"Not here." Anka cautions. "I don't trust those pointy-eared freaks not to have one of thier mages scrying these chambers, especially now that they know we're here..." She adds grimly.
"I could summon a creature to sample the candy. I doubt, however, that King Geirni is likely to allow that. Besides --" Modnar looks toward the entrance "-- I am unlikely to succeed at casting any spell without my hammer."
To the dwarves in common, If you can get me a sample of the candy I will evaluate it for any chemicals that should not be there. It will take time so perhaps a story from Dolgrin about the dwarves would entertain him while I work.
Turning to king Gerni, King, let me share with you a gift from Zuth and myself. Take this cup and hold it in both hands. Zuth's symbol flashes across Kragg's brow as the cup that Gerni holds fills with the drink. To our mutual past and future friendship.
Aid Diplomacy
If Kragg gets a sample of candy and time, alchemy
Lord Geirni, a moment please. We fear that the Drow elf have terrible plans for Fasturvalt. What better way to inact those plans than to murder the Rightful Lord of Fasturvalt? The servants of Ulamahaz see poison as a righteous weapon, please is there someone who might check your Candies for poison?
Hannarr lays a hand on Dolgrin's shoulder, trying to interrupt him with a whisper in his ear. This king has the mind of a child. He reminds me of the stories about Gimmi the Pliant, who was foisted to the throne of Damarhall during the Stonespitter rebellion between the 2nd and 3rd Tarnhammar dynasties. Might be best not to spook the lad with talk of poisoned sweets.
Hannarr approached the throne. Ooh, candies! I love candies too your Grace. Where I live they have entire stores filled with nothing but candies. Every different colour you could imagine and each one sweeter than the next. May I try one of yours? Here, we could trade.
Hannarr pulls a shiny dwarven gold piece, newly minted, from his pouch and shows it to Lord Geirni. Here, this is for you. I know your Gracce probably has lots of coins in his treasurey, but I'll bet you don't have one like this. See look, its got a picture of my Great uncle on it. He waves at Dolgrin. That's my friend Dolgrin's Grand father!
He trades the coin for a candy, breaks it in two and pops half in his mouth, fervently hoping that Anka was right about the drow not being a brazen enough to poison the king. Mnmm... yummy! I never met my great uncle, but people tell be he was wise. Like your dad, your Grace - it sounds like he was a wise man? What else did he tell you about the drow?
Modnar stifles a gasp as he watches Hannarr eat the candy. Has the professor lost his mind?!
Kragg watches Hannarrr closely to see if there is any reaction and prepares to jump to his aid should he need some timely first aid or other intervention.
Ulfgar watches without comment at Hannarr's antics hoping the professor has not bit off more than he can chew both literally and figuratively.
To the dwarves in common, If you can get me a sample of the candy I will evaluate it for any chemicals that should not be there. It will take time so perhaps a story from Dolgrin about the dwarves would entertain him while I work.
Turning to king Gerni, King, let me share with you a gift from Zuth and myself. Take this cup and hold it in both hands. Zuth's symbol flashes across Kragg's brow as the cup that Gerni holds fills with the drink. To our mutual past and future friendship.
The offer of the cup allows a chance for Kragg to approach the king and he nods slowly. And he says slowly, "to moot yew all friendship."
He drinks it slowly at first.Hannarr lays a hand on Dolgrin's shoulder, trying to interrupt him with a whisper in his ear. This king has the mind of a child. He reminds me of the stories about Gimmi the Pliant, who was foisted to the throne of Damarhall during the Stonespitter rebellion between the 2nd and 3rd Tarnhammar dynasties. Might be best not to spook the lad with talk of poisoned sweets.
Hannarr approached the throne. Ooh, candies! I love candies too your Grace. Where I live they have entire stores filled with nothing but candies. Every different colour you could imagine and each one sweeter than the next. May I try one of yours? Here, we could trade.
Hannarr pulls a shiny dwarven gold piece, newly minted, from his pouch and shows it to Lord Geirni. Here, this is for you. I know your Gracce probably has lots of coins in his treasurey, but I'll bet you don't have one like this. See look, its got a picture of my Great uncle on it. He waves at Dolgrin. That's my friend Dolgrin's Grand father!
