Ah, I remember this guy, Savage Tide game, I think we finished the first book.
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“Keep an eye out for trouble,” Eldin winces at the unintentional pun, hoping that Terin does not take it badly. “I’m sure the Lotus Dragons – and possible Vanthus – haven’t forgotten about us.”
Eldin leads the group off, making for the docks. Once there, he will begin to ask after Anders, greasing a few palms as necessary.
"Alright ... well, Anders note said that he was heading to the docks . Shall we head down there and ask about? ... Although I have a bad feeling about this ..."
Eldin looks at the others grimly. “Yes, I think that would be wise. His note said he was going to the docks, correct? “Is everyone in a state to travel down there and begin asking about. I think it would be a good idea to travel in a group right now.”
Eldin explains their holdup. “At best, the sergeant was lazy and irresponsible; at worst, and more likely, corrupt and in the pay of the Lotus Dragons. I think we will need to go higher up to have any action on this, by which time Rowan may well have tidied up her operation,” he looks at Lavinia. “However, as I said earlier, I still believe that finding Vanthus is of higher importance in the long run; we know where he is now, but he may not stay there for long. Perhaps, if the Lady is willing,” he bows to Lavinia, “she could use her influence with the Dawn Council, and the evidence of the notes that Rowan gave us, to see that the investigation of the guild proceeds in our absence?” The priest suddenly looks about. “Where is Anders?” he asks. “He has not come back here?”
Let's rejoin our team. There is nothing left for us to do here. Eldin nods, and, assuming they're allowed to do so, leaves to head back to the Manor with Terin.
Eldin nods slowly at Teldin’s words. He seems about to launch into one of his speeches, but then seems to think better of it, shrugs, and prepares to head out.
“I am saddened at the loss of your men Sergeant, and will pray that the Wanderer guides their steps to the afterlife. However, no disrespect is intended, but we warned you that it may be dangerous, and offered to accompany your men, an offer you declined. Now, as for evidence; our companions at Vanderboren Manor have some letters which link Rowyn to various crimes. If we are allowed to go there…?”
“My name is Eldin Farstrider. If you are sending a detachment out to,” “make sure that they are well armed and well prepared – it is possible that an ambush will be waiting for them. “The noble running the operation we believe to be Rowyn Kellani. As I mentioned, some of my companions have documents linking her to criminal activity. If your men encounter her, I would advise to attempt to detain her, but that is of course your call Sergeant. “I’ll wait, and will be happy to answer more questions. A mug of water and a chair so that I may rest my weary feet are all I ask. But if you would be so kind as to send a man to the Vanderboren Manor, I have companions there who might be concerned at my delay – if you would relay the situation to them.. I also have a message for a man named Ardan, whom you should find there; tell him that Eldin said “I may have been mistaken, no urgency” – he should know what it means.”
Eldin flushes slightly, a little embarrassed over his (presumed) presumption. Ah well, better safe than sorry, he thinks. With what we’ve been through over the past few days, a little paranoia is probably justified… “Um … yes, the Lotus Dragons. We believe we have discovered their primary headquarters, and the identity of several of their members – including their leader. Unfortunately, they are quite aware that they have been discovered, and will no doubt move quickly to cover their traces … oh, and to complicate things, their leader is a noble, and a member of a Dawn Council family, so marching in and making accusations based on the word of some scruffy adventurers might be problematic … fortunately, some companions of mine have some documents which should link said noble to various nefarious deeds…” Eldin will go into as little or as much detail as required at this point, but his primary concern is conveying the information and its urgency, rather than standing around and demanding immediate action. As soon as he can, he’ll head back to the Vanderboren Manor to catch the others up, and cancel the false alarm if applicable… assuming he thinks the guard is on the level.
As Eldin steps into the barracks he pauses for a moment at the entrance, his elven heritage allowing his eyes to quickly adjust to the dimmer lighting conditions. He takes a moment to survey the scene, his eyes flicking quickly between several features. He tilts his head slightly, scratching at the fine blonde stubble at his jaw, the movement masking a quick and quiet whisper to Ardan. “Trouble, maybe,” he murmurs laconically. “Go, now. Lavinia.” His eyes convey the urgency of the message. Hoping that the sergeant will be too preoccupied with his muffin and the irate lady to pay much attention to Ardan (hopefully) hurriedly leaving, Eldin stands back and waits patiently for a few moments. If he appears to be unobserved he quietly draws Terin’s attention to the portrait on the notice board, and the tattoo on the Sergeant’s arm. If the sergeant’s interview with the woman appears to be dragging on for more than a few minutes, Eldin makes a show of sighing loudly (looking back out the door away from the sergeant as he does so), and then says rather loudly (but to no-one in particular) “We’ll come back later,” before leaving in no particular hurry. If the sergeant soon finishes with the woman, or appears to pay particular attention to them, or calls them over or otherwise reacts to their presence, Spoiler: Eldin strides towards the desk. As he does so, he attempts to read the note pinned to his picture on the noticeboard. Whether or not he can, he addresses the sergeant.
