A pugnatious half orc enters the room followed by the two wartrolls; the half orc is dressed in a very fancy mithral chain shirt and black leather; he wears a very very expensive looking cloak and has a lot of jewelry; but it is not his fancy dress or the wartrolls that really grab your attention; it is the long red two handed sword that floats in the air behind him about 6ft; it is a dull red color and is covered by arcane runes of power; it is a relic of great power and humms; the very air around it seems to crackle with magic. If your a male and in this room; make a will power test DC 18 as the sword is not actually trying to get your attention; but it does know how to make an entrance. Failure means your eyes are on the sword and not on other things on the room and any sensual or lustful feelings in your character are heightened; if there was a sword that was an icon of pure sex; this sword would be it.
** spoiler omitted **
Once the half orc stands before the throwne-like chair the sword moves behind the chair and its intensity seems to wain...
(9 ranks + 4 stats + 2 stay in char) will allow you to see the spoiler
I seat my self and get a plate of meats and drink from my mug. If there is no ale for Erkholt I get him a mug and fill it with ale and hand it to him.
Speaking out loud: Grandmaster Ronin, Head, or what ever title is appropriate to call you at this time I do not wish to be impolite after you have allowed us into your home but I must speak freely. I have a problem with doing business with a vast empire of assassins. I do understand your plight as to aiding us in completing this task, that we are already pledged, so that as you say business can resume running smoothly but I can not pledge me self to you and your organizations cause. So can our dealings be one of mutual benefit: You aid us as you can and we Kill or complete the task required with no further binding promises, Oaths of Fealty, or pledges of cooperation at a later date?
I need the answer to four questions:
1. Where is the sister of the sun, who guards her, and do ye know a way in and out so that she may be freed by our small band.
2. Where is the seal of Doom that was held by the deeprock clan, who posses it, how many are protecting it and do ye know of a way in and out of there that we may retrieve it.
3. After our tasks are done in this Archaic city is there a quick way out so that we may continue our quests.
and
4. How fares Lady June? I ask because she is a very captivating girl who I fear has captured my eye.
" I am Ronin, Grandmaster of the lawful and guilded worldwide organization of assassins called, The Body, thus, I am the Head of this esteemed order. I have invited you here because you and I have a common enemy. Business...is down. As you can guess; Demons are on the whole; bad for business. A demon cannot be reasoned with, bargained with, they are what they are and that is all bad...bad for business. They destroy with great malice; it is what they do and what they are. Having demons, especially in massive numbers; and a gateway constantly to the Abyssal Realms is untolerable. The fact that forces of Chaos have attained and broken five of the nine seals that bind the Creators of all Demons only shows the inept handling and protection of those seal; thus, I must step in and take a hand cleaning up yet another of the worlds messes by helping or assisting those who are not strickly on my payroll or part of the Body."
"So, you might be asking yourself why you are here and why did I come to you; two reasons thus:
Lady Amber; High Priestess of Isis, has told me of the evil of the Old Ones and that it is the breaking of the first three seals that has awoken the dieties of the snakemen that now infest every continent as they are but a lucid and ancient dream of said Old Ones. Old Ones...are bad for business. I have it from the snakes mouths that their intent is to do no less than the total and complete destruction of all non reptilians and they, so far, seem to have the power to do just that, Lady Amber has asked me to do what I can to see that the Old Ones remain sleeping and the Snakemen are defeated and that we get that Demon Gate closed and get rid of the demons, and THAT would be good for business.""That leads me to the second part of why your here, good business. For the last decade I have been funding and assisting heroic parties by providing both funds and information; I still help those that choose to remain outside of our grand organization, and some I have to provide information to covertly. So, basically, I am the greatest source of mortal information on the planet in any realm, culture or land. I also have a great deal of resources in various diefic camps, and I have quite frankly, countless followers. So; that begs the question; why you. Well lets answer that one. You are here; there is a seal here but I cannot get to it and you can. So, as it is good for business for that seal to not fall into the hands of the demons; I am willing to help in that regard; and to show my goodwill; provide you with certain information about that situation;
It has also come to my attention; that a group of concerned individuals cant be ...pursuaded...to stop their insane plan to steal or destroy the sun. Not having the sun is bad for business; the economic impact of that Well of Darkness thing back a couple years ago was tremendous and the expansion of the undead and death of the living was cataclysmic for this continent, very, very bad for business. So, I can provide information about that situation as well."
