Rivani avoids the toad-creature and focuses on her mind on that of the kobold, keeping it's mental defences occupied to stop it attacking her colleagues.
|
Entangled, the many Frodericks plod forward towards the slurk.
"Insistent upon joining your rider on his journey to Pharasma's courts are you?" The bards say. "Know this! You and your cold-blooded companions will feel soon be chilled all the more by the icy hand of death!" The Froderiks bring their blades down on the frog-like creature.
The slurk is slashed but not slain.
Puck begins casting a spell as Rivani maintains hers
Ree Prone entangled
Benny
Jesanna
Kobolds 0 -2 -0
Slurk -10
6 Entangled Frodericks
Rivani
Puck
Benny continues to circle the woods sneakily Jesanna double moves to help Froderik (botted)
The Slurk lashes out at one of the six figure in front of it
And misses them all
Starts babbling incoherently
The one Ree attacked runs away the other one shoots at Ree
But apparently is put off by his babbling friend
With a yawn they both fall asleep as Pucks spell completes
Bold is up
Ree entangled
6 Froderiks Entangled
Rivani
Benny
Jesanna
Puck
Kobolds ( asleep0, asleep-2, 0)
Slurk -10
Dryad
Reminder the lake is difficult terrain (hence kobold withdrew)
|
|
Froderik begins to smile when he sees Puck. He seems to laugh at odd times, but he seems a friendly chap. Indeed, his laughter may be infectious! As a hardy laugh forms in his belly and begins to well into greater merriment, Froderik feels a bit more quick on his feet, daring, and lucky.
"Good fortune, indeed!" The bard responds to the elf. Well done with the slumbering. Your kinswoman and I shall down this slurk!" Froderik jabs at the creature.
The aided bard's blade cuts true!
Jesanna moves up and pulls the right hind leg of the slurk into the air with her whip Froderik takes advantage to bring his sword down on the prone creature and delivers a deadly blow
bold to act
Ree entangled
Rivani
Benny
Kobolds ( asleep0, asleep-2, 0)
Dryad
6 Froderiks Entangled
Jesanna
Puck
Rees dagger falls short Benny finds a patch of clear ground to the side of the frozen river and advances along it Rivani loads her crossbow and advances. The last kobold takes off and runs into the forest into the other side of the lake
|
Puck steps out of the woods and speaks in Sylvan. "Hello, dear dryad. We are here to fetch a hilt from an artifact of great power. It may be in an ancient dragon dwelling within the mountain." He looks at her curiously. "Did your people know anything about a dragon who lived here many generations ago?"
|
|
Though his spell allows him to understand the dryad's words, it does not allow them to speak them. Froderik gestures slightly, while pronouncing a few ancient syllables.
At a pause in the discussion between thenfey and Puck, Froderik asks, "Do you, per chance, speak or understand the language of the Taldanes, what we refer to as 'common'?"
Rivani releases the kobold's mind as it falls into a deep slumber, breathes deeply to centre herself, and slides her dagger back into it's sheath. The dryad speaks a language unfamiliar to Rivani, but it seems that Puck is fluent, so she lets those with more finesse with words discuss matters.
The dryad speaks in sylvan to Puck. "Your friend has a fine voice but the language he uses escapes me. I did once hear Vallahk and Quiselle speak in something similar. I know the powerful wyrm Grathatonhakis terrorised this region for centuries before dying unexpectedly nearly a millennium ago. The white dragons were too fearful to return in force until the last century. The kobolds hunt for the latest brood of white dragons and the court has ruled their hunting for food for themselves and the young dragons too greedy. If you seek knowledge of ancient times you would do well to bring your entreaties to the court. But be warned you must win over King Vallahk and Queen Quiselle to gain the fey's favour. If you wish to press on to the dragons caves I can lead you to the where the kobolds reside The dragons live deeper in."
|
|
Puck relates the Dryad's words to the group, then looks to Froderick. "You, sir, are eloquent with words. I believe you would be an excellent emissary of the Pathfinder Society." He looks around at the others. "Do you agree? I believe we should stop by the court of the Fey before diving into the caves."
"Any allegiances we could make would be beneficial," Rivani adds. "Though I'm not much good with words. But those who are might be able to find out more about these caves from the fey."
The dryad Enzial leads you all into a nearby cluster of birch trees packed together so densely that it seems not even a sparrow could fly through them! As she approaches, the trees seem to leap aside, clearing a short path. Each step seems to carry you farther than you expect, the scenery blurring in your peripheral vision.
After walking what you hope was only a few dozen feet, you arrive in a clearing surrounded by a living palisade of birch trees. At the centre stands a lopsided oak tree with green leaves, and two regal fey sit atop the roots while holding court before several dozen other First World beings like dryads, pixies, satyrs, and awakened animals.
