Showing little sign of insult as the Baron disrespectfully refers to her as elf, Caladwhen takes in the report fully. This half-breed should tread more carefully. His time will come; nevertheless, best foot forward for the time being.
"Argossarian, thank-you; truly, my reports came from the mouths of common folk, so you'll forgive the inaccuracies; it's why I came to you." Pacing about the room with a drink in her hand, Caladwhen inspects the art hanging in the sitting room, casually attempting to appraise it's worth to herself.
"Some lovely pieces your Lordship; you're home is a treasure." Taking her seat again, Caladwhen smirks and muses "Kill it with fire? My, Sindran will love demonstrating his talent and penchant for fire to Argossarian." Appearing reflective, Caladwhen considers the report and looks to Cole "Reflective scales, clever, a strong sense of justice and obligation towards the weak, and a fear of fire," nodding, Caladwhen adds "yes, I'd be willing to bet it's a Silver Dragon. It is a member of the chromatic family of dragons, very powerful. This will be troublesome indeed."
At first meeting: Forgive me my Lord I forgot. So much on the mind. Let me show you to the room Lady Caladwhen.[b]
In Private with Cala: [b]Seems he suspects me still loyal to the seventh and himself. We can use this to our advantage.
Whitle sitting:My lord you have crossed this Dragon before? So it knows you then. Are you safe here with it back. If I were such a beast I would root the influence out of the city first. Perhaps we should take what we know and find a safe place to prepare for it.
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Cala, the artworks are, without a doubt, of astounding quality; even though the style is a bit too blatant and overweening for your subtle tastes.
This would be an excellent place to loot, though. A peasant could just grab any single one of these items in each hand, and never have to work again. Of course, by now, that could be said of your own private room as well.
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If I were such a beast I would root the influence out of the city first. Perhaps we should take what we know and find a safe place to prepare for it.
The baron breaks his eyes away from Caladwhen's cleavage for a half second, only to snipe at you: "Then let us take a moment to be thankful, that you, Cole, are merely human."
Then, the half-elf baron touches his chin as he seems to arrive at an idea.
"Perhaps...you two should make babies. That would bring the best out from both of you. Although, of course, I wouldn't want to inflict someone as crude as Cole upon a delicate creature," he says, smoothly gliding over to where Cala has elegantly positioned herself, "such as you. No - you deserve much better than your present company."
Clearly, the semi-intoxicated baron Vandermir has another candidate in mind.
"Hmmm. Perhaps the brute's remarks have some merit. Yes! It is decided - I shall have my staff pack my items and I will take up a room inside your horn!"
Fogive me my lord, I am not a smart man so rely in my instincts. They may me animal like, but it keeps me alive. A great idea you should join us we can better look out for you there. Wouldn't you agree lady Cala.
Cole shoots Cala a hand sign. "Sorry" in case this is not a good idea.
Listening to Baron as he extols the virtues of reproduction with him, Caladwhen feigns amusement but secretly reviles such notions The nine hells will freeze before such a union ever took place.
Looking over at Cole with a raised eyebrow, Caladwhen signs back "No, that will work." Looking over at the Baron with a broad smile, Caladwhen adds "Dear Arkon, of course you can join us at the Horn. While our luxuries pale to those of your manor, it most certainly is the most safe place for you."
Satisfied at these turn of events, Caladwhen takes another sip of her wine. At the Horn, the Baron is no longer a potential threat to us. We'll have to make sure to clear all signs of Elise from the place before he arrives. Standing up, Caladwhen crosses the room and leans over to speak breathlessly to the Baron "You'll have to give us a few days to prepare for your arrival; we can setup a private study for you. I'll come and retrieve you myself, so you needn't suffer the hardships of the Caer Bryr in order to find us. Is this... acceptable m'lord?"
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The nine hells will freeze before such a union ever took place.
our luxuries pale to those of your manor...
"Well, we shall need to remedy that. My staff will bring some items of class and comfort as well. Good! It is settled then. Now, be a dear and go find Elise for me. she will need to come too, obviously."