"this food is safe to eat; safe as any food ever is; let us discuss this situation and see if we can come to some arrangement"
Master we have many questions as Llvenoc has barely scratched the surface. The gnoll was looking to use the heart with the Star of Corruption to control the Eye of Worlds. Suffice it to say the gnoll no longer has the heart. This is information that could help you then it would help us, unless we can get a discription of these items if you have them so if we see them we can gain control of them.
As to Llvenoc's cousin all we know is that she was headed possibly this way. We hope to get some information as to her whereabouts if she did enter the city. I am sure Llvenoc can give you a description of her.
We also need information on where we need to go from here as the directions we have are vague as to where we are to go after the door to the underworld.
*gasp*
<looks toward the doors as color drains from her face>
"oh my"
In mindlink to Kosan: 'That was actually nine questions.'
...the sword suddenly gives the shriek of a woman possessed; it blurs and spins in motion even before Ronin moves, faster than fast in suddeness does he act. An Illithid mindslave-assassin appears out of thin air behind him and seeks to destroy Ronin with a hideous sword that drips acid and poison so vile it burns the eyes of those within 10ft radius. Yet, Ronin avoids the blow and catches the foul four tentacled chaos changed human across the back with the dread sword. Whatever the creature that oozes chaos and evil planned next; we shall never know; for the moment the sword touches him; he turns, shudders and a moan of eerie sheer pleasure escapes his vocal cords. At Ronin's second slash; the creature screams in lust and need and seeks to impale himself on that dread blade. One more slash and not a wisp of life or soul exists in the creature; it turns to dust and is no more. The dread blade pulses with life; the runes wiggle and flare. Ronin once again lets it go and says to it "on guard my faithful one"
He returns to his seat and begins eating as if nothing happened; so fast was it over the trolls didnt even move; the mages barely had time to raise their staffs; the tall one only getting one mystic syllable out of her mouth.
Koob and Sticks dont even move; Koob watches; Sticks doesnt watch; he stares at his plate and shudders.
Ronin nods his head thoughtfully.
"let us answer these quetions in no particular order.
if I were going to seek the Green Man, I would go about it one of several ways. Quite obviously there are those who oppose and those who seek him. Thus; a decision must be reached which of these groups are more likely to render good results and join them and do whatever is necessary to attain your goals. It is my understanding that when the Green Man was killed; he was separated into 13 parts and hidden throughout the world by his enemies. It is my understanding that when several of the Greater parts are in close proximaty; they will help find the others; like to like as it were. I have heard unconfirmed rumor that a part is somewhere in this labyrinth. A hand; an arm; a hip; I have heard many things; enough to think a part is here; not enough to know where or which. So; to seek enemies you should look for undead like mummies who serve Set or Anubis or possibly Hathor; or seek those who seek knowledge like servants of Tholth; Toth; or seek those who seek Vengance; like Horus. My suggestion would be to humbly start with a conversation with the undead priests, mages and warriors who have been here for untold centuries and have control of a portion of this area; they do not tolerate evil nor most other undead; so take none of that with you.
As for June, my adopted grandaughter; she has found favor with the Great Green Giants; Thriple Green Team; hehe she has a talent for increasing fan base and is a wonderful distraction. I would seek her at the Tournement.
your sister the drow; hmm, I have had a few reports of one high ranking female drow from a clan other than the one of this area; hangs out watching the Tournament play; mostly with other Drow; for a newcommer to the games; seems to be very involved in trying to bet on the team most likely to win it all; some report she covets and watches the trophy constantly; I assure you; that trophy is as well guarded as anything on this world can be.
