The Aasimar bows "Iomedae teaches that while a blade or bow can win many a battle, so too can careful thought and well-formed words." He laughs then, a rich and hearty sound "To be honest, while I would have loved to have tested my mettle against you, I see no need to potentially throw my life as well as the lives of my friends away for no real reason."
:: a type of gremlin. Nasty buggers. Not incredibly dangerous, but their unluck ability is irritating. ::
::"Unluck, eh? I'm not for likin' the sound o' that."::
The Aasimar bows "Iomedae teaches that while a blade or bow can win many a battle, so too can careful thought and well-formed words." He laughs then, a rich and hearty sound "To be honest, while I would have loved to have tested my mettle against you, I see no need to potentially throw my life as well as the lives of my friends away for no real reason."
Darnak seems a bit confused at Akor's response. ::"Ask 'im your questions, Scourgebane. It almost sounds like ya askin' ta fight 'im. I thought the plan was ta avoid that?"::
The dragon joins in the laughter with Akor.
"The desire to test and challenge oneself is how we set ourselves above the animals. Life without challenge or improvement is not worth living."
The dragon lets out a short rough, growl that carries through the trees. Sparel and Malak see the tiny Pugwampi visibly look at a ease after hearing the signal. The tension seems to go out of their shoulders, but they remain on guard around the clearing.
Akor, you see one of the treants reach inside a knothole in its side and withdraw a scroll of parchment. It tosses the roll into the center of the clearing, halfway between Akor and the illusion of the dragon.
"If you would be so kind as to do the same with the money, we can finish our conversation," the dragon says.
Akor places a pouch containing the gold beside the scroll, then bends to pick up what is apparently an invitation. He then examines the scroll for a moment or two . If no magic shows up, he opens the scroll and reads its contents.
The scroll does not radiate magic at all.
When Akor opens it, he realizes the scroll is not made of parchment, but humanoid skin of some sort. The dark color makes it difficult to determine if the scroll was made from human flesh or some other creature. The dark brown ink resembles dried blood.
The scroll reads as follows: "Greetings, Great Wyrm. You are powerful in your own domain, something I can respect. The law of nature is simple: kill or be killed. The weak die to sustain the strong, ensuring only the worthiest of creatures perpetuate themselves."
"But the civilized lands pervert this basic tenant of nature. Towns shelter the infirm. Churches feed and clothe the sick. Civilization allows poor stock to breed. This is not the way the world should be."
"I have traveled the planes in search of a weapon to use against man's world. I plan to strike at the heart of Numeria first. Their technology, if properly used and shared, could allow the weakest of men to bring down even the mightiest of creatures. This perversion cannot be allowed."
"Weaklings are fit only to fill the bellies of the strong. I send you this warning because I will strike close to your home. But consider this an invitation. You could be a powerful ally. I plan to remake this world into a jungle and forest paradise. But the magics of the Abyss are as uncertain as they are powerful. If you do not stand by my side, it is possible your own home could be swallowed whole."
"That would be an unfortunate end for such a powerful creature. The heart of the world is conflict, red in tooth and claw. Let us remind the world of the simple truth that sympathy and charity are weaknesses that undermine the brutal and deadly way things should be."
"Gathra, walker of the planes, high druid of the hag coven and the master of Malgarius."
::Kill him or not, but were't we here about the people he took? And perhaps a dragons horde worth of loot.::
::"I'm getting there Spare, trying to save us a fight here. For an elf, you sure are impatient. Almost like a hyperactive halfling"::
Reading the scroll, Akor thinks its contents to his friends so they all know what it says and to help with any questions.
"Interesting invitation. So was this a mutal pact to rid the world of civilization?"
::"I'm getting there Spare, trying to save us a fight here. For an elf, you sure are impatient. Almost like a hyperactive halfling"::
Reading the scroll, Akor thinks its contents to his friends so they all know what it says and to help with any questions.
"Interesting invitation. So was this a mutal pact to rid the world of civilization?"
:: I prefer to say 'focused.' You don't master two ways of bending the laws of the universe to your whim without an attention like a razor's edge. This is why you're so much better at diplomacy than I. :: Sparel "says" the last part with a jesting tone.
Malak almost held his breath as he moved even closer to her Slitheryness but knew that if his breathing was stopped so was his thinking. This woudl not be prudent considering the cirumstances.
