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One of the four armed guards (dressed and armed as was the defender you met earlier), all standing before a massive gate comes up to you. "What business do you have with the Clanliege, outsider?"
Numair draws up a respectful distance from the guards.
Good day, guardsman. I am Numair Nejem, and I represent a group of travelers. We were beset by brigands and thugs on our journey from Nerosyan. We defended ourselves, and detained those villians that survived the assault. Gudrun is the first settlement we reached since, and we wish to deliver our prisoners to the Clanliege, that he may act as magistrate in determining thier fate. Would you kindly inform him of our presence?
"A merchant house? Who would be foolish enough to try opening a trade route through the Worldwound?" Ruul asked aloud. "I'm afraid I know very little about such things."
"Do many people from the Camp come here to Gundrun to do business?"
"I know right, people have no sense of what goes on around here. As to your question, I do see some once every few weeks. Or at least one of them. I know they are brothers, but they are also twins, so I'm never quite sure who I am dealing with. Anyway, one will ride down and stay the night here, buy their supplies, and then head back. I believe that the two of them run some kind of inn up there. They started there after I left the place myself a few years back."
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The mightiest redeemers have divine bonds at their disposal. As I am far from mighty, I have bonds of rope and iron. I would welcome any assistance you can render, but I must insist on experiencing it first-hand. I will not compel a repentant to accept a bond that I would not. I do not see danger in this place, so perhaps your restraints might be tested tonight. Also, they must encourage, but not compel. Magic that twists a man's mind to act at your whim offers...No man is beyond redemption, Digory. It is there waiting for you, at the end of a long and difficult path. If you ask me to help you travel the path, know that my journey will be just as strenuous as yours. It is a burden that I accept without complaint, for it is my duty. I would ask you consider carefully before you accept, for if I am travelling with you on a spiritual path, then you are travelling with me on a physical one, and I am headed for dangerous places. My rules are strict, and I am wrathful against those who squander their second chance. Indeed, you may even die seeking redemption, and I will permit no deviation in your course. I will answer honestly any questions you have about the path ahead, but you will still be an enemy and a danger to many in our party. There may be additional consequences you must accept because of our circumstances. Think on it, ask what you need to, and give me your honest answer before we leave Gudrun.
Azaraunt speaks up. Numair, if Digory accepts, you have my support in this endeavor. I do not expect others of the party to understand my motives but I too have a charge I hope to help see a better way and know well the risks. It may be that I can be of more assistance that you think, should you be willing to consider willing arcane bindings. And if you prefer not to consider such then I will try to help you in more mundane ways.
Azaraunt chooses to go with the group headed to the castle.
Azaraunt Explains [b]The restraints are mental and not physical, but are best exercised if accepted freely. I am offering to cast a Geas spell on your charge, but only with both your and his leave. It will only bind for a week and would have to be renewed after that time. I am not sufficiently gifted to cast a full Geas that is capable of longer and more powerful bindings. It can be used to restrict his options to do things like not cause us any harm or refrain from some other activity. It can also be used to to make sure he performs some service. It is an excellent spell to ensure an agreement is followed. I highly recommend it. [/ooc]
Elen says to the innkeeper, "Perhaps we should meet these twins. Do you know their names? And do their comings and goings follow any sort of schedule?"
One of the four armed guards (dressed and armed as was the defender you met earlier), all standing before a massive gate comes up to you. "What business do you have with the Clanliege, outsider?"Numair draws up a respectful distance from the guards.
Good day, guardsman. I am Numair Nejem, and I represent a group of travelers. We were beset by brigands and thugs on our journey from Nerosyan. We defended ourselves, and detained those villians that survived the assault. Gudrun is the first settlement we reached since, and we wish to deliver our prisoners to the Clanliege, that he may act as magistrate in determining thier fate. Would you kindly inform him of our presence?
The guard looks at you closely, wondering if you are playing him for a sap. Then he looks over your shoulder at the prisoners walking behind the horses. He says to both you and your party, "Very well then, bring them in and we'll see what the Clanliege will want to do with them. I warn you though, the Clanliege is a very busy man, and may not want to deal with this today. That being said, we can lock them up until such a time that justice can be done to them, so that you don't have to stand around. That is, unless you wanted to wait to see the Clanliege?"
