That is because magic can manipulate the mind. Just as these swords would turn the citizens of Drellin's Ferry into subservient dragon spawn.
"Durgin, do you have any recollection of speaking to a large dog-like creature?" Mantooth asks, knowing that he is not an evil individual. "Or do you at least remember the name of the woman who gave you this ring?"
"Durgin, do you have any recollection of speaking to a large dog-like creature?"
"Like I said, M...M...Mantooth, I do not speak with d...d...dogs. I do not know w...w....what I would say if I d...d...did talk with a d..d...dog. I have no m..m...memory of talking to a d...d...dog."
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HOw about the magical weapons in your barn? You don't know how those got there?
thinking, then . . . It's beginning to look to me like this ring allows another being to actually take Durgin over completely, mind adn all, so he doesn't remember what happened under its influence. but hey, i'm not the expert in such matters . . .
*whisper* Tirion, I want to look at the ring a little closer, can you bring it over to me in the barn?
*louder* Hmmm, I want to go check teh barn again. Durgin, do you mind if I take another, closer look around?
Whisper - No problem.
I follow Bofus to the barn.
Mutamba rest easily while the others continue there questioning. But, keeping an eye out for trouble from the farmer. Though his easy stance suggest he has no other intention than being relaxed, the monk stands ready to move with the grace of a jungle cat.
"How about the magical weapons in your barn? You don't know how those got there?"
"I know this does not look g...g...good. But I am telling the t...t...truth when I say that I d...d...do not know how they g...g...got there. I thought they were my t...t...tools. I am v...very surprised to s...s...s...see weapons."
"Hmmm, I want to go check teh barn again. Durgin, do you mind if I take another, closer look around?"
"That's f...f....fine! Please l...l...look around, but d...d...don't steal anything else!"
"This evidence does look very incriminating. If time was not such an issue, I would bring him in for questioning with the magistrate. Well, I suppose with Brother Derny using his divine skills, we can trust to the fact that he is telling the truth. However, I have never heard of magic of the sort you are describing."
"It is not uncommon in Cheliax for people to be controlled by a person of some magical skill, most often granted by a contract with a devil of sort. I would not be at all surprised if a similar case was at play here."
"Well, we are certainly not very far from the border, but I prefer to keep the hellknights out of Isger! Do you think a devil could be at work here?"
With my basic understanding of the chromatic dragons, they tend to be a much less lawful bunch. Generally it is control by the strongest and death to the weak.
Cheliax and their devils are law for the sake of law. They will make sure that every contract is upheld, irrespective of the results.
"As Master Tirion says, if dragons are involved, I doubt that devils are too. Dragons are far too proud a race to fall in league with the likes of the infernal ones. Human's are weak of mind and far more susceptible to the offers of the demons and devils. A dragon is no doubt above this. But, I have no doubt a dragon would fill the same spot in a devil in the manipulation of what they see as lesser beings."
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now that we're out of sight of Durgin, I want to get a closer look at tha tring. I'm still unwilling to touch it yet, but can Tirion manipulate it enough with his Mage Hand that I can see it all around, inside adn out? any inscriptions/insignia/writing?
I'll take out the DRagon's Eye and look.
Perception:
Durgin's Ring is gold and one end is forged into the head of a lion. As you look at it, the lion gazes back at you as if it is looking deeply into your soul. Then you realize that is impossible. It is just a ring with the face of a lion on it. However, upon further examination, you notice the following words inscribed around the inside of the ring:
The Heart of a Lion
Heart of a Lion
Interesting. You think there might be any ties to the Brindol Lions?
"Interesting. You think there might be any ties to the Brindol Lions?"
"I have never seen a ring like this upon the finger of a Brindol Lion before, but you could be right. The Lion certainly is the symbol of Brindol's elite guards to the High Lord. It is interesting, Durgin has always aspired to be courageous and brave like a Brindol Lion. Perhaps that was part of the lure for Durgin. With a phrase like Heart of a Lion on the ring, I could see why he would be so attached to it. Do you think that is part of the curse, or do you think he is just very fond of it? I have never seen him quite so attached to an item."
