Right. But it does say "not want serve red nard sign rag with him. " or somethin like that. So that is an either or right?"
Most of what communication you attempted only made it through to the crowd a little bit. Remember, the Knights had to shout "What?" up to you after you shouted your taunt at them even though you rolled successfully.
So the shouting, occasional "NARD!"s, and flashes of fire from Tanard's supporting pyrotechnics were most of what actually made it through to the crowd.
When the group is gathered again, Tanard still rides on Thunk
Red 'Nard now you God. Must now and swear do Red 'Nard will. Not swear? Not be for Red 'Nard. Not be for Red 'Nard? Not good. Should go if not be for Red 'Nard. Must swear live life only for Red 'Nard. Red 'Nard wants more than you wants. Make Red 'Nard great. If make Red 'Nard great mean you hurt? That good! Make Red 'Nard great make you no have you want? Great. You first! . He points at Sees with his massive club
Are you down in the reception hall addressing the freed slaves that are eating, or up in the cathedral with the broken stained glass window addressing the other Avengers?
I think Sees of all people was in before she was ever asked. I personally wouldn't say I'm quite ready to call this creature here a God, not one among the lines of [insert demonic god here], but that will not stop me from swearing to his will. Tanard, I am ever in your service, for all days I will do my best to make your innermost dreams and ambitions reality. I will suffer the deepest pain if it saves you but the slightest scrape. That I pledge with all my heart. Oadir speaks towards where Tanard is. He still has no idea if the dragon can speak, since he's never heard it.
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Greas was not happy to have been taken from his selected squad before they could be properly informed on the matters of their curiosity. Ill informed operatives were only going to cause problems long-term. He hoped to be able to get back to them before something else occurred. He hoped they would remember to meet him once they had finished eating. For now, he was in a meeting.
Smoog had brought up some important points. They needed to settle on their objectives. He'd yet to be informed of who Krondor was. From context, one of the adventuring party. No info to suggest they were a pressing matter. Same for Twinkletoes. The Elf-Lord then probably meant the Archwizard...Krondor and the Elf, both Lords. Hmm. Someone had to fill him in. He wondered why the Necromancer wasn't mentioned. Oh, he wanted to kill that wretched pig so much, but he was of lesser concern. There were other matters that were more important.
It appalled him, but he agreed with the goblin. This place had to be secured. He supposed he better - Sees? Wh-what? With the GOBLIN? Why was she - no, she had a plan. Better to trust her. Thunk's unusual (for him) proclamation was a welcome distraction for a moment, but it dredged up some things in Greas's mind he'd rather not think of.
Greas sighs. "I do hereby swear to fulfil the will of Tanard, whatever that may be. I accept Tanard as my god. But I cannot fully pledge my life quite yet. I have reparations to be made to my prior god before I would find a pledge to Tanard to hold the meaning it deserves. For what, I...cannot say, right now." Short of someone prying into his mind, he will not elaborate further than that. He wasn't ready to, and now was not the time.
Back to the original matter...the once-slave population of Estr need leadership currently. We could leave them, but they are not properly equipped to take a city. They lack the knowledge, the equipment, and the coherency to be effective at the moment. In all odds, they would perish. I elect to remain and train our new forces. As this occurs, we may be able to send a small group off to collect whatever is needed for this Age-Machine. But that depends on the requirements. What would we need to create the Age-Machine?"
"We need to scale the heights and plumb the depths." Sees says with a nod. She'd seen as much, though she couldn't recall where. "Tanard knows where my loyalties lie- don't you, my sweet godling? Uhm... If we're here to talk objectives, some of you likely need an update on what's going on." The little storyteller was still clinging firmly to Retzack (what smell?) waiting for his response to her proposal, but when she gets a chance, she will recount the adventure so far:
The Avengers of Gorlaug set out from the mountain after an encounter with Bolgir, a traitorous kobold with some grasp of necromancy. (The animated skeleton kind) The release of energy from the mountain set them on their mission.
Smoog still caries a homing portrait of Emanuel, the dragonborn paladin of Bahamut who lead the party who slew Gorlaug, so the Avengers decided to pursue Krondor the barbarian and some nameless sorcerer not worth mentioning beyond his death and subsequent burial in the fresh ruins of a time temple. (I mean, Smoog killed him, he must not have been that great, whoever he was.)
Heading further south, they encountered a roving band of orcs. The Avengers got tired of murdering them, so they burned all their supplies and released their slaves, dooming them to wander the wastes until their inevitable deaths.