...The mightiest redeemers have divine bonds at their disposal. As I am far from mighty, I have bonds of rope and iron. I would welcome any assistance you can render, but I must insist on experiencing it first-hand. I will not compel a repentant to accept a bond that I would not. I do not see danger in this place, so perhaps your restraints might be tested tonight. Also, they must encourage, but not compel. Magic that twists a man'sNo man is beyond redemption, Digory. It is there waiting for you, at the end of a long and difficult path. If you ask me to help you travel the path, know that my journey will be just as strenuous as yours. It is a burden that I accept without complaint, for it is my duty. I would ask you consider carefully before you accept, for if I am travelling with you on a spiritual path, then you are travelling with me on a physical one, and I am headed for dangerous places. My rules are strict, and I am wrathful against those who squander their second chance. Indeed, you may even die seeking redemption, and I will permit no deviation in your course. I will answer honestly any questions you have about the path ahead, but you will still be an enemy and a danger to many in our party. There may be additional consequences you must accept because of our circumstances. Think on it, ask what you need to, and give me your honest answer before we leave Gudrun.
Azaraunt speaks up. Numair, if Digory accepts, you have my support in this endeavor. I do not expect others of the party to understand my motives but I too have a charge I hope to help see a better way and know well the risks. It may be that I can be of more assistance that you think, should you be willing to consider willing arcane bindings. And if you prefer not to consider such then I will try to help you in more mundane ways.
Azaraunt chooses to go with the group headed to the castle.
"I don't understand, master wizard. Is there a reason that I need to be cursed as part of my redemption? Is that how I am understanding it?"
"I don't understand, master wizard. Is there a reason that I need to be cursed as part of my redemption? Is that how I am understanding it?"
"Ahh, Digory my dear. Look at it like the carrot and the stick approach. You stray from the right path... and things could go very bad," Kallistiel says with a pout and a shake of her head. "On the other hand," she continued, "you keep to the straight and narrow, so to speak, and things could go very good." she finishes with a smile and a nod, her finger stroking his chin.
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The guard looks at you closely, wondering if you are playing him for a sap. Then he looks over your shoulder at the prisoners walking behind the horses. He says to both you and your party, "Very well then, bring them in and we'll see what the Clanliege will want to do with them. I warn you though, the Clanliege is a very busy man, and may not want to deal with this today. That being said, we can lock them up until such a time that justice can be done to them, so that you don't have to stand around. That is, unless you wanted to wait to see the Clanliege?"
Kallistiel rolls her eyes, "As if we were going to just be standing around. Do what you like with them, I tire of them sullying my hands. I've been on that stinking boat for far too long and I need to bathe."
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At Digory's words, Calendir, who has been growing increasingly impatient, bursts out: Apologies Numair, but I have to speak up before I burst - I will hold silent afterwards...
Turning to Digory, his frowned face just a few inches from the man, the half horc speaks in an half growl - Look here bastard! This is NOT a negotiation - my friends here are infinitely more patient than I am... Maybe because I'm used to travelling the wilds and not contacting much with people, but I KNOW scum when it is staring me in the face! You are being offered an opportunity - so you either grab it with a YES, or you decline it with a NO! And that's it!
Stepping aside again, he nods apologetically whispering Geeeeez... "I don't understand Master Wizard blablabla..." as he walks away mumbling something about feeding Digory to Lagash, after some target practice.
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Azaraunt, I have heard of the Geas. It would be acceptable; but I would wish to experience what it does to those who disobey. Given that it lasts a week, I would wish to test the effects of disobeying a trivial forbiddance - like "do not wear blue clothing". I would satisfy my understanding of the restraint, and would be able to approve its use on my charge.
He listens to Kalli's explanation, and nods slightly. I mentioned that my companions might not feel safe in your company after your actions, Digory. Consequences must be paid.
At Calendir's outburst, he doesn't display any reproach or amusement. As always, Calendir has cut to the chase. We are almost at the Clanliege's castle. If you decide before we reach it, you may return with us to the inn. If not, I will stop back by on our way out of town for your answer then.
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We certainly don't want to impose upon the Clanliege's precious time. It would do well to get these men settled in the proper place. If the liege might have time to see me today, I shall wait. My companions are staying in the inn, and we are only going to be in town for a day.
