He looks like he could use some moisturizer.
Mawj nods to Edwin.
The Year of the Prince 1357 DR - Greengrass -
The focus off of him, Dorn has some time to respond.
Xeno and the man standing next to him whisper as the two new people enter the room.
Xeno looks to Suni and responds, "Specificity is critical here, Suni is it? Vlad is your bodyguard he guards you from brigands on the tradeways, the rest of these folks you just met on the road".
He then turns his attention on the new, new recruits, "Roland yes?"
Roland grins, "Yep and Edwin".
The standing Acolyte chimes in, "This Edwin is yet another uninvited guest Xeno".
"But and interesting one, just look at him, a half-dragon but... different".
With a motion Xeno shuts the now open doors once more silent for a few moments pondering.
The standing Acolyte, "Lord Fzoul recruited you yes Roland?"
Roland beams with pride, "Indeed, the DreadMaster himself did recruit me".
"Often a group comes together with a single act. A measure of unity. Tell me, and don't lie Edwin I'll know, are you now or have you ever been a member of the organization known as the Harpers?"
Roland turns on Edwin in shock drawing a short sword, "What?! If I had known you to be a traitor I'd have killed you myself!"
Perception - Perception - Perception
Following the lead of his superiors, Mawj quickly draws his greataxe and stands ready. The leather handle creaks under his tight grip. His eyes dart warily between the priests and the dragon-man.
The Year of the Prince 1357 DR - Greengrass -
The cloaked Acolyte next to Xeno speaks once more, "Edwin McBride, reach into your pocket, your right pocket, what do you see when you pull it out, a pin with a Harp on it do you not?"
Edwin does indeed pull such a pin from his pocket!
Roland takes a few more steps back, "He lies, he is a Harper! Shall I slay him Dreadmaster? I wish to show unity with the coming mission".
The tension in the room is thick, a Harper, here!?
The Acolyte bends down and whispers in Xeno's ear, Xeno chuckles, "Indeed Roland. Thanks to you, we shall have a single act that brings unity to this mission.
My new friends, interviews will continue once we have slain this miserable spy.
Kill... Roland".
Roland gasps in surprise as the Acolyte standing casts a spell and the blade in Roland's hand begins to grow white hot, he screams in pain and is forced to drop the blade.
Roland draws a dagger and throws it at Edwin, "At least I will slay whatever foul thing you are before I die!"
Dagger Ranged Attack
Dagger Damage
Flat footed from the sudden flurry, Edwintakes the knife scrape across the left shoulder a mere flesh wound.
All PCs GO!
|
Without delay nor pause, Vlad is already charging towards Roland with a wicked smile on his face.
Seemingly unarmed, the Rashemi bastard moves his right hand to draw the axe-like tipped sword bare moments before reaching the 'Harper', with an alacrity that a man of his size shouldn't posses, while his left hand races towards a round wooden shield that was placed behind his back and under his travel cloak.
Whatever a Harper is, it's him or my goal. No rule says I can't enjoy the act while I'm at it. the thoughts flash through his mind as he puts his foot down for the final step, throwing his weight behind a blow aimed to cleave the man in two.
Dorn ponders things as he prepares his answer.
Before he can speak the door flies open and new arrivals come in. He eyes the draconic creature. Seeing as his mentor back in Waterdeep had a rather close relationship with dragons, his own familiarity was not passing or theory alone. He knew this was not a half-dragon but he could not tell what it was at a mere thought ether. Again his thoughts are intruded upon by another event, this one an accusation.
Which is responded to with the usual, confusion and violence. Banites, they always had to take the foolishly bloody option didn't they. He moves away from the coming fight. It was all rather pointless, the spy was utterly outnumbered without the ability to murder someone beside him instantly and in the heart of the Black Alter. At best he was a dead man.
"Rook defend."
He felt no need to expose any of his own resources in such a one sided affair. None that were not already apparent at least. Rook had remained rooted but at his master's command he gets up and places himself between any danger. Eying all carefully but not moving in to attack Roland or any other.
What's the DC to know about dragonborn?
Pox is no warrior, not even able to draw his dagger and cross the room at the same time. So he draws his dagger first, and then circles around to block Roland's exit.
Mawj grunts in acknowledgement of the order. Well, this is unexpected. He rushes across the room, using the momentum of his charge to bring his heavy greateaxe across and up, a slight loop at the apex, and crashing down in an arc aiming for the man's collarbone.
Ja'far remains silent when the cleric draws attention to him. He continues to observe men in the room as well as the draconic creature and his companion.
