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"Hey, you, I think your boss bit off more than you could chew," Vanetta calls out to the Ulfen in the Green headband.
She looks down to where Deroff is happily chewing on a Scroobi-brand energizing treat. "Right, good boy? You'd never do that, would you? You're so smart, you know how much you can chew."
Her confidence (mostly) restored, she turns her attention back to the one with the bright Red hair.
She raises her shield expecting Red to strike back again.
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Miladistra sighs and casts >Magic Fang< on Deroff. "Be gentle on 'er. She's as stubborn as a mule- and half as tough."
Deroff howls in delight and goes to town.
"Ah think the grease has done its job, Avonathalanthalasa. Could you dispel it?"
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Avonatha pulls out a few spell components, a bit of rabbit fur and a copper twine and rubbing the two items together, begins to chant [v] Ast tresr ieer iresrt [/b] as a small bolt of lightening jumps out of the items, striking the Ulfen leader and then jumping to green
DC 25 Reeflex
4d4+4 electric arcand then she casts shield on herself.
G,. did green and the leader make their save against getting shocked?
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Hoping to wrap this up with minimal damage to both groups, the wizardress begins to chant again and as she finishes her words a sticky vine covered in sap appears from thin air and she flicks it at the Ulfen lady
spell attack
Hero Point
A vine covered in sticky sap appears from thin air, flicking from your hand and lashing itself to the target. Attempt a spell attack against the target.
Critical Success The target gains the immobilized condition and takes a –10-foot circumstance penalty to its Speeds for 1 round. It can attempt to Escape against your spell DC to remove the penalty and the immobilized condition.
Success The target takes a –10-foot circumstance penalty to its Speeds for 1 round. It can attempt to Escape against your spell DC to remove the penalty.
Failure The target is unaffected.
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"Temper, temper" chides Khaul.
"Now lassie, a real warrior, they stay in control of themselves so they can stay in control of the fight."
He keeps his shield raised, peering around the outside, waiting for a chance to... strike
His first blow takes out an image.
"Now, lassie, I think it just about be time to be settin matters over a jug rather than an axe don't ya be thinkin?"
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Liam has a perfect solution for that! ...if she wasn't surrounded by his allies.
Well, a simple solution is best, even if it doesn't let him show off as much.
"Your tenacity is admirable," he says as he attacks, "but as this is a contest and not a true battle, you can always just decide to stop at any time."
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"I'm more of a wine person myself, Khaul. Then again ma and pa used to make moonshine." Miladistra recalls a simpler time, before she could see the alcohol wafting off the drinks like small vanilla stalks.
Ah, but back to Revna the Reckless. Miladistra unleashes an >Electric Arc< and ignores the images altogether, dealing electric damage.
Deroff is a bit too overactive after eating the biscuit.
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Revna decides to yield. That was a lot of damage she got this round. The warriors admit their loss with dignity and offer you, as recompense,
a lesser sturdy shield and an orchestral brooch.
You can now befriend Manglefang by teaching him the difference between laughing at someone and laughing with someone. This requires a Diplomacy
check, a Performance check, or a Circus, Comedy, or Theater Lore check. Only one success is required and each of you can roll once.
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"Manglefang," says Liam as he stows his weapon and shield, "do you see how poking people where they're, ah, sensitive can hurt? Or, sometimes, might provoke them to hurt someone else.
"You wouldn't have wanted someone to do that to you, and you wouldn't have wanted them to attack you either. If you pick on people that much weaker than you, it's not funny--it just makes you look like a bully."
He smirks and laughs pointedly at the linnorm. "Besides, if you were a good comedian you wouldn't be the only one laughing.
"...that was kind of mean. Did it make you feel bad, or angry?"
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"Alright, boy..." She holds Deroff's collar. "Alright, Revna? I hope we defended our honor, or whatever." All muscles, no brain.
She turns to Manglefang. "It's important to hold someone's feelins into account. For example, I can make a joke at my own expense-"
Miladistra suddenly trips and falls into Deroff, who knows how to duck at just the right time to help her tumble over in a very comedic yet harmless fashion.
"And it's funny, isn't it? Now's a good time to laugh."
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You both manage to befriend Manglefang. He nods in recognition. It is better when others laugh along too he admits.
As the sun sinks low in the sky and the day nears its end, the linnorms and you arrive at the castle. While the linnorms aim to visit their father, this is your opportunity to report to Gorm Greathammer and impress both Estrid and Boiltongue—or not. The linnorms tear through the castle, flying pell-mell through the halls and terrifying the castle staff. The guards stay out of the way, recognizing the little linnorms from their numerous antics throughout the castle over the past week.
Since you have befriended all five of them you can easily persuade them to behave. They all enter the meeting hall on their best behavior, floating gracefully and quietly with an eager grin and waiting until their presence is acknowledged before talking. Boiltongue acknowledges his children and Estrid greets you, asking you to introduce themselves to those present.
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Rhaegal steps forward and bows, first to Boiltongue and then to Estrid. He first speaks in Draconic, but then switches to common.