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Oh, Captain, you shou dlhave SEEN him when I first took it off him!! It seemed to have been causing him physical pain. And we know it's not a family heirloom, as he only just acuquired it from some strange woman.
I head back to brother Derney. Sir, you came prepared to Discern Lies. ARe you also prepared to Break Enchantments??
Or can you remove curses?
Durgin's Ring is gold and one end is forged into the head of a lion. As you look at it, the lion gazes back at you as if it is looking deeply into your soul. Then you realize that is impossible. It is just a ring with the face of a lion on it. However, upon further examination, you notice the following words inscribed around the inside of the ring:
The Heart of a Lion
The next morning, Thordak rises early and meditates before going to breakfast, hoping for some of those honey cakes.
"Sir, you came prepared to Discern Lies. ARe you also prepared to Break Enchantments??"
"I am not familiar with this sort of enchantment. All I can see about Durgin is that he is very fond of this ring. He does not seem to be enchanted."
"Or can you remove curses?"
"I have removed curses in the past, but usually that involves the removal of an unwanted item or some affliction. However, in this case, you have already physically removed the ring from him. I am still happy to try if you like, but I mostly suggest you pray to the benevolent Sarenrae to have mercy upon his soul."
@Thordak
• Moonday, Lamashan 1, 4710; 3 hours after dawn •
After sleeping in the next morning, you come down to meet your mother preparing a huge breakfast of eggs, sausages and biscuits and also your Kloin's legendary honey cakes.
"Did you sleep well, dear?" your mother asks. "You looked tired, so I decided to let you sleep in. Now tell me, does that hippogriff of yours need any feeding? I just don't want to see her eating up Kurdok's Cat next door."
"Well, your father has been working on that axe of yours all morning. I suspect he will have it all ready for you soon. So how long will you be staying, Thordak. Will you be able to stay another night with us?"
" 'The Heart of a Lion?' " Mantooth asks. "I don't think I've heard of anything like that. I wish Matthias were here to tell us for certain."
Knowledge, Nobility
When the group is away from Durgin, Mantooth speaks in a low voice to Bofus and Tirion (and perhaps the captain). "I know we don't know much about the ring, but does it seem like it is hurting him to have it in his possession? If it is truly a mind control device then perhaps we could give it back to him and tell him we're leaving him alone. We would, of course, leave someone behind to observe him." At this, Mantooth raises his eyebrows to Bofus to see if the idea interests him. "I don't know much about mind control, but perhaps we could also disguise someone in our party as the shape shifting dog and approach Durgin while he is being controlled. That is, of course, if it wasn't the barghest that was controlling him.."
@Everyone
Durgin Fortkeep, having been left all alone, wanders over and joins the rest of you. "W...w....what's going on here? C...c...c..Can you give me back my ring now so I can p....p...p..proceed with helping you all f...f...fight this evil horde?"
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Well, it's against my better judgement, but maybe Durgin *should* get his ring back. Maybe that's not what is controlling him or making him do weird things that he can't remember. I shrug I'll defer to the rest of you. And Mantooth, I think your idea has merit and I shall study it deeply.
As far as these blade . . . I think they shoudl be brought to brindol, in order to be destoryed or at least locked away. What do you all think?
@Thordak
• Moonday, Lamashan 1, 4710; 3 hours after dawn •After sleeping in the next morning, you come down to meet your mother preparing a huge breakfast of eggs, sausages and biscuits and also your Kloin's legendary honey cakes.
"Did you sleep well, dear?" your mother asks. "You looked tired, so I decided to let you sleep in. Now tell me, does that hippogriff of yours need any feeding? I just don't want to see her eating up Kurdok's Cat next door."
Aaaaaah, this looks like just wot Oi needed! Thordak says, rubbing his hands together as he sits. Ah, right, Oi gave Lulu some corn but Oi think she'll want a bit more'n that... he says, standing back up and walking outside with a couple of sausages.