Now, the Avengers of Gorlaug are crushing this slave outpost because Krondor is murdering Kobolds and using their bones (petrified to durgwaed for lack of a dragon's guidance) to build a dragonslaying siege engine. They know this because some idiot left their scrying orb lying about.
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That evil Necromancer and his giant zombie amalgamation were quite terrifying and dangerous... not that great a challenge huh? . Smoog whispers to himself.
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Then Smoog's gaze turns toward Tanard but his words are aimed at Thunk.
Dragons have always been sacred to us Kobolds.
is our Queen; our Future; our very Life and Breath.
I will devote all I have, all I am, to Her service and Her glory.
Thunk, you are now Her Priesto-Primo, Her Champion and Her Loyalty Focus.
You now guide my zealot's passion and advise me spiritually.
I swear to do Red 'Nard's will.
I swear to live my life only for Red 'Nard.
"
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Then he addresses Greas on the details of the machine...
"I need a potion brewed from Zephyr Lilies, a rare species of flower found on Marannon, a mountaintop far to the east of here; part of the Green Ridge Mountain Range I think.
It will take us into dwarf territory quite near Lord Krondor's domain."
AND...
I need a dish-shaped metal object fashioned of pure silver which I will mount to the ceiling of the time chamber itself. This will focus the time-dilating energies into a coherent sphere around the subjects."
Sees does finger guns at Smoog, clicks her tongue, and says, "Bingo."
We have a large group of warriors of different kinds of use down there, I doubt we should use them all to the fullest. Oadir says in response to all the planning.
If we can find enough silver, I'm sure there is a good smith among the crew, probably the duergar. The 'enough' silver would really be the question, if we don't have it here, sacrificing the silverware, we're sure to be able to plunder it from Estr, no?
Oadir is trying to distract himself from what Sees is doing, rationally understanding what she could be doing there, but emotionally wrought nonetheless.
As far as the rest goes, I feel we can't all just up and leave. A bigger party is certainly useful if we are to deal with this Kondror guy, but we must have some to stay here and lead. With Hegh's last words, he said a lot, I'm ready to recount it, it won't take long.
Thunk looks pointedly at Retzak
"Yes, maybe we do need to solidify things here in ESTR first before embarking on other missions.
We have already sent the city leaders reeling and we should hit them again before they regain their balance.
Shall we quickly plan an assault on City Hall or wherever the City Magistrate resides?
Maybe some of the fellows downstairs can tell us about the city leadership hierarchy so we know who best to eliminate."
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When Smoog has some time after this meeting, he asks around downstairs about ESTR politics, leadership, military structure and such...
Who’s really in control here (in ESTR)?
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He puts that together with what he already knows about such human settlements to help them come up with a plan...
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True to his word, Retzack maintains a stony silence, letting others fill the air with words and ideas of their own. Even when the sultry and tempting visage of the death-seer drapes her lithe and nubile form around him, he maintains his silent vigil, keeping his word.
But at last his mind returns from the long, and quite fun, vacation it had been on, and he feels great need to address events as they happen, especially the ring he is presented.
'Oh by Propoket's bulging coin purse, is that the Stone of Irrationality? No, it could not be. Though I know that stone intimately and that ring has the same look...how would she have come to posses it??'
He turns his head toward Sees-Death. He makes an obvious attempt to keep a stony face, but he loses the struggle and a smile grows on his mouth. First the edges of his lips spring upwards slightly, and as happiness wages a successful war in his head, the smile grows and grows, until he is grinning like a young a boy on Winters Eve. He's grinning like pauper learning that he's to become king. He's grinning like gambler seeing his last dollar find a winning horse.
He's grinning because he's happy.
He snaps his fingers at his two followers. They exchange glances and move out of the room. He leans in close, and whispers sweet nothings into her ear.
"I admit that this is equally wanted as it is unforeseen. Long has my gaze rested upon your form, wishing that you might desire me as I desire you.
As you have opened up to me your secret, so it seems that I should open up to you. Just relax.
And breath."
At first there is no noticeable change, but suddenly you notice that the constant noise of buzzing insects is...gone. No little wings fly in the air about him, the fine hairs of his arm do not move as signs of passing traffic. It's as if he never had them to begin with.
And then you breath, and not only is there no stench of rot or tell-tale scent of insectoid life, but the air is beyond fresh. It is...clean. And is...is that lilacs? Yes, the air definitely smells like lilacs. And something else. Something...manly. With a slight hint of apple. Apple pie.
