Perception
As Modnar and his comrades draw closer to Fasturvalt, the wizard's demeanor softens, perhaps with the more familiar surroundings.
Thinking to foster some goodwill between the xan and skis'raal members of his group, Modnar offers, "It might be useful if I were to keep a magical means of communication open between us. However, I would not do that to someone who did not want the effect. Is each of you willing?"
Open to the possibility of having the message spell cast on him Kragg approaches the town openly waiting for the gnomes to notice him and send up the alert that people are approaching. Should no one take notice Kragg will hurry forward wondering what has happened drawing attention to himself. Garlund, Hepplenick, anyone?
Modnar keeps pace with Kragg, not speaking, but wringing his hands periodically as if worried.
What might Fralin have gotten up to while we were gone?
Modnar links them up, and as they approach quicker, you see a deep gnome sentry on watch finally appear, "Who goes there? Ah, can it be? Yes! High Priest, Magister! Sorry, I saw a Xan and Skis'raal walking together, a most unusual sight, and decided to hide until I could see what they were up to. With the service going on, we have fewer sentries on watch right now."
Kragg's ears perk up quickly, Service? What service are you referring to? As for our companions all will be explained in time. If you will please show us the way to this service and can you explain what is going on since we left.
With their new pet in tow, the larger group has an even easier path thanks to their escorts.
Much of your remaining journey is uneventful. Finally, you come to the entry way of a great cavern. There, four more of the Spider folk stand watch, but when they see you travel with their own, and ones thought lost at that, they lower their guard and blink in confusion.
Those you rescued explain "These are Dwarves, they released us from the Xan's cages. They claim strange things, but their actions show some understanding of the right way to move along the web of life."
One of the guardians, more armored than the rest, approaches, "I am Guardian Nebux. What are these 'strange claims' our once lost brother speaks of?"
Kragg's ears perk up quickly, Service? What service are you referring to? As for our companions all will be explained in time. If you will please show us the way to this service and can you explain what is going on since we left.
As you head into Fastervault, the scout sentry explains, "The religious service, high priest. Not everyone is crazy about this, but when this new Deep Gnome came in from the wilds, he told us all about this dwarven god who could increase our fortunes! Not everyone's crazy about him ,but with you dwarves putting fastervault on the map, his predictions of a new golden age sure do sound promising."
I am Dolgrin Tarnhammer, Representative of the Gnomish Town of Fasturvalt. There are Drow plots afoot, the minions of the foul serpent Ulamahaz plan on enslaving all free beings in the Azathyr.
Curious Kragg inquires further, who is the Dwarven god that this gnome preaches about? I am interested in this claim and wish to see this gnome and his service. What of my acolytes and the rest. Are they holding to Zuth's ways? Has any questioned this gnome to find the validity of his words or actions?
Through the message Kragg lets Modnar know his thoughts, I had a dream that Zuth was looking for someone. It was unclear as to who or what the exact entity was. It could be a long lost Dwarven God but the circumstances seem questionable at best. Keep alert for signs of treachery.
I am Dolgrin Tarnhammer, Representative of the Gnomish Town of Fasturvalt. There are Drow plots afoot, the minions of the foul serpent Ulamahaz plan on enslaving all free beings in the Azathyr.
Hannarr nods and adds, We would speak to your leaders regarding this conflict between your people and the Xan. It is not is as it seems.
"Well met, I am Ulgar Baldeark of the Dragonbone clan, current Warden of Fastervault and guide for this delegation." Ulfgar greets his new host before deferring to Hannarr and Dolgrin for the diplomatic duties.
Through the message Kragg lets Modnar know his thoughts, I had a dream that Zuth was looking for someone. It was unclear as to who or what the exact entity was. It could be a long lost Dwarven God but the circumstances seem questionable at best. Keep alert for signs of treachery.
"I agree, Kragg," Modnar responds in a whisper. "I already intend to verify what I can."
To the svirfneblin sentry, the wizard says, "I, too, wish to meet this newcomer. One who can journey through the Azathyr alone certainly bears consideration. Lead on, if you please."
"That consideration may be threat assessment," Kragg hears muttered through the arcane link.
I am Dolgrin Tarnhammer, Representative of the Gnomish Town of Fasturvalt. There are Drow plots afoot, the minions of the foul serpent Ulamahaz plan on enslaving all free beings in the Azathyr.
