Our tea is the only true tea Isaac.
This resistance is not fully coordinated as of yet, from my determination, but if you do not change your ways the ideal of resistance and freedom will persist, and you will never rid yourself of this.
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I follow Isaac, if able, striding confidently. If unable I walk around the building.
You are eager gnome, but support is welcome. What is next for us besides creation of the documents? We will need a map of these outlying villages, and who is officially going to plant the evidence?
I never despised you, but I don't trust your methods. Either way we can benefit the greater good. I assert a very annoyed posture, and distance myself from Joroth, following him and looking very wary.
I will have more thorough discussions about this later Joroth, but as it stands we have work to do.
To Joroth:
Spoiler: A lesson in facades of the human world, good to know. The art of misdirection and subterfuge while appearing in plain sight.
As to my style of leadership I won't murder anyone, and I don't stalk sentient beings unless they pose a true threat to the majority. Stalking a sentient being without provocation is pointless. Your beliefs on the art of rulership appear to differ slightly from mine. Nevertheless I will hear your words.
Content is key, and unless there is familiarity or previous correspondence it should be a simple process. Psychology of the individuals involved, key terms, etc. Understood.
I be here folks. Major life activity, but I can post.
I wish to watch the forging arts, always more to learn. I move to Joroth's location and watch, studying each stroke and technique.
Spoiler: Simple enough.
Joroth and DM:
Spoiler: I cannot guarantee I will leave Elrith out as I do have strong racial belief, but unless directly questioned I do not intend to state anything of our discussion or illicit any other assistance. It is better to keep all things simple.
To Joroth and DM: Spoiler: I am interested in learning forgery skills, one must be prepared. Perhaps you could inform me of what you must specifically do to enact these contracts, eventually. Shall we rejoin the others?
Joroth and DM Spoiler: You are correct about the most power. It can be personal or publicly held, but either way those with the most will prevail. It may not last, but they will hold sway for a time. I am curious how such contracts are created, and if you would permit me to observe I am most interested.[/b]
I can discuss the possibilities more in depth, but I am not averse to doing what is needed to win a war so long as my soul is not overtly tainted and any nefarious methods used are ceased once the objective is had. Dealing with other otherworldy entities is a recipe for madness and disaster. One must be terribly careful. In the end one must understand the end can justify the means, so says Nietzsche, but that is a slippery slope.
To Joroth:
Spoiler: Please state exactly what you are asking, what you would need of me? I can safely infer, but I do wish to understand fully.
Regarding the contracts they work well as a distraction and demean the power base of the enemy, the public opinion will be against them.
GM and Joroth Spoiler:
I appreciate the history lesson, I sometimes forget the past at times to concentrate on more pressing matters. I recall stories of Aquitain though the details of its fall are slightly different depending on the orator. Pathad did indeed enter history and make themselves a powerful nation. As with all wars there is much death, but enslavement I do not recall hearing; perhaps it is untrue or my ancestors do not wish to speak of it. My people, nay all people, do not deserve to live in chains.
I would not seek to place myself as the head of any kingdom right now, and only with the will of the elven councils would I assert an elven voice for rulership. There is much to do still, and I do seek contact with my people and their thoughts concerning the new information we shall uncover. You have had an agenda thus far, so what is it you would seek, your goals, in this scenario of elven leadership? I know you want the Pathad leadership gone, but what else?
GM and Joroth:
Spoiler: My race has long been dying, crushed under the weight of the new races, but that is the natural order. We will continue undaunted. There is a real possibility my people will have the choice of fighting for their existence or disappearing to another plane. That day is many generations away. We came upon this land thousands of years ago, and other beings had to make way for us as well.
This war, these battles, will not be won without violence, that is reality. Isaac's abilities to disarm and disempower the enemy are of great use as are your abilities, if they are used correctly. I have no illusion of the necessity for death, and am willing to bring it to others if necessary. The dwarf seems ready, but is silent much of the time; I fear she has seen much bloodshed and is desensitized to it which can lead to unfortunate circumstances. Do you wish to change Isaac's mind or present a situation where his ideals are confronted, a do or die scenario? It would show his true actions and desires.
I use my senses as asked.
Joroth and I move to a separate area.
Let us talk. I look for a secluderd spot not too far from the group.
To Joroth: Will we speak peacefully? I need your word.
I eye Joroth for a moment. Due to your past actions you have shown a willingness to do anything you felt was necessary for your goals. If you give me your word it will be a peaceful transaction and no spells cast influencing decisions, I will agree. If Joroth agrees I will accompany him to a more private location.
Betting on one's life is not productive. One does not live long by creating division. Since there likely no elven aid the best course of action are the documents and the dwarven allies. Zuket, we need a detailed schedule for these two men, and normal activities around the area so any actions taken by us will be innocuous, and we don't encounter these men or their flunkies unnecessarily.
A division between the people and those in leadership, enough to overcome the fear, would be the best way to ensure persistent resistance, not the short lived kind. Using any assets at our disposal is best, but we mustn't do too much at once. It should grow like a seed, and over time bloom into full blown rebellion amongst all the citizenry. Are there any village elders, those that would have influence among the people? As to moving at night my eyes see better with dim light; so long as their are torches I can aid, provide backup and security. The current ideas are to find information about the two heads and extort them, use the contracts, create division between them and the citizens, seek out devil worshippers, plant a contract on leadership, and contact the dwarf clans. All one needs to make a successful ruse or rumor is to whisper it among the common folk, the beggars and through them the idea will be introduced to everyone else. It will seem to be organic which is the only way such ideas are believed. For a quicker approach move the town leaders to action in some, guile is best, and have them actively seek to find the validity of the rumor immediately. Are there any elven strongholds in this area, or rumors of such?