Could he be of dragon blood? Shianax would be please. Ja'far smiles to himself.
As Roland draws his dagger and stabs at the draconic creature, Ja'far takes flight. Sailing across the room with an unnatural ease,he fly's over Roland, Ja'far then twists his body and blade striking Roland with his tulwar before landing back on his feet.
As Acolyte Darkhope places his hand on Kyorruel's shoulder in what Kyorruel assumes to be comfort, Kyorruel frowns in his mind's eye.
Ugh, I'm taking comfort from the presence of a man who bought me or at least my freedom.... and he's a human to make it far worse. If father could see me now tear my wing bones out.
After Edwin and Roland come into the room they begin to steal the spotlight. By this point Kyorruel begins to become a little more relaxed and he looks around the room at those who may soon be his companions.
Ugh, why am I to be saddled with these low creatures. Four humans, two human bastardized hybrids and this strange dragon freak and that one looks like a damn elf!
Kyorruel glares at the elf in particular before being distracted Xeno orders those gathered together to kill Roland.
Kyorruel briefly weighs the pros and cons before deciding to participate. Roland has never done him any harm but he is a stranger and this is an easy way to win some favor with his powerful new masters.
Drawing his rapier into his right hand, Kyorruel charges forward the coldiron blade gleaming in the light of the candles. Stopping in front Roland with human with a greataxe standing on Roland's other side in a flanking position and stabs with his rapier.
Suni, not knowing what to do, with all his weapons stored, pulls a handle from his belt, the blade suddenly springs from the handle and he dives for cover, pulling out a second blade once he is behind the closest table/chair.
This is a legitimate reason for a bodyguard, point taken!
Vorik listens to the discussion between the clerics and those he had gathered. It was an interesting back and forth, and he learned a great deal.
When it was revealed Roland was a traitor, the young acolyte showed no sign of surprise. Such was uncommon, but not unexpected.
He steps over to Roland, calm as can be, and smashes him in the head with his mace.
The Year of the Prince 1357 DR - Greengrass -
Despite the spy being able to side-step Kyo's attack, the rest of the petitioners swarm and slay him! Vorik deals the final blow, his arm severed at the elbow.
Xeno stands and claps, "Bravo. Bravo! Well done. Well, we have certainly ascertained that at the very least you can all fight or are willing to fight".
The other cloaked man chuckles and turns to Suni, "Well most of them anyway".
Xeno shakes his head, "Brother. Brother. If all we recruit are warriors, the gambit will not be successful. Each will act within their role I have no doubt.
You have all now been blooded together. To the victors, the spoils.
Make no mistake though, the interview is not quite over". His voice is hard as steel.
The Acolyte who was standing next to Kyo casts a spell and water appears over the corpse putting out the fire that was smoldering on the man's belongings.
"Brother" speaks once more, "One of you should retain the pin. You half dragon. As you stood accused you should keep the pin. Of course you did enter with a spy? Convince us that you are not one..." His eyes bore into you Edwin as he removes his cloak. He does indeed look a great deal like Xeno Mirrormane.
|
Edwin picks up and begins examining the rapier "I may have entered with the fool, but you will note that he pitifully attempted to strike me down first, clearly he was no ally of mine, but if you want to continue throwing wild accusations, you're welcome to try your luck, I did not come here to play games...at least you'd be a challenge"
Kyorruel returns his rapier back to its sheath as the spy dies, his arm hacked off at the elbow.
When the dragon beast speaks back to Xeno he stares at the dragon hybrid beast for a moment caught between shock and a small amount of respect that someone would so brazenly speak to someone like this powerful.
It will be best to keep my head around this one, he is either supremely confident or very stupid... probably the latter.
Deciding that he has given the matter enough thought, he begins to examine the items on the dead spy.
Hmm, this cloak looks lovely. He muses to himself before turning his attention back to the acolytes, after hearing that the interview is not over yet.
Dorn moves over to the corpse, stopping as it's at his feet.
"I am casting a simple spell to detect magical aura's. Unidentified spoils are useless if not dangerous."
He cast the spell, then sorts the items into two groups. Handling them carefully. He points to each as he speaks.
"Those are magical, those are not. The rapier and dagger have magical enhancements, the armor does as well with the ability to enhance stealth, a pair of potions of healing, a ring of protection of the mind, a magical cloak of protection, magical boots that enhance agility, and magical thief gloves."
He picks up the cloak.
"If none are opposed, I'll claim this."