Hannarr nods and adds, We would speak to your leaders regarding this conflict between your people and the Xan. It is not is as it seems.
"Well met, I am Ulgar Baldeark of the Dragonbone clan, current Warden of Fastervault and guide for this delegation." Ulfgar greets his new host before deferring to Hannarr and Dolgrin for the diplomatic duties.
Guardian Nebux tilts his head, "Good Greetings. Strong words. Strong requests. Yet you come with two of our own returned from the hated Xan. General Nath'kyr would never allow you to see our queen alone. The White Spider is too precious to us, but an audience with both will be granted. Will you submit to having your weapons web bound in her presence as a good faith gesture?"
Curious Kragg inquires further, who is the Dwarven god that this gnome preaches about? I am interested in this claim and wish to see this gnome and his service. What of my acolytes and the rest. Are they holding to Zuth's ways? Has any questioned this gnome to find the validity of his words or actions?
"Your acolytes seem cautious about him, despite his miracles, for the new cleric has healed. One of your acolytes actually warns people away from him, but few are heeding. They all want to hear of the lessons of the Jeweled Glory and that priest says it is merely envy on your acolyte's part. The other is less hostile to him. Both of your acolytes continue to worship, Zuth, of course. But some are saying the Jeweled Glory is stronger..." the fellow talks as you get deeper into town.
Modnar senses no magic but both he and Kragg can hear a voice, some sort of sermon going as they head into town.
At the Skis'raal guards words Anka's gaze shifts briefly to gauge her companion's reactions, her own visage impassive.
Ulfgar nods in acceptance of the condition, for to him web bound and with him is better than in the next room with the door shut and guards between.
Know religion
Kragg gets a scowl on his face and even spits a bit to the side. I have heard of this Jeweled Glory before. He is a fallen God banished from the pantheon of other Dwarven gods. He by no means is stronger than Zuth but does grant miracles still.
Setting his aged shoulders straight and depositing his pack Kragg marches with renewed determination towards the sound of the sermon. His righteous fury at his flock being lead astray fueling him like he has rarely been before.
Modnar's eyebrows arch with surprise at Kragg's information.
"Glad you had heard of the Jeweled Glory, Kragg. My own studies seem to have missed this part of our religious history. For what was this deity --"
Noticing his companion's accelerated pace, Modnar stops speaking to hurry after him. He continues to to scan in a search for magical auras, however.
Perhaps this newcomer may not be a gnome after all . . .
Dolgrin nods at the Skis'raal request We agree. We have no foul intentions here. The Dwarves of Dammerhall are as good as their word.
Hannarr nods and submits to the webbing, content to take his lead from Dolgrin.
With all agreed to the very odd form of peace tying, you each make your way further in.
This cavern is open and clear with a single perch in the back that forms a natural throne. This is the heart
of the village and of skis’raal culture in the fungal jungle.
You see that one huge Skis'Raal, even larger than Nebux awaits. While cultures vary, the scars you can see on his hide where armor does not dwell mark him as a warrior, and the designs would indicate a ranking of some sort. Most of the Skis'Raal are hunters by necessity, this one is a soldier, a fighter, and a leader of same. This must be General Nath'Kyr. He nods approvingly at your acceptance of the ties, but still seems on guard.
Perched on that throne is a Skis'raal who seems different from all the others in her form and shape even more so than the pale hue.
The White Spider speaks from her perch, her voice a whisper that somehow carries "My consort, General Nath'Kyr, bades me not approach to close, but I see you have shown good faith, and will not insult you. I am Queen of the Skis'Raal. I am called the White Spider. And I understand you come with a strange tale, of Dammerhall, and its sons returned. Of our Enemy Xan, and how you claim they are not that. I hear along the webs of my village that you have freed our own from the mushroom folk, a sign you have their favor, and yet you come with weapons bound. This is all very confusing, but at the least, I owe my people good judgment and fair. So I will listen. For you, I know it must seem frustrating that you tell your story again and again, but I must hear it for myself." She twists her head curiously.
Kragg picks up his pace, rage building in him as he tells Modnar of the crimes of the self styled 'Jeweled Glory' aka Drugar, the patron of Dueragar. For it was Drugar that bound and chained Zuth and many of the Dwarven people.
