Lann and Dyra captain the group over on two rafts. Several guards meet the group on the other side, two of which carry torches. One of them, a furry faced individual, greets Lann warmly first then addresses the rest of the group. "Greetings. I'm sure you are tired, but Chief Sull has requested you be brought to him directly."
Serra ponies up to Jurin.
"Jurin, I never thought I'd see things like this. I'm sure you have on your journeys, huh?" Serra says, scritching his beard. "I remember Dad telling me about the faerie kingdom they visited. Not sure that this compares."
Serra looks around, waiting to meet Chief Sull.
"Lann, are there any customs we should know to be respectful of during our visit?"
The Gnome watches his companions closely and listens to any answers to Grasker's query carefully, in an effort to not prevent another faux pas on his part.
"I remember Dad telling me about the faerie kingdom they visited. Not sure that this compares."
"Squire Kastor, while I would always choose a fey land myself, Sir Serra's observation is quite ept. Lann's people seem to be as connected to the wonders of the deep as well as... hmmm, possibly as well as Dwarves are with mountains."
"It would do myself and the wise elf good to hear your description."
Began softly describes the incredible cavern to the companions who can't see as well. "Ara and Eli, the possible descendents of the first have melded their settlement with the wonders of the deep. Their large cavern is lit by glowing rock and lichen, shining over the lake that contains their island homes. I wonder if we'll need to take the rafts to traverse the water to meet Chief Sull. Where they got the wood to make the pier, I do not know." Perhaps we are closer to the surface than I had hoped.
"Do go on, Grasker. It would do myself and the wise elf good to hear your description."
"It is a sight to remember. In the lake ahead a small island holds a town with welcoming lights. Above glow mats of underdark fungus, reflected in the rippling water below like ghostly eels."
Eli takes in the colorful descriptions of both Beagan and Grasker, and nods in turns of glow and shimmer. "An island? That sounds very isolated defendable. Ghostly eels... I like the picture that paints, Grasker." Eli tries to put on a relaxed face, and trusts to hope that deformity is only skin deep.
Well, if we are turned over to the chief for further negotiations, there is no Dyra, only Sull.
The lake crossing proves uneventful, as does the walk across the village. Lights shine from the windows, and a glimpse in one or two show families sitting down for a meal, for you've manage to come at the dinner hour. As the group walks along the path to the building at the highest part of the island, people move by, though, most choose the other side of the street rather than pass close to the group.
Suddenly, something breaks from one of the side streets, skidding to a stop in front of Serra. A small girl, no taller than Beagan stands and stares at Serra. "Oh! Have you seen Grylle? We're playing "Hide and go sneak!" Would you like to play?" Her long hair is an unruly mass of ringlets the color of sable.
She turns an angelic face up to the one of the guards, asking plaintively, "Please, can he come play with us? Pleasse? We need one more player, and Drogerty had to go eat." Her eyes, multi-faceted like an insect's, gleam in a subtle cascade of blues, yellows and greens in the odd light, somehow still convey the hopefulness only a child seems to be able to bear. They dim and she gives a very elaborate sigh as the lead guard shakes her head with a laugh.
"Not now, Helen. Perhaps later, after they've met with your grandfather. Now I think I saw someone sneaking about a block back. You be careful, or you'll be the sneaker in no time."
Lann and Dyra captain the group over on two rafts. Several guards meet the group on the other side, two of which carry torches. One of them, a furry faced individual, greets Lann warmly first then addresses the rest of the group. "Greetings. I'm sure you are tired, but Chief Sull has requested you be brought to him directly."
Chief Sull, check. I wonder who will speak on our behalf? Cole thinks about the various party members and eventually decides there will be multiple voices at the meeting. I hope we don't look like fools. he shakes his head.
He turns to Lann and Dyra, "Thanks for your help. I hope your friend will be OK now."
He then leaves with the party and goes to see the chief.
Cole shakes his head to clear away the madness and tries to keep quiet though he has questions for the girl he would ask in private...
Edit
Serra seems annoyed that the guard won't let Kastor go play with his own.
"Now listen here, friend. The squire Kastor is a good lad," Serra turns to address the guard. "You let him play now. You'll see that the lad can sneak and hide as well as any."
Serra looks the guard up and down, summoning all the knightly mien he possesses.