He had considered a few other items but settled on something solid and suited. He did not lack his own resources, personal and material.
Seeing that one of the humans has grabbed the cloak, Kyorruel feels a small twinge of anger flow through him but decides now is not the time or place to throw a fit.
He picks up the leather armor and tucks it under one arm.
In that case I will will claim this, feel free to come and get it if you want it more than I.
After regaining his footing, he wipes the blood of of his blade on the corpse of the would be spy, safely putting his tulwar back in its sheath.
He pulls of his leather glove on his left hand, sliding the wrought gold ring onto his middle finger before putting the glove back on.
"My friends, if you don't mind I will be taking the ring." He says in his thick midani accent.
Suni takes the gloves, eyeing them curiously. Hmm... What might these be? he says, sliding them on. He quickly stores away his daggers and slips them away. These might be useful... anyone who eyes him he Scoffs at. What? I gotta get my wares from somewhere!
Kyorruel smiles and nods in approval at the human with the fancy new gloves.
It is a clever man who figures out early that if people cannot hold onto their possessions they no not deserve to keep them.
Perhaps this one is not so bad for a human.
When each man neared Rook snorted where he stood. Ja'far walked away with a slight gaze. Yet Suni and Kyorruel earned lingering looks, the elf in particular was being stared out by the big dog. It was similar to what Pox had endured earlier only somehow more. Rook even worked his mouth, tongue rolling over gleaming teeth peeking beneath his cheeks.
Ja'far hovers over the corpse. He looks over to his vulture friend on his shoulder.
He mutters an incantation, forming sigils with his fingers. He begins to speak to his vulture.
"My lovely bird, you've earned something too. Eat his eyes."
He bends over and picks up the severed arm as his vulture flies off his pauldron.
"Excellent swing arm, fellow brother" Nodding to Vorik.
He looks over to Dorn and his dog.
"Dog, do you want this arm. I'm sure there is a tasty bone for you in there. Ask your master nicely" Ja'far tosses the arm to the large hound.
Suni scowls. Come now, Don't be unsavory, the body has many more uses than just Chum. After all, several parts of them sell for very high prices to the right people.
Mawj bends down and retrieves the man's dagger. He tucks it into his belt, then tears off a strip of the man's clothing and wipes off the blade of his greataxe. "The spy lies dead, my lord. Do you have further orders?"
Vorik turns to Kyorruel, the mace in his hand still dripping with blood and fleshy bits. "I struck the killing blow, do you not think I deserve first call on the traitor's possessions? I would like his armor." As he says the last word, he very pointedly taps Kyo on the chest with his weapon.
|
|
"I will take this for its utility..." says the bastard as he takes one of the potions then the spyglass "And this as a memento of this very moment. Quite invigorating, isn't it? I believed spies would be... I don't know, less pathetic."
The bastard return to his place by Suni and grins "It seems I will actually have to be a bodyguard, chief... Or are you keeping a trick under your sleeve? I'm dying to know..." he leans to whispers only for Suni's ears -and possibly Xeno, because who knows how much magic is in place here- before adopting a martial stance again and gazing at Xeno "I must echo the berserkr words, this was but a distraction from our actual endeavour."
Pox's tail wraps around the spyglass as Vladislak also puts his hand upon it. "Excuse me, but I doubt you could appreciate the craftsmanship of such a device. You could also make better use, I expect, of some of the other things here. Let me have that, and I will help defend your claim to whatever else it is you want."
Rook does not react to Ja'far or his offer at all. But the hound is looking at the vulture that is with in range of it's teeth. Muscles ripple under it's coat. Dorn looks at Ja'far as he addresses him.
"Rook is to well trained for that. Even without my word he will obey his standing orders. You may want to keep your pet close, he won't eat your pet. But he will kill it if your not near enough to control it."
He moves away from the body as it was getting crowded. Rook follows. He would wait for things to calm down and the priest to restate their questions before he answered them. In case they had anymore test or surprises.
Kyorruel looks down at the mace resting on his chest, before pointedly grabbing the mace and pushing it away from his chest.
''Spare me your threats human, I am not the least bit cowed. If you were too foolish to purchase armor and need some now then I suggest in the future you ask like a civilized being. Be not a cur.''
Taking the armor out from under his arm he tosses it at the Acolyte.
Kyorruel then says something in another language before switching back to common and nodding his head respectfully at Vorik.
''Vae Victis, to the victor the spoils''
Turning his back on the dragon-man, Kyorruel addresses him now.
