrink in his chair. Stay quiet! Don't blither like an idiot! he tells himself.
When she sees him shrink back, she leans over and touches his hand gently. "Your questions are good ones. I'm sorry I don't have better answers brave warrior. I'm just a little rattled at the day's events." She gives him a warm smile.
Uriah says Tell ya what. Keep your crowns, I'll find your schema. And then...we can negotiate a finders fee. Uriah says with a hard glint in his eye. I won't be played for a fool by this Highborn. I know the games these Houses play, and I'll play it too.
Uriah says Tell ya what. Keep your crowns, I'll find your schema. And then...we can negotiate a finders fee. Uriah says with a hard glint in his eye. I won't be played for a fool by this Highborn. I know the games these Houses play, and I'll play it too.
Her warm smile dissolves at Uriah's words. Still looking at Tierney, "If that is what it takes to protect innocent people...then that is what we will do." She stands and takes a step back. "And the rest of you? Do you want the gold in the bag to prepare or do we barter like thieves after the schema is found?"
Inside of Bulwark a low mechanical growl churns at Uriah's words as his ice blue eyes meet Uriah's hard gaze.
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Protect innocents, sounds nice yeah? How many innocents died from Cannith weapons in the Great War? You want us to find something related to that? Some weapon that Cannith can use to rule the world again? You come in here with all your pretty smiles and charms, promising half a fortune to us...to do good? To help...I don't think so. The Dragonmarked don't work like that Lady Cannith. I'll help you, because this Lord of Blades fella don't sound too nice. And he hates humans, so bugger him if he wants it, but don't think I don't see through your pretty smile. Uriah says with a vehemence that surprises even himself.
"My house has made many mistakes!" She raises her voice and tears come to her eyes. Bulwark steps forward, but she puts her hands on his chest to stop him. She shakes her head no at him. When she turns back to face you, she is crying. "But we have also done wonderful things. Look at these two warforged men. A new race with feelings and wills like ours." She wipes tears. "Don't judge my motives. You do not even begin to know me. You judge me by my association with a House? How about you? Are you what your house says you are?!"
Bulwark steps up and wraps his arms around her from behind. She turns and buries her head in his chest. She weeps as Bulwark glares at Uriah.
Almost imperceptibly, Tierney slides his chair a few hairs-breadths back from the table. If Bulwark takes violent action the magus wants to be able to back up swiftly.
Is she acting or is she sincere? he wonders. Does Uriah know what he is doing? I am out of my depth in negotiating things of this nature. How far can she be pushed, even if Provost Bonal did see us in a vision? Are we irreplaceable for her plans?
Perhaps Uriah does know what he is doing.
Is she acting or is she sincere? he wonders.
Sense Motive
Sense Motive
1d20
Servitor stares at the money, then to Uriah, then to Elaydren, then back to the money, then back to Uriah. What would I do with so much money? How would I spend it all? Insincere? Doesn't matter, I serve. But do I do the sailor a disservice by not caring? It's not House Cannith I'm born to serve, is it? Servitor instinctively puts a hand to its chin as it mimes the fleshwalkers' behavior patterns.
Bonal told me to bring the journal to her, so I should trust her, Bonal himself did after all. But I've already delivered the journal, he didn't specify for me to do anything more. This Uriah risked his life to save Bonal, perhaps he deserves some recompense? Maybe I should trust him...
Adir is fascinated by Eladryn's talk of schema and a lost foundry. More wonders to see. It doesn't occur to him to not take the offer until Uriah's outburst.
This talk of houses and motives... should we judge an individual by such? Isn't that what lead to my father's death? Judging a group rather than an individual? Once the lady starts crying, all he wants to do is assure her that they will help.
Uriah is momentarily stunned by the Noblewoman's show of emotion. Just give us the damned map. Lets find this thing before someone even more unsavory does. he growls out, slightly less vehement than before.
Elaydren looks around. One by one she expects someone to stand up and object to the swashbuckler's leadership, but no one does. She ends by staring at Servitor. She begins folding up the map. "No...no...never mind. I'll find someone else. I'm sure Bonal would be proud you got what he sacrificed himself for this far. Please take the gold as a reward for bringing me the journal." She picks up the journal and starts putting it in her bag to leave. She has a look of shock and fear on her face.
The halfling comes out from behind the bar. She has a different demeanor than she did earlier. "Well...It looks like you gentlemen now have a pocket full of gold and have arrived in the big city. Plenty of ways to spend it, but unfortunately not here. As I mentioned before, this is a safe house for House Cannith's friends. I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Don't spend all that gold in one place." She takes your bowls and cups back to the kitchen. "The red light district is just two levels down. I'm sure gentlemen such as yourselves could have a great time in a place like that." She disappears into the back.