As for the Gnoll; hmm; let me look into that; he nods at the portly mage; she writes some things down on a scroll.
The Seal of Doom; it is here; I know it for a fact; but not where; I know that it is very activly sought by the forces of chaos; many unsanctioned deaths have been reported; many mangled, wrong; I believe the illithids are involved and some mummies; several victims who are potentially greatly knowledgeable have had their brains sucked out and consummed; illithids can gain irrefutable knowledge in that manner, know what their victims knew; strangly; the illithids have entered a team into the tournement; curious that; the bookies tell me that more money, wealth and very much more power is focused on the tournement this year than in centuries.
This goddess you seak; I believe she is in red section; level 8; it would take a small army to penetrate their defenses or powerful magic; that is one pit of angry chaos.
to Thoronhen
I am not of the hand; but I felt the sword, Deathkiss, we have...a kinship
** spoiler omitted ***gasp*
<looks toward the doors as color drains from her face>
"oh my"
If we can send word to my Cousin. She was the last one tasked with protecting the seal. She should know the answer. Perhaps its in the stadium? She is not know for being a sports fan like myself. She is more of a student of the esoteric. What sort of games are taking place? What power does this Trophy hold? or is it simply a mark of glory and dominance?
Do you have a map of the city that we can use? If this Red Section lvl 8 is that dangerous. We will need to take the time to scout the area out before we make our move.
I listen intently as this man speaks, his network of informants obviously formidable indeed for the what he has discovered.
As he speaks of the green man, I sit back, contemplating the answer. So it would seem I must now also truck with the undead. A place where those of the living dead would also fight evil. I wonder how they would take to one of living asking them questions.
[To Ronin] "Aye, tis good advice ye give. And a map o' the place would indeed be useful."
"These undead ye speak of, that I'm ter be talkin' with, are there any in particular that needs to spoken to? Or am I just te be movin' in to the place and askin' about fer some help. Me guess is they may not be takin too kindly to one who can channel the life essence of the great forger, somthin' that can destroy many o' their kind"
I would need to be careful how I used my power down here. Chenneling positive energy could as easily kill those undead fighting for the cause of law and good as it will thos of chaos and evil. What a complex world.
"These undead ye speak of, that I'm ter be talkin' with, are there any in particular that needs to spoken to? Or am I just te be movin' in to the place and askin' about fer some help.
You may deal with the undead if you like, but do so well away from me. I will not barter or negotiate with them. If given the choice I would see them all destroyed.
I look at Llvenoc, understanding his stance and realizing we have common ground after all.
"Llvenoc, I understand your reticence toward dealing with the undead. You should remember, though, that they are as differing in character and personality and devotion as the living. It is easy to dismiss them all as mindless, evil and slavering cannibals who only seek to put out the light of life wherever it is found. But such dismissal, I fear, would convey a deep lack of understanding of who and what the undead are and why they exist. Fairly few of them asked or sought to be what they are. They do not all hunger for our brains or our life force. There are those among them, it is taught, who merely had unfinished business in their lives. And there are those who so dearly loved life that a vestige of it remains even in death. It is wise to be cautious of them, but wisdom may end with dismissing them entirely. You of all people should know what it is to be cast into a box devoid of individuality to the minds of others."
I turn to Ronin. "It is good to make your acquaintance, Master Ronin. And as the First Daughter of a merchant-noble family, it also pleases me to make the acquaintance of another who intimately understands that sometimes good business requires one to reach across boundaries one might not normally seek.
"That is also one terribly interesting sword you have there. It seems to sing with the wrath that only my gender can muster. Was she at one time a living being of flesh, if I may ask?"