''I see that you seem to be eyeing that rapier yet you seem also to have claimed the boots.'' He indicates the boots now wrapped around Edwin's feet.''I am not overly greedy, I ask for the rapier or the boots, your choice.''
He holds out his hand, palm open, expectantly.
Suni Eyes the human when he whispers to him... Curious to know exactly how much he knew... And if he would have to kill him to keep him silent. But he didn't say anything, after all he had to keep his act up, instead.he just raised a brow, as if saying "what?"
"Much obliged," Pox says to Vlad. He picks up the spyglass, and tucks it into the closed basket hanging against his hip. He seems to mutter something to the basket as he does so.
"Bite anyone who tries to take it, Longtooth. But stay in there. There is a nasty dog about."
He turns to looking at the corpse itself, kneeling down to look upon the slain spy. "A pretty death, a nice, clean cut. His bones are undamaged, and strong, I expect. They would make a nice lamp post. Or a coat rack. If he were a little taller, even a chair..."
He picks up the identification papers and reads them, out of curiosity.
I'm glad we could avoid looking like jackals in front of our superiors. Mostly.
|
|
Kyorruel looks down at the mace resting on his chest, before pointedly grabbing the mace and pushing it away from his chest.
''Spare me your threats human, I am not the least bit cowed. If you were too foolish to purchase armor and need some now then I suggest in the future you ask like a civilized being. Be not a cur.''
Taking the armor out from under his arm he tosses it at the Acolyte.
Kyorruel then says something in another language before switching back to common and nodding his head respectfully at Vorik.
''Vae Victis, to the victor the spoils''
** spoiler omitted **
Turning his back on the dragon-man, Kyorruel addresses him now.
''I see that you seem to be eyeing that rapier yet you seem also to have claimed the boots.'' He indicates the boots now wrapped around Edwin's feet.''I am not overly greedy, I ask for the rapier or the boots, your choice.''
He holds out his hand, palm open, expectantly.
Edwin looks distasteful at the expectation that he'd have to give up his gear to the one who didn't actually manage to hit their target, but he reluctantly hands over the sword, looking over the remainder of the pile and grabbing the key and potions.
Ja'far glares at Dorn for a moment before smiling.
"Good, I'm lad to hear your dog is will trained. Best keep it that way and away from my bird." He puts his hand on his hilt, quickly letting go of it.
He lets out a sharp whistle, calling his vulture to his shoulder. As Ja'far walks past Dorn, there is something unnerving about Ja'far. Perhaps it was that he isn't truly human.
Just as Ja'far passes by Rook growls, the closer the man gets the more teeth begin to appear. Muscles tense and their is no doubt, one step to close the dog will go for you. Dorn utterly relaxed does not bother to even look at the swaggering man as he speaks.
"Careful outsider, the Keep is unkind to those who know her not. You made the mistake just now, your pet would pay the price. Lack of foresight and forethought, best avoid repeating. Their are masters always watching. Friendly advice, freely given this time."
This one thought he was special, he was not. The only thing that mattered was your ability and skill, everything else was a liability. You didn't gain and keep power in a nest of vipers by spitting and hissing. You did it by being the silent one at the bottom, striking and devouring the weak while growing larger. Until you were the very pit they nested in, two came to mind. He had the misfortune of drawing one's attention. He hoped to avoid the other if possible.
He is telling the truth. Ja'far's manner has lowered his opinion of him.
Taking the sword from the dragon-man, Kyorruel mutters his thanks. He is about to sheath it in his belt when he notices that the dragon does not appear to be armed.
He draws his morningstar with his free hand and holds up both the mace and the sword to the dragon.
''You do not seem to be armed, so I shall offer you a weapon if you wish. Take the sword if you prefer and i would gladly take those boots you grabbed. Or if you prefer take my morningstar and we shall say no more on the subject. It is not magical but is made of fine steel and well-crafted.''
Kyorruel finds the idea of giving this freak one of his possessions distasteful, but he had surrendered the sword and he didn't really have too. This way he might avoid making an enemy. Allies with a grudge were the most dangerous kind of enemy after all.
Kyorruel nods his agreement.
''As you say, it is not the greatest weapon to have ever been forged but if you are strong as you look it should more than suffice to crush a skull or two.''
Ja'far smirks and continues his way. In a sudden moment, an image floods into the mind of Dorn and Rook.
"Thanks for the kind advice, it will be a pleasure working with you.Oh and Keep your filthy mutt away my friend and I, lest I need to sacrifice it to The Black hand."