“Good day sergeant, I am Eldin Farstrider, humble servant of Fharlaghn,” his eyes drift towards the noticeboard, before he looks back at the sergeant and smiles pleasantly. “Perhaps you have heard of me? I need to speak to the watch captain in charge quite urgently, on a matter involving a group of thieves known as the Lotus Dragons.” His eyes flick momentarily towards the visible portion of the man’s tattoo. “Perhaps you have heard of them also?”
Eldin, various documents in hands, raises his head to luxuriate in the fresh air for a moment, then looks about at his companions. “Well … that could have turned out better, but it could also have been much worse. According to this,” he brandishes the note, “Anders has returned to the Manor on some urgency … or something, it is difficult to make out his chicken-scrawl. I suggest that some of us return there in haste to see that he is alright, report to Lavinia and try to make sense of these letters. The rest of us should make haste to the nearest watch house and let them know about this place. I’ll do the latter – who is with me?” Suddenly remembering something, he turns to Marius. “And what of you friend? I am not certain that the Lotus Dragons will let you go so easily … if you travel with us for a time we may be able to offer you a measure of protection, although I don’t doubt that we are marked by them too. Perhaps you should meet our employer?”
Eldin, bemused, takes the letter from the taxidermist … or Rowyn, or whoever it is. He’s confused. It’s been an odd day. Again.
Eldin nods curtly in agreement, silently praying that he has made the right decision in going after Vanthus over bringing Rowyn to account. He doesn’t like what she’s doing here, but fears that they will not win a fight here, leaving Vanthus free to continue on his orgy of murder and destruction. “Let’s go,” he says, reaching for the sheath of papers, letting someone else take the chest. He throws a sideways glance at Terin, impressed that the druid was able to identify Rowyn’s lizard as something more than it appeared (some type of draconic creature perhaps?) but worried that the elf’s sense of altruism might get the better of him, that he might do something rash.
Eldin nods. “It works for me… however,” he glances at Terin in particular, and the other members of the party who have not yet spoken up, “we must all be in agreement. It is not an ideal situation, but I prefer it to more bloodletting – ours or others’. Do we all agree?”
Eldin’s gaze does not leave Rowan’s face, while he awaits a response to his comment , but he speaks in response to Seann and Terin. “The Lady Rowan has told us that she is a scion of House Kilawni. Convincing the Dawn Council that one of their own is a criminal mastermind may not be a simple task, and the Lady knows that. If we take her into custody and present her to the authorities, things may not go the way we hope. In addition, if we were to agree to her requested time sequestered – which we surely do not – that would give her sufficient time to explore a number of options: escape; removal of her operations and all evidence of it to another location; planting false evidence to turn the law against us; prepare traps or ambushes that could not fail to kill us. “So yes, I am sure the Lady feels that she has her options well in hand. What we all must keep in mind here is that, abhorrent as we may find this operation, our primary goal is to find Vanthus – and she has that information. A fight here may or may not serve us in that. So we still wait to see if we are able to come to an arrangement at least somewhat agreeable to all of us. “I certainly don’t like the idea of a thieves guild operating in the city – least of all one run by a noble. But history teaches that there are worse alternatives to a stable thieves guild running the city’s underworld. Besides, it is dawning on me that Vanthus is potentially far more evil, depraved and ruthless than the Lotus Dragons, so my focus is finding him ”
“We cannot agree to spending time sequestered, and the time we will give you before going to the authorities will be three hours at most. A resourceful woman such as yourself will no doubt be able to use that time wisely. If you cannot agree to that, we will take you into custody and track Vanthus down ourselves as you suggest. I’m sure we would all like to avoid further killing if possible.”
“Lady, you have the advantage of us … your face is familiar, but I do not know your name? “Well lady, you have heard the answer of one of us. I cannot answer for the group, but I myself side with Terin on this one. I have seen what happens when a guild of thieves decides that they should take a hand in the overall direction of their city – perhaps you have heard of The Last Laugh in our neighbour Cauldron? “As for a thug and brute taking over the guild if you are gone … perhaps that is preferable to someone who seeks to overthrow the ruling order of the city. “The Dawn Council has its faults, that is certainly true – any organization made up of people will be faulty, for no one who is not of the divine can be perfect. But I for one prefer that this city is led by a group – some good, some perhaps bad – that are at least somewhat representative of the city and her people, rather than a single monarch, especially one brought to power on the back of thieves and scoundrels. “Suffice to say that I do not agree with your plans, or your offer. “I think the only thing that our group will agree to is for you to hand over Vanthus and let us safely leave this place – all of us, including Marius if he wishes it. In return, we will cease hostilities, and give you an agreed to amount of time to shift your base of operations before we inform the authorities of its existence and defences.”
“I think you will understand if we are not foolish enough to lower our guards overmuch. Tell us of your counteroffer, but I think we will stand for now.”