"Llvenoc, I understand your reticence toward dealing with the undead. You should remember, though, that they are as differing in character and personality and devotion as the living. It is easy to dismiss them all as mindless, evil and slavering cannibals who only seek to put out the light of life wherever it is found. But such dismissal, I fear, would convey a deep lack of understanding of who and what the undead are and why they exist. Fairly few of them asked or sought to be what they are. They do not all hunger for our brains or our life force. There are those among them, it is taught, who merely had unfinished business in their lives. And there are those who so dearly loved life that a vestige of it remains even in death. It is wise to be cautious of them, but wisdom may end with dismissing them entirely. You of all people should know what it is to be cast into a box devoid of individuality to the minds of others."
In my eyes there is a difference between creatures of Spirit, and those of Undeath. The Undead always feed. It matters not if they rip flesh from bone, or wipe away blood from there lips with a napkin. They are not mindless like Kalona's constructs. They are cold, and alien like the snakes. They have no love for life, and are always hungry.
Kemnebi looks up once more as the others begin to add their questions to the list for the guildmaster. (Much to his obvious relief!) He listens intently as the questions are asked, and even more so as they are answered. But when the guildmaster gets to June, the feline mage stops repeating the words soundlessly to remember them later, and simply stares at the guildmaster, blinking slowly.
"June?,... Grandaughter?,... Games,..." He mutters, obviously putting together a few threads of thought that he hadn't connected earlier. His familiar reaches out and bats at his fork with her paw, distracting him. He recovers as quickly as possible, shoving more food into his mouth to cover up any more unintended blurbs, and listens intently, obviously hanging on every word that Ronin speaks.
',... the games,...' leaks through the mental link before Kemnebi realizes that he is 'thinking aloud' and stops swiftly. He gives a nervous glance at Nebibit, and a swift glance at the dwarf Kosan, and hastily occupies himself with his plate once more.
In mindlink to Kosan: 'That was actually nine questions.'
In the Mind Link: (after counting on my fingers) Blast boy hes a half-orc so he will not notice. Blast never was good at ciphering..
... What sort of games are taking place? What power does this Trophy hold? or is it simply a mark of glory and dominance?
I listen intently to what is said and muddle over several points, such as the Dwarfs desire to speak with the undead to discover information on the green man; Llevonics request that a message be sent to his relative; Here being out of sorts by being at the games and taking an interest in the trophy; Astinios being able to count; June being related to the grandmaster and consorting with Green Giants and hoping she is having a Jolly time; and of course about the information given about the seal and the sister of the sun.
Out loud I say: Grand master please tell us more about this trophy, the games, the tasks within the tournament and how you join these games.
Ronin:
My sword was forged by the elves who stole some of the secrets of Rune Magic from long dead dwarves long ago; I gained it in the Valley of the Ancients; it is female; no wound from it ever hurts; that is what I know.
A map; certainly; I can provide one if you desire; basically it is a large bowl like area, an open space; of decending bowl diameters; rings inside of rings with no walls; your goddess is chained second level from the bottom; some type of collector of energies is below her; I am not certain their plan is; but my sources tell me of five or six things of terrible consequences to the world. I know they wish to gain the seal; this goddess; some artifact; and a strong part of the green man to do something to the Sun; interesting that Apollo; a sun god of this region; is directly linked to that goddess as her son.
The games; games of death; 11 members a side; no weapons allowed; any armor few rules but there are some; and they are strictly enforced; judges tend to disintigrate those who dont follow the rules; basically; there are two goal lines; each team takes turns trying to score while the other tries to stop them; it is open to all; any mortal race or culture; pay the entrace; fight for the prize; the prize consists of a trophy and a gift from the game masters; some past gifts have been wishes fulfilled; strength; power; position; property; all expansivly vast; several gods of games watch over the event and also contribute to players; teams; and the prize. As far as I know; it is the most sought after and bloody game in existance. If you wish to battle for the trophy; I can help you form a team. Rumor has it; the drow maiden hid the seal inside the trophy why it was being transported; how she did this, I dont know; but i suggest you not try to steal it; several very powerful, unsleeping agents guard the trophy.
by mortal; i mean anything that can be killed or removed from the feild of play such as a mummy or ghoul. many teams are racial; very few mixed teams occur; most teams are evil and most good guys never hear or participate in the games; but it has happened.