"Linnorm King Estrid, I am Rhaegal, called the Dragon, defender of the mighty Jadirahx. Lord Boiltongue's clutch is strong and willful, but they still need discipline and wisdom to navigate the world." He growls and stomps his foot to emphasize the last two points.
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Castles aren't her strong suit. And dragons are new territory.
But it is incredible - Boiltongue's very posture demands respect, and King Estrid is quite brave to stand alongside him.
"Uh, howdy. I mean, greetings. My Lord. And My King. I'm Miladistra, and this is Deroff. We are honored to be in your presence, and the presence of these five adventurous, curious and proud children. You have provided them with room to grow, and grow they shall."
Miladistra is well aware of leaders thinking they are flawless. It annoys her to such a degree. But she doesn't want to jeopardize the mission. Besides, Vanetta seems to be more in her element here.
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Vanetta lets the other speak first, waiting patiently like a performer following the warm-up band. When Miladistra finishes she steps forward and gestures to the two who haven't spoken.
"Linnorm King Estrid, Lord Boiltongue, may I present Khaul Irontoe, Champion of Traag, and Avonathalanthalasa Caldon of Kyonin. I am Vanetta Dariav, Pathfinder and trader."
She bows elegantly and continues.
"We understand that you've been quite busy in your negotiations with Venture Captain Greathammer for access to the Island of Ancestors, and thank you for taking time to meet us. We hope those negotiations are going well. In the meantime, we've met and made friends with the linnorm children and tried our best to mitigate the consequences of their rambunctious natures."
She pauses to look over at the kids with a motherly smile.
"But as my colleagues have said, they could certainly use more discipline and an attentive parent. Something I myself know only too well."
"We must also make you aware of a potential threat to their safety and to the security of your Kingdom. An agent of New Thassilon going by the name of Efrith was tracking both Lord Boiltongue's movement, and the movements of his children. We did not detain her, as we do not have legal jurisdiction in your Kingdom, but felt it was most imperative that we warn you."
"We're not privy to your negotiations with our Venture Captain, so we don't know what you've agreed to or not, but if there's anything we can do to assist with them or to help make the Pathfinder Society's case, please let us know."
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That is a resounding success.
In addition to Gorm Greathammer (male dwarf prince), White Estrid (female human barbarian), Boiltongue (male crag linnorm), and the guards, numerous diplomats are present, including Skarde Nineblades (male human Ulfen jarl), who is attempting to convince Estrid to send his soldiers to the Island of Ancestors, rather than the Pathfinder Society’s agents. After introductions, Skarde Nineblades grouchily asks if he can proceed, then goes on a rant, expounding the recklessness of the Pathfinder Society, the combat prowess of his soldiers, and the importance of keeping the Island of Ancestors off-limits to foreigners who don’t understand Ulfen ways. After he’s through, you have a chance to counter each of these three claims with a counterargument.
Recklessness: Diplomacy, Intimidation, or Performance check.
Combat Prowness: Acrobatics, Athletics, Gladiatorial Lore, Scouting Lore, Warfare Lore, or other applicable Lore check.
Cultural Knowledge: Society, Archaeology Lore, Pathfinder Lore, or another applicable Lore check.
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Liam simply maintains a cool and calm demeanor while Nineblades argues about the Society's recklessness. He gives a small smile. He lets someone else make the actual argument, but tries to make the argument look as ridiculous as possible by looking as, uh, not-ridiculous as possible.
His armor emits a puff of steam at exactly the wrong moment, and Liam remembers that he may be well put together, but he is also almost inherently ridiculous. At least he doesn't seem to have made things worse.
When Nineblades argues that they lack combat prowess, though, he laughs out loud.
"You must not have heard that your warrior, Revna the Brave, lost her temper and demanded that we fight her in the streets. We easily bested her and her soldiers. How can we lack prowess if we can defeat your warriors?"
The inventor isn't as prepared for the third argument, but is ready with facts to back someone else up.
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Khaul points to his shield, and the captured shield of Revna as evidence of Liam's words.
"If yer be worried of recklessness, then yer own people's be more of a burden to yer than the Society ever will." he states.
"But if that not be proof enough, then look here at me colleague. There be a man tha be put together well now. Look, we bested yer warriors in an honorable albeit adhoc fight. If yer not be belevin our powers, it be yer eyes that have the problem, not our arms."
Khaul fishes inside his bag, gets out a thin iron bar and tries to bend it into shape with just his muscles.
"Now our society, we have a bad rap from time to time. And it's true, in any large organisation there be some nare-do-wells. But we respect the traditions of those who let us explore and document t' past."
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Skarde Nineblades feels like he's hogging all the resources to himself, and Miladistra can smell it.
"Recklessness? Revna the Brave decided to pick a fight with us on the way over here. We defended ourselves and caused minimal damage to the city."
"Don't forget those two manticores we killed. They also underestimated the Pathfinder Society's strength. Their remains are scattered among the hill tops." Miladistra isn't particularly strong, but she does know how to lift Deroff with minimal fuss.
Miladistra realizes she's out of depth when it comes to societal matters, and decides not to open her mouth and jeopardize the talks.
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"And we clearly showed her that we are not to be trifled with! Those who would teach linnorms to learn their own strength cannot be cowards!"