Stealth -
Stealth -
Perception -
Perception -
::Keep toying with yon dragon Akor. Im getting close...but even if I get a hit I wont be able to kill this thing outright. We got a plan yet to keep it grounded?::
::"Malak, you should know by now that I can't just pass judgement 'because I feel like it'. I have to find this wyrm guilty of something more than what at the moment amounts to rescuing survivors from a demonic invansion of their city."::
Thaddicus just stood there with his arms crossed. He didn't care which way this encounter went, but someone needed to stand with Akor. He had heard some dragons to be long winded, and it seemed this one was just gearing up. If they ended up talking too much, ole Thad might just fall asleep.
::"Malak, you should know by now that I can't just pass judgement 'because I feel like it'. I have to find this wyrm guilty of something more than what at the moment amounts to rescuing survivors from a demonic invansion of their city."::
::I'm with you Akor. No need to act hasty. While Im curious to test our mettle against the mighty Wyrm Im also reluctant.::
"Interesting invitation. So was this a mutal pact to rid the world of civilization?"
The dragon snorts at the statement.
"Is that how you read it, Akor Scourgebane? I saw it as a threat against myself and my home by a mad woman. Ranting about cities sheltering the weak. A herd of bison shelters its old and infirm. Eventually those members of the herd die or are eaten. But predators need the weak to survive. The weakest bison is dinner for a pack of hunting cats. Its sickness strengthens the hunting packs' own resistances against disease. Nature is an act of balance, not some sadistic sideshow."
The dragon shakes his head.
"I kill and I eat. Humans kill and eat. Your kind eats daily; my kind can go for weeks without food, even hibernating if necessary. But we are in balance with the world around us. If not, there are famines and diseases that will correct the situation. This hag wanted her own perverse playground to pretend that she was at the top of the food chain."
"I received that a few days before her attack. I have no love the Technic League; their forces have harvested my trees, killed my plants and even tried to hunt me to fuel their technological creations. So I welcomed an opportunity to destroy them. And I was curious to see how far Galthra would get. But I offered her no aid in her time of need."
The dragon turns his head to call behind him so his next sentence can be heard clearly by everyone.
"Should I assume your elf friend was the one whose prying eyes I dispelled that day?"
Akor bows deeply "I am sorry for my jumping to conclusions. Often our logic is clouded by preconceived notions and stereotypes. I am glad to know that you did not aid that foul witch."
He chuckles at the question "Aye, that was my friend. We needed as much information as possible before beginning our assault and that's a common tactic for us."
He thinks to the reason they're here "We heard rumors that a fair number of people were taking from the city, by a large green dragon. I'm going to guess that was you." He's careful not to accuse, just state what they heard.
"You would be correct. I watched the humans free themselves after most of the orcs were dissolved by a black pudding. They did not get far before more orcs tried to recapture them. By then, the tree already was shaking and both sides were panicking. I flew down and offered to take them all to safety if they agreed to serve me. One of the orcs objected. I killed him. The others were eager to accept my offer after that. Now they are under my spell to ensure they all work together here in my wood."
"What exactly are they doing here for you? And must you keep them ensorceled?"
::"Things may go bad soonish, be on the ready Daggers"::
"They guard my woods. And if there was no magic, I'm sure the orcs and humans would resume killing each other. Imagine the fight between them. Why, one of my flowers might be trampled."
"You are a mighty dragon, wielder of immense arcane powers, most likely in possession of a vast hoard of both mundane and magickal treasure and you seem to be quite capable of intelligent discourse. Yet the best way you could come up with to keep these normally vicious enemies from attacking each other was robbing them of their free will? I am shocked. Surely, you are better than this. Besides, would not your flowers be better tended if they retained free will? This way, if something odd or bad happens to them, your 'servants' would be better able to handle the situation."
::What's that old proverb about meddling in the affairs of dragons? Something about the fact that you taste good with Sauce .::
Sparel thinks even as he surveys his situation and considers his magical options.
"Ah, a discussion of spellcraft. Yes, long ago I used dominate spells to control my subjects and things were a disaster. Now I use simple suggestion spells with suggestions such as cooperate with your fellow guards and serve me and be safe. It makes them much more efficient at their work."
The dragon looks Akor right in the eye.
"Of course, I don't believe that's why you brought up the subject. Should I assume, then, that you are hear to rescue these people? People who aren't your own flesh and blood or even your countrymen?"
"Originally, yes, that was our intention. When one hears that a group of people have been taken captive by a massive dragon, it is usually a very bad thing,. The outcome often involves said captives becoming a meal or snack. However, I am not sure that is the case here nor am I sure some sort of rescue is needed."
You get the feeling he is testing you to see how you answer. He's wondering if you will attack him since he knows at least one person is sneaking up to his body.
You get the feeling he is testing you to see how you answer. He's wondering if you will attack him since he knows at least one person is sneaking up to his body.