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Sindran only:
If you make this check, please keep your response in spoiler tags.
While scrying the Horn, you notice a big blood stain one of the pillars in the lower temple (room 1-27 on the map) that wasn't here before. When you zoom in, you see it is still dripping, and there is a faint smear from the pillar towards the throne.
If there was something to be noticed, Sindran didn't notice it.
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Cole, Cala - The conversation with the Baron is soon over, after Cala cleverly directs him towards being a prisovisitor. He's not to keen on keeping you here, and he excuses himself to take care of some business at a granary of his.
Servants appear, one for each of you (to make sure you're never alone? or as a sign of respect? alas, you'll never know) waiting on you. They're quite skilled at being terribly polite and yet extremely annoying. I'm assuming you're taking another overpriced drink and then getting out, if only to get away from the uncomfortable servants.
So, what would you like to do next during your field trip? To be honest, it might be a while before you get into town again; you might as well enjoy it while you're here!
I wasn't aware I was with the Baron, I thought Talon was going around town trying to find stuff out about the dragon. Not that he's any good at that. Perhaps Talon could fly around for a while and try to spot it, they can't be too hard to spot.
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[dice=Perception]1d20+8
If there was something to be noticed, Sindran didn't notice it.
Then I guess we will never find out. dum-de-dum...
I wasn't aware I was with the Baron,
fair enough. My bad *fixed*.
would you like to pursue any of the above leads, or anything on your own?they can't be too hard to spot.
Except it's been a few days since it was last seen... If it was easy, you'd have found it yourself by now...
Eying the Baron closely before he exits, Caladwhen signs to Cole "He's up to something..." Politely refusing the last drink, Caladwhen gets up from her seat and begins to make for the exit. Stopping before leaving, she instructs the servants "We'll be by to pickup the Baron within the next two days, let him know."
Exiting the manor, Caladwhen turns to Cole "I'll leave you to your investigations. I'm going to check in with my operatives. Should you see Talon while you're out and about, inform him of our progress with the Baron... I'll inform Sindran."
Sounds good, I can't stand the pompus ass. He sees me as nothing but a brute. I mean he is kind or right, but... Alright I will see what I can find out about the dragon as well. See you soon.
Cole heads into the city and does the Gather info and knowledge checks from before.
Well the Baron has one thing right. Talon gives a smirk as he follow Cole.
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Cole - an appendix to your gather information:
Now that you know the baron's side of the dragon legend - More precisely, now that you know that the baron IS a factor in the legend - you wonder what made those Iraen barbarians decide to invade the settlement of Farholde. It would not surprise you if the Baron had a hand in organizing the Barbarians. And if that would be the case, his plan obviously failed.
You also know the baron is terrified of Cardinal Thorn - even though the baron tries very hard to hide that. However, you never could discover the reason for that fear.
Now, you wonder... You know
"You're not the first group I've sent, but I hope you will be the last."
Cole will relay what he finds out to Talon. He will do his best in helping to spread rumors of the dragon demanding sacrifice as well.
Talon I think I have found out all I can here. When your ready we should head back and prepare for the fight to come.
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Talon.
Your strolls around town take you, somewhat naturally, to the dirty part of town. And suddenly you stand before the stone bunker that's called Lord Drownington's manor. It is the one dry building in the swampy cesspool of Drownington, equal parts bar, brothel, fight club, black market and thieves’ guild, without a doubt the most dangerous place in Farholde.
There are things being offered for sale around here, that make your eyes water or send shivers down your spine. In any case, no one here cares or knows about the dragon. Until you are approached by a surprisingly clean fellow with a long brown overcoat.
"Hello there. I can tell you what you want to know - but we shouldn't speak of it here. Would you please come with me? There is a place where we can talk just around the corner."
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He drops by to see how Zikomo's withdrawal is progressing
These days, Zikomo more often than not spills half his rationed fruit-drink as he tries to down it all in one go, and falls into a stupor halfway through. He is slowly turning into a reeking heap of goblin self pity. It ain't pretty.