Rhaegal laughs. "A Dragon must be more than just strength or it is just a mere menace. A true Dragon understand the ways of warfare and how to exploit an enemy's weaknesses. You must be wily and patient too."
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Vanetta listens carefully to Skarde Nineblades' remarks but can't keep her face from showing her disdain at his comments.
She addresses his accusation of recklessness by echoing her teammates' words. "We're not the ones that started a fight in the middle of a crowded market street over a child's insult," she retorts with a scalding glare at Manglefang.
"If your warriors had half the "combat prowess" you claim they do, we'd be standing here with broken jaws and tattered clothes. Instead, they surrendered in mere seconds. Though, to be fair, Revna herself put up a decent fight, even though she was clearly outmatched, even by any one of us."
She steps back, bows out, and lets Avontha take the lead on the last argument. Venetta doesn't even bother to speak just stands in awe of the elf maiden's amazing knowledge of cultural antiquities and how the Pathfinder Society has handled archeological digs in the past.
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Recklessness
Brilivex pats her stuffed bunny and speaks up on your behalf, indicating that you were a voice of reason throughout the day and were constantly
“making everything better.”
Crookscale also speaks up on your behalf, indicating that you saved him
from the river and taught him how to swim.
Combat Prowness
Scourtail speaks up on your behalf, describing the battles she witnessed today.
Cultural Knowledge
Oridius speaks up on your behalf, citing everything you taught them today with a loud “Actually…” Unlike many of the other “facts” that
Oridius shared throughout the day, the information they provide
here is correct.
Finally Manglefang, speaks up on your ehalf, noting your efforts to teach him about respect and true comedy.
You all talk circles around Skarde Nineblades and win the debate.
As the debate comes to an end, Estrid announces that she has made her decision. Estrid and Boiltongue are thoroughly impressed with you and immediately grant the Pathfinder Society permission to explore the Island of Ancestors on Estrid’s behalf. Additionally, Boiltongue gives you a gift - a martyr's shield, although he thinks it is just a well made shield. It is imbued with the spirit and compassion of Myrsa Evershield, an Ulfen shieldmaiden and cleric of Tanagaar who died alongside her beloved on their quest to slay a linnorm (Boiltongue’s father).
Tanagaar is a lawful good empyreal lord who is the patron of those who watch over and protect the innocent, especially from evil and nocturnal dangers. Myrsa has hidden her sapience for many years, hoping to reveal herself to whoever eventually slew Boiltongue and took his horde. Ever since White Estrid chose to spare Boiltongue’s life and let the linnorm keep his hoard, she has been lying in wait for the perfect opportunity. She is brave, selfless, stubborn, and thrilled to be around living, breathing people again, but she is also patient enough to wait for a wielder who shares her ideals. She might agree to have one of you carry her into battle in the future, should you prove their dedication to righteous causes. Even if she doesn’t want any of you to carry her into battle, she is interested in traveling with you back to the Pathfinder Society’s Grand Lodge to meet other warriors and seek a suitable candidate.
With King Estrid’s verdict, the time has come for you to bid the linnorms goodbye. Each befriended linnorm takes a moment to speak with you, perhaps giving thanks, cuddles, or extorting promises of future visits. Brulivex even names her bunny Khauly.
The little faerie dragon makes it a point to do a happy fly around the little linnorns.
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"Not too bad, ya'll. Yer gonna do great." Miladistra turns to the young linnorms. "All of this responsibility ain't easy, take it slow. If you ever need help, feel free to tell me or ma and pa. Be careful, ma and pa aren't as strong as I am." She grins.
Petting Deroff, she turns to the king. "That ye, milord. For your fair and careful assessment."
Taking a deep breath she gazes upon Lord Boiltongue. "We are honored by your gift and generosity. With your guidance, your children will go far."
What an odd gift. She surprised Boiltongue would keep anything reminding him of the hunt for his father. Perhaps it is out of respect for a good person with a bad goal. Or perhaps his father wasn't on the up and up, and this partnership is Boiltongue's way of making amends. She has her own complicated relationship with her birth parents.
"Oridius, ah could use some help. I love ma and pa, they helped raise me and teach me right from wrong. But my Mother and Father..." she shakes her head. "Difficult at best. How does your father deal with all of the attention?"
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Rhaegal huffs and bows to Boiltongue. "Your clutch is energetic and inquisitive. They will grow to by mighty hunters in their own right. It is an honor to have helped our linnorm cousins." He gives Scourtail a high-five.
"I will tell Jinlong that he must come visit you! He would love to see the hatchlings and you can learn from him as well!"
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Vanetta thanks the King and her linnorm ally for their most wise and gracious decision, and pulls VC Greathammer aside to remind him that he owes them a huge favor for the babysitting job they got pulled into.
She works her way around to all the children, thanking them for their friendship and for speaking up on their behalf. She ends with Scourtail, the most adventurous of the lot. "You know, hon, maybe you should join the Pathfinders. You'd get to travel, go on adventures, and you'd never be bored. We'd love to have you. Once you're old enough, of course," she finishes with a twinkle in her eye.