Elen says to the innkeeper, "Perhaps we should meet these twins. Do you know their names? And do their comings and goings follow any sort of schedule?"
"I don't know what their first names are, but they go by Bender whenever they come into town. As far as a set schedule, I would say not really, but they're here every couple of weeks or so. They were just in town just this past Saturday , so I don't expect to see them again before the first of the month."
After Calendir's blistering tirade at Digory, Macavity smiles broadly beneath in his cowl enjoying the candid description of the man's situation.
At the castle, Macavity pretends to be just a normal Human Tien traveler.
"I accept both your offer and the consequences. May we both not live to regret this."
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Ah Digory, think of my enchantment as a gentle hand guiding you and not a curse at all. I am sure our good Numair would never agree to a curse, and besides I do not know how to curse. We would need fair Elen for that. For what I am recommending, I ask that you agree willingly to the terms and may if you choose, help compose them. It is your choice to accept this light yoke. I do not plan to ensorcel you against your will.
"Elen, would you and Ally mind waiting here at the inn for the others to arrive? I think perhaps that I should accompany Ruul in case anyone else has an adverse reaction to his presence."
"Not at all! This is delicious food, I'll be happy to stay here and eat with Mr. Axebeard." Indeed, Elen's appetite seems more appropriate for a halfling than an elf as she digs into the stew and bread.
Elen says to the innkeeper, "Perhaps we should meet these twins. Do you know their names? And do their comings and goings follow any sort of schedule?""I don't know what their first names are, but they go by Bender whenever they come into town. As far as a set schedule, I would say not really, but they're here every couple of weeks or so. They were just in town just this past Saturday , so I don't expect to see them again before the first of the month."
"Perhaps we'll see them in the camp then. So what's your going rate for rooms, board, and livery? We've got eight horses, one couple -- that's those two who just left -- myself and Ally here, one other woman who will probably insist on a private room, a couple of men who either don't sleep -- magic, y'know -- or prefer to sleep outdoors, and either two or three other men who will need rooms."
"Perhaps we'll see them in the camp then. So what's your going rate for rooms, board, and livery? We've got eight horses, one couple -- that's those two who just left -- myself and Ally here, one other woman who will probably insist on a private room, a couple of men who either don't sleep -- magic, y'know -- or prefer to sleep outdoors, and either two or three other men who will need rooms."Elen says to the innkeeper, "Perhaps we should meet these twins. Do you know their names? And do their comings and goings follow any sort of schedule?""I don't know what their first names are, but they go by Bender whenever they come into town. As far as a set schedule, I would say not really, but they're here every couple of weeks or so. They were just in town just this past Saturday , so I don't expect to see them again before the first of the month."
"So how long do you plan to stay? That would be my first question."
"Thank you Elen and you too Alliriyallin."
With that, Ruul and Lavinia get back on their mounts and return to the river.
This might be a campaign all on its own, he has traveled many hard miles in his three decades.
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I am glad to hear it. We shall see your other accomplices safely secured at the castle and you will accompany us to the inn. There are seven rules you must obey while you atone.
Numair counts them out on his fingers. First, you must never be further from me than you can speak. That is to be the length of your leash. Second, you must carry no weapons. Should danger arise, I will loan you a blade as I deem fit. Third, do not speak ill of others. A sharp tongue is as vile an instrument as a poisoned blade, and can do just as much harm. Fourth, you must not eat or drink while others are hungry or thirsty. It is humility I seek, not humiliation; you will not starve. Fifth, you must wake with the dawn and use the quiet hour to medidate. All men have flaws; use this time to contemplate your own. Sixth, before you sleep, you must reflect on your day - what you did well, what you did poorly. This is also an opportunity for you to talk to me about your progress and your struggles. Seventh, and most important, you must seek out those you have wronged, ask forgivenes, and make amends. The first six rules are ones you must obey while you travel with me, until I release you from your oath. There may be times I exempt you from one or more of these rules. The seventh rule is one that you must obey for the rest of your life.
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Numair wants to get the thugs secured, and then wait (with Digory) for the Clanliege. He welcomes any others who want to wait with them. He intends to tell the clanliege about the attack, and the fact that he is putting the thugs (but not Digory) into his custody.
Macavity follows along with the group and attempts to casually lose the guards (taking 10 for 26 Stealth, +2 vs. Humans, +2 when immobile). He wants to get a look around the castle: top to bottom.