You feel like this is what you would smell if you were walking through the private garden of some large keep, and you passed under a window as a hulking shirtless kitchen boy put a steaming apple pie on the windowsill to cool.
The smells is refreshing. Energizing. A little bit exciting.
"My power grows as my flock of Reborn grows.
I would have given word sooner, but you always seemed surrounded by champions. I saw no opening, no moment when you were unguarded or alone. But now I see my apprehension was unneeded."
He places a hand on your back and begins caressing your shoulders. Softly, carefully. Relax. His touch is warm and soft. Relax. He knows how to move his hands. Relax. He's done this before. He was obviously trained in it. Relax. There's no need for worry. Relax. You're safe now.
Just then Thunk begins barking about loyalty to Tanard and Retzack looks confused.
"That's odd. Why would he demand my fealty now when he has no power over me? That's like selling me a store with no stock. There's nothing he can offer me. There's no part of this that holds my intre--."
The hand stops. He freezes.
Realization comes.
"You set this up with him. You knew of my desire and you now come, with no forewarning, in a coordinated effort to shackle me to your cause. This isn't about me.
It's all about that dragon.
...
Fine.
Had you not made your duplicity so obvious it might have worked. I would have given myself to you freely, but now that I know I play your game, you shall play mine."
He sighs.
He feels honest loss.
"The humans have ripped my tongue.
Now kobolds
have broken
.
.
.
my heart."
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As Thunk looks pointedly at Retzack, he necromancer untangles himself from Sees' grasp and returns the gaze. "Eh? Why should you come soliciting at my door? I already have a gawd, and he is Propoket, the Many. He cares not for immaterial, and cares greatly for the material. He is the body you posess, the clothes you wear, the weapon you wield. He is the coin in your pocket as you hand it to the merchant. He gathers not souls, and knows the body is but a broken vessel when you are done with it.
He has given me the power to move corpses. What can your 'red nards' (is that what you are saying? My dear boy, I can't understand half your words) offer me? You say that you have great power in your red nards, but what have I seen of this power?
And even thy own flock denies you. Greas denies you his life, Oadir denies too his divinity. And now you come to me looking for the coin that thy clan gives you not? Begone with you. Come back when a real deity rides by thy side."
Retzack gazes returns to Sees-Death (a bit too purposfully?) and he seems to ponder.
He turns his head back to Thunk. "Ah! But it seems I am bested by your cunning plan! My bride-to-be hath purchased all thy stock, and, if she is important to me, then so must her causes carry some weight, yes? If I am to be a good partner.
Fine."
The two human Reborn return. Lily is extending her hand to Retack, as if to present something small in her closed fist.
"I PLEDGE UNTO THEE! So long as this intelligent, lovely, capable, wise, skilled, resourceful, beautiful, bold, brilliant Sees-Death is joined unto me in loyalty and love, I shall return an...equal...measure of loyalty to thee and thy cause.
Everybody wins."
He holds a hand out and Lily puts something in it. He leans forward to Sees-Death and presents something to her, mirroring the sapphire ring that Sees-Death is presenting to Retzack.
It is a ring. It is a shiny, spectacular, bejeweled diamond ring, the kind a woman of importance and standing would have.
"I believe the human phrase here is, 'Will you marry me?'"
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Greas was seething. This. Goblin. Twisting his words and their sentiment, belittling Tanard, and speaking of his own abilities as if they were anything more than an insectoid perversion of something truly sacred. Even now, he acts purely in self-interest, not even continuing the pretence of reverence and fealty he bore before, now that it no longer suits his needs. His words were as false as his so-called "gawd". Of course he would only care for what was tangible enough for him to claim.
He was to die. With Krish's aid, they might even entrap his very soul, so it could be tossed into a place where it might never be found. Better yet, fed to the Deathclaw. But not now, before the others, in the presence of his corrupted puppets. But soon enough. He would burn his book of signatures. Whatever gave the book its significance would be taken from his reach. And then he would see his end. With some words properly delivered, there were about 53 individuals downstairs who would gladly assist him after he'd unravelled the plot of this heretic - and sooner or later, traitor. For now, he would hold his tongue, even as his gaze bore through the goblin's hide. This goblinoid Bolgir had no place here.
The tense scene in the Cathedral notwithstanding, Smoog had some questions that need answering.
Smoog, you find that the tieflings are the most willing to speak with you after seeing Oadir working among you kobolds as equals. Such respect is rarely afforded to the hated race, so they take notice when they are treated fairly.