Isaac, it seems you're letting your aggression influence your statements. You have stated you wish to be peaceful, but open hostility is counter to your goals. As a group we must reach a consensus on our actions, and we have conflicting personalities. A majority must be reached, and all of us have skills that will aid the resistance. We may have the opportunity to see how our gifts benefit everyone. Hostilities will destroy us before we are joined. Accept each individuals gift, and assign them responsibilities where they will excel. War cannot be won without sacrifice, but limiting it is best.
The tactical quality of Joroth's suggestion is faultless, and would stop the major aggresors with little to no effort or bloodshed. The act itself is evil and thoughtless of life. I could not willingly participate in this action; violence begets violence, and while it will be necessary, using such tactics will encourage the enemy to do so themselves creating much more hardship in a long-term campaign for peace. The likely actions will be bloody and may have collateral damage, civilians or homes, but we can keep our souls cleaner. Killing is either evil or neutral, depending on circumstances. We must ensure we are morally correct to resist any stains on our character or our souls.
Enslavement, the lack of freedom or choice, is fundamentally wrong. Is there any law or code to accompany forcing the citizens into servitude? If there is it must be changed. Rule through fear, tyranny in action. Only those in great fear of losing control use such methods. They often fight the hardest to protect what they see as theirs, and are difficult to negotiate with. How many supporters does the current retinue have?
If we are aiding this "rebellion", we come fully armed, and able to assist. The additional supplies will aid the greater cause. We don't know the greater cause of the rebellion, specifically, but we will surely be made aware.
To Joroth:One need not supplicate themselves to be amenable, or non-threatening. If you are able to look at the long-term effects of choices it would aid in decision making, and lead to the best outcome for your goals. Violence begets violence, an endless cycle. Even the hell contracts are a form of violence, but upon the soul.
I wait on the dwarf to move in first, and carry my items, additional ranged projectiles inside. We should camoflouge the wagon, or use it to block the entrance if needed. No telling the dangers we could face, but if we're close to the initial goal we must be wary. We know not of what they truly seek. Elven Tulim amen lay firos alen
Spoiler: Elrith, what are your thoughts on this, do you trust them? We truly know what this resistance seeks when confronted, we must tread lightly.
Elven Spoiler:
A gnome, interesting. Mr. Ninefinger, what are we to expect of the people and their cause here? Who is Droth?
Joroth, I do agree a republic is a better option as it allows everyone the opoprtunity for representation. That was my thought on the governance should I have a voice. A moderator or individual with full trust would be needed when a consensus cannot be reached, so there is a chance for something there, but with the checks in place the moderator should not have opportunity to create a power base. Stepping from the wagon lithely, I move to the side with the wagon as partial cover from the cave entrance. Dara, you're the expert in this place, do aid us in meeting these people.
We're still here.
I'm waiting for dara and elrith to jump in, but if we need to advance the story, let's roll.
To Isaac: "If humans cannot be happy that would explain their continuous warring efforts and always changing attitudes. Such a life would not be desired. To seek to change ones life for the better is the mark of growth and evolving oneself. Do not be too hasty in seeking these things as true change requires time." Brief pause, almost like posing the question to himself-
"Joroth, I do share the idea that a governing body can be used to conceal motives, to give the illusion of choice. I would caution that projecting this idea onto every governing entity is dangerous and does not allow for thorough investigation and creates a strong bias. These deny you more avenues through which to pursue your goals, and understand the scenario."
"Wrath and pain are one option of many. What of those that sought to retake Pathad from the Turandians? I don't seek to replace leadership specifically or advocate any one individual to power, though it helps progress peace. I seek the removal of the Turandian invaders and peaceful existence to follow, however it is possible."
To Isaac:"When you feel comfortable I am interested to know what you were pardoned for, and how that changed your perception, as you have stated it is thus."
"Acquisitions, the exploits of youth. I haven't had the occasion to do so yet, but there is time." To Joroth:"Where shall you go? If we are to part ways I wish to know you will be safe or prepared in your travels."
As we move away from the bridge without anyone else around:"Being aware of the situation is best, even if the information is not used. We are fine now." To Isaac: "You let some anger slip with Joroth, but such feelings are not misplaced or invalid. An inner balance must be achieved, all parts make the whole. Good to see you haven't left yourself behind." "Where to now?" Elven
Spoiler: The Elders are testing me it seems.
Elven (whisper)
Spoiler:
The chainmail wearer is in charge. crossbows on those across the bridge, these are fighters. Prepare yourself. Whispers "crossbows across bridge, all fully armored, and ready."
I watch and determine the ranking individual with the action of rendering helpless/unconscious or use to subdue or halt the other Turandians actions, if needed. Perception to ID type of armor and approximate capabilities/weapons/armor type of the armored one and the others (ID spellcasters, etc).
I shake my head somewhat when Joroth attempts his intimidation tactic again. I stay in my position, actions stated above.
No skills to contribute to this scenario, and the main points are being conducted by others. I will sit and see what happens. No need for another voice in this dialogue.
I am acting non-threatening as guards approach. I had been listening to the others speak and guaging their ideas. I have a held action to attack the target most likely to run for aid, or if able, force someone over the bridge into the water thus negating their abilities in a fight.
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