If that is where this seal is. Then I will enter these games. I will do my part to keep my Cousins word. Death or Glory! Losing is not an option.
I smile at Llvenoc's valiant words
To Decidio mentally:
Do you know of these games? Is there validity to our attempt to participate? I value your thoughts on this dear one.
I am seated right next to her and as I send my thoughts I keep my attention on the sword.
Nebibit who had been quiet during the whole meal (In truth she was more interested in the food than anything else) Glances over at Kemnebi when she hears the Games comment in her head. Turning to watch the others she begins to listen intently ah the rules are explained.
No; I dont know about this game; that is more Iunius' area of knowlege. She may not show it; but my sister is still quite hurt by some in this group.
I smile at Llvenoc's valiant words
To Decidio mentally:
** spoiler omitted **I am seated right next to her and as I send my thoughts I keep my attention on the sword.
Kalona pauses from nibbling on something and looks up.
"Hmmm, I was under the impression that rescuing this 'female' power was the highest priority and of the greatest urgency?" She pauses for a moment to glance at those rapidly volunteering for the competition.
"Even if not though, it would still seem rather odd to let this power suffer while we compete in a game of unknown length with no guarantees to win. In order to obtain an object that might not exist only to bring it to the powers location which would be exactly what those who oppose us would desire."
She goes back to nibbling on something and watching the folks about the table.
No; I dont know about this game; that is more Iunius' area of knowlege. She may not show it; but my sister is still quite hurt by some in this group.
I smile at Llvenoc's valiant words
To Decidio mentally:
** spoiler omitted **I am seated right next to her and as I send my thoughts I keep my attention on the sword.
Mentally to Decidio:
'Well it looks like some may get their chance to apologize in person.'
"Hmmm, I was under the impression that rescuing this 'female' power was the highest priority and of the greatest urgency?" She pauses for a moment to glance at those rapidly volunteering for the competition.
"Even if not though, it would still seem rather odd to let this power suffer while we compete in a game of unknown length with no guarantees to win. In order to obtain an object that might not exist only to bring it to the powers location which would be exactly what those who oppose us would desire."
Your right. The freeing of the Nature Goddess is our Primary concern. There is no guarantee we will win the game. There is no guarantee that we can save the Goddess either.
So how about this. Those who have the ability to not be detected by Undead scout out the area holding the Goddess. Going in blind is stupid.
We can send word to this Drow Maiden. If she is my cousin she will tell me what she did with the Seal. If it is in the Championship Cup; then we have a game on our hands. We can also see if the Snakemen entered a team into the games. I am sure they wouldn't do so on a whim. June is down there as well. I trust she has a good reason, and put my trust in that she knows what she is doing. If the Seal is not there, then we use our resources to find out where it is. We could also use registering as a Team as a cover. It might give us a level of protection, and more freedom of movement. People will ask questions about why a Paladin is in the city. Lets give them a reason.
Erkholt still needs to learn more about the whereabouts of this Green Man. Kemnebi, and Nebebit need to find a way to get rid of there Doom. Or we aren't even going to get near the Goddess.
All quite valid points. I'd appreciate not necessarily having a fight to the death everytime I eneterd a room.
In the Mind link: I agree with Llevonics assertion for securing more information about the goddess and entering as a team as long as if we find out that the Seal is not in the trophy we can remove ourselves from the competition and not evoke a death sentence of some sort. We need to talk to this drow female to ascertain where the seal is.
Out loud: Grandmaster Ronin, I know we have already asked for much but can you provide for a couple more requests:
1 - Can you bring this Drow female here so we may speak with her and
2 - Can you possibly aid your follower, Thorenhen, with a device that will enable him to see in the dark. His inability to do this has hampered us in the past and if we can get this rectified then it will only help us in the future.
[to Llevenoc]"Aye, ye warnings of the undead be fair lad. However, when me god set me this task, he didn't give any boundaries on how I was ter achieve it. As long as these things aint ter be workin' evil or chaos, then I'm willin' ter be usin' what they know ter get me job done."