"I'll have you know that I am Sir Serra Phaer of the House of Delys in the Republic of Andoran. I can vouch for the boy. He's of noble spirit and stout heart. Now, you let him play and we'll come back for him after we speak with Chief Sull. You have my word."
Bluff Knightlyness
"We'll need to be careful Cole, quick to judge they are. Probably take their coffee black.
******************
"I remember Dad telling me about the faerie kingdom they visited. Not sure that this compares."
"Oh, it compares. This place is dirtier, with more bakeries and dead people. Also fewer fairies. But I do miss it sometimes. Parts of it anyway. You just need faith Serra."
He turns to Lann and Dyra, "Thanks for your help. I hope your friend will be OK now."
He then leaves with the party and goes to see the chief.
Cole shakes his head to clear away the madness and tries to keep quiet though he has questions for the girl he would ask in private...
Edit
[dice=Diplomacy]sucky dice roll, just to be difficult
Dyra sniffs, but Lann holds out his scale covered hand. "I think he will be, now that we're home. I'll help Dyra get Crel settled, then join you all with Chief Sull."
Eli grows uncomfortable with the direction the conversation is taking. "Serra, you are in no position to give orders to a Neathholm guard. We are guests here."
Eli turns to the guard. "Pardon our friend's agitation. He is very fatherly himself, so tends to overlook due courtesies when it comes to children at play."
The Gnome twitches as the young one approaches Serra's side, looking for a hide-and-sneaker. Half his attention is focused on locating the elusive Kastor, wondering just what kind of ability can hoodwink his keen Gnoman senses while a child can apparently see right through it. The rest of his concentration is focused on holding his instincts in check, suppressing the urge to explore and play, remaining true to his duties to safeguard the party members and to report the important discoveries of their travels.
He sight softly. "Sir Serra, unfortunately even Squires sometimes have to put duty before play."
Seeing the reaction of Dyra to Cole's comment, he tells himself one more time that he should try to keep his curiosity in check, and put forward his most pleasant, understanding, and quiet foot forward.
"We are all very weary after our struggles with hostile outsiders, and some of us have spoken too quickly, without thinking." Of course, he puts himself first in that group. "It is important we don't let misinterpreted, over-tired words delay us from sharing the information we've discovered."
Since early Eli's warning about not confronting Serra's possible delusions, Beagan had decided it would be much more interesting if the Serra's 'Squire' had the abilities the conceal himself better than a pixie could, rather than being a figment of the Knight's mind.
When the hide-n-sneaker asks about a playmate, at first the Gnome thinks the child is addressing Serra. With a closer look, Beagan's hopes rise just a little, as the idea of an invisible squire sounds fascinating. There are plenty of crazed humans in the world, but not nearly enough invisible companions.
Grasker keeps alert, and finds the conversation with the invisible companion of Serra somewhat odd. But this magical world is filled with oddities, and this one is harmless so far.
"Serra that youth was the first person besides yourself that admits to seeing your squire. You could send off the invisible lad and not one of us would know."
"Serra that youth was the first person besides yourself that admits to seeing your squire. You could send off the invisible lad and not one of us would know."
"What? Your friend has "an invisible lad"? Chief Sull will definitely want to hear about this." The guard nods, but doesn't seem unduly alarmed. "This way, please. Sir, Serra, is it? By all means let your invisible friend has leave to go play with Helen. I had thought she meant you."
Beagan smiles at Eli. "See, I thought Serra might not be crazy!" After all, he made me a knight!
"If the Chief thinks Serra's invisible, unhearable, undetectable squire is remarkable, he should see how Jurin scouts an area. It's incredibly handy to have someone who has a tongue that can detect danger!"
Serra gives Grasker a cold stare.
He's an elitist jerk. What kind of jerk ignores the downtrodden?
Pretends like he can't see the poor and unfortunate?
He turns his attention to Kastor, not letting the prejudices of others get him (let alone allow Kastor to see) down.
"That's a good lad, Kastor. You go...uh...'play'. Be sure to find us before we leave...or I'll come find you."
Serra smiles as the child as a chance to be a child despite what others may think.
Serra turns to attend to the guard.
"Very good. And thank you. Now, let's get to your Chief Sull, shall we?"
"See, I thought Serra might not be crazy!"
