A most dishonorable gesture. I do not fear daggers in the dark. I will walk with the prisoner. Dolgrin says with a glance to Ulfgar. In a lower voice he says We must protect them both, this one might have valuable information for the King.
In a lowered voice only he and Dolgrin would have heard and in dwarven.
"You misunderstood, I fear them neither but at the same time I hoped that he did. I hoped he might understand enough to think on it and loosen his tongue. Once he is in the king's castle then he is no longer under 'our' protection, and subject to a speedy dispatch by those loyal to his master. Whether that be the Drow or his own assassin's guild - neither would brook failure very well. I fear the taint in this city will be far greater than you wish it to be."
Modnar's brow furrows as he contemplates the situation. "An additional source of evidence is a boon, but a company of dwarves dragging a svirfneblin through the streets might paint the wrong picture. Should Harvald lead him to the king?"
Dolgrin nods at the wisdom of Modnar's suggestion. "Indeed, a most wise course of action"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Said quietly and in dwarven to avoid the former sheriff's widow any anguish.
"It could also help with the transition from the old sheriff to Harvald now having the position."
Ulfgar stands back up pulling the gnome to a standing position but keeping a firm grip on him until Harvald is ready to continue.
Anka keeps her eyes & ears open for more threats as the others debate niceties.
Kragg says little as words are thrown out as previous instances have shown him he seems to get some people riles up. Instead he just keeps by Harvald ready to lend his magic and skill to protect him should there be another assailant.
Modnar turns to Esmara and bows, then says, "ვწუხვარ, რომ თქვენი მწუხარება არის გააკეთა უარესი, ჩემი ქალბატონი. მე ვლოცულობ, რომ ძალა მიანიჭოს მშვიდობა."
The wizard adjusts his hammer in its loop before addressing his comrades. "It appears we may need to work in greater haste than anticipated. Shall we make our way to King Geirni?"
Yes, let us make haste to the king.
As the group moves alertly to the king's residence, Hannarr attempts to get their prisoner talking. Why would you want to harm Harvald? He seems a good man. Were you forced into this? We can help you if you let us.
The prisoner isn't talking, despite bluffs or talk of how he'll be treated. Harvald nods at the suggestion, "I'll take him to the king right now."
"Wait," Esmra says, "Afore you go... for returning my husband's remains, and his goods. He'd want you to have a reward."
And presents you with a satchel with six vials, and a bottle tied within it.
"Helps with the healing, the vials do," She says with a worried look to Ulfgar's scratch, "And the brandy is very old... from surface elves. Rare down here."
She also hands Harvald a key, "For the armory... you or your friends can use it if you need."
---------
As you move up towards the Lord's domicile, you get something of an unofficial tour of parts of the town. South of Stone cutter's row, where workers in marble make everything from statue to dishes out of the material gathered from the quarry further still to the north. West you wander into town square, where small toadstools are almost like coblestones in that people walk and talk on the clearing there.
Ivy gestures to the Blue Bat as you go past it, and north up a natural stair way into a gallery of the gods:
Here are located a solid wall of massive, beautiful flowstone
columns that span the entire height of this great cavern. Stained by minerals seeping in from above, these columns are a rainbow of brilliant colors – red,ochre, vermillion and blue.
You also notice to the side something that seems out of place, a block of stonework, quite large (easily twice the size of a human wagon) with depictions of dark elves. Showing the Drow in a flattering light.
-------
Finally, you arrive at the Hall of Lord Gerni. The grandest, largest, and most opulent building in the town, say what you will about the svirneblin here, but they know their stone craft. It is comparable to dwarven work, and of course, that means it's among the best.
You come first to the entrance hall, where two guards stand watch. They seem surprised to see Harvald, a prisoner before him, and a group of dwarves.
One speaks up to Harvald, "What's all this then, Deputy Harvald? You know the king doesn't have time to deal with prisoners if you've found someone commiting act of crime, you know where to put him."