"So how long do you plan to stay? That would be my first question."
"Well, that's the real question. Hmm... I just don't know for certain. Ally, what do you think?"
"Well, we have business to do in this town, and it depends on how quickly we complete it. Shouldn't be more than a few days unless the Clanliege requires repeated meetings or delays us for some reason." Ally taps her foot on the table thoughtfully, then looks up at the dwarf. "What sort of man is this Clanliege? Is he likely to keep us waiting or insist on protracted ceremony? Innkeepers always have their fingers on the pulse of the community, in my experience... what can you tell us?"
"Well, we have business to do in this town, and it depends on how quickly we complete it. Shouldn't be more than a few days unless the Clanliege requires repeated meetings or delays us for some reason." Ally taps her foot on the table thoughtfully, then looks up at the dwarf. "What sort of man is this Clanliege? Is he likely to keep us waiting or insist on protracted ceremony? Innkeepers always have their fingers on the pulse of the community, in my experience... what can you tell us?"
[dice=Diplomacy to gather information]1d20+11
"In all likelihood, little miss, the clanliege would just as much drag this out for days until he's good and ready to deal with you as to allow you to make an appearance immediately. I will say however that, once he sets his mind to it, the old Clefthorn will make sure those heathens will see justice. It might be easier to drop them off at the castle and let the town deal with it while you move on."
You are standing around in the outer court for over an hour at least, before a couple of the guards take pity on you and offers you some of their lunch spread in the guard's kitchen. You go inside and sit on a bench, with a spread of bread, cheeses, and butter on one side and fish, pig, and beefsteaks on the other side. One of the kitchen maids brings over two pies that appear to be made of 'cherries' on the table before you. You almost don't notice that Macavity appears by your side as the meal begins.
After some small talk, the topic turns back to the criminals you brought in. One of the guards looks over at you and sadly shakes his head. "At this time of the year, the Clanliege is likely to be in one of his planning meetings all day." You swear you hear another guard snort, but it turns into a coughing fit before you can say anything. The original guard continues talking, studiously ignoring his compatriot. "He is usually worried about what kinds of things come flying or trudging down here from the thrice-cursed Tsar. A right good liege, Master Clefthorn is."
Macavity responds, "Numair, why don't we ask these excellent warriors how Gundrun has been fairing of late? What forces have threatened them in the past year? How are their supply lines? Where does the gold come from to pay their wages?"
After a slight nod, "Then, we can leave the prisoners in their capable custody. When the Clanliege finishes his planning meeting, he can send for us at the inn."
The party at the castle hears telepathically Azaraunt Suggests that we offer to help the Clanliege in some way to address some of these concerns. We might be able to build good will with him and this town without deviating much from our original plan of operations. Thoughts?
Kallistiel raises an eyebrow, "What sort of 'planning' requires the time of your leige for entire days on a regular basis? Do things often come flying or trudging down here from Tsar that one needs to plan so extensively for it?"
She blinks when Imbukar's voice intrudes into her mind. My thoughts are generally my own, but since you ask, I suspect something else may be going on here. In any case, do we plan to be in this village for long enough to deal with something that their leader requires massive amounts of time to prepare for?
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Calendir is clearly growing impatient, and his big cat reflects exactly that, pacing around and ocasionally releasing a low growl...
When a moment poses itself, Calendir approaches Macavity in private, somewhat off to the side:
As we get closer to Tsar, I think we should start paying more attention to our surroundings, I want to get a feel for the area, and start building a solid idea of what to expect further ahead, as accurate as possible. I know that the Worldwound and its surroundings are a unique place, twisted in its own very particular way, and we are still miles away from it, but starting to take the pulse of things around here can only be to our advantage.
Well, anyways. Tonight we foray, we hunt, and we sleep outdoors - I want to test our mettle against the wild here - orientation, bearings, shelter, they may become of critical importance all too soon, and I want to be prepared for it. I will announce my intentions to the others later on today, when we rejoin them, but since we are here waiting for... WHATEVER, I wanted to ask you - do you wish to join Lagash and me?
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+15
Kallistiel raises an eyebrow, "What sort of 'planning' requires the time of your leige for entire days on a regular basis? Do things often come flying or trudging down here from Tsar that one needs to plan so extensively for it?"