From them you learn that the Master of this small, insignificant town is Lord Hemmerschmidt. He is a Lord only by mercantilism, a slaver with decades of experience in the flesh trades, and utterly dependent on the slave trade with the Dwarven capital where Lord Krondor resides. His symbol is the fleur de lis. You are only learning of him on this visit you've paid to Estr because during the glory days of Gorlaug's dominion, Estr was too puny to levy tribute from. He has a Small Council to assist him with the minutae of ruling, but is otherwise a total autocrat. Those who do business in the outer slave rings are afforded fewer rights and protections than those within the city walls.
In Gorlaug's absence, trade is flourishing among the "good races" in this region, and Estr is no different. When word spread of Lord Krondor's victory over the hated dragon, merchants from all four corners of the earth have begun flocking to the area.
The tieflings were used as clerical-duty slaves in the City Hall, known in Estr as the Headquarters, and mark its location for you on your map.
As for a plan...you have numerous options, but you'd better choose one of them, and quickly. With the distracting Deathclaw removed from its rampage within the city, and the initial knight envoy completely wiped out by Sees-Death, the militia is mustering for battle from all across the city. Peering outside the Time Temple shows a town on high alert - shutters are closed, doors are locked and barred, and shop windows are darkened.
Option 1 involves making use of the zeppelins parked outside the city walls in some way.
Option 2 involves discovering how to make use of the mobile portion of the Time Temple, which is attached to this particular location.
Option 3 involves inciting further slave revolts and distracting the humans, elves and dwarves with insurrection.
Option 4 involves making a beeline straight for Headquarters to try and eliminate Hemmerschmidt personally, sending the leadership of the town into chaos.
Of course, the best plans will involve some mixture of multiple options.
You swear or leave. Thunk says simply.
He steps forward muttering a prayer. Tanard bathes him in fire
divine ward
+2 armor and +1 defy danger
Leave by thump or door. Book stay. You choice. Or swear real
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Hmm. Now gave him an excuse to interject. Greas takes his knife in hand and takes a step with Thunk. "It would do you good to listen, and take a little more consideration toward the affairs of those you surround yourself with. I would not expect you to know the significance of a dragon, as I would not Oadir, but I might think you'd show a little tact at least. Honestly, you were far more amicable when you were caged."
"You were the one who chose to involve yourself here. And you are the one who is instigating things here. If we're throwing accusations of false deification, then I can easily say I've shown no sign of this Propoket. You can easily claim that they are all things, but you have no proof here, do you? Even your talents with the dead are easily attributed to some simple bugs. You have no greater ground here. Your claims of divine offering and presence are no more verified then ours are to you. And I would appreciate if you would not twist my words either. Offerings are to meant to have meaning and value, are they not? I would not offer up something worthless, even if I had to admit that thing was my own life, as it stands. You do not blame any deity for the faults of those that would claim themselves faithful to them. You simply blame those "faithful" themselves."
"We come soliciting because you have not shown any reason to trust you. Your actions thus far have solely lied within your own interest and convenience. If not, you've yet to show that. Even as Thunk preached and uplifted the hearts of those downtrodden below, giving them hope and a cause, you abused their faith in order to add to your own collection of bug-infested puppets...well, if they all are, that is. You seem to be controlling more than you were prior...and certainly not from lack of opportunity up to this point."
"Indeed, were the quantity of active puppets no object to you there are a number of bodies that would walk now. And you seemed awfully insistent on those signatures. If it was simply a show of faith, you have proven you would not have insisted so heavily on signing, and a collection of signatures is not really relevant to your displayed talents. In fact, it would suggest something rather different from your abilities raising these corpses, something far more magical making the dead rise where you cannot. Not happy with the gifts your "gawd" supposedly granted you, Retzack? Say what you will of Tanard, at least we are faithful enough that we do not spit in our god's face and ask for more, without even a simple offering, or utterance of thanks upon reception."
"You have insulted our faith, uttered of a god you act ungrateful to, and generally abused our circumstances for your own self interest and seeming amusement. Even now, I doubt the sincerity of your word. Did you think that nobody would notice that greedy look when you saw the ring? I know well enough to recognise the look of one lusting after an object. Because, as far as your actions show, that is all it is to you. Something else to have. The question is whether your dissatisfaction is from the commitments attached, or from some perceived plot against you to twist your arm. I'm inclined to the latter. It fits with the selfish world-view you've portrayed, and your recent words."