Harvald speaks up, "I am a deputy, but I'm acting in the late sheriff's stead. This man is no ordinary criminal, but an assassin. We hope to present him, along with other evidence, that Lord Gerni may find of utmost importance. The dwarves with me are further witnesses and honored guests who have done right by our people."
"Well, I see some of them are already going weaponless," One nods approvingly to those who haven't brought in arms, "The rest will have to do like wise if they want even a chance to see our king. Bad enough we're given tours to drow that we slip up and allow arms period."
Dolgrin stays silent and allows Harvald to speak for him. He makes note of the fact that the Drow are armed in town. We will need to carry weapons soon, if my suspicions are correct.
At mention of the need to disarm to be taken into the Gnome King's presence, Anka bristles visibly, but turns over her ax without comment.
Kragg nods and thanks the woman for her generous gift. It was our duty but also our pleasure. Thank you kindly ma'am and we will see that hte truth comes out about the reason why your husband was targeted. I can not guarentee justice as that is not our position but hopefully the knowledge will grant some closure.
Once away from Esmra he takes his position by Harvald to better lend magical aid if so needed.
perception check
On the way to the king Kragg takes inteh layout of the place as best he can along with anything or anyplace that an assassin could hide. As they go near the public tribute to the drow a piece of the stone catches his eye. Signaling to the other stop he walks over to inspect it closer. Calling back to the others in common There is something not right about this. This stone is just resting against another piece of stone. Here listen. Kragg taps lightly on the stone facade.
Looking around for others that might be watching he goes to Harvald speaking undercommon quietly. When did this arrive and who is in charge of it? The reason I ask is that it is not what it seems and is in fact hiding something else. I have half a mind to tap on it with my pickaxe to see what is behind it but do not want to offend anyone as we are on the way to the king. Perhaps if you were to inspect it as a concerned citizen and deputy turned acting sherrif, we might find out what is really going on with the stone.
Dolgrin eyes Kragg strangely Please do not deface the artwork of our hosts. he says to the often confused dwarf.
Kragg smiles back pleasantly at Dolgrin, Why I would never do that. However I would suggest, as I did, that the acting Sheriff investigate something that is out of place and mysterious. I would even lend him my pickaxe to aid in his endeavors. But to do the deed myself would be too crass.
Modnar bows again to Esmara as he exits the house of mourning.
Upon passing the drow stonework, Modnar's lip curls in a sneer. Speaking quietly to his comrades, he mutters, "I agree with Kragg. While I know of the drow only through rumor, something about that block is . . . off. Father would have said its stone isn't worth its weight in dung."
When the party is asked to surrender their weapons at the castle entrance, the wizard seems oddly out of sorts. "I beg your pardon, but this hammer has been in my family for four generations. I will happily submit my dagger and crossbow to you for safekeeping, but leaving this in other hands might break my father's heart in the World Beyond. Would you deign to peace-bond the hammer to my belt?" Rolling up his sleeves to display his less-than-impressive arms, Modnar adds, "I daresay you have a tie I could not loose with these sinews."
Ulfgar agrees that the 'Drow' monument is not on par with the vast majority of the stonework in the town. Looking to Dolgrin.. "He has a point, this is a pitiful grade of stone to have been used for a monument. We would break it up for gravel most likely."
Outside the king's chambers he is visibly unhappy with giving his weapons away, but understands the need at this moment. He will set his pack down with weapons still strapped to it, yet easy enough to retrieve should the need arise. " 'Ware none touch these good soldier, the hammer is several generations old."
Looking around for others that might be watching he goes to Harvald speaking undercommon quietly. When did this arrive and who is in charge of it? The reason I ask is that it is not what it seems and is in fact hiding something else. I have half a mind to tap on it with my pickaxe to see what is behind it but do not want to offend anyone as we are on the way to the king. Perhaps if you were to inspect it as a concerned citizen and deputy turned acting sherrif, we might find out what is really going on with the stone.
