"I have a Protection from Arrows scroll if we think that might be useful. Can we speak to them by magical means?"
I guess it's time to make introductions. Cireth says, a note of nervousness evident in his normally calm voice.
A loud, guttural voice calls from the tree in broken common. STOP! Drop your weapons!
You can see several orcs travel down from the higher ground to the trees in the crater via zipline, leaving only the speaker and one other, as far as you can tell.
Cireth quickly refreshes his Mage Armor, not wanting to be without it's protection. Then turns to the orcs... ziplining... down to the group.
What weapon? I am a weapon
Cireth replies in Common, his arms raised showing himself to be free of any weapon.
Easy now, we mean no harm to you or your people. Please it's been a long day, there is no need for more fighting and we have much to discuss. We have one who has tricked us and wronged you. There is something strange here and we are trying to figure out what is going on.
2 charges spent.
The voice calls back If you are truly to mean friends with us, send speaker to us unarmed! Come to bottom of tree!
"Well Cireth looks like your up.. If you get up there and need a translator ill come forward.. If allowed.."
Cireth steps forward to the tree, keeping an eye out for any trouble as he moves.
As Cireth reaches the bottom of the tree, the orc shouts, bow drawn, Far enough! What you want? Make it good.
Cireth replies in Common, his arms raised showing himself to be free of any weapon.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Easy now, we mean no harm to you or your people. Please it's been a long day, there is no need for more fighting and we have much to discuss. We have one who has tricked us and wronged you. There is something strange here and we are trying to figure out what is going on.
Hurmph. Hard to see you eye to eye when you attack our people. Tell more. Bring your prisoner and friends over.
"Alright, lets go an see what the Orc have to say."
Nudging the Captain Alwrick begins to walk forwards, keeping his hands in plain view, and his eyes open ready to dodge any arrows or shot fired his way.
Vermathus approaches.. He still has the hanky tied to the end of the bow..
He takes a closer look at the Orcs setup as he gets closer..
Agna approaches with the rest of the party, her empty hands swinging at her sides. She wishes she could cast some helpful magics, but refrains, realizing that the orcs might mistake any such action as hostile.
Cireth motions for the others to approach with the prisoner.
This is the one who had full knowledge of what was going on. We also have your captains gear which we will give back. Now please, we come in good faith and we want to understand what is going on between you and the town. It's certainly not what this scum Cireth motions to the captive first led us to believe
I see. The orc turns to his companion and nods. The second one zips down the line. We fetch Sargana. Her brother is the gear you bring. She knows best what we feel toward Whiterun.
After a few minutes, the second orc sentry, along with a shockingly attractive (for an orc) young lady approach from beyond the tree. There must be another access to the camp around the back side of the lake. The female calls ahead What of Grizdalg!?! Where is my brother?
"Dead." She barely holds herself back from mentioning that she doesn't mourn his passing in the least.
Sargana's face drops as soon as Agna speaks. It is as I feared. She seems to have suspected that he would pass, but it obviously still hurts deeply. Speak of his death. Pray that you let it be honorable.
"He fell defending his family, outnumbered more than ten to one.
He sustained wounds that would have slain lesser mortals outright, and yet still he fought on.
He did not yield, but died with weapon in hand and a snarl on his lips.
His name will live on with kith, and kin, and foe alike.
His death was honourable and his place by the side of his ancestors in the feast hall is assured.
It pains me to admit that we were duped into opposing you. I called to spare his life, but this one" Alwrick gestures with disdain to the captain"cried out for his head.
I do not expect forgivness, for nothing can make amends for a brother slain, but I for one swear a solumn oath to seek justice for the crimes that have been commited and to do all I can to make amends for the part I played in the deed.
As downpayment on the debt I offer this filth to you to do with as you will.
I knew Grizdalg would only die under such circumstances. With honor he lived and passed on. I am not pleased, of course, heartbroken, even, but I will stand strong. My people need me. We will have to hold our discussion out here, however, because if my people hear that this man is responsible, they will likely tear him limb from limb. Of course, she shoots a hideously frightening look at the captain if you are guilty of such treachery, I'll be the first to tear. Please tell me your whole story, and ask of me what you will. I'm sure you do not know the full extent of this injustice, but I will make everything clear.
Cireth relates the story of how they were hired, and seemingly tricked -
It seemed plausable enough at the beginning, a raid on a caravan. The fighting esclated quickly, and really only lasted less then a minute. During a full scale combat it's difficult to get information, but it was clear something was off. After the initial engagement most of the orcs were dead, it wasn't clear that only non-lethal tatics were being used. Once realized - we turned against those who hired us. There was a humaniod bat creature which almost saved the captain - now prisoner, although the bat-man did manage to get away.
So what we really need is answers. Why did the attack take place and can anyone please explain what the hell is going on.
Vermathus pipes up.. "Indeed.. The captain here seemed overly bloodthirsty, even killing one of his own men to get to the Orcs.. As he said, something was just not right about the whole thing.."