I then listen more as the talk wanders from topic to topic. So many tasks in one group, yet they all seemed to overlap. When others speak of joining in the games, I balk slightly. We no almost nothing of this competitio but some are willing to throw into the mix in the hope of winning some nebulous prize.
When the bird speaks, I have to agree with its reasoning. Tis a strange thing when a bird is teh one speaking the words that make most sense to me.
[to any who will listen] "Twould seem our paths overlap at this goddess ye speak of. The folk as have her captured are also wantin' parts o' the green man I be seekin' to restore. And I'm guessin' this trophy o' yours would be valuable to them, or more so the power that seems ter come with it. Before we make any rash decisions, twould be best ter make some more enquiries to see just how much overlap we have here. Completin' one of our tasks may well mess up the plans o' these evil folk an' make the rest o' our jobs that much easier to boot"
Kemnebi quickly swallows the last bite he was eating and interjects quickly (almost as if he was afraid that he might not if he waited any longer.)
"Well,... erm,... It's no secret that I'd like to see J,... Lady June again. I need to return her friend to her." HE says with a small smile, indicating his robe pocket which seems to have a life of it's own, the kitten inside having found a piece of string or yarn to entertain itself with. "I'm not exactly thrilled about the possibility of joining a 'game' to the death, but as long as I,... we're there, we can at least check it out. Find out the rules, see the other teams,..." He looks around nervously, a faint red creeping up to the tips of his ears, and he continues hastily.
"Masters Llivenoc and Eckart are correct. If Nebibit and I don't find a way to get rid of this accursed curse, we won't make it anywhere near the goddess. From my observations so far, it calls out to monsters who didn't even know we existed, and drives them into a frenzy. I'm pretty sure it will also wake up sleeping guardians. If we can't get rid of it, then,... maybe Neb and I can use it for us, draw the beasts and guardians away while the others rescue the goddess?" The nervous glance he gives Nebibit shows that he isn't exactly thrilled about that possibility, but continues.
"But you are right as well master dwarf," Kemnebi says, nodding to the newcomer. "We need to determine how many of these things connect, and how strongly. If we're lucky, it may be like a house of cards. Pull out one card, say rescue the goddess, and the rest may all tumble down on their own." HE seems to once more be losing his nervousness as he talks, and thinks, "More likely it's more like a large castle. Very difficult to knock down from the outside, but if you can take out the cornerstone the whole thing will collapse under it;'s own weight,... what do we know about these situations,... where do they all connect?" HE begins musing, staring at his plate, forehead furrowed in thought, obviously not talking to anyone but himself.
"If the rules of the games state that no weapons are allowed, then our warriors will be hindered, so it would behoove our team to include users of magic such as Kemnebi and Nebibit wield, and users of the psionic arts such as the Jewel and I wield. However, we should expect our opponents to have casters of spells and manifesters of powers as well, and make what efforts we can to protect ourselves accordingly. It is too bad that we don't have a monk among our numbers, unless Master Ronin here might know someone skilled in the unarmed martial arts who might be sympathetic to our cause ..." I look meaningfully at Ronin.
"Err actually depending on how the rules on weapons are worded I wont have much problem since I already have these." At which point she flexes her fingers and several sharp looking claws come out.
Everyone else has weighed in on the subject. So what do you think Grymbol? Where do you stand on this?
Saving the Goddess is the main thing, then the part of the green man, after that would be the seal. I agree we need to have the knowledge and know what is protecting it and know where it is before we can go after it.
"If a shield does not count as a weapon I would be at less of a disadvantage than one would think."
Ronin: Magic is a weapon; so if your on the field and fireball someone; the refs will kill you; and around here; they keep any remains. But, if your a mage in the stands; and zap someone; well, it has been known to happen; but then other mages do it and generally it turns into a riots; fans storm the field; fan antics are somewhat more tolerated than those on the field; refs watch the field and the ball. If your serious about this game, keep in mind that it is only a strong rumor that the seal is inside the trophy as I still am tracking down how that rumor got started, I can help you get set up with some player mercenaries and the required 10,000 gold needed to enter. I can also get you hooked up with various agents for expert help. If I have to do all this; I expect some returns; some results.