"That ? That's been around for over a hundred years, put there by the last king, gods rest his soul, to honor the deal made with the dark elves and pay them there respects since we no longer had dwarven allies to turn to at the time. You wouldn't be the first to notice it's less than ideal, but it placated the drow and that's what was needed at the time I suppose," Harvald scratches his chin. "You say there's something under there? I ain't sheriff yet, not so much as it counts, so I'll hold off on that for now, but maybe. If Gunther was right, we won't be placating the dark elves for much longer anyway. This new baroness...she's hungry, and I'm afraid she's turned her eyes on us. Maybe we'll have a chance to tear down this tribute SOON."
...........
Anka's axe is taken, but they treat it well, putting it in a proper weapon's rack at the side. Ulfgar's gear is also taken with an added, "We're not new to this, I assure you."
Then the party is asked to surrender their weapons at the castle entrance, the wizard seems oddly out of sorts. "I beg your pardon, but this hammer has been in my family for four generations. I will happily submit my dagger and crossbow to you for safekeeping, but leaving this in other hands might break my father's heart in the World Beyond. Would you deign to peace-bond the hammer to my belt?" Rolling up his sleeves to display his less-than-impressive arms, Modnar adds, "I daresay you have a tie I could not loose with these sinews."
"Friend, we even had dark elves turn over their weapons, and they scare the dung outta us, why would we give you a buy over nostalgia?" They frown
Give them your weapon Modnar. Dolgrin implores, hoping the Wizard doesn't cause a scene. They will not allow harm to come of it. I am sure.
Modnar snarls, but hands his hammer over to the guards. "Keep it well."
And I get to be of no use -- again . . .
Modnar's sacrifice mollifies the guards. And all of you are led further on. One could go into detail about the lay out of the lovely keep, but your focus is on the prisoner with you, and the mission ahead of you.
As you approach the great hall proper, you can hear a highly refined voice with an accent none of you can quite place speaking, "Your wisdom, Lord Gerni, shall be remarked upon through out the ages. Allowing the Baroness to set up an embassy here is most prudent, and I truly must thank you again for the grand tour. Your people have every right to be proud."
The speaker is soon revealed. An extravagantly dressed male dark elf stands before Lord Gerni. The ambassador in question is handsome, with blue black skin and the almost angelic features typical of any elf, though he is slightly shorter than surface elves you've met, among the gnomes he stands quite tall.
Sitting in a throne, that while extravagant and nice, is a touch too large for him, sits Lord Gerni. Balding, which is not atypical of deep gnomes, he sits in fine ancestral plate, which looks grand, but is not quite a perfect fit on him.
As Harvald appears with prisoner in tow, he bows "Forgive our intrusion, your majesty, but these good dwarves ALSO seek an audience, and we are indebted to them."
Gerni blinks, as if he wasn't ready for such a surprise, it takes him a moment, then finally he speaks, "Ah. I see that... we have new guests. Dwarven Ambassadors now? I thought... your kind.... were gone? Except for the Druergar o course."
Dolgrin notes that the Drow were already shown around and already have an embassy.
If you please Diamondheart. Dolgrin says, asking Hanarr to once again act as interpreter. Your Royal Majesty, we are Dwarven explorers seeking to traverse the Azathyr and make maps of our ancient Homeland. We came upon Sheriff Gunther's caravan while traveling through the Caverns. He was murdered by brigands and Harvald was taken as prisoner. We rescued your subjects and come bearing grave tidings.. Dolgrin looks at the Drow ambassador as he speaks There is some evidence that there are those in the Azathyr that have nefarious plans for Fasturvalt. Hear your man Harvald's words, he was witness to the events in question. Dolgrin gestures at the new Sheriff And when we returned to Fasturvalt, he was himself attacked by an assassin bearing Gnome's Bane. We beseech you Lord Gerni, grant us a private audience.