They all turn quiet as you enter and turn to study you, as you similarly turn your attention to the two on the tree.
On the left, perched on the oak as he looks down on you all is a regal elf-like humanoid with birdlike wings covered with pine needles instead of feathers extending from his back. To the right, sitting on the oak’s branches which have twisted and bent to create a throne for her, is an elf-like woman wears a dress of pine needles and crown of geraniums.
Enzial curtsies to them and speaks in Sylvan. "Your evergreen highnesses, these are the warriors of whom I had sent word via the tree whispers." Turning to you all, she begins the introduction. "This is King Vallahk and Queen Quiselle, protectors of the Tusk Mountain forests-"
King Vallahk cuts in (in common) before Enzial can continue, in a voice of howling wind. He is constantly on the move in quick and powerful actions, flapping his wings, hopping from branch to branch. "Enzial says that you are attacking the kobolds and after knowledge of dragons, and seek an alliance with us for this. I know some in our court wants to have an all-out-war. Well, I have been watching the kobolds hunting to feed the dragons, and their tenacity to bring down their prey is admirable. Nature is red in tooth and claw. Let it take its course. Survival of the fittest."
Queen Quiselle sighs at this. A face accustomed to carefee joy and happiness is now creased with worry. When she speaks it is with the sounds of gentle dew drops falling at dawn. "Forgive the bluntness of my companion. We have lived alongside with the kobolds for countless aeons, if not peacefully, at least with grudging mutual understanding. It is true that recently they have encroached more and more into our territories, and we have put up resistance to delay them. But a direct confrontation? That would lead to countless deaths and unnecessary destruction of the gentle trees and animals. And if we lose and upset the dragons, no one will remain to protect the forest. Nature ebbs and flows. In time, the kobolds will retreat again, like the winter thaw. But come newcomers what do you say. I would like to hear all your voices"
Enzial looks troubled by what her lieges have said, but remains silent. Convincing the fey is up to you.
|
|
Puck stands up and clears his throat quietly. "Queen. The woods must take a more active role against the kobolds and their dragon masters. For just like the river cuts it's way through the ground, so they will erode at the foundations of your trees until you topple. " He bows deeply. "Help us get the Hilt, and we will help you against your enemy. "
Puck steps forward, then trips on a root. In his embarassment, be says nothing.
Quiselle smiles as Puck "There is wisdom in his words my Lord" she says turning her head towards Vallahk. "Hmmph" He responds as he sees Puck trip over the tree root
Party 2/12
Puck 2/2
No more than 2 checks maybe one also if your skill is weak You may look to your allies to provide aid (aid another with the appropriate skill)
|
Jesanna’s eyes narrow into a stern glare. ”It might be fine for King Vallakh to wait for the damger to pass, safe here in his castle of trees. But where I come from a king is supposed to protect his people, and I didn’t see you doing much protecting of Enzial here when the kobolds came to snack on her. We did that. But maybe things are different for the fey - maybe amongst your folk it”s sitting on a tree and preening your feathers that makes a king.”
|
|
Upon hearing the words of King Vallahk, Froderik quietly considers the words of the Fey. This being claims to be opposed to “all-out-war” and yet admires the ‘survival of the fittest’! Does he not see that the two are one-and-the-same? For what is war, but the attempt of one group to assert their claim to being the most fit—a deadly, horrific display of might and dominance all in an effort to subjugate another group if not drive them to extinction?
If he cannot see such folly, then I fear he will not respond either to sensible words or calculations of reason, the bard concludes. I will see how he interacts with the others—particularly Benny and Ree as they seem to possess attributes most alluring to the king. If he can be swayed, those two are likely to be more successful at it than I.
To aid in this discussion of recommendations of strategies then, I shall employ a time-honored one as my own—divide and conquer. Ceding the persuasion of the king to his companions, at least initially, Froderik focuses his efforts on winning over the queen.
Froderik offers a courtly bow, before addressing Queen Quiselle. “Bluntness is easily forgiven, Majestic One. I, for one, will not seek to find fault in one for being forthright and honest. To the contrary, I would reserve scorn for those unwilling to speak truth, or to fully acknowledge it.”
“And it was from your fair lips, Your Highness, that truth was once spoken, but then placed under threat of being discarded. For you acknowledged the truth of the kobolds growing encroachment and the need for active resistance, but then offered counsel of inaction instead.” The bard, skilled in the art of diplomacy, speaks in a manner more matter-of-fact manner, rather than accusatory. “For evil to triumph, good need only do nothing. If the kobolds are not now opposed, then the future of this court is in jeopardy. Nature may be eternal, and so too then are its ebbs and flows. Yet, those creatures that are a part of it—the Fey included—are not. Even within the short time that my kin—humankind—has walked this planet, species that once prospered are no more. When the onslaught comes, the Fey here my yet outlive my kind. They may outlive the animals, both those feral and awakened. They may even outlive the trees. But, once these allies have fallen, then the Fey too will end—‘til even the memory of their existence here is washed away by the ebbs and flows of nature.”