Here ye go Lulu, did ye sleep alright? Oi know this isn't much but we can stop an' hunt somewhere soon, Oi promise. he says , giving her the sausages. He returns inside.
"Well, your father has been working on that axe of yours all morning. I suspect he will have it all ready for you soon. So how long will you be staying, Thordak. Will you be able to stay another night with us?"
Mmmmhph, M'm m'xcit'd de see da m'xe! Thordak says through a mouthful of eggs. Thanks fer breakfast, ma, but Oi can't stay long. Like Oi said, tha vale's under attack an' Oi've gotta go meet moi friends. Oi reckon Oi'll be leavin' after breakfast... he says, helping himself to another sausage.
Last night we talked to Othrek an' he said he'd be musterin' tha clans. Oi'm just gonna stop by there one more time an' then make fer Nimon's Gap.
I really do not think that giving him his ring back is a good idea. The person controlling him might just have him attack other people. Might relay information back on our plans. Who knows. I understand that he is in some pain, but it is better than harming the whole community. Unless the good Brother can remove the curse, I believe that the ring should be carefully secured and taken to Brindol where the clergy of Iomedae can delve into the curse and control more thoroughly.
As far as the weapons go, we take them with us unless there is some forge around here which could melt and destroy them. I know that the dwarves could destroy these and assume that Brindol will also have the resources to do so. But, we cannot allow anyone else to use them as they are evil to the core.
Whisper: Bofus, if you think that we can get some info out of him, then you can give him the ring back. I just do not want to have to fight him. And really do not wish to provide any more information to the horde than is absolutely necessary.
"Well, it's against my better judgement, but maybe Durgin *should* get his ring back. Maybe that's not what is controlling him or making him do weird things that he can't remember."
"G....g....great! Now, I will have m....m....my courage back, and I c...c....can take on anybody!"
Durgin Fortkeep holds out his hand expectantly.
"I promise, I w..w...w...will not let you d..d..d..down!"
"I really do not think that giving him his ring back is a good idea. The person controlling him might just have him attack other people."
"W...w...what?! Why?!!!! I w..w...won't attack anybody. I w..w...will attack the h....h....hobgoblins! You are m...m....my friends. I j...j....just want m....m...my ring!"
@Thordak
• Moonday, Lamashan 1, 4710; 3 hours after dawn •
"Mmmmhph, M'm m'xcit'd de see da m'xe!"
"How many time have Oi told you to never eat with yer mouth full? Now slow down, chew your food well and then speak what's on your mind. Oi want tae have a noice visit b'fore yae go. Oh, and don't forget to brush your beard, Thordak. You already have some egg stuck in it!"
"Thanks fer breakfast, ma, but Oi can't stay long. Like Oi said, tha vale's under attack an' Oi've gotta go meet moi friends. Oi reckon Oi'll be leavin' after breakfast... "
"Time is just tae short and now you are growing up tae fast. Oi knew yae was goin tae leave the house some day, Oi just did see it comin so fast. Now b'fore yae go, tell me about these friends of yers. Are they noice folks? They aren't fair weather friends are they? Dae they all have good sized beards?"
"Well, my friends, you have done much to help this town and this vale, but alas, we must finish the evacuation. We will send the cursed weapons of red steel on a horse drawn wagon and send them to Brindol. Hopefully Lord Jarmaath will know what to do with them. In the meantime, we will get the people of Drellin's Ferry on the road and see if we can keep them moving ahead of the horde. I will leave two guards here for the moment. All I ask is that you keep the knowledge of these weapons very quiet. We certainly do not want to let any people know what we are transporting here. Nothing could be worse than losing these weapons to a group of bandits or something. I will leave you to decide how you want to leave things with Durgin Fortkeep. Good luck, my friends. I will see you before you leave town. Farewell for now."