Kragg has no problem relinquishing his weapons as he knows that Zuth will be with him and grant him his abilities still. With that less to worry about Kragg keeps watch on Harvald al the closer and waits to see how things go. whe it is heard that the emissary from the drow is here already Kragg merely tries to take stock of the elf and what he can read from his body language.
sense motive
Ulfgar takes in the throne room of Lord Gerni, the Lord himself and the Drow Ambassador without much apparent interest. This is not his place to talk but to watch out for Harvald and to observe.
how does the ambassador react to the dwarves arrival
how does the assassin and the Drow react to seeing each other
Behind Dolgrin, Anka wipes her hand forcefully across her face as the Lordly Paladin reveals to all and sundry everything that might best be kept to only the Gnome King & Harvald. As others focus upon the courtiers present, Anka maintains vigilance for possible hidden dangers.
It's probably best to let Dolgrin and Hannarr handle King Gerni, Modnar reasons to himself. While keeping focused on the conversation, the wizard spends most of his time looking to the floor, trying to concentrate on his spells lest he be forced to cast them without his family hammer.
Lord Gerni appears to have a translator already, and that gnome speaks to him, translating all that Dolgrin said.
Lord Gerni frowns, and his brows knit as he considers the words then he speaks with a look to the dark elves, "It is good you rescued some of my subjects but We do not wish to insult Ambassador Malathorn. Amassador, would you mind?" He finally says.
The ambassador of the dark elves does speak dwarvish it seems, and responds to Lord Gerni...
"Ah, your lordship, this is grave news that Fastervault might be in danger. All the more fortunate then that you are cementing ties between our great peoples. Please, let us join together, dwarf, svirneblin, and drow and hear the problems of this alleged tragedy. I would not wish the Baroness to feel ...snubbed."
Lord Gerni considers, then says to Dolgrin "Yes, it seems only fair to talk about this here. Go on with whatever you were talking about?"
Dolgrin's face only betrays the slightest hint of a frown. He instead turns his gaze to the Drow ambassador and speaks in clear Dwarvish Your loyal subject, Sheriff Gunther who had reservations regarding the alliance with the Baroness, was set upon by two bandits who were in possession of coins of Elvish design. Coincidence? Perhaps. The survivor Harvald, was attacked by a gnome wielding the deadly poison Gnomes Bane. Was attacked! Here in this city! By his own kin!. Who stands to benefit from the removal of these two? Dolgrin pauses a moment and then continues forcefully. Do not simply take the word of a simple Dwarven traveler. Listen to the words of your man Harvald, and his deputies! Look at the coins, speak with the Gnomish assassin! See the threat which stands before you! I beseech you by the Holy Ardwal, protect your people from the coming storm! Dolgrin finishes, and immediately regrets bringing up the Father of Dwarves, as it might alert the Drow to his true mission in Azathyr.
Earlier, at the drow monument, Hannarr gives Harvald the pretext to search it by suggesting with a sly grin that perhaps the gnomes would like to move the monument to a place of higher honour - in celebration of the Drow's new embassy of course.
At the entry to the King's hall, Hannarr relinquishes his weapons along with the others without fuss.
Once inside the hall he bristles inwardly. The sight of the drow ambassador brings up feelings of hatred and fear from the violent end to his childhood long kept buried.
Like Ulfgar, Hannarr keeps his attention fixed on the would be assassin and the Drow ambassador to gauge their reaction to each other ( though he has never been very good at reading people, routinely getting fleeced by his human colleagues at the monthly faculty cards night)
He translates Dolgrin's words to King Gerni. Before the talk turns to assassins and treachery, he adds, Our two people's have long been fast friends, and our visit here is but the first of many. It is our hope that the bonds of friendship our forebearers held will again bring prosperity and strength to both our peoples .
He saw no point in showing weakness before this drow, nor letting him believe that they were down here alone and far from support.
Detect magic if possible combined with a sense motive on King Gerni for possible compulsion effects...
Kragg listens in and when King Gerni acquiesces to the Drow ambassador Kragg tries to determine if the king is in charge of his own faculties. If the Drow are controlling him then it would be quite easy for the dwarves to be dismissed after this open discussion.