And the two brothers have been opposed ever since.
The sound of a shrill voice is speaking, "If your neighbor has something you want, well, who is he to have better? The Jeweled Glory knows your true worth, and you should not let your neighbor overshadow you. Only the Jeweled Glory shines above all..."
You've come across a service. The deep gnome speaking, one you've never seen before, has a crowd of villagers all around him as he preaches. Modnar senses magic coming from the headband the deep gnome priest is wearing. And there maybe something in his bag besides.
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KRagg does indeed inform Modnar in short burst as he marches along about the relationship between Zuth and Drugar.
know religion in case I am missing anything.
As they approach the service Modnar could almost see fire and acid dripping off of Kragg's fingers as the cleric longed to unleash holy retribution upon one of Drogar's followers. Yet as the aged cleric moved in front of the crowd he seemed to calm himself with great breaths. It was thus that Kragg turned not towards the gnome cleric but spoke to the crowd. He had witnessed many things in the 100+ years of his life and knew better than to fight the gnome. It was not the gnome that needed to be defeated it was his views and only by showing the people the truth would Kragg and thus Zuth truly win.
Brothers and sisters in tragedy and triumph. I beseech you to listen to me now. I, who have bled for you, fought with you, healed you, and guided you have just returned from our first foray into the underground wilderness. While others of us are still forging ahead into the wilderness I felt compelled to come back to bring you news and wisdom. It seems that I have arrived at the right time, Zuth's time.
Do not listen to this gnome preaching to you. He speaks words of promise and riches but those are just coverings for deceit, despair, and treachery. I know of this Jeweled Glory that he speaks of. It is just 1 among many names for the evil brother of Zuth, Drugar. Yes Drugar, the dwarven god who enslaved his own brother in order to have Zuth make for Drugar what Drugar could not make himself. It was nly by Zuth's own power, conviction and skill that he broke free from his brother's chains.
What good is personal wealth if the neighbor next to you lies starving in the street? Why should you care if your neighbor's house is grander than your own if you are happy and he is not? At what point does individual greed overshadow the needs of the family? It is these questions that this gnome does not want asked. All he wants is to give you a perverse form of self satisfaction upon obtain wealth. It is that perversion that is the yoke and chains that he will use to enslave you all. We have already for freedom from the drow. That was a direct threat that you all realized and could see. This threat is just as real but more insidious as you can not see it readily.
Do not listen to him I implore you.
diplomacy
The Cleric of Zuth's return is a surprise to the villagers, but definitely a surprise to the svnirnbelin priest, who up till now, had a voice unopposed or so it seemed.
"Who? I..." The Deep gnome bears the unholy symbol of his dark dwarven god proudly upon his chest. A mark that if he wore in a dwarven city or area, would have him run out or worse.
While he attempts to recover from Kragg's eloquent and sudden rebuttal of his god's teachings, the villagers have their own reactions. Some looking deeply ashamed of themselves, some horrorfied to learn they were falling into the sway of the Lord of the Dueragar!
A few begin to mutter, "The accoyte of the Zuth also did not like 'His-truth-Shines'..." Naming the priest of Drugar for them, "We have ignored the voice of youth, dare we ignore the age of wisdom?"
"To think, I was angry at my cousin because of his bride being so fair, but what is the point? Am I to claim a woman that doesn't love me? No, better Zuth's merriment than this Jeweled One's bitter pill."
His-Truth-Shines rallies, "Can not stone be shaped? Cannot gemstones be cut to finer edge? The Jeweled Glory is not what he was! This old priest knows nothing of the new Jeweled Glory! He has recast himself! Now he is greater, and he can get you what you want! What fools turn that down?"
Unfortunately for him, the others aren't buying it, "Did he just call us fools?"
"If not us, our brothers and sisters who did not show. Our mothers and fathers who stick to old ways... I'll not have my family insulted by a stranger!"
Realizing his mistake, the cleric swallows nervously "You misunderstand! Wealth! Wealth beyond your imagining if you only give yourself up to The Jeweled Glory!"