Eli returns Beagan's smile, hoping the tinge of sadness behind his own doesn't show through. "Yes, you did." Let's see if you continue to think that, master gnome.
Eli watches Serra pantomime pain, and looks at Grasker gratefully. At least someone else suffers Serra in the same way.
He turns back to the gnome, and lowers his voice. "The guard thinks the squire is remarkable, and at the same time, considers the squire completely normal, in spite of his invisibility. I'm not sure that I want the chief to spend time thinking on invisible squires."
Eli reviews the group heading towards the chief. He marks Errit, and his general demeanor. With further thought, Eli addresses each scale bearer quietly.
"Do we want Errit with us when we visit with Sull?"
"Oh, I don't know that he'll find it remarkable at all. Helen talks to people no one else can see all the time." The guard adds with a smile.
The travelers are shown in to a large but modest building at the top most point of the island, into a warm centermost room. Chief Sull waits calmly for them to enter, though it is clear he is not surprised by their presence. A small brass clasp in the shape of a bat sitting upon a mushroom holds a very nice, if somewhat old looking torc around his neck.
"Welcome to Neathholm! I am Chief Sull, Please, sit, and tell me about yourselves, and what brings you this far...down."
"Do we want Errit with us when we visit with Sull?"
He whispers back to Eli as they approach greeting the chief. "Usually being open and honest is the best policy, even if it shows warts and all. If we don't want to show him our warts, maybe I should excuse myself with Errit. I've faced unwinnable choices in my past, too."
Eli nods as he listens to the sincere words of the gnome. "Warts and all, then." Eli winks at Beagan. "I only have two eyes, so the more the merrier. Let's be at the ready should any sudden urges overcome Errit."
...
"Welcome to Neathholm! I am Chief Sull, Please, sit, and tell me about yourselves, and what brings you this far...down."
Eli finds a comfortable spot against a wall, with a good vantage of Sull and Errit. "Thank you, Chief Sull, for welcoming us into your settlement. The warmth is good for old bones." Eli pauses to make sure the others are not wearing quiet-you glares.
"There was devastation wrought by demon incursion above, and we fell with the collapse of Kenabres. Only by the gift of the great dragon defender, Terendelev, did we manage to survive the initial drop." Eli produces his scale for Chief Sull's consideration.
"My name is Elyanius, and my companions have assured my continued survival. We seek only to return to Kenabres." Eli points to the brass clasp. "That insignia. Does it have a special meaning?"
"We have encountered those wounded by the collapse above, and have tended to all those hurt as best we could, as is our pledge and duty. I believe Crel will recover fully, as we hope our other injured companions will as well." He glances over at Anevia, Ara-vashnyel, and Errit.
The sight of the bat on the mushroom reminds Beagan again of a certain recipe, causing his mouth to water a bit, a soft rumble rolling through his stomach as he awaits the Chief's response.
Grasker, long practiced and the covert whisper, leans over to Eli and offer a reminder.
Cole keeps his trap shut and watches the rather ugly king a while. Until he realizes he's staring. Then he looks away to try and be polite, though it's a little late for that.
Eventually he looks over his comrades, however temporary. An interesting lot. Not far off from what I usually guide into the 'Wound. But a little. Too bad more of 'em aren't like Grasker. Smart one he is and a worthy companion.
Cole stands, or sits, with the others and keeps an eye out for trouble.
All those, uh, layers, seem to be hiding his emotions and true feelings. I bet he's up to no good. Why else hide them?
Well this will be a good test of our group. Now we'll see just how solid we truly are.
Cole innocuously checks his weapons and tries to look calm and relaxed as if he's buying all this friendship stuff.
Serra nods along with what Sir Beagan and Ely say, trusting their words.
He longs to hear what the insignia means.
"Thank you for your assistance for our people. The news you bring is dire indeed. For though others turned on our ancestors, we have not forgotten our vow to Iomedae and the Cause." Chief Sull states solemnly, then smiles, his whole face creasing in the process. "? This? It is the insignia of my House. Why, have you seen it somewhere?"
"I understand your desire to reach Kenabres, and if it were up to me, I would send you on your way with my blessing, but it is not. Not all the children of the Crusaders have kept to the old ways, and some have settled at the base of the way you will need to use to get home. I'm afraid you will have to get by them first."