Coming out of his focus on spellcasting, Modnar keeps his eyes trained on the drow ambassador as much as possible, in the hope that the dark elf will give some tell as to his people's plans.
What might you be hiding?
As stone-faced as her family namesake, Anka maintains her silent vigil.
Dolgrin's face only betrays the slightest hint of a frown. He instead turns his gaze to the Drow ambassador and speaks in clear Dwarvish Your loyal subject, Sheriff Gunther who had reservations regarding the alliance with the Baroness, was set upon by two bandits who were in possession of coins of Elvish design. Coincidence? Perhaps. The survivor Harvald, was attacked by a gnome wielding the deadly poison Gnomes Bane. Was attacked! Here in this city! By his own kin!. Who stands to benefit from the removal of these two? Dolgrin pauses a moment and then continues forcefully. Do not simply take the word of a simple Dwarven traveler. Listen to the words of your man Harvald, and his deputies! Look at the coins, speak with the Gnomish assassin! See the threat which stands before you! I beseech you by the Holy Ardwal, protect your people from the coming storm! Dolgrin finishes, and immediately regrets bringing up the Father of Dwarves, as it might alert the Drow to his true mission in Azathyr.
He translates Dolgrin's words to King Gerni. Before the talk turns to assassins and treachery, he adds, Our two people's have long been fast friends, and our visit here is but the first of many. It is our hope that the bonds of friendship our forebearers held will again bring prosperity and strength to both our peoples .
While Hannar's words , placed before the talk of assassins and the like, seem to please the gnomish court... when the subject DOES turn ...
Well, Ambassador Malathorn appears offended, "“We mourn with you the loss of this svirfneblin hero. Even though we never met, he seems a kindred spirit. But to blame us for his death? Preposterous! The story I heard was that giant spiders attacked them along the King’s Highway. I
neither travel nor consort with giant spiders, noble Lord Geirni, and of course neither I nor my mistress the Baroness had anything to do with this wicked crime. As for an attempt of some sort in this city, I fear poor .... harvald is it? may have been the victim of a RUSE. Set, by who knows...perhaps whoever murdered innocent drow for all too convenient blood money that may have been planted to defame my people, and break apart our growing friendship."
Harvald sputters, "That's not true, these dwarves SAVED me, they're noble as the legends say, your lordship."
Kragg senses no magic compulsion on Lord Gerni but...
However, Dolgin's passionate plea with the help of hannar seem to be sinking into Gerni s LITTLE. "Harvald's word is usually good. And dwarves, my father liked the dwarves."
Dolgrin senses that perhaps Ardwal will help the Gnomish King see reason See around you Lord Geirni, son of Geiri, see the true threat that presents itself as a serpent in the shadow. Dolgrin appeals to the Gnome's memory of his father.
Catching on to the realities of the interactions between the ambassador and the king, Kragg speaks up for the first time to lend his thoughts and hopefully sway the king. Along with his words he uses large hand gestures and different vocalizations to keep the king's attention span on him and away from the drow. King Geiri, were allies and of your people. We Harvald and came directly to you. We met no one on the road. The ambassador of the spider attack he knew .
Pointing at the ambassador, While it may be true that he did not order the attack, than what he is telling us. He has been caught .
diplomacy aid
send secret message to other
Modnar's eyes widen for a split second. Is that the plan? I would be impressed, were it not so sinister . . .
"King Geirni, consider well the possible outcomes of this attack. Had it succeeded fully, your good city's defenses would be weakened, driving you toward an alliance with the drow. Had it failed in totality, fear would have gripped your people, again driving you to seek coalition. It would seem that all results lead to benefit for the elves . . . unless the Powers saw fit to send you allies of old. With the scheme thwarted mid-stroke, what recourse remains but to silence the most prominent voice of the survivors?"
Dolgrin looks at the Goldrune sidelong What game does the Wizard play? We have no power here....now he threatens the Drow! and Dolgrin's noble mien watches Kragg flutter about with wild gesticulations This one has not the Blood for speaking with the Highborn.