Hannarr steps forward and introduces himself and his fellows. It is a great honour to meet you, Queen of the Skis'Raal. He slowly brings forth the drow coins and the arm bands taken from the renegade spider-folk they encountered in their first days in the depths and places them on the ground before him, explaining, when our quest first brought us to this land we came across two of your people devouring defenceless Svifneblin travellers. They turned on us as well, and we slew them in outrage for their crimes. We could have let that brief and tragic encounter shape our assumption of all skis'raal we encountered, but we are dwarves. We deliberate, we investigate. We are not moved to hasty judgement. And so we found these. He gestures at the artifacts before him. Not much, but enough to make us suspect there was something other than simple banditry involved.
We formed a fast friendship with those gnomes we had rescued, and helped them unmask the treachery of the drow. Here he removes his sword belt and places the web-bound rapier of the former drow ambassador next to the drow coins. Once unmasked, the drow turned to brute force, but again, with our help, the gnomes of Fastervault were able to throw back their would be oppressors.
With Fastervault secure our fellowship resumed our search, which took us to the fungal jungle where we came across the Xan, who spun stories of horrific spiderfolk who terrorized their people wantonly and without provocation. Again, we could have believed these stories, but we are dwarves. Hannarr took out the drow scroll they had recovered from the river and placed it beside the rapier. But again we found clues that pointed to a different truth.
We asked the Xan to speak to their prisoners. We found youe subjects to be erudite and civil, and possessed of yet another version of events that smacked of drow manipulation. The Xan are open minded and desirous of peace, and agreed to release their prisoners into our care so we might bring them home to you and perhaps uncover the treachery buried beneath all these machinations and misinformation.
It is our sincerest hope that we can avert a tragic and pointless conflict between two noble and peace loving peoples, and expose the true evil threatening this region. Hannrr steps back respectfully and lets the white queen draw her own conclusions from his words and from the relics laid out in front of her.
If I may witht he knowledge roll earlier, what does Zuth have to say about encountering followers of Drugar. Are they to be killed, captured, some other form of punishment or exposed for who and what they truly are? Kind of wondering as that will direct my next post to some degree. As it is Kragg is currently willing to le the people decide th heretical gnomes fate as to not start a holy war with by spilling the first blood. If the people choose to spill blood then Kragg will heal those injured though.
Modnar strides forward beside Kragg, while his eyes scan the crowd for any of his neophyte spellcasters. He begins to say something in support of his comrade, but he keeps his peace as he sees the crowd's reaction to Kragg's speech.
Better to let Zuth and His chosen resolve this contest . . .
The wizard's vision locks onto His-truth-shines, looking to see if the gnome's hand strays toward his fallen god's symbol.
** spoiler omitted **
Dolgrin assists the Diamondheart in his diplomacy. Hannarr is the Galabun for good reason.
What the Diamondheart says is truth. The Dwarves of Dammerhall wish nothing more than peace and friendship with the Xan and Skis'raal. An alliance against the machinations of the Ulamahaz worshipping Drow Elves would benefit all of us greatly
Kragg feels the rumbling of the crowd and knows that they have se the truth this day. Turnig to His-truth-shines Kragg addresses him for the first time. You have fallen sway under false teachings and pretenses. Yet there is still hope for you. Turn away from Drugar while you still have a chance. I give you this choice. If you squander it then know that if we should meet again I will not be lenient upon you again.
The people here are united and strong. I will work to keep them so and spread the truth of Zuth to them. I am older than some and have seen much in my time that experience has given me wisdom and the wisdom insight. While part of me wishes to strike down a follower of Drugar i will not. Neither will I subjugate you like you would have done to me. Zuth is the balance between the brothers and so will I be.
Turning back to the crowd and also turning his back on His-truth-shines, i am proud of you all for listening to truth and right. Something must be doen to prevent his corruption. I propose a 2 yaer banishment from here, bereft of his items and unholy symbol. It is my hope that during this banishment that light and reason will find their way into him. By removing his gear, wealth, and symbol he will be forced to contemplate on what true riches are: namely friends, family, and community.
Ulfgar bows to the Queen and her general then stands respectfully to Hannarr's side much like a guard which in this case he is. Granted if spoken to he will respond.
Largely mirroring Ulfgar, Anka keeps herself to herself. Observing their surroundings guardedly as the others converse with this strange queen.