Then, with the flair of trained thespian, Froderik continues, “It is true that the dragons—if their ire be raised—will respond with flame and death will certainly follow. But is death not also a part of nature?” The bard outstretches his hands, so to resemble the towering trees that surrounds the court. [b]“Does not flame serve to renew the forest? Does not destruction provide opportunities for life to continue and to flourish? Does the heat of fire not release the seeds from the cone? Do the embers of the dead pine not clear a path for light for the sapling? Do the ashes of burnt timber not enrich the soil that nourishes new chutes?”[/b ]
And to his pointed questions, the bard neither offers nor seeks response—allowing instead for an appreciable silence to linger in the night air following his monologue.
Ha! Straight and to the point. I like this one" says Vallahk in response to Jesanna. However the queen does not return his smile.
As Froderik makes his speeches he realises his words and performance fall short of what is expected in a fey court
Vallahk: 1/?
Influence Skills: Intimidate, Perception, Profession (hunter or trapper), Stealth, Survival.
Quiselle: 1/?+1
Influence Skills: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge (nature), Perform (any).
Party 5/12
Puck 2/2
Jesanna 1
Froderik 2/2
No more than 2 checks maybe one also if your skill is weak You may look to your allies to provide aid (aid another with the appropriate skill)
Some skills have a higher difficulty to achieve success Perform appears to be one of them
|
Hearing Bennybeck's song, Ree sort of instinctively starts to sway and dance in accompanyment hoping to catch the fey lords' and ladies' attentions...
Regardless of how that goes, she'll look to Vallakh afterwards, taking out a tindertwig and lighting it holding it so the flame is actively burning her palm
"Survival of the fittest are fine and dandy words to say spoken from an easy chair, like my friend Jesanna says...but here *I* thought the lords of the fey lived for more...primal things...passion and change? You're not afraid of getting a little *burnt*...are you, Vallakh?" She'll blow the tindertwig out in his direction.
"My lord, your dedication to the natural order is admirable, but what of the consequences of allowing the status quo to be maintained?" Rivani begins.
"A few observations and deductions, if I may? The kobolds grow bolder and stronger, more prey is captured, more food is offered to their dragon 'gods'. The inevitable conclusion is that more dragons are attracted by the kobolds' offerings and their primitive worship." She pauses for effect.
"You cannot believe that more dragons in this area, consuming and destroying at their leisure, will maintain the natural order for long," she finishes, hoping that her argument will carry even a little weight with the king.
The queen is amused By Bennys singing "Oo he even has a bunny in his hat. Nice moves" she adds to Ree "but try to be still and silent when others act"
Vallahk is once again impressed with Rees fiery speech the Quiselle merely shake her head.
"You mortals have eyes but do not see" Vallahk responds to Rivani
Vallahk: 2/3
Influence Skills: Intimidate, Perception, Profession (hunter or trapper), Stealth, Survival.
Quiselle: 2/4 (3+1)
Influence Skills: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge (nature), Perform (any).
[dice=Know (nature)]1d20+7
"What I said about forest fires didn't sway you? Because I'm pretty sure that was correct." Froderik says to the Queen.
Possibly due to forest fires not being that big a concern in an Alaska type climate. I think Froderik will just come to the conclusion fey just don't like humans sooner rather than later.
Perhaps Ree could do his own dancing backed by Benny and Froderik
Benny or Jesanna could disprove theparty isnt walking around with its eyes shut with aids from Puck and Rivani
Or maybe save aids for final check if all the above go wrong
|
|
Jesanna peers forward, her eyes dancing over the king's form.
Ah, I see the king was not always one of such caution. That is an owlbear claw you wear on the thong round your neck, is it not? Perhaps the same owlbear that gave you those scars on your arm. You did not stand for injury then - you did not wait for the beast to depart or loses interests, did you? You stood your ground and did what needed to be done, and I'm guessing you still wear that claw to remind yourself how good it felt. This time the opponent is more dangerous - but you have allies to stand against it. Will you not stand with them?"
Ah for some reason my last post got eaten
Vallahk is convinced by Benny's words "Yes we will strike before the dragons know what hit them" Quiselle is not so convinced "But remember that Owlbear you thought you could sneak up on that and kill it before it had chance to do anything. Why risk all we have?
"Do not try your honeyed words with me Queen. You must decide if we should fight or let nature take its course"
You have convinced the king but the queen still need convincing
Jesanna bites her tongue as she was about to speak of that owlbear
Quiselle: 2/4 (3+1)
Influence Skills: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge (nature), Perform (any).
Vallahk 3/3 success
I like Jesanna's post but It did not actually occur