I will have my people draw up a map for you of what is known about where the goddess is held; it isnt pretty; no army is going to get in there; but with some can do attitude, stealth and sheer luck; should be ok for a trained team that gets in and gets out fast.
Priest Erkholt; I can help with weaving the treads of rumor and knowledge about many things into the tapestry of knowledge, but to do so; I would have to call upon certain friends and allies. Things are not always as they might seem.
Magus Kenembi; some of my friends have associates that could remove the Doom placed upon this group; but I will tell you straight out; these friends are evil, and dedicated to it; but they are much more polite that say; you all are to each other, but though they are evil; they too hate chaos and evil not their own; their word is good though. Deal with them as you would any devil and you will be ok; be cautious; though they are mostly humans; their culture is unlike any of yours; be polite.
They have true knowledge of the snakes and plans of the snakes; perhaps some insight on the bigger picture; more information of the Green Man and perhaps you can negotiate for some items from them; they have a...creature with them; that is old and has a horde of some sort and he seems to be in a giving mood since they released him from inprisonment; also, about this Doom; the person who put it on you is just a kid; a kid with diefic power, but just a kid; proud, and overtly protective of his sister. So, ask yourselves; how do you get a kid to do what you want and relent? It is doubtful that he knows forgiveness and probably has not heard of it either; but mercy is not unknown; but he cares not for battles of good and evil; not law and chaos for as a child he has not chosen a side; he is on his own side. But it is my belief that with the proper attitude and heartfelt gifts of peace; he will relent for he is not evil; though every wound he takes upon his heart will tend to drive him in that direction.
One last thing; various of you know other individuals as I do; Lord Balfic or High Priest Baelinor could answer many question; as could Archmage Fystor or the Emperor or many many others. But knowledge is power thus a brokerable item depending upon quality. Treat it so; some might kill you for what you know already; some might prevent you from gaining more; remember; and this is important; knowlege is power and power tends to threaten the statis quo. Thus; though those whom I would bring to talk to you; who even know answers Lady Namaste is seeking and things she aught be aware, unlike other sources of information; these followers I wish to bring here for Parlay, are much like you and seeking their own answers. It is my assertion that you and they know things each should trade and it is my opinion that with this trade; each group will be stronger thus more of a threat to our shared enemies. And who knows; maybe they want to join in our little game, they are more experienced and tuffer than we and with different skillsets, though I know little of this game; I am thinking the Geek can tell us our odds with whatever players we can field agaisnt any competition if "the Big Game" is in fact in our future.
Hear me and this is important. All that I tell you all of this to show you my commitment to each of you. This group I would introduce to you; be polite and noble even if it hurts; even if your teeth bleed from clenching them; and here is why; listen close. They have the boon of a long forgotten God; This old god makes them undetectable by even other gods, for that is power of his realm of power. Thus, it is my idea to broker for the loan of that boon to us; that we gain it to enter non detectable.
What say you all?
I know some of what she says; she speaks true on this matter
<arches an eyebrow>
"Hmm...."
I don't give my word often or lightly. If its undead, then tell us now. I can retire early, and get some rest. As I said I will not deal with there ilk. You suggest they can aid us greatly. I think its unwise for any of us to agree unless we know who we are exactly suppose to parley with. You suggested you would have them transported here by the Mage Lorm... That is already enough for me not to like or trust them. So who are we dealing with?
Those I would call to parlay and confir; to share information and thus each gain; they are not undead; that is to say; one among them is; but he will not be coming that I know of. They are friendly to me, the leader of them is human, though a half breed as each of their peoples are; human half breeds. In the long term; a bit like a wedding; something old; something new; something borrowed; la te dat and so on; I suggest you borrow their non detection to save this goddess. And there is no one who can release you from the Doom save the one who cast it and they not we is that ones friend. They do not know of the one here; that is knowlege. Each of you know many things as do each of them. As for Lorm; he is magus enough to bring them; I can request it through my link to the imperial orb with which he himself is linked.