The White Spider twitches ever so slightly, every now and then, as if feeling the tremors of truth on the webs she walks, and then finally, hearing the tale as the dwarves tell it, considers, "If what you say is true, and I know you to believe it so, it is a blessing, and a concern alike. A blessing that my people should not have a costly war with the Xan, a concern that the Drow, the true power here in these lands, are extending their reach ever further." She glances and looks over the relic, and gestures to the General to do likewise.
"I know what you want," She whispers, "We Skis'raal know legends too. Legends of Dammerhall and its power of old. It is natural you should seek to restore it. An alliance you wish, and who can blame you? You will need it, but what good is peace with the Xan if it drives my people to war with the dark elves? Even allying with you peacefully could draw their attention. It is a dangerous risk at this generation. Still, you have done right by us, and that is no small thing. If you go to war with the dark elves, we shall help you, but we do ask a favor to cement this alliance in full. Should you find any cattle roaming these lands, you send word to us on where they can be found. And we split them. My people require freshmeat. Starvation would be an even meaner death than drow magic. Can you agree to this? Can you show the honor in bargaining that legends say dwarves possessed? Is your word as strong as steel like the stories say? And will you give it in this?"
Modnar keeps a steady eye for magics,even as Kragg makes his generous offer to His-Truth-Shines.
And it is fortunate that Modnar was on the look out for spells cast, for the dark priest tries to slip a hand to his holy symbol as soon as Kragg turns his back...
the spell is some sort of persuasion, no doubt meant to influence the crowd where natural charisma failed
The gnome struggles, but holds onto his item... it is, however, enough to draw Kragg's attention fully to what just got tried.
Thanks to Modnar alerting him of the treachery behind him Kragg spins around towards the deceitful gnome. I gave you a chance. No more!
Power welling up inside of him Kragg issues a single command word hoping to end the charade and give Modnar a chance to aid as well.
cast Command: Surrender will save DC 15.
Kragg then moves to apprehend the gnome going on the back side of him to keep him flanked by himself and Modnar.
spellcraft
"Drugar no I..." The dark priest's will crumbles before the might of an agent of Zuth, "I surrender!" He drops to the the ground and ceases struggling. With the crowd inflamed already (And angrily still at an attempt at some magical treachery), it takes them little time to cease His-Truth-Shines and strip him down near to nudeness.
"You still want this one exiled, High Priest? And if so, shall we tar him and roll him in shale bits before releasing him?"
Kragg looks down at the subdued and almost naked gnome. A wellspring of compassion fills him as he addresses the others. No, do not tar and shale him. I say give him back his clothes, a pack with a weeks worth of food, a tarp, string, and a peace bonded dagger. Exile him and let him go. He has been defeated and hopefully he will learn from this and ruminate on the compassion shown to him.
As the apostate drops to the stone, Modnar nods at the display of Zuth's influence. No sign of compassion crosses his face as the svirfneblin of Fasturvalt denude His-Truth-Shines.
The wizard's brow crinkles at Kragg's plan for the defeated gnome. "I believe we may yet have some questions for this one before any judgment is passed. I, for one, would like to know if more of his ilk have found their way to other cities of the Azathyr."
Modnar's eyes narrow into slits as he turns toward the vanquished.
Kragg looks to Modnar as the other dwarf comes closer. Thank you for your aid their with his unholy symbol. that was some keen foresight you exhibited there. But as to your inquiries, go ahead and ask him although I would not be surprised at all to hear that Drugar has his agents all over the Azathyr. Regardless of his answers I am still inclined to let him go on moral and religious principle. The truth was revealed today and without magical coercion the people chose the right path. I could not be happier of my flock.
Turning to some of the gnomes nearby that have His-Truth-Shines he instructs them Bring him to a private room where the Magistrate and I can question him more thoroughly. Once we are finished with our line of questioning then we will come out and instruct you further. Once this matter is attended to then I believe we need to call the council together as there is much to discuss and inform you all about. Also, please let my acolytes know that I am back and will need to discuss future plans with them after the meeting with the council.
Turning back to Modnar after the dark priest has been escorted ahead, Let us go see what His-Truth-Shines knows. Good dwarf bad dwarf as you try to rile him up for information. What specifically do you wish to learn from him. He might be a single agent of Drugar and know nothing about any other cities down here.
Clearing his throat lightly and stepping forward, bowing once more..