@Thordak
• Moonday, Lamashan 1, 4710; 3 hours after dawn •"How many time have Oi told you to never eat with yer mouth full? Now slow down, chew your food well and then speak what's on your mind. Oi want tae have a noice visit b'fore yae go. Oh, and don't forget to brush your beard, Thordak. You already have some egg stuck in it!"
Aye, ma, Oi'll brush moi beard before Oi go, but first Oi wanna see wot pa's been up to with that axe... he says, brushing his beard off with his hand.
"Time is just tae short and now you are growing up tae fast. Oi knew yae was goin tae leave the house some day, Oi just did see it comin so fast. Now b'fore yae go, tell me about these friends of yers. Are they noice folks? They aren't fair weather friends are they? Dae they all have good sized beards?"
Ma, Oi know Oi've only been here fifty-six years, but sooner or later Oi've gotta find moiself a home o' moi own, ye know. And besides, Oi'm not movin' out jes' yet, Oi'm just goin' to defend tha vale from a horde o' nasty evil monsters an' suchat. Thordak says, rolling his eyes.
Aye, moi friends are nice, but there's a severe lack o' beard. 'Course one of 'em is a halflin', an' Oi'm not sure if they even have beards...an' there's no way they're fair-weather friends, we only seem ta see rough weather when we're together...but they've proven themselves te be good fighters.
Whisper - Bofus, you want me with you? I can always go invisible and let Mantooth and the new guy head back.
Noting the halfling's desire to stay back, Mutamba offers to stay and lend a hand to the little one. Having seen many of his kind suffer at the same hands as he in Cheliax, the monk has often taken it upon himself to watch out for the little ones.
"Well, b...b...b..before you all go, could you at least g...g...g..give me my ring back, so I can get on w..w...w..w..with my life?!"
Whisper: Careful Bofus, I will be by the ferry should you need me.
Whisper: I just don't want it to also be next to your name on a gravestone. We need you to defeat this horde.
@Thordak
"Ma, Oi know Oi've only been here fifty-six years, but sooner or later Oi've gotta find moiself a home o' moi own, ye know. And besides, Oi'm not movin' out jes' yet, Oi'm just goin' to defend tha vale from a horde o' nasty evil monsters an' suchat. "
"Well, if yae promise tae come back, then Oi'll give yae mae blessings, but yer better tak' care o' yerself. Dragons are nasty creatures and Oi don't wantae think about what they would tae yae if they were angry enough! Here, come and give yer mother a big hug and be off on yer adventure! Be sure to take a bath once in a while! If yae ever want tae meet a noice Dwarven lass, you must be presentable!"
Kloin embraces her son, Thordak, and soon escorts him to the door when he departs. She waves good bye from the doorway as he departs.
Yup, thought we had already given the ring back to Durgin.
I use the mage hand spell and return the ring to him.
A happy grin spread across Durgin's face as he receives the ring.
"Ahh! Thank you v..v...v..v...very much! I knew you would do the right . . . .thing. Now, tell me w..w..w...w..where to go and I will fight the h..h..h..horde and try to put an end to their evil w..w..w..w..ways."
"Well, we are reunited again at last! I must remember to take better care of you and make sure that nobody steals you again. I am sorry to let you out of my care for such a long time, but I think no harm has been done! With you at my side, I can now accomplish anything!"
Thordak embraces his mother and leaves, going over to Hammerfist Hall to say farewell to Othrek. He then returns and goes to meet Throtgar at the forge.
"Well, if this is to be the solution, then let us be on our way.", Mutamba says casting one last knowing glance to the halfling.
@Bofus
• Sunday, Rova 30, 4710; 3 hours after noon •
Soon a familiar face shows up at the Fortkeep Farm and approaches Durgin. It is the sour faced town council member, Iormel.
"Durgin Fortkeep. What are you doing here? You should be preparing for the evacuation of the town. Are you all set to leave?"
Hastily putting away his ring, Durgin looks up and replies.
"Oh, Hello, M...m...master Iormel? D...d...don't worry. I'm all s...s...set. I am p...p...p...prepared to leave. B...b...b..but it is s..s....sad to leave my home."