He trades the coin for a candy, breaks it in two and pops half in his mouth, fervently hoping that Anka was right about the drow not being a brazen enough to poison the king. Mnmm... yummy! I never met my great uncle, but people tell be he was wise. Like your dad, your Grace - it sounds like he was a wise man? What else did he tell you about the drow?
Before Lord Gerni can really think of protesting or not, he finds himself handed a coin and some of his candy snatched up, "My candy!"
And Hannar gobbles into his mouth... it tastes quite sweet. Strange after taste, but nothing unpleasant...
While a moment ago, Kragg would have sworn there was nothing on that rock candy, at least from a glance, but it IS having an effect on Hannar, and he can tell. Some sort of dilation of the eyes.
Modnar keeps a close eye on Hannarr, worriedly scratching his nose periodically. By the Powers, why could I not have convinced the guard to let me keep my hammer?
Seeing the eyes dilate Kragg moves quickly over to the dwarf and begins inspecting him to determine what is truly going on with Hannarr.
Heal check
Calling out to the others and the king Kragg wastes no time explaining the details of what he may be seeing. The candy is poisoned or drugged. Don't touch it or eat it. Send someone to keep an eye on the ambassador.
Not knowing exactly what the drug is and without many supplies, Kragg does the quickest thing he can think of and shoves his fingers in Hannarr's mouth causing him to gag and vomit up the candy he just ate. Come on Hannarr. Spit it out.
Modnar does indeed notice the slight dilation of the eyes, even if he doesn't know what it means.
"Kragg, what's happening? Do you know of any drug or toxin that would cause this effect?"
Calling out to the others and the king Kragg wastes no time explaining the details of what he may be seeing. The candy is poisoned or drugged. Don't touch it or eat it. Send someone to keep an eye on the ambassador.
Not knowing exactly what the drug is and without many supplies, Kragg does the quickest thing he can think of and shoves his fingers in Hannarr's mouth causing him to gag and vomit up the candy he just ate. "Come on Hannarr. Spit it out."[/B]
Harvald rushes to take the rest of the king's candy away, and the guards don't stop him.
Kragg can't be sure what just happened to Hannar. He doesn't seem to be suffering ill effects, but that could be dwarven constitution, or maybe something that doesn't effect dwarves period, at least negatively.
Ulfgar to the guards in the room
"Seems you have more to worry about than a simple dwarven hammer these days. Any gift from a Drow should be inspected thoroughly before being ingested. Are there any other gifts from these so called friends that perhaps should be more closely inspected?"
Hannarr allows himself to be led off the dais, Mrmrff... bleargh!, and unceremoniously yaks up the candy and a goodly amount of this morning's mulch powder onto Kragg and the royal floor.
Staggering a bit (more from Kragg's tender ministrations than the candy), Hannarr regains his balance and smiles weakly at the others. Well, I suppose we have our answer about the candy now. Is it really bright in here?
Dolgrin nods appreciatively at the swift action of his Kin in saving the Gnomish king from his fate. Harvald, what poison would be used in this case? Didn't you mention a poison that was used on the crossbow bolt?
"You don't use the same poison on a weapon as you do in food!" Anka pedantically interjects. "Besides, they aren't stupid enough to give the King poisoned candy...
everyone would know they did it & all the work they put into this con would be wasted."
Her expression turns contemplative. "Unless..." Quickly turning to the Gnome King, "Your majesty, do you have a means of swiftly alerting your soldiers to a possible attack? If it is poison," pointing to the candy, "they would only risk it if they knew they could take advantage of the chaos your incapacitation would bring about. If they had recently been able to eliminate your most astute guardian at the same time, that would be to their benefit as well."
Not even waiting for a response, she once more whirls about, this time to the Gnome guards holding her ax & the other's weapons. "I'm not going to be in your king's presence any longer, give me my ax!"