"White Lady, as warden for the Dwarves recently returned to these lands, my job is to protect those who live here from enemies both within and without. The Drow, as my esteemed companions can no doubt attest to as well as myself, pose a great threat from without. Yet, starvation will force the best of friends to steal from each other and tear an alliance apart. Should we come upon the roaming herds considered cattle within this realm, we will gladly share that information with you."
Hannarr confers with his peers briefly before responding to the White Spider. It lightens our hearts to find wisdom and reason here. On behalf of ourselves and the gnomes of Fastervault, we agree to share any cattle herds found here in the fungal jungal with you. We do not have the authority to make any such agreement on behalf of the Xan, but I am confident in their commitment to peace and cooperation. I would urge a meeting representatives of your two communities to cement this friendship as soon as you are comfortable. If moderation would help, we of Damerhall would be honoured to attend
Thank you again, for your foresight, and for the hospitality and trust you have shown us today. Hannarr bows deeply to the White Spider and gathers up the items he placed on the ground.
The White Spider seems very pleased with Ulfgar and Hannar's responses, and says, "Good. My people are at a peripice, good dwarves, in a manner I cannot fully disclose. Food will be crucial to us, and while it is not your place to hunt for us, leading us to it would be of great aid to our future. If you offer this Fastervault as a neutral ground for one of our chosen ambassadors to meet with one of the Xan, then we shall agree to that. Rest here in our village if you wish. What we have, we will share. And there are gifts for you as well, if you will accept."
Presented to you brought in by another Skis'raal are gifts...
"We hope these can be of use to you," The White Spider says
Thank you for these gifts. Dolgrin says with a bow. We have not much to reciprocate...
Impassive during the the diplomatic discussion, Anka steps forward as her compatriots contemplate how best to match their host's gift. leaving the bindings themselves untouched, she unships her ax from her shoulder before holding it aloft for all present to see. "" she begins, "" Stepping between her comrades, Anka approaches the White Queen. ""
Standing now directly before the Skis'raal Queen, Anka kneels, her ax presented in supplication. "Minder as 'n jaar gelede, van die tyd van ons Here het die mantel van hierdie verantwoordelikheid op ons om nou, dit het vir my gedien as ons bewys ons vasberadenheid om ons nader neefs die Kabouters. Dit het drow bloed geproe toe hulle en ek staan om hul opmars na Fastervault breek. Van hierdie dag af, kan jy gelukkig genoeg dat dit nie meer sal dien in 'n geveg, maar slegs as 'n teken van ons verenigde vasberadenheid. Dit moet egter nie bewys eenheid so gelukkig is, laat dit jou dien so goed soos dit vir my beteken het."
"Less than a year ago, from the time our Lord laid the mantle of this responsibility upon us to now, it has served me as we proved our determination to our closer cousins the Gnomes. It has tasted Drow blood when they and I stood to break their advance upon Fastervault. From this day forth, may you be fortunate enough that it will serve in battle no longer, but only as a sign of our unified determination. However, should this unity not prove so fortunate, let it serve you and your people so well as it has served me and ours."
Thank you for these gifts. Dolgrin says with a bow. We have not much to reciprocate...
And, indeed, it seems they have little in material things to grant. Though their deeds and words have granted them reward and the beginnings of peace with Alliance in the works, dwarves have also prided themselves on craft, on creation, and yes, to some degree wealth. Unsure what is suited to a queen, even one as unusual as this, the group seems stuck...
until Anka steps forward...Impassive during the the diplomatic discussion, Anka steps forward as her compatriots contemplate how best to match their host's gift. leaving the bindings themselves untouched, she unships her ax from her shoulder before holding it aloft for all present to see. "" she begins, "" Stepping between her comrades, Anka approaches the White Queen. ""
Standing now directly before the Skis'raal Queen, Anka kneels, her ax presented in supplication. "Minder as 'n jaar gelede, van die tyd van ons Here het die mantel van hierdie verantwoordelikheid op ons om nou, dit het vir my gedien as ons bewys ons vasberadenheid om ons nader neefs die Kabouters. Dit het drow bloed geproe toe hulle en ek staan om hul opmars na Fastervault breek. Van hierdie dag af, kan jy gelukkig genoeg dat dit nie meer sal dien in 'n geveg, maar slegs as 'n teken van ons verenigde vasberadenheid. Dit moet egter nie bewys eenheid so gelukkig is, laat dit jou dien so goed soos dit vir my beteken het."
