Round 3
Will Save
Spooked by Mutamba's command, the Duke makes every effort to flee away from the priest, but with Mutamba guarding the exit, he does not attempt to leave the room.
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Bofus: After the Duke departs you linger in the shadows to watch the servant. He moves about the room frantically packing his belongings for a journey. While he is rumaging through a wardrobe, you are able to come from behind the door and gently lift the sealed envelope from his pocket without him noticing. Quietly withdrawing from the room you take the letter out into the dimly lit hallway and with your dagger begin to try and break the seal. Opening the letter, it reads as follows: Dear High Noblewoman Kzlashtarr, I write to you in my need. My plans are unraveling due to a hired group of adventurers. They have turned my bride to be against me and now they are jeopardizing my blackmail. My life may even be in danger. I humbly call upon you to aid the Murandal family as you have done in the past. I ask that you send your best fighters to come to the surface to eliminate the wretched agents who would lay waste to my plan. I will make sure the portal is open. Sincerely, Hestar Murandal, Duke of Witchcross
Bofus: You follow the Duke through various hallways into his guest room. Observing him through a key hole, he appears very agitated as he paces back and forth in anger then he sits down and writes a letter on a parchment and seals it with wax and a seal from his signet ring. Slipping behind a tapestry he hide out of sight as he strides from his room, down another hallway to a descending staircase. Next, he descends the stairs to the basement of the keep. Bursting into one of the servant's chambers he addresses one of his own personal attendant. "Gozrah, You will take this letter and deliver it to House Kzlashtarr in the Darklands. Use the portal in the Nesten Keep Tomb! Go with haste and don't wait for confirmation! Report back immediately when you return!" The servant nods his approval and takes the letter and places it inside his vest pocket. The count leaves and begins climbing back up the stairs toward his chamber.
The Duke looks at the gnome as if he were a dragon in his living room, drops the Lady's arm, and turns on his heels and runs.
"My my, that would not be good for the Duke now would it." "Would it now?" Good evening." The Duke sneers as he emerges out of the shadows. "So this is where you are hiding, my lady. I was wondering what took you away from the dinner table. Now I see there is scheming afoot. Perhaps you would be better off returning to chamber. We would'nt want anything to happen to you now, would we? Now why don't we let these fine gentlemen leave and get on with their own business. I think you've had quite enough to drink for one night." Turning to you he demands in a sinister cool voice, "Begone from this keep and bother us no more. You have your work to do and I have mine, and should I find any deceitful notes lying about, I will know who needs a little lesson in justice! Now, leave!" The Duke grabs the Lady Nesten by the arm as he glares at all of you and expectantly waits for you to depart!
"Thank ye fer dinner. It looks like we're gonna hafta tell tha townsfolk ourselves. Duke, don't ye try te stop us." "Don't you worry, big beard! I won't try and stop you. You go right ahead and tell them whatever you want! Just don't send them to Witchcross, because we have enough troubles there as it is, and we don't need any more poor folk hanging about, scrounging off of our food and good fortune! Hey why not send them back to your HammerHold Place?! I'm sure the dwarves there would love to host a bunch of homeless, hungry humans!"
"Ok, be that way! I think your welcome is worn out now anyway. Let's finish up your last few bites and be on your way. I don't think the lady is quite finished entertaining you tonight." The Duke opens the front doors to the dining room and gestures for you all to leave now.
DM Rolls:
The Duke drains a glass of ale and looks around impatiently for someone to refill it. Then he continues eating his meal, mostly ignoring the rest of you. Finally he says, "So do you all have the same sentiment as your halfling friend, or do I have anyone left to keep me company?" Bofus: You manage to pilfer a gem encrusted dagger from his breast pocket, and as far as you can tell, you appear to have gotten away with it! You believe it to be worth about 200 gold pieces.
The Duke looks at Bofus incredulously. "Joking? Is that what you said? Joking? Who the hell are you to address a Duke as such? Do you have any noble blood in your veins or are you one of those commoners that thinks they know what is best for the nobility to do?!! Yes, yes, I am fully aware of my responsibilities in keeping the people alive, but clearly, when we are in a position where we need to abandon the town, I believe the people will be much better off if they simply get lost and run for it. What leadership do they really need other than someone to tell them to get lost! As I think about what has been said, the more I am convinced that the people simply need to flee! Besides, what harm can come if the stupid ones who stay simply get slain? At least through a natural selection, you will have a smarter population!" Turning to Lady Nesten, he impatiently adds, "Dear, why did you invite such guests to your home? They really are rather rude don't you think?!"
Mantooth:
Neither Duke Murandal nor Lady Nesten appear to be lying. However there is not much chemistry between the two of them that you would expect from two lovers. You are not sure what the deal is, but perhaps they are simply being proper. "Ah, you two are to be wed? How wonderful. How did the two of you meet?" "Oh, we've known each other for many years. The noble families of this region have all been close throughout our history. In fact, I think our parents have been planning this union for a long time." "A pleasure to meet you, Duke Murandal. My name is Mantooth Longbrow. Lady Nesten invited us to dinner when we came to her earlier this day to warn her of the approaching horde and to give you enough time to begin making appropriations for the safety of yourselves and the townspeople." "Nice to meet you, Longbrow. Well, there you've heard it, my dear! Straight from the paladin's mouth. Perhaps this time, you will listen to him and also heed my words. Let us leave this keep of yours and you can come back and live with me back at Overwood Keep in Witchcross! From what I've heard, the town of Talar doesn't stand a chance." Turning to all of you, he asks for clarification, "Is it true what I've heard that the horde is coming straight through here and planning on leveling Talar?" With your answer he turns back to Lady Nesten and says, "Well, my lady, at least you could be safe with me back at my castle! Stop worry about your people. They will make it on their own. They are a tough bunch, but there is little you can do for them at this point. However, you can at least save yourself. If you stay here on your own, there is little I can do to protect you!"
"That's right! We are to be wed, next month. Time flies, but not quite fast enough for our big day! So who are all of you, and why have you brought ill news to our dinner table?" The Duke sits down next to Lady Nesten and quickly starts filling his plate with food. Addressing Mantooth, he commands, "I think you've killed it quite enough, Knight! Now, start heaping some of that boar onto my plate!"
"Well, perhaps it is because your gender is so hungry in the search for power and domination. If they only focused on peace, family, and the prosperity of their neighbors and all the people instead of trying to oppress them!" The doors swing open and young well dressed gentlemen saunters in and interjects to the Lady Nesten."Don't you think you are making a gross overgeneralization, my dear?" "So who are these band of rag tags you have invited to dinner tonight, Celiira?" |