"By all means, prove me wrong! Prove me wrong! It would be a relief to all here. Show me your world doesn't revolve around your own selfish interests, show me you're capable of a little sense and care when it doesn't directly profit you in some way. It's this sort of behaviour that led me to stab you earlier. You have done much wrong by those you surround yourself with. So grant us a show of good faith, and prove yourself better than this wretch you have portrayed thus far. Harsh words? Maybe. But after your actions, and the things you have said just now, I have reason for them. I would rather not have more."
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Hearing words fly around like knives and wanting nothing more than to duck out and hide from all this, Smoog realizes that the only one who can convince Retzack of his passion and sincerity is Thunk himself so...
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Smoog tries something he has been meaning to for a while now and it seems it can wait no longer.
With his Mind-Device he reaches out gently and slowly, announcing his intentions out loud to Thunk.
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"Thunk, I have watched and listened to you for weeks now and I have long suspected you are only speech deficient and not mull-headed.
Use me to speak thru.
I open the way thru my mind and you can speak thru me if you desire."
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EVERYONE, calm down. I'm sure we can all come to a civil conclusion here. Retzack may have been acting selfishly, or he may have been mistaken in his actions. He may be controlling the bugs inside his body or they may be controlling him. Either way, it's become clear that his actions up till now have not been entirely in stride with the rest of this group. Oadir steps up from his poor man's shoemaker's sit, he had been clenching his knees in his claws and they seem to be slightly bleeding.
From what I have learned of Retzack it is clear that he does not mean to actively oppose this group's cause. While I am still not a 100% clear on what that cause actually is, I am committed to this group first and foremost so I say I don't 100% care what it is either.
You call Retzack purposely selfish, but only now that we have gathered around and pushed our ideologies onto him does he push back. His actions in the infighting earlier were in support of Sees, regardless of her reasoning. That kind of devotion should speak for itself. If we could go back and actually listened to what he said before jumping in, and I might add that I have excellent memory, we would see that he was only supporting the leader of the group, as per his perspective.
Oadir turns to Tallest-Silver: If anywhere we need proof of Tanard's amazing abilities though, we need not look further than Tallest-Silver here. I had sensed latent abilities in this fine Kobold, and was going to train her to unleash them, but Tanard needed do nothing but look and she was ready. Tanard may not yet be a deity in my eyes, but they are certainly worth revering.
Retzack, would you be willing to subject yourself to every form of Truth Serum and Trust exercise we all have to offer, to redeem yourself and your actions with this group? I have trouble killing an innocent child, even if it is Human of all things, I would be heartbroken if we were to strike at our supposed friend if he might be innocent all along. To me, it seems that Retzack might be more misguided, either by false beliefs of how this group functions or more malevolent means.
Sees, it is my understanding that you might wrench truth from someone with your marvellous abilities. Would you be willing to use this to help ascertain Retzack's true intentions?
Smoog, before you join minds with Thunk, might I suggest you join minds with Retzack first? Thunk may have a speech impairment, but Retzack is the one we truly wish to know the inner thoughts of at this point, and I would say Thunk has been quite clear even through his speech-impairment.
Greas, you should know, above all others, that in situations like this, killing is a last resort, much more can be gained from many other methods. Corpses can't tell their secrets, but with Retzack around, they may still move. We'd then have all the possible opposition and physical struggle without any of the potential intelligence gain.
Thunk, I'm sorry if I can't proclaim my divine duty just yet, but I am in service to Tanard, or Red Nard or whatever they may end up calling themselves, in all other forms at a moments notice. I'm going to need to hear it from Tanard themselves though.
Tanard's a girl dragon.
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One moment Retzack was gazing deeply into Sees-Death's entrancing eyes, and in the next moment he had not one but THREE men standing over him, debating his true intentions.
Alright, he had to admit--this was interesting.
As he seemed to be the center of attention, he set himself up to give each speaker their due. He sat at ease in his chair, the two human Reborn taking up flanking positions behind him. The croc-o-lich meandered in, flicking its tongue in idle smelling, and eventually laid down next to his chair. With one hand he contentedly petted the giant reptile, and his other hand held the soft, tender hand of the death-seer.
He smiles, amicably. "Gentlemen, gentlemen. I thank you for coming to me with these concerns. Now that everything is out in the open, I think we can best move forward, and I promise to address each of you in turn.
First, do please obey Oadir and back off. You could never trust any words that I said under promise of violence anyway, so your martial stance does nothing for anyone here.
the LARGE difference between the two questions of divinity is that I venerate Propoket the Many in my own way. Never have I even spoken before of him, for I believe how one worships is their business, and their business alone. I am NOT standing over you, stating that you also must worship Propoket, or find thyself 'thumped'. To do so would be the act of the tyrant, and trying to enforce religion on a populace has never gone well.