"You're find with forced servitude and magical slavery? I must say I'm surprised. Are you from Cheliax? One must envy that level of order."
Malak had stayed hidden where he was while the conversation continued.
Stealth -
Stealth -
::Now Im no theologian or much of a philospher but she's making alot of sense to me. And as much as the treasure and bragging rights of killing a great wyrm appeal to me; we have an opportunity to make a potential ally of one instead. Which could very well be much more lucrative in the long run.::
"No, I do not find such activities acceptable, which is why I would like to try and convince you otherwise. Barring that, perhaps I can convince those who you've rescued to aid each other and you, as opposed to fighting amongst themselves." He looks around the woods, not for anything special, just noting the area in general.
"The destruction of Starfall was an extreme event, and it will take years to even make it habitable again, let alone turning it back into a functional town. It may never be a true city again. The families of the people you've rescued may be utterly destroyed save for those here in Wood." He pauses, lost in thought for a few moments.
"I will make you a deal, mighty dragon. If I can speak to those you've saved, and talk them into helping you maintain the Echo Wood, without need of magickal compulsion, will you allow them and any of their kin that yet live in the area to stay here, under your protection??"
::"Not for me to trust an eater of men. But he looks more trustworthy than my wife. Your call holy man.::
The dragon stares straight at the inquisitor, almost as if he is waiting for some other statement. A sentence that would amend or change what was just said.
The moment lasts for a long time, stretching to the point of being uncomfortable for everyone waiting for what happens next.
"You ... trust me. I can honestly say that no human has ever done that on purpose. And I must admit, the idea of being a benevolent leader has some appeal. Very well. We shall give them a choice, as you say."
The dragon seems to consider something for a moment, then nods.
"It would be rude of me to not return your trust. Come find me in the tree ahead. We should discuss a threat to this new dominion you propose and the real reason I went to Starfall that day."
With that, the illusion of the dragon fades away from view. Malak and Sparel can see the dragon's inert body blink a few times before he slides down the tree trunk to the ground below. A clicking in his throat signals the Pugwampis to leave their hiding places. Many of them head off into the woods, tucking their nets back into their packs, but two stay behind. One of them appears to have a small rat.
Meanwhile, the dragon's wings are tucked behind him and his tail twitches slightly, like a cat finding a comfortable spot to sit. Then his body goes still as he waits for everyone to introduce themselves.
Sense motive
Trust subsystem begins: 1 point for extending the offer
Sense Motive -
For one who constantly wrapped himself in shadows to stay unseen; Malak understood the gesture of the dragon revealing herself...not entirely sure why I keep thinking of it as a 'she'... and returned it in kind. He dismissed his invisibility and walked boldly to stand by Akor. Offering a common show of respect; the ninja put his fist over his heart and bowed deeply.
Well met and truly an honor Dimithkarjic. I am Malak Jaedoom, at your service.
[spoiler=TKG "small rat" the Pugwampi had]
Knowledge Arcana
Knowledge Dungeoneering
Knowledge Engineer
Knowledge Geography
Knowledge History
Knowledge Local
Knowledge Nature
Knowledge Nobility
Knowledge Planes
Knowledge Religion
Spellcraft
[/spoiler]
Trusting his allies to have told him if the dragon was being duplicitous.
Sparel too walks over to join Akor. Sparel bows his head slightly and says
"I am Sparel Radtymah Archmagus and high priest of the night hunter . It is a pleasure to meet you old one. I am glad we could come to an accord."
Thad walked forward to the place the dragon really was without fear. "I am Sir Thaddicus Altimitel Marcaldor XVI, Respecter of Elders. It pleases me we didn't have to kill you, it leaves me more arrows for the hearts of demons.
The dragon nods at each of you in turn, chuckling at Thaddius' comment about the arrows.
"I'm pleased to meet all of you. But you should know that there are other forces at play here. Before dawn on the day the Demon Tree arose, I felt a powerful surge of magic through these woods. I had been debating if I should remain here and defend my lair or venture forth to Starfall until that moment."
"The energy was unlike anything I had felt before, a mixture of divination and conjuration magics. It was far beyond my abilities to channel such raw power. I had to see what was causing it. By the time I had arrived, the city was already a jungle and people were fleeing. I made a roost on the outside of the tree to study the area. While the Tree itself was quite magical, it was not the source of what I had felt before."
"I flew down to see if the Technic League was the source of what I felt. It wasn't. In fact, the area felt far less powerful that I would have thought. The more powerful machines that have worked at the edge of my forest were not present to defend the city. The smaller Gearmen suits were there, but the large Scorpion Tanks and other devices were no where to be seen. Not a single flying machine was in the city."