"A moment, friend Sweetwater." Adir puts a hand on Uriah's shoulder. He doesn't pull Uriah back as Adir steps forward, but the request is in the gesture. "Friend Eladryn, of course we will not accept your money for something we haven't done. I believe that we..." He nods towards Servitor. "...would like to help you to honor the Provost's memory. Insulting your honor was a mistake." He sends a rebuking glare towards Uriah. "While I may not fully understand the tension between Houses, friend Bonal seemed a good man without ill intent. And the Lady of the Moon ushered us here with hands of Fate. Please reconsider."
"A moment, friend Sweetwater." Adir puts a hand on Uriah's shoulder. He doesn't pull Uriah back as Adir steps forward, but the request is in the gesture. "Friend Eladryn, of course we will not accept your money for something we haven't done. I believe that we..." He nods towards Servitor. "...would like to help you to honor the Provost's memory. Insulting your honor was a mistake." He sends a rebuking glare towards Uriah. "While I may not fully understand the tension between Houses, friend Bonal seemed a good man without ill intent. And the Lady of the Moon ushered us here with hands of Fate. Please reconsider."
"That is blood money anyway. If you don't take it, it can go to Sweet." She has packed her things, but Adir's words give her pause. She is trying to dry up her tears.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+3
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Jarot continues to watch the drama play out, his eyes alight with amusement.
As amusing as this is, it seems the time for emotion is done and perhaps logic will reign instead.
Decision made Jarot uncoils from his seat to draw the others attention.
Lady and Gentlemen, that which is lost can not remain so forever. This schema sounds as if it contains knowledge both dangerous and useful. Since the fall of Galifor humanity is at it's weakest in centuries. The foul goblinoids and orcs are rising in greater numbers. The Elves flaunt their immortality and regularly strike at targets beyond their borders and the Dwarves seek to strangle us through fiscal sabotage. It is even rumored that Dragons stir once more seeking their "Rightful" place. I won't even speak of the darkness that calls from the other planes. Jarot glances at Tierney as he says that. Returning to his speach he sweeps his arm in a gesture to include Adir, Tierney, Uriah and Lady Elaydren.
We are all children of humanity, and it is our duty to reclaim this knowledge to ensure the betterment and protection of our species. While I am no proponent of the dragonmarked houses, they are a powerful force to be considered and their resourced should be used to further the rise of humanity.
Uriah, you speak of all those harmed by the inventions of Cannith, and you Lady seem concerned by this as well. My research and rumors I have heard of others suggests that the processes involved in creating the Warforged can also be used to augment the human form. Jarot doesn't even bother to look to the two warforged as he mentions them, This would allow us to return those maimed by the horrors of war, physically and perhaps even mentally, to be restored to the full use of their limbs. Surely you can agree that is a worthy goal? One that the Lady could direct the resources of House Cannith to support? I assure you I for one, will fight to ensure this knowledge doesn't fall in to the wrong hands.
Adir, sensing that his words have not had as much effect as he had hoped, tries one last time. "By the light of the Moon, I will do my best to honor friend Bonal's memory in this."
Servitor is shocked by the sudden flow of events. In the time he was attempting to figure out where his loyalty was supposed to lie, he found the Lady Elaydren d'Cannith leaving and two of his companions leaping to intervene. Servitor finds clarity, at least, as the majority turns away from Uriah's way of thinking. "I will take the job." The warforged rumbles somewhat loudly. "Forgive me Lady Elaydren d'Cannith, my purpose is to serve humanity, when the two of you began to disagree, and I had no orders of who I was loyal to, I was confused. Adir Bloodmoon and Jarot Tennet have given me clarity. I will take the job."
Elaydren is shocked by the response. She sets her bag back down. "Maybe I was too hasty not to trust the rest of you after the words of one." She glares at Uriah. "but Bonal chose you for a reason..." She pauses while thinking. Can I trust that you will not hold the schema ransom once it is recovered if HE directs you to?" She points at Uriah. "Or can I trust you will honor our deal and return it to me for the offered price?"
Bulwark interrupts. "Don't trust them Ely."
It seems strange that he, as a bodyguard, addresses her so informally.
Trust her if you want...you are the one putting your life at risk for her House's profit. Uriah says to the others, not backing down.
Her House will betray you, they'll pay you well and treat you like princes, right up until they plunge the blade in your belly.
I won't let these fools get wrapped up in her game alone and with no help. Best to go along with them, protect them from her wiles.
Adir turns away from Uriah, as if to symbolically distance himself from the suspicious swordsman. "We have given our oath. We can offer no greater assurance. You must do as you will."
Ghost licks at Adir's hand as if to reassure him.
Servitor nods. "I will do as I am ordered. The previous order will not be countermanded by a newer one from a third party. If you order me to offer it to you at the prearranged price, then that is what I'll do."
Trust is simply a combination of utility and shared secrets. We possess skills that you have need of, and we already know secrets that you would have to spread further were you to select a different group for this venture. You have funds and resources that would be beneficial to our various endeavors. So we both have reason for association and the finalization of a contract.