Mawj continues to stand at attention, but his mouth tightens in annoyance.
Bane, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change...
Their is no change in Rook, ether the dog's mind is to alien or it's training so complete that death meant nothing to the beast. Dorn redirects the image and perspective with a thought, Ja'far going along for the ride.
You see through the eyes of someone looking at you from behind. It's not an illusion but an actual real time perspective.
The connection is quickly cut. He was to well versed in the mind and magic to be moved by mere illusion. Such a crude and blatant one at that. This one knew nothing and was only proving his ignorance of the world he was walking into. He wondered if that was why so many banites had been gathered, they didn't expect them to all survive. He shakes his head, speaking matter of factually.
"You don't have that authority. Nor could you afford making the attempt. It seems you do not listen."
This one was going to overstep, not a hard thing to do in the Keep. Especially for an outsider. That awakening would not be pleasant. Perhaps he should stop trying to help them. It would depend on their assignment.
His back still turned to Dorn.
"Authority? What authority do you hold little man? You're a guest in the house of our Dark Lord, were you raised by barbarian or wild animals? Learn hospitality. You march in here as if you own these hallowed halls, I'm merely a humble servant of our Dark Lord and his humble representatives."
Dorn remains silent, the half breed had made his point for him. If he had bothered to face him, he would see the calm expression of someone in the know. He let the bluster pass, he had no pride to provoke and was sure Ja'far would think he gained some sort of position. Rather he had likely lost it before the priests, he had no delusions they were so simple or blind. They knew who he was and served, hopefully not of his new masters. That was something he rather not be known by any, at least not at this time if he could help it.
What on earth has this fool Suni gotten me into? Pox thinks, as he creeps back from the center of the room, seeing the struggle for dominance displays before him.
On the other hand, another part of him reminds himself it is much his own curiosity that brought him here. He has a strong sense destiny brought him here for a reason, and inquisitiveness had so far been his aid, not his bane (no pun intended). Perhaps this strange group will be the key to his learning magic--once they got over the need to prove themselves. He will bide his time carefully.
He does dare asking one question aloud. "What is it we're supposed to do now?"
The Year of the Prince 1357 DR - Greengrass -
As Vorik attempts to intimidate the elf, the elves' words are delivered with only a slight quake to his voice. Vorik knows he would have the advantage should battle ensue but of course, it does not. Regardless, the elf gives up the armor readily enough.
The disparate group begins to divide the spoils like vultures on a corpse. The Mirrormane's remain content to stay quiet and allow the socialization to unfold before them. They even remain silent at Vorik's confrontation with Kyo and Dorn's confrontation with Ja'far.
The Pox's question though forces the conversation, or is this a test, forward once more.
Xeno chuckles at Edwin's retort, "And you would prove an interesting subject for experimentation, before and after we killed you.
However, I do believe it was his intent all along to out you as a traitor to gain our trust. The why I suppose we would only know if we questioned his soul but his soul will be destroyed by my Master as it has heard and seen more than we wished him to have heard and seen. Worry not my new friends, this man's presence here was fit for this very purpose, his death ordered on high and your hands those of the executioner also ordered.
The question becomes how best to use you now that we have you..."
"Brother" speaks, "W waste much time, I shall ask what must be asked and each of you will respond in kind. Hesitate no longer for my patience wears thin.
Dorn Xizurth, what are the wares your family sells, or could potentially sell?
Darkhope, we asked for an elf, this creature only slightly resembles an elf. Elflike creature, while you seem willing to act you would not pass for an elf. How then can we use you?"
Darkhope opens his mouth but a look from "Brother" silences him.
"Ja'far, you are an outsider who wishes to pledge your loyalty to the Black Altar. While we look forward to those who would flock to the Dark Lord, this mission is one which requires you to cloak your affiliations in the night so black Shar herself could not find it. How well known are you by reputation as a follower of the Black Hand in the south?
Mawj, Xeno has already questioned you about your family from Cormyr and we are satisfied with your answers. How familiar are you with the city of Tilverton just north of the Kingdom?
Vorik, you shall be assigned the leader of this group. Your role is to ensure that all work together to accomplish the goal set forth. The nature of which will not be revealed until you are in the proper geographical location to perform. Your role is that of "caravan master". Tell me caravan master, what cover would be appropriate for this half dragon breed we have before us?"
Xeno's reverie ends and he turns to Pox, "You are supposed to be a group of Merchants. Who have only just met on the road and are headed in the same direction, the Shining South".