...using any remaining time to check on what Ezra is doing
She's lurking suspiciously around the alchemy golem. It's the first time you've seen her in weeks.
...and how Hexor-and-Vexor's game is progressing!
You catch them grinning madly and resetting the board for another game. The first few moves of the new round are an astounding flurry of movement, where both of the massive monsters move both hands with unexpected speed and grace, dancing through the first 10-15 moves or so without hesitating.
Then, the game starts for real...
Talon looks the man up and down, eyebrow arced. "Is that so?"
"Seems like a good idea than." The man seems trustworthy, but all the same Talon suspects an ambush. He makes sure to keep his senses sharp and his hand on Rygat.
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chatting happily, the brown-coated man suddenly shouts "LOOK OUT!" and he pushes you into a side alley. You feel a little dizzy because of the sudden outburst.
Before you can turn around, a scream and a gurgle tell you the story of what happens in the street behind you. A second later, the brown coated man comes into view, and extends his hand towards you.
"terribly sorry. Here, let me help."
Talon growls, getting up on his own. "You've got about two seconds to start talking, I'm tired of this run around bullshit."
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the polite man helps you back on your feet and indeed starts talking. A thug lies face down in the gutter, clutching a broken arm.
He introduces himself as Thelmon Philps, seeker of knowledge extraordinaire. He leads you a few blocks away, towards the southern edge of Drownington, where he stops in front of a crooked, leaning wooden building. White paint on the window announces that "Specialty Books" can be acquired here.
"I couldn't help but overhear you asking questions, sir. To your fortune, I am a procurer of knowledge; I seek tomes on every imaginable and unimaginable subject. And my ultimate goal is to bring answers; to provide these extraordinary insights to those seeking them. I like to think of myself as a knowledge matchmaker, and I do be proud of it if you do not mind me saying so."
He unlocks the three strong locks that hold the front door in place, and enters first.
"Please, come in. Have a look."
Inside, dozens of crates contain hundreds of books, neatly catalogued by subject.
Talon listens carefully, growing a small amount of respect for the man. He steps in slowly, looking around at the books. A type of knowledge seeker himself, Talon generally peruses to see what the man has, keeping an eye out for anything about silver dragons.
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Taking your time, you find a crate or two labeled 'hunting, leatherworking'.
You look inside and find an old, worn grimoire with the title "slaying dragonkin". Inside the cover is a note with a 4 digit number on it.
" AH. You have there one of my most rare works. Yes - you seem the type in need of such extricate knowledge... I must warn you though, dear sir, the cost of such knowledge is a great responsibility. It falls upon the educated to use their knowledge. And this knowledge van only be used at considerable risk to one's health. That will be 2500gp. "
Talon looks at the book for a moment, letting it hang loosely in his hand. "And who put the idea in your head that I wanted to kill a dragon?" He gently sets the book down. "And even if I did, what would prevent me from simply taking the book? Not exactly a reportable crime considering the contents of the book and the situation."
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"Indeed, sir, who would prevent it? Theft is of course quite rude. That is precisely the type of attitude that gets one incinerated by a dragon. Yes, a thief would have much to learn. "
He shrugs and sighs deeply.
"The item's price reflects the rarity of the tome, as well as the difficulty in acquiring it. Then again, my goal is to educate. I am somewhat indifferent about the method. "
Talon scratches at his neck absentmindedly, perusing the rest of the available knowledge. He doesn't appear to be about to take action or get violent at all. Rather just having a philosophical discussion about hypotheticals. "You didn't answer my first question." He gently leafs through another tome. "What is your name?"
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He introduces himself as Thelmon Philps, seeker of knowledge extraordinaire.
Thelmon looks you solemnly in the eyes. There isn't a hint of humour in his eyes.
"Sir, is something the matter? Are you feeling unwell? I am convinced you can afford such an item, judging by your impressive adornment. Did the price tag shock you? "
Talon sets down the book, turning to look at Thelmon. "You still didn't answer my question."
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Talon looks at the book for a moment, letting it hang loosely in his hand. "And who put the idea in your head that I wanted to kill a dragon?"