As to the rest...what would have of me? Yes, I admit that I have discovered the ability to increase my flock of servants if they come to me willingly. What of it? After one is dead, your soul goes on and the rest can either be eaten by wolves or worms....or, it can be an assistant to a higher purpose.
Let us say that and one of the ex-slaves below goes into battle against the humans. The ex-slave is killed, and Smoog finds himself beset by a group of humans and he knows he will surely perish. Which would you rather: That he fights against the humans -alone- and dies, OR that the ex-slave rises and kills all the humans, and Smoog lives to see another day?
I know I would choose the option that allows us to take vengeance against those that have done us wrong, while maximizing the chance that we will live to see a happy day in victory.
Is that somehow unreasonable? It is my belief that ALL my actions up to this point have been for all of our betterments. Indeed, unlike...some...I have not stabbed anyone seated here. When you justify THAT action, THEN you may preach to me of SELFISH ACTIONS!
Ah, forgive me, forgive me. That was rude. But you must admit that you met words with blades, and that is not always the best option.
Hence, now that I've explained my actions, can it not be said that I have your best interests at heart?
how can you say that my cause is not yours? In this very building we attacked a -large- group of humans. One of them was quite strong, but all of you were able to concentrate against him because -my- servant decimated the masses of humans that might otherwise have acted against you. Indeed, there was even one human warrior of some skill that opposed my servant, which, if I had not been here, might have turned the tide in the druid's favor! Does that not prove that my cause is cleaved to yours? Does not the fact that I have spilled blood in your protection grant us some degree of brotherhood?
Heh. But if you require mind-delving, there is no need to involve Sees. I'm certain she has...other ways of loosing tongues." He gives Sees a sidelong-glance and winks at her. "But if Smoog wishes to take a dive into the deep end of the pool, I shall not interfere. Let us put your mind to rest and be back in the business of our righteous cause!"
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As much as he hated the goblin, valid points had been made in his defence. Oadir was proving himself a voice of reason, as well. And he knew himself that he could prove prone to regrettable indiscretions. Stabbing him still was not one, but it was not the time to say that. "I admit I have my own biases, but I suppose now is not the time for that. We could go over what each of us has done wrong by another and the reasons why, but we don't have time for that, do we? Not now."
As it stands, I still don't trust you. So I would appreciate a more concrete assurance of your honesty, however that may come about. To put mortal matters at ease for now. As to divinity...even with my own inclinations aside, I did not think you would be so inclined to Thunk's demands. I have not known him long enough to see if this is strange for him, but I have seen enough of you to know it would be strange for you to accept it. I'm not about to press that. But I desire an apology for what you said of Tanard. Insulting one's faith is equally, if not more divisive as attempting to force it on another. The consequences of such things oft prove disastrous when the gods make themselves manifest in the land...and when your bride follows that faith. Many debate which is more dangerous."
"So, this is what I seek, at the least. Assurance, and an apology. I cannot give any certainties for anyone else, but if our causes are aligned, I should think swearing to Tanard's will at the very least would not be so much of an issue, and would likely appease Thunk somewhat. After that...well, that's not my job. He's the preacher. My work is to fell our enemies, and coordinate our allies. So if you would solidify where you stand, my job will be simpler. Let's get this done, shall we?"
You no tell Thunk back off. You threat to Red 'Nard. You think big words make you more good? You make word that you no threat. You try make you self god. Thunk thump if you no make word.
"If I may... Subjecting my pudding cup to so many tests without putting every one of you through the same would be unreasonable. Carrying out those tests would also be unreasonable. With so many means of searching out his secrets, we're bound to find something reproachable in any case. Can any one of us say with confidence that we've never harbored malicious intentions toward each other?" Sees is still in her seat, lounging languorously, but she's watching Retzack.
"Darling, my means of sussing out the truth leave me vulnerable to reciprocation. Would it be acceptable, not to invade your thoughts, but to exchange truths? You may think of them as vows. You seem to think of my proposal as some means to restrict you, or trick you, but truly, I've noticed our growing nation is divided, and without a point of solidarity, it's liable to tear itself apart. It may not be the most romantic reasons to join, but nobility rarely get to marry for love."
She turns slowly to the others. "It would be a private exchange, unless everyone would like to expose their true selves...Surely you"
• What do you wish I would do?
• How can I get you to ______?