At first, General Nath'Kyr, seeing a weapon moves forward ready to shield his queen with his life, but then he notes the ties still binding it, and scuttles back again. Indeed, as Anka speaks, it is the massive warrior who seems truly touched by her gesture. Expressions in the Skis'raal are different from dwarves, but he gives a profound nod, perhaps even an deferring bob of the head, of respect that it is clear to any.
The White Spider looks at the offering with surprise, "I am not a warrior, as so many of your people obviously are. But Nath'kyr, my general, my mate, is. You have touched him to the core with this, and thus pleased me greatly. My people sometimes have hard lives- They must be practical. Can a weapon kill? Can it be used to hunt? And that is all we care to know, and perhaps think that is all there is that matters. But then there are our warriors such as the General. They see what you see, Lady Dwarf. They see you offer up steel, not so rare, but interwoven with it you present pride, heritage, and perhaps even the seeds of legend. As Queen, I am no wariror, but I must see through the many eyes of all my people, and through his, I see you have granted us a symbol of honor and sacrifices past, and sacrifice that maybe required in the future. You are always welcome here, Anka Stoneminder."
At that, the White Spider nods to the General takes up the weapon personally, unbinds it, and places it as his side. It was as if he also served as a living mantle to display the sign of alliance that had been granted.
Turning to some of the gnomes nearby that have His-Truth-Shines he instructs them Bring him to a private room where the Magistrate and I can question him more thoroughly. Once we are finished with our line of questioning then we will come out and instruct you further. Once this matter is attended to then I believe we need to call the council together as there is much to discuss and inform you all about. Also, please let my acolytes know that I am back and will need to discuss future plans with them after the meeting with the council.
The gnomes scurry to carry out the High Priest's wishes, some did look dissapointed there wasn't going to be a tar and shaling (And you thought Feathers were bad) but it is clear the teachings of Zuth have begun to gentle the deep gnomes' ethics, by a little bit at least.
The accoyltes are sent for and if anything are even more over joyed than the others. One almost kisses the hem of Kragg's clothing, admitting that faith was almost lost. The other does not boast, but confides that they'd been working behind the scenes to sway people to avoid 'His Light also shines' and preaching the word of Zuth and local drinking establishments.
As for the dark priest, the two dwarves soon be told he is in a private room in the garrision under watchful eyes and ready for the interrogation.
The Xan and Skis'raal with you find that, with the religious needs done, they are something of a subject of conversation among the village. Miku seems delighted, Tuvix seems less at ease as some crowd around him. While not as inquisitive as surface gnomes, it is clear such odd guests will draw a lot of attention.
Turning back to Modnar after the dark priest has been escorted ahead, Let us go see what His-Truth-Shines knows. Good dwarf bad dwarf as you try to rile him up for information. What specifically do you wish to learn from him. He might be a single agent of Drugar and know nothing about any other cities down here.
As Kragg and Modnar make their way to the location of the prisoner, the younger dwarf responds, "I pray you are correct that we are dealing with an lone operative, but I worry that we may run into difficulty if it turns out that worship of Drugar has taken hold in other svirfneblin settlements. While I am inclined to assume that our comrades will succeed at their mission to befriend the Xan and Skis'raal, I would like to know for certain that we have not just exiled one who will turn other gnomes against us." He smiles faintly. "The drow are enemies enough."
Before entering the room holding His-Truth-Shines, Modnar suggests, "Would you give me a moment alone with our prisoner before you enter, Kragg?"
Modnar closes the door and turns to His-Truth-Shines. "Our High Priest wishes you to be released. I, however, am more inclined to summon a beast from the Realms Above, let it have its way with you, and then send you out into the Azathyr with no eyes."
The wizard draws his hammer, points it toward a corner of the room, and intones, "ជួយខ្ញុំឥន្ទ្រីនៃស្ថានបរមសុខ!" A shimmering eagle appears in the corner and screeches before Modnar dismisses it with a wave of his hand.
"You are fortunate, though, that respect for elders is the norm for my people. Tell me how widespread the worship of your patron is throughout the Azathyr, and I will not act on my baser impulses."