Looking to Uriah and "Ely"
I believe we all realize that the actual value the schema represents is far beyond a few thousand gold, but also that any attempt to seek out additional buyers would significantly increase the chances of all of us being killed in some filthy alleyway. I believe the gap in value is easily rectified by the presumed contents of the Cannith Forge. If the Lady will grant us rights to salvage what we may of its contents, I would be satisfied. We would of course give House Cannith the opportunity to provide appropriate compensation for any items or information that were discovered that would be inappropriate to sell on the general market.
Should we encounter significant difficult in obtaining the schema and find that the forge is without other substantive wealth or goods, I am sure the good Lady would recognize the benefits of some additional compensation or equipment to offset the lack. It is after all in your best interests to ensure we are properly equipped for further endeavors on your behalf.
Does this sound reasonable to the rest of you?
Jarot locks his intense gaze on each of the people involved in turn.
As an additional suggestion, I believe that the tools used in such a forge would be quite valuable to House Cannith, but would likely be beyond our ability to transport from the depths. The loan of an extra dimensional container larger than servitors chest would allow both parties to see greater gain.
Tierney returns Jarrot's hard stare when the alchemist/eugenicist disparages him as an example of "darkness that calls from the other planes". He listens to the rest of the speech with doubt that Jarrot intends anything as benevolent as what he alludes to.
That is more gold than I have ever seen. Uriah might be mad to risk it on a gambit born of antipathy for House Cannith. The only strong card we hold is the fact that Bonal claims he saw us in a vision.
What else do I have to do in Sharn if not this?
"I am willing to undertake the exploration of this forge, Lady Elaydren. Can you tell us of the dangers we are likely to encounter there or on the way to it?"
As an afterthought he adds "Why such a small group like ours if it is so vital? Why not send an overwhelming group that would crush any opposition?"
Elaydren looks to Jarot. "You appear to be the voice of reason in this group. I am only interested in the schema. Anything else you find in the foundry is yours. If you meet significant difficulty or resistance, we can discuss additional funding then. I will tell you that should you perform well there will be additional opportunities to work for House Cannith and receive the perks that go along with working for the House."
At that, Sweet steps out from the back room aiming a repeating crossbow at the group. "I wasn't kidding. Get out or I'll put holes in ya!" Elaydren steps in front of Sweet. "There will be no need for that. They are not providing a threat and we may have actually reached an agreement." Sweet lowers the crossbow and responds. "Well...why didn't you say that a moment ago! You gentlemen want a warm bed for the night? Ole Sweet has got the softest beds in all of Sharn!"
The Lady turns back to Tierney. "Involving city guard would bring a lot of attention. Plus, there is much corruption in their ranks. You were chosen by a trusted friend, Provost Geldem. That is why you are so vital."
She pulls out the map and lays it on the table. "The journal states that there will be a door here, within the E-213 valve cluster. Present this ring," she says, withdrawing a ring from her belt. Made of mithril, it bears the same hammer and anvil symbol as the journal. "... and it should allow you access. A tunnel should lead you to a long-forgotten level far below, where the foundry is said to reside. Do not lose this, as it is your only key." She hastily scribbles down the last set of directions from the journal and slides the paper to the center of the table for you to take with the ring.
"Be discrete. And be careful." Elaydren pauses to pay compliments to Sweet, giving her mithral-plated warforged protector enough time to ensure that the streets outside are free of danger and then heads out the door. "When you retrieve the schema, return here. Sweet knows where to find me." With that, you are alone except for the halfling tavern owner who is banging pots around in the kitchen.
You lot are damned fools if you think everything she says is on the up and up. She's playing us all....like fiddles. Uriah harrumphs before saying Which way to mine Sweet? And what's the strongest stuff you got. I need a drink.
Uriah walks off, mumbling to himself.
Fools and idiots, should just let them walk into their trap, teach them to play with the Houses.... Never what they say, always some hidden motive....just like the last time....should just get on that airship again....fools...drink
"That is one mercurial Halfling," Adir mutters. He reaches out and picks up the instructions and ring that Eladryn left. "...endless wonder... isn't disappointing..."
Finally, he looks up and says, in a much clearer voice, "Servitor, can you store these and protect them?" He glances significantly at Uriah.
Uriah walks off, mumbling to himself.
Fools and idiots, should just let them walk into their trap, teach them to play with the Houses.... Never what they say, always some hidden motive....just like the last time....should just get on that airship again....fools...drink
"Wait, are you saying that you're coming?!," Adir calls out to the back of the retiring swordsman, clearly surprised.
Sweet accompanies Uriah back to the guest suite (see on the BROKEN ANVIL MAP).
She leads you to the door of your room and unlocks it. She gives you the key and a full bottle of whiskey. "You are cute when you are angry. Care for a visitor later? I'm right next door and I can take all that anger away." She winks and awaits your response.
Uriah is so stunned by the idea of a halfling in his bed, for the first time in a long time he is speechless....
Ahh gods, I need a drink. he hears Adir call out but ignores the man.
Never did have a halfling before, maybe once I'm good and drunk....ah hells where is a cup.