She blinks when Imbukar's voice intrudes into her mind. My thoughts are generally my own, but since you ask, I suspect something else may be going on here. In any case, do we plan to be in this village for long enough to deal with something that their leader requires massive amounts of time to prepare for?
A couple of the guards present have their own coughing fits, but the one who spoke first looks at you with all earnestness. "Ma'am, please pay no heed to some of my partners here. Some in this village may think that Clanliege Clefthorn is an old layabout, but they tend to forget how spring usually arrives in this part of the world." At that, the other guards quiet up.
"If you don't mind me asking," Maulf says to the wee little lady, "What reason do you have for going up into that gods-forsaken place, such as Tsar? I ask because, if you're heading to the Camp, then my guess is that you're trying your luck in the Desolation, or even that damned city itself."
Macavity responds to Imbukar via telepathy The Clanliege is asleep. 'Tactical planning meetings' is code in the castle for his naps. Unless you want to pull him from bed, I suggest we leave after gathering useful information from these castle guards.
"Well we are heading up into the Desolation, and exploration and secret-finding is our stock in trade. You've seen the wayfinders -- it's no secret we're Pathfinders. I can't really tell you the exact location we're heading to -- not that I don't think you're trustworthy, but walls have ears you know! But knowledge is what we seek and if we find some way to keep Gundrun safer you can be sure we'll make sure it's done.
"From what you say, it sounds like what the Clanliege does depends on his moods? I'm rather that way myself. Well, if it's not certain how long it will take to complete our business, let's suppose we'll be here for at least 2 days and possibly up to a week. Would make a difference in the price you'd charge I suppose?"
Tell us about some of the things that have come down from Tsar. Perhaps we might be able to offer some assistance.
The guard looks at you and visibly gulps. He takes a bite of his pie and grimaces. You realize that the cherries in that pie are actually beets. He then looks at you after he swallows and says "Well, we sometimes see roving bands of those things that they call gargoyles. They fly around here maybe once every couple of months, but we've been pretty good at keeping them at bay. There are devils that come out of that gap in the world, but the last time they came this far south without resistance was when I was a child, probably seven, eight years ago. There are other creatures out there that appear from time to time.
"The worst though is the dragon." You notice at this point that the other guards are finding their food to be extremely interesting. "It's a big, ferocious beast. It flies very fast, and has this slimy stuff that falls off of it. If it hits you, then not only does it stick to everything, but it also burns your skin. It supposedly sits either in or near that cursed city up there, but no one has come back from there to tell us if there is a lair where the creature lives or not. If it stays true to form, it will arrive here in about two months. It always seems to strike around the same time each year." He takes a breath and then swallows another bite of the beet pie. "The Clanliege always finds a way to hold the dragon at bay, but he's never been able to destroy it, it's simply too powerful." He chews on a third bite, seemingly immune to the 'delightful' taste of the sour vegetable.
"Well we are heading up into the Desolation, and exploration and secret-finding is our stock in trade. You've seen the wayfinders -- it's no secret we're Pathfinders. I can't really tell you the exact location we're heading to -- not that I don't think you're trustworthy, but walls have ears you know! But knowledge is what we seek and if we find some way to keep Gundrun safer you can be sure we'll make sure it's done.
"From what you say, it sounds like what the Clanliege does depends on his moods? I'm rather that way myself. Well, if it's not certain how long it will take to complete our business, let's suppose we'll be here for at least 2 days and possibly up to a week. Would make a difference in the price you'd charge I suppose?"
"Yea. Clefthorn means well, but this place..." Maulf runs a hand through his hair in frustration before going on. "I've been up there before, thinking like you, although I don't belong to some fancy club, no offense. I figured I would find some wonderful artifact or something and retire forever. I found a few adventures, and I took an arrow in the elbow of my sword arm from a vampire of all things, and that was that.
"This place has an effect on people. It's like...it's like death hangs around every turn almost. Clefthorn came here, almost 40 years ago now, thinking that he could take back some of his old lands, just like back in the days of the old empire. I had just set up the inn here when he came. At that time, it was mostly the children of the original refugees that ran when that canyon opened up. Clefthorn thought like he was all thunder and lightning and that he could just march up there with some kind of army and just send those things back to where they came from. After he settled into the castle up there, he did just that. He came back about 3 months later. Him and 4 others, that was it. A week later, a bunch of those devils came down from the wound. We were able to hold them off, but it was a near thing. Some Crusaders from Mendev happened by from the east, they were probably that only things that saved this village.