Eldin wipes his feet, and bows his head slightly as he enters the room and looks upon the lady – a gesture of respect, not reverence. “My lady,” he says. “I am Eldin Farstrider, servant of Fharlanghn. My companions and I seek someone we believe to be part of your organization, one Vanthus Vanderboren. We have no particular quarrel with you or your organization. We could, of course, continue this running battle that has regrettably started between ourselves and your forces, but who is to say what would happen if we do? I have little doubt that you can account for yourself well, lady, and less doubt that even now there are thieves waiting to strike at us. I also know that my companions and I have survived worse than blades and rogues. “It would seem to everyone’s advantage if we were to at least make an attempt to discuss our differences in a civilised manner, and come to some sort of accommodation. “What we want, primarily, is Vanthus. What you want, I would surmise, is for your guild to survive this day, Killing us might help you accomplish that, but only if you can be sure that we do not, in the process, weaken your organization so greatly that the city watch, or one of the rival groups waiting in the shadows, cannot take advantage of that weakness and crush you. Can you be sure, my Lady?”
Eldin speaks.
“We need to act fast,” says Eldin. “Anyone hurt? Alright, Terin, Marius, which way to the boss lady, or a defensible position bar that. Or do we keep making our stand here?”
Eldin takes a five foot step back away from the combat, and waits to see if any of his companions will require healing.
Standing close to the trio of rogues, Eldin lashes out with his quarterstaff, trying to sweep the nearest thief’s legs out from under him.
He shifts positions slightly to make sure he can't be flanked.
Spinning about, the priest is in time to see Marius fall to a trio of rogues. Fearing that they may take the opportunity to finish off the unconscious man, the priest's reflexes take over, and he quickly touches the healing want to Marius, sending a burst of positive energy to revive him.
Eldin sighs and looks heavenwards, before preparing for battle. Yes, the old man was almost certainly stalling so that allies could move into favourable position, and yes, there would probably be an ambush prepared and waiting for them if they followed him to the Lady. But obscurely (perhaps naively), Eldin believed him when he said they would have a chance to say their piece, and he had hoped to at least have the chance to do this thing as bloodlessly as possible – either through diplomacy, or through a direct and sudden strike at the guild’s leader without having to fight through the entire guild to get to her … that chance now appeared to be gone.
“It seems that we are at something of an impasse here,” speaks Eldin, stepping forward, “but our main quarrel is not with you nor your lady, but with one Vanthus Vanderboren. Perhaps your lady can help us find him. Now, you were heading to see her and we were heading to see her, so why do we not both proceed in this direction? We give an undertaking to talk with the lady rather than rush in with blades drawn, if you will undertake to allow us the chance to speak freely without being ambushed. Does that sound fair?” He looks at much as the rest of his group as the old man. No doubt things will not be as simple as all that, but the fact remains that they will sooner or later need to face the Lady of the Lotus, and if they are to be ambushed he would rather it was within striking distance of her than not.
“Not at all,” Eldin inclines his head, keeping a wary eye on the old man. He wipes the zombie g!&# off the end of the wand with the edge of his cloak and then touches it to Tyndal’s bruised flesh, evoking the healing energy.
The priest has been trained in diplomacy, and considers leading the parlay with the old man … but he sees little value in it, given the antagonistic attitude of some of his companions. He would feel uncomfortable in negotiating a truce only to have it broken by one of his companions. Eldin doesn’t get too caught up in concepts of honour and truth, but he tries to do the right thing – and that wouldn’t be right.
“How can we know you do not lead us into a trap?” asks Eldin, lowering his wand and hoping that his companions will follow his lead and choose to parlay … but knowing from past (recent) experience that he has no control over whether they do or do not.
“Be at peace Seann,” murmurs the priest. “This thing is now at rest, and we shall need your focus to help us through the trials to come.”
Terin, Tyndal and Seann yet to act in this round.
At his next opportunity, Eldin is going to attempt to strike the zombie with the wand again. If at all possible, he will take a 5 foot step into a location where he is flanking it with Tyndal or one of the others. Also, I’m using an Action Point to improve my attack roll.
Eldin takes his wand in hand and advances on the zombie, attempting to channel a burst of positive energy into the undead thing.
“So much for that,” comments Eldin, closing his eyes briefly and looking heavenwards, as The Beast rushes past him. “Not every path we walk is clear…”
Eldin nods curtly. “Agreed,” he says, making to follow the man. Before he moves though, he turns and speaks to his companions in a low voice. “Remember, as distasteful as they may be, our main quarrel is not with the rank and file of the Lotus Dragons, or even their mistress, but with Vanthus. We should make tracking him down our first priority, and if it can be done through diplomacy rather than combat … well, let us see…” He then prepares to follow.
Eldin moves carefully up behind Tyndal and prods him with the healing wand, sending a surge of positive energy into his wounded body.
It does not work.
Eldin moves forward to the edge of the grease, holding his holy symbol up again and calling on the power of his god to this time send the abomination back to its grave.
It does not work.
That's the problem with turn undead (from a DM perspective); it's either all or nothing, particularly when you're dealing with only one critter. "Be warned friends," calls the priest, "the vile magic that holds this mockery together is strong indeed. I feel that I have weakened it little, if at all."
“Far traveler, lend me a measure of your light and grace against this undead menace that here we face,” prays Eldin, reaching for his holy symbol, and : Spoiler: holding it aloft against the zombie goblinoid. “Return to your grave,” he commands, “your journey on this Oerth is over.”
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