• What are you really feeling right now?
• What do you most desire?
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Retzack turns to Sees. "Darling, again your wisdom surpasses my own and shines like a star in darkest night. Truly your words are the only ones worth listening to. I see now that I was a fool to doubt your sincerity. I was like an animal sorely wounded, seeing threat at every corner, but your voice is as a soothing balm.
Ah, but of all the questions asked this day, there is still one that hangs like the Sword of Damacles.
Does your speech mean the answer is 'yes'? "
"Not before the vows, my little pudding cup. In any case, I am at the mercy of my people. A treaty such as this cannot be signed if it will not join our people to their satisfaction."
She turns back to the others. "I will ask after his loyalties, and return with an estimation of his capacity as a servant of Tannard. If that is not enough, you may join the ceremony personally--as a groomsman, of course--and suffer naked under the eyes of judgement yourself. No one sees truth whose truths go unseen."
Personally, I have no gripes with this. I never suggested we use all our means to ascertain the truth, just one will do just fine. I must insist on my presence, however, in this exchange. I will openly and honestly answer any and all questions you may pose. Oadir is in, anyone else? They both need a witness people, or it doesn't count. That's how this works, right?
"...are the same questions to be asked of all of us? And what are we to be asked?" There were a few things that he wasn't mentally prepared to reveal yet, and as much as he wanted to be there for this...he couldn't be there if it would force things from him that would harm him on the way out, let alone the trust of others. There were some secrets he could not share about the goblin, in case they would be spread and distorted. He trusted Oadir, at least. He had faith in Sees, too. So, he had at least two he had faith in, if he couldn't enter.
...not yet. Not yet.
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Retzack smiles and stands up. "Excellent! I'm so glad that we could finally get all that negative karma behind us. Now, if you'll excuse me, the three of us need to go get to know each other, O, -very- well indeed!"
He looks at Oadir and winks. "Careful, big man. She did say we would 'suffer naked'. She might mean it literally! We might finally get to see how you can channel your shadow, aye? Wink wink nudge nudge, aye?
Now, my dear, let's do this thing and get it done with. The rest of you, again, much gratitude for taking the time, but I think I hear the distinctive sound of torches being lighted and pitchforks sharpened, so we'd best see to our own defense. And if by 'defense' you mean 'offense' then I'm happy to help!
After you, darling."
Retzack's mind, never idle, is weighing the sociological factors that he saw of the human town. Based on the size of the knight force just vanquished, the amount of slaves and ex-slaves counted, and the general population of the town, how long would they have until a large-scale assault was mounted by the humans, and of what size would it be?
Sees treats Greas to an understanding smile. "I'm subjecting myself to more and more questions with every volunteer. Believe me that I'll understand if you don't join us. I plan to ask you each two questions. You'll each be able to ask two in return. The questions you can ask seem to come to you as part of the glamour. They deal in motivations. I am sure Oadir will convey the experience honestly, if you need an impartial third party."
Sees leads the volunteers to a quiet room, away from prying ears She shrugs out of her pack, which thuds to the ground with its weight. She pulls some scraps of colorful cloth and drapes them around the room--waist high for Oadir, unless he offers to help. To the two outsiders, her decorative eye is eclectic, or rustic. Her people treat only in death with precision, and the arts are largely lost on them. From her makeup to her choices in pass times, she's a very un-kobold-like creature. Still, she's not imitating the style of some other race.
She also pulls out an unfinished dress of intricate construction--intricate because she had a hard time finding large swaths of cloth in the right colors. She's managed to keep it from looking patchy. For Kobold work, it looks stunning in execution, but it too may seem a bit raw with its reds, blacks, and white brocade. The bride-to-be shakes out the dress's wrinkles and sighs. "Maybe for the reception?" She looks down at her worn white tunic and mended vest. "White is no color for a wedding..."
When she is done fussing, the room feels warm and comfortable. A few cushions are set in a circle on the floor, and the Dragontongued seats herself in front of the door, and invites Retzack to sit across from her. When he takes a seat, she invites the vulunteer(s) to take the other cushions.
"We are here to share truths. Gorlaug teaches us that truth is a vulnerability. Where light was shed, wounds have bled. We enter into this circle because we mean to forge an alliance. Anyone here who fears to become vulnerable to anyone present here should leave. There is no shame in shying away from the light. It is our way."
First, Sees turns to Retzack. "To lead our allied peoples, we must know each other's hearts. To that end, I must know: Whom do you Serve, and What do you most desire?"