"Clefthorn was broken at that point. He'll come out and risk his life to defend the last person in this town if he has to. But the 'clanliege' has sat in his castle for most of these 40 years. He must be getting close to 70 by now, which is ancient by human standards. But he still has his vigor, Lords know how. When he dies, there are no heirs to take his throne. Gundrun will probably go back to being just a plain old, dying village.
"As to your question, little miss, staying here a week means I'll charge a little less as opposed to staying just one night. I would say either 24 gold per night or 130 for the whole week. That'll cover room and board either way."
Elen swallows the bite of stew she just finished and whispers to Ally. Ally nods at her and asks Axebeard, "I think we mentioned we have trade goods of value as well. Are there any cloths or spices you need? That could be part of the final value we agree on."
"...they tend to forget how spring usually arrives in this part of the world."
Kallistiel notices how this last phrase quiets the other men and raises an eyebrow. "So this dragon of yours is the one to usher in spring at this place? How pleasant. And how does your liege, one that some consider a layabout, hold back this creature?"
There are devils that come out of that gap in the world, but the last time they came this far south without resistance was when I was a child, probably seven, eight years ago. There are other creatures out there that appear from time to time.
After the guard's reply to Kalli's question, Macavity follows up with, "can you describe the devils and other creatures? We've traveled far and might know what they are, and it's best to know what to expect, right?"
Elen swallows the bite of stew she just finished and whispers to Ally. Ally nods at her and asks Axebeard, "I think we mentioned we have trade goods of value as well. Are there any cloths or spices you need? That could be part of the final value we agree on."
[dice=Sense Motive to gauge how receptive he might be to haggling, and how flexible on the price]1d20+7
"I can't think of anything I can do with cloth right now. However, I would be very interested in seeing your spice racks."
"...they tend to forget how spring usually arrives in this part of the world."Kallistiel notices how this last phrase quiets the other men and raises an eyebrow. "So this dragon of yours is the one to usher in spring at this place? How pleasant. And how does your liege, one that some consider a layabout, hold back this creature?"
The guard looks at you appreciatively, almost sizing you up, before answering. "It's not so much the arrival of spring per se. Technically, it's already spring up here. The wound has made everything warmer and, more and more, we see less and less snow every winter. I don't know what kind of schedule this dragon has, it doesn't show up on the exact same day every year. Some think it's just coincidence.
"As for our defense of Gundrun, well, you may have already seen some of the dug out trenches along the north of the city. Most of the year, we use it for practice or storage, as the ground underneath the soil is still quite a bit colder, even in summer. During the time of year when the dragon approaches, we are all down there, all of the guards and several of the townsfolk. We hit the dragon at a distance with string and arrow; the town also has some siege weapons that have been surprisingly effective over the years. The dragon has a breath weapon, but it's a wide weapon; if we duck down in the trenches, he tends to miss more often than not."
There are devils that come out of that gap in the world, but the last time they came this far south without resistance was when I was a child, probably seven, eight years ago. There are other creatures out there that appear from time to time.After the guard's reply to Kalli's question, Macavity follows up with, "can you describe the devils and other creatures? We've traveled far and might know what they are, and it's best to know what to expect, right?"
Turning to you, the guard goes on. "I don't recall much of the last time the devils invaded, but I do know that they were different types. Most of what we saw were like giant slugs, only without their hard shells. They looked pretty bad as I recall, like vomit inside a gelatin mold. The ones that I heard about though, were mostly shadow and smoke, not unlike yourself...only without a face or legs it seemed. They have not been back in many years...I hear that the cursed Camp and their blacksmith, that Usurer fellow, deal with them more often, maybe once a week since their so close."
The wizard's interest peaks at the mention of the dragon. I'd hear more of this beast. Likely we will have to encounter it, or sneak past it, if we are ever to try to enter that city. How large? And what is its predominate color?
"Well, I have mentioned much already. I don't know what color it is because it's typically covered in that slimy, sticky stuff. As for the size..." The guard tries to describe to you just how big it is , but the best he can come up with (with the other guard's help) is that it is at least as big as the castle itself.