Thelmon blinks in honest incredulity.
He points at the one book you've leafed through with any semblance of interest."I must admit, I find your insults to my intelligence quite affronting. But you seem to have attracted an illness of sorts - and I will happily forget about this episode if you'd just tell me what is wrong with you. How can I help you, man! Out with it!"
"One does not have to wish to kill a dragon to learn how. There are many things I know how to kill that I have never met." He grins, going back to the draconic book. "An information gatherer you say. What would you say to...a trade?"
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Master Philps relaxes, even though the subtle change in his composed posture is barely visible.
"A trade? Fair enough, fair enough. I would trade the tome for that marvelous cape of yours. I would even throw in something extra; a rather peculiar arrow I found with it but I have no use for. Does that proposition agree with you?"
I believe Talon has a cloak of resistance +2 but your sheet isn't very accurate, so the bargain is for one of your items currently worn and of roughly the same value. Also, please keep your character sheets up to date! :)
"And what would such an arrow do?"
"I had more of...information trading in mind. That is your pursuit, is it not?"
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What kind of arrow, indeed. Thelmon shrugs at your question, merely indicating that he does not care about weapons, only words. He found the arrow bundled with the Book, and it is yours if you buy the Book.
(Since we are having a discussion between scholars, let's roll opposing int checks instead of diplomacy checks to find out who wins the debate?)
Talon looks at the arrow, then scans it with magic.
It is a bane arrow.
Mmmm... Dragon Bane one might hope ;)
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It is a bane arrow.Mmmm... Dragon Bane one might hope ;)
One might.
Anyway, let's finish the negotiations.
gods be damned. Okay Talon, you suggested to trade information, and you've won him over. If you give him something useful, he'll accept your information instead of the 2500 gold. What sort of rare knowledge do you have that you would share?
Talon thinks for a moment, wanting to give him something real but not sure what he wouldn't know that wouldn't compromise the knot. Finally he settles, somewhat reluctantly but with an air of acceptance.
Talon tells the scholar of the strix tribes. He tells him how they were scorned by the gods and sent to this land as punishment, how humans hunted them for sport, how their culture and family works, and some of their brief history. He includes much detail on the subject, but carefully avoids telling of their location at all. When he finishes he stands in silence for a moment, then picks up the items. "I trust that will suffice?"
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Ooh that is quite unique. Well done.
The knowledge collector is taking notes furiously. Every now and then, he stands up, leafs through old tomes, comparing notes. When you finally stop, he looks up from his work, and nods in distraction, smiling, waving you away, and he resumes his work.
Grats on your Book and arrow, Talon.
Talon nods, grabbing the book and arrow and tucking them away on his person. He moves his way out of town, and once he circles back to make sure he wasn't followed drops his guise and takes off to the Horn.
So what did you think Rygat? Did you approve of my actions? Talon has decided that instead of living in fear and confusion of the blade's abilities, he would become more familiar with it.
Once back at the horn Talon let's the others know what he has acquired, then sits down and begins reading.
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The sword seems amused. quiet. You feel it wondering.. Pondering... almost asking itself why the hell you went through all that trouble for a book like that.
After a while, you look at the book, you blink, and then you realize that you've been under the influence of a powerful illusion and it is now wearing off.
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Okay - I'm sure Talon will have a bone to pick later, but for now I'll pick up the main thread again. IMHO, these are the most pressing issues on your plate right now:
- We're getting close to the mid point of the ritual. This required a sacrifice of some sort.
- In a few days, the Baron expects a personal office in the Horn. Or, just kill him; you'll need to decide.
- A silver dragon has been seen in the sky, but the location of its lair is not known.
- Cala, what did you craft this week?
Talon checks the arrow again to make sure it's real, then furiously heads back to the town. Once on the fringes he uses his circlet to disguise himself as a fairly normal looking nice human; the idea is to look like a good target. Then he goes wandering into the same area with a worried expression on his face.
If that turns up nothing, Caladwhen will quickly try to discern if something is amiss in Farholde, and if not... she'll teleport back to the Horn.