Lann enters quietly through another doorway, greeting the Chief respectfully, then reporting that Crel was in the hands of the town healer, and she seemed very optimistic about his recovery, thanks in part to the aid he had already received.
"These, though their ways can be rough, are not Bad, as the other uplanders that have wander through have been. I would not bring them home with us otherwise, even at the risk of Crel's life." He flushes at the last, but his chin comes up.
Serra nods appreciatively for the information, a serious look coming to his face.
"We would appreciate directions to back to the surface. And if those directions point us to the path of those who have strayed from the Holy Crusade, then it is our duty as knights to mete out fair justice," Serra pronounces with a nod at Sir Beagan, his other 'knight'.
"What can you tell us about these others? How many? What servants are they and what do they claim to be?"
"Sit. I will be happy to help you destroy the traitors, but first, I would have an answer from your companion regarding this insignia. Where have you seen it? Was...someone...wearing it." A flicker of something darkens at the edge of his good eye.
Cole unconsciously rolls to the balls of his feet and half reaches for his bow before stopping himself.
This man is... not right. That symbol must be demonic and he's trying to hide it from us.
Hrm. Not any of the demonic houses I'm familiar with. But then he's been underground a while - who knows what skittering demons might lie in wait down here.
I wish I had magics with which to strike him down. Sigh. It'll take all of us working together.
He tries to get Graskers attention and gestures to the chief unintelligibly.
Eli lowers his brows a bit, as Chief Sull turns to address him.
He's suspicious. I shouldn't have been so quick to show interest in it. This is not going to go well. He'll suspect us of something underhanded, and he has the upper hand here.
"Well, we did come across the same symbol on our travels through the caves." Eli turns to Grasker. "Would you be kind enough to show him?" Eli feels an itch between his shoulder blades, and his eyebrows raise.
"I think we found the insignia at the same time that we found this backpack, if I'm not mistaken." Eli slips the leathery backpack off of his shoulders, and empties it by taking out his own backpack.
"We are not robbers. We found them abandoned." Eli frowns again, worrying about the consequences of the exchange.
Began nods to Serra in return, contemplating the importance of fair justice.
"The uplanders who are wandering through are Bad? Traitors? That sounds like the two corpses we found with the vile symbol." Although the horns on the icon did look pretty cool.
The Chief's words evoke a positive response, but best of all the symbol of his house brings back all memories of all kinds of tasty stews.
Serra rubs a few chaffed spots on his body where the newer armor has rubbed in different spots than his old armor. He feels very self conscious, especially about the girth of his expansive belly pressing against the chain links in his armor.
Serra nods along with Beagan's pressing questions about the uplanders.
Sense Motive
If Serra realizes something about the man, he says nothing of it.
Grasker is puzzled by Cole's attempt at a secret message and decides something strange may be going down, though is not sure what.
He attempts to get a read on the room, in terms of combat or possible sneak attacks.
And he listens to Sull closely. There is a mixed feeling, of desiring to know, and fearing the unwelcome news from strangers. Maybe Cole was messaging that this strange Chief can be trusted, as chaos touched as these people seem.
"Chief Sull, we found a cold campsite overrun with vermin, that had this bat mushroom amulet though no bodies."
Grasker displays the amulet and offers to give it to Sull.
"We did come across a recently vacated campsite later near a vertical tunnel studded with climbing spikes. No one was seen there either."
"Can you tell us about these other uplanders?
Eli is relieved somewhat as Grasker discusses events with Sull. This one. He thinks before he speaks. His words are clear, no embellishment. That will be good for us all. Chief Sull will mark his sincerity, I am sure.
"Yes, if we are to find our way upwards, we would know as much of these traitors as possible, as they stand in our way, and vex you and the Old Ways."
Sensing nothing wrong, Jurin chimes in with Eli.
"We'll help, we need to get out of this bakery."
Chief Sull focuses intently as Grasker speaks, his one good eye displaying a range of emotion from hope to despair then back to hope once again. "but no body, you say! Oh, that is wonderful, well, that is something! No body. No bones?!Yes!" Only belatedly he remembers himself.
"Would you mind giving that back to me? It is my youngest son's. He... well, we had a disagreement. You know how the young are, so brash. When the earthquakes hit, I ... worried. You bring hope, small though it is. Thank you. I am very grateful."