As the threads of compulsion weave around Retzack, she turns to Oadir. "Oadir, kind, infernal, earnest Oadir... What do you most desire, and, should the time come, How can I get you to lie for me?"
• Whom do you serve?
• What do you wish I would do?
• How can I get you to ______?
• What are you really feeling right now?
• What do you most desire?
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Greas remains silent for a moment, pondering. Motivations...hmm. I do not think I have anything to fear. If anything...I may learn something important. And not just of the others...I have to know if I can be trusted. If another knows what lies in my mind, then perhaps other things may be revealed to them when the time comes for it. I...I'm not running this time. I must have no fear.
"I think I shall join you. Not because I do not trust you or Oadir, or to expose you further...but because some things you must hear for yourself. Even if they may be my own words."
He fidgets for a moment...and takes down his hood. Only for now. This was not a time to cloak himself as he had. "Light cannot be evaded forever. Enough time in the presence of each other will reveal things no matter how hard you struggle against it. If I am to reveal anything, then I would rather know what it is."
He remains for the questions. He seems uncomfortable with his hood down.
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Retzack cocks an eyebrow at Greas. "Really? Truly? Really and truly? Remember, all we are promised here is the truth. If you just want to hear soft words that you find pleasing, you would best wait outside. But if you are prepared to Stare into the Abyss, then by all means...."
He returns a libidinous wink at Sees. "Yes, remember we are uttering truths...not wishes.
Retzack follows Sees into the quiet room and stands amicably as she decorates the place--he has no desire to sit while she is not, so he waits patiently.
When all is in readiness he sits where she directs him and closes his eyes, performing a mild meditation routine to lower his defenses. He calls his inner council and tallies internal votes. Inside he hears myriad arguments and counter-arguments for and against a legion of actions and proposed actions. When that is done future plans are made and unmade. Contentions, contingencies, and eventualities are planned for emotionally pre-dealt with so when their moment unfolds, a path to deal with them is already laid out and budgeted.
'Whom do you Serve?'
The question rings out, and it is not unexpected.
"Propoket teaches us that as each does what is best for himself, he does what is best for the group. He tells us it is less advantageous to steal a coin from a stranger for one day, than it is to sell him something for a coin for five days.
He tells us that to ransack a merchant earns us less than to become a more successful merchant. To kill and rob a merchant gives less gold and stature than to undercut the merchant, steal his customers, provide better goods and services, offer lower rates, and run him out of town when he has no business to offer that is better than our own.
Propoket tells us that by the sweat of our brow the tomorrow we create is one that is deserved. You do not bite the hand that feeds you--you become prosperous and employ it. You do not tax your peons heavily--you tax them lightly and gain more coin when your neighbor's peasants become your own of their own volition.
Hence, I serve all--by serving myself."
What do you most desire?
This, too, already has an answer.
"I will rule. A vast empire who's lowest provinces are rich estates compared to the hovel that fool Meatsnacks ruled over. A great host of beings from all corners will pledge to me as their ruler, and all will love me. Through the fires of industry will all hands be made industrious and all heads be made prosperous. No man will be born noble, save if he can make himself so through the sweat of his own brow or the fat of his intellect."
Retzack opens his eyes and stares about, refreshed as though getting up from a brief nap.
"Well, how was that?"
"If all I wanted were pleasing words, I would have not volunteered to listen to you."
As Sees-Death leads those who are willing participants to the side-room, Tanard takes flight. In the time it takes to wink, the dragon is out the broken stained-glass window. Those of you who watch her departure see her bank sharply upward when she reaches the outside. Presumably she seeks to perch atop the Temple and survey her lands.
Down below, those of you in the cathedral area can hear a goblin's voice shouting from below, faintly.
"I found the door to the wine cellar, but it's sealed off! Come over here and help!"
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My greatest desire, should you have asked yesterday, I.may have said you, Sees. But my deepest desire now, and probably all along, has been a nurturing, loving environment, has been to earn my return to my village of old, or find a place like it. I think I projected some 9f that on you, Sees. My greatest desire is already being fulfilled by this group, because for the first time ever I found a place where I belong.
How can she get me to lie for her?
This is quite easy to answer. You can get me to lie for you by convincing me the lie is necessary. If you refer to me lying about this encounter, well, you'd have to magically force me to lie. Retzack could likely make my corpse lie for you, if it came to that.
Now for my questions to you, I may only ask for your true feelings this day and, given them, what you would wish me to do.
[ooc] "What are you really feeling right now?" and "What do you wish I would do?"