Nice.
Being one of few politically correct words Ulfgar remains on the side observing.
This group needs no further surprises, at least during this meeting.
Kragg makes a earnest if not polished plea, that Lord Gerni at least appears to understand even if it shocks some others. Modnar is no less earnest, though his statements are far more... complex by the gnome king's standards.
It is Dolgrin, to his credit, that seems to have driven the point home best. Perhaps Ardwal IS with the paladin, or perhaps his own royal heritage simply shines through.
At mention of his father, Gerni looks to Malathorn, "The drow worship the serpent in the shadow. My father said so."
Malathorn looks aghast, a feint perhaps, but it certainly SEEMS sincere, "My Lord Gerni, your father knew of our...sensibilities. That's why he removed that offensive shrine of Ardwal in his day," Malathorn says, no doubt a deliberate barb to Dolgrin who is giving him the most trouble, "but this is hardly the place to discuss religious matters. As for the accusations of these others...we drow are renowned for gathering of knowledge and quick movement. It is how we stay abreast. It's how we can be of help for you. It saddens me they should twist words to tarnish our newly forged bond."
Harvald speaks up, "Your majesty, if there was a drow that witnessed the attack, he spoke no words to us , nor aided us. And why would you not be told of this until now regardless?"
Gerni's face scrunches REALLY hard for a moment, "I ...must... think on this."
Malathorn sighs, and bows, "Of course. While The courtesy of your hall seems diminished as of late, great Lord Geirni and I feel I should depart, let me make one last peace offering. To show that we hold no grudges, I was instructed by the Baroness to give you this gift. Obtained at great cost from the surface it is merely a token of our esteem.”
With this, Lord Gerni is presented with a brightly wrapped box. Gerni rips it open eagerly, with a childlike enthusiasm, reveals the gift.
"Candy!" Gerni almost bounces in his throne as beautiful hard candy is revealed, "That's so hard to get down here."
Malalthorn looks quite satisfied at the Lord's pleasure, and bows, "Whatever your choices, I hope you enjoy, and know that we honor you." With a motion to his personal guard, the Ambassador starts to leave, and it is clear the Deep Gnome guard aren't likely to stop him, and Lord Gerni is too enraptured with the candy to protest.
Dolgrin smooths his blonde beard as a way to keep his hands from clenching in anger. Covered up Holy Ardwal! Filthy worshipers of Ulamahaz,,,
Leaning to Kragg, Modnar mutters, "Is it safe for the king to eat something given by the drow? Do you have any way to determine if that is poisoned?"
Once the drow ambassador has departed the room, Ulfgar informs the others of the smirk he noticed as the king accepted the gift. Adding his agreement that if the gift can be "checked" it would be a good thing in his eyes.
I have no way of magically detecting any poison. Given some time with my alchemy set I could probably test it to ensure that it is safe. The trick is to keep him from eating it and giving me enough time.
Kragg agrees with Modnar but doesn't know how to separate the king from his candy at this time.
"Mi dubas tre multe estas veneno. Pli versxajne estos drogoj. Veneno, speciale fatala, estus ĝuste kio ili ne bezonas, oni kaŭzas rekolekti la koboldoj. Drogoj helpos teni lin pliant, donu la fuker de moun fou desegni la vulgara popola la ire." Anka mutters darkly in surface common.
"patsy"
Modnar suddenly points his finger to the ceiling, then gently nudges Kragg with his elbow. "Might you be willing to share Zuth's blessing with the good king?"
A magic trick and a drink -- brilliant!
Harvald is right there and looks very distressed, "That drow was far too confident for my liking. Have you a plan good dwarves? for the king seems to be too...distracted, to pursue what all this could mean."
Could the candy be poisoned? Dolgrin asks How could we tell? Dolgrin knows full well that the worshippers of Ulamahaz favor poison as a weapon. Why does the Stoneminder speak Elvish....