If that is the case then that stone that we passed ealier that was fake might be hiding something else of importance. Could the drow have tunneled behind it to create a pathway known only to them to bring troops into the city unawares? We should send someone to keep an eye on that area as well as the ambassador's location.
Ignoring the king as he does not seem to be able to react to the current circumstances he turns to Harvald instead, What resources are available to counter any threat. Should we remain here or where should we go, the fake stone?
"Wait...Gnome bane has two forms, I think," Ivy admits, "Wait here...I know someone who might know better."
She vanishes quickly in a dead run to go get whoever it is.
Her expression turns contemplative. "Unless..." Quickly turning to the Gnome King, "Your majesty, do you have a means of swiftly alerting your soldiers to a possible attack? If it is poison," pointing to the candy, "they would only risk it if they knew they could take advantage of the chaos your incapacitation would bring about. If they had recently been able to eliminate your most astute guardian at the same time, that would be to their benefit as well."
"Yup," The king nods, "Got some small magics to help call guards. in my room" he explains, but Anka is already on the move
Not even waiting for a response, she once more whirls about, this time to the Gnome guards holding her ax & the other's weapons. "I'm not going to be in your king's presence any longer, give me my ax!"
Harvald barks an order, "Give them ALL their weapons... these good dwarves may have just saved the king's life."
Still confused, Gerni nods, and the guards outfit all of you.
Assuming you wait, Ivy returns with another gnome female, older than Ivy, and clearly taken in a rush.
"This is Miatha Always-A-Song-Follows, finest singer in the town, and owner of the blue bat. She also does a bit of healing..." Ivy explains.
Miatha gives a quick bow to the king and his guests, before walking straight to the vomited candy, and looking up at Hanaar, and at the candy "It's gnome bane, the ingested kind. Won't hurt you, you're not a gnome. In fact, it protects you from our blinding magics. But it would kill any svirneblin."
King Gerni, who had been muttering about 'his candy' has stopped, and covered his mouth as if to keep said candy from now flying into his mouth.
Harvald scowls, "The drow are desperate, but surely a few small magics aren't enough for them to kill the king? Unless..." He scratches his chin, "Your majesty, what did they drow DO while here, did you show them anything?"
Gerni nods, "Lots of places."
"As to you, Kragg of Zuth," Harvald says, "I trust you dwarves to make up your own minds. Sounds like the dwarves may have gotten tour of this keep AND the city. Gods only know what mischief they've done. If any of you feel tearing down that stone work will help, go to it, and it'll be with my blessing. I'm sure Lord Gerni agrees" He looks at the king.
Gerni, after a moment nods.
Once armed & armored, Anka hastens back the way she came, heading towards the statue Kragg had noted on the way in.
Kragg likewise hurries to the stone to see what is already happening there hoping that he is not too late to help Anka but hollers back to the others where he will be found.
While his kin see to the defense of the city, Dolgrin will remain by the King's side.
Speaking slowly, as if to a child Dolgrin attempts to give the King some advice.
My Lord, surely you now know the Drow mean this place great harm. We can help, but you Gnomes must defend Fasturvalt. Can you muster an army?
to Kragg, Dolgrin says Can the others see to the stone? I would like you here with me to defend the King.
to the others Dolgrin shouts, We must help these Gnomes defend their realm from the followers of the Unholy Ulamahaz. Dolgrin is confident his kin will do what was right.
Kragg and Anka both head to the tribute with the drow, Anka there first, but he not so far behind. It appears to be as it were before, a block of second rate stone with stylish designs and artwork of Drow glory on it.
"I don't suppose you prayed for a means to perceive auras this 'morning', did you?" Anka growls as the elder dwarf approaches.
I did lass. Never go a day without it as it provides a lot of information sometimes. However I never really bothered to learn about the exact auras themselves.
detect magic on stone but no spellcraft. (will remedy that next level)
Regardless what the divination shows Kragg takes his miner's pick to the stone to remove the outer shell of stone.
There is faint, very faint, magic within. Or perhaps the magic is not so faint, but instead is shielded some what by the stone.