Something's not right, indeed. I have met this one before, although I have not seen the bat-man. He works for Quinn, whose caravans we attack. You see, before the Quinns came to town, we lived at peace with the town. Granted, we are orcs, and the people feared us for that, but we would trade and work together as our races permitted. Over time, we grew closer to the humans, and they to us. Barriers of race were being torn down. The baron's son, Brant, was at the forefront of the efforts made by the humans, and I, along with Grizdalg, was leading my people to friendship, as well. I have no shame when I tell you that we loved each other. But, when the Quinns came to town, everything changed. We were no longer welcome, even hunted. The Greaves turned on us as demanded that we never return. Even Brant, who loves me, scorned me as a wild animal. He would never do that of his own will. I suspect the young lady Quinn. She has the scent of evil about her. Regardless, we were attacking Quinn's caravans to try to delay the wedding between Brant and the Lady Quinn. It has worked, but without good contact, I have no idea to what degree. Perhaps your prisoner can tell us? She slides a dagger just a hair out of its sheath on her arm, raising her eyebrows at the captain. Well, former-captain Dario?
Dario ponders his predicament for just a moment before spitting in Sargana's direction. Too quickly, she blocks the filthy projectile and slings her dagger into the ground at Dario's feet.
She mutters and folds her arms, Damn. I meant to hit him. A bit louder, she looks to the party and asks Well, will you rip the answer out of him or shall I?
Disgust, shock, horror, confusion, and other less discernible emotions cascade down Agna's face as she hears the orc's tale. This cannot be true, she thinks.
Her story has the sound of truth to it while everything you have told use has been turned out to be false. Who was the bat creature we saw. If you do not come clean now you life will be given to these orcs here and they look.... grumpy. Tell us everything you know and I will do what I can to make sure you live.... at least through today.
Dario looks around, grunts, grumbles, thinks for a bit, and comes out with it. Look, I'm just Quinn's employee. The Bat is Skeech. He's Quinn's hitman. As far as I know, the wedding is tomorrow at high noon on Quinn's stupid, giant paddleboat. Don't know what else I can tell you.
Upon hearing about the wedding, Sragana break out of her calm, collected state and yells NO! We have to stop them!
Skeech, eh. A name to remember
Cireth runs his hands through his hair.
I should be able to sense enchantment magic if it is present on Brant. Are you sure he would never do anything like this? From the outside it looks pretty bad and is pretty much how we were suckered in to help. Is there something that you can provide as proof?
"I've already seen enough proof to know somethings not right here.. Quinn and his group need to be stopped.. There needs to be a reckoning for the attempt on our lives.. I say we thrash the weeding and get down to the bottom of this whole mess.."
There is proof enough! The young witch has cast a spell on Brant. I know it! If you can only get close enough to check I know you'll see. Of course, they won't let you get close enough. They tried to kill you as soon as you asked a question. Why don't you rest with us for the night, and I will accompany you to town tomorrow morning before the wedding. We can settle this. We must demand justice![/b]
"Before I sleep, I will need a better guarantee of our safety than your word, orc. If men in these parts are lying knaves..." she trails off, running her finger along the edge of her axe.
"I'm not sure its time to sleep yet.
We may be able to avoid a fight if we try to speak to the young Lord and see if we can break whatever enchantment is on him tonight before the wedding."
Ideally. Can any of you break an enchantment like that? Alas, my talents lie in other areas. I should be able to find an enchantment but removing it is another matter entirely.
"Tonight, I am not so helpful. My prayers to Torag today were for strength at arms, not aid in breaking spells. I do have one thing that may work, but I cannot be certain it will work. Tomorrow, I will be better prepared."
Cireth nods at Agna.
Let us rest and be ready to go first thing tomorrow. My stronger magic has been taxed this day as well and I have a feeling it may yet be needed. Now that we may know what is going on we can be more prepared for the trials yet ahead.
I do have a plan if we wish to avoid a direct confrontation. If a source of fire is present at the wedding I can use it to blind those that are unwary, we grab the young noble and determine what if any magic is upon him. While we may look like kidnappers it might be better then going in and fighting with gaurds. Innocents may die if we engage this head on.
Sargana says You are welcome to our bunkhouses if you so choose, but I understand why you would not. We will provide tents and rolls and food for you to set up at whatever location you see fit if that is more desirable.
Vermathus warily accepts the sleeping area and lays down. After eating a ration he appears to go to sleep for the night..
The morning comes uneventfully, and as soon as it's apparent that you're all up, Sargana returns with a very fat orc woman carrying a tray of various meats and fruits for breakfast. Sargana says Let's hurry and get ready to return to town. The sooner we can get this sorted out, the better.
"So we're just going to march into town?
I still think intercepting the groom would be easier. But if the plan is to go to the boat lets at least go in disguise. Maybe we should arrive in town separately and meet up somewhere to avoid arousing suspicion. Or try to sneak aboard the boat before the guests arrive?"
"The boat I'd suggest entering from the water, but without potent magic I cannot swim, and that I don't have much of."
"Have no doubts that Quinn knows we're gonna try something.. Remember his pet bat has made sure of that.. If we charge the town with a group of Orc's in tow we will be branded outlaws and unless we take Quinn and his inner most group alive there will be no way to prove otherwise.. I think we should take Sargana here and possible 1 or 2 of her best with us, disguised of coarse, and leave the rest of her men out of sight but ready to charge the boat if needed.. This way maybe we at least make it to the boat without the whole town attacking us.."
Sargana listens carefully to the party's planning. She says We will offer whatever resources we can, and I will certainly accompany you. I'm not sure if this is clear to you, but Quinn's boat is exceptionally large. I've only seen in from a distance, but it appears to be at least 3 stories tall. It's enormous. I'm not sure how that will affect your planning, but I will do whatever I can to assist you. We can take the river most of the way back to town to save time.