"The Technic League guards who were there decided to attack me. For that and their past mistakes I reduced their headquarters to rubble and dissolved the most pesky machines before I flew back up to my perch."
"That was when I saw the source of the power I felt. From high up in the tree, I could see the Silver Mount. The jungle had reached it and the vines were slowly climbing up the sides of the massive piece of metal. But suddenly, a perfect sphere of black energy completely engulfed the entire mountain. It radiated the same divination and conjuration magics and nothing could go inside the bubble. It wasn't as if some force kept me out. Every time I tried to push through, i instead moved along the edge. I was as if I was trying to flying somewhere that did not exist."
"Once the Demon Tree started to rumble and fall, the sphere disappeared. That was when I could see that the Silver Mount was gone."
The dragon looks at each of you.
"As you can see, there are two problems. The source of this massive power also took the most powerful technological resource on the entire planet. And, someone in the Technic League knew this was going to happen. I've seen more powerful Gearsmen testing their weapons in the desert. Someone in the League decided to sit this fight out, and I'm willing to bet he or she will soon take over what's left of Numeria."
"Interesting." Sparel says Genuinely. "So to figure out the reason for and source of power for the disapearance of silver mount we'll need to head to find the numerians that sat out the fight. "
::Cousin, Didn't you find something in the ruins?::
Malak's ego was just slightly bruised that the Great Wyrm didnt even seem surprised by his appearance but he let his brooding go when Sparel asked him of his fidnings.
::Indeed I did. The coded missive. Perhaps she can translate?::
Malak's ego was just slightly bruised that the Great Wyrm didnt even seem surprised by his appearance but he let his brooding go when Sparel asked him of his fidnings.
::Indeed I did. The coded missive. Perhaps she can translate?::
::Possibly, but I don't think we should trust it with that just yet. I'll work on translating it as I find time. ::
Darnak simply tips his hat in greeting at the aged dragon.
Darnak simply tips his hat in greeting at the aged dragon.
"Darnak Deepstone,..." Sparel says motioning "...He doesn't speak."
"Well, the mysteries keep coming, huh? I'm thinking our next move needs to be to figure out who in the League decided to allow their city to be invaded by demons. That is a treason most foul." He looks around the Wood once more, thinking, planning.
"Dimithkarjic, would you be willing to allow the refugees to build a city here? Not a normal one, of course, for that would damage or destroy all your hard work, but one created by the elves, that is not only harmonious with the land, but also aids in its growth? I ask because they will need real homes to live in with whatever family may have survived, but also to give them more to do, beyond the tasks you have assigned them. The more constructive things they have to occupy their minds and time, the less likely they are to turn to fighting."
The dragon nods at the silent monk.
"You travel with a mute and a man who moves like a shadow. Very interesting company you keep, Akor."
The dragon thinks about the idea of a city for a while.
"A city like the elves would probably require magics I have not mastered. There are tall trees here, but the elven druids know of ways to weave them together even if it takes years. That's fine for someone who lives for centuries, but we'll need something sooner."
"The Pugwampis may be able to encourage some other fey to help with the city. Either way, we need to make sure anyone even wants to stay."
The dragon turns his head toward the gremlin with the rat. "Sound the horn to call everyone here. We'll need to speak openly about this."
The tiny fey gives a nod and lifts a small horn of his own. He casts prestidigitation on the horn and then puts it to his lips. The fey gives three sharps blasts that echo through the woods.
Over the next half hour, enchanted humanoids come into the clearing. Most are on guard first, but put away their weapons once it is obvious there is no one to fight. The gathering of humans and orcs numbers almost 60 once everyone arrives, including the two original guards who have regained consciousness.
"Everyone, please remain calm," the dragon says. "These visitors want to talk with all of you.'
With that, the dragon closes his eyes in meditation. Sparel and Akor recognize what is happening: the dragon is ending all his ongoing spell-like effects. The haze of the suggestion spells is wearing off and the people are returning to normal.
Most look confused, since they know exactly what has happened but not why. A few look scared and some hands are drifting toward sheathed weapons.
While waiting for them to arrive,
"Dimithkarjic, curiosity has gotten the better of me. What is the purpose of the rat?" Pointing to the pugwampi.
"We will aid you however we can, magickally or otherwise." Akor replies.
Seeing the scared reactions and potential for violence, the Inquisitor quickly sheathes Demonwrack and steps in between the hostiles.
"Everybody stay calm. I know many of you are confused, and that's understandable. I am Akor Scourgebane, Inquisitor and champion of Iomedae. Please, hear me out as what I am about to say could change your lives forever. We do not wish any fighting to break out, but we will not allow anybody to be hurt either."