Chief Sull insists on having a meal brought in for everyone(even Cole and Horgus, though neither seem to be at ease in this situation) while he informs the group of all he knows about the "Traitors". They have rejected the old ways, broken off from Neathholm, and are rumored to have turned to worshiping Baphomet, the horrible Demon Lord Baphomet, Lord of minotaurs.
"They've even turned from Iomedae's valiant longsword to using a glaive, as their demonic lord does."
He counts the Traitors at 12, though he doesn't know how many uplander cultists have joined them. They've tried to keep track, but several of the tunnels they used for surveillance were deliberately collapsed about a week ago.
Grasker will hand the bat-shroom amulet to the chieftain, then return to his place.
"A glaive, in a cave? How is there even room to use such things from the field of battle. Demons worshipers," he ends with contempt.
At the mention of Iomadae, Grasker has questions. "Does your island town have a shrine for Iomedae?"
Serra listens to the Chief.
"Twelve of them, huh? Or so?" He begins to count on his fingers, looking around at the party and tabulating how many each of us would need to 'take' if it came to a pitched battle.
Serra looks around, having no more questions to ask.
"That sounds fine. If that's the way out, then that's where we'll go. Point us the route, or maybe make a map, and we'll get out of your hair."
Grasker will hand the bat-shroom amulet to the chieftain, then return to his place.
"A glaive, in a cave? How is there even room to use such things from the field of battle. Demons worshipers," he ends with contempt.
At the mention of Iomadae, Grasker has questions. "Does your island town have a shrine for Iomedae?"
The Chief straightens, well as much as he can straighten, and sobers. "Of course we do! We keep to the Old Ways. Are you of the Faithful? Would you like to join us in Prayer tomorrow morning?"
Serra listens to the Chief.
"Twelve of them, huh? Or so?" He begins to count on his fingers, looking around at the party and tabulating how many each of us would need to 'take' if it came to a pitched battle.
Serra looks around, having no more questions to ask.
"That sounds fine. If that's the way out, then that's where we'll go. Point us the route, or maybe make a map, and we'll get out of your hair."
"Ah. So you will not be staying to pray? That is unfortunate, but I envy you your youth and zeal. I will map what I can. As I've said. they have been collapsing tunnels, so what they have done beyond our reach, is anybody's guess."
"If it's a dangerous trek to the surface, sharing our faith during morning prayers might be meaningful. Any wisdom or blessings the Lady of Valor would bestow our quest for the Cause couldn't hurt." Twelve traitors might not cause much trouble, but if only one of them were an especially vile cultist, they could wreck havoc on all of the traveling party, this settlement, and more.
"Of course, if you all believe time is of the essence and it is wiser to leave this bakery as soon as possible, than I guess that's what we should do."
"I am in favor of seeing Iomadae's worship in this distant depths. We are determined to reach the surface though there is no need to rush about in the dark and stumble along the way."
Eli purses his lips as he considers what he would see transpire here. We are needed above, but we have learned more than we would have about what lies below having fallen into its lap. What would you advise, Lenore? Ah, yes... of course you would...
"We shouldn't rush, no. I agree with Grasker. Time for prayer is also time for preparation. Let's see our souffle properly risen before we open oven doors." Eli nods to himself, then to the others.
"The traitors will expect the capability of residents of Neathholm. Unlikely, us. Perhaps our set of skills will win us the day, and our way to the surface."
Eli senses that the initial formalities are now behind them. He moves to Anevia, Aravashnyel, Horgus, and Errit, and seeks to learn their positions on the current state of affairs.
Serra nods, happy to sleep the night away in safety.
"We go tomorrow then. We appreciate your hospitality, good Chief."
Serra looks around, wishing for something that wasn't there.
Too bad Kastor missed this. It's good to learn about finding allies and friends even in the darkest of places. Ah well, I hope the lad is having fun with his friends.
Chief Sull beams. "It's settled, then. Myrra will show you to somewhere where you can rest and clean up. If you wish to look around the village this evening, please let me know and assign a guide. "
Serra's ears perk up at the offer of a tour.
"Tell me Chief. One of our friends was blinded during the fall and fight, do you have anyone who might be able to fix that? We'll pay, of course," Serra asks.
"I might ask what Ara-vashynel and Anevia might want to see. Is there a place to buy supplies?"