And so Kragg goes to work, taking his pick and tearing at it, chunk by chunk. If Anka joins in, it will get done that much quicker.
Regardless, what slowly comes to view is clear to the old priest in its full magnitude, and magnificent to even those that don't study areas of religion.
The columns come into view first, magnificent eight sided columns of dark marble, with streaks of gold dust lighting the narrow corners of it! Within is a hollowed out chamber, depicting a great altar with the symbol of an axe lit by a divine light. All is of the FINEST marble and gold work.
This is not Kragg's god, but even with only half of it in sight, clearly this is a shrine to Ardwal, the Prince Beneath the Mountain!
and in the center of them, a blade
While his kin see to the defense of the city, Dolgrin will remain by the King's side.
Speaking slowly, as if to a child Dolgrin attempts to give the King some advice.
My Lord, surely you now know the Drow mean this place great harm. We can help, but you Gnomes must defend Fasturvalt. Can you muster an army?
"Yes, I suppose...I should do that?" He frowns, "never done that before. How do we beat the drow? They have ...more."
Anka and Kragg have left, and while the king gathers his guard to send messages, and begins treating Harvald as the new sheriff even if no official change has been given...
Dolgrin
"You okay?" Ivy asks Dolgrin
Ulfgar will take his hammer and follow at a run toward the drow monument.
"Kragg, Anka? Anyone object to my taking a swing at this thing. If it is hollow it should help ring a few bells, or possibly collapse it in on it's self."
Ulfgar will take his hammer and follow at a run toward the drow monument.
"Kragg, Anka? Anyone object to my taking a swing at this thing. If it is hollow it should help ring a few bells, or possibly collapse it in on it's self."
The time goes even more quickly with Ulfgar's swings helping to reveal Ardwal's shrine hidden within the former Dark Elf monument.
Even as he breaks it, he is flooded with a vision himself...
Upon receiving his hammer, the wizard runs his hands over the head with almost parental affection. By the time he is done confirming it is intact, Modnar realizes half of his comrades have flown to the drow monument. He looks to the ceiling, momentarily lost in thought.
Probably best to let Dolgrin handle the martial defense. How could I best assist?
Modnar turns to Miatha. "Lady Miatha, Harvald tells me that you are the city's most accomplished practitioner of the Art. We may not have much time. Are there any magical assets we can exploit should the drow attack -- or any weaknesses they may use against us?"
Dolgrin knows that something has occurred, but he thinks to his duty now Call your Elders, call your most Noble servants, call them and let them hear your plea for action. If you wish us to help, the Dwarves of Dammerhall will stand with you Lord Gerni. But we number only six, we need the Gnomes to stand firm. We need YOU to stand firm. Dolgrin exhorts the Gnomish lord
To Ivy Dolgrin says Something has happened, I've felt it...Holy Ardwal illuminates the darkness for us.
Sitting down a moment to stare at the shrine to Ardwall that was hidden beneath the pitiful monument the drow had used. Ulfgar ponders the vision he has been gifted with.
"Kragg have you a moment? I am confused."
"Just as we exposed the shrine to Ardwall that was hidden, I had a vision. In it a dwarven woman was there, she was beautiful even though you could tell she has been through a very difficult time. She is chained and gagged. But most distressing was the snake headed whip, the old stories mention snake headed whips do they not?"
The ranger wants to go rescue the woman, every fiber in his being says to do so. But his experience says this is a message but one he is not ready for or maybe just not ready to understand.
to investigate the hidden shrine
Frustrated by the lack of concrete indication of where next to go or do, Anka scans the surroundings intently.
Modnar perks up at Dolgrin's mention of Ardwal. "In what way, Dolgrin? Have you received a vision? Have the Brothers given us some guidance regarding the drow?"
Hannarr, wants to run off to the monument with the others, but knows they will have the situation in hand. Besides, someone needed to stay and keep an eye on the Tarnhammar - wouldn't do to lose their own would-be king while defending the Gnomes'.
A sudden thought occurs to him as he continued to translate for Dolgrin. Dolgrin - the Drow ambassador! We can't let him leave Faustervault!