What say you, our leader, I believe the knowlege they possess to be of great import; but the non detection even greater; will you bargain thus for us to succeed?
The kitten jumps out of Kenembi's pocket and dashes accross the top of the table; grabs a big morsel of meat and runs to the end of the table; looks back at Kenembi with a question in his eyes; then jumps off the table and goes through the door; "meow" can be heard from the hallway.
The southland has been nearly conquered by the Ghullords and the Snakemen, if they are from the south and not attached to either; it would be good to hear news of the region; how goes the war; what has been encovered about the plots of our enemies, has the great alliance gone to war or do they yet sit and ponder their enemies while the Ork fight and die. If the Sun is captured or killed; the snakes and ghul grow stronger in the Dark; for all mortals everywhere; this must be avoided lest mortal hearts fail.
I look troubled at this concept of dealing with evil, but again I hark back to my own words. As long as through my own actions I do further their own evil I will do what must be done to complete the task set before me.
"Moradin set no linits on how I was ter attain me objective. If ye can vouch fer them as is comin', then I'll be trustin' ye at yer word. I diinae know most o' this group, only young ThronHen down yonder, and he has proved his worth ter me. I cannot speak fer them, but I do so for meself. I'll parlay with these folk if they come with no ill intent"
Ronin says: Sun or no Sun; the Ork cares not; but snakes are the enemies of all who are not cold blooded; but even that pales next to the rise of Aberations of Olde. Know this; in the last 6 months; no less than 6 Great Kraken have been spotted in oceans of the world; each different enough to be known to be named. Aboleth and Illithid meet and talk; and the Deep and Drowned ones walk again. Soon, all we who are living and who breathe air must ally against the truth corruption of the world. I have it on most excellent information that "He Who Comes To Judge With Firey Sword and Angry Brow" stands in the North; yet I cannot confirm where. I know One name; One name I shall share as it may save each. I cannot say the name for it causes me great anguish; it is a thing of Law and Good; one sworn to fight these ancient aberations even the gods of our world tremble to think of:
His glyph is that of an single arrow pointing straight up. I know that High Priest Baelinor is in his service.
[Ronin has several of his followers take turns writing a symbol, those with magic arcane can make a roll]
He turns the note over and leaves it on the table
The Note
Donblas, The Justice Maker
and mayhap they may give you news of your Southern Bretheren, noble dwarf
Good, Evil, does that matter? What matters is that we succeed in freeing the Goddess and gain the part of the Green man, if it is here. The seal is also important, but again, if it is here. If ye think we can gain information that will help us, we should at least try to talk to them. We must stop them from putting out the sun, and continue the cycle of nature, Light to Dark through Twilight and back again.
Hearing all that is said while drinking my ale and Chewing upon me beard I weigh side for side, Item for item, and Task for task.
Out loud I say: I deal with my own diety and care not for goodly, chaotic or even vile Evil counterparts unless it deals with my lords tasks I have been assigned to complete. I care not of the flourished wand, the mind attack, the Arcane gestured spells Or even the Divine spells imbued to a dietys followers for they are not who I am. I believe in a strong back, a mighty arm, a quick hand and a weapon to make my foe bleed for his diety or beliefs. These to me are what matters so I will make no pledge to not hate, disbelieve, or trust your ally's but I will make a pledge not to attack them or banter words, for I always talk civilly as a dwarf is inclined to do, unless they initiate it. So bring you ally's so that we may end this endless bantering to and fro and KILL SOMETHING.
"Athena teaches that there are times in war where it is indeed wise to Parlay. Let us meet with these representitives under a neutral truce."
His face hardens as he glances at Llvenoc.
"But let it be known, should there be the slightest hint of betrayal, and they will be met with the full might of our considerable power. If at no other time, we will be united in our vengence."