Kragg keeps working at removing the shrine to Ardwal as he ponders Ulfgar's question in relationship to what he is experiencing. Visions, like dreams may mean many different things. In this case I think it is safe to assume tha the vision is metaphorical instread of literal. My guess is that the woman is our ancestral home and it needs liberating. There is still much glory, wonder, and beauty to behold there but until freed it is under the cruel lash of the wielders of the snake headed whips. We must also be cautious as snakes have forked tongues which mean that the wielders are two-fold against us. Likewise it could mean that there are 2 people in control of our goal. Or it may mean nothing more than people who can talk to and control actual snakes. Time will tell but at least we you have the vision to be somewhat forewarned.
I wonder if Ardwal would let me enter if there is something behind this shrine. A follower of his brother but not himself. Unless I can find a handle or hinge though I am not going to pry at it until someone of his faith is around.
Turning to the others, I sense that there is something within this shrine that may benefit us. But as I am not a follower of Ardwal I am not going to chance it just now.
"Excellent point, Hannarr. Stopping the ambassador from reporting back to his superiors would be prudent."
Turning to the king, Modnar asks in Gnome, "King Geirni, do your guard-speaking magics allow you to talk to those at the city gates?"
(The crew at Lord Gerni's keep)
Modnar turns to Miatha. "Lady Miatha, Harvald tells me that you are the city's most accomplished practitioner of the Art. We may not have much time. Are there any magical assets we can exploit should the drow attack -- or any weaknesses they may use against us?"
"You flatter me, young sir, I'm no true wizard... and I'm sure of this, if they took gnome bane themself, for them it will protect them against our greatest power of blinding them. We have minor items of magic. I can heal, sure to be of use, and I can cause most to go to sleep, not that this will work on dark elves.Frankly, if the dark elves have been around town, I'd worry about sabatoges. They sure did go on a lot of 'tours' from what I heard."
Dolgrin knows that something has occurred, but he thinks to his duty now Call your Elders, call your most Noble servants, call them and let them hear your plea for action. If you wish us to help, the Dwarves of Dammerhall will stand with you Lord Gerni. But we number only six, we need the Gnomes to stand firm. We need YOU to stand firm. Dolgrin exhorts the Gnomish lord
Lord Gerni nods and tells his guards, "Listen to Dolgrin, Blow the horn... get me the orb" And the guards move, some heading out, others going to his back room to get him an orb.
To Ivy Dolgrin says Something has happened, I've felt it...Holy Ardwal illuminates the darkness for us.
"Not sure why a dwarven god would care about a deep gnome town, but then I'm not sure why YOU care. Just glad you do," Ivy admits almost grudingly.
Hannarr, wants to run off to the monument with the others, but knows they will have the situation in hand. Besides, someone needed to stay and keep an eye on the Tarnhammar - wouldn't do to lose their own would-be king while defending the Gnomes'.
A sudden thought occurs to him as he continued to translate for Dolgrin. Dolgrin - the Drow ambassador! We can't let him leave Faustervault!
"The needle," Ivy says, "The area where it narrows... if we can get their first, hurry like hell, you can ambush them as they try to head out. We best hope they're not running!"
Turning to the king, Modnar asks in Gnome, "King Geirni, do your guard-speaking magics allow you to talk to those at the city gates?"
"Yes," The gnome king takes the orb, a mikly white thing, and stares into it, "But what should I say?"
(At the Shrine)
Anka finds more than a few svirneblin are watching, most with slack jaws. After all, it's not every day dwarves begin smashing into a drow monument. But they also notice the shrine coming into view. There are about four deep gnomes watching. One old fellow has taken a seat, and is smoking a pipe, while the three younger gnomes talk among themselves in confusion. Mostly trying to decide if they're more outraged, bewildered, or excited.
Ulfgar investigates deeper into the shrine, and keeps digging as he does. He finds the altar, of course, clearing it off further...
and he also realizes there's a stone plate behind the altar that is actually a hidden small door. It appears to be locked.
Dolgrin is torn by indecision. Chase after the Drow, or secure the town? His natural Dwarven inclination to defense leads him to action. Lord Geirni, Summon all your subjects to the town square. We will go and tell them to prepare for what comes next...
To the guards present Dolgrin says You three, stay with the King. You others, rush about the town gathering all the able bodied men and send them to the center of town.
To Hanarr and Modnar Can you see what damage the Drow might have wrought? Mistress Miatha can you show them where the Drow went?
Dolgrin says the the King Tell your men at the gates to close them. Then come with me, you must speak with your people.
If these things occur, then Dolgrin with the gnomish guards will lead the King to the center of town where he can give his speech about the nefarious actions of the Drow.
Modnar nods to Dolgrin and tightens his belt in preparation. He adjusts his hammer so that he can keep his hand on its haft while walking. No sense scaring the populace too early.
"Ready when you are, my lady."
Understanding Kragg's reasons for not entering the shrine initially, Ulfgar continues until he reaches the alter and finds the door. "By my grandfather's beard I'll be." He'll return to the older cleric and report what he has seen.
Noticing the procession coming towards the middle of town from the king's residence, Ulfgar can see Dolgrin. He moves to the paladin's side and gives a concise report of what has been found, the vision he had, Kragg's explanation, and the revelation inside the shrine behind the alter. He has not taken to being a sneak thief inside one of his family's patrons shrine, so he has not attempted to force the door or pick the lock at this time.
He then will stand aside realizing that Dolgrin and Geirni have come here for something other than to see the shrine.
To the pair of leaders....
"What would you have me do?"
Dolgrin, we have to stop that ambassador! Hannarr insists as they move to the central square. If there is sabotage, he's the one who has done it. And if there is going to be an attack, he is the one who will signal it! If we can stop him we can buy time to organize a proper defence and gather some valuable intelligence about what we face.
He waves to Anka and the others to join them as they march into view of the shrine. King Geirni has summoned his guard - he is as safe as he can be for the moment - and Harvald can start them on organizing a proper defence. It falls to us to intercept this drow. Now.
"Vi havis min ĉe 'mortigi la elfo'." Anka all but sings as a genuinely evil grin splits her face. Turning to face her 'audience', she calls out, "სად სული წავიდეთ?"
Dolgrin, Hannarr is right. The ambassador is the focus right now. If you wish to stay with the king here then I would recommend trying to enter the shrine. It is dedicated to Ardwal and has a locked door that Ulfgar found. You might be allowed entrance as it is your god. I the meantime I will go with those to find the drow and keep them safe.
As everyone strides to the square, Modnar says to Miatha, "I agree with Dolgrin that we may wish to find any potential sabotage the drow may have wrought. However, I am concerned for only the two of us to search. Perhaps one of my comrades would be willing to accompany us once the king has spoken."
Hearing Dolgrin's comments, the King begins to comply, happily so it seems. Meanwhile, Miatha says, "Be happy to help," And chuckles when Modnar calls her "my lady" "Very gallant, sir."
"I've got good eyes," Ivy states, "If you want me to look with you, Modnar. I still think the ambassador needs killing, Dolgrin, can we do both?"
While the Shrine is not center of town, it does overlook it, and proves a good place to speak in front of should speeches need to be made.
Already Deep Gnomes are gathering, many of them look confused, and afraid.
"South," Someone answers Anka, "They are heading south. Not their usual route."
To Ulfgar Dolgrin says Could you go with Modnar and protect him, he is going to inspect the town for sabotage. Your eyes are keen, and your mind is sharp, you will be of great assistance in that task.
Dolgrin prods the gnomish King along Tell your people what has happened. Ask them to grant you their arms and hearts in resisting what is sure to be a Drow attack in the coming hours or days. You must do this, they are your people Lord Geirni. Dolgrin says to him, sensing the Gnomish man's reluctance to take action.
Nodding to Dolgrin and the king...
"Come Modnar, m'Lady, Miss Ivy. we should check the armory first and the gates. Unless you have a more pressing location these will become important very soon. And we can